Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: Crazy Coqs, London
Cast: Glenn Adamson, Becca Wickes, Martha Kirby and Raquel Jones
International Musical Theatre performer Glenn Adamson makes his debut appearance at The Crazy Coqs.
This brand-new show takes you on a journey through the icons that inspired Glenn’s career and voice. From Bon Jovi to Queen, Meatloaf to Adele. In this intimate setting, hear Glenn tell tales of his time on these hit shows and his journey to get there, and listen to the music of these rock ‘n roll legends up close and personal.
Having just finished his time as Straight Dave in Pet Shop Boy's hit musical, Closer to Heaven, just two days ago - Glenn Adamson takes to Crazy Coqs stage for the first time, and for strictly one-night only. Adamson is an absolute powerhouse of a vocalist, and when it comes to grit and raw talent, he's got to be one of the greatest in the West End right now. Staged in such an intimate venue, it makes for a personal concert where you instantly feel connected to Adamson, and his plethora of insanely talented guests.
Adamson enters the room wearing double denim with a mostly unbuttoned shirt, and looking every bit like an 80's action movie star. His presence is felt as soon as he comes onto the stage and he exudes charisma in a way that seems so effortless and nonchalant. He opens the show with a gorgeous version of the Pet Shop Boys', "It's a Sin"; a homage to his most recent job, Closer to Heaven.
Unlike other solo concerts I've been too recently, this show felt like it was catered purely for the fans, and what they want to hear, which is a testament to how lovely Adamson is both on and off the stage. For the duration of the 70 minute slot, there is little talking and it's as though he wants the audience to hear as many of their favourites as possible - and that we did. Each song flowed seamlessly into the next and in the blink of an eye, the interval was already upon us. Time really does fly when you're having fun.
From Queen, to Waitress, to Fleetwood Mac, to Bon Jovi, there was truly something for everyone in this eclectic mix. As a huge Waitress fan, Glenn's version of "She Used to Be Mine" was the highlight of the evening for me. The versatility of his voice to convey such emotion while being so vocally strong is no small feat, and he does it with ease. The Bon Jovi medley was another standout for me and "Always" is one of my all-time favourite songs.
Other highlights included "I Want to Break Free", "Who Wants to Live Forever" (with Becca Wickes) and "Edge of Seventeen" (with Raquel Jones). And a special mention must go to Martha Kirby who's rendition of "That's the Way It Is" moved me to tears. All three of Adamson's special guests had sensational chemistry with him and it was lovely to watch interactions with people he's so clearly close friends with.
Adamson's voice is so unique in the musical theatre world which is why I think he's so incredibly well-loved - and the fact that both his solo shows were sold out proves just how devoted his fans are; myself included. When he's singing rock and roll he's so clearly in his comfort zone and it was an honour to see him shine so brightly on the Crazy Coqs stage. An evening that reminded me why Glenn Adamson is one of the best performers in the West End right now.
You can find out more about the one-night only show, here.
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