Donovan - October 12th, 2025 Richmond Theatre, London
Reviewed by Matt Wisdom • 14 October 2025
In recent years, several phrases have been thrown around like confetti. One being "Legacy Artist". In some instances, it's firmly justified, and Donovan drops squarely in that remit. At the very forefront of the Folk Rock movement from it's inception, "Dono" has inspired many well known artists, as well as making firm friends with them along the way. His music has taken many twists and turns along through the years, with much variety therein. Today, he's performing at the perfect setting of the Richmond Theatre, south west London. A stunning Victorian venue, it serves as a great prop to go along with Donovan's 60th Anniversary show today.
It's refreshing to have a matinee show, as it makes things very relaxing. No one is hurrying like mad to get there, or get home. As the safety curtain rises, Donovan is sitting there ready, and goes straight into "Catch the Wind". As soon as the audience get their first glimpse of him, the reception is rapturous. It's clear that the love for him here is massive. He then rattles off "Josie", "Jennifer Juniper" and "Little Tin Soldier" in quick succession. His connection with audience is constant, very often making strong eye contact with us at the front. The crowd are singing along from the off. It's evident that he's not shying away from playing a "popular" setlist, with "Sunny Goodge Street", "Colours" ("There were so many colours then, it's not surprising I wrote a song with that title") and "The Universal Soldier" appearing more or less in one after the other.
As we progress, there some lovely, true anecdotes from the man himself. Helping Paul McCartney write a song (after Macca had turned up unannounced at Dono's flat), getting transported along a pier to his own concert in a crate (to get him into the venue past a massive crowd of fans), and telling us how quickly everything took off for him at the start of his career. I didn't expect "Hurdy Gurdy Man" to arrive until the end, though here it is, three quarters of the way through the gig. The crowd are singing along at every turn, and Donovan has a great way of inspiring this very easily. "Donna Donna" sounds marvellous, and in contrast, this is followed by "The Intergalactic Laxative". Yes, you read that correctly. The song came about after Dono was wondering how space travellers cater for the......"necessary daily routines" whilst there. It's all good to know, in case I get that call from NASA one day. I can skip that part of the training schedule......
For such a relaxed gig, the time still goes past quickly, with "Sunshine Superman" and "Mellow Yellow" bringing the main set to a close. As you would imagine, the singalong to "MY" was very joyous. Along with many others, this one was a huge hit in the UK, and many other parts of the planet. In truth, it's one of many examples of Donovan's skill with melody. The curtain drops, though the crowd aren't in any mood to go home. After a long response of cheers and claps, Dono returns with a lovely version of "Atlantis". A fitting way to end the show. How wonderful.
After the show, during a chat with Donovan, he playfully says to me "Make sure to mention how the crowd sang along". We are all still singing now.
Thanks to Donovan and Lawson for their hospitality. All photos:- Lawson Slater.
