The Simon & Garfunkel Story at Grand Opera House, Belfast

I was fortunate to attend the opening night of the Irish tour of The Simon & Garfunkel Story at the Grand Opera House. Having played to sold-out audiences in over 50 countries, including the prestigious London Palladium, this theatrical concert has won standing ovations worldwide – and it’s easy to see why. It is an absolute must for fans of the legendary duo.

Presented as a live musical biography, the show charts the meteoric rise of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. From their early days in a New York secondary school in 1941, where they performed together in Alice in Wonderland as the White Mouse and Cheshire Cat, to their first band name “Tom and Jerry,” and finally the decision to perform under their own names – the story unfolds with warmth and authenticity.

The narrative is supported by period film footage, cleverly transporting the audience back to the 1960s and 70s. Clips of civil rights marches, the Vietnam War, and the cultural shifts of the era add depth and context, while the production highlights the pair’s friendship, solo ventures, eventual split, and unforgettable reunion.

Cameron Potts (Art Garfunkel) and Will Sharp (Paul Simon) delivered pitch-perfect performances, clearly having researched their roles with care. Sharp’s guitar playing was masterful and his vocals rich and compelling, while Potts embodied the laid-back Garfunkel with ease – his soaring harmonies were spine-tingling at times. The chemistry between the two felt natural, lending an extra layer of authenticity to the show.

The five-piece band brought tremendous energy, and the moments of audience interaction were a joy. Cecilia had the theatre clapping along in unison, while the encore of The Boxer evoked a sterling sing-a-long from the audience in the Grand Opera House, with the lie-li-lies ringing out enthusiastically and ending with a well-deserved standing ovation. Yet it was Bridge Over Troubled Water that truly stole the show. Delivered with such emotion, the performance silenced the audience completely – nobody dared sing along, and it undoubtedly drew a few tears. Another standout was the hauntingly beautiful opening number, The Sound of Silence, when the theatre held its breath in awe.

If I had one small criticism, it would be the lighting during the Central Park reunion sequence. The spinning lights aimed directly into the audience were distracting and momentarily pulled focus from what was otherwise an atmospheric scene.

That said, this is a production that not only honours Simon & Garfunkel’s extraordinary music but also captures the spirit of an era. A must-see for fans, it will also strike a chord with anyone who lived through those times – and with any lover of timeless music

Review by Karen McConville

The show is running until Saturday 30th August, you can get tickets via GOH.co.uk