The Karpenters

Pavilion Theatre, Cromer

Karen would have loved this . . . the Carpenters revisited on Cromer Pier. Critics sometimes suggest what they would like to review. This was one I would not have picked by choice. The only tribute band I like is those Mozart soundalikes, the Royal Philhar-monic. The Karpenters seemed less likely to be exciting than finding Elvis behind the counter of that chip shop in Long Stratton.

I was not encouraged by the biggest roadie I have ever seen slipping on stage and cueing a tape - awful American pseudo documentary about the fabled duo. Then the real band came on, closely followed by the neo-Karen. I braced myself and . . . The truth? I was blown away. I never realised how much the Carpenters were in my genes. What a wonderful voice, a world class band, every player brilliant and totally professional - with a special evening of awe for the sax player, a tiny lady whose name no one caught, but who blew with judgement, precision and the power that would have put Earl Bostik in the shade - and the piano, the bass and lead guitar. I was nearly in tears.

If they ever come round again, do not miss the Karpenters.

Pity I cannot give you the personnel details, but there were none. So let me leave the last word to a couple of Carpenter aficionados, Liz and Tony Ashton from Sheringham. “Style and total energy. Excellent.”