I’m feeling big on Nostalgia at the minute. Recently I went to Rocket Man and didn’t realise how many Elton John songs I knew. And last weeked I went to ‘The Summer of Love’ at Playhouse Whitley Bay.
I’ve never been to any kind of show based on 60s music or to see any tribute bands from that era. My music knowledge doesn’t really go further back than the 70s, and even then, it’s limited. So, I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Summer of Love, or even if I’d enjoy it.
The show began with black and white video footage setting the scenes of the generation and played throughout the show providing a narrative.
We then follow the story of two of the band members Jonny (Max Himmelreich) and Caroline (Ingrid Olivia) as they meet and fall in love in the Summer of 1967. We experience the emotions through the dialect between the two lovers, original video footage and songs as Jonny sets off to fight in Vietnam.
The two hour show was packed with popular classics including ‘San Francisco’, ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’ ‘Mellow Yellow’, ‘I’m a Believer’, ‘Summer in the City’, ‘All Along the Watch Tower’, ‘Need Somebody to Love’ ‘Light my Fire’ and so many more. I don’t think I’ve ever known so many songs in a show. And I was very surprised that I recognised so many.
The set was very simple, but beautiful. With flowers winding up the mic stands and across the stage. Clever use of lighting adding a bit of psychedelia.
The outfits were fabulous. A lot of thought and effort must have gone into creating a range of authentic bohemian looks straight from the 60s. The vocals were superb both as a band and stunning individual performances.
A lively show from start to finish as band members moved and danced about the stage, giving the flavour of California in the 60s.
Highlight of the show had to be Mamas and Papas hit ‘California Dreaming’, as I expected it to be. Such an iconic hit which even brings back memories for me as I remember hearing it played at home when I was a child, and that was in the 80s. And the constant smile on ‘Jonnys’ face and ‘Caroline’s dancing. I always find I seem to enjoy a show even more when I can see the enthusiasm between the cast members.
The show ended with a touching performance of John Lennons ‘Give Peace a Chance’, sung without music. Just the group lined up stage. This wasn’t so much a performance, but a message to us all from a group who genuinely live by the ideology on freedom and peace.
The Summer of Love was better than I’d anticipated. It’s a night of nostalgia and music of the Woodstock Generation. And most of all, a heartfelt performance by a group of very talented singers/musicians. I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I cannot understand why the venue was only half full. But assume the event wasn’t advertised as much as it could’ve been. The Summer of Love is a show I’d definitely go see again
Take a look at the Summer of Love website for more information and tour dates
* I had press tickets to this event but all thoughts and opinions entirely my own