ELO Again Return to the Blue Tour at the Assembly Hall Theatre Review

Reviewed by Amanda Hayes

My husband and I set off to the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells last night (Friday 21 April 2017) really looking forward to a rocking evening to the sounds of ELO Again. Being big fans of ELO we went with high expectations but not having seen an ELO tribute band before more than a little trepidation.

The first half started off the evening in fine fettle with track after track of hits including Confusion, Wild West Hero, Sweet Talking Woman and the fabulous Diary of Horace Wimp. After a short break the band were back and far more upbeat with lead singer Colin Smith, sporting a Jeff Lynne style wig, bringing disco to the Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall. The superb cellist, Sion Dawson, was now up on his feet after a laid back first half, spinning his Cello round and playing it above his head.

Songs such as Rock and Roll Is King, Don’t Bring Me Down and Roll Over Beethoven soon had the crowd up out of their seats backed by the brilliant sounds of drummer Matt Weston. Telephone Line had everyone singing along with the band encouraging plenty of audience participation. The violist Ruth Rose was superb and really brought the ELO sound to life, it’s great to see a live string section on stage and not just an electronic backing tape.

The sound as always in Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall was excellent, the staff prompt and courteous, and the venue clean and tidy. Having recently been refurbished the seats are comfy and the bar smart and well stocked. The multi storey car park is right next door and with charges at only £1.50 per night it’s an easy and cheap place to park making a night out a pleasure.

We had a great evening, the music was fantastic and the mix of slow, upbeat and rock and roll tunes had the audience clapping and foot tapping. Its perhaps not the most authentic ELO tribute you will ever see, but it certainly was a fun feel good Friday night out.

Rating: 4/5

ELO Again is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates visit www.eloagain.co.uk.

For other shows at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk.

Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2LU | 01892 530613