Turning Neil Diamond’s 1972 hit song about a travelling preacher into a high-octane travelling show in a circus tent is inspirational. In his satin preacher’s robes and flexing his microphone as if dispensing holy water, Brian Conley displays an evangelical fervour that is nothing short of wicked, and the show has all the recklessness and audacity of Forbidden Planet.
It’s a great big, glorious romp through three decades of Diamond’s music, flawlessly performed by a cast who pick up musical instruments as readily as they sing and dance, to slot in seamlessly with the big band under Richard Weeden’s direction.
There’s a hippy quality and New Age feel to the first half, all jeans and summer loving, where songs to break the heart include You Don’t Bring Me Flowers Any More, poignantly sung and beautifully modulated by Abbie Osmon.
Then it’s all glitz and glamour in the second half, with Sweet Caroline and I’m A Believer the biggest sing-along numbers. “If you believe in the love of Neil, shout yeah!” screams Conley, and we do. It’s a good audience but filling a big top midweek is a tall order and he demands of a block of empty seats, “What is this - a furniture exhibition?”
Darren Day and Ben James-Ellis get star billing but there’s not a weak link here. Particular tribute should go to Greg Barnett for vocals and cello and to Elisa Boyd for her flamboyant fiddle playing.
Spectacular lighting and effects drench the show with colour and warmth and give a feelgood factor that’s almost off the scale.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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