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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,
Critic rating
Reader rating
If ever a band was built to age gracefully it is Saint Etienne. Though born in the creative white heat of post-acid house London, and adept at harnessing contemporary dance sounds, there has always been a studious mining of the past in Pete Wiggs and Bob Stanley's compositions with singer Sarah Cracknell, a wistful nostalgia and belief in the timelessness of great pop that sit well with increasing maturity.
All these qualities were encapsulated in the opening brace of songs. This Is Tomorrow, appropriately enough given the venue, came from the band's own 2007 film about the South Bank complex and was a look back to Britain's post-war optimism and belief in the greater good - all set to a disco beat. 1991's Nothing Can Stop Us, the first Saint Etienne recording to feature Cracknell, perfectly captured the dance scene's sense of possibility, while its northern soul groove gently reminded us of dancefloor dreams further back in history.
Cracknell, though her plaintive, understated vocal style isn't exactly Tina Turner, is one of the most distinctive singers in UK pop, and the sweetness of her voice hasn't been weathered by time. Neither has her subtle but excellent stagecraft: clad in classy trouser suit and feather boa, she gently coaxed the seated 30-and 40-somethings into participating more and more, until, led by three bearded gay "bears", the crowd surged to the front to dance to classics Spring and Only Love Can Break Your Heart.
The stewards weren't happy, but a charm offensive from Cracknell persuaded them to drop their jobsworth attitudes. From then on, to the final encore of He's On The Phone, the show was a joy, and the happily grooving crowd a perfect illustration of the band's lasting appeal.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
