REVIEW - ONLY AN OCTAVE APART - WILTON'S MUSIC HALL -

Two worlds collide in a voice match made in heaven when Justin Vivian Bond and Anthony Roth Costanzo joyously come together to bring an onstage phenomenon in Only An Octave Apart.

Wilton’s Music Hall, the oldest grand music hall in the world, is a perfect fit for this original performance that involves a mixture of popular songs, comedy, speciality acts, and variety entertainment. Even more impressively, it was only a duo act! As soon as the artists enter the stage with one of many stand-out costumes by Jonathan Anderson, it is apparent that the tone will be humorous. These two performers compliment each other in their different singing capabilities in the best way possible within the first song sung!

The lighting by John Torres transports you to the songs’ various settings and eras, perfectly expressing how powerful this theatrical element is to the music. The show is visually stunning in its simplicity, demonstrating that less is more on this occasion.

The majority of the focus truly belongs to the duo and their voices. This show flows superbly and manages to evolve throughout from one song’s theme to the next. The show is broken into sections by the duo having a conversation that felt very natural, adding one-off moments, facts, background on each other, and humour that even made them laugh. Every word had me in anticipation of what punchline could come from it, and it never failed to deliver. This is a show that combines vocals that on paper may not work, but in reality, did in the best way possible. All the numbers flowed with them to demonstrate their skills in duets and solo acts.

Bond had me in tears with their style of ‘Chasing Rainbows;’ I felt every word sung. Then I was in absolute fits of laughter when one word, ‘no,’ was said throughout ‘deh placatevi.’ As soon as I heard Costanzo’s first words, I was in admiration of his talent. I was in awe of how he sang so beautifully without cracking up. The ease with which he makes his art appear, as well as the rawness and emotion of a world-class operatic vocal ability, was truly something incredible to witness. I felt gratitude for being in the same room and honoured that this show has come to the UK. He captivates the whole audience and the most euphonious voice I’ve ever felt and heard.

The audience were enthralled; there was absolute silence between the numbers, then everyone jumped to give a standing ovation at the end. We even got an encore! Finally, this is the best rendition of a Queen song I’ve ever heard. It’s a show I don’t want to spoil for others because it’s something you have to witness to understand how great it truly is. You won’t regret going.

Only An Octave Apart

Wilton’s Music Hall

Until the 22nd of October

TICKETS AND INFO

{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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