Review: Tenors Unlimited - Great Songs Show at Lichfield Garrick
Billed as the ‘Rat Pack of Opera’, Tenors Unlimited performed their new show called ‘Great Songs Tour’ at Lichfield Garrick on Saturday, March 22 with local choir Chanteuse Chamber Choir. Paul Martin (originally from Sutton Coldfield) and Jem Sharples entertained a sizeable audience in their own laid back style.
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There was no razzamataz, no musicians, no tap dancing, swinging from the chandeliers or anything over the top.
It was two competent tenor voices singing to backing tracks on stage with a star cloth backdrop, lone spotlights, subdued lighting and two chairs.
The amiable pair, who have performed together for over 20 years, interacted with the audience, gave useful introductions to songs - and even handed out chocolates and roses (bless).
Their wide-ranging repertoire ranged from opera classics and easy listening to musical theatre and songs written by themselves.
Paul and Jem have an enviable vocal range (Paul having previously sang in Lichfield Cathedral as a chorister) and they harmonised for added effect.
Arguably the biggest audience cheer was for their renditions of Les Miserables classics: Stars, Empty Chairs and Empty Tables and Bring Him Home. The audience also loved their version of Nessun Dorma.
My personal favourites were Tonight from West Side Story and From Now On from The Greatest Showman (backed by a choir).
Special mention must be made of the fabulous Stafford-based Chanteuse Chamber Choir who performed alongside Paul and Jem for some of the numbers.
The choir, with over 20 members, not only performed brilliantly, every one of them looked fabulous in their beautiful long, off-the-shoulder lace-trimmed dresses (black in the first half, red in the second).
Their renditions of Rhythm of Life and Why We Sing, with piano accompaniment, received well-deserved huge applause.
*Tenors Unlimited have performed in the USA and at prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert Hall. They have appeared on TV, radio and alongside stars such as Sting, Lionel Richie, Katherine Jenkins, Beyoncé and Simply Red.
By Janet Lee
