WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHERE?: Livestreaming via Leave A Light On courtesy the Theatre Cafe

WHEN: 10/4/20

‘This does make me sad about theatre and how we all really need it. It will come back better than ever because then people will know how much they need it. We just need to be strong for the time being,’ says West End and Broadway star Fra Fee during this intimate internet lockdown gig.

• Read on for reasons including how Fee reminds of pop stars Rufus Wainwright and Robbie Williams

You may be familiar with Fee from his film role in Les Miserables or more recently inThe Ferryman in which he starred on both Broadway and in the West End.

Back in 2018 we had the privilege of seeing an intimate gig by him at the Other Palace (see picture above) and we said then: ‘That Fee has an impressive voice was never in doubt but what he also proved was what an engaging personality and tremendous musicality he also possesses.’

We join Fee this evening in a living room and he sits at a keyboard, barefoot, in shorts, with the tattoos on his arms showing and a hat on his head with his long, curly hair falling in curtains on either side of his face.

While the pop star look reminds of Robbie Williams, the musicianship and sensitivity of the performance feels more like an Irish Rufus Wainwright.

Fee’s receiving applause in his living room from what appears to be at least two guests and that helps to ratchet up the atmosphere around this performance which can sometimes feel a little isolated in these socially-distanced times.

Fee refers to his gratitude at being involved in this magnificent Leave A Light On series: ‘It’s lovely that we are being given the opportunity to do this – and to do what we do.’

Songs from throughout his musical theatre career pepper the set, Empty Tables from Les Miserables and a selection from The Last Five Years which he performed with Amy Lennox.

And it’s the refined song choice that singles out quite how special and memorable this joy of a gig is. There’s Peter Gabriel’s and Kate Bush’s magnificent and hugely appropriate Don’t Give Up while the conclusive refrain is ‘Good night and joy be with you all.’

Let’s hope Fee plays a gig like this but peopled by his multitude of fans – and soon.

• Picture by Neil Durham. Tickets
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