The James Bond franchise is as synonymous with its soundtracks as 007 is with dry martinis – shaken, not stirred, of course. Fans each have their favourite incarnation of the British spy. Some will always remain loyal to the original, Sean Connery, while others prefer the light-heartedness of Roger Moore. There are those who argue Timothy Dalton’s darker, edgier take is the closest to Ian Fleming’s source material. What all of us can agree on, however, is the timelessness of the music that has accompanied each film. All these years later, a Bond number remains an event, which is why contemporary artists such as Billie Eilish don’t even hesitate to jump onboard. Tonight is a celebration of more than sixty years of these theme songs.
We are in the safe hands of Q The Music, the world’s first tribute collective dedicated to all things Bond. Overseen by trumpeter and 007 enthusiast Warren Ringham, a 13-piece band, naturally fitted out in tuxedos, are accompanied by three vocalists. After a rousing version of the James Bond theme, we go in big with Shirley Bassey’s ‘Goldfinger.’ The film of the same name turned 60 last year and is hailed by many as the definitive Bond movie. Sulene Fleming – looking suitably glamorous for the occasion – commands the stage with powerhouse vocals. Placing her own stamp on the song as opposed to impersonating Bassey, the singer sets the tone for the evening.
Matt Walker also demonstrates his vocal prowess on ‘Thunderball’, which was originally sung by Tom Jones. We are then introduced to our compere for the evening, Caroline Bliss. The actress portrayed Miss Moneypenny in the two Dalton films of the 80s, The Living Daylights and License to Kill. It is evident from the off just how much Bond means to her and throughout the night we are gifted various anecdotes about how she landed the role, along with other titbits about the series. Bliss is a wonderful host with her presence adding to the experience.
The first part of the show focuses on the Connery era. Singer Rhiannon Porter graces the stage for Nancy Sinatra’s gentle, hypnotic ‘You Only Live Twice.’ Fleming then delivers the goods once more with another timeless Bassey number, ‘Diamonds are Forever’. What works so well here is that all three vocalists possess their own unique styles and sounds – their skillsets perfectly assigned to the songs they perform.
We then move into Moore territory with ‘All Time High’ from 1983’s Octopussy. ‘Moonraker’ and ‘For Your Eyes Only’ follow before we leap forward to 2015’s Spectre. Walker showcases stellar falsetto on the Sam Smith number ‘The Writing’s on the Wall’ – a tough song to sing. Fleming then performs ‘Goldeneye.’ The Tina Turner hit was written by Bono and The Edge of U2 and the film, which was Pierce Brosnan’s debut, is now celebrating its 30th anniversary. The Brosnan era continues with ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ and ‘The World Is Not Enough’, with Porter offering some breathtaking vocal work.
Act two opens with John Barry’s brassy instrumental ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. The film served as George Lazenby’s only outing as Bond. Walker once again demonstrates his versatility on Louis Armstrong’s ‘We Have All the Time in the World’, which was used on the same film. Ringham addresses the audience and enthusiastically describes a sequence from 1965’s Thunderball and we are then treated to the instrumental ‘Death of Fiona’, which is well received by ardent fans.
‘The Living Daylights’ by A-ha is another highlight and Fleming’s take on Duran Duran’s ‘A View to a Kill’ sounds, well, killer. Paul McCartney’s ‘Live and Let Die’ was made to be performed live and has the band firing on all cylinders. Fleming makes the epic ‘Skyfall’ all her own and takes on ‘Another Way to Die’ herself – the song was originally a duet between Jack White and Alicia Keys. The tempo drops with Carly Simon’s sumptuous ‘Nobody Does It Better’, sung beautifully by Porter. It is followed by rapturous, well-warranted applause. We close with the powerful Gladys Knight number ‘License to Kill’.
The band are of the highest calibre, with special mention going to guitarist Dan Booth, who is simply phenomenal. A great deal of love for Bond radiates from the stage and is mirrored back by the auditorium. Whether a hardcore fan or simply someone who enjoys the music, this is a well-thought-out, carefully curated production that fulfils its mission. You can catch The James Bond Concert Spectacular on its nationwide tour, with the show returning to London in October at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Review by Jonathan Marshall
The world’s most critically acclaimed James Bond concert has returned with a license to thrill from April – December 2025 with their phenomenal UK tour! This incredible dedicated tribute band is known for its adrenaline-fueled and stirring concerts, and will be hosted by Miss Moneypenny herself – Bliss, Caroline Bliss. With breathtaking vocal performances, exceptional musicianship, and intricate arrangements that remain true to the legendary film series, The James Bond Concert Spectacular will deliver an exhilarating experience for all.
Presented by Q The Music
Director – Warren Ringham
Singers – Kerry Schultz, Matt Walker, Caroline Bliss
THE JAMES BOND CONCERT SPECTACULAR
Fairfield Halls, Croydon
4 May 2025
The James Bond Concert Spectacular
UK Tour (ATG Venues)
The James Bond Concert Spectacular at New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Mon 9 Jun 2025
The James Bond Concert Spectacular at Princess Theatre, Torquay
Sun 2 Nov 2025
The James Bond Concert Spectacular at Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
Sun 26 Oct 2025
The James Bond Concert Spectacular at Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent
Sun 21 Dec 2025
