The Simon and Garfunkel Story

The perfect end to a busy week is to enjoy The Sounds of Silence.  Not, of course, just sitting quietly in a dark room without any technical devices, but in the theatre watching the melodious sounds of Simon and Garfunkel.

The Simon and Garfunkel Story has achieved phenomenal global success, with multiple sold-out shows in over 50 countries worldwide. The show has also made numerous appearances at the London Palladium and over 20 headline performances in the West End.

On centre stage are two microphone stands behind which is a huge screen which projects photos and original film footage telling the story of the origins and meteoric rise of Simon and Garfunkel.  Underneath the screen a full live band accompanies the duo, as they perform a selection of hits.

Simon and Garfunkel were born within weeks of one another in 1941, lived within a few blocks and soon became friends.  Simon began writing songs and the duo learned to harmonise.  They were inspired by the Everly Brothers and in 1957 had a minor hit with Hey Schoolgirl, under the stage name of Tom and Jerry.  When things fizzled out, they concentrated on their studies, but regrouped in 1963 when they were signed to Columbia Records.  Their initial album, Wednesday Morning 3 a.m., didn’t sell, but a few years later a remix of The Sound of Silence became a US AM radio hit and their careers took off.

To encapsulate the unique sounds of Simon and Garfunkel is very difficult, but in this show Israel Bloodgood (as Simon) and Luke Hogan (Garfunkel) are perfectly cast.  Israel is originally from Oregon where he trained as an actor/musician and worked before moving to Bristol and touring the UK.  Luke trained at Arts Educational Schools and has toured in musicals and performed in workshops around the UK.

The hits come thick and fast covering the decade of their meteoric rise to stardom, from Homeward Bound, Everywhere, Mrs Robinson, Scarborough Fair, Feeling Groovy, the audience is enraptured by the duos’ ability to emulate the iconic sounds.

Art Garfunkel was a light tenor with an angelic voice that could touch your heart.  Luke has the supreme breath control to give a spine-tingling rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water, that left the audience stunned.

The perfect harmonies of the duo are enhanced by the support of the band, featuring MD Harrison White on keys/guitar, Nick Martin on bass and Harry Denton on drums.

The Simon and Garfunkel Story is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend your evening, listening to timeless songs performed by talented people.  There are plenty of twists and turns in the story of the duo, which add an extra depth to the narrative.

Further details and tour dates can be found at:

https://www.thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com

Reviewed by:

Yvonne Delahaye (X – @yvonnedelahaye)

19.9.25