REVIEW: Take That ‘shine’ at Marbella’s Starlite Festival 

BRITISH boy band Take That performed to sell out crowds in Spain’s Marbella, in giving a stellar show.

Although typically known as a 90s boy band, Take That proved on Monday they are still going strong, albeit with a hefty sprinkle of dad dancing and panto-esque narration. 

I grew up listening to their comeback album, Beautiful World, on car journeys with my dad and was just as excited as the scores of middle-aged British expats flowing into the auditorium. 

Marketed as a luxury, boutique festival, Starlite Marbella is a cut above what I’m used to, sleeping in muddy fields with teenagers threatening to burn down your tent. 

As soon as you arrive at the venue, the glitz and glamour makes it clear you’ll be in for a special night, from the gold sparkle covering every surface to the quality food and drink vendors throughout the complex. 

Passing through the ticket barriers, we emerged at the stalls and I was stunned by how intimate the venue really is. 

Held in an old quarry in Nagueles, Starlite is blessed with naturally great acoustics and beautiful surroundings. 

Despite being a sold out show, there was little queue for the bars on either side and we soon had beers in hand, waiting for the performance to start. 

Soon, the chords to hit song, Greatest Day, boomed through the crowd and Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen appeared onstage. 

Barlow’s voice is as strong as ever and the group’s stage presence cannot be doubted. 

No, they are not the handsome boy band they once were, but they still have the cheesy, coordinated dance moves and matching outfits. 

The crowd was clearly full of former teenage devotees, with one Marbella local holding up an original poster of Owen, hoping to get it signed.

Despite various videos poking fun at their choreography online, it is clear to see that fans enjoy the dad-style dancing as if it were still the 90s. 

As they traverse their musical career, the band gives musical-esque narration, truly taking the audience on a journey through their music. 

I couldn’t help but be reminded of pantos, with their cheesy, self-aware silliness and faux grandeur.  

This reached its peak when they sang This Life, the title track of their new album, while decked out in Spanish flags.

Sitting under a beach umbrella and sipping sangria, Barlow congratulated Spain on their Euros win, secured just the day before during their previous show.

He laughed saying, ‘it’s just a game of football’.

The show also had multiple outfit changes, each more glittery than the last. 

From the military-style jackets donned for March for the Hopeful to the sparkles of Relight my Fire, the trio did well to keep going in the intricate outfits despite the sweltering heat. 

Each band member got their time in the limelight, performing at least one solo song each. 

My favorite was definitely, Pray, with the fun dance routine giving it that touch more pazzazz. 

It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but I thoroughly enjoyed the speculator. 

Although they were lacking superstar Robbie Williams and bandmate Jason Orange, they still delivered a unique and privileged experience, showcasing their dozens of hits to a captivated audience.