Welsh singing superstar Lucie Jones delighted audience members last night in what can only be described as a sensational performance.
St David’s Hall in Cardiff played host to the Pentyrch singer, who was joined by friend and Les Misérables and The Phantom Of The Opera star John Owen-Jones.
The solo show offered a rare and unique experience to get up close and personal with the Welsh West End star, something that was not amiss with those who attended. Lucie came across as very down to earth and engaged with the audience throughout the evening. St David’s Hall is one of those venues that really enables this type of event, with low level staging but far-reaching views. Promoted as an ‘intimate and exclusive’ show, this is exactly what was delivered.
Lucie Jones was accompanied by her very talented musical director and band. Although not a fully stocked orchestra that the singer is used to, they did an absolutely superb job of filling the musical hall from floor to ceiling.
Audiences were surprised with Lucie’s choice to open with Sweet Child of Mine, but were no less impressed with her choice. Part 1 of the evening offered an insight into Lucie’s psyche, with carefully selected pieces from her performances from Les Misérables, featuring her own melody twists. One that stood out in particular was her choice from Waitress, She Used to Be Mine, it was a score that represented a pivotal moment in the young star’s career where she is currently performing. Lucie also included performance pieces that had given her inspiration such as I Dreamed a Dream and Burn from Hamilton.
Fellow Welsh opera star John Owen-Jones joined in several bouts of duets including The Prayer from the Live At The Adelphi. John also took to the stage to perform “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables, which was incredibly powerful. For anyone that has seen John before in similar settings, will know what a playful and loveable character that he is, and it was great to see the chemistry between the two vocalists.
Part 2 offered a change in mood and was much more upbeat and in line with what you might expect a Christmas concert to be. There was an outfit change not just for Lucie, but the band too, and the audience was delighted to be invited to sing along.
Lucie challenged herself with a rendition of several John Lewis Christmas adverts rolled into one, which was of course spectacular. There were Christmas hots including The Christmas Song, Auld Lang Syne and O Holy Night – which was a personal favourite of Lucie’s due to performing it with her brother when they were children. Lucie’s brother was in the audience and heckled the star to reminder her that his royalties are still due. For the finale, the audience was up on their feet and the Welsh stars were joined in a sing-along of the Fairy Tale of New York.
Having heard Lucie’s amazing voice several times in the past, it was lovely to see her breaking away and doing a solo event on what she loves the most. The event showcased the very best of her talents and it’s a shame that this is something of a rarity for the star. Although that is what makes this event so special.
If you hurry, you might be able to grab a ticket for this evening’s show (Tuesday, 14 December) at Her Majesty’s Theatre, West End, where Lucie will be performing Lucie Jones at Christmas.
