You’ve Got a Friend at the Princess Theatre, Torquay Review

Reviewed by Linda Pickford

It was a very cold and frosty evening last night and all I really wanted to do was sit in front of a roaring fire and keep warm, but I didn’t. I am so glad I made the effort to travel to the Princess Theatre in Torquay to see the musical concert of You’ve Got A Friend – The Music of James Taylor and Carole King. It was an engaging evening of music and at times laughter when the audience was encouraged to join in.

The set was simple with just a white piano, drums and guitars, lit by unusual home style lamps. Kyla Brown walked on stage in a long flimsy dress and took off her shoes. She moved her piano stool, sat down and started singing. Stunning. All thoughts of a cold winter evening immediately melted away. She certainly brought the music of Carole King to life. Slowly with each subsequent song the story of the lifetime friendship of Carole King and James Taylor was made real. Her enormous repertoire of song writing and collaboration with many stars was revealed. I remembered Bobby Vee with ‘Take Good Care of My Baby’ and Little Eva’s original version of ‘The Locomotion’ with much joy and found myself moving my feet and clapping along, as did the rest of the audience. Most were in their older years but there was a sprinkling of younger people. At times it became impossible not to join in and we were encouraged to do so by Steffan James (James Taylor).

Ashley Abbott played the drums and bongos with much aplomb, while Dominik Told was great to watch with his bass guitar and double bass. His enjoyment of the music was fascinating to watch. Special mention must be given to Tim Bloomer with his lead guitar and lap steel (at least I believe that is its name), a really eerie sound at times. He was well hidden behind the piano, but I did see glimpses of him.

The concert carried on with various songs relating to their musical past, with little asides by Steffan relating to James Taylors’ troubled life. I hadn’t realised that he was the first non-Brit to be signed by Apple and in fact Paul McCartney was a fan.

A very enjoyable evening with a hard-working, talented and enthusiastic band deserving a much larger audience. If the tour comes near you I recommend that you go along and decide for yourself.

Rating: 3/5

You’ve Got a Friend – The Music of James Taylor and Carole King is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates click here.

For other shows at the Princess Theatre in Torquay visit www.atgtickets.com/torquay or call the box office on 0844 871 3023.

Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ | 0844 871 3023