Daniel O'Donnell

The king of schmoose, the grannies favourite, Daniel O’Donnell, played the first night of his two-night stay at the Plymouth pavilions on Saturday night and yet again proved that he is at the very top level of his particular musical tree

Daniel has a tried and tested formula of entertainment and presentation that ensures that if you have witnessed one show and enjoyed it, then you can bet your last penny that you will enjoy his show the next time, and the next and the next.

The Greek amphitheatre styled stage set was familiar and comforting to all those returning yet again to be thoroughly entertained with a vast collection of classic old country songs, Daniels self penned numbers and of course the obligatory Rock,n,Roll section which always brings the crowd to voice. During the dedications part of the show Daniel read out requests and cards from audience members of ages ranging from six to ninety one, which goes to show how his popularity spans all and every ages range.

Helping Daniel tonight with entertainment duties was of course the Country Gal herself, Mary Duff and also the powerfully dulcet tones of Sean O’Farrell both of which the crowd welcomed to the stage like witnessing the return of old friends. Daniel himself was as usual on top form, telling jokes, dancing with  his own unique choreography, performing with real meaning and feeling where necessary, with fun and jocularity at other times, but always with the entertainment of his audience as his overriding priority. Somehow he always manages to include a song that really does not work, and tonight was no exception with a cover of Save your Love, but in a show of nearly three hours one duff song is easily forgivable. The fantastically received How Great Thou Art, is the regular climax to any Daniel show, and tonight was no exception signalling the end of yet another show that cannot have failed to send most away thoroughly happy and eagerly anticipating his swift return.

                                                                  Greg Taylor