It turns out pork pie hats and dark shades are obligatory if attending The Blues Brothers Party. I did not receive this memo, but luckily the theatre was fully stocked should the mood take me.
Unfortunately it didn’t. While its energy can’t be faulted, the show betrays hints of cruise-ship entertainment which is at odds with the venue. More suited to a smaller space, the show initially does not gel with the huge auditorium that Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre provides.
Simon Connolly and Trevor Jary as Jake and Elwood Blues respectively however, perform well as The Blues Brothers, giving their best efforts to make the gig seem intimate. Their voices are rich, and they throw in an excellent amount of dad dancing for good measure. Chewing gum with a vengeance, their American drawls and cheesy jokes fit the bill. It is a tribute performance, and a tribute performance you’re going to get.
Furiously churning out rhythm and blues classics, including ‘Everybody Needs Somebody To Love’, ‘Mustang Sally’ and ‘Shake A Tail Feather’, the pair are supported by a great band, and four singing divas. The renditions of ‘I Don’t Know’ and ‘Try A Little Tenderness’ were particular highlights.
Apparently though, the show’s budget is blown on the pair’s RayBans, as the backing group certainly draw the short straw. The brothers’ sharp suits are accompanied by The Soul Sisters donning questionable PVC outfits and ill-fitting tuxedo jackets. The set is also unimaginative, with token props simply making the show less professional.
Overall, a cheap and cheerful production, unfortunately lacking in star quality to warrant a hefty ticket price. ‘Party’ might be overselling things a little; ‘mild moments of excitement’ might be more suitable.