The magic of Motown casts its spell in Glasgow

For some unknown reason, soul music has never been my thing.

I love my pop – I dance to disco ‘cos I don’t like rock – and somehow, soul has just never quite entered the sphere of my musical tastes

So, going to see Motown: The Musical was going to be an interesting experience. I wouldn’t ever say that I dislike the Motown sound, but I don’t own any music from its many recording artists.

Motown the Musical is pretty much a jukebox on stage. It’s cram-packed with numbers you’ll recognise from start to finish, and is based the autobiography of Berry Gordy, the man who founded and ran the Motown record label.

Over the course of two hours we meet Berry and his family, and witness the rise of artists such as Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, with whom Gordy had a personal relationship, Marvin Gaye, and The Jackson Five.

Diana Ross and the Supremes (Photo: Tristram Kenton)

The production opens at in 1983, as recording stars are gathered to celebrate Motown Records’ 25th anniversary, but Berry is unwilling to attend, with many of his artists having left the label to join others.

We travel back in time, and watch as Berry was inspired to create his label, recruiting singers and performers from throughout the Detroit area, including Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson. Berry later discovers the Supremes and Diana Ross, among many others.

The show also has some moments that make for uncomfortable watching, that had me squirming in my seat, but given the rise of Motown, with predominantly black musicians, and going to areas of America which were deeply racist, these obviously happened in real life. The language here shocked me, but the music conquered all.

The Temptations in Motown the Musical (Photo: Tristram Kenton)

Two of the things I most hate in music are Michael Jackson and singing children, so I wasn’t expecting to be applauding when a young Michael showed up. And actually, he was very good.

The cast is top-notch, with beautiful singing voices, and their dancing skills are outstanding. We get classics including Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Miracles, The Marvelettes, Mary Wells, The Temptations, Martha and the Vandellas, The Contours and The Jackson 5.

A real highlight came during a Diana Ross concert, and our performer, in character, brought two audience members on stage. They were totally in the spirit of the show, and everyone totally bought into it. A great touch.

When I heard all these songs put together, they were absolute class. I could even be tempted to buy the soundtrack recording.

For ticket details, click HERE. Motown the Musical is at the King’s Theatre, Glasgow, until 16 November.

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