Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Live Review

Sophie Ellis-Bextor: A Night of Disco, Charm, and Intimacy in Oxford

On a warm June evening, Sophie Ellis-Bextor transformed the elegant, sold-out New Theatre Oxford into a glittering disco paradise. For nearly two hours, the pop icon delivered a performance brimming with infectious energy, heartfelt moments, and a genuine sense of joy that had the entire audience captivated from the first note to the last, unforgettable finale.

From the moment she stepped on stage, Ellis-Bextor was a whirlwind of charisma. Kicking off with the vibrant Relentless Love and a shimmering cover of Cher’s Take Me Home, she immediately set the tone for a night of pure, unadulterated fun. The stage production was simple yet effective, allowing her magnetic personality to be the main event.

A particularly charming feature of the show was the “button press choice” songs. A giant screen behind her flickered to life, displaying a roulette of song titles. With a playful press of a button, fate selected the next track, adding a delightful element of spontaneity to the evening. Tonight, it landed on the dreamy Me and My Imagination and the stylish Dolce Vita, both received with cheers from the delighted crowd. Throughout the evening, the same giant screen showed photos taken at the photobooth down in the bar below, a great touch!

But it wasn’t just about the high-energy disco numbers. A particularly tender moment came when she paused to acknowledge her 20-year marriage to guitarist Richard Jones of The Feeling. The two shared the spotlight for a beautiful acoustic duet, stripping away the disco sheen for a moment of raw, heartfelt connection that resonated deeply within the historic theatre.

The setlist was a masterclass in keeping the party going. A whirlwind medley that seamlessly blended her own hit Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) with classics like Lady (Hear Me Tonight) and ABBA’s Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! was a stroke of genius. Covers of Donna Summer’s I Feel Love and Madonna’s Like a Prayer were delivered with reverence and flair, paying homage to the queens of pop who paved the way. By the time she launched into the Freemasons collaboration Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer) and the undeniable smash hit Murder on the Dancefloor, there wasn’t a single person left in their seat.

The joyous, dance-filled atmosphere felt particularly poignant, as the city of Oxford had spent the day celebrating its annual Pride parade. Ellis-Bextor's music, with its themes of love, freedom, and unapologetic self-expression, felt like the perfect soundtrack for such a day. The entire theatre seemed to be united in a spirit of celebration, making the night feel like more than just a concert, but a true community event.

Just when it seemed the night couldn’t get any more special, the encore delivered a moment of breathtaking intimacy. After a powerful rendition of Bittersweet, Ellis-Bextor left the stage entirely, only to reappear in the upper balcony, right amongst her fans. With no microphone, accompanied only by an acoustic guitar, she delivered a stunning, raw version of A Pessimist Is Never Disappointed - a nod to her time in her first band, theaudience. The theatre fell into a hushed reverence, the only sound her unamplified voice filling the space. It was a moment of pure, unfiltered connection, a reminder of the simple power of a song and a voice.

It was a perfectly crafted show that celebrated music, love, and the joy of a shared experience. Sophie Ellis-Bextor proved she is not just a pop star, but a consummate performer who can command a massive dance party one minute and hold a room in captivated silence the next. A truly magical evening.