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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,
David Smyth's rating
Reader rating
Description: A solo show by the singer-songwriter.
Phone: 0207087 7599
Website: www.londontheatre.co.uk
Trains: Tube: Oxford Circus 
Star spangled: Rufus Wainwright on the Palladium stage with Judy Garland's daughter Lorna Luft
There are Judy Garland fans, there are superfans - and there is Rufus Wainwright.
Not for him the watching of The Wizard of Oz a hundred times or occasional wearing of a blue checked dress, although the Canadian singer-songwriter has probably done those things as well.
Wainwright took his idol worship to extraordinary lengths at the Palladium, one of Garland's regular haunts, where he turned the show of her life into the show of his.
Garland's 1961 legendary comeback concert at Carnegie Hall became one of the most popular live albums of all time, winning five Grammys.
Wainwright, who is as self-confident as it is possible to be without running for president, had the brass neck to perform the exact same show on the same New York stage last June, where it was received favourably enough for him to bring it to London and Paris this month.
He has got away with it because this was not an inferior singer putting himself on the same pedestal as a legend.
Wainwright was prostrate at the feet of the woman he has called "a gay beacon, a gay saint," never attempting to imitate her, simply resurrecting her finest hour for no darker motive than to remind everyone of the greatness of these old songs.
In a golden Christmas tree of a suit, Wainwright shimmied in front of a 36-piece orchestra, a pure tapdancing showman on raucous numbers such as Almost Like Being in Love and Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart.
His voice, a quivering, reedy thing that is an acquired taste but unique in contemporary pop, was nothing like Garland's.
What other modern pop musician could attempt an evening like this, a vocal Everest that demanded constant changes in style and pace, soaring power on San Francisco and exquisite falsetto delicacy on the mesmerising Do It Again?
He accepted the impossibility of his self-imposed task, fluffing lines, giggling, generally acting the giddy fanboy rather than the sincere artist.
He enthusiastically wallowed in the campness of the Trolley Song but was genuinely touching on I Can't Give You Anything But Love.
An appearance by Garland's daughter Lorna Luft gave the project the official seal of approval it richly deserved.
Of course it couldn't match one of the greatest nights in showbusiness history, but for enthusiasm alone, Wainwright had earned the right to click his heels and go home a happy man.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
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The show on Sunday night was fantastic, with a superb performance from Rufus. It would have been perfect if my special wonderful friend had been there with me.
- Tess, London
Had the immeasurable pleasure of seeing Rufus at the Palladium last night. I was blown away. What a performer! I took my husband who is not a fan and he had to admit that it is a long time since he has seen an artist give such a first rate performance and work so hard. Rufus was obviously enjoying every moment of the show. To also see Martha and Kate (sister and mum) appear with him was an added bonus as well as the wonderful performance of Lorna Luft. They were filming for a TV programme and DVD. Looking forward to that so I can overdoes on a superb performer.
- Valerie James, Upminster Essex
A stunning show. I have seen Rufus on many occasions and every time he amazes me. Again he was a triumph, he sang fantastically on the fast songs, and tenderly on the slow songs. The Man that got away and I can't give you anything but love were my favourites. Martha (another fantastic talent) also did a brilliant job of Stormy Weather. When Rufus performs he casts a spell over his audience, and you are left reeling for days after the show. It's a shame that he is so underated and people don't appreciate this sensational talent. A truly breathtaking night!
- Rachel, Conwy, Wales
I went to see Rufus on Sunday night, and what a performance it was! I was spellbound! I have seen Rufus perform his own music, and have been very impressed, but the show at the Palladium demonstrated his versatility. He is such a talented young man, with a great sense of humour. I could just feel the entire audience warming to him. I am really hoping that a DVD is made of that performance. I would love to have it as a memento of a wonderful evening!
- Diana, Northwich, Cheshire
An amazing show, I saw the same show in New York and this was better. Rufus Wainwright was more relaxed and funny, also with him were Lorna Luft (Judy Garland's daughter) who belted out a few classics and Rufus' sister Martha who sang Stormy Weather as it should be-tragically! Tempted to get the Eurostar to see it in Paris too!
- Mike, London
What a combination? A legend of film, music and performance coupled with one of the greatest singer/songwriters of modern times. You could just see the true love Rufus had for the words, music and spirit of Judy Garland, even in the jazz parts where he said he was at his least comfortable as a singer. I too feel honoured to have been part of the truly appreciative audience last night. In the last few months I have had the pleasure of seeing some of the greatest rock performers who ever graced the stage, but last night was an event that I will remember always. I'm saddened however by so little mention of Rufus' sister Martha who nearly brought the house down with her soul wrenching singing of Stormy Weather, and then Lorna Luft... amazing. It was a night that shall go down in my private history books for sure.
- Jane, London, England
Truly the greatest performer alive today. He has earned his place in history and will in time be listed with greats such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. What an amazing performance, he gave his all, blood sweat and tears. A genius.
- Elizabeth, London, UK
Last nights concert was unbelievable, Rufus Wainwright showed what a truly great showman he really is. His effort and commitment were clear throughout the show, which seemed equally as emotional for his audience as it was for him. On my part both tears and laughter were expended in what was undoubtedly one of the greatest performances i will ever witness, i feel honoured to have been in the audience at such a wonderous concert and moving tribute to the great Judy Garland.
- Charlotte, Cheshire, England
