CityLife

John Barrowman

SHOWBIZ CHAMELEON: Barrowman

IT is rare that you come across a star as versatile as John Barrowman.

He is about to tread the boards in the West End, has an album in the shops, stars as Captain Jack in the sci-fi hit Torchwood, and has just been offered another show by the BBC. He is also a talent show judge. Phew!

There is no doubting his strong work ethic as he embarks on his UK tour, much to the delight of his huge Manchester fan base. The show is a mix of anecdotes, songs from the shows, sprinkled with glitter, camp comedy and ‘poignant’ moments.

It is perhaps this scattershot approach to include almost everything which draws attention away from the fact that JB has a fine set of lungs.

The Gary Barlow-penned What About Us is delivered with genuine heart and soul and John works the Bridgewater Hall crowd wonderfully, waving to folks on the balconies, making sure each and everyone of them is acknowledged.

During a tale about his love of Barry Manilow’s music, two females on the front row seem otherwise distracted. Barrowman asks them what is happening and it turns out there is a civil partnership proposal taking place.

Pigeonholed

For a mainstream performer, John’s openness about his sexuality and his refusal to be completely pigeonholed is really rare. Ok, so he loves musical theatre and his act is incredibly camp.

But he is not one of those sexless gay performers, whose only role is to be self-deprecating and perpetuate the “Sad Young Man” myth.

Barrowman’s guest on this leg of the tour is Daniel Boys, the Avenue Q star who shot to fame via Any Dream Will Do. This young star has versatile vocals and knows how to entertain. His Could It Be Magic is just that.

Of course, there is too much Barrowman schmaltz including a montage of his dearly departed pooches as he sings Goodbye My Friend.

Even his mum and dad get a look in, dancing on stage to Knock Three Times.

These ‘spontaneous’ elements have become part and parcel of his ‘showbiz-darling’ appeal. Sadly, so are cruise ship versions of songs like Don’t Stop Me Now. Iceberg!

But for sheer entertainment value and energy, JB wins over even the most cynical convert. His closing song sums up his appeal; a tremendous version of the defiant and apt showstopper: I Am What I Am.