Ben Folds left his audience at the Civic Theatre Newcastle last night wanting more after a charming set showing his prowess in creating an incredible sound with only his piano and the ‘songs that he made up’.
After a truly charming support slot from American singer, composer, and actress Lindsey Kraft, Ben hit the stage.
Despite suffering from vestibular migraine, which can cause vertigo, dizziness and balance issues, Ben took to the stage wearing dark sunglasses and frequently holding onto the front of his black grand piano to steady himself. Yet what unfolded was an incredible display of musical talent, determination and artistry.
From where we were sitting, we could see him playing with his eyes closed to block out the bright stage lights, his hands flowing effortlessly up and down the keys. He slammed down bass notes with his forearm, tapped the microphone with his hand and stomped on the floor to build a fuller, richer sound. Every movement seemed to have a purpose, adding another layer to the music.
But Ben’s brilliance extends well beyond the piano. The carefully chosen setlist, mixing deep cuts with crowd favourites, showcased a wonderful storyteller and raconteur. His banter between songs was warm, witty and engaging, drawing the packed theatre into his world and making the night feel as much like sharing stories with an old friend as attending a memorable concert.
There were wonderful moments of audience participation, too. During You Don’t Know Me, the crowd enthusiastically sang along to the parts originally sung by Regina Spektor, filling the theatre with a sense of shared joy and connection. Newcastle was in fine voice – especially in the harmonies.
When the final notes faded, the audience wasn’t ready to let Ben go. Whoops, cheers and stomping feet called him back for an encore. Ben returned to the stage, moving gingerly but still every bit the consummate performer, delivering beloved favourites including Army and Zak and Sara.
Then came The Luckiest. An epically romantic ballad, it landed right in the feels. The theatre seemed to fall quiet as people absorbed the moment. You could hear the occasional quiet sniffle as audience members were moved to tears, connecting with the song, their own memories and the extraordinary intimacy of a live performance.
Watching Ben play with such instinct and expression made his musicianship all the more remarkable. The piano felt like it was an extension of him, and even while visibly managing his dizziness, he delivered a performance that was powerful, playful and utterly absorbing.
It was a reminder that extraordinary musicianship is about far more than hitting the right notes. It is about storytelling, connection and making a room full of strangers feel something together.
Some performances impress you, and then some performances leave you in awe of the sheer musicianship of the artist on stage. Last night’s show was the latter. Ben is an extraordinary artist, a captivating storyteller and a consummate performer. What a privilege to be in that audience.
GALLERY: Ben Folds Live at the Civic Theatre Newcastle 1 October 2026 – Photos By Juan Mahony
