This week their current UK ‘Home’ tour rocked into Manchester and packed out an expectant Bridgewater Hall.
The support for the evening was unsigned country artist, Philippa Hanna from Sheffield who warmed up the crowd with a string of heart-warming ballads and really set the tone for the evening with her slick set.
Collabro are now a four piece since the departure of Richard Hadfield in 2016 but instead of breaking the group it seems to have galvanised them and from the outset you could see the brotherly bond they have.
Collabro consists of Michael Auger, Jamie Lambert, Matthew Pagan and Thomas Redgrave and each has their own vocal qualities which, when married together, gel to perfection. With a stunning rendition of ‘This is the Moment’ from the musical Jekyll and Hyde to open the show the audience lapped up song after song from the bands brief but varied back catalogue.
From timeless classics such as ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ to a reworking of a Mumford and Son’s hit the boys each get their time to shine in the spotlight. The show takes on the tone of an X Factor show at times too as the foursome are ably supported for a couple of songs by Nottingham opera singer, Carly Paoli as well as alongside a full children’s choir.
Having studied at Manchester’s own Royal Northern College of Music, it must have been a welcome homecoming for Carly who has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, and is clearly set to bring a bit of local glamour to the world of classical music.
The show’s finale of a medley of hits from Jersey Boys – giving the audience a chance to get up and dance and also let the boys shake loose their choir boy image. It was a fitting and energetic end to a stunning evening of music with a well-deserved standing ovation leaving the boys humbled and the crowd wanting more.
There’s no doubt Collabro are hugely talented entertaining singers but they also seem a really genuine bunch of lads and, having never seen them perform before, I will definitely be back for more.
The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS
0161 907 9000
bridgewater-hall.co.uk
