Theatre review: Scottish Royal Variety performance

Published on Friday 9 October 2009 21:59

SCOTTISH ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE **** ROYAL CONCERT HALL, GLASGOW

PRIOR to Thursday night's gala, most of the focus had unfortunately fallen on the Sugababes' late cancellation, a tremendous shame for the inaugural charity event, launched on World Sight Day, in aid of the Royal Blind School Appeal.

With Daniel Bedingfield promoted to top billing, the evening felt like a sleeker, more consistently entertaining version of its more illustrious London forebear.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers blew proceedings off to an explosive start, blasting out their inimitable interpretation of the Rocky theme.

Next came the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, accompanying soprano Kate Valentine and then baritone Roland Wood through stunning renditions of O Mio Babbino Caro from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi and the Toreador Song from Bizet's Carmen.

Comedian Danny Bhoy elicited nervous titters with a gag about disability, before the highlight of the night for me, Frightened Rabbit, rising to the occasion with a storming rendition of their single Swim Until You Can't See Land. Displaying fewer nerves, pianist Saad Attieh, 14, from the Royal Blind School, impressed all.

Post-break, Sandi Thom continues to leave me slightly cold and I found more to enjoy in the Magnets' a cappella medley of Take Me Out and 500 Miles, an appetiser for the stirring Soweto Gospel Choir, the acrobatics of the Peres Brothers and the excitability of comic Jason Byrne. Hopefully, this evening is now firmly established in the arts calendar.