Barbra and Liza Live! at Charing Cross Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Debbie Kingsland

Charing Cross Theatre, Nearest tube is Embankment and BR is Charing Cross.

The theatre is under the station so not immediately obvious, it has a lovely little bar which turns into a music venue after the show which was fun. (Cashless bar). Really small and intimate theatre so everyone is really close to the stage. Didn’t see a lift so probably best to check if you need wheelchair access.

Starring Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand and Rick Skye as Liza Minnelli with Nathan Martin at the piano. There was also a guest singer with big glasses and very blond hair but unfortunately I didn’t recognise her.

The reviews from the media in the US were amazing and I can see why and how Steven and Rick have been on the stage for so long with sell out tickets. Steven and Rick also have numerous awards under their belt too. Rick has made an amazing comeback following a year of ill health which included a heart attack.

Myself and my companion who came along with me didn’t know what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised. My emotions were awash with Benidorm drag acts, West End singing acts and comedians so there really was something for everyone. Some bits were a bit risqué so definitely would not be suitable for under 18’s.

Steven’s singing was amazing, how he sung like that was incredible. My friend has actually seen Barbra Streisand live and said Steven did a really good job of replicating her voice and actions. Steven was also amazing at impersonating other singers too, some of which included Eartha Kitt, Louis Armstrong, Julie Andrews, Bette Davis and others. We heard Send in the Clowns, In Buddies eyes, Papa Can You Hear Me?, Don’t Rain on my Parade, Hello Dolly and lots more. High praise too for the talented musical accompaniment of Nathan Martin who also did a duet for ‘You Don’t Bring me Flowers.

Rick’s humour was hilarious and the whole theatre was laughing most of the time. His singing was good but way more drag than Steven’s. Together they made a great duo.

In all there was a combination of being in awe of the singing, side splitting laughter at the comedy and not to forget Rick’s dance moves, His “Single Lady” by Beyonce dance was absolutely my favourite.

If there was one negative point and that is only me racking my brains to find something was that their outfits could have been more glamorous, I expected their costumes to be ‘over the top’, not only as Barbra and Liza, but also expected of the top as drag acts.

Rating: 5/5

https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/your-visit/location. Tel: 08444 930 650

Link to purchase tickets https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/barbra-liza-live Although I understand that they are touring around the UK so will appear at other venues.

Dates and times 06 November – 17 November
Wed – Sat 7.30pm
Sat matinee 3pm
Sun matinee 3pm
Running Time: 90 minutes plus Interval – In total the show was two hours and fifteen mins
Tickets prices
Stalls A £32.50
Stalls B £25.00
Balcony & Slips £25.00