Review: Anne-Marie, Thetford Forest
The second night of music at High Lodge in Thetford Forest this year brought Essex’s Anne-Marie along with support from TikTok breakthrough star Mae Stephens, to the stage nestled amongst the trees.
Mae Stephens’ set drew plenty of her own fans, to be expected when you released a song a few months ago that’s been listened to over a 130 million times on Spotify. She saved If We Ever Broke Up til lasted, but had the crowd singing it straight back to her. Then spent most of the time after her set meeting fans stood in the front row.
The stage was then cleared and fallen chandlers arranged around a single chair in the centre, Anne-Marie then took to the stage in front of her adoring fans, some of whom were returning after her performance at Newmarket last summer.
Sat on the chair she started with Sad B!tch off her soon to be released third album, miming the actions to the lyrics, from her fantastic theme park adventure video for the single, although it was far too hot for the oversized puffa coat tonight.
Rather than seeming lost being alone on stage, it made it feel more intimate, with the night being just about her and her fans. Filling moments between songs with life affirming messages and frank openness about the meanings behind her songs and tales of working with up and coming acts you might not of heard of like, Ed Sheeran to write songs.
She continued the night with performances of songs from all three albums, old favourites like 2002, Ciao Adios and Perfect to Me. Whilst treating fans to new yet to be released songs such as Grudge and Better Off.
Working up to finishing the night with Unhealthy’s lead single Psycho, followed by drawing the night to a close with Friends from her 2018 debut album, with the crowd making it obvious that they have loved their evening with Anne-Marie.
Review and pictures: Stephen Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine
