If there is one irresistible genre of music that is sure to get everyone up on their feet, it is Motown. Delighting city-goers last Saturday with the most soulful songs of the last century in a dazzling spectacle of glitter, groove, and great tunes, The Entertainers group certainly brought the Magic of Motown to York Barbican.
With back-to-back Motown classics sung, the audience was taken on a whirlwind musical tour from start to finish. Each of the talented singers – made up of four men and three women- performed the roles of particular Motown musicians, whilst supported by an incredible band who helped to carry the upbeat tempo of the production…no mean feat! Like scenes straight out of a magic show, each of the singers transitioned quickly and effortlessly into their various colourful costume changes, an element that contributed to the ‘wow’ factor of the evening.
The audience was not short-changed when it came to musical variety either. From The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha and the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Jackson 5, and Marvin Gaye, no stone was left unturned with the number of iconic artists that were featured. The vocals were extremely impressive, even in the more challenging of melodies but the cast held pitch perfectly especially during a moment of barber-shop style a capella.
A highlight of the show was undoubtedly the general atmosphere that was aroused by the fabulous performers. Setting the perfect Saturday-night tone, the cast’s engaging interaction with the audience was certainly memorable – from a round of front-row fist pumps to encouragement of audience cheers and a wave of jazz hands.
Looking around the audience, there was plenty of non-stop foot-shuffling and two-stepping for those who were up on their feet. Lionel Richie’s ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’, was a particular stand-out moment that seemed to awaken the auditorium, and my personal favourite song of all time, The Temptations’ timeless classic, ’My Girl’ was delivered beautifully.
The fact that the show ran so smoothly, made us completely unaware of the time that passed and before we knew it the show sadly came to an end. If you ever get the chance to experience this vibrant production don’t let the opportunity pass you by. A fantastic, musical spectacle that has certainly proved that the Magic of Motown really does exist.
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