REVIEW

THE CARPENTERS STORY

WEYMOUTH PAVILION

IT was obvious right from the beginning that siblings Richard and Karen Carpenter were going to make it big in the pop music business and this tribute show demonstrates just how they did it.

Richard’s genius as an arranger and Karen’s emotionally rich alto voice took the world by storm in the 1970s and their harmonic hits like Can’t Smile without you, and Yesterday Once More still live on to this day, despite Karen’s premature death in 1983.

This touring production under the leadership of pianist Phil Aldridge brings back memories of a pop era when the words and music were beautiful and told a story of love and warmth, played in this concert by a seven piece group of talented musicians.

Singer Claire Furley’s alto voice gives the right blend of emotional richness and grace to the songs made world famous by Karen, a brave performance in the face of such talent.

The 'story' part of the Carpenters' career is given little attention in the show although background videos and still pictures bring a little colour to the lives of the brother and sister who gave so much to the world.

But it was the songs that the audience wanted and they quickly joined in to the Top of the World with a Sweet Sweet Smile as they got Close to You in a show which brought out the best in the recordings that we all knew and loved.

The production’s national tour will be at Bournemouth Pavilion on August 30 and For All We Know it is likely to be a sell-out success.

And for those who want to enjoy more 60s hits, the Beatles tribute show will be performing at Weymouth on Saturday August 19.

MARION COX