To a congregation of devoted followers, Rufus (and his band of talented disciples) serenaded us with beautiful chords and melodies and charmed the adoring audience with his camp style, laid back delivery and intimate asides. The performance climaxed with a great rendition of Gay Messiah, the best song on the album, Want Two. Unfortunately the power of the track was somewhat diluted when the rendition descended into pantomime with Rufus’ trademark crucifixion pageant that was toe-curlingly dreadful. In fact, the gig was most satisfying when the band were given the opportunity to shine - and shine they did and occasionally stealing the show. Objectively, you couldn’t help thinking this gig would have been better if the limited range of Rufus’ voice could be lifted and complimented by more female vocal harmonies and a greater variety of instrumental backing. However, judging from the ovations he received, his worshipping audience got what they came for - it was all they could do to stop themselves leaping to their feet after every musical phrase by the end of the set. Ultimately, although Rufus Wainwright has a talent (and ego to match), it was difficult to get away from the image of him as an overgrown precocious child at piano practice and that what we witnessed was a self indulgent display of cosseted talent. | 
