The Chicago Blues Brothers Respect Tour at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jan Dixon
Loud! Electrifying! Exuberant! I joined in the party of a show by the Chicago Blues Brothers, showcasing their best arrangements from the Back in Black Tour, The Motown Mission Tour, A Night of the Movies Tour and the Cruisin’ for a Bluesin’ Tour. This is the RESPECT Tour!
The multi-award-winning Chicago Blues Brothers performed at both the Adelphi Theatre and Savoy Theatre in London’s West End, an accolade very much deserved. Kings Theatre Southsea welcomed the Band with open arms on 3rd May 2025 for one night only with nearly a full house of new and old fans of Chicago Blues Brothers.
The Chicago Blues Bothers have performed together for over 27 years, as a high energy celebration of Jake and Elwood Blues, stars of the original film ‘The Blues Brothers’. They are very proud (and rightly so) 5 times winners of the NTA award.
This was a wonderful celebration of blues and soul music, featuring songs from James Brown, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway and classic Blues Brothers numbers. These included ‘Everybody Needs Somebody to Love’; ‘Respect’; ‘Soul Man’; ‘Gimmee Some Lovin’; ‘Think’; ‘The Power of Love’ and many many more.
The trademark sunglasses and fedoras were evident in the audience, as well as those worn iconically by the Blues Brothers Jake (Chris Hindle) and Ellwood (Gareth Davey) on stage. Amazing voices, with well-honed choreography between the two of them and the musicians in the band. Gareth (Ellwood) was an explosive dancer, so enthusiastic and quite exhausting to watch – amazing footwork and timing. The two of them were superb at reading the audience and researching the location of the venue to show their involvement. Such energy and vocal expertise were fully appreciated by the audience. They were ably assisted by the ‘Sweet Soul Sisters’ performed as backing singers, with each also performing songs by Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner and other famous female artists. Excellent vocalists, aptly harmonising and also performing in their own right classic songs.
The excellent Blues Brothers Band musicians, consisting of a lead guitarist, bass guitarist, keyboard player, drummer, saxophonist, trumpeter and trombonist played their hearts out. They were so enthusiastic throughout the show, obviously thoroughly enjoying the music and their part in the musical experience. Each member had the opportunity to showcase their individual musical expertise with set asides and banter; also injecting humour into the show.
By the second half of the 2 hour 20 minutes (including interval) show, most of the audience were very happy to get on their feet (if able) to dance, sing and copy the choreography of ‘Jake’ and ‘Ellwood’. Stand out moments were dancing to ‘Shake a Tail Feather’.
This is certainly worth a 5-star rating for the enthusiastic and interactive performance which certainly got all (that could stand up) dancing and singing their hearts out!
Rating: 5/5
There was only one performance at Kings Theatre; on Saturday 3rd May 2025, with tickets from £30.00. Hopefully they will return, but in the meantime do look at the many upcoming musical performances at Kings Theatre, 24 Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2QJ. Box Office 023 9282 8282.
For more information, visit www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk