How Sweet It Is: The Greatest Hits of Motown at Ferneham Hall Fareham Review
17 February 2018
Reviewed by Jan Dixon
Last night, 17th February 2018, I saw The Greatest Hits of Motown show by How Sweet It Is, at the Ferneham Hall in Fareham. This was a return visit of the show to Ferneham Hall and was very well attended by an enthusiastic audience.
This show is in its 18th successive year; combining excellent vocalists, an extremely competent band and exciting choreography. There were five singers and five band members, who seemed very at ease and in tune with each other in a seemingly effortless performance. A wide range of songs and artistes were covered, from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers and Edwin Starr. The five singers each sang lead vocals according to their match with the appropriate artiste, demonstrating their masterful renditions of well known Motown classics spanning at least 50 years. Each vocalist had the chance to shine and show the full range of their vocal prowess to great advantage. It was brilliant to see an a cappella section, where all five vocalists harmonised beautifully.
An important part of the show was audience participation; singing along, clapping and dancing to the music. This was actively encouraged by the singers and band – to enhance the feel-good factor of the evening. The polished performances certainly added to the delighted response of the audience. Every Motown hit was recognised and the balance between romantically slow and disco-type hits were carefully thought out to wild acclaim. It was impossible not to sing along or tap your feet!
An excellent show; thoroughly recommended, with a 5-star rating. Hopefully this show will return to Ferneham Hall in 2019 – there will certainly be an enthused audience waiting for a nostalgic trip through Motown music.
Ferneham Hall is on Osborne Road, behind Fareham Shopping Centre and adjacent to Osborn Road multi-storey carpark. There is also provision for parking immediately outside Ferneham Hall. All parking is free after 6pm. If you are coming by road there is easy access off Junction 11 of the M27; by rail the venue is a 15-minute walk from the railway station.
Rating: 5/5
How Sweet It Is is currently touring with The Greatest Hits of Motown, for more information and tour dates visit www.howsweet.co.uk.
For other shows at the Ferneham Hall in Fareham visit www.fernehamhall.co.uk or call the box office on 01329 231942.
Ferneham Hall, Osborn Road, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7DB | 01329 231942
