Review: Mercury – The Ultimate Tribute Band

Mercury – The Ultimate Tribute Band, really are as their name suggests. Having paid tribute to one of the world’s most famous and successful groups for over 20 years, this band really know how to please a crowd.

Freddie Mercury was portrayed by the extremely talented Joseph Lee Jackson. He is as proud, confident and flamboyant on stage as the late, great Freddie Mercury was. His vocal range and beautiful speaking voice emulated Freddie perfectly. Credit should also be given to Glenn Scrimshaw, who took on the role of Brian May. His skills as an accomplished guitarist were highlighted in the show with his brilliant guitar solos. The entire band in fact, were outstanding and together helped to create an experience that was close to watching Queen themselves.

The stage production consisted of several rows of lighting – which turned various colours throughout the evening, plus intermittent bangs, causing me jump out of my seat! These were followed by puffs of smoke all helping to create a wild rock ‘n’ roll image.

Joseph and the band brilliantly performed all the great hits by Queen, including Don’t Stop Me Now, Radio Ga Ga, I Want to Ride My Bicycle, We Will Rock You, We are the Champions and of course, the iconic Bohemian Rhapsody. What was really noticeable was how the music of Queen appealed to all generations. There were children in the crowded auditorium that were under ten, also teenagers and their parents and then pensioners. Each one of them singing along, clapping and waving their arms in the air. There was a moment when the band played Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and a couple, in their senior years, jumped out of their seats, went to the front of the stage and promptly started doing a perfect jive. The Strictly judges would have been impressed!

The atmosphere throughout the entire show was electric and the audience were most amused when Joseph appeared dressed as a well-endowed woman with an upright hoover and started to perform I Want to Break Free.

When the show ended there was rapturous applause, whistles and standing ovations. Joseph (as Freddie) was sporting a rather fetching crown and draped in a Union Jack. A nod perhaps to Britain leaving Europe two days prior, or was it that his band had just mimicked music royalty.

Reviewed by: Gill Atacocugu