Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain

Last night, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain took over the iconic Cambridge Corn Exchange, delivering an evening of whimsical musical brilliance. From a beloved radio theme at the start to a soulful cover of KISS at the close, the night was as side-splittingly funny as it was breathtakingly impressive.

Celebrating the start of their 40th year, the chemistry of this septet felt effortless, showcasing what could easily be their best lineup yet. The seven musicians—Peter Brooke Turner (Soprano Ukulele), Hester Goodman (Tenor Ukulele), Ben Rouse (Tenor Ukulele), Guy Hargreaves (Concert Ukulele), Leisa Rea (Soprano Ukulele), Laura Currie (Concert Ukulele), and Laurie Higgins (Bass Ukulele)—guided the audience on a musical mystery tour spanning genres from metal to old Westerns.

While the technical skill of the performers was world-class, the true magic of the evening came from their comedic timing. Hilarious segues between songs, locally themed jokes, and physical comedy, including ukulele-based choreography during Tchaikovsky’s Danse des Mirlitons from The Nutcracker, had the audience in floods of laughter.

The musicians’ vocal performances elevated the show further. From Peter Brooke Turner and Laura Currie’s dazzling duet on the James Bond classic Diamonds Are Forever, to Leisa Rea’s powerful rendition of The Cranberries’ Dreams, the singing was both sensational and at times cleverly comedic.

While the show leans into silliness, it reveals a rare combination of world-class musical talent and sharp comedic ability, making it a must-see. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain proved that comedy and musicianship can coexist at the highest level, delivering an unforgettable evening of entertainment.