TEENAGE CANCER TRUST 2025 PRESENTS... JAMES ARTHUR // ROYAL ALBERT HALL, LONDON
Emotions run wild
★★★★☆ (4/5)
A sun-soaked Wednesday saw thousands of eager concertgoers make their way to the prestigious Royal Albert Hall to see the singer-songwriter James Arthur.
Support by Goth Rockers The Venus Grrrls was perfectly placed, the singer of the band had an especially poignant connection to the night’s proceedings as she had previously received care from The Teenage Cancer Trust. You could feel her reverence for the charity and the amazing work done by its team. The band provided a jolt of energy to a sleepy midweek crowd and brought an immediacy which helped rouse the audience.
As the lights dimmed for the main event a heady excitement had the crowd cheering before Arthur was even on the stage. As he emerged this reached a fever pitch which spilled over when he opened with the fan favourite “Bitter Sweet Love”. Cutting a baseball cap-adorned figure, Arthur presents an authentic artist who embodies the themes and journeys in his songs. Throughout the night Arthur’s songwriting was exhibited as he wove in his extensive catalogue of hits. Showing how his soulful vocals perfectly accompanied his heartfelt lyrics.
The night’s setlist featured tracks from across Arthur’s nearly 15-year career, from the X Factor days to cuts from his new album Pisces. Pisces is set to release in April of this year.
Arthur is renowned for his rich vocals, and tonight was a dazzling showcase of his talents. The expansive ceilings of the hall seemed tailor-made for the powerful performance. Deftly blending a shimmering falsetto with a powerful lower range Arthur continues to show his prowess as a singer.
Highlights were countless but an acoustic performance of Greatest Showman cut “Rewrite the Stars” was unforgettable, eliciting a momentous singalong. Chart toppers “Impossible” and “Lasting Lover” perfectly complemented more intimate songs like “Car’s Outside”.
The set left little time for inter-song banter, but Arthur made sure to stress his admiration for the work of The Teenage Cancer Trust while also paying respect to lost friends and loved ones.
The support of the fans throughout Arthur’s career has been immense, and tonight is no exception. Attendees sang along to every line, embodying the lyrical themes on display whether they were jubilant, introspective or triumphant.
Closing out on the heartfelt “Say You Won't Let Go” allowed the fans to sing until the very last note. Awe-struck faces in the crowd greeted the band as they bowed a well-earned farewell. The night's performance had been a celebration of perseverance, be it from a lost love, mental health or medical adversity.
This performance was part of The Teenage Cancer Trust showcase at the Royal Albert Hall. You can donate to the charity here https://donate.teenagecancertrust.org/