Alex Warren’s sold-out show at Birmingham’s O2 Academy was a masterclass in the merging of music and audience interaction. With comedic spoken segments, and emotional lyricism, the Cheaper Than Therapy Tour is a unique spectacle of emotion and humour.

The Cheaper Than Therapy Tour is an extremely apt title. Both Alex Warren, and his opening act, Michael Sanzone put on an intimate, interactive, and therapy-esque performance, constantly engaging with audience members personal dilemmas that were shouted out, or written on signs. This included statements such as “I was dumped in the queue”, “I was cheated on” and, “my boyfriend is refusing to propose” being shouted at both Warren and Sanzone, as they provided comedy-driven advice and sympathy. Highlights of this therapy-esque interaction included facetiming an audience member’s boyfriend, and asking audience members to raise their hands if they’ve been cheated on.

Interaction in the show wasn’t only limited to therapy style ‘trauma dumping’, but also focused on celebrating the passions and talents of audience members. From inviting four girls dressed as bananas to dance alongside Warren onstage, to handing his microphone to an audience member who sang the chorus of Warren’s hit track ‘Ordinary’, it is clear that Warren cares truly for his fans, and values their contributions as equal partners in the concert’s success. The show is more collaborative than just a concert, as antics of the audience took up much of the show, creating a part concert, part stand-up comedy experience. Though an acquired taste for a music concert, the interactivity brought an unpredictable sense of play and fun that is difficult to achieve in a concert-setting. However, this interaction at times bordered on uncomfortable, as audience members began to involve Warren in crowd drama, which is inappropriate for a performer to deal with.

Warren’s musical performance is deserving of high praise. With his raw and raspy voice, and emotionally charged lyrics, his performance felt intimate and heartfelt, whilst maintaining a high level of energy. Opening with the cathartic track, ‘Burning Down’, an atmospheric shift in the crowd occurred. The power and grit of this song made it a perfect opening song, as the crowd was immediately captured. The performance continued with a heartfelt tribute to his late parents in the song ‘Save You a Seat’, and a vulnerable message to his twelve-year-old self in ‘You’ll Be Alright, Kid’. The power in Warren’s performance, combined with his vulnerable, confessional, and unfiltered lyrics created an emotional and passionate atmosphere within the venue, where a deep sense of catharsis was prominent in both Warren’s performance, and the audience’s reception. The main set’s finale was Warren’s UK number one hit single ‘Ordinary’, providing the loudest moment of the concert as the crowd sang in unison. The show’s encore was the wholesome love song, ‘Carry You Home’, allowing the show to end on a high note, after the emotional weight of the previous songs. 

Overall, the Cheaper Than Therapy Tour was a comedic, dynamic, and raw interpretation of live music, providing a night to remember for fans and non-fans alike! 

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