Original Voices of Dance take over Portsmouth Guildhall with unmissable originals live show
There is something unmistakably powerful about hearing the songs that defined a generation performed by the very voices that made them famous, and that is exactly what audiences can expect when Originals Live arrives at Portsmouth Guildhall.
Set for Friday 10 April, this is not just another nostalgia tour. It is a full scale live experience that brings together the original artists behind some of the biggest dance anthems of the 90s and early 2000s, performing side by side for the very first time.
In a city that has long been synonymous with live music, the Guildhall feels like the perfect setting. With a history that has seen everyone from global rock icons to modern chart toppers grace its stage, it remains one of the south coast’s most iconic venues, capable of turning a concert into a shared moment.
What makes Originals Live stand out is its authenticity. This is not a tribute act or a reimagining. These are the artists who originally sang the tracks, appeared in the videos and shaped the sound of an era that dominated clubs and charts across the world.
The line up reads like a love letter to dance music fans. Anita Doth, the voice behind global hits with 2 Unlimited, joins Tania Evans, whose vocals powered Mr Vain, alongside Kelly O. There is also a rare reunion of all five members of SL2, together on stage for the first time since the height of the rave era, plus a special appearance from Evi Goffin, bringing a touch of 2000s dance into the mix.
Behind it all is legendary DJ and producer Slipmatt, whose influence on the dance scene helps shape a production that promises more than just a setlist. The show is designed to give audiences insight into the music, the collaborations and the culture that defined a generation.
Running as a high energy, two and a half hour live show, Originals Live leans into atmosphere and pace, delivering anthem after anthem in a way that feels immersive rather than nostalgic for the sake of it. There is a sense that this is about reliving a moment in time, but also celebrating how enduring that music has become.
For Portsmouth, hosting a date on this tour is a reminder of the city’s place on the UK’s live music map. The Guildhall continues to attract productions that matter, shows that resonate and events that bring people together from across the region.
And perhaps that is what Originals Live does best. It connects generations. For those who lived through the era, it is a chance to experience those tracks as they were meant to be heard. For younger audiences, it is an introduction to the roots of modern dance music, delivered by the artists who started it all.
As the lights go down and the first beat drops, this is more than a concert. It is the sound of an era, brought back to life, right in the heart of Portsmouth.
For tickets visit: https://www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whats-on/event/originals-live/