Review Roundup: Julie Andrews at London's O2

The musical icon and beloved actress Julie Andrews returned to the UK stage for the first time in thirty years, with a special one off performance at London's O2 Arena. 'An Evening with Julie Andrews' saw  a night of music from her greatest stage and screen performances, as well as the live narration of the story Simeon's Gift, the best-selling children's book written by Julie and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. Stephen Buntrock, Kevin Odekirk, Christiane Noll, Anne Runolfsson, and Jubilant Sykes all took to the stage with Julie Andrews.

Accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Ian Fraser, Julie Andrews was also joined on stage by Buntrock, Odekirk, Noll, Runolfsson, and Sykes. Together they took the audience on a nostalgic trip through some of the greatest musical theatre songs of the last fifty years. This included hits from THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE KING AND I, SOUTH PACIFIC, and CAROUSEL.

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Allstair Smith, The Stage: "Dame Julie Andrews’ long-awaited return to the UK stage in a special concert performance at London’s 02 Arena has been met by a furious backlash from fans and critics, who accused the Mary Poppins star of “barely” singing at all during the show."

Mark Shenton, The Stage: "The Julie we had come to see was only briefly sighted and heard in a tender, truthful My Funny Valentine in the first act, and a lovely version of A Cockeyed Optimist in the second. Sadly, hopes for a triumphant London return were dashed in an evening that went off entirely at half-cock - and I’m afraid that I heard more than one person around me ranting, raving and bellowing that she’s done and they might as well go home."

Matthew Shaw, BBC: "For the thousands of loyal fans at London's O2 Arena, Dame Julie Andrews' first UK stage appearance for more than 30 years was a moment to worship one of the greatest musical voices of all time."

Paul Clements, The Telegraph: "British audiences can be cruel to a comeback queen, even one who’s not enjoyed the best of health. Take Whitney Houston. When the troubled diva performed at London’s O2 Arena last month, her slurred, rasping approximation of her mega hit I Will Always Love You left fans demanding their money back. Only the hardest hearted will be seeking a refund after Dame Julie Andrews’ first stage performance in more than a dozen years. But many will have been left wanting one."

West End Whingers: "Julie Andrews The Gift of MusicShould you ever receive a gift from Julie Andrews be sure to ask for the receipt as you will almost certainly want to take it back and exchange it for something better."

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