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Take me out tonight
By London Lite 29.11.07Tonight in London, the reformed Take That take their new tour to the O2 Arena, Lethal Bizzle showcases his new album at the Islington Academy and comedian Josie Long appears at the Soho Theatre. Scroll down for details...
Preaching to the converted: the re-formed Take That boys relight the fire at the O2 tonight
Take That
02 Arena
Tonight until 8 Dec
Returns only
When they reformed last year, the four remaining fifths of the original Take That may have had a million of Britain's 30-plus women and gay men jumping for joy, but there was a whiff of desperation to their refound friendship.
None had enjoyed a successful solo career, Gary Barlow was still the butt of jokes and their only hope of extending the originally panned handful of shows seemed to rest on the hope that Robbie might be persuaded to turn up for old times' sake.
Within hours of those tickets going on sale, however, Take That proved to have a pulling power no one had expected.
Eventually, the arena tour ran to months and, more surprising still, their comeback album, Beautiful World, almost became the year's biggest seller. It was pipped by Snow Patrol only because theirs had been out considerably longer.
Now, Take That are the benchmark for reunion bands. The Police may have pulled in more money - Take That never made it Stateside - but it is doubtful they could succeed as well with a new album. And no reunion shows have had the sense of sheer joy of Take That's.
The opening night of the new tour last week in Newcastle proved the no-expenses-spared sets are intact, a pole dancing routine during It Only Takes A Minute underlined the sexy, grown-up image the quartet have mastered as men rather than boys, and even Barlow's diet appeared to have worked wonders.
African dancers, girls in itsy-bitsy bikinis, trapeze artists, pianos appearing from trap-doors and a hefty dose of tongue-in-cheek comedy are highlights of the new set, but it is hits such as Could It Be Magic?, Pray and Relight My Fire, plus the lads' genuine amazement at the place they hold in the hearts of fans that should keep the Take That 2 bandwagon rolling for some time to come.
These days, no hologram Robbie is required. Take That are a far fitter proposition as a foursome. Lisa Verrico
MUSIC
Lethal Bizzle One of the biggest names on the UK underground rap scene, Lethal Bizzle will showcase his new album.
Islington Academy, N1 Centre, 16 Parkfield St N1 (0870 771 2000, islingtonacademy.co.uk), 7pm, £11. Tube: Angel
COMEDY
Josie Long
The endearingly loopy comedian tries to promote sociability among strangers on public transport.
Until 15 Dec, Soho Theatre, 21 Dean St, W1 (0870 429 6883, sohotheatre.com), Wed-Sat 8pm, £10-£14.50. Tube: Tottenham Crt Rd
THEATRE
Doubt: A Parable
A nun suspects a priest of inappropriate behaviour. Starring Nikki Amuka-Bird.
Until 12 Jan, Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Rd NW6 (020 7328 1000, tricycle.co.uk), Mon-Sat 8pm, mats Sat 4pm, £8.50-£18. Tube: Kilburn
CLUBS
YoYo
Seb Chew and Leo Greenslade play a mix of cool R&B and hip hop. Live sets from Aynzli Jones and The Pyrofessionals.
Notting Hill Arts Club, 21 Notting Hill Gate W11 (020 7460 4459, nottinghillartsclub.com), 6pm, £5, free before 8pm. Tube: Notting Hill Gate
