Review of Lee Mead’s ‘The Best of Me’: “Any theme will do”

The West End star gave the London stage a taste of his new solo show – soon to be touring around the UK by the end of Spring. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if the world should still be waiting for this performance – or instead, hesitating about it.

A crush of drums. A flash of light. There was no golden coat, though. Maybe, it did fly out of sight. It’s been almost 20 years since that little-known musical theatre actor became an overnight sensation across this country – and beyond.

I came across Lee Mead for the first time when I was 13. I was not living in London by then, but visiting to see my first-ever West End show. It was not Joseph, but another of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s cash-cows, The Phantom of the Opera. In the programme, there was an interview with the man for whom every door in town had just opened.

I barely knew about Joseph, and its overcomplicated long title (my English no very bueno by that time) – but I was enticed to know more about it and the man who was leading its latest, and highly acclaimed, revival. The enthusiasm seemed justified – at least, from what I could gather through budding YouTube’s low-def bootleg videos (yeah, I know – but it was not like now that I get invited to insult people…). But despite the many opportunities I had ever since then to experience one of the UK’s fondest stage babies, our paths have never crossed up until now.

Last Monday, London witnessed the prologue to Mead’s upcoming solo tour. Titled The Best of Me, the concert featured everything you could expect from someone that’s made a name through musical theatre – punk rock. Obviously not. If you were expecting an evening of showtunes, your wish has definitely been granted – partially. The music of the night did regale us with a few eleven-o’clock-numbers for everyone to bring home as precious memories. But there was more to that.

An additional collection of iconic pop-rock anthems served complemented this, all in all, brilliantly executed rendition. Still proving his vocal skillfulness with astonishing command, Mead’s interpretation flaunted confidence and craftsmanship in the singing field – playing every piece with heartfelt soulfulness and demonstrating how his performing abilities go beyond the act of crooning.

There are two Lees that we encounter onstage. The first is the real one. Quiet, humble, almost shy in appearance. He has an inviting presence, but a discreet aura all over it. If you didn’t know better (and I know you don’t – that’s why you will always need me…), you wouldn’t think that such energy could come out of such a toned-down character. But when the opening chords fill the air, an instant transformation unravels before our eyes. He’s no longer Lee, but the personage that’s now speaking through the notes he so passionately belts out. And the result is nothing short of magnificent.

It’s difficult not to be captivated by the show’s infectious allure. The appeal of its repertoire is evenly matched by the charming intimacy of the evening. At many points, it really doesn’t look like a recital – but instead, a friends gathering where a most welcoming host is beguiling us with personal stories set to music. It works impressively well in terms of structure. We get to meet the artist’s genuine self, and not an onstage persona he switches on when he comes under the spotlight. It’s precisely that feeling of sincerity that makes the whole thing so refreshing.

With cleverly concocted arrangements, put together by a beautifully sounding band, apart from attention to detail through its evocative, vibrantly elegant, and intricate lighting design, The Best of Me may not have landed as an overpromise or sinful arrogance. It is, indeed, a fine tribute to both the artiste and his art. Despite a few very minor flaws, most of which are unlikely to reappear, this last installment in Lee Mead’s soloist career is still a technicolour extravaganza in terms of sentiment, style, and class. As the performance ends, you may find yourself wanting to return to the beginning, when the lights were dimming – but the dream was just starting.

Lee Mead’s The Best of Me will tour around the UK from 16 May to 6 July. Tickets and dates are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara