Positive Impact Presents: The Classic Motown Show

Liverpool's finest youth training and production company - Positive Impact served up a glorious tribute to legendary Motown artists on Saturday evening. The Epstein theatre provided the stage for performers to showcase their talent and pay homage to some of Motown's finest.

From the get-go, the compere set the scene and gained the audience's buy-in that this was going to be an extravaganza. The fabulous Positive Impact choir opened the show with a soul-filled rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" conducted by Esco Williams. Following that, Jasmine Joel and two backing singers one of which was the talented Janiece Myers gave a stunning performance as Martha Reeves and the Vendellas. The Four tops then made an appearance onto stage with their polished dance moves and superb vocals. Ben Sharples member of MiC Lowry made a great lead and Wesley McKay's dance moves along with the rest of the quartet delivered a thoroughly entertaining performance.

Delleile Ankrah graced the stage and gave a convincing performance as Smokey Robinson before the Supremes returned to sing "Stop in the name of love" and "Babylove". The outfits were stunning I must say and the lighting worked perfectly to give a polished production.

The crowd gave rapturous applause to the Jacksons and was rightfully impressed by their performances of tracks like ABC and Blame it on the boogie. Crowd interaction was high with people singing along to the tracks with gusto. This was an audience that was certainly engaged. The Supremes returned to sing "River deep, mountain high" This was my favourite performance from the trio. Jasmine Joel et al sang an excellent  rendition of this track with crisp vocals and beautiful harmonies.

After a twenty minute interval, the audience were wowed with vocals from Esco Williams, Janiece Myers, Miles Christian and MiCLowry. Positive Impact certainly upped the ante in the second half of the show. Esco sang a number of Stevie Wonder tracks and was accompanied by his band the Kontrollers and Miles Christian on Saxophone. Tracks like "For once in my life" "Superstitious" and  "higher ground" were performed with absolute class. Miles Christian is a ridiculously talented young performer who like Esco performs with such quiet humility and confidence. The result - a first class performance of high impact which makes the crowd hungry for more.

Janiece Myers appeared as Tina Turner and gave a stunning performance of "Proud Mary". Her delivery was credible and strong.

The finale came in the form of local band MiC Lowry who gave a wonderful performance of Boyz II Men's "Water runs dry". The crowd went crazy especially as the collective served up their characteristically divine harmonies. The crowd joined in as they sang "My girl" and the feel good factor in the room was palpable. The final song "End of the Road" was apt and got the audience whooping and hollering. It was the perfect end to the packed show.

Well done to Barbara and the whole of Positive Impact for delivering such an entertaining show. It was full to bursting with talent and showcased this brilliantly. I look forward to the next instalment.

Miles Christian

Positive Impact as The Jackson Five

Positive Impact as The Supremes