THAT JOE PAYNE
VENUE THE BEDFORD, LONDON
DATE 17/12/2024
Not all gigs in December are Christmas shows – however, given that the equipment onstage tonight looks like it’s been caught in a minor explosion in a tinsel factory, there can be little doubt about this one. The theme extends to the band, as well: would-be angels attired in white complete with glitzy ersatz haloes. For his now regular Yuletide event, the mercurial, multitalented and always mellifluous That Joe Payne is performing a set of bona fide Christmas songs, pop hits, the odd carol and a selection of his own tunes drawing liberally from his 2022 Christmas album, Ding Dong. In a sparkling tailcoat suit and glittering shoes, every inch a camp, fabulous Master of Ceremonies, he opens with a beautifully touching rendition of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s The Power Of Love and the evocative soprano of Walking In The Air. This switch from passionate pop balladeer to enchanting chorister is an early indication of the different directions Payne explores and the breadth of his talents. Equally at home with the fragile crooning of A Spaceman Came Travelling and leading a raucous audience singalong in its refrain as he’s singing solo and playing piano on his own interpretations of O Holy Night and a slower, more poignant I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, he captures the character and stylistic requirements of every tune, while demonstrating much of his impressive vocal range.