Review: Into The Groove at The Fire Station Sunderland
Invited| Review by Samantha Pearson
The Fire Station at Sunderland welcomed back Into The Groove for a third year running tonight and it definitely did not disappoint! From what it looks to be on their socials, tonight was the final tour date of the year and former teacher from Mansfield Elly Jarmain and her backing dancers and singers spoilt us with all the Madonna content you’d expect.
The first half took us through the 80s, 90s and even a slice of 00’s era step by step incorporating the likes of I’m Crazy For You, Music and opening the show with the tours title song Into The Groove getting the audience participation from the get go. Each era also came with iconic outfit changes including those illumines bright fish nets, tulle skirts and legendary ‘Boy Toy’ belt from back in 1983 leading to her celebrated big bow’d hairstyles and western inspired attire.
It wasn’t only the performers who came in true Madonna style, a select few of the audience brought their best 80s fits including lace gloves, the iconic slogan tees and and an actual ‘Material Girl’ themselves! From the start, audience participation was a vibe, and singalongs in full swing. However the second half opener ‘Like A Prayer’ truly got the venue bouncing and almost every person there on their feet!
The performance continued with even more leading looks including Madonna’s Super Bowl 2012 Givenchy Couture Egyptian Queen whilst ‘Vogue’ was performed, much to the audiences delight as they all joined in with the renowned dance moves from the 90s classic. Other hits performed in the second half included Express Yourself, Open Your Heart, Material Girl, La Isla Bonita and finishing with none other than Holiday and it truly was a celebration!
The venue, yet intimate, showcased a wonderful dedication to the Pop Princess and band consisting of guitar, bass, drums and keys captured each number perfectly and kept us captivated throughout as well as helping with backing vocals! The dancers Kirsty & Jessica added so much to the show and took us on a journey with Elly as Madonna and also owning the stage whilst her fabulous outfit changes took place. The lighting effortlessly enthralled the room and suited everyone part of the performance to a tee (as well as highlighting that stunning disco ball at the top of the room!)
The performers returned back to the stage for a final encore after the audience screamed for more and we were treated to Hung Up and a final costume change into true disco Madonna fashion! A photo with the crowd was taken and the crowds continued to flood out of the venue reciting their favourite Madonna songs, even overhearing one of the fans stating they thought it was as good as (if not better) than the real thing!
Thank you The Fire Station and Into The Groove for a fabulous disco commemorating the icon that is Madonna. For a first visit, the venue was absolutely stunning, clean, welcoming and easy to navigate and I’m already planning my next trip back!