• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Ed Fringe

The Simon and Garfunkel Story at the Vaudeville Theatre

November 27, 2018 by Paul Hegarty Leave a Comment

Review of: The Simon and Garfunkel Story
Musical:
Simon and Garfunkel
Version:
Maple Tree Entertainment
Price:
£30

Reviewed by: Paul Hegarty
Rating:
4
On November 27, 2018
Last modified:November 27, 2018

Summary:

This tribute band does justice when celebrating the story of Simon and Garfunkel.

More Details

One memorable hit after another is delivered by Sam O’Hanlon with great expertise and flair as he portrays Paul Simon, the long-term school friend of Art Garfunkel, played by Charlie Blyth. Musically, they are on top form for this performance at the Vaudeville Theatre on the Strand as they unfold the story of Simon and Garfunkel. Blyth cleverly characterizes Art with hand gestures, clicks or gestures but it his voice that impresses as he deftly blends with O’Hanlon vocally and captures something of this incredible duo. O’Hanlon shines with his terrific guitar work and of course a likeable personality when recounting the journey of the two amazing talents whose music chronicles many key and iconic moments in USA history.

Sam O’Hanlon and Charles Blyth give us subtle harmonies as well exciting solos – great stuff!

Such moments are captured on a large video screen as it recalls the racial and political changing face of America with a montage of images and snappy Mad Men designs that help place the songs in time.

The narration from the O’Hanlon and Blyth is pedestrian at times and it seems a pity that more was not done to pull out the drama of the duo’s relationship, with scenes of youth, disappointment or success acted out more fully. What we don’t learn from the performers the slides fill in with dates and times – useful information but it does make it all rather functional rather than building an emotional – other than when they sing of course and then you do get a sense of performance and even character, particularly with Art. However, as applause seems to happen after every number and various band members are picked out and introduced the show presents itself as a concert rather than a theatrical experience. This is entirely valid – but a musical it ain’t! For me, that is a shame as there is a drama to unfold here and a straightforward narration simply tells us about the theses great talents rather than involve us in their lives which means we appreciate the songs from an emotional distance.

The upside of all this is – this concert is great show – with its close harmonies, pulling us down memory lane, its percussion, both rhythmic and compelling and its sympathetic lead guitar. Along with cool bass guitar work and lively keyboards this band had swing, especially when a brass section joined them.

This show-stopping tribute band is tight and lively, as it captures the authentic sound of Simon and Garfunkel. It’s a show for everyone, long-term fans and newcomers alike. These guys are great and the songs even greater and the show is breezing through the West End, so catch it if you can.

Paul Hegarty

Author: Paul Hegarty

Paul is a reviewer and an experienced actor who has performed extensively in the West End (Olivier nominated) and has worked in TV, radio and a range of provincial theatres. He is also a speech, drama and communications examiner for Trinity College London, having directed productions for both students and professionals and if not busy with all that he is then a teacher of English.

Filed Under: Featured, Review Tagged With: Vaudeville Theatre

Join the discussion Cancel reply

NEWS / Living Record launches digital venue at the Brighton Fringe

The Living Record has launched as one of three new digital venues at the Brighton Fringe this summer. The first [Read More]

NEWS / Waiting for Lefty by Two Lines Productions Announce Cast

Clifford Odets’ 1935 agitprop play about cab drivers fighting for fair pay, has been adapted for 2021 and is presented [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Gavin Maxwell and William Townsend talk Anthropocene

Launching on this year’s World Earth Day (Thursday 22nd April), Anthropocene: The Human Era is a digital choose-your-own adventure from [Read More]

NEWS / Thick ‘n’ Fast announce new show General Secretary

Who run the world? A satirically comic journey through power and diplomacy as two highly unqualified women are suddenly landed [Read More]

Guides / 5 Tools for Actors to Enter the Theatre World like a Pro

Becoming a successful actor is no small feat. Fortunately, for those interested in improving their acting skills, plenty of tools [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • Waiting for Lefty by Two Lines Productions Announce Cast
  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Katy Owen: Auditioning for Oxford School of Drama
  • Writing the Perfect Press Release
  • Bull - Young Vic
  • How to Applying for Arts Grants and Funding
  • Crowdfunding In Theatre - An Overview
  • Is this the real location of Ambridge?
  • A Streetcar Named Desire- A cry of pain- Young Vic
  • The Bacchae - National Student Drama Festival 2015
  • Paul Hegarty

    Paul Hegarty
    Contributor

  • November 27th, 2018
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • Facebook1TweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2021 · Blue Pie Media

    Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

    Email sent!