Brilliant musical captures life of a national treasure
The early years of Cilla Black feature in show
TO MANY of the younger generation, it can be hard to imagine that Cilla Black started her career as a chart singer and only moved into TV presenting later.
Many will only know her as the darling of Saturday night family entertainment after hosting shows such as Surprise, Surprise and Blind Date which is a world away from her early singing years.
Her music pedigree is impressive as she started at the same time and place as The Beatles and sang with the Fab Four many times in Liverpool.
She also signed with the same manager, the legendary Brian Epstein, after being recommended by John Lennon.
Her audition for Epstein saw her sing with The Beatles and the Fab Four members wrote many of her hits.
She had 11 top ten hits and two of her first songs both went to number one in the early sixties.
If there was a celebrity worthy of writing a musical about, then perhaps Cilla is the one.
A few years ago, ITV made a drama about her early years which starred Sheridan Smith who it turns out can really sing. The three-part show was watched by millions.
This musical is based on that show with plenty of extra music added in. And it really does put the emphasis on the music as there is lots of it.
All of the songs made famous by Cilla are featured.
They are supplemented by a few early Beatles songs as well as one of two oth- ers by bands such as the Mammas and the Pappas who appeared on an American TV show with Cilla in the sixties.
As you would expect, the star of the show is Cilla and the role had to go to a bit of a special performer. Someone that can light up the stage with her portrayal of a much-loved icon as well as someone who can sing her heart out.
Kara Lily Hayworth fought off thousands in the auditions to secure the role and she is simply outstanding.
At times vulnerable and homesick, and at other times funny and confident, she puts in a superb performance.
Her singing is magnificent and she is able to hit the big notes as well as convey warmth and perhaps vulnerability with the slower numbers.
As you would expect, the supporting band were very strong making the live music sound almost orchestral at times.
The characters in the show are kept to a minimum and they are all very good in the form of her mum and dad, her Bobby and Brian Epstein.
Her dad is very much the joker of the pack and gets many of the funny lines.
The other star was the fabulous Cavern Club in Liverpool which was recreated with some style on stage.
This is where Cilla and The Beatles learnt their craft and the show would not be the same without it.
This is a great musical and is perhaps the most entertaining show of the year at the Curve so far.
Cilla is a national treasure and this is a fitting celebration of her early life.