Warwick Arts Centre is on the campus of the University of Warwick, so it isn't actually in Warwick at all but on the south side of Coventry. That aside, it is a lovely new venue containing a theatre, gallery, and concert hall. Everything is still new and stylish, it's easy to get to by car, and free parking. Beth Orton was confirmed to be playing in the Butterworth Hall in support of her new album 'Comfort of Strangers', released last week.

The hall, as with the rest of the venue, is new and modern. It looks like it holds 2-3000 people, so it still has small and intimate feel. There is a flat standing area at the front, and then tiered seating stretching up towards the back and sides. There were no crowd barriers infront of the stage, just a line of flowers along the floor and the stage itself was about waist height so you could lean on it.

 The support act were 5 piece band Clayhill, and they were absolutely fantastic. They comprised the singer Gavin, stood stage left and (at first) looking like he wasn't part of the band at all, the main (semi-acoustic) guitarist Ted, the bequiffed bassist Ali (on a double bass, sometimes plucked, sometimes bowed, and he also at times played a childs xylophone and a pair of scissors), and a second guitarist and drummer at the back. Ted and Ali were formerly in Beth's band. Their playing was incredibly tight, and the songs were extremely atmospheric (I loved the bass!). Gavin stood nonchalantly hands-in-pockets almost throughout the whole set, but his voice was incredible. They performed a set of about ten songs, mainly folk-acoustic songs very rich in depth and harmony. Highlights were opening track Figure of Eight and Grasscutter. It was a nice surprise to see such a good band as a support act, Beth certainly has good taste.

Get more info and music clips from Clayhill here

Beth and her band came onto stage to much applause from the crowd, looking instantly at home on the stage and starting off with songs from her new album 'Comfort of Strangers'. During the course of the set most of the album must have been played, with only a scattering of old songs inbetween. The new album is different in style to some of her older work, feeling more bluesy/swingy (to me anyway) but it was still well received and performed with high emotion. The band comprised a pianist (also playing other instruments), guitar, bass, and a very energetic drummer. Beth cut a fragile figure on stage, with her very slight frame and fringe down just over her eyes. She didn't speak too much inbetween songs, despite saying how nice it was to be in Warwick (pronouncing it in a funny way, plus also the gig wasn't in Warwick anyway!) and thanking us for coming out on a Friday night to see her.

The highlights from the new work, for me, were 'Safe in Your Arms', 'Shopping Trolley' and the incredible 'Pieces of Sky' which closed the first encore. From the older work, Stolen Car was absolutely wonderful (Beth performing this solo) and during the encores Beth took requests from the crowd which included a spine-tingling performance of 'Feel to Believe'. She denied me my request of 'Central Reservation', but 'I wish I never saw the Sunshine' more than made up for it. Throughout the gig she was visibly very happy and enjoying every minute of it.

More info on Beth Orton here

Nick Kuohu