REVIEW: THE MCCARTNEY SONGBOOK @ THE PRINCESS THEATRE

🎭 The McCartney Songbook

📍 Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EZ   

🗓 Wednesday 25th June 2025

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HIGH ENERGY ENTERTAINMENT

THE MCCARTNEY SONGBOOK is an exhilarating thrill ride through the genius music which has made up Paul McCartney's career, including songs from The Beatles and Wings, as well as his solo music.

This powerful production is played lived by a multi talented company, and from the moment the show opens there is a real concert atmosphere which never lets up.

This production was created in 2019 by McCartney aficionado and former frontman Pete Jackson. Jackson sadly passed away in December last year, and this tour is dedicated to his memory. There was a powerful moment in act 2 when the company performed his favourite song Let it Be and the auditorium lit up in a poignant dedication to Jackson. Through the power of technology, Pete was able to join the company for this song and take on lead vocals in an emotionally charged moment which was the perfect way to honour the man and the legendary legacy he has left behind.

What amazed me about this production was the song choices. With so many to choose from there is a real mix here. I felt that not always going for the big hits was a stroke of genius. Also, not playing them in chronological order meant that there was a real mixture and this added to the concert feel of proceedings.

The passion and dedication oozes from the stage as these sensational musicians lead what can only be described as a celebration of all things McCartney. There are moments where songs are introduced with little annecdotes, but the focus here is definitely the music.

The company is made up of world class musicians who really know what they're doing. Ollie Gray is sensational on the guitar, making you sit up and take notice with riffs that would give the likes of Ritchie Blackmore, Slash and George Harrison a run for their money.

Jarrod Loughlin is the melody man on the keyboards, but also brings the humour to the stage. Mark Street is the heartbeat of the band on the drums whilst Al Vosper rounds off the sound perfectly. The camaraderie on the stage os evident and really adds to the atmosphere.

In the absence of Pete Jackson, for this tour their are some invited guests to take on lead vocals. At this performance we were treated to the spectacular Greg Webb Jr who slips seamlessly into the company. Following in the footsteps of both McCartney and Jackson he has some big shoes to fill, and he does them both proud. Never tring to emulate either of them, he brings his own style to the production. He has flawless vocals and his musicianship is mesmerising. What an incredible addition he is.

From the opening bars of Jet, to a flame fuelled rendition of Live and Let Die and a fun filled finale, THE MCCARTNEY SONGBOOK really is an orgy of excitement and celebration of some of the best songs ever written and is not to be missed.

You don't need to be a fan of McCartney to enjoy this production or to appreciate the passion and dedication that has gone into putting it together. This is real people, with a real love, playing real music.

THE MCCARTNEY SONGBOOK only has one more show to play on the current tour, but I'm sure this will not be the last time it takes to the road. Click here to head to the show's website and keep up to date with all the latest news.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.  

CAST LIST:

Greg Webb Jr - Lead Vocals; Bass; Guitar; Piano

Ollie Gray - Guitars; Vocals

Jarrod Loughlin - Keyboards; Bass; Vocals

Mark Street - Drums; Vocals

Al Vosper - Guitars; Bass; Vocals

RUN TIME (approx):

2 hours 30 minutes, including interval