20th Century Boy

What a fabulous, vibrant, exciting evening this turned out to be. Whilst probably not an outing for those unaware of Marc Bolan or T.Rex, this well constructed show is absolutely great for Glam Rockers. But there again, Marc Bolan's influence, even if not always his music, still pervades the music industry so those whose musical landscape doesn't go back to the 70s could still learn a lot.

Cleverly constructed as part play, part musical and part concert this show avoids falling into the traps of either sucking the life out of the music with too much chat or descending into a jukebox musical. There is enough of Marc's story to satidfy the curious and fire the enthusiast to go away and read more ... and it is well told too, not just "bolted on" to the music. But let us be honest, it is the music that carries the evening! 

All of the songs were well produced and mostly allowed their full span (some shows really cut songs short) and when Ride a White Swan came on I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise and a shiver of delight ... they are good! Especial commendation to Warren Sollars as Marc but, to be honest, the whole cast performed well; not just the songs but the "play" parts too, making this an entertaining and pleasurable evening. Some ensemble casts simple do not engage, either with each other or the subject matter, but in this case they engaged with gusto and their enthusiasm was trully infectious.

In case you didn't spot it, I had a great time, you will too! Don't forget your feather boa ......

p.s. damn it, now I find myself listening to all my old T.Rex and downloading those I'm missing!