The Simon and Garfunkel Story at the Assembly Hall Theatre Review
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
18 September 2014
Reviewed by Amanda Hayes
Last night was one of those nights when you really wish you weren’t going out, a nightmare week followed by a two hour journey home. But within seconds of listening to the amazing harmonies from Dean and Jonny who appear as Simon & Garfunkel all was forgotten.
The harmonies were pitch perfect, the music captivating in its simplicity and the story, although sad, was told with warmth and feeling.
It is a story, not just a concert, and it takes you through the years from the boys age 16 to their massive hit album Bridge Over Troubled Water but the music takes precedence not the narrative. Throughout the show the screen shows film clips and photographs of the friend’s lives and articles from the era, further bringing the story to life.
When I entered the theatre I could only remember 3 Simon and Garfunkel songs but it soon became apparent I knew countless tracks many of them classics such as Hazy Shade of Winter, Mrs Robinson, Scarborough Fair and The Sound of Silence. The show ended with a rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water so spellbinding that it made shivers go down my spine, followed by The Boxer. A well-deserved standing ovation followed.
We had a great evening, the singing was fantastic and very authentic and there was a great mix of slow melodic songs and upbeat folk style tunes that had the audience clapping and foot tapping. Dean Elliot plays a great Paul Simon as does Jonny Smart as Garfunkel, especially as it is his professional debut.
The sound is always excellent at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall, the staff prompt and courteous, and the venue clean and tidy. It is an easy place to visit too with a multi storey car park next door for easy parking and charges only £1.00 per night. Although it’s a pleasure to watch anything here I wholeheartedly recommend The Simon and Garfunkel story for a great night out.
Rating: 5/5 
The Simon & Garfunkel Story is currently on tour around the UK. For more information, tour dates or to book tickets at a venue near you visit www.thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com.
For other show at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk.
Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2LU | 01892 530613
