Theatre Royal Brighton – 28th February 2025
5 stars
The Theatre Royal Brighton was alive with the sound of Elton John as Jimmy Love took to the stage in The Rocket Man: A Tribute to Sir Elton John.
From the moment he appeared, decked out in one of Elton’s signature outfits, the audience knew they were in for a treat. Kicking off with Pinball Wizard, he immediately set the tone for a night filled with showmanship, charisma and musical talent.
Jimmy channelled Elton perfectly. His voice had that unmistakable timbre and his piano skills were more than up to the task. With a talented four-piece band and the great backing vocals of Tara Marie Armstrong, the music and energy on stage was infectious.
Costume changes added extra flair, bringing more of Elton’s flamboyant personality into the performance. Between songs, Jimmy engaged the crowd with light-hearted banter, keeping the atmosphere fun and relaxed. His ability to bring humour and warmth into the show made the performance feel more intimate.
The setlist was a dream for any Elton John fan. Their version of Tiny Dancer, leaning more heavily on the guitar, was a standout moment. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was beautiful and high-energy numbers like I’m Still Standing and Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting had the crowd singing along.
Jimmy’s versatility shone throughout the night. He tackled ballads and upbeat anthems with confidence, capturing the raw emotion that makes Elton’s music so iconic.
As the show reached its climax, Crocodile Rock turned the theatre into a full-on party, with everyone on their feet, clapping and singing along.
The Rocket Man delivered everything a tribute show should, brilliant music, nostalgia and a fantastic atmosphere.
Photo credit: Shout Entertainment
