Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around, we are talking about Barry Steele’s Roy Orbison Story. So settle in as the review of this great nostalgic tribute act is about to begin.
Disclaimer: We were gifted two tickets to the show in exchange for an honest review.
What do you get when you mix a specialist tribute act, a great band and some amazing facts? You get Barry Steele’s Roy Orbison Story. From the minute the show began, it was clear that Barry Steele doesn’t settle for simple or obvious impersonation. His commitment to the craft is evident as Steele takes you through some of biggest hits, deep cuts and blockbuster soundtracks Orbison performed, with Orbisons style, speech and tone. He offers an homage that aims to honour, not imitate, one of music’s iconic voices. With a VERY strong live band, interesting effects, and a setlist that spans Orbison’s prolific career, the show delivers a solid night of musical celebration.
From Only the Lonely to You Got It, the evening is packed with instantly recognisable hits that take the audience back to the heyday of rock ’n’ roll. Steele’s vocal tone is certainly in the right range, with some of the high notes being opted out to the pianist, but what let the performance down slightly was a lack of clarity in the lyrics. Poor diction, even accounting for Orbison’s unique phrasing, often meant lyrics were lost, leaving me a little lost and trying to catch up with the songs.
That said, the show offers a rich experience. One of its standout sections is the nod to The Traveling Wilburys – a welcome burst of warmth and camaraderie that bring a bit of a break to an otherwise reflective setlist. The band were in excellent form throughout, supporting Steele with impressive musicality and a clear passion for the material.
Visually, the show blends retro aesthetics with modern lighting design – though it’s worth noting that a few moments were a bit much. There were a few moments in some songs where almost strobe-like lighting effects directly into the audience were used. While brief, these flashes may be uncomfortable or distracting for some people who are sensetive to this.
Entertainment
There’s no denying that the show offers an enjoyable evening for fans of classic rock and roll, music or even if you’re holding out for Pretty Woman to play! Barry Steele delivers a performance that’s respectful, authentic and musically strong, even though some of the songs are lost in clarity. The setlist is packed, the band are tight, and there’s a genuine love for Orbison’s legacy that shines through the entire production from each cast member.
Value for Money
At regional theatre prices, this is a slightly steep, but still fair and worthwhile evening of entertainment. The sheer volume of hits performed – plus the inclusion of Roy’s collaborations, later works and interesting facts – ensures audiences leave feeling like they’ve received a full retrospective tour rather than a quick tribute. Fans of Orbison, or music in general, may see it as money well spent. Ticket prices fall around the £30 per person mark.
Accessibility
The show does contain a series of rapidly flashing lights, directly at the audience. The show is also quite loud and does involve the house lights changing to show the audience. Some audience members may be sensetive to these lighting changes.
Overall
I give the show four stars, I enjoyed my evening and thought the band were incredible, but the lack of clarity in the vocals made for a rather confusing experience for this Roy Orbison Newbie.
Have your say!
Have you seen Barry Steele’s Roy Orbison Story? What did you think? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
Head over to the Terms and conditions page to learn more about our policies, here at StageSideUK.
Follow us on Twitter and give our page a like on Facebook.
Featured images have been referenced and are used in line with fair usage, in the copyright act.