On the evening that we were scheduled to see Jools Holland, the sea was rough with Saga’s Spirit of Discovery both pitching and rolling. We had been thrown backwards from our table in the Grand Dining after a cross wave had hit the side of the ship. Luckily no-one was hurt just our pride!
We picked ourselves up and headed to the theatre. I had already decided to just use my iPhone rather than go back to the cabin to pick up another camera.
Rather than go up a deck we were directed to follow members of the ship’s cast who directed us into the theatre at the lower level. All the time we walked down the corridors the ship was moving and it was rather claustrophobic being bounced around in this way. We entered the theatre by the stage rather than at the top of the theatre.
When Jools Holland came on stage, he explained that he would be remaining seated at the piano as a safety measure.
The backing singers, Sumudu Jayatilaka and Louise Marshall , had opted to wear boots or flat shoes for the performance. They mainly sat on stools at the opposite side of the stage. Plus they were wearing wrist bands, presumably to counteract any seasickness that they maybe feeling. We were suffering just sitting down and watching the show!
Each of the backing singers took it in turns to do a solo number.
After solos from the ladies the lead vocalist, Ruby Turner, joined the others on stage. She chose to stand next to the piano. For her safety she was wearing flip-flops to avoid falling because of all the ship’s movements.
I was impressed at the care that Jools showed as he talked to her between numbers, making sure that she was still okay.
The chat and songs in the show were excellent. Now we can better understand why his live performances are so highly rated by everyone.
Given the circumstances I was surprised that the show even took place and also how good it was.
At the end of the show we were very carefully led out of the theatre. This was again on the lower levels and then we headed back to our cabin.