Review: Gary Barlow, Thetford Forest
Saturday was the last night of this year’s Forest Live shows at Thetford and would see northern songsmith Gary Barlow take to the stage, with special guest Beverley Knight. It would also be the finale of Barlow’s Songbook tour.
Dressed in a dazzling silver catsuit, Knight launched into a high-energy medley of her biggest hits, newer material, and some stunning covers — all delivered with boundless energy, dynamic choreography, and her signature beaming smile. Even the most die-hard Gary Barlow fans, clad in tour merch, couldn’t help but dance and sing along.
After some of Gary Barlow’s songs played over the PA, his band took to the stage. Then the voice of the man himself could be heard. Appearing from the back of the stage, he took his place at the piano to open the set with Open Road, the title track from his 1997 solo debut. Standing for the next number, he delivered Greatest Day, sending Take That fans into raptures.
After a couple of his solo tunes he asked the audience “Is anyone old enough to remember the 90s?” to a big cheer, confirming the age range of the crowd, this signalled the time for some swing versions of Take That’s biggest tunes, each introduced with anecdotes and memories — where they were written, what they meant to him.
A Million Love Songs would be a highlight with the whole crowd swaying in unison, a song Barlow noted was written in 1986 and one he’s played in almost every set since.
His fans would spend the rest of the evening mainly singing and dancing along with friends to mostly Take That songs, while the sun would slowing drift below the trees and cool off the day, and bring this year’s High Lodge run and Barlow’s tour to a close.
Review and pictures by Stephen Keable (www.stephenkeable.photos) for Ipswich24 Magazine
Click on pictures for larger versions
