Olly Alexander’s “POLARI” Tour at Bristol Beacon – A Night of energy, emotion, empowerment and unity.
As the frontman of the critically acclaimed band Years & Years, Olly Alexander has already made waves in the music world, but his solo show, “Polari” is a whole whole different level of artistry, self-expression, intensity, and personal connection with the audience.
Before Olly arrived on stage, a familiar voice filled the auditorium as a pre-recorded message played. None other than the legendary Ian McKellen speaking the secret language of Polari. Polari is a secret coded language that gay men used to communicate in the 1950s and 1960s.
The moment Olly stepped on stage, the room erupted. It was a full house, so you can imagine the noise. The stage was a visual, delicate work of art. The intricacies, combined with stunning lighting effects, created a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly matched his music themes. Neon lights, moody visuals, and Olly’s impeccable style brought his vision to life, blending futuristic aesthetics with vulnerability. Polari is more than just a tour; it’s an experience that invites fans into Olly’s universe of identity, love, and self-discovery.
Olly Alexander is magnetic. He has this effortless charm that attracts everyone, keeping you hooked from the first note. The setlist was a brilliant mix of Polari tracks, unheard acoustic versions, Years & Year’s songs and fan favourites; each song was performed with an electrifying energy that had the crowd on their feet. His vocal ability was stunning – rich, powerful, and emotive – and he didn’t just sing; he embodied every word, turning each song into a personal confession.
Olly uses his platform to create a space of inclusivity and celebration. His connection with the crowd was palpable, as he encouraged everyone to sing, dance, and be unapologetically themselves. There was an undeniable sense of freedom and unity in the room, with fans embracing the themes of self-expression and LGBTQ+ pride that run through the core of his music.
Olly mentioned the likes of Kylie Minogue, and made reference to Eurovision and what made the night more meaningful, was that his Mum was in the audience. He spoke fondly of Bristol, as he grew up nearby.
A personal standout performance was his slowed-down, acoustic version of “Language”, which he beautifully dedicated to his Mum. His vulnerability on stage was a stark reminder of his emotional depth, and the crowd responded with hushed, almost reverent silence. Looking around, I saw people sharing moments and embracing their loved ones.
Olly’s entire performance celebrated queer identity, love, and acceptance. His words between songs were just as impactful as the music itself, as he spoke openly about the importance of embracing your true self. Olly’s Polari tour isn’t just a concert, it’s a movement. A movement that invites all to stand together in unapologetic joy, celebrate love in all its forms, and honour the journey of self-acceptance.
Role: I’m a professional photographer and I love using both digital and film formats.
Qualification: I have two university degrees in photography from UWE in Bristol, BA (hons) and a Master’s.
Available for: Gig shoots, festival shoots, portrait photoshoots, album and single cover shoots and behind the scenes photography.
First attended gig: When I was at school, we had an evening called “Bands Night”. At the ages of 14/15, quite a few of my friends were in a band, playing the drums, guitar and vocals. I would always go and support these nights as I was their biggest fan, but also because staying out until 9:30pm on a school night was wild. These are the earliest gigs I can remember and I remember them so fondly.
First gig shot: BAD SOUNDS! What an impressive show it was.
Dream gig: Heavy question. There are so many and I feel very lucky to have already photographed the likes of Self-Esteem and Arlo Parks. Photographing a Prince concert would have been magic. Right now, I’ll say that photographing U2, during an intimate performance somewhere in Ireland would be more than a dream come true.”
