Concert review: Robbie Williams, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, September 22

ROBBIE Williams has his swing back — and a backing troupe who look like they have just tapped their way off the set of Boardwalk Empire.

Robbie Williams plays to a sell out crowd at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. MANDATORY PIC CREDIT PICS MARC ROBERTSON.

ROBBIE Williams has his swing back — and the tux, big band and cast of dancers who look like they have just tapped their way off the set of Boardwalk Empire.

Williams’ first Australian tour in eight years is called The Swing Tour, and his passion for the golden era of jazz is infectious.

Robbie Williams plays to a sellout crowd at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre last night. Pic: Marc Robertson

That music takes up most of this lavish two hour entertainment, which played at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre last night and returns tonight.

Williams might not have the voice to match Sammy Davis or Frank Sinatra, but as ever he makes up for it with his natural skills as an entertainer. He might have told these jokes night after night but he delivers them with panache.

Robbie Williams plays to a sellout crowd at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre last night. Pic: Marc Robertson

And it’s hard to miss with a set list that includes Putting on the Ritz, Minnie the Moocher, That’s Amore, High Hopes, Mr Bojangles and a fake showbiz wedding.

Whatever your opinion of Williams, in the flesh it’s hard to dislike someone giving tap dancers, an eight-piece brass section and the designers of stylish suits gainful employment.

Nice barbershop-quintet rendition of R Kelly’s Ignition too.

The stage set and costumes are a visual feast, the sound is good, the band is hot. The only ones disappointed would be those expecting a greatest hits set.

Robbie Williams plays to a sellout crowd at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre last night. Pic: Marc Robertson

Originally published as Concert review: Robbie Williams, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, September 22