Franz Ferdinand rock Leeds O2 Academy for first time since 2009

You would be forgiven for not going weak at the knees at the news that Franz Ferdinand are rolling into Leeds to play the O2 Academy. The Scottish indie rockers have been off the scene for quite a while now, with their last visit to Leeds being a whopping four years ago. But with a crowd of more than 2,000 eager fans, it seems that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

They were greeted with a hero’s welcome as they took to the stage in a peculiar ensemble of mismatched black and white outfits and delivered a raucous set of their characteristically sharp, witty and undeniably catchy hits, spanning almost two hours. Opening song Bullet, from their new album Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions, set the show off to a swinging start followed by toe-tapping favourite The Dark of the Matinee.

Whilst the crowd responded enthusiastically enough to new hits Evil Eye and Fresh Strawberries, it was the classic hits from the bands back catalogue that really lifted the roof. No You Girls, Do You Want To and Take Me Out were the obvious fan favourites, with fans eagerly snatching the chorus from frontman Alex Kapranos leaving him with little to do in the way of getting the crowd going.

Note-perfect singer and guitarist Alex was not the most flamboyant or talkative of frontmen, but he had an undeniable stage presence and commanded the show with ease. Alex and rhythm guitarist, Nick McCarthy, were undoubtedly the leaders of the show, with both giving an admirably energetic and spirited performance which led fans into a sweat-fuelled, po-going frenzy.

It was a shame their enthusiasm failed to be matched by bass player, Bob Hardy, who barely raised a smile through the entire set and looked decidedly unenthused by the whole event. Despite a rather reserved performance from Bob, the set did maintain its pace throughout and the band should be commended for their fantastic instrumental interludes.

The instrumental sections of the show, including a drum solo performed by all members of the band at the end of Outsiders, perfectly showcased their superb musical talents reminding fans exactly why they are a platinum-selling band.

The band delivered an impressive lengthy encore, with singer Alex taking a request from a fan at the front to play Jacqueline, before closing the show with This Fire and Goodbye Lovers & Friends.

After delivering an exciting live show with an impressive array of infectiously catchy hits, Franz Ferdinand have proved that time hasn’t taken away any of their charm or shine.

Attend The Tale of Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

When I found out that this show was coming to Leeds, I jumped at the chance to go and see it. After watching the film, starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter (2007), the story has stuck with me ever since...it’s kind of a hard one to forget isn’t it?! Yes, Sweeney Todd still proudly holds the crown for “the weirdest film I have ever seen in my life”, but I love it. To this day I still can’t eat a pie without thinking that someone might be in it and then promptly turning to the person next to me and bursting into a strikingly off-key rendition of ‘would you like a pie sir?!’ But don’t be put off by its rather gruesome and grisly plot as it is a really thrilling, albeit peculiar, story. 

     This musical theatre classic, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, tells the tale of Benjamin Barker (later known as Sweeney Todd), a barber who returns to London after 15 years transportation. Upon his return, he discovers his wife has poisoned herself and his daughter is living in the clutches of Judge Turpin, the man responsible for his transportation. Sweeney then vows to exact his revenge on the judge (and basically anyone else he can get his hands on) and with a bit of help from revolutionary pie maker, Mrs Lovett, he becomes the most infamous barber London has ever known.

The closest shave you'll ever have!

     The show begins the moment you set foot in the theatre as you enter to find the cast already on stage and in character as patients in a mental hospital (this wasn’t hard to figure out as they were acting very odd). Walking in to find the show already in motion did seem a little odd and unusual at first (I felt almost as if I was intruding), but it effectively set the scene and the tone of the show making you feel as though you were instantly a part of the story – almost like stepping into a page of a book. The cast, needless to say, were absolutely brilliant. Despite my disappointment that Johnny Depp wasn’t reprising his role as Sweeney (wishful thinking, I know), David Birrell was excellent as the menacing, demon barber capturing his inner torment perfectly. Equally impressive were Barbara Drennan as Lucy Barker and Gillian Bevan as Mrs Lovett, the stand out character of this production for me. Although, I have to say I found Mrs Lovett’s outfits a little odd – they were a bit too pristine and modern, I thought. I was expecting her to be dressed in something darker and ragged and a little more gothic, rather than in an outfit that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a barmaid in Corrie. But still, the kooky nature of Mrs Lovett was captured perfectly. I will also commend Don Gallagher’s fantastic performance of Judge Turpin for making me dislike him so much!  I disliked Turpin even more in this production than I did when I watched the film, so much so that I found myself looking forward to seeing him get his comeuppance, the smug, arrogant, I’ve-got-so-much-power-its-gone-to-my-head nasty little man! 

     The sets were also commendable and Sweeney’s parlour in particular was exceptionally well staged – it had steps, a sink, a nice little door bell and a blood red mechanical barber’s chair that I would not recommend sitting in, ever.  I must admit I did feel a sense of delight when I realised Sweeney’s victims were actually going to be tipped through the floor! It really was very well done. The fire in the bake oven, although very simply created, was also very effective. But it’s the songs in Sweeney Todd that really make this show dazzle and the cast performed them brilliantly. Johanna, Worst Pies in London, Epiphany and Little Priest were among my favourites, but there isn’t really a bad song amongst them. I must confess, I did quiver in my seat a bit during Epiphany, especially when Birrell started yelling ‘HOW ABOUT A SHAVE?!’ into the audience. I felt myself bowing my head and hoping it wasn’t going to turn into one of those shows where they start asking for volunteers. It is such an engrossing and exceptionally gripping story that will have you invariably sat on the edge of your seat.

     This is a fantastic production and is sure to delight any Sweeney fan. Even if you’re not particularly partial to horror and blood and chopping people up to put in pies, this show is hard not to like and despite its dark and sinister plot, it is actually quite comical (I still can’t keep a straight face when presented with pie). It is certainly one of a kind and I can guarantee that after seeing this show, you will never look at a pie the same way again. 

This brilliant musical thriller is showing at the West Yorkshire Playhouse until 26^th October, so don’t hang about, get your tickets here.

Favourite bit: There are so many I could pick, but the scene in which Sweeney and Mrs Lovett sing Little Priest and rejoice in their plan to put people in pies is brilliant.

Rating: 9/10

Elton John - Official Opening of First Direct Arena, Leeds

Last week I went to see Elton John on the opening night of the brand new First Direct Arena in Leeds. The wait for this arena has been a long time coming but the wait was certainly worth it. As a Leeds resident I’ve always had to travel down to either Sheffield or Manchester arena to see my favourite bands play which has always been a bit of a hassle and caused more expense. So I’m very excited that the new arena is now up and running! 

The arena itself is a very modern, state-of-the-art building, with a 13, 500 seating capacity. I must admit, at first glance the building is very peculiar – it looks almost futuristic, like a strange looking space ship. The front of the building features multi-coloured lights which are lit up at night and change colour – the colours that night were very vibrant and bright, possibly to reflect the flamboyant style of Elton John. Inside the arena, the seats are set out very much like an amphitheatre. They are arranged in a semicircle, as opposed to a circle like in most arenas, allowing everybody to face the stage directly. This arrangement is supposed to make everyone feel closer to the stage and provide good views from wherever you are sat. So the further away your seat, the steeper it got! 

     The show kicked off with a performance from support act 2Cellos, who played a few of their own numbers before being joined by members of Elton’s band followed by the man himself. Opening number ‘The Bitch Is Back’ got the night off to a swinging start, followed by the crowd pleasing ‘Benny and the Jets’ which managed to get a fair amount of people up on their feet. I must say, Elton and his band sounded brilliant and the sound system in the arena was fantastic – my ears were still buzzing a day later. For his first concert back after having his appendix removed, he put on an amazing show as ever. His recent illness certainly hadn’t hindered any of his showmanship and he most definitely proved he was a worthy choice for the official opening, powering through a massive 26 song set and playing for almost 3 hours. 

     He played a string of hits from his back catalogue, including 'Tiny Dancer', 'Candle in the Wind' and 'Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me', as well as two new songs from his upcoming album ‘The Diving Board.’ Needless to say, whatever he played went down a storm. He also played my personal favourite 'I’m Still Standing, during which fans were invited to stand right up next to the stage, followed by the equally lively 'Crocodile Rock' and 'Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting.' Before closing the show with Your Song, Elton returned to the stage to sign some autographs for fans standing at the front of the stage. I have never seen any musician do this at a concert before, but I thought it was exceptionally cool of him to take the time to stop and do that. The chance to get anything signed by someone as legendary as Elton John is pretty slim, so I commend him for giving people that opportunity. He is clearly an artist who appreciates his fans and that was so nice to see. If you ever get the chance to go and see him in concert I would urge you to go; you are guaranteed a great performance and a fantastic show.

Below is a short video from the show. Enjoy!