Entertainment / Reviews
Review: Talking Sopranos, Bristol Beacon – ‘A raucous, affectionate reunion for fans’
It’s fair to say that the world had seen nothing like it when The Sopranos (1999 -2007) first took the world by storm almost 30 years ago.
And it’s also fair to say that the Bristol Beacon had not seen – or heard – anything like it when the Talking Sopranos live podcast came to the city, not least because some foolhardy punters had the nerve to heckle during the show.
When you risk attracting the ire of (albeit fictious) Mobsters, you’re playing a pretty dangerous game – but that’s what happened when gentle giant Steve Schirripa (Bobby ‘Bacala’ Baccalieri in the TV series) had to bring fans to order during the night’s proceedings.
There was another unhelpful interruption during the Q&A when a fellow member of the audience got to quiz Schirripa and Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) about the issue of men’s mental health – a theme that, for many, is exactly what made The Sopranos so special.
Thankfully, despite the occasional derailment, there was no way that the audience were going to overshadow the stars of this show.
Although true, to describe it merely as a live incarnation of the pair’s hit podcast is to risk underselling it; this was a raucous, affectionate reunion built on nostalgia, in-jokes and heady tales from one of television’s most revered dramas.
The Beacon’s main hall was close to capacity, packed with a diverse crowd comprising many students and younger people who discovered the series via streaming, as well as plenty of original fans who remember waiting a week between episodes.
There was a low hum of anticipation before the pair even walked on stage – the kind usually reserved for rock gigs rather than a seated theatre talk.
From the moment they appeared, the chemistry that made the podcast so popular was obvious as the actors peeled back the proverbial curtain to provide thoughtful insights into the craft, motivation and the psychology of The Sopranos, its stars – most notably their “leader”, the late James Gandolfini – and even boxing icon Muhammed Ali when he went behind the scenes.
Steve Schirripa (Bobby ‘Bacala’ Baccalieri) and Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) in Talking Sopranos – photo: Bristol Beacon
They also paid homage to series creator David Chase, hailing him and his team of writers as the key to the show’s enduring appeal.
It was pretty heavy stuff at times but there was also plenty of levity; at one point Schirripa and Imperioli were told all about the delights of Bristol’s very own Bedminster and asked if they liked the sound of it more than Bedminster, New Jersey.
Fast-paced and well-structured, the show included the memorable Alabama 3 theme tune, Woke Up This Morning, as well as a montage of clips from all six seasons of the HBO show. Peppered through the evening were chances for 20 fans to ask questions of the stars, most – although not quite all – of which received punchy responses.
For Bristol 24/7 readers wondering whether a live podcast can justify a night out, Wednesday’s show was a resounding yes – provided you’re willing to embrace depth, daftness and the occasional loudmouth. In a city that prides itself on diverse live culture, Talking Sopranos slotted in seamlessly.
For all upcoming events at Bristol Beacon, visit www.bristolbeacon.org.
Main photo: Bristol Beacon
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