one4review | On 12, Aug 2022

I hadn’t been to the venue, Symposium Hall and it was a really lovely experience. The stage was set up with the words Bette attached in large colourful letters across the curtain. The letters had flower garlands and seabirds attached as homage to Bette Midler’s Hawaiian heritage.

Sue Kelvin is introduced by her co-host Billie Kerr. They make a great team, successfully delivering Midler’s style of sharp wit and powerful ballads throughout their performance. Kelvin takes us through her following Midler’s career throughout the decades. During this journey, we are given insight into Kelvin’s own personal life and how the influence of Midler’s music and attitude to life helped her deal with an insecure home life and bullying at school. Fans of Midler’s music will not be disappointed as songs such as The Rose, Chapel of Love, I’m a Woman are performed throughout this story. Reference to Midler’s Hollywood acting career is not forgotten. We are treated to a puppet performance of the film Beaches (the best worst film category apparently). It was hilarious as they swung plastic seagulls around the room singing Wind beneath my Wings. The Bette Midler puppet looked amazing..

It just goes to show how someone can have such an influence on you as Kelvin nearly gave up her Drama course until it was pointed out that she sounded just like Bette Midler. This gave her the inspiration to continue with a career in Musical Theatre. She has appeared in the West End in performances of Oliver, Wicked, Les Miserable and Chicago.

Both Kelvin and Kerr performed a brilliant entertaining show.

****

Reviewed by Lynn

The Space @ Symposium Hall (Annexe)

18:15 (50 mins)

Until 27th August (not 14th or 22nd)