Heidi Talbot and Boo Hewerdine delivered an unforgettable evening of folk music at The Froize, captivating a packed audience with their seamless collaboration, humour, and immense talent.
Boo set the tone, opening the evening with Dragonflies, a poignant piece from his own repertoire. His quick wit shone early on as he jokingly offered to tattoo audience members with dragonflies, inspired by fans who had already done so in honour of the song.
Heidi’s crystal-clear vocals blended effortlessly with Boo’s warm tones and evocative songwriting, creating a partnership that felt both natural and magical. A standout moment was Heidi’s rendition of Bedlam Boys, which she cleverly wove into a surprise mid-song cover of Jolene, sparking an enthusiastic singalong from the crowd. We were delighted that the duo were also joined by Toby Shaer, a Froize regular, whose expert violin harmonies elevated the performance further.
The set was a masterful mix of heartfelt ballads and lively tunes, delivered with a warmth that made the evening feel intimate and uplifting. Boo shared the inspiration behind The Night is Young, drawn from the photography of Vivian Maier, while his iconic hit Patience of Angels was a highlight, accompanied by comical tales of his “fame” from writing the track. The pair’s playful banter, including their tongue-in-cheek merchandise ideas (from Boo-faced shower curtains to Hawaiian shirts featuring both their heads), had the audience in stitches.
Boo captivated the audience with tracks like Harvest Gypsies, showcasing his unique voice and songwriting. Meanwhile, Heidi shared insights into her creative process, describing how the outdoors often whispered lyrical inspiration, as if guided by ghosts or fairies, and performed highlights from her album Sing It for a Lifetime.
The evening also celebrated Heidi and Boo’s 25 years of friendship, a milestone reflected in their deep connection with each other and the audience. A standing ovation concluded their set, affirming the audience’s appreciation for such a memorable performance.
The charm of the night extended beyond the music, with The Froize signature dishes adding to the experience. David and the team treated guests to a feast of exceptional food, including sweet Thai chili beef, cauliflower curry, chicken with rabbit and leeks, vegetable tagine, and sweet and sour pork. Dessert offerings including delicious trifle, panna cotta, tiramisu and a mulled fruit cheesecake rounded out the culinary delights.
The unique ambiance of The Froize; a perfect blend of intimate musical performances and outstanding cuisine, ensured that this was an unforgettable experience. Guests left feeling they had been part of something truly special.