Olivia Newton-John at the Rainbow review
By Chris White
It’s the classic story - local girl makes good, and returns in triumph. Olivia Newton-John appearing at The Rainbow in North London demonstrated that it is something that can happen to any aspiring lady singer — producing the necessary fairytale ingredients are there.
Olivia’s Rainbow concerts received non-too-ecstatic reviews from the Fleet Street press — one critic went so far as to say that she sent the entire theatre to sleep. What one can’t deny is that every concert was a sell-out, with no shortage of people standing. And her opening night was memorable for the standing ovations she achieved.
Maybe it was a disappointment for some that she hadn’t drastically changed her style. Her appearance in Grease obviously gave her a lot of leeway in which to do that. As it was. she stuck with the familiar numbers, occasionally throwing in the odd number from her new Totally Hot LP.
It’s difficult to understand why numbers like I Honestly Love You and Please Mr Please flopped over here and yet were huge US hits. There was a brief glimpse of the early style of Ms Newton-John, via If Not For You and Banks Of The Ohio, and an update with Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want (duetted with Labi Siffre).
Olivia has the knack of making stardom seem within anyone‘s reach, but that is not to underestimate her talent. She’s safe. she’s soothing and she‘s showbiz.
Editor’s note - Olivia played The Rainbow in London November 28 and November 29 1978