Concert review: Alfie Boe at Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Alfie Boe

Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Concert review by Jerald Smith

While working as a car-polisher in sports-car manufacturer TVR's Blackpool factory Alfie Boe was heard singing by a customer with connections in the music business, who advised him to audition for the New D'Oyly Carte Opera.

He was successful and made his professional debut at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham, where the company was then based, just about 20 years ago.

He went on to study at the Royal College of Music before starring in Baz Luhrmann's Broadway production of La Boheme and then Les Miserables in London.

It's easy to understand his popularity. He has a great voice which is powerful and resonant, allied to clear diction. He also builds great rapport with his fans with an affable mixture of charm and cheek.

His programme showcased songs from his last two albums, Bring Him Home and Alfie, and also included James Bond theme songs.

The opening half drew from the music theatre repertoire from shows as different as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Sunset Boulevard, with performances of Maria and Tell Me It's Not True particularly outstanding, though I would have liked an item or two that really displayed his operatic skills.

A properly poignant version of It Was A Very Good Year and a reflective account of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face featured strongly in the second half.

The evening ended on a high note with Bring Him Home, from Les Miserables, and a rousing duet Come What May, from Moulin Rouge, where he was joined by soprano Laura Wright.