And so we reach the final production of my 40th birthday year of theatre. This trip was planned because my friend Sue turned 40 this week and a group of us wanted to treat her, so we bought tickets for this as a surprise. Plus we couldn’t think of a better way of kicking off our Christmas celebrations than with John Barrowman performing festive songs – what utter joy. There was a slight panic last week, when it was reported that John had injured his neck and the concerts were in doubt, but whatever treatment he has had has certainly worked.
As with John’s earlier, Fabulous, tour, the night revolved around stories. These especially centred on experiences with his family and his husband Scott (Scott was also doing sterling work on the merchandise stall), with pictures and videos throughout, and the songs relating to the memories. The mix was just right. You know I love as many tunes as possible in my evenings of entertainment, but the stories definitely worked in linking them all together and giving context as to why they are favourites for John. So we had his dad’s favourite songs, and songs that reminded John of performing in panto, and (most emotionally) songs that reminded John of his childhood, reclaiming them as his own after remembering how church groups made him feel unwelcome due to his sexuality.
Of course most of the set revolved around festive tunes, with many of those on his accompanying album performed over the evening – Happy Holidays, Grown Up Christmas List, getting us all to join in with Silent Night and also Jingle Bells. His rendition of O Holy Night was glorious. Plus there were favourites like Save The Last Dance, This Is The Moment and his traditional performance of I Am What I Am (always a highlight, always). Santa himself appeared for Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and the two of them danced across the stage together. John kept apologising that he couldn’t be as expressive in his movement as he’d have liked because of his injury, but he certainly wasn’t sat still for the duration.
As I have mentioned before, something I really love about John’s concerts is the mix of folk in the audience and it was no different last night. Everyone is welcome and everyone is welcomed. As someone who is a fan of a lot of different performers, but not devoted to one or two in particular, you get a different vibe from the most devoted fans who follow their favourites everywhere when you go to various concerts. Sometimes it can make you feel like you don’t belong. This has never been the case with John and his ‘fan family’. They are always incredibly welcoming and want to chat and basically share their joy. It is a lovely thing to be a part of.
So that is that for 2019. I am going to write a round-up of my highlights of the year next, and then we continue with more theatre in 2020.
Clare's theatre ramblings 