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An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed
Muse
I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
John Aizlewood's rating
Reader rating
Description: Contemporary folk sounds from the Californian harpist backed by the LSO playing arrangements by Van Dyke Parks of her latest album, Ys. Alistair Roberts supports.
Phone: 0845120 7537
Trains: BR/Tube: Moorgate 
Fascinating: Joanna Newsom sang in a voice as expressive as Kate Bush and bashed her instrument like a woman in a hurry
The line snaking around the Barbican's foyer in the hope of returns for this long sold-out event suggested that Joanna Newsom's arrival as a serious contender has surprised even the most hawk-eyed trend watchers.
But ever since Mary O'Hara retired, the audience for singing harpists has been unpredictable.
The Californian's first hour was fabulous. Accompanied by the LSO, she swept through her second album, Ys.
A fascinating mixture of folk, outsider music, avant garde and pop, the five lengthy but curiously threatening madrigals overflowed with intricate melody and counter-melody and tongue-twisting, shape-shifting lyrics.
She sang in a voice as expressive as Kate Bush and bashed her instrument like a woman in a hurry.
Delighted to be stretched by Van Dyke Parks's innovative arrangements, the LSO gave her material, particularly the stunning Cosmia and the triumphant Emily, the depth they deserved.
It was music like you've never heard before, from another, better planet. If she'd stopped there, it would have been the concert of a lifetime.
Instead, Newsom returned for another hour, sans orchestra. For all the twists and turns of Bridges And Balloons, she suffered by simply not being as stunning as before.
Next time, she'll surely start with the good and finish with the astonishing.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
