John BarrowmanIpswich Regent Theatre A HUGELY talented mum-of-two stole the show last night at Ipswich's Regent theatre - and John Barrowman wasn't too bad either.
Carl Marston
John Barrowman
Ipswich Regent Theatre
A HUGELY talented mum-of-two stole the show last night at Ipswich's Regent theatre - and John Barrowman wasn't too bad either.
Samantha Horsfield sang a belting rendition of Dancing Queen to a packed Regent theatre alongside the brilliant showman after being invited to perform during Barrowman's excellent concert.
Speaking after the show the 39-year-old member of Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society (IODS) who had recently appeared on the entertainer's BBC prime time show Tonight's The Night said it was a night she'll never forget.
She added: “It was amazing. I loved it. I had no idea he was going to ask me to sing. It was a fabulous experience and I am totally overwhelmed.
“It was a brilliant concert.”
Opening the night with Queen's, Don't Stop Me Now the hits came thick and fast as Barrowman took us through a journey of his life, his loves and his passions.
Using his family picture album as a back drop, Barrowman and his seven strong band and quartet of dancers gave it everything they'd got.
A feel good repertoire that included some excellent ballads, pop hits and great show tunes and Barrowman is a charismatic entertainer unafraid to laugh at himself.
His mum - a lady who's beat up anti-gay protesters with a Chanel handbag if given half the chance - and his dad - a friend of Glen Fiddich - even made an appearance.
Loved by the ladies and some of the guys, the camp and outrageous gayer indulged his audience in plenty of bum shaking and delighted the crowd from start to finish.
Full of banter, full of energy and full of talent, John Barrowman is a born showman and he knows it.
Brilliant at what he does, Barrowman never put a foot wrong.
Memorable numbers included I Made It Through The Rain and Rhinestone Cowboy as well as a tear jerking performance of I Know Him So Well with his excellent guest performer Daniel Boys.
And his performance of From Both Sides Now and I Won't Send Roses were both exquisite. His anthem I Am What I Am was a great finale.
A night Samantha, and everyone else who was there, won't forget in a hurry.
JAMES MARSTON
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