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Writer's pictureFrances

An Evening with 007 Review | Bridgewater Hall | Manchester

Her majesty's secret service offers great protection and even greater music. In a show that delivers back to back James Bond scores, the Bridgewater Halls, An Evening With 007 highlights one of Bonds most remarkable and recognisable assets.

The talented Hallé orchestra accompanied by conductor Stephen Bell feature a smooth array of music including, From Russia With Love, Quantum of Solace and Live and Let Die. The evening of espionage also celebrates the immersive sounds of the British hero with classic Shirley, Tina and Adele titles. Performed by guest vocalist, Alison Jiear, the immensely charismatic singer belted songs such as Skyfall with impressive power, flirted with the conductor and even had time for a costume change during intermission.

Bonds theme tunes are instantly recognisable, but a few lesser known titles were also featured. Both guest vocalists, Jiear and Matthew Ford were brought on stage to duo Another Way To Die, originally performed by Alicia Keys and Jack White. A cover of Duran Duran’s A View to Kill was revived and an instrumental version of Sam Smiths ballad, Writing’s On The Wall was performed from Spectre. Writing’s On The Wall is the only Bond theme tune to reach number one in the U.K. charts with even Adele’s Skyfall and Duran Duran’s A View to Kill peaking at number two.

The concert features an incredible array of classics and after hearing the pieces back to back, you begin to recognise the familiar pattern that makes a Bond score so distinctive and memorable. Even with unknown tracks, you can appreciate the orchestra’s intensity and passion that create a mood both young and old can appreciate. The Hallé perform throughout the year at the Bridgewater Hall, offering other classical musical medleys and sometimes Duran Duran.

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