Review: The Nolans, Royal Concert Hall
Twenty-six years after Bernie, Coleen, Linda and Maureen last performed together as The Nolans, the four sisters chose Nottingham for their return to the live circuit. Billed as "the ultimate girls' night out", the reunion tour follows in the wake of a comeback album (I'm In The Mood Again) – and as with the album, the sisters opted to mix their old hits with a selection of well-known (and in some cases, well-worn) covers.
In keeping with the "girls' night out" theme, eight strapping male dancers were given free rein to strut their stuff, in a wide range of costumes which didn't always stay on for too long. During the opening medley of Holding Out For A Hero and It's Raining Men, their cheesy, Chippendales-style cavortings threatened to overpower the whole show – but as the ninety minute set progressed, a better balance was struck.
As for the ladies themselves, now in their forties and fifties, middle age has not diminished their capacity to entertain. Coleen's regular television appearances have turned her into the most instantly recognisable Nolan, while lead singer Bernie – a sorely underrated talent in her day – remains the star vocal attraction. The slender, dignified Maureen seemed almost untouched by the passing of the years – whereas Linda, always the joker of the pack, has become the most emotionally charged performer of the four.
Visibly nervous at the start of the show, Linda gained strength and confidence as the evening progressed. When she wobbled, you willed her on. By the end of the main set – drained by an intense performance of Christina Aguilera's The Voice Within, and overwhelmed by the warmth of our applause – she was openly weeping. Other sisters, and even some audience members, followed suit. The cheers grew ever louder, reaching fever pitch as I'm In The Mood For Dancing closed the show, and forcing the stunned, nearly exhausted sisters to reprise the whole song. As comebacks go, this one was little short of triumphant. It's good to have them back.
MIKE ATKINSON
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by Rachster, Newcastle
Sunday, October 18 2009, 3:09PM
“Travelled from Newcastle to Nottingham to see the girls on their opening night and it was soooo worth it (Just as I knew it would be!!) Shane and Jake I thought were fantastic too, talented and funny.
Great show/performance by The Nolans!
All four ladies looked amazing, especially Maureen.
Gorgeous vocals but the backing music was so loud at the start I could barely hear them singing! I have to say that I loved their reaction when they'd finished 'Im In The Mood For Dancing' the first time around.
I nearly cried myself, the applause was deafning!!
Was well worth the hour long wait at the Stage Door to meet them again.
So glad I was there and that their opening night was brilliant, for them and the audience.
Can't wait to go again :-D”
by Chris HARE (LEATHER JACKET), London
Wednesday, October 14 2009, 10:31PM
“Travelled to Nottingham for THE NOLANS' opening nite, well worth the trip. The show and the ladies were marvellous, funny and very emotional. The sets and costumes did them all justice and their voices win every time. I have loved them since the start and always will. Was a very emotional evening for me I was struggling to sing along choking back the tears, so god knows how The Nolans managed to control their emotions until the end. VERY WELL DONE TO THEM, THEY PERFORMED FROM THE HEART AND THE WHOLE THEATRE FELT THEIR LOVE XXXX ( Chris in Nottingham please ask Pete at the fan club for my email)”
by Alison, Derby
Tuesday, October 13 2009, 7:50PM
“I saw the Girls last night and over 25yrs ago!! They still know how to put a show on. The sound was still a little overpowering, They don't need to hide behind their band, these girls can definately hold a tune, unlike some of today's wannabes. They did seem a little scared to let themselves go and at times a little unsure of themselves but hey, it was only the 2nd night, in front of an audience. I'm sure as the tour goes on confidence will allow them to shine bold and bright, showing the country what they are so good at doing. All in all, it was a refreshing change to see a girl group that got to the top, the hard way without the all of today's hype and proving they can still stay with the pace 25yrs on. Good on ya girls...”
by Dorothy, Notts
Tuesday, October 13 2009, 2:16PM
“I went last night and the whole thiing was fabulous. I wouldn't change a thing. Everything was just perfect - the Nolans were fabulous. I saw them when they were last here in 1984 and this was a far better show than I recall it was then. Wish I was going again !”
by Dave Samuel, Stoke-on-Trent
Tuesday, October 13 2009, 12:53PM
“The Nolans & Colleen's sons were fab. My wife met them backstage when she was 7 in the Victoria Hall, Stoke and she loved their return. The poor sound balance was the fault of the sound engineers, no one else but I wish them well as they still knock the socks off most of today's acts for entertainment value and professionalism!”