“John Gardner wrote more James Bond novels than Ian Fleming. Similarly, we can hope to see Beau performing as Winehouse for a longer duration than her subject,who was, unquestionably, one of the most expressive contralto singers since Marian Anderson.”

Editorial Rating: 5 Stars (Outstanding)

She was an icon. She was a legend. She was gone from us far too soon. It is all but impossible to stroll through the popup bars and cafes of EdFringe24 without encountering the music of Amy Jade Winehouse (1983 – 2011). Her legacy of sound and song bends the fabric of musical space and time. The Winehouse catalogue is among the most accessibly, unashamedly classical set of jazz numbers in the known universe and, like her life, fits all too easily into an EdFringe hour’s worth of stage traffic.

Brighton-based Reine Beau Anderson Dudley has been performing as Winehouse for almost five years. John Gardner wrote more James Bond novels than Ian Fleming. Similarly, we can hope to see Beau performing as Winehouse for a longer duration than her subject,who was, unquestionably, one of the most expressive contralto singers since Marian Anderson.

Night Owl Shows do exactly what is stated on the tin. Yes, there’s a formula. Yes, there’s an uncomplicated lightness of touch. BUT, most importantly, there’s an unabashed reverence for and unashamed deference towards the music showcased and those who created it. Night Owl staged over 239 appearances at EdFringe19, receiving 7 five-star reviews and 5 awards with over 100 sold-out shows during the run. There is no mystery to their success. They’re chuffing brilliant at what they do and what they do is pure entertainment done proper.

Reine as Winehouse is neither a fawning parody nor is it a lifeless caricature. It is a sincere love letter. It is a gem set in a glittering ensemble of heavyweight talent in her backing band. Reine breathes life into each number with pitch-perfect audience work as well as lively banter and badinage with her onstage colleagues. The only thing thing that’s missing is an atmospheric smoke machine to counterbalance the tear-jerkingly accurate mirror being held up to a lost legend.

Get your unvented double-breasted thrift store coats on, do try not to throw them on the floor, and go see this!

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