I had the pleasure of attending An Evening Without Kate Bush in Rehearsal Room 1 at the State Theatre, a venue I’d never been to before but would recommend as a great space for a show. With a full house, the energy in the room was buzzing, and it felt like we were all about to experience something truly special. The crowd was a mix of long-time fans (who I later learned were known as ‘Fish’ fans, a nod to Kate’s music label), those who fondly remembered Wuthering Heights, and the ‘plus-ones’ dragged along to the show. Regardless of their level of familiarity with Kate Bush’s work, we were all united for the evening.

Sarah-Louise Young’s performance was absolutely brilliant. She blended music, cabaret, mime, and dance, creating something that was far more than just a tribute to Kate Bush. Her costumes were spot on, and each one came with a story that added depth to the performance. Her voice was extraordinary, and her ability to capture the distinct sounds of Kate Bush’s vocals was a true feat. I’m still unsure whether her rendition of Babooshka was actually in Russian, but regardless, it was utterly captivating.

What truly set this show apart was Sarah-Louise’s ability to engage with the audience. She made us feel like we were all on this magical journey together, whether through singing along, sharing our favorite songs, or even taking the stage ourselves. Her wit and humor had the crowd smiling throughout the show.

A particularly touching moment was when Sarah-Louise invited a couple onstage to re-enact the slow dance from the Don’t Give Up video. The tender, emotional display brought a few tears to the audience’s eyes, making the night even more memorable. It’s clear when a show leaves you with a sense of shared joy and connection, and this one certainly did.

The energy in the room as we left was a testament to the wonderful experience we’d all just had, and it left me with the desire to revisit Kate Bush videos on YouTube!