Review/Sinatra at the Liverpool Empire

May 8 2008 Chester Chronicle

SINATRA/Empie Theatre, Liverpool, until May 10

REVIEW/by Peggy Woodcock

THEY called it a concert. I called it a show. Whatever you call it, it’s a fascinating affair.

Sinatra at the Liverpool Empire told the singer’s life story with the man himself as an all-pervasive presence. He hung around, literally, all through, in various guises and on various sized video screens that moved around the stage.

And so did the enduring images of his life, appearances with the big bands, oscar-winning role in From Here to Eternity, rat pack sessions with Dean Martin and Sammy Davies Junior, his wives and children, and the hauntingly beautiful love of his life, Ava Gardner.

Meanwhile, his voice taken from interviews over the years, gave us the emotions, the highs, the lows, including investigations into his mafia links.

There were excellent dancers, female singers even, who duetted with Frank. There was Bono, extolling the Sinatra contribution to music. There was intriguing technology. Dancers moved from screen to stage. Images appeared on umbrellas and balloons.

You had to like the music, and preferably, the man, to enjoy this show. You would have to enjoy the absolutely best thing of the night, the on-stage orchestra providing piano and saxophone solos and the gorgeous big band sound of Sinatra’s hey-day.

Visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.