Barbara and Nick performed for the second time at Inchyra to an audience who had come out on one of the wettest nights of the year. With support from the inimitable Anthony Toner this was a very special night indeed under the twinkling lights of the Byre.
Here's a review of the show:
Barbara Dickson took the stage at the Inchyra Arts Club and quickly showed
that her skill for entertaining an audience has not diminished in the slightest.
This was a superb night’s entertainment that warmed an audience that had
been treated to some dreadful weather during the day.
Anthony Toner stepped up first to set the tone with a set of terrific songs and
stories of his Northern Irish heritage. Tales of regret for times passed and the
darkly entertaining monologue ‘Exit Wounds’ led to the magnificent ‘Alphabet’
dedicated to his Father who, suffering from Alzheimer's, is only recognizable in
fits and starts. Anthony Toner is a great storyteller who deserves to be far more widely recognized.
Then the elegant and golden-voiced Barbara Dickson took the stage and
opened with a lovely version of Goffin and King’s ‘Going Back’ made famous by
the Byrds. She had requested that the audience not take pictures or video as
she prefers to sing to faces and not devices. Compliance with that request
made for a delightfully relaxed and intimate atmosphere, which was not only a
refreshing change but also explains why there is no on stage illustration of this
review. Song after wonderfully illustrated and sung song followed in an
extraordinary array of styles and moods. The cover of the Beatles classic
‘Eleanor Rigby’ accompanied by electronic drones was dramatic and effective.
The whole show was accompanied by Barbara’s guitar and piano and enhanced
by the sympathetic support of Nick Holland on keyboards and harmonies. The
hits flowed as well. “Another Suitcase In Another Hall” from ‘Evita’ and “Tell Me
It’s Not True” from ‘Blood Brothers’ served to illustrate her illustrious stage
career with the latter song dedicated to her co-star in that show, George
Costigan, who was in the audience. Songs from the pens of Bob Dylan and
Gerry Rafferty as well as her own entertained the crowd as did her
interpretations of traditional material until sadly the evening came to a
triumphant close. Anthony Toner joined Barbara and Nick for the encore, to
perform her massive single ‘Caravan Song’ to huge applause.
With such a huge back catalogue, there was something here for everyone and
an awful lot for most. Even the weather had improved as we left, taking it’s cue
from the wonderfully warm and entertaining concert.
Pete Drummond-Hay
