Live at the Marquee review: Sweet treat for Sugababes fans in Cork

Highlight of the night at the Marquee in Cork was a stirring performance of 'Too Lost in You', the group's biggest ballad 

A recent image of the Sugababes, who took to the stage at Live at The Marquee in Cork on Thursday. Picture: Aron Cahill

The 2024 season of Live at the Marquee, its first in a new venue, was kicked off  on Thursday night by British pop group Sugababes.

While it’s only just getting started, there’s already a clear theme emerging for this year’s Live at the Marquee season: One of embracing change.

Now in its 17th year, this summer’s festival is the first in the Marquee’s brand new home in the former Tedcastle's Yard. 

Sofia Italino, Washington St, Cork, and Elena Topolovec, Magazine Rd, at the Sugababes concert. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

And while the new venue is just a stone’s throw away from its previous location across the road, the difference the move has made feels vast.

The changes to the Marquee are clear to see wherever you look in the new site. 

The large cabin-like sheltered Rockshore bar is among the very welcome new additions, though the equally large queues for it are not.

Aria Kingsley and her daughter Vicki from Midleton looking forward to seeing the Sugababes at Live At The Marquee, Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Fiona O'Driscoll, Capwell Rd, Fiona O'Toole, Devonshire St, and Claire O'Callghan, Turner's Cross, at the Sugababes concert. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

There’s plenty more open space available for gig-goers to enjoy a pint or food before heading into the show, which will hopefully come in handy for the sunnier Marquee dates in the coming weeks.

With so much change happening around the iconic blue and yellow tent, it’s only fitting that it is British pop group Sugababes who are christening its new home and kicking off this year’s Live at the Marquee season. 

St John Ambulance Brigade members on duty at the Sugababes concert at Live At The Marquee, Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The members have weathered countless tumultuous changes over the years, with even diehard fans struggling to keep track of the group’s line-up at certain points.

It’s the original three founding members of the girl group, however, that comprise the Sugababes these days; Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan, and Siobhan Donaghy.

Ann Marie O'Mahony, her daughters Aoibheann, Caragh, and Bronagh, and Jason Higgs, all from Grange, at the Sugababes concert. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

This trio started the group back in 1998, and while it’s easy to forget just how many hit songs they’ve had since then, they do a hell of a job reminding their Irish fans of just that with this jampacked Marquee set.

From the moment they open with 'Freak Like Me', the audience is up on its feet, dancing and screaming along to every word.

It’s worth noting that they’ve already been warmed up to great effect by fun-loving DJ Stevie G, who earlier played a mix of floor fillers from Pitbull and Sophie Ellis Bextor.

The Sugababes' strong start is followed by undeniably catchy hits such as 'Red Dress', 'Ugly' and 'Hole in the Head'. 

Overall, the Sugababes deliver a sweet treat, if bogged down at times by sound quality issues where the three girls' mics seem to be at wildly different volumes.

Cousins Molly O'Sullivan, Ladysbridge, and Ava Whyte, Katie Mai O'Gorman, and Alyssa Kerrigan from Clonmel at Live At The Marquee. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The unbeatable highlight of the night, however, is a stirring performance of 'Too Lost in You', the biggest ballad in their discography that showcases some of the best of their individual vocals.

First night down at the new location, and from here the Marquee hosts The Coronas on Friday, and Gavin James on Saturday; followed by Van Morrison and Bicep next weekend.

• Live at the Marquee continues until June 25, with Christy Moore, Ne-Yo, and Bryan Adams among the acts appearing.