Review: Boyzlife at the Europa
By Tara McLaughlin
This hybrid double act featuring both Westlife and Boyzone's Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy, is a show that lived up to all of its much anticipated expectations. And more!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The show, dubbed stories, laughter and music is done an injustice by its brief slogan. Words such as comedians, actors, singers, (dodgy) dancers and engaging storytellers would be more apt for this deadly duo.
Underpinned by their sheer inability to take themselves too seriously, the former boyband star's duet is one that was well suited to the lively Belfast audience.
The show is a modern, cheeky-chappy take on an audience with the former bandmates and encompasses everything old fans would expect from these two Dublin boys.
Opening with a lively version of The Going Gets Tough followed by a few of the greats, the show lends itself well to the format of a few songs, a few stories and a few laughs.
With the Europa hotel as it's festive adorned setting, Coming Home for Christmas is the perfect way to kick off the holiday celebrations. For adoring fans of the bands, this is a treat with just the right amount of cheesey boyband ballads, served with a hefty dose of the boy's big personalities.
Keith's blatant acceptance of his restricted vocal ability is a vital part of why this double act works so well. In the words of Mr Duffy himself, he asks the rhetorical question "do we look like ageing popstars trying to make a few quid out of some idea that we had?"
What he lacks in vocals though, he makes up for in charm. His larger-than-life persona makes Boyzone trips down memory lane come to life with vigour.
By contrast, Brian is the talented singer-songwriter performing an intimate, acoustic version of Flying Without Wings with authenticity. Together, the boys are a brilliant act of cheek and reminiscing about the glorious 90s, much to the delight of the audience. With a few chart topping hits and festive tunes thrown in.
The show has an inept feel-good factor, guaranteed to leave you feeling festive and nostalgic at their slapstick recreation of pop days gone by.
Pictures by: Ian West/ PA Archive/ PA Images