It's A Beautiful Noise
Fisher Stevens - The definitive tribute to Neil Diamond
Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow | 9 October 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Music icon Neil Diamond has sold more than 130 million records worldwide over five decades and has penned songs for many successful artists. His songwriting skills and deep, powerful voice are legendary. But now that Diamond has declared his touring days over, fans can thankfully turn to 'It's A Beautiful Noise' - a tribute show starring renowned Neil Diamond impersonator and 'Stars in Their Eyes' winner Fisher Stevens.
To call this a tribute show actually does the production a dis-service. There is a full live band onstage complete with drums, keyboards and brass section. The backing singers (Emily Louise and Kylie Bates) are incredible and also far too good to be labelled 'backing singers'. The lighting, staging and overall production values are ace. And Fisher Stevens himself? Well he sounds really, really like Neil Diamond; remarkably so!
I've been a Neil Diamond fan my entire life - i was raised on his music by my mum and could probably sing every word to 'The Jazz Singer' before I reached double figures. And I'm not alone. Diamond's back catalogue of songs is so vast and wonderful - his music means so much to so many people. Fisher Stevens has a hefty responsibility touring under the great man's name, but he absolutely has the talent to back it up and here he delivers a quality, creditable tribute to Diamond and his music with 'It's A Beautiful Noise'.
Following a successful run in London's West End, Fisher Stevens and his excellent cast of musicians now bring this joyous celebration of Diamond and his music to regional theatres across the UK. A lifelong lover of Diamond himself, Stevens' show begins back where it all began: the 1960s New York City. Over the next couple of hours we are treated to sparkling versions of Diamond's biggest hits such as 'Love On The Rocks', 'Forever In Blue Jeans', 'Song Sung Blue', 'Red, Red, Wine', 'I'm A Believer' and of course 'Sweet Caroline.' Although impossible to include all of Diamond's records - he has released over 30 studio albums! - I was delighted when some of my favourites 'Soolaimon', 'I am... I Said' and 'America'' made the cut. Stevens' superb voice hits every note, every key change, in every number - he's excellent, and he sings them just like Diamond himself. It's uncanny.
Adding to my enjoyment; the sound quality for this live music production is exemplary. The levels are perfectly balanced between the band and the singer's mics to allow every note, whether played, sung or spoken to be heard clearly. Something often overlooked in larger theatres. It must be particularly difficult for a touring production to achieve this with a different venue, varying stage sizes and auditorium configurations each night, but 'It's A Beautiful Noise' got it spot on at the Glasgow Pavilion Theatre. Very impressive. It was a beautiful noise indeed.
As well as cramming in as many of Diamond's classic hits as possible, Fisher Stevens makes sure to celebrate some of the music legends who have worked with or influenced Neil Diamond in this show. One of the highlights for me was a stunning rendition of Barbra Streisand's 'Woman in Love' performed by Emily Louise - one of the incredible female vocalists. This was followed by a heartfelt version of my late mum's favourite song 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' - Diamond and Streisand's unforgettable platinum duet. It was a stunning performance: There were tears.
Although the focus of 'It's A Beautiful Noise' is the music, Fisher Stevens also chats with the audience between songs. He tells us some of Diamond's history, and Act I in particular is full of interesting facts about the illustrious Brill Building, Diamond's life, career and friends. I learned a lot! But Steven's good natured rapport with the audience and chatty ad-libs are welcome too. In Glasgow he regaled us with stories of his summer holidays to Fife as a kid, and of his one and only previous visit to the Glasgow Pavilion Theatre to attend a Sydney Devine concert with his dad in the 1990's. These fascinating, personal anecdotes with a local emphasis warmed the audience to him even more and ensured the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly all evening. Stevens is a great showman.
Stevens also appeared to have a lovely rapport and harmony with the other musicians and singers on-stage. He ensured everyone received individual credit and applause for their contributions to the success of the show. He even made sure to point out that one of the band was from the local town of East Kilbride! - much to the delight of the crowd.
One aspect of the production that didn't quite hit the high standards of the rest of the show was the varying quality of the visual projections / slides displayed behind the performers. Whilst some were pretty, many - particularly those with text - unfortunately swayed dangerously close to office powerpoint territory and felt a little outdated. If funding permits in future, this is one area that could do with updating and attention.
Neil Diamond has left an enduring mark on the music world and Fisher Stevens ensures that his legacy continues to be celebrated by bringing his unforgettable sound to theatre audiences across the UK and internationally. 'It's A Beautiful Noise' is a fitting tribute to Diamond's legacy and a stylish, live musical concert packed with timeless songs. It will appeal to Neil Diamond fans old and new, but it's also sure to delight anyone interested in the history of pop / rock music, or simply looking for a joyous night out.
It's A Beautiful Noise is touring the UK now through 2024 and 2025.
For more information and tour dates: www.abeautifulnoiseshow.co.uk
It's A Beautiful Noise review, Fisher Stevens, Neil Diamond tribute, 2024, UK tour, music tribute.
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🎟️ Disclosure: I was invited to review this show and received a complimentary ticket in exchange. Neither the venue nor show has a say in what I write. I'm completely independent and invites have no impact on my analysis or star ratings.
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