Latest news with #SongbookTour
Press and Journal
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Gary Barlow at P&J Live: A Million Love Songs Later... the Take That star's 'still got it'
The closest I had ever come to Gary Barlow before last night's concert at P&J Live, was on the 400 posters covering every inch of my best friend's bedroom wall in the 90s. I've never managed to get tickets to a Take That concert, and despite sharing the same birthday as Jason Orange, which for a brief period in 1994 when I was obsessed with Mystic Meg made me feel quite special, I had yet to experience Mr B live. Well, I can't lie – it was absolutely brilliant. Teenage Lindsay was in her element. And middle-aged Lindsay, though an absolute newbie, was no less impressed. Accompanied by my dancing mother, who may as well have been on castors, I wasn't sure what to expect from a show covering three decades of music. Compared to much-publicised mega productions by Take That, it was clear from the outset that seeing the Songbook Tour show would be different. When the curtain lifted, a sequin-jacket wearing Barlow went straight into Open Road, led from his piano, with a swing-band set up around him. A backdrop of choreographed lighting, reacting to the music, was the only frill in this otherwise stripped-back show. But as was abundantly clear from the first bar, his pitch-perfect vocals need no gimmicks to showcase his extraordinary talent. The largely female audience waited not a single moment to relive their youth. On their feet and responding to every Barlow body gesture like he was conducting an adherent cult, it was clear that I may have been the only person in the arena not versed in GB etiquette. That said, it didn't stop me enjoying every second of the show. He jumped between the decades and styles with a swing version of Sure to a Mumford and Sons-esque Let Me Go. Then into a classic version – complete with perfect sax and flawless vocals – of A Million Love Songs. This only served to showcase Gary's undisputable talent. Oh, and a heap of teenage heartbreak memories too. Up tempo – he nailed it. Slow and pure – wow. Nae, wow-wee. And then, *cue screaming women by the thousand* – his dance routine to Pray. The self-deprecating Mr B may have joked: 'See, I've still got it', but nobody there would have disputed that. Looking so like his much younger self ala Do What You Like (okay, so he was fully clothed, and there was way less baby oil), I had to twice Google how old he is. Fifty-four years old. Not gonna lie, my 45-year-old knees were creaking just swaying alongside him and his band. Speaking of which – hats off to the trombone player, saxophonist and bassist who bopped along with ferocity all the night long. Superb energy and non-stop entertainment. His singers, musical director and wider band were no less phenomenal. His quip about being 'heavily rehearsed' was surely more fact than fiction. High-energy performances, stunning musicality, and no break? INSANE. My personal highlights were Relight My Fire, his new country style tune 'If There's Not a Song About It' and Never Forget, in the finale. Yes Mr B, it may have taken me 30 years to get to see you live, but I'm very glad I got there in the end. Brilliant night made all the more memorable by being there with my now-hoarse mum.
Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Gary Barlow, Songbook Tour: An enjoyable if slightly slender evening of Gary-oke
Here's a dilemma: You're the main songwriter in one of Britain's most beloved bands, but your group is having a year off having toured the country's arenas and stadiums eight times since 2006 (with a vast gig in London's Hyde Park and a Coronation Concert thrown in for good measure). What do you do? You Gary on regardless, if the band in question happens to be Take That. The former boyband's singer Gary Barlow has embarked on a 42-date solo Songbook Tour, playing Take That songs and solo works in venues from the Isle of Man and Scarborough to London's Royal Albert Hall, where he's performing twice. The term 'songbook' carries an implied greatness, such is our reverence for the Great British or the Great American Songbook. Paul McCartney or Elton John? They've written songbooks. Barlow though? I was sceptical. But of the 25 songs he played, I counted 10 Barlow-penned number one singles. The 54-year-old has written chart-toppers spanning three decades, including the sublime balladry of 1995's Back for Good, the grown-up pop of 2006's Patience and the kitchen disco dance throb of 2014's These Days. Chuck in A Million Love Songs, Rule the World and The Flood – all of which should have been number one but weren't – and he has certainly earned the right to self-songbook, to coin a phrase. And look at the venue. The Royal Albert Hall, no less. Twice! Sporting a glittery black jacket on the lavishly draped stage, Barlow rattled through the hits, backed by an 11-piece band (essentially Take That's backing band). By the second song, Greatest Day, we'd already had confetti. By the fourth song, Let Me Go, we had a Mumford & Sons-style hoedown, complete with synchronised dancing by the brass section. The evening felt like a slick Saturday night variety show, down to Barlow's introduction of his two backing singers as 'our gorgeous girl singers'. You can take the man out of the Northern club circuit… But the entire band were phenomenally polished, with the aforementioned backing singers, Jemma Donovan and Sofie Clayton, coming from musical families – the former is Jason Donovan's daughter while the latter is Beverley Knight's niece. Barlow danced during Pray ('that gets harder every year') and belted out the aforementioned A Million Love Songs to outrageously athletic saxophone, courtesy of musical director Mike Stevens. Barlow's clever vocal trick is his seamless flit between his lower range and his falsetto register. It provides the emotional and melodic fulcrum for all his best songs, from Back for Good to Rule the World. And yet there was a niggling sense that something was missing. Two things, actually: Howard Donald and Mark Owen. This was Barlow singing Take That songs with Take That's band, but without Take That. Gary-oke, if you will. If industry whispers are to be believed, Take That are planning some massive shows next year. What this tour and that rumour show, all things considered, is that Britain's love affair with all-things Take That shows no sign of abating. In 1995, Barlow sang that 'someday soon this will all be someone else's dream' on Never Forget – the song that closed this enjoyable concert. Three decades on, that dream is still his, even if at times this felt a bit more Fake That than Take That.
Metro
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
TV star joins major singer on tour as her new role is revealed
Former Neighbours and Hollyoaks star Jemma Donovan has landed herself a new role, and she's following in dad Jason's footsteps. The 25 year old actress landed herself a role on the hit Australian soap in 2019, playing Harlow, the granddaughter of Ramsay Street legend Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis). Neighbours was, of course, where Jason found fame as Scott Robinson in the 80s. The show is a real family affair, as her grandfather Terence played Doug Willis, and Jason's half-sister Stephanie McIntosh starred as Sky Mangel. Her exit story – which aired just weeks before the show's then-final episode aired – saw her move back to native London to live with her aunt. In real life, Jemma also relocated to the UK and signed on the dotted line for a Hollyoaks stint. The character, Rayne Royce, was killed off in a 'whodunnit' style storyline. It was later revealed that her boyfriend Romeo Nightingale (Owen Warner) was the one who pushed her into a swimming pool, where she later drowned. In a further real life twist, Jemma then coupled up with I'm a Celeb runner up Owen, and the pair have been together since 2023. Now she's swapping the screen for the stage, and is performing as a back-up singer for a huge popstar. Jemma is part of Gary Barlow's Songbook Tour, as revealed in a recent Instagram post. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! 'Bringing the age group down,' Gary said, introducing his backing singers. He then strolled over towards Jemma and fellow backing singer Sophie. More Trending One fan wrote: 'Love how @officialgarybarlow is so kind and encouraging of his singers like @jemma_donovan. 'He made sure her microphone was turned right up so we could all hear her, and she was fabulous.' Another took to X to share: 'The finale @GaryBarlow! View More » 'A huge shout out to Jason Donovan's daughter Jemma who was fabulous as a backing singer.' If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: EastEnders star's son, 1, rushed to hospital after trampoline accident MORE: Coronation Street fans stunned by Charlotte Jordan's real accent: 'I didn't expect Daisy to sound like that!' MORE: British Soap Awards drops shortlist – and it's bad news for Coronation Street
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Hollyoaks actress lands new job AWAY from soap after being killed off – as a backing singer for huge popstar on tour
She has a very famous father, too CAREER SHAKEUP Hollyoaks actress lands new job AWAY from soap after being killed off – as a backing singer for huge popstar on tour A HOLLYOAKS actress has landed a huge new job AWAY from the soap after being brutally killed off. The former Hollyoaks star has made a huge career U-turn and is now a backing singer for a huge popstar on a massive tour. Advertisement 7 This former Hollyoaks star has made a career U-turn Credit: Instagram/officialgarybarlow 7 Jemma Donovan is Jason Donovan's daughter Credit: Instagram/officialgarybarlow 7 She is 25 years of age and currently on tour with a very famous popstar Credit: Instagram/sophiecphillips4 7 She is touring with Gary Barlow Credit: Instagram/quentin_rescuedog 7 Gary Barlow is on his Songbook Tour Credit: Instagram/officialgarybarlow Jemma Donavon, daughter of Jason Donavon, is one of two backing singers for Gary Barlow's tour. She was killed off as Rayne Royce on Hollyoaks after just a year - and before that she was on Neighbours. The British-Australian actress, 25, who has been in a relationship with Owen Warner since 2023, has been spotted on-stage with Gary on his Songbook Tour. Introducing his fans to his band in an Instagram post a couple of weeks ago, Gary revealed Jemma was a backing singer on his tour. Advertisement "Bringing the age group down," Gary said before introducing his backing singers, the hitmaker then walked over to Jemma and fellow backing singer Sophie. Fans have since been raving about Jemma and her beautiful singing voice on social media since seeing her perform with Gary. One person shared a snap on Instagram of Gary at the piano and Jemma holding a mic on stage. They wrote in the caption: "Love how @officialgarybarlow is so kind and encouraging of his singers like @jemma_donovan. Advertisement "He made sure her microphone was turned right up so we could all hear her, and she was fabulous." Meanwhile, a fan on X shared a video from the night and wrote: "The finale @GaryBarlow! Hollyoaks Stars Owen Warner and Jemma Donovan's Sun-Soaked Family Holiday "A huge shout out to Jason Donovan's daughter Jemma who was fabulous as a backing singer." Nepo-baby Jemma grew up in London but relocated to Australia in 2018. Advertisement Jemma relocated to her father's home country so she could audition for Aussie soap operas. She then went to several auditions arranged by her father's agent, including an audition for Home and Away. Neighbours stars who made it big The long-running Aussie soap has launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Here are some of the Neighbours alums who went on to make it big after starring on the soap... Kylie Minogue Before she hit the big time with her music career, Kylie shot to fame playing Charlene Mitchell on Neighbours. Shortly after her arrival, Kylie began an on and off-screen romance with co-star Jason Donovan, who played Scott Robinson, which gained the couple an army of adoring fans. Jason Donovan After his stint as Scott, singer and actor Jason became an international popstar and had his pick acting of roles. He moved to the U.K., married, had children and has since starred in over a dozen West End show, most notably Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat. Alan Dale New Zealand born actor Alan was one of Neighbours 12 original cast members having made his debut as Jim Robinson on the soap's first episode on 18 March 1985. As the head of the Robinson clan, widower Jim lived at Number 26 Ramsay Street with his children Paul, Julie, Scott and Lucy, and was a real anchor in the community. He stayed with the show for eight years, before his character was killed off in dramatic scenes aired in 1993 but which still reverberate through the soap to this day. Margot Robbie Way before she was Barbie or Harley Quinn, Margot was best known as Ramsay Street resident Donna Freedman. Her notable storylines included her marriage to Ringo Brown and becoming a young widow following his tragic death. After three years she bid farewell to the soap and Australia with a plan to make a name for herself in Hollywood which she did when she bagged the role of Naomi Lapaglia opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street. Jesse Spencer Jesse rocked up on Ramsay street in 1994 with the rest of the Kennedy clan. He stayed for five years, literally growing up in front of the camera, but in 2000 felt it was time to spread his wings and head for Hollywood. It was certainly a smart move as he went on to bag leading roles in popular shows like House and Chicago Fire. Russell Crowe New Zealand-native Russell had a brief arc on Neighbours, appearing in four episodes of the soap 1987 as Kenny Larkin, the former cellmate of Street resident Henry Ramsay. The role obviously got him noticed though because he quickly went on to become a fully-fledged Hollywood A-lister, winning the Best Actor Oscar for his standout performance as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator. Her final audition was for the long-running soap opera Neighbours. Jemma's father, grandfather, and aunt had all previously starred in it. Advertisement She originally auditioned for the role of Roxy Willis, but due to her not being right for the role, it went to Zima Anderson. Producers later created a character that was ideal for Jemma. Jemma landed the role of the character of Harlow Robinson. When she joined the soap, Harlow's plot resembled Jemma's own move from England to Australia. Advertisement After her stint in the Aussie soap, Jemma came back to the UK and made her first appearance in Hollyoaks in 2023. She first starred in the soap in January 2023, but nine months later it was announced that the character would be murdered as part of a whodunit storyline with her exit coming shortly after. 7 Jemma Donovan starred in Neighbours just like her famous dad Credit: instagram 7 She also starred in Hollyoaks before her character was killed off
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Hollyoaks actress lands new job AWAY from soap after being killed off – as a backing singer for huge popstar on tour
A HOLLYOAKS actress has landed a huge new job AWAY from the soap after being brutally killed off. The former Hollyoaks star has made a huge career U-turn and is now a backing singer for a huge popstar on a massive tour. 7 7 7 7 7 Jemma Donavon, daughter of Jason Donavon, is one of two backing singers for Gary Barlow's tour. She was killed off as Rayne Royce on Hollyoaks after just a year - and before that she was on Neighbours. The British-Australian actress, 25, who has been in a relationship with Owen Warner since 2023, has been spotted on-stage with Gary on his Songbook Tour. Introducing his fans to his band in an Instagram post a couple of weeks ago, Gary revealed Jemma was a backing singer on his tour. "Bringing the age group down," Gary said before introducing his backing singers, the hitmaker then walked over to Jemma and fellow backing singer Sophie. Fans have since been raving about Jemma and her beautiful singing voice on social media since seeing her perform with Gary. One person shared a snap on Instagram of Gary at the piano and Jemma holding a mic on stage. They wrote in the caption: "Love how @officialgarybarlow is so kind and encouraging of his singers like @jemma_donovan. "He made sure her microphone was turned right up so we could all hear her, and she was fabulous." Meanwhile, a fan on X shared a video from the night and wrote: "The finale @GaryBarlow! Hollyoaks Stars Owen Warner and Jemma Donovan's Sun-Soaked Family Holiday "A huge shout out to Jason Donovan's daughter Jemma who was fabulous as a backing singer." Nepo-baby Jemma grew up in London but relocated to Australia in 2018. Jemma relocated to her father's home country so she could audition for Aussie soap operas. She then went to several auditions arranged by her father's agent, including an audition for Home and Away. Neighbours stars who made it big The long-running Aussie soap has launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Here are some of the Neighbours alums who went on to make it big after starring on the soap... Kylie Minogue Before she hit the big time with her music career, Kylie shot to fame playing Charlene Mitchell on Neighbours. Shortly after her arrival, Kylie began an on and off-screen romance with co-star Jason Donovan, who played Scott Robinson, which gained the couple an army of adoring fans. Jason Donovan After his stint as Scott, singer and actor Jason became an international popstar and had his pick acting of roles. He moved to the U.K., married, had children and has since starred in over a dozen West End show, most notably Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat. Alan Dale New Zealand born actor Alan was one of Neighbours 12 original cast members having made his debut as Jim Robinson on the soap's first episode on 18 March 1985. As the head of the Robinson clan, widower Jim lived at Number 26 Ramsay Street with his children Paul, Julie, Scott and Lucy, and was a real anchor in the community. He stayed with the show for eight years, before his character was killed off in dramatic scenes aired in 1993 but which still reverberate through the soap to this day. Margot Robbie Way before she was Barbie or Harley Quinn, Margot was best known as Ramsay Street resident Donna Freedman. Her notable storylines included her marriage to Ringo Brown and becoming a young widow following his tragic death. After three years she bid farewell to the soap and Australia with a plan to make a name for herself in Hollywood which she did when she bagged the role of Naomi Lapaglia opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street. Jesse Spencer Jesse rocked up on Ramsay street in 1994 with the rest of the Kennedy clan. He stayed for five years, literally growing up in front of the camera, but in 2000 felt it was time to spread his wings and head for Hollywood. It was certainly a smart move as he went on to bag leading roles in popular shows like House and Chicago Fire. Russell Crowe New Zealand-native Russell had a brief arc on Neighbours, appearing in four episodes of the soap 1987 as Kenny Larkin, the former cellmate of Street resident Henry Ramsay. The role obviously got him noticed though because he quickly went on to become a fully-fledged Hollywood A-lister, winning the Best Actor Oscar for his standout performance as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator. Her final audition was for the long-running soap opera Neighbours. Jemma's father, grandfather, and aunt had all previously starred in it. She originally auditioned for the role of Roxy Willis, but due to her not being right for the role, it went to Zima Anderson. Producers later created a character that was ideal for Jemma. Jemma landed the role of the character of Harlow Robinson. When she joined the soap, Harlow's plot resembled Jemma's own move from England to Australia. After her stint in the Aussie soap, Jemma came back to the UK and made her first appearance in Hollyoaks in 2023. She first starred in the soap in January 2023, but nine months later it was announced that the character would be murdered as part of a whodunit storyline with her exit coming shortly after. 7 7
