Review: Tom Seals – The 45s Tour at Crewe Lyceum Theatre*

Tom Seals is fast earning the title of U.K. Piano Man, with his mix of blues, jazz, swing and soul with a touch of boogie woogie style. The 45s Tour follows the release of Tom’s latest single, ‘Kissing in-between the 45s’ and his debut TV series – ‘Tom Seals Presents’ on Sky’s All About The Music channel. The tour is presented by Cuffe & Taylor.

The Crewe Lyceum Theatre date on this tour was a dream come true homecoming for Tom Seals, who grew up in the town and first appeared on the Lyceum stage as a child. When Tom and his band entered the auditorium, the applause was furious and combined affection for a local hero with a sense of excitement about being able to attend a live music event after our enforced break. Tom acknowledged this right from the start of his show, clearly revelling in a return to the stage and appreciating the support of the audience over the last 18 months and this evening.

The 45s Tour show combined jazz standards; songs selected by the guests on Tom’s TV series; original material, including his latest single, and pop classics with a twist – including a brilliant, soulful piano version of Slade’s ‘Coz I Luv U’ which I’ve been humming since the show ended.

Tom is clearly an extremely talented piano player and was mesmerising to watch and listen to. The piano was joined by guitar, bass, two saxophones, trumpets, trombone, a three-piece string section and a drummer who held the entire show together and took the limelight during the blues version of ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ by the Rolling Stones. Refreshingly, although Tom was very natural and spontaneous in chatting to the crowd, the music was definitely the focus of the show. The talents of the extraordinary band were highlighted, with most members taking solo spots throughout the evening. The atmosphere on stage was relaxed, with the musicians seeming to enjoy themselves as much as the crowd, giving the whole performance a joyous feel.

Immediately after the gig, Tom met a large part of the crowd who queued outside the Lyceum for a chat and photo with him. He gave generously of his time to teachers who remembered him from school, bandmates who had played with him in pubs, long-standing fans and first-time listeners. This was a wonderful way to round off an evening of consummate musicianship in a warm, friendly atmosphere which, for me, was a perfect reminder of why live music is so uplifting and so vital.

About Tom Seals

Tom Seals has the musical world at his fingertips. His virtuoso piano solos, excellent improvisation skills and distinctive voice have left top industry officials hailing him the UK’s finest boogie-woogie and blues pianist/vocalist. Hot on the heels of sold-out shows across the globe including London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s, Birdland Jazz Club in New York and working with Jools Holland, Tom made his TV debut earlier this year, with the Tom Seals Presents series on Sky’s All About The Music channel. The brand-new music and chat show, born from an online concept Tom presented during lockdown last summer, was a perfect mix of music and celebrity interviews with Tom performing while chatting to guests about their favourite songs. Guests included Ruby Turner, Diane Abbott, Russell Watson, Toyah Wilcox and David Coulthard.

Tom is joined on tour by his band who have worked with the likes of Ruby Turner, Bruno Mars, The Who, Mica Paris and Chaka Khan to name a few.

Where is Crewe Lyceum Theatre?

Lyceum Theatre
Heath Street
Crewe
CW1 2DA
Tel: 0343 310 0050

Head to Crewe Lyceum’s website for information about getting to the theatre via public transport or more details about car parking.

Things to note

As part of Covid-19 safety measures, the Lyceum has altered its queuing system and has a one-way walking route in place inside the theatre, which affects access to the bar and facilities.  For up-to-date information about additional safety measures on their website.

About Crewe Lyceum Theatre

The Lyceum Theatre is the only Edwardian theatre in Cheshire East. At 110 years old, it’s an institution in Crewe and Cheshire. The theatre was given an interior facelift culminating with a gala debut of a new restaurant and Circle Suite in May 2012.

About Cuffe & Taylor

Cuffe & Taylor is officially one of the UK’s top 10 live music and event promoters with offices in London and the North West. Established for more than 10 years and now part of the Live Nation family, they present breath-taking tours, festivals and theatre shows across the UK. Cuffe & Taylor work with artists including Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, Sheridan Smith, Britney Spears, Bryan Adams, Noel Gallagher, Kylie Minogue, Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Stereophonics and Lewis Capaldi. They continue to take shows to the fans, specialising in presenting concerts in unique locations.

Review by: Sharon Corbally

You may also want to read:

Review: What’s Love Got to Do With It at The Bridgewater Hall

Review: Peter Pan the High-Flying Pantomime Adventure at Crewe Lyceum

Review: Nigel Slater’s Toast at Crewe Lyceum Theatre in Cheshire

* We were provided with free entry passes to watch the show in return for a review. All opinions are our own.