It’s Not Me, It’s Definitely You: Songs of Amy Winehouse & Lily Allen is a journey through modern-day dating, told through (you guessed it) songs of Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen. The show has a ‘Mamma Mia’ vibe, as specific songs are selected and performed to progress the narrative.
Solo performer, Lisa Woodbrook, is a talented and powerful vocalist with a voice made for Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen songs. The upbeat numbers were punchy and comical, and it was clear that Woodbrook was having a lot of fun with it. The real show-stopping moments of the evening, however, were in the slower songs. There is something special about seeing a talented vocalist alone on stage, with no gimmicks, belting out a ballad. In these moments, Woodbrook really let the amplitude of her voice stand on its own two feet.
Woodbrook is accompanied by a 3-piece band (keys, drums and bass) which play seamlessly. The band, dressed in all black, do an excellent job of fading into the background against Woodbrook’s lively and boisterous personality.
In between songs, Woodbrook engages in stand-up comedy about her dating life. I will say that the comedy in this show may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Discussing the trials and tribulations of heterosexual dating in your late 20’s lends itself to a particular armoury of jokes which may not appeal, or be relatable, to the broader audience. For me, some of the comedy felt a little forced and some jokes fell a bit flat. However, there were laughs from the audience all the way through the show, and Woodbrook has such a natural stage presence that watching her do her thing was always entertaining.
It’s Not Me, It’s Definitely You: Songs of Amy Winehouse & Lily Allen is simple and upbeat. If you love listening to Amy Winehouse or Lily Allen, or if you want a fun cathartic release from the stressors of single life, this is the show for you.