Beverley Knight, Symphony Hall, Birmingham - review, pictures and video
Soul queen Beverley Knight made it back big time with an emotional but energetic fun-packed show at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham.
The star bounced onto the stage wearing a black sparkly two-piece outfit, with a green jacket that was cast off early in the set, and immediately got the crowd on its feet as she rolled back the years to reel off her hits including Get Up and Shoulda Woulda Coulda, as well as tracks from her critically-acclaimed Soulsville album.
There was near a full-house at the venue to see the Wolverhampton singer, who was in superb form for her new tour performing her favourite tracks as well as covers at the event which drew fans from across the region.
She gave a shout out to her family who were in the audience and was moved to tears as she made reference to having to reschedule her tour dates due to illness earlier this year.
Knight said: “You have no idea how great it is to get here. It is the biggest joy for me to be on this stage, I mean this one."
Her comments attracted huge applause from the appreciative audience.
The programme included an amazing Facebook live moment featuring Made it Back and Greatest Day as part of the lively set that lasted for a good 100 minutes or so.
Her show choreography was excellent and, with the support of a band and backing singers straight out of the top draw, it was a joy to see Knight show off so much of her incredible stage and performing talent. She was born to entertain and it was easy to see why she was such a big hit in the West End musical Bodyguard which she has made her own.
Her performance included Middle of Love, the Ann Peebles classic I Can’t Stand the Rain, and Chaka Khan hit I'm Every Woman which was a nod to Bodyguard that saw the late Whitney Houston take the big screen lead role in the 1990s. Other songs were her own Gold and Keep the Fire Burning.
She also paid tribute to George Michael with Teacher and David Bowie with Young American.
And she was ably supported by acts reggae saxophonist Yolanda Brown and singer Josh Daniels who took part in the encore.
Very much the entertainer, Knight had three costumes changes at the very enjoyable show which left everybody with a party feeling.
