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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,
André Paine's rating
Reader rating
Description: The pop diva sings songs from her album Hurricane.
Force of nature: Jones delivered a stunning show with multiple costume changes
Another of Grace Jones's outrageous outfits
There are plenty of female singers willing to be vaguely risqué, but only Grace Jones could wear a basque and buttock-baring underwear and make it seem like entirely acceptable behaviour for a 60-year-old.
More a force of nature than a mere pop star, her intoxicating mix of attitude, sexually charged music and Philip Treacy headwear made Madonna seem demure in comparison.
Yet Jones never sacrificed her dignity - except perhaps during a few moments of bottom-wiggling - in a show that relied on her unique talent rather than diva-ish posturing. Of course, it helped that she still looked like a supermodel, even with her cropped hair and baleful stare.
After a terrifying video to new song Corporate Cannibal, featuring Jones being horribly distorted, the Jamaican-born singer made her entrance on a platform above her band during the reggae groove of Nightclubbing.
The fans were noisily supportive at this Meltdown festival comeback, which bodes well for her first album in 19 years in October. But Jones was initially a bit tentative, and when she sat down and dragged herself down some steps, complaining about not being able to see her way, it felt as if something might go wrong sooner or later.
But no: Jones simply took charge and, within the first few Eighties disco and electro-funk tunes, she jumped into the arms of a fan, undertook three costume changes and threatened to "come out naked", although then decided it might get her arrested. Jones has vocal power rather than a great voice, but the combination of singing and speech was seductive and she moved around on her stilettos like a woman half her age.
The loss of her lyric sheet for a new song may have been pretence - she admitted as much the next time - but it added a sense of drama. Overall, the new material was encouraging, and Corporate Cannibal had some of the pounding intensity of Bjˆrk's Army Of Me.
But this fearsome performance was always building to a finale of hits and the electro-rock take on Love Is The Drug, with a green laser bouncing off Jones's glittery bowler, had everyone dancing.
Despite her reputation for trouble, she was warm and affectionate and even encouraged the audience to join her towards the end, with 50 people gyrating to Pull Up To The Bumper.
However, she was never going to take any nonsense - "No beers on stage!" she snapped at one petrified fan - and this former Bond villain kept complete control. She is, of course, amazing Grace.
Meltdown continues until 24 June.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
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I went to see her on Saturday at the Apollo in Manchester. It was fantastic!
She could certainly give Kylie and Madonna run for their (or is it our?) money so original and such talent and what a looker. Lets hope there are more live tours to come.
- Roy Greenwood, Manchester
Grace was truly absolutely amazing. A total one-off, I'm so glad I managed to get tickets. Despite being in the very back row, the atmosphere was electric. I hope she's reading her reviews today, five stars and more - she deserves it.
- Helen Booth, Surbiton, UK
Mmm Mmm, yes sirree, this show was simply spectacular. Grace gave her all for two hours to a VERY appreciative audience. She is still the most stylish Jamaican export ever and still is ahead of the current pack (judging by the new material she played). Wind machines, headgear (with lights attached), lasers and those spectacular costumes and unforgettable song interpretations all added up to an incredible show. I (and the rest of the hall) were well and truly graced last night!
- Daniel, East London
