The Full Fatt Sound: Songs for Resistance, Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, Symphony Hall, Birmingham | 11 February 2026 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray

The Full Fatt Sound: Songs for Resistance

Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, Symphony Hall, Birmingham | 11 February 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray

“Some powerful messages about today’s dangerous political landscape, delivered through uplifting music.”

February is LGBTQ+ History Month. So, it seems appropriate that this relatively new Midlands-based queer choir should mark and celebrate the month with a concert of music, old and new, that has been part of the queer struggle for freedom and equality. The most striking thing about this concert, however, was how it did not come over as a history lesson. Instead, it seemed disturbingly and urgently relevant to the times in which we now live – as well as hugely celebratory of what the queer community stands for and has achieved.

The choice of music explored and affirmed the power of the queer community, and other intersecting communities, to resist oppression over past decades. And while we listened, we could not but be reminded that the rights we should all be able to take for granted are still under threat from a resurgent far-right. Protest music continues to be of vital importance.

So, there was a certain amount of anger - which lies at the heart of any protest song - but also much joy. Ultimately, this was an uplifting event which said, ‘look how far we’ve come’.

A well-balanced programme gave us some old favourites from the likes of Chumbawamba, and Tom Robinson. The latter’s ‘Sing if you’re glad to be gay’, had been wittily updated with new lyrics carrying a sharp, satirical bite.

Some of the more contemporary fare – such as Justin Timberlake’s ‘Cry me a river’ - did seem a bit shoehorned into the concert. But, given its polished and confident performance, this could be excused.

Labi Siffre’s ‘Something inside so strong’, was lent added depth by being placed in the context of the personal experience of an absent choir member who has been horrifically harassed by none other than Tommy Robinson. The song was delivered with power, great feeling and brought the concert’s first half to an emotionally rousing conclusion.

The choir’s core sound is strong. On the whole they sing with tight ensemble and unerringly accurate tuning. Conductor and founder, Adam Carver, creates highly effective arrangements that play to their collective strengths and give ample opportunity for some excellent soloists to strut their stuff out front.

The final ‘o-no-not-really’ item, was a mash-up of ‘You make me feel’ and ‘I feel love’. This provided a powerhouse solo for Koutha Newman, with the choir then raising the roof in joyous response. Adam Carver’s arrangement contained a particularly gorgeous moment in the repetition of the word ‘love’ – and this really seemed to sum up what this concert was all about.

The real closing number - a programmed encore - was another mash-up, this time of ‘Over the Rainbow’ and ‘Brighter day’. This brought things to an inspirational and hope-filled conclusion. A truly delightful evening with some great musicianship, a communication of some powerful messages, and a truly joyous sense of communion and community. Bravo.