The Rocket Man, a Tribute to Sir Elton John ⚝⚝⚝⚝ 
Adelphi Theatre, London

Elton John performed a gig at London’s Adelphi Theatre last night. Except, of course, it wasn’t Elton, now retired from live performance. It was Elton John impersonator Jimmy Love, at the London performance of The Rocket Man, a Tribute to Sir Elton John, part of a nationwide tour. I’m not a fan of tribute acts or the nostalgia entertainment circuit in general. I find guilty pleasures a lazy form of fun, but the talented, charismatic Jimmy won me over and delivered a rousing, playful, heartfelt performance. He looks and sounds quite like Elton too, and has Elton’s mannerisms and movement down to pat. Squint your eyes a bit and you’re at an Elton John show.

The intimate, cabaret-like show opens with Pinball Wizard and moves swiftly on to Your Song, Daniel, Tiny Dancer, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Candle in the Wind, Bennie and the Jets, The Bitch is Back and Kiss the Bride. Extravagant outfit changes, a full band, a backing singer and visuals polish the thoughtful performance. Jimmy is funny, humble, self-deprecating and knows how to connect with his audience, dropping Elton stories in between tracks. More hits follow after an interval including Sacrifice, I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues, I’m Still Standing, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting, and Crocodile Rock as the encore. What a repertoire to work with.

Looking at the audience, this show is for a certain demographic. Its heart is in the right place though, and the packed house loved it and were on their feet dancing by the end. Including me.

Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant  (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah