Natasha Bedingfield at Koko

There’s many a wine glass in hand in Koko this evening as Camden pours in for a night of R’n’B and pop classics in the form of the iconic Natasha Bedingfield. The place is buzzing with people all around practising her hits in their groups before she’s even onstage, psyching themselves up for the performance they’re about to see. Her album Unwritten was released in 2004 but its pull has clearly not lost any of its magnetism; the room is packed to the brim.

Glittering in a gold, flowing, cropped jacket, she waves hello to her beloved hometown and jumps straight into Love Like This. A sea of arms sway back and forth as the crowd sings along. It’s suddenly 2007 – everyone knows every single word and chants as though it’s this week’s number one hit. It’s nothing compared to the next song, though. Bedingfield performs Pocketful of Sunshine in all its glory, yellow lights and smokescreens bringing daylight inside.

Bedingfield’s R’n’B sound is such a big part of her discography and any of her shows would be remiss without it. Single oozes funk and rhythm, and the slower, sultry I Bruise Easily proves her impressive vocal ability. Within the setlist are a range of cover songs: Coldplay’s The Scientist, for example, is received with gasps and rapt, reverent attention. Others include Purple Rain and Ain’t Nobody (Loves Me Better). It’s a slightly peculiar mix of songs, but the crowd are effortlessly loud and certainly loving it.

There are a couple of sound issues – feedback, squeaky mics, the volume too low – which made the gig difficult to full enjoy at the start. There are also a few moments when those at back of the room were overly chatty and distracting, unfortunately preventing some fans from hearing what the singer was saying between tracks. But Bedingfield handles it like the seasoned pro that she is, not missing a beat and keeping a smile on her face.

By the last two songs, any such quibbles have been wiped from minds. These Words and Unwritten, especially the latter, create an atmosphere so full, so joyful, that one could live in it for hours. It’s a testament to the power of nostalgia, and the power of Natasha Bedingfield, that songs from two decades ago can bring people together and create magic like this. 

Talitha Stowell
Photos: Guifre de Peray

For further information and future events visit Natasha Bedingfield’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Unwritten here: