Sophie Ellis-Bextor Dazzles Dublin with a Disco Extravaganza. Sophie Ellis-Bextor brought a shimmering wave of disco-pop to Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre for two highly anticipated nights on May 21st and 22nd, 2025. The atmosphere was electric, with fans eager to immerse themselves in her unique blend of glamour, catchy tunes, and undeniable stage presence.
From the moment she stepped on stage, it was clear that Ellis-Bextor’s commitment to glitz matched her vocal prowess. Kicking off her set with the recent single “Relentless Love,” her voice effortlessly glided over a groovy bassline, guitar, drums, and keys, immediately captivating the audience. Her signature “disco ballerina” spins across the stage only added to the enchantment, as she expressed her excitement about finally bringing the tour to Dublin after its initial announcement. She also mentioned it was extra special playing in the 3Olympia as it was the first place she performed live with her husband as part of her band.
The idea of ‘seating tickets’ at a Sophie Ellis Bextor gig is kind of a redundant idea, and more like ‘you will be dancing in this spot for the evening’ tickets. Everyone seemed to understand the assignment.
Ellis-Bextor exuded confidence throughout the evening, sharing anecdotes and connecting with the audience. She spoke candidly about celebrating her 46th birthday and marking 30 years since her first gig, challenging the notion that pop music is solely for the young. This resonated deeply, adding a layer of authenticity to her performance.
The setlist was a vibrant mix of new material and beloved classics, keeping the energy consistently high. Highlights included the instantly recognisable “Murder on the Dancefloor,” which was kept until the end and predictably ignited the crowd like a pressure cooker finally being opened, alongside new tracks like “Taste” and “Freedom of the Night,” both of which showcased her continued evolution within the disco-pop genre.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came during the encore. After leaving the stage, Ellis-Bextor returned to deliver an intimate and powerful acoustic rendition of “A Pessimist Is Never Disappointed” by The audience, performed from a box seat in the theatre. A hush fell over the enthralled crowd, a testament to her pure vocal talent and ability to command attention even without the full disco production.
Supported by the captivating electronic duo Sumner from Tasmania, who set the perfect tone for the evening, Sophie Ellis-Bextor delivered a show that was nothing short of a joyous celebration. Filled with glitz, glamour, and an abundance of dancing, her Dublin gig solidified her status as a vital and enduring force in disco and pop music.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Murder on the Dancefloor
Relentless Love
Music Gets the Best of Me
Taste
Wild Forever
Hypnotized
Young Blood
Hearing in Colour
Ready for Your Love (Felix Jaehn cover)
Dolce Vita
Get Over You
Lady – Hear Me Tonight / Groovejet – If This Ain’t Love / Can’t Fight This Feeling / Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! – A Man After Midnight
Freedom of the Night
Not Giving Up on Love (Armin van Buuren cover)
Crying at the Discoteque (Alcazar cover)
I Feel Love (Donna Summer cover)
Heartbreak – Make Me a Dancer (Freemasons cover)
Murder on the Dancefloor
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Bittersweet
A Pessimist Is Never Disappointed
Photos – David McEneanery @experimentzero
Words – Arlene Hewitt