Testament’s fabulous tribute to William Blake – with the help of Matthew Bourne and some special guests – begins with Songs of Innocence, an introductory poem and rap by Testament.
Then, with Ecchoing Green, we get deep into Blake’s love of nature and wildlife, once more given Testament’s special treatment.
Perhaps Blake’s most famous poem, Tyger is hijacked once more, bringing it alive and kicking into the 21st century. Then Bourne is brought into the proceeding with an angelic visual backdrop to heighten the beauty of his pianism.
Holy Thursday is a particularly profound and deep poem, once more given the wondrous Testament treatment. And a quite cynical and daring view of our capital, London sees Testament at his peak of poetic words brought again into modernity.
Perhaps the most renowned introduction to a poem has to be Augeries of Innocence, namely: ‘To see a world in a grain of sand / And heaven in a wild flower / Hold infinity in the palm of your hand / And eternity in an hour.’ And it doesn’t end there in its beatific splendour.
The second half has its peak with guest star Corinne Bailey Rae which really ups the mark. Her vocals are scintillating and add a whole new realm. As if this wasn’t enough, the Far Cry Acapella flesh out The Poison True up to the hilt.
Then, the recently passed jazz composer Mike Westbrook is given a tribute, too.
This was a simply outstanding and wonderfully magical evening that brings us Blake in a new and revealing light, accessible to all.
