Kicking off his “Grumpy Christmas Stocking” tour, Rick Wakeman CBE, pop impresario, author of over 90 solo albums and star of TV’s Grumpy Old Men, took to the Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon for a festive evening of music and laughs.
The format followed that of his previous “Grumpy” tours. Wakeman performs a song, takes to the mic to discuss whatever, repeats… Between songs he gave the front row a pop quiz, spun anecdotes from his career and shared personal stories. His down-to-earth digressions drew hearty laughs from the audience.
The spoken part of the show was not yet completely polished. Wakemen read from notes onstage to prompt his dialogue. But his delivery was still natural, knowing and engaging.
The setlist, like his previous “Grumpy” tours, included reworked tracks from his solo career, from his time in the band Yes, and renditions of tracks he played on as a session musician. Highlights included Wakeman’s “Merlin the Magician” and a medley of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” and “Life On Mars?”
As this was the Grumpy Christmas Stocking tour, festive tunes featured strongly. But rather than simply play carols, Wakeman playfully integrated his versions of Christmas tunes with other tracks. For example, “Deck the Halls” featured in a medley of Yes tunes.
For an extra treat, Wakeman played two unreleased tracks from his forthcoming album, A Gallery Of The Imagination. Forthcoming, but the audience could buy copies exclusively available at the show.
This is an awe-inspiring solo-show where Wakeman, occasionally eyes closed, switched from tender pieces on a grand piano to technical excellence on synth tracks. We saw a master at work.
As with the music, the stage was festive and included a Christmas tree with tinsel, fairy lights and presumably fake presents.
The intimate venue, nicely lit, allowed the audience in: even at the back I had a good view. And the acoustics of the smallish room let the music bounce around us.
This show is for anyone who enjoys Wakeman’s music especially those who enjoy a more intimate concert experience. You get the feeling of an acoustic show but with the occasional synth.
Unfortunately, this tour has no future London dates scheduled but Wakeman is playing two concerts at the London Palladium in February next year.
Edited by Carissa Svedberg