Review of Sinatra at the London Palladium

This production of Sinatra promises a multi-media concert celebrating one of the world’s greatest entertainers. We are presented with an impressive amount of projections and film footage of the main man, Frank Sinatra and it is not just the sheer amount of footage that is impressive but also the quality and imagination of the presentation. The audience hears and sees Frank Sinatra singing backed with the live 24 piece band and on occasion numerous dancers. The show tells of Sinatra’s life in a chronological order and fans of Sinatra will love the anecdotes along the way, including tales of his birth, how he met his wife and how he landed his role in ‘From Here to Eternity.’

There is no denying that Sinatra can sing and the band that back him throughout the show do him justice, in fact it was one of the best versions I have heard of New York, New York. Despite this the format got a tad repetitive and at time I felt like I was in the cinema rather than the theatre. The best parts of the show were the big dance routines to accompany Sinatra’s singing and the audience seemed to be getting a bit more bang for their buck (or pound) during these numbers. Impressive lifts and partner work filled the floor in these numbers as well as an array of colourful costumes. I would have liked to have seen more of these numbers to provide a distraction from the screen showing Sinatra.

The set and staging was well done, with the band on a raised platform with moving stairs down from the platform onto the stage, allowing the choreography some levels. The rest as mentioned above was simply done with monitors and projections which cannot be faulted and set the mood perfectly for each number and phase of Sinatra’s life. It fitted perfectly into the Palladium and one or two numbers from the show would be perfect in a bigger production like the Royal Variety Show or a big band night however a full night of it left me counting down the numbers.

Die-hard fans of Sinatra should see the show and relive his undeniable singing and showmanship but for the average theatregoer more is needed to make this show a full theatrical experience.

Review by Sarah McPartlan

‘It’s not other people doing Frank; it’s Frank doing Frank’ – Nancy Sinatra
In his centenary year the magic of Frank Sinatra will be returning to the London Palladium in an extraordinary new multi-media concert. Using rare footage of the legend himself, a 24 piece orchestra and spectacular live dancing, SINATRA: THE MAN & HIS MUSIC celebrates one of the world’s greatest entertainers, 65 years after he made his UK debut on the same stage.

Featuring Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits, including Fly Me To The Moon, My Way and New York, New York. Experience the legendary Frank Sinatra in concert; the man who always did it his way.

Sinatra
London Palladium
Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages, babes in arms are not admitted.
Show Opened: 10th Jul 2015
Booking Until: 10th Oct 2015
Evenings: Monday to Saturday 7.30pm
Matinees: Wednesday and Saturday 3.00pm