MOTOWN THE MUSICAL | STAGE REVIEW

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Wed 27 Mar

As someone who grew up listening to Motown as a child, before sharing my love of this music with my gorgeous daughters, this is a personal trip down memory lane. From beginning to end, it’s a five-star show with an incredible cast of talented actors, singers and dancers.

This is the amazing story of Berry Gordy, who borrowed $800 to achieve his unshakeable dream of creating his own record label – Motown, which guided, mentored and launched the careers of some of the most iconic artists of all time. Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, The Temptations and Marvin Gaye, to name but a few.

Motown The Musical tells the story of the determination of one man’s journey against all the odds: racism, personal relationships, greed, professional challenges, his love story with Diana Ross and all of life’s other hurdles. Starting with the Motown 25 celebration concert, which Berry initially refused to attend, it retraces his life to explain why this visionary was left slightly bitter at the end.

With songs from over 50 classic hits – My Girl, My Guy, What’s Going On, Dancing In The Street, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – this is probably the best show I’ve ever seen. Catch it before it leaves Cardiff – you won’t be disappointed.

words KEVIN PEDARLINO photos TRISTRAM KENTON

Motown The Musical is at the Wales Millennium Centre until Sat 6 Apr