Performance Reviewed: Sunday 9 October 2016 (one night only at venue)

Singer, songwriter and TV personality Jane McDonald is shying ever closer to the 20 year anniversary of first leaping into the publics attention - and hearts - in BBC One’s The Cruise. With a running joke about her age (being 42 now, cue cheeky wink) and plenty of the self-deprecation and hearty laughs that have come to make her concert tours such a warm, unpretentious treat - ‘he asked me to go upstairs and make love to him, I told him to pick one as I can’t do both’ - and a healthy core of dedicated fans packing out the house, it’d be easy to forgive McDonald were she to show signs of slowing down or, heaven forbid, coasting.

But that’s simply not her gig. No, here we have a performer who, at 53 (but decidedly not looking it) is demonstrably at the absolute top of her game, not only with her signature powerhouse vocals, but also looking stunning with a myriad of sumptuous costumes and outfits which perfectly complement her new, more slimline figure. At one point, McDonald returns to the stage clad in an ornate black ball-gown to the chimes of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Cats score, bathed in sombre lighting, and the whole thing looks (and sounds) a million dollars.

Confident and in command of what is a surprisingly robust and technically impressive production - what really glues it all together amongst the eclectic set list is McDonald’s heart and personality. She’s garnered her sizeable fan base off of her down-to-Earth, unassuming and sincere approach, and it’s clear to see this is both exactly who she is and what she loves doing, and Jane is the first to not take it all - or herself - too seriously. From poking fun at having to have the printed to set list up on stage to remember it all, to some hearty banter with her band, a splash of physical comedy in attempts to mount a high stool in heels through to some obligatory (and even saucy) back-and-forth with longtime friend Sue Ravey, McDonald the person is every bit as entertaining, engaging and enjoyable to watch as her big musical numbers. It keeps it all incredibly human and likeable amidst all the show-stopping belts and roof-raising rises.

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© Photo credit Carrie-Anne Reeds 2016

As mentioned, the diversity and variety of numbers on show is equally impressive. Effortlessly leaping from the likes of Shirley Bassey, Adele and Sam Smith in a signature Bond medley, to tender, beautiful renditions of ‘The Hand That Leads Me’ and ‘The Rose’ (sung alongside Ravey) through to a powerful tribute to Cilla Black to close the first half and a joyous, upbeat disco medley that saw the night out and the audience dancing in the aisles, McDonald’s vocals are faultlessly, meticulously on point throughout and quite simply the best she’s sounded yet, which is no mean feat. And of course, there was that show-stopping throwback to last year’s run in Cats in Blackpool, bringing the entire theatre to their feet as she barnstormed her way through musical standard ‘Memory’. Having said it before, it rings true now more than ever; if you have pre-supposed or underestimated McDonald’s talents as a vocalist for whatever reason, or are not familiar with her live performances, prepare to have your expectations blown away. 

It is also great to see more of her own original work as a songwriter coming to the fore, as McDonald continues to show a real flair for writing tender, powerful yet distinctly human pieces such as the moving ‘I’ll Be There’, which she attributes to her late father and dedicates to the loved ones of the audience who have passed on (and with credit to guitarist and co-writer, Steeve Cooper). There’s also a sneak peak at the title song of the new album she is working on, a delicate ballad called ‘Hold The Covers Back’ and a nod to partner Eddie Rothe.

In all, this Yorkshire lass continues to do good, and with a fantastic team around her, her ever-reliable and winning sense of humour and those impeccable vocals tearing effortlessly through the auditorium across a sea of adoring fans, it was certainly a triumphant, joyous high note on which to end her latest venture. With the performance reviewed in Birmingham being the final on the current planned tour, hints and whispers that it will return at some point further down the line were met with the frenzied excitement and cheers they duly deserve. But, irrespective of whatever is next for the lovable and consummately talented McDonald, it was once again a pleasure to be part of the ‘Making Memories’ experience, and refreshing to see music, talent and good old fashioned variety entertainment celebrated in such glorious, inimitable style. A lot of fantastic memories made, indeed.

The MAKING MEMORIES UK TOUR has now closed, but CLICK HERE to head on over to Jane's Official Website, or Follow her on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on all future releases, events and shows!