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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 veteran composer and conductor plays with the the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Phone: 0844482 8008
Website: www.roundhouse.org.uk
Email: info@roundhouse.org.uk
Trains: Tube: Chalk Farm 
, Tube / Bus: 24, 27, 29, 31, 134, 135, 168, 214, 253, 274, C2 
Extra info: Food, Pub
Musical legend: Burt sings with Jamie Cullum
In her hometown: Burt and Adele seem to be enjoying themselves
Big show: the BBC Electric Proms took over the Roundhouse
For the opening night of its Electric Proms, the BBC booked an American music legend whose venerable status almost makes The Rolling Stones seem like a bunch of young upstarts in
comparison.
Still, Burt Bacharach looked pretty incredible for 80 years of age, with the relaxed air of a retired tennis coach. And there were some youthful guest stars, too, so it lived up to the Electric Proms’ remit of “new moments in music”.
Bacharach clearly inspired awe among the many musicians on stage, but with one hand in his pocket as he addressed the audience, he was the personification of urbane charm.
Careful to give credit to the lyricist Hal David, he also coolly pointed out that all these famous tunes were composed by “the same person — the piano player here”.
In fact, between songs Bacharach was about as relaxed as it’s possible to be without nodding off. But when he performed at the piano with a troupe of vocalists and musicians as well as the marvellous BBC Concert Orchestra, you saw him striving for perfection, often out of his seat and conducting the players.
Perhaps the first 20-minute medley was too much, too soon, as a run of favourites originally sung by Dionne Warwick flashed by: What The World Needs Now Is Love, Walk On By, I Say A Little Prayer, and more.
The show settled down with a stirring take on Anyone Who Had A Heart, featuring a blasting saxophone solo, and Jamie Cullum sang a creditable version of Make It Easy On Yourself.
Some of Bacharach’s hits now seem sugary, particularly The Carpenters’ (They Long To Be) Close To You, but most of this 90-minute set was evidently the work of a major songwriter.
The other guests were on song, too, with Beth Rowley’s gutsy performance of Gene Pitney’s 24 Hours From Tulsa, while Adele sang Baby It’s You without any fear that she was following The Beatles.
The soundtrack section revisited Tom Jones’s What’s New Pussycat? And the veteran was happy to air early material he admitted sounded like somebody else had written it, such as Magic Moments, recorded by Perry Como more than 50 years ago.
Occasionally Bacharach voiced some of his own songs, too. “Nothing’s worrying me,” he sang delicately on the encore of Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head, before strolling off.
Few artists combine poignant and cool in one package, but Burt Bacharach is that man.
Until 26 October, www.bbc.co.uk/electricproms
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
At which point does a naff middle of the road artist become a legend?
- Al Stuart, ealing
Magical: Thank you ES/Andre Paine for the page 3 review and essential web link that allowed me to enjoy the whole show.
- Julie Gourgey, London UK
Living in Spain we obviously could only watch this wonderful concert interactively. Being of a certain age, my husband and I watched Burt Bacharach with loving memories of times gone now, both singing along. He is talented beyond belief and is still as inspiring musically as he has always been. It was wonderful watching him and he is on loop at the moment. Great concert. Lets hope he keeps on providing us with music the way that only he can.
- Dorothy, Spain
