Last night we went to see Hugh Laurie at the Starlite Festival in Marbella. Before talking about the concert a few words on the Auditorium. It was built about 30 years ago and involved 3 visionaries which include Julio Iglesias and Plácido Domingo. It is half way up the mountain side in a disused quarry which forms a natural amphitheatre. For this festival it appears to have been upgraded with a massive stage and “Starlite Village”, which is essentially a large disco, lounge and VIP area in front of the open air theatre. You can’t drive your car all the way up, you park half way and a fleet of buses take you to the venue, which is impressive. The auditorium holds 3,000 people and the stage is huge. The lounge is mega expensive, €12.50 for a Mojito but then this is Marbella.
The Festival runs from 14 July to 14 August and includes some impressive performers: George Benson, Roger Hodson (voice of Supertramp), Tony Bennett, Christopher Cross, Paul Anka, Simple Minds, Julio Iglesias to mention some and Hugh Laurie.
Yes, Hugh Laurie from House, Blackadder and comic partnership with Stephen Fry in a concert. The highest earning TV actor in the US and the most watched leading man on TV! Anyone who watches House will have seen him tinkle on the piano and strum the odd guitar, but in fact he is a very accomplished musician, also playing the drums, harmonica & saxophone, and he is very entertaining. He has also surrounded himself with equally accomplished backing group of 5 musicians and a singer. His first Album “Let Them Talk” has been a great success. Here is a video of his performance of the Swanee river in New Orleans.
He loves the music of New Orleans. He is very knowledgeable about his music, he performs a great show, and engages with the audience, giving background to the songs and music as well as entertaining. In fact a very good night all round.
We had good seats centre stage 11 rows back and here are some of the photos. I'm sorry I didn't take my D800 with me and only my compact Olympus ZX1
