Sharon Sexton & Rob Fowler: Unplugged - Review

Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton can easily be described as vocal Olympians. They captured the hearts and attention of audiences and critics alike through their performances in ‘Bat Out of Hell’. Once the musical ended its West End run at the beginning of the year, the pair embarked on their ‘Vision of You’ journey, taking fans on ‘Finding the Falcos’ adventures; in which they shared songs and stories on the backstory of their ‘Bat Out of Hell’ characters. Now, the duo are prepping for their next big adventure: Mamma Mia on tour where Sexton will be taking centre stage as Donna and Fowler will be portraying Sam.

However, before they begin their national and international tour, the pair have been busy prepping for their final ‘Vision of You’ show on the 8^th September, and last night fans were treated to an Unplugged Event at Crazy Coqs in London where the pair presented some of their original material.

When I say that this dynamic duo sang my face off – I’m not exaggerating. From the second they started singing the crowd pleasing ‘Lay Me Down Easy’ – we were carried away on a musical journey where time just flew past. Next up was ‘Over You’ and despite only being two songs in, it was obvious the audience were already mesmerised and were definitely not over this duo’s talent…

Some original songs had already been shared with us through an Instagram Live that Sexton and Fowler did a few weeks back and included in that was ‘Open Arms’ which they also performed at their last ‘Vision of You’ show. It stole my heart immediately with its soft lyrics and catchy music.

Next came ‘Let Me Feel’ and ‘Soho’ where Sharon passionately belted out notes and riffs and we, as an audience, were captivated from start to finish in both songs.

The next three songs were ‘Kiss Me Now’, ‘Untold Story’ and ‘Never Let You Down’. The first two were full of love and your heart was left feeling like it was bursting. ‘Never Let You Down’ was packed full of emotion and followed a story of friendship and heartbreak which swept the audience away and to which, I doubt, there was no dry eye left. For these three songs, Rob and Sharon were joined by the incredibly talented Liam Ross-Mills whose sweet vocals and song writing skills aided in making the night so wonderful.

After this rollercoaster of emotions, the pair treated us to three numbers that are featured in Fowler’s musical ‘Boy Next Door’. It started with fan favourite ‘Delight’ which we have had the pleasure of hearing on numerous occasions, but never fails to make me emotional as it is utterly gorgeous. The title song ‘Boy Next Door’ followed on and was perhaps one of my firm favourites of the night. Rob’s powerful deliverance of such an emotive number was remarkable. ‘Shadows’ was next, and this was another song familiar to some of us in the audience and was another incredible song that was full of emotion and I was happy they decided to share it with us.

There were two songs remaining that Rob and Sharon shared with us and one of them – ‘Dynamite’ was even more incredible upon learning that Sharon hadn’t even had time to rehearse this number. Despite this, she still managed to blow us away with her performance.

They ended the show with the alluring ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ which was stunning and definitely the best way to end the show.

These two ooze talent and their voices and musical talent are forces to be reckoned with. I’m constantly left in awe after each performance they put on.

As well as their performances, they also introduced Simon Gordon to the stage (a popular name amongst ‘Bat Out of Hell’ fans) who performed one of his original songs which was beautiful and a clear crowd pleaser. As always, Rob and Sharon were joined by the musical genius that is Steve Corley on the keys as well as having written the musical arrangements.

I can’t wait for the Mamma Mia journey to begin and for more people to realise how gifted this pair truly are.

Yesterday also saw the release of their EP ‘My Love, My Life’ (a cover of the ABBA song) and also includes a recorded version of ‘Delight’. You can purchase it here and all proceeds go to The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride; raising awareness for prostrate cancer in men and mental health issues.