His voice has lost nothing and his performance was as exceptional as ever. Remember this is the man that brought Che Guevara to life in the stage version of Evita among a long list of equally impressive theatre roles.
Meanwhile the album contains the original versions of the songs that form the storyline to the show. “A Winter’s Tale”, “Rock On”, “Gonna Make You A Star”, “Hold Me Close”, and the aforementioned “Lamplight” are all rather predictably included.
However this isn't merely another 'Greatest Hits' type package. What makes this collection work on a more structured level to previous compilations is the inclusion of some of his lesser known, yet equally impressive, later songs, some of which were written for the show.
Included in the newer material are the highly impressive “Here We Are All Together”, “Father And Son”, “Pretty Thing”, “He Noticed Me” on which he duets with Samantha Janus, “I’ll Call Ya (She’s Leaving Home)”, and “Dangerous”. Yes, some of those titles have an air of familiarity about them but they are all David Essex originals.
The result of seeing the stage show and of hearing the album is one of undeniable respect. Delve beyond those images of the rabid army of hysterical teenage girls and see instead the musician and performer. I suspect that he was never really comfortable with his former life despite the success it brought him.
Now aged 61, he was never one to take it all too seriously, a healthy position that he somehow managed to maintain. He is also unafraid of self parody. In the show he delivered some lovely lines about once having long curly hair and a smile, all said with that characteristic and mischievous twinkle.
He has nothing at all to worry about. His voice is just as strong as ever, whilst drawing every emotion from each well written line.
All those years ago, despite being jealous of those looks, many of us lads secretly admired David Essex. We just didn’t want to admit it. He always seemed to be one of us, just a guy in a leather jacket from the east end who likes football and a pint. There was no apparent rock star attitude but rock star credentials all the same.
So - ‘roll on up, see the main attraction’. On this night the main attraction was undoubtedly the ongoing talent that is David Essex O.B.E.
You can catch up with David Essex on his official website or read about the show, performances, and CD on his All The Fun Of The Fair webpage.
Article comments
1 - Sue Langford
Thank you Jeff, for telling it from a bloke's point of view - as one of the aforementioned fans, I know that a lot of husbands are taken rather unwillingly to either David's concerts or musicals - but I also know that a huge majority of them enjoy the show and don't mind going to another one - mine included - as you say, David is just a regular bloke with no 'aren't I wonderful' side to him -- and it shows !!
I haven't seen the show yet ( April in Southampton for me ) but with reviews like this I can't wait !! Sue Langford
2 - cassie wedge
most amazingest musical ever saw, well first one i have ever saw lol, but i loved it n love all david essex's songs n me mom fancy's him. :-)
3 - sally.D
Me and my partner went to see the muiscal all the Fun of the Fair at Northampton last night,my partner went with me as i like David Essex he was not to keen..But i must say that he relly enjoyed the show and me well i thought it was outstanding,a great performance even with the fire alarms going off and everyone having to evacuate the building for a while,but luckily enough it was a fasle alarm,and the show was quiclky started again..A true professinal performance by all,and as for David Esssex well still as sexy as ever and sings just as good...