The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

The audience arrives at the Queen's Hall in wreaths of smiles. On the eve of the Royal Wedding, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain’s performance is about to morph them into uncontrollable laughter, proving that today there is more than one reason to be proud to be British. Confronted with just eight musicians and eight tiny instruments, a ukulele frenzy of sopranos, tenors, baritones and even, yes, a bass ukulele, (responsible for adding a sonorous depth to the orchestra’s otherwise folk-inspired harmonies) spill out across the stage, creating one comical acoustic family. The orchestra, led by centrally-staged member George Hinchcliffe, immediately builds up a playful rapport with the audience; satirical inter-song anecdotes central to their ‘entertainment’ philosophy.

The first act showcases their stylistic versatility. A humourous interpretation of ‘Anarchy in the UK’ and a fittingly-themed song about plagiarism attests to their elastic rhythm, establishing that, though frequently underestimated, the uke can easily combine acoustic fluidity with a friendly staccato bounce. Here, the audience is propelled through a rhythmic slingshot; the diversity of temporal quality is stunning. Choral experimentation also proves key; harmonic vocals are exploited as instruments in a haunting a cappella version of The Who’s ‘Pinball Wizard'.

It should be obvious by now that the second half wouldn’t and doesn’t disappoint. Infused with jazz, pop, blues and even a uke-rock rendition of Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, the music is thankfully far from being lost in the comedy. Skillful covers of Bill Haley’s ‘Rock around the Clock Tonight’, Gnarls Barkley's ‘Crazy’ and ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ by Wheatus ascertain that they really do have something for every generation. With the Ukulele Orchestra the medium really is the message, the perfect instrument to help conceal a slick execution beneath an improvised look. With a standing ovation and thunderous clapping determining the necessity for an encore, the Orchestra have one more chance to parade their humbling talent as world class entertainers, proving there is no way you can leave this show without a smile.