Reviewed by Amanda Browne
The Grove in Dunstable is a good place to see live music, probably one of my favourites, it’s a good size and no matter where you sit you have a great view. We attended on a super busy Saturday evening, we parked behind the theatre, having heard several stories of £60 Parking Tickets for parking in the local Asda car park! The bar was as usual very very busy and we just about managed to grab a drink before taking our seats in the rear stalls. There were very few spare seats and there seemed to be quite a rowdy crowd in to see the Queen herself, Whitney Houston.
There was a lovely couple of photos dominating the stage, of the late, great Whitney herself. An incredible 7 years have passed since she sadly left us, looking at the pictures I was overcome with sadness for such a tragic loss. Billed as the ultimate tribute to Whitney and having been in the West End I had really been looking forward to seeing this particular tribute act.
As live acts go, this lady can sure sing. Her stunning vocals, coupled with her ability to dance and dress like Whitney was amazing. The outfits were spot on and she went through a good seven or eight changes of glamorous outfits to fit with the songs she was singing. The backing singers and the band were spot on and as an act they were top quality.
The set showcases all the songs you’d hope you’d hear One Moment in Time and The Greatest Love of all being my personal favourites. Of course, along with the ballads there were all those dance hits that you remember Million Dollar Bill, I’m every Woman and the ultimate dance number I Wanna Dance with somebody. Pretty much the whole arena were on their feet for that one. I Will Always Love You was the tune we were all waiting for, and it didn’t disappoint, an incredible song sang no doubt by an incredible singer.
With all the wardrobe changes the backing singers took to centre stage a couple of times, one of those ladies sure could sing, wow, they sang Jesus Loves You and deserve their own mention, fantastic.
Although I loved the singing and the show something was missing for me, I’m not entirely sure what. Maybe the row behind us, who had clearly managed to visit the bar several times prior to the show ruined it a bit for me, they bickered and shouted each other pretty much the whole show, in hindsight I should have asked to be moved in the interval. People really should consider how they affect other people’s experience, it’s so unfair to behave in that way, I’ve never experienced that at a live music show before.
Elesha Paul Moses is undoubtedly a great singer and her take on Whitney was good, I just didn’t shut my eyes and think I was with her, my benchmark for all tributes.
The show is touring the UK and I think I would love to see it at the Savoy in London. Overall for a Saturday night out we had a great time.
Rating: 4.5/5
Whitney – Queen of the Night is currently on tour, for more information and tour dates visit www.queenofthenight.co.
For other shows at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable visit www.grovetheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01582 602080.
Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP | 01582 602080
