SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR Review – Sage Gateshead

The queen of disco came to the ‘Sagey Baby’ and left us with a disco fever!

Sophie Ellis Bextor came to the Sage Gateshead for her third time with her current tour ‘The Song Diaries’ This off the back of the album of the same name an orchestral version of her greatest hits. We had been gifted tickets to be able to see tonight’s performance in all its glory.

With support from Alice Jemima we had an up and coming artist of whom originating from Devon has captured the hearts of those who have heard her. With a mix of guitar and clever use of a loop machine she has produced some great material.  Tonight one of the highlights was her cover of  Blackstreets ‘No Diggity’ and after hearing it see why it racked up over 4 million streams online.Another was one she had co written with Ellis Bextor called Dancing In Love. We had the pleasure of meeting her at the interval and this is an artist that comes across quiet and shy but has the talent to be really successful. Jemima is certainly one we will look out for.

The interval passed and seats were taken, some wearing the most glittery shirts they could find were ready for the main act now. The orchestra came on and took their place, and started to play, out came Sophie Ellis Bextor to huge applause, dressed in green. We had the hit Why Does It Feel So Good, and why indeed. Sophie Ellis Bextors voice is one of distinction, and backed by an orchestra just beautiful. 

Sophie came to bring us entertainment on this monday night and did she just. Split into two, we had the first part of the show showcasing the orchestra with a range of her songs and the second went into full disco mode after a costume change (as she promised) ensuring the audience were up on their feet dancing away to some classics and orchestrated covers “Young Hearts Run Free” and “Don’t Leave Me This Way.

We heard Sophie sing hits from across her career such as the obvious Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love)”. “Murder On The Dance Floor”, “Catch You” and “Take Me Home and others like Wild Flower” and “Love Is A Camera”,Youngblood”, “Mixed Up World” and “Love Is You. 

I couldn’t help but be in awe of Ellis Bextor performing live. She has a voice that transcends the auditorium backed by a wonderful orchestra made this a great night. Her humor suprised me hugely ans shows just how down to earth she is and seeing how much she wanted to interact with the audience was fanstastic. She told us her love for the Sage Gateshead or as she nicknamed it ‘Sagey Baby’ now she is a regular whilst also checking on the audience to see if any of remembered the Quantam Leap series on tv.. (which for the record i did and watched). Another impressive note was that she ensured the orchestra got their credit also by naming each and everyone of them personally. 

Sophie Ellis Bextor came to the Sage and left me thinking ‘if this aint love, then what is..’. A great performance indeed. If i could recommend anything for the future it would be to ensure she tours with an orchestra as they enhance her sound and compliment it beautifully well.