The All New Original tribute to the Blues Brothers

IF you go to this musical thinking you are about to see a recreation of the classic 1980 film, you will be sorely disappointed.

And although many fans of the hat and shades-wearing double act dressed up for Tuesday’s performance of the new Blues Brothers musical at the Bristol Hippodrome, the disappointment was evident in the stagnant atmosphere.

This was a tribute to Jake and Elwood Blues, the shifty and soulful Chicago characters created by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, with sketches and hits made famous by the pair and their show band.

Taking on the lead roles were Brad Henshaw as Jake and Daniel Fletcher as Elwood, who have both clearly studied the voices and mannerisms of the infamous characters. Henshaw flitted between anecdotal tales, big band numbers and smoother soul solos with skill although by the end of the show he looked to have run out of steam.

Elwood’s dry sense of humour and deadpan delivery has been impressively mastered by Fletcher but at each duet the pair could clearly be seen counting out their moves and timing on stage, which gave the production a rather amateur feel.

An extended and somewhat odd opening sketch, featuring the duo dressed as crew silently pretending there were problems with the microphones, gave the show an awkward start and despite some big numbers from the great band and trio of backing vocalists, The Bluettes, that is largely how the act continued.

Unless you know the film well, some scenes may pass you by and the rendition of I’m a King Bee certainly fell flat with last night’s audience. An acapella version of Under the Boardwalk was given a much warmer reception and the pair’s version of Jailhouse Rock went down a storm.

The funniest moment came at the start of the second half when, having already seen the daring duo descend from the stage roof in the first half, the audience were duped into thinking their entrance was the same after the break. But there were gasps of shock as the cords suddenly broke and two suited dolls fell onto the stage.

For me, however, The Bluettes easily stole the show with each of the trio – Jocasta Almgill, Alexus Ruth and Vicky Goddard - singing their own solo including Respect and Shake Ya Tail Feather with enviable amounts of energy and the kind of enthusiasm Tina Turner herself would be proud of.

I must admit I found myself anticipating their next number, glittering outfits and pulsating dance moves much more than the main act and they certainly should be credited for getting the audience on their feet at the end of an otherwise rather grueling two hours.

The Blues Brothers tribute show is on at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday, June 11.