REVIEW

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE

Weymouth Pavilion

NEIL Diamond is a whole lot more than a popular singer and so is the man who brings him to life on stage in this electrifying tribute show that got the audience on its feet and yelling for more.

Fisher Stevens is a British artist par-excellence with a tremendous voice and endless energy as he fills the stage all evening long with his endless repertoire of Neil Diamond hits performed with amazing skill both for his appearance and vocal range.

With video images telling the story of the New York songwriter’s career, the audience gets an insight into Neil Diamond’s genius as a poet, musician and performer as he has carved out a show business life spanning 50 years of pop history.

With the help of a competent back-up four piece group and a couple of leggy girl singers and musicians, Fisher Stevens brings to life hits like Song Sung Blue, America, Sweet Caroline and the title song A Beautiful Noise, all delivered with uncanny skill and panache.

With the show nicely warmed up, he got the audience in stitches when he remarked how glad he was to be in Portsmouth, an error that he wisely played upon for the rest of the evening, a clever and likeable guy.

As he trawled through the auditorium handing out compliments and kisses, it was no surprise that his fans rose to their feet and joined in his final songs with a love and affection that was well deserved, truly a man of many talents.

MARION COX