Peacock Theatre, London
27 August 2024

Although it is performed at one of London’s largest dance venues, don’t think it is a dance production or even a proper musical. A night with Janis Joplin is unashamedly a concert. It is also a wonderful evening of blues and rock nostalgia, reliving the singer’s tragically short 27 years of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll fame.

Joplin, now an icon, burst onto the music scene in 1967 and became a household name after she became the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holdingthe debut album of the American rock band of the same name; and especially after their first solo album two years later, I have the old Kozmic blues again, mom!

The script and direction are by Randy Johnson, who is supported by Janis’ brother and sister Laura and Michael Joplin. The setting is a club, atmospherically lit by Rob Casey.

Mary Bridget Davis is outstanding as Janis, and the rest of the cast and musicians follow close behind her. The singers move as singers do, and the backing singers perform their “dooby dos” in authentic ’60s style, with choreography provided by Patricia Wilcox.

Davis is a recording artist in her own right and has won and nominated for multiple awards. She leads a very strong and extremely talented cast that sings and plays with all their heart. Songs like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart,” and “Cry Baby” come in quick succession, Davis’ performance is a tour de force and deserves the standing ovation she and the entire cast received before the end.

For Joplin fans, A Night with Janis Joplin is a must. For everyone else, just go!

“A Night with Janis Joplin” runs until September 28, 2024 at the Peacock Theatre in London.