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New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Theatre
A smart, prickly and rewarding view of sexual and emotional confusion
Cock
Restaurants
Kitchen W8 is a bargain for this area, if such sophistication is what you crave
Kitchen W8
Too long and drawn out but very entertaining with excellent special effects
This is a peculiar play and does not work for me. Some of it is very funny but there are real flaws
Alex has a strong powerful voice and was faultless, she is far better now than she was on the X-Factor
London,
John Aizlewood's rating
Reader rating
Description: The hip-hop and soul singer performs tracks from her platinum-selling album, Growing Pains.
Phone: 0871220 0260
Website: www.theo2.co.uk
Email: customerservices@theo2.co.uk
Trains: Tube: North Greenwich, BR: Westcombe Park Railway Station 
, Tube / Bus: 108, 129, 161, 188, 422, 472, 486 
Extra info: Food, Air Conditioning, Telephones, Pub
That silly purists tend to balk at the suggestion that vocally, Mary Jane Blige is the 21st century equivalent of Aretha Franklin tells us more about purists than either woman. Last night’s performance might have made even the most unyielding soul snob reconsider, for this was an evening spent in thrall to a startlingly intense performer at the peak of her craft.
With spray-on white trousers and, later, a sparkly black catsuit, Blige looked like a woman ready for anything.
So it proved. After 20 minutes, this whirlwind had hurtled through eight songs (it may have been nine; I may have blinked), her voice fearsome on I’m The Only Woman, sultry on Mary Jane (All Night Long) and serene on Be Happy.
With a band (plus vanity string section) lurking guiltily in the background, Blige had the huge stage to herself. But it proved too small for her, for she had a presence as electric as her voice. She railed against men who — the swine! — cheat on their women, marooned at home cleaning; against the fans who deserted her and against those who dredge up her past, before reminding us that she came from the projects and was once terribly fond of drugs and drink.
What made her so special was that she never aspired to cool or succumbed to schmaltz. During the dramatic No More Drama, she cavorted like a spurned woman seeking catharsis, punching the air, pausing for squat-thrusts, while belting out this saga of self-empowerment note-perfect.
After an exhilarating, exhausting, often inspirational 90 minutes, she introduced Just Fine by announcing: “I found someone who completes me” (presumably husband Kendu Isaacs).
The relief for us was almost as great as it must have been for her.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
I don't consider myself a purist - but Mary J Blige was an electric performer for all two hours, but she is no Aretha Franklin. I've seen Aretha twice in my life - once when I was much younger (and so was she) and once more recently. While Aretha limits herself to a more tepid range these days she still possesses the ability to impress with the Quality AND intensity of her voice (Mary J Blige tends to lend herself more to the latter category) at any volume.
MJB was great because of how heartfelt and personal her lyrics were - Aretha is the best because of how heartfelt and personal she makes any song sound and feel for her listeners whether its her lyrics or someone else's.
- James, London
It's now Friday and am still buzzing after the tour de force that is MJB, am no spring chicken (61) but that show at the O2 was the best I've ever seen from an artist. She was fantastic in every way, stage presence, and her set list was perfection. The woman can cut it with the best . . . saw Alicia Keys earlier in the year and she was good but not a patch on MJB she now is the No. 1 in my books, and every one at the O2 Tuesday night. Thanks Mary.
- Andy Ham, Oxford England
Tuesday's concert was absolutely amazing!
MJB was on top form and belted out the most amazing set -
Let's hope she doesn't leave it another two years.
- Craig, London, UK
Fantastic concert. Mary proved she has an amazing voice and gave a very intense performance. There was also a fabulous atmosphere in the arena. Since the moment Mary appeared in stage the whole crowd was on their feet and we kept on dancing non stop for 2 hours! Just great..!
- Anna, London
I witnessed my first MJB concert last night at the 02. I have been a fan for ten years and Mary was simply awesome, we danced,we sang and almost cried with her. How much I want to see Mary again and from last nights performance it can't come soon enough.
- Antony P Smith, Colchester
I attended last nights concert too and all I can say is the woman is an inspiration. Her voice was like the darkest, sweetest chocolate. Powerful and soothing.
I will remember this concert for a very long time.
I've followed her since the beginning but she's only just begun.
- Jaz Bangerh, Leeds, UK
I would like to echo the above comments, Mary's performance was truly outstanding and essential viewing for any aspiring R&B artiste. A masterclass in stagecraft and harmonising. Stunning. The highlight for me was when she launched into 'Just Fine' which had the entire Arena on its feet.
Should be on the list of things to do before you die.....
- Richard, Grays UK
Simply one of the best concerts I've ever been to. I don't think I've ever heard a voice like that before. I'm not a massive Mary fan but certainly am after last night. If you closed your eyes, it was like listening to a new Aretha or a new Patti, outstanding. The highlight of the night was undoubtedly No More Drama, the single best performance of any song on any stage by any artist I think I've seen. Such power, passion and presence left me stunned. Truly the Queen of Soul
- Andrew, London
I attended last nights concert and if I have a complaint it's that I wanted it to last longer. It was a privilege to see Mary back in London looking good and sounding great. Without a doubt Mary is the Aretha of my generation (I'm 40). It was amazing to see soooo many people of different ages and race to celebrate Mary's return to London. Indeed Mariah and Beyonce may have more record sales but they and others have a lot to learn and last night Mary gave many a lesson. Great performance from a great artist who's best is still to come.
- Jacqui, London
