CityLife

John Barrowman

Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

October 30, 2011

WHEN you book to see the larger-than-life John Barrowman, a certain element of camp jazz-hand showmanship is expected. But when he burst on to the stage in a sequined tuxedo jacket, surrounded by a dance troupe, I was praying this would be more than just a high standard cruise line cabaret show.

Thankfully, my fears were allayed as the night continued and Barrowman entertained with an array of songs to suit all tastes. Big, showy ballads were a great hit with the capacity audience and classics, such as Barry Manilow’s Mandy, brought the stage to life.

One of my favourites was his exhilarating version of Firework by Katy Perry, closely followed by a Eurovision homage. Although it was his ‘theme song’ (and mantra) I Am What I Am that I went home singing.

The show was also given a supplementary boost with a delightful selection of showstoppers by the BBC’s I’d Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger. It was a real treat to see her sing live – she was truly outstanding on the television but there is no comparison to her on-stage performance and the rapport she quite clearly has with Barrowman.

One of the real thrills of the night was when Barrowman invited us to share his life as he displayed pictures from his recent and not-so-recent past – blown up on the giant video screen behind him.

This is a man who is, quite rightly, proud of his successes in acting, singing, writing and producing and is aware that without the support of his friends, family and partner, Scott Gill, he may not be where he is today.

Luckily for us, he is, and the audience delighted in the wonderful anecdotes he told about growing up in Glasgow and the USA, as well as the time he walked in on his parents at just the wrong moment (something we all hope never to do!).

Barrowman is a multi-faceted and multi-talented performer but what really makes him a star is his vibrant and fun personality.

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