The Birmingham Post
Saturday 2nd December 2000
This is Richard Swerrun's first one-man show, and judging by the enthusiastic audience reaction (a standing ovation was given last night) he has a success on his hands.
The last time I felt a sense of excitement generated by a single performer on this hallowed stage was when Eartha Kitt held us in thrall - and was unforgettable. But all that was a decade ago.
Mr Swerrun, an elegant, vital figure in a simple black slik suit with a smart band is very much here and now with a personal singing style honed in such shows as 'West Side Story' and 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'.
Here is a singer who can lift a top note suddenly from nowhere that can set your spine tingling, dropping softly, according to the demands of the song, into a velvety stillness. The old and much beloved standards ranged from the Dick Haymes solo 'The More I See You' to the equally haunting 'Laura'.
But Mr Swerrun always thinks of his audiences and so there was a touch of funky pop and even a gender switch where this delightful artist showed us what a male can do with a female solo (Judy Garland's 'The Man That Got Away' and Berstein's 'I Have A Love'.
The show was very carefully honed and was given perfect musical shape by the gifted Simon Fricker - a pianist and arranger of enormous inventive talent who can segue from Debussy to Lennon and McCartney without batting an eyelid.
As a partnership, these two remarkable performers really have no equal and long amy this fancinating evening continue to wow audiences wherever they decide to take it in the future.
By Richard Edmonds
The Malvern Gazette
Friday 8th December 2000
A GREAT sense of anticipation pervaded the theatre.
The superb seven-piece band of brass, drums, wood-wind, bass and piano (played by the brilliant musical director, Simon Fricker) gave a crescendoing introduction as Richard Swerrun entered, to the audience's rapturous welcome.
His amazing stage presence was evident immediately. This very good looking young man charmed his listeners, as he led them through a variety of popular music, skilfully chosen to ensure pleasure for everyone.
I loved a girl, sung with poignancy, was the audition piece which led to his West End debut. A languorously accompanied Blue Moon, and subtle light changes intensified the mood, as Swerrun sang with sensitivity and intelligence.
A section of `funky-pop', some jazzed up Gilbert and Sullivan, Bernstein's I love him (with a thrilling climax), reminiscence of the Winter Gardens' Ballroom and a tender She's only a dream, a medley of memories from Lennon and McCartney, and a memorable How deep is the ocean, with a stunning piano interlude.
It was refreshing to hear some of the ballads of classic quality sung, with Swerrun simply standing still and allowing the music to speak.
Swerrun's sense of humour and flirtatiousness were easily expressed, and his facial expressions were often amusing; choreography, kept to a minimum, was perfect.
Vocally, Swerrun is the possessor of a fine voice, and he uses it very well; his breath control and the range of dynamics he employs, his clear diction and projection - even when singing very softly - contribute to the consummate artiste he is.
This was an assured and polished performance, no doubt the result of many years hard graft on stage for the whole programme, plenty of stamina was needed.
A celebratory evening in several ways, Richard Swerrun's premiere of his concert tour was given the reception any artist dreams of a standing ovation, prolonged clapping an cheering then a spontaneous burst of `Happy Birthday' from, by now, the completely besotted audience.
The proceeds from the evening go to the Malvern Theatres Equipment Appeal.
By Jill Hopkins
Friday 1st December 2000
My sister Naomi and I booked our front row seats as soon as you announced the date, and couldn't wait to see the show. It's the first time we've seen Richard 'out of character' so to speak, as we've seen him in 'Joseph' obviously (both now and on the previous tour), and panto, and we even saw him in 'Oklahoma' a few years ago, and he didn't disappoint us. He's got such a lovely sense of humour and it really came across. The band were great and Richard's singing was marvellous.
My only gripe was neither of us knew many of the songs, and I think the other fans we spoke to would have liked a few more well known songs too. It's always nice to be introduced to some new songs, but we only knew about 3 in the first half and not many more in the second. However the Beatles medley was superb, and 'Any dream will do' in the coat was a nice touch - was the coat from his Isle of Man production we want to know?
I think though, that the two most moving bits of the evening for me were the audience singing Happy Birthday to him (Richard seemed genuinely touched), and his closing song 'Climb every mountain' from The Sound of Music, which was a really effective way to end the evening and was sung excellently. The buffet afterwards was a great opportunity to meet Richard again, and other fans, and of course Tanith! If he tours with it, I'd definitely recommend Richard fans go to see it. Well done Richard and hope to see you in Wolverhampton!
Best wishes,
Julie Parry
