Jessie Ware at Alexandra Palace

In the expanse of Alexandra Palace’s Great Hall, fans draped in sequins and glitter eagerly awaited the arrival of Jessie Ware, the celebrated pop-disco singer from London. Renowned for her soulful tunes, Ware recently released her fifth studio album, That! Feels Good!, which gathered widespread critical acclaim.

As the lights subtly shifted, a collective wave of excitement surged through the crowd. Adorned in a tasselled red jumpsuit, Ware graced the stage, unleashing the infectious title track, That! Feels Good!. Her stage presence, a symphony of captivating energy, harmonised seamlessly with the synchronised, groovy choreography of her accompanying troupe, compelling the audience to surrender to the rhythm.

Following this electrifying opening, Ware assumed the persona of Mother of Pearl, an ethereal character inspired by her single Pearls. The night’s narrative unfolded as the audience found themselves transported to The Pearl Club, a vibrant tribute to the flamboyant disco venues of the 1970s. The stage transformed with draped velvet curtains, ambient colourful lighting and a fluorescent pink “The Pearl” sign, crafting an ambience of glamour.

In a noteworthy moment, Ware delivered a compelling rendition of Pearls, navigating its intricate terrain of high notes with finesse. The atmosphere peaked as two glittering disco balls burst to life, casting a dazzling visual spectacle over the room.

In a swift transformation, Ware re-emerged on stage donning a ruffled dress paired with bright red go-go boots. Connecting emotionally with the crowd, she exclaimed, “There’s 10,000 of you here. This is absolutely insane!” With a charismatic smile, she added, “I want each of you to have the best time ever; this is pure escapism.”

Throughout the show, Ware engaged in four costume changes, each outfit exuding beauty. However, it was evident that her music and vibrant personality shone through more profoundly than her meticulously curated attire, underscoring the notion that, occasionally, the spectacle does not surpass the essence of the performance.

Ware stayed energised all night before the perfect finish: a rendition of Cher’s Believe before her own hit single Free Yourself left the audience in a state of pure bliss.

Jessie Ware at Alexandra Palace proved to be a multifaceted gig, blending visual extravagance with the soulful depth of her music. The seamless fusion of glamour, emotion and humour underscored the artist’s ability to create a truly immersive and unforgettable night for the diverse and spirited audience in attendance.

Charlotte Gornall
Photos: Carsten Windhurst

For further information and future events visit Jessie Ware’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Begin Again here: