Craig Charles @ Open
A great night from CC.
After the cold and rainy walk through Norwich city centre, I am looking forward to a chance to warm my cockles and put my dancing shoes on – the night, as expected, delivers. When I arrive at 9.30 the place is lightly smattered with pockets of people. And, despite the vast space that makes up most of the dance floor, there is already a party feel in the air. If there’s one thing that can be said about funk and soul fans - they are serious about dancing. Everyone’s ready for a good time, and the opening support acts, Norwich’s own The Dinch (Future Radio) and Easily Dunn (Spankd) are ready to provide. Looking sharp, they lay down classic 60’s funk, pleasingly weaving in hints of 70’s disco, and within an hour the floor is jumping. There are some really tight transitions and, leaning against the side wall, I feel welcomed into the night.
The next set I find a little jarring. Opening with a 30 minute tribute to Bowie, DJ Cheeba is heavier on the decks, and the set is comprised of mainly contemporary pop and upbeat soul, with undertones of UK grime. I lose interest a little. Having said that, the crowd is happy, and many open arms fly into the air as the first few lines of Starman are let out. There is an impressive screen show – something the opening acts lacked. He looks comfortable on stage and is obviously engaged with the music. For me, the combination of a gym-like dance floor and pop music gives the evening a temporary high school disco feeling. The DJing is good, but I’m not sure it’s suited to the night. Or maybe I’m just a killjoy.
The main event is excellent. Craig Charles does Craig Charles – and he does it well. He saunters on stage just after midnight, wearing an impressively tall top hat. The rest goes as you’d expect it to. There are no sudden surprises, but that’s not what we’re there for. The crowd love it. There is a good balance of classics and more obscure treasures. He’s loving it. A transition from a low tempo smooth funk song I don’t recognise into Jungle Boogie gives me shivers. I dance the whole time. The man himself is dancing too – half way through the set the hat comes off; even the best of us can only take so much heat. Not many nights bring together such a range of ages and people, with everyone dressed to the nines and ready to move–the result is warm and somewhat carnivalesque. The floor stays full until the end, the atmosphere is bubbly as we leave. A great night from CC. Come back soon!
