LIVE REVIEW
THE LAST DINNER PARTY
NEWCASTLE CITY HALL

With their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, topping the UK charts earlier this year, The Last Dinner Party have been making waves, carving out their own unique niche in indie rock. Their growing fanbase is testament to their unique sound that resonates with so many people. The band are currently on their UK and Ireland tour, with many venues having completely sold out.

We went along to their Newcastle show at the historic City Hall to check out the band live. The queue was already wrapped around the venue by the time doors opened, with fans waiting eagerly to see The Last Dinner Party perform.

Walking into the venue, it was great to see City Hall looking very theatrical, with a huge moon and clouds backdrop adorning the stage, flanked either side with ornate banners that created a theatre-set style. The limelights at the foot of the stage were a great touch. A nice touch from the band saw ribbons for sale in the foyer, with donations going to local foodbanks.

Frankie Archer - Photos - David Weddle

As the audience filed in, the first of two opening acts hit the stage. North East singer-songwriter Frankie Archer, who met The Last Dinner Party on Jools Holland's show, gave a great performance to a home town crowd. Enchanting vocals filled the hall as the multi-instrumentalist played the keyboard and violin. The audience definitely got behind Frankie, and the homecoming was a great success.

Those lucky enough to be at the show were in for a real treat as rising star Kaeto was up next. Having just released her debut album 'INTRO', Kaeto took no time at all to get City Hall moving.

With an enthusiastic and contagious energy, Kaeto, accompanied by a very accomplished band, did an amazing job of showcasing her music and definitely succeeded in gaining some new fans in Newcastle. Kaeto's new album 'INTRO' is available right now, so do your lugs a favour and check it out.

KAETO - Photos - David Weddle

It was finally time for the headliners to take to the stage. As the house lights dimmed, the crowd cheered in anticipation of what was about to happen. Smoke and lights filled the stage and lit up the huge backdrop, adding to the already electric atmosphere that was building in the crowd. The music playing through the PA, 'Prelude to Ecstasy' definitely added to excitement. The band walked on to screams and cheers that reverberated around the auditorium. As the they picked up their instruments and took their places, vocalist Abigail Morris strode on stage and kicked off the show with 'Burn Alive'.

Vocally, Abigail was very strong, hitting all the right notes with ease, it was clear from the start that the whole band is a tightly knit unit, and you could tell this was going to be one heck of a show. With a decent-sized set list ahead of them, The Last Dinner Party was only just getting started, and so were the crowd.  As the band did their thing on stage, the fans were equally invested in the singing as Abigail was. During songs like 'Feminine Urge' the crowd was almost louder than the band. It takes a dedicated following to get that sort of reaction.

There was plenty of variety, with guitarist Lizzie Mayland showcasing her enchanting vocals with a stunning cover of Catherine Howe's 'Up North'. In fact, the whole band was incredible throughout; Aurora Nishevci gave an incredible performance on the piano during 'Beautiful Boy'.

There wasn't one loose cog all night. The band were incredible throughout, with loads of energy and a stage presence that just oozes theatre. A stunning stage show—to say it went down well with the fans is an understatement. The whole place was well and truly united in their love for The Last Dinner Party; right up to the finale, 'Nothing Matters' the energy and enthusiasm from the audience were simply amazing.