Review: Barry Manilow, The O2, London, 6 September 2018 – Trouper Rating: ****

The term “legend” is overused when it comes to ageing entertainers, but Lord Barry of Manilow deserves it. He seems to have been around since the beginning of time and his style of music certainly harks back to another era. But as he himself said during his concert at London’s O2 last night his songs have “melody” and it’s that which lasts.

And, boy, did he reel off all the classics. There was a Sing-a-long-a “Can’t Smile Without You” which ended up a giant karaoke session with on-screen lyrics and bouncy ball provided to the grateful audience. There were both versions of the Bach-inspired “Could It Be Magic”, the slow, original version and the disco Take That option to get everyone dancing and waving their glow-sticks. The thrill of waving a glow-stick to music in an enormous dark room can never be underestimated. Especially as you look around at thousands of other grown-ups doing the same thing. There was also a 3D video sequence where we had to don those really basic 3-D glasses that look like they’re made out of card and which you last saw in 1983.

But at a Manilow concert, you’ve got to come ready to sway. “I Made It Through The Rain”, “Mandy”, “I Write The Songs” (though ironically, not that one) all provided ample opportunity to shimmie those shoulders. “Looks Like We Made It”, took on extra poignancy following his coming out last year when he also revealed he and his partner of 40 years were married by ageing foxtrel Suzanne Somers (Gina Germaine from “Hollywood Wives”).  Round the night off with “Copacabana” backed by a huge be-gowned choir who seemed to materialise out of nowhere and everyone goes home happy.

Photo Credit: Matt Becker