Russell Watson stages spectacular Isle of Man show

Russell Watson gave a fantastic, energetic performance to a packed audience of all ages at the Villa Marina on Tuesday.

On the last night of his British Isles tour the audience really got their money’s worth as Watson returned to the stage at least four times and received countless standing ovations.

He said that this was his favourite tour of the 10 years he’s been performing, it being particularly great to get to the end of a tour without any problems. The singer recovered from suffering two brain tumours in 2007.

He was supported by Sense of Sound, an a capella choir from Liverpool who participated in the BBC’s Last Choir Standing making it to the last six, were the first contemporary choir to make it to the final of Radio 3’s choir of the year competition and sang at the opening weekend of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture 2008.

Lieutenant Governor Sir Paul and Lady Haddacks attended and it was great to have the Manx national anthem as well as the British at the start of the show. Watson, on the first of his four encores, dedicated his rousing rendition of Land of Hope and Glory to them.

There was a great selection of arias and modern music including Vienna, originally sung by Ultravox in the 80s; La Donna e Mobile, (known as Just One Cornetto to ice cream lovers!), from the opera Rigoletto; Amore E Musica; Caruso; Volare; Nessun Dorma!; Georgia by Ray Charles; Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera, the tune most requested at concerts but one he has never recorded; Twist and Shout; When I Saw You Standing There; Try A Little Tenderness from the film The Commitments; You Are So Beautiful, made popular by Joe Cocker; You Raise Me Up; House of the Rising Sun.

Throughout the concert Watson was happy to give autographs – one lady had her chest signed – and accept flowers and gifts. He did a couple of minutes posing for photographs on stage with the hope of deterring flash photography during his performance and later made his way up the aisle singing Volare while greeting some lucky members of the audience.

Sense of Sound were fantastic throughout and gave great solo performances including Cry Me A River by Justin Timberlake. As well as the choir and musicians Geoff Leach, Watson’s musical director, pianist, conductor and mentor, also received great applause in appreciation for his efforts.

Source: IOM Today