Live Report: Take That deliver showstopping nostalgia at 3Arena

In the centre of the 3Arena stage sat what appeared to be an 80s style television set. However, when the lights dimmed, and their 2023 single ‘Windows’ started to play, the group appeared inside the set which opened up, welcoming Take That to the stage.

From behind the band, strong wind blew smoke and confetti out into the crowd as they cheered for this beloved pop band. Formed in Manchester in 1990, use to have five members until Robbie Williams left in 1995 and Jason Orange left in 2014. Take That now consists of three members, Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald.

Take That at 3Arena. Photo Credit: Jason Doherty

Joining them on tour was English singer-songwriter, Olly Murs. He excitedly took the stage to perform hits like ‘Up’ and ‘Dear Darling’, the latter of which he dedicated to his late friend and former TV host Caroline Flack. Murs also announced that in the last week he became a father to his first child, Madison.

Praising his wife for staying home with the newborn, he told the crowd that he wanted to play as much of his music at the show as possible to celebrate what an incredible career he has had so he played a medley of his music. Before leaving, Murs performed one of his most well known songs, ‘Troublemaker’ from his 2012 album Right Place Right Time. He had everyone on their feet, singing and dancing to the nostalgic track.

When Take That took the stage, they took their guests through the magnificent journey the band has been through. Barlow took centre stage for their next song ‘Giants’. The audience chanted the chorus back at the trio with their hands in the air clapping along.

Donald revealed that when they were booking the tour, naysayers commented how the Dublin turnout would be lower since it was taking place on a Monday evening. He responded that “Monday is a Saturday night in Dublin”, a sentiment which the crowd echoed through uproarious cheers and whistles.

Take That at 3Arena. Photo Credit: Jason Doherty

The stage design was elaborate, with two movable staircases covered in LED displays allowing them to change create whatever landscape they wanted.

The show also incorporated all the elements. Fans were in awe as water cascaded down from the ceiling, pausing to fall in a patter that revealed the logo of the band. During ‘Relight My Fire’ the audience was hit by a heat wave from streams of flames which shot up from the stage and lit up the steps as the band danced.

When the stairs moved to the sides, a gap opened in the floor, allowing a white grand piano to rise from below. Barlow took a seat and played the opening chords to ‘Everything Changes’ as the three voices melded together, creating an astonishingly soft and elegant sound.

Take That at 3Arena. Photo Credit: Jason Doherty

Later the setting changed again, with the stage crew turning the stage into an 80s talk show set with retro-style cameras recording the band. In between songs, the trio took turns “hosting” and talking to the cameras about the band’s journey.

After singing their 1993 hit song ‘Pray’, Donald faced the cameras, saying “We had climbed the mountain and reached the summit, it was time for us to go our separate ways,” before for each member performed a song from their established solo careers.

While Donald never officially released any music during the nine-year break, he did write and record an unreleased album, from which her performed the would-be lead single,  ‘Speak Without Words’.

Take That at 3Arena. Photo Credit: Jason Doherty

Before the final song of the night, Take That thanked their backing musicians, 140 person crew and lastly, their fans for coming out all these years later to offer their continued support.

The lights in the arena dimmed as thousands turned on their flash, illuminating the audience in a bright glow for 'Rule The World.' Hand in hand, Barlow, Owen and Donald smiled and took their final bow as confetti shot out into the crowd.

While it marked the end of an unforgettable performance, Take That's new single ‘You And Me’ indicates that the band aren't slowing down any tine soon.

Listen to Take That’s single ‘You And Me’ below.