Review: 2018 Harlem Globetrotters world tour lands in Newcastle

Wednesday night saw the return of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters to Metro Radio Arena.

The Globies’ must-see shows are renowned for being action-packed and full of entertainment; and this year was no different.

The evening had something for the whole family, and the Globetrotters were full of unbelievable tricks, amazing athleticism and hilarious comedy.

The pre-game entertainment involved on-court party games and dance competitions with the team’s mascot, Globie, who impressed the crowd with some incredible dance moves of his own.

The team came out to an excited audience, who got even louder when the players made some seemingly impossible shots from the stands as part of their warm-up.

The Globetrotters have performed over 26,000 shows in 123 countries over their 91-year history, and their well rehearsed routines were clear to see, with their passing and movements appearing telepathic at times

During the game the players showed off their dunking prowess and made the spectacular long-range four-point shot with unbelievable regularity.

Experts at mixing sport and entertainment, the Globies used time-outs as opportunities for some more non-basketball fun, with the players bringing fans out of the audience, chasing each other with ice buckets and leading the crowd in a rendition of the YMCA.

The holders of 12 world records, the Globies’ put on a show which was full of fan interaction and, whether you were a basketball fan or not, the players made sure there was something for everyone to enjoy.

As the game came to a close, some scoreboard trickery and clever timing meant that scores were tied with 30 seconds to play.

The last play of game saw an athletic block lead to a last-gasp, buzzer-beating dunk to give the Globies a dramatic 103-101 victory.

The players saluted the crowd after the game, waving to all four corners of the arena, and made sure to stick around for autographs.

The Globetrotters gave an impressive performance on Wednesday and their unique brand of entertainment gave Newcastle a memorable evening of Harlem style entertainment