Ruby Turner at Theatre by the Lake

Keswick, Cumbria. Friday 23-February-2024.

We enjoyed Ruby Turner when we saw her at Ronnie Scotts back in 2016 but have not been available for any of her concerts since. When we learned that that our friends, Andrew and Sarah, had tickets to see her at Theatre by the Lake we rushed to buy tickets only to discover that it was sold out. Disconsolate we asked to be put on the waiting list but with no great hopes. Then at 4:30 the very evening of the concert Mary got a call to say two tickets to come free. Result! Tickets purchased and a rapid change of plans for the evening. We gave our friends a lift and off we headed to Keswick.

We had an excellent, early supper of tapas at Bar eS in Keswick, sister restaurant to the one we enjoyed in Ambleside, then drove to the theatre in time to order interval drinks and take our seats.

Ruby was very much on form. Our friends had brilliant seats, literally front row right up against the stage. We were the complete opposite the very back row of the gods under the lighting gantry. Fortunately, the PA was excellent and the sound quality even right at the back of the theatre was fine. Her voice is so powerful that it fills the theatre.

Ruby did lots of banter between the songs so much so that she overran the first half, but that didn’t appear to impact on the second half. We got a full two hours of music from Ruby and her excellent band..

The same as when we saw her at Ronnie, she did a soulful version of "I’d rather go blind" which she also did this time. The 'a cappella' section in the middle was very emotional, but if I were being picky went on a little too long. She ably demonstrated her talent and versatility with a variety of jazz and blues styles including several songs from her chart successes. A great evening organised at the drop of a hat!