John Barrowman Live Review @ City Hall (Sheffield) - 11 May 2009

John Barrowman
John Barrowman

Live Review

There was little sign of the cool heroics of Captain Jack Harkness as Barrowman took to the stage on the first night of his tour. A quick glance around the audience reveals rows of middle-aged women and a few cajoled men - not a sci-fi geek in sight. They were gathered to celebrate the other part of the Barrowman phenomenon, the all singing all dancing jazz hands part. And Barrowman laps the adoration up, he's in full flouncing show-off mode right from the off.

He started off with a burst of Queen's 'Don't stop me now', flanked by four energetic, tightly clad dancers, two girls and two boys. The impressive accompanying band added decibels and pizzazz, making for a enjoyable romp through a collection of pop and show tunes, each delivered with Barrowman's cheeky teeth-flashing grin. Most of the songs feature on his new album, Music, Music, Music. There's a nod towards his Scottish heritage in the form of a medley of show tunes amusingly performed in the style of a Scottish jig.

Support was provided by Daniel Boys, best known for not becoming Joseph on Any Dream Will Do. The two performed 'I know him so well' as a duet in an epic battle of the lungs. Boys may not have the easy charm of Barrowman, but he can certainly deliver solid performances of much-loved songs.

Barrowman's show is a slightly uncomfortable combination of camp frolicking and saccharine sentimentality. The inter-song banter, consisting largely of innuendo and double entendre (often at the expense of poor James the drummer), jollies proceedings along nicely. But then comes the corny stuff. When introducing 'I made it through the rain', Barrowman alludes to his struggles in life and invites the audience to think about their own as he sings. I took the opportunity to quietly reflect on the time I forgot my umbrella. The most squirm-inducing part of the evening came when Barrowman performed a schmaltzy number while images of his recently deceased pet dogs were projected behind him. It was like that bit in the Oscars ceremony when they remember those who have passed away - only, with dogs.

Despite the curious combo of gay gags and naff sentimentality, Barrowman's enthusiasm for music and his desire to share this with an audience is what makes him stand out as a performer. There's no sense that he feels entitled to his success, he is proud of his achievements and thankful for every minute. This infectious enthusiasm translates onto the screen in his current primetime Saturday night show, Tonight's the Night. At heart Barrowman is an old-fashioned entertainer and though Torchwood and Doctor Who bring him credibility with a different sort of crowd, Barrowman looks most a home with a microphone in his hand and a live audience to interact with.

The real star of the show was John Barrowman's arse. Whenever his back was turned to the audience the slightest wiggle was met with shrieks of delight. A rendition of 'Living la vida loca' provided plenty of bum-shaking opportunity. The sight of Barrowman sporting a sparkly jacket and silver trousers belting out 'I am what I am' has to be the campest thing ever to grace the stage of Sheffield City Hall. Still, at least he resisted the temptation to perform 'My Way' or 'It's Raining Men'.

Anna Lord

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