REVIEW: Live on Mars. Malvern's Forum Theatre.

David Bowie is an incredibly hard act to follow, because nobody really looks like the man who fell to earth, and his vocal style was pretty distinct too.

This said, the Live on Mars tribute show, which opened for a UK tour in Malvern last Saturday, hit the mark in almost every respect... Almost, because the vocals of lifelong Bowie fan, Alex Thomas, seemed to lack Bowie's power in the higher ranges. A rendition of Life of Mars was particularly unconvincing in the chorus; but this should not be taken as a major quibble. Many of the hits were performed with aplomb and panache, and were spot on. Young Americans, Let's Dance and Sound and Vision spring to mind as high water marks, and Heroes sent shivers down my spine, not because it sounded exactly like Bowie, but because it was done so well. The same can be said for Ashes to Ashes.

Big screen visuals helped to bring the spririt of Bowie into the theatre. One was reminded of the performer's extraordinary charisma - a unique style all of his own.

Thomas has charisma too, and he has clearly studied Bowie's stage mannerisms to recreate them so well.

The band itself is a rocking revelation. Was Bowie himself ever backed by such accomplished musicians? Everyone on stage was glad to be there and clearly loving the moment.

The audience loved it too. Ladies were dancing in the side aisles and before the stage, and at times one could feel the stomp of feet through the floorboards, because the beat was so infectious. I'm thinking of Jean Genie in particular. This was flawless; it was thrilling, and a fitting tribute indeed to of the greatest, most innovative performers the UK has produced.

Gary Bills-Geddes