Review by Tom Roberts
The Hub at St Mary’s, Lichfield — 5th March 2026
Madeline Bell needs very little introduction. A glittering career spanning more than 60 years has taken her across the world, performing both as a solo artist and alongside legendary names including Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Dusty Springfield and Donna Summer.
Now aged 83, Bell has lost none of the sublime vocal quality she has always been known for. Match that with an engaging, intimate and wonderfully warm stage presence, and the result is a very special evening.
Set perfectly against the majestic backdrop of The Hub at St Mary’s, the show flows effortlessly between songs and stories, blending impeccable vocals with fascinating anecdotes from a lifetime spent alongside some of the biggest names in music. Bell also draws the audience in beautifully, encouraging questions along the way.
“You look incredible!” ventured one audience member.
“Thanks,” came the quick reply. “It takes a whole lot longer these days though!”
It’s difficult to single out highlights, as there are many. The Dusty Springfield classic Going Home received a sublime interpretation, as did Elton John’s Your Song and Gilbert O’Sullivan’s Alone Again (Naturally). Alongside these were timeless numbers from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Burt Bacharach and Ray Charles.
Then, of course, there was Blue Mink, the group Bell formed with fellow vocalist Roger Cook in the late 1960s. Songs such as The Banner Man, Good Morning Freedom and Melting Pot were major hits. Bell explained that Melting Pot was once banned by the BBC for being considered “racist”, before performing it to show that its message is quite the opposite. A reminder, perhaps, that the world of music has always sparked conversation.
Huge credit must also go to pianist and co-vocalist Ian Shaw, who not only provides superb accompaniment but also performs a couple of solo numbers, adding balance and variety to the programme. The two work beautifully together, complementing one another both musically and through their shared stories.
Sometimes a show simply hits all the right notes. This was one of those evenings.
Another feather in the cap for The Hub at St Mary’s, which is increasingly becoming a stop-off point for some of the music industry’s most respected performers.
Find out more about upcoming events at: www.thehubstmarys.co.uk
