Janet Jackson

Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin Tues 8pm €81.25/€76.25/€59.80 01-6777770

The commercial track record speaks for itself: almost 40 UK Top 30 hits in 25 years. Yet, unless you’re an avid fan, you’d be hard pressed to name more than five, yes? True crossover issues aside, there is something about this Jackson and this gig that requires looking into.

For starters, this is her debut appearance in Ireland, and the venue she is performing in is far smaller than would have hosted her 10 years ago. This suggests that either Jackson’s commercial standing is diminishing (statistics would prove this is the case), or that she really wants to do something different as a high-end, high-earning performer: present a show with no special effects, and with a degree of upfront and close intimacy.

In other words, it could be a blast or a farce. Worth going to, then.

Can't see that? Catch this: 

GleeDublin, Sat/ Sun