Sometimes the only thing you can do in life is hold
your hands up and say “I was wrong,” whether you reach that conclusion alone or
after a push from others.
Well, I have been wrong about a lot of things in 2014
so I only think its right to clear some stuff up before Big Ben tolls and Jools
Holland goes berserk on the ivories in a few hours time.
I was wrong about Ronan Keating.
Totally wrong.
I wrote a light-hearted blog a few months ago exploring my irrational negative feelings about the singer; berating a decision to cast a
celeb in Once the Musical.
I went to see the musical last night and well, dear
readers, I eat my words, my hat and anything else that one can consume when
they’ve been daft. He was great. Well cast, superb vocals and a naturalistic
style that completely blended with the style of this show. The show itself is
perhaps not my cup of tea, but you cannot fault the incredible ensemble work
and insane musical ability that create an emotional and evocative few hours of
entertainment. Some of the performers were playing 3 or more instruments whilst
singing with Celtic glee and energy.
When I found myself yearning for a bit more performance
quality from Ronan, I quickly realised that he didn’t need it at all. This isn’t
a showy piece of theatre at all – his understated naturalism was perfect, funny
and moving. When there were glimmers of West End showbiz from others it felt
totally wrong and didn’t sit with the ensemble piece. The only clue that he was
anything other than another West End lead was the one whoop of “Go Ronan” after
a particularly impressive riff and two fans with their “selfie stick” outside.
But doesn’t that happen in most musicals now? Think of the screams when Sam removes
his shirt in Ghost, or the adoring glances at the boys on the barricades.
So I was totally wrong and out of order.
Life is full of people who are willing to say nasty
things about you – whether in print or in person. But it hurts. I am sorry
that I was one of those people, albeit in the style of
light-hearted bloggy opinion. It seems I have outgrown those feelings. Maybe it’s
a sign of growing up or tastes changing? (Hindsight has also seen me lose the
passionate argument with Ally Sturney in 1990 about Mark Owen being way fitter
than ugly Gary Barlow, how I’ve been proved wrong there in 2014!)
Shedding old bad habits, opinions or negative thoughts
is a good idea as a new year dawns. So I wish you all a very Happy New Year and
hope that 2015 is full of positivity, happiness and life lessons to make it the best
year yet.
And congratulations Ronan, on a fine West End debut.
