Michael Griffiths: Greatest Hits
Even the sauna-like atmosphere of The Chamber at The Queen’s Theatre did not deter the opening night audience for Michael Griffiths: Greatest Hits. This show celebrates Griffiths’ 10th anniversary of cabaret and is a salute to the music he has shared with us over this period.
Looking every inch the part in a silver jacket (that he managed to keep on for 2 numbers, commendable in the heat), mist and discotheque lighting, Griffiths bursts onto the stage and sets a frenetic pace!
His music runs the gamut of musical styles featuring ABBA, Cole Porter, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, A-ha, Culture Club, Eurythmics and many more.
Griffith is a consummate showman and has the audience in the palm of his hand, linking songs with stories from his childhood and teenage years. I particularly enjoyed his references to ever changing technology.
He has the ability to make every audience member feel special and the pace and spontaneity of his banter never flags carrying us along with him. Even if something doesn’t go quite as planned, Griffiths ‘works it in’ and makes it an essential part of the show.
The clever inclusion of audience participation (including a harmony lesson) is a big feature of Griffith’s show and provides the highlight of the evening for me. In a simple spot, with only audience vocal accompaniment, Griffith gives us a standout rendition of ‘Stand By Me’!
Michael may make light of his increasing age and decreasing eyesight during the evening, but Michael Griffiths: Greatest Hits proves that he just gets better with age!
Barry Hill
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