2025 has been so big for CMAT that it’s become a cliché to even mention her rocketing career. From selling out Ally Pally in about two minutes flat to opening the main stage of Glastonbury, all signs point to a megastar in the making. Before that Ally Pally show next year, though, there’s the small matter of a sold-out Brixton Academy to attend to.
With the show delayed from its initial October date by CMAT’s emergency dental surgery, the atmosphere is at a fever pitch before the first note of music is even played, reaching an absurd crescendo when Celebrity Traitors winner and CMAT superfan Alan Carr leans over the front row of the balcony and waves to massive applause.
When it does all kick off, it’s with a single spotlight on the Dunboyne Diana herself as she sings ‘Janis Joplining’ from the side of the venue, slowly meandering onto the stage with the entirety of Brixton Academy in the palm of her hand.
With a huge euro, which doubles as a video screen hanging from the rafters, and a light show that feels downright theatrical at times, this show is a clear statement of CMAT’s readiness for big stages and festival headlines. Not to mention the sheer quality of the songs on display, with the haunting Americana of ‘Aw, Shoot!’ Bumping up against the goosebump-inducing ‘Where Are Your Kids Tonight?’, the latter duetted with keyboardist Colm Conlan.
All of this is elevated by an audience ready to whoop, holler, and sing along at every turn, at times even drowning out the impressive vocals of the star herself. Welcoming them into the show, CMAT feels like the leader of a Vaudeville performance, with exaggerated comedy reactions to her own lyrics and a panto-style call of “It’s behind you!” as she introduces her band members. There’s even a moment between songs for a quick glass of wine and a chat about the joys of Christmas.
Not that it’s all slapstick hijinks, with CMAT’s trademark whip-smart lyrics carrying the entire show, especially when she pauses to explain (with more levity than might be expected) how smash hit single ‘Take a Sexy Picture of Me’ was written in response to negative online comments on her physical appearance.
CMAT at Brixton is a nearly two-hour-long thrillride of sincerity, humour, and world-beating bangers. In July, she proved she could dominate the Glastonbury main stage. In December, she showed she could do it on a cold, wet Monday night in Brixton. Next stop? Ally Pally and world domination.
CMAT will headline LIDO Festival on 12th June. Visit lidofestival.co.uk for more information.
