Plan B at Plymouth Pavilions February 2013, review by Sian Davies

Ben Drew, or Plan B as he is better known, certainly appears to be a man of many talents.

His soulful 2010 hit album The Defamation of Strickland Banks featured some of the biggest hits in recent years, including She Said, Love Goes Down and Stay Too Long.

Factor in a debut rap album in 2006, film appearances in Adulthood, Harry Brown and The Sweeney, along with the release of his first feature film Ill Manors and accompanying album of the same title last year, and you might struggle to understand how he is only 29.

Yet the Newham-born star seems wise beyond his years when considering the work he has produced and the show he put on at Plymouth Pavilions.

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Support acts Rudimental and Labrinth got the crowd going, after which the stage was transformed to reveal Plan B's set, including three large screens and some dubious urban-looking lamposts.

As the show of two-halves kicked off, a dapper looking Drew appeared with his band to perform his first hit album, complete with vintage-style video footage and a soulful vibe.

Presenting the album as a film, Drew's voice was perfect for the venue and was impressive live in comparision to the album.

The Recluse, Welcome to Hell and Prayin' went down a storm with the crowd.

An interval including the fantastic Faith SFX, a beatboxer with incredible talent, set the Pavilions up for a grittier second half, which included mesmerising footage from Ill Manors.

A costume change added to the atmosphere, along with the use of fire and fireworks, lighting and visuals which almost made you feel like you were inside the film rather than at a gig.

Drew's storytelling was reflected in the stage show, with tracks such as Drug Dealer, Playing With Fire and Deepest Shame feeling like mini-movies in themselves.

An encore including a mash up of classic songs including Michael Jackson's Beat It, a return to the stage for Faith SFX and another play of the relentless Ill Manors, the crowd left buzzing and proved it might be worth believing the hype.