Step Behind The Stage
Classically Kate Bush
New Theatre, Peterborough - 07/11/2026
Review by Daniel Marshall
Photo Credit: 'Hounds Of Love' Production Photos
Kate Bush is one of the most iconic and visionary artists Britain has ever produced, with a catalogue that has shaped popular music for decades and continues to captivate new generations. Her rarity as a live performer has only added to her mystique, which makes every opportunity to hear these songs performed in person all the more precious. Last night, Classically Kate Bush arrived at Peterborough’s New Theatre, bringing that catalogue to life in the most spectacular way. Performed by Hounds of Love, one of the UK's leading celebrations of Kate Bush, and the stunning 18-piece Senbla Concert Orchestra, the show gave an eager crowd a glimpse of the Queen of Art Pop at her most magnificent.
The evening opened with a voiceover tracing Kate Bush's influence and legacy, which returns intermittently throughout the performance, guiding the audience through the eras of a career that spans decades. It gave the night a real sense of journey and context, which in turn gave a real sense of magnitude to the musical brilliance that followed.
The first act is largely a homage to Kate's infamous Tour of Life, the trailblazing debut tour which saw the production and theatrics of live music taken to whole new levels. The band is upfront about their intentions. This is not an imitation but a celebration, though in the best possible way it manages elements of both, effortlessly transforming the theatre back five decades. Vocalist Nadine Turner is the heart of that balance, giving a spellbinding performance embodying Kate Bush. Whimsical dancing, a gripping stage presence and a voice that sounds uncannily like the original, it was a masterclass in execution. The recreation of the double bass dance during ‘Babooshka’ was a particular joy to watch, capturing the theatricality that made Bush so unique. Turner also stepped out of character during the second act to speak about what the music means to her. These moments add a lovely personal touch and remind you that the show comes from genuine love.
That passion and talent is shared by the whole band, led by Dale Taylor on guitar, whose audience interaction kept the room buzzing from start to finish, hyping the crowd up at every turn. His musicianship more than matched that energy, with his guitar work giving the arrangements a real bite. The rest of the band were just as impressive. Mark Feven and Gordon Reid handle piano and keys with real sensitivity, moving between the delicate moments and the more dramatic passages with a real ease. Bassist Rich Gray also paired with Taylor to provide backing vocals, his low end giving the songs a solid foundation while his harmonies added real depth to the bigger numbers. The band's line-up is rounded out by drummer Sean Gregory, bringing precision and power to a catalogue full of tricky time signatures and shifting rhythms. Each of their individual performances were sensational, but it is the combination of all six musicians together that really highlights what makes the Hounds Of Love so special.
Photo Credit: 'Hounds Of Love' Production Photos
The brilliance of the Hounds Of Love is elevated by the stunning Senbla Concert Orchestra. Under the baton of guest conductor Dr Stuart Morley, the 18-piece orchestra gives these songs a scale and richness that suits them perfectly. Kate Bush's music has always had a cinematic and classical streak, so getting to hear these timeless classics live with a full orchestra made every song hit even more beautifully. The arrangement of 'Army Dreamers' was a real highlight of the first act, whilst the pairing of musical excellence and audience participation meant 'Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)' was a real standout of the second act. Although no matter what song was performed, you could really feel the thought and attention to detail that had gone into every note.
The visual side of the show is just as thoughtful, with Turner leaving the stage between songs for quick outfit changes, recreating Kate’s looks across the eras and giving each part of the career its own identity. It is a detail that adds real character and makes the journey through the decades feel even more like an authentic reflection of Kate Bush’s music.
After two acts of some of the most magical performances I have ever seen, the Hounds of Love left the stage to rapturous applause before being welcomed back for an encore that wrapped up the night in the most perfect way. A fiery rendition of ‘Hounds of Love’ was followed by a breathtaking ‘Wuthering Heights’. It was during this last song that Nadine Turner made her way through the crowd, the entire room rising to meet her with a sea of arms waving in unison that summed up the genuine affection in the room. It was a picturesque moment that really summed up just how this heartfelt performance celebrated the music without ever losing sight of the woman behind it. This is a must-see for lifelong fans and curious newcomers alike, and with more dates still to come over the next year, I cannot recommend enough that you head to a show near you.