Watson’s back with amazing grace. . .

Russell Watson, The Lowry

SALFORD-BORN tenor Russell Watson was welcomed back to his home town with open arms last night, on the first of a two-night stint at The Lowry Theatre.

The popular performer walked on stage to a standing ovation, and could do no wrong as he delivered a slick, professional show in a thoroughly enjoyable evening of entertainment.
Forever the showman, this was Watson at his best in his second full UK tour following his recovery from a brain tumour which rocked his life two years ago.

He is sincere, with a great Northern sense of humour, and so at home on stage it is almost as if you are chatting to an old friend over a cup of tea, before he bursts into a song he is singing only for you.

His repertoire included the spine-tingling “Nessun Dorma”, “You are so Beautiful”, dedicated to his two daughters who were in the audience, and an emotional version of “Ave Maria”, sung in memory of a friend who lost his fight against cancer yesterday.

Watson, who holds the record as the UK’s best-selling classical artist of the 21st century, also treated his audience to “Music of the Night”, from Phantom of the Opera — the most requested song he has never recorded.

Another treat was a wonderful duet with Jocelyn Brown, “Amazing Grace”, which brought the house down, and the man they call ‘The Voice’ went on to share the limelight with a teenage boy he met after the youngster’s friend died from a brain haemorrhage.

Lewis Laking was so nervous he was visibly shaking, but Watson gave the 17-year-old he described as “an inspiration” lots of encouragement and they finished the show together with “You Raise Me Up” — always his parting song.

There was no short change last night, with musicians playing violins, the harp, grand piano, electric guitars, drums and the keyboard, and the 14-strong Sense of Sound choir not only providing backing, but enjoying their own spot in the limelight while Watson took a couple of short breaks.

It’s short notice, but if you can get a ticket for tonight’s performance you would be well advised to grab it and enjoy. You won’t be disappointed.