The Carpenters story Wyvern Theatre 

Nineteen standard Carpenters tunes rounded off with a montage of eight more, beginning with Rainy Days and Mondays and ending with Yesterday Once More. This was a magical night for Carpenters fans where the audience got to hear two and a half hours of the silky voice of Claire Furley singing as Karen and Phil Aldridge in the role of Richard.

The narrative of the show was driven by Marshall John, a US radio DJ whose image was projected on to the back wall of the set. Marshall and the very talented Phil Aldridge shared short introductions to such classics as Jambalaya and Close to You (which the audience were told Dionne Warwick turned down) and There’s a Kind of Hush.

The audience enthusiastically joined in with various songs by adding their vocals and clapped along to Top of the World. Humour and mystery combined in a consummate version of Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft.

Phil Aldridge put together an amazing collection of session musicians to back the programme. Musicians such as Ian Hattimer on lead guitar, Brett Keith on percussion and Lorraine Kelly on violin. However, it was Stuart Curtis who stole the show musically. His talents knew no bounds as he proved he could expertly handle an array of instruments and sometimes up to three different ones in one track. Together this wonderful team produced sounds of the Carpenters’ golden era.

As good as Claire was (and she was undeniably amazing), Karen Carpenter had a unique voice and it was hard not to think back to that voice – which was so soft, so warm yet so commanding – during several of the tracks.

We’ve heard a lot about the grey vote of the election. Well the grey vote was well in evidence at the Wyvern last night, and with a standing ovation, they voted for a professional, versatile and authentic evenings’ entertainment. There were even two curtain calls before the audience allowed Claire to get on the road to the next gig in the Isle of Wight. 

A truly mesmerising show. - Kelly Jobanputra