Fortnightly Music Reviews from the streets of Teesside and beyond
Betty Boo, Catlea, KU Stockton
13 June 2025
When it was announced that Betty Boo was playing at KU Stockton this June it brought me straight back to the hip-hop vibes and pop hooks that sound-tracked my childhood in the early 90s.
Catlea was the support, a name I didn’t know, but a quick listen and I knew I needed to be down early for her stunning performance. Recently moved to the UK from Cincinnati Catlea is surely destined for big things. Accompanied by guitarist Max, Catlea’s perfect pop vocals shine across the upbeat instrumentation. She is clearly enjoying herself as she sings out the hits from album Language Barrier, looking across to Max with a big smile on her face. One of the highlights is a song that is half in Spanish (she speaks the language), with flamenco vibes and infectious rhythm. Selfish is pure summery pop.
Boomerang, Barbarella and Shining Star fit seamlessly in amongst the hits, that same funky sound and pop hooks, brought up to date. All whilst comic strip and pop art style Betty Boo graphics accompany the songs. They barely stop for breath for the whole set. And then the surprise of the night. Alison Clarkson (Betty Boo) hasn’t been idle in her break from the stop light. She has been a prolific songwriter, writing for other performers , including Pure And Simple, that early noughties Popstars hit for Hearsay.
And then finally, it was a second helping of Doin’ The Do, before a scramble to the merch desk for that all important selfie and signed Betty Boo poster. For these fans, Betty is clearly still Doin’ The Do.
Words: Tracy Hyman
Quintessentially 90s in sound, it’s as if thirty years have been rewound as Betty Boo and side-kick Rita sing and dance their way through the classics (Where Are You Baby and Doin’ The Do). Their energy is palpable as they rap, sing and bounce along to a backing track. And the audience are with them all the way. In fact I’ve never seen such happiness on people’s faces during a gig; pure nostalgic joy.
It’s not all nostalgia though, there is a good helping from 2022 comeback album Boomerang. Title track
Pictures: Tracy Hyman
Betty Boo
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June FREE 10am Hillstreet Centre, Middlesbrough
June
£3 + bf 12pm and 6pm The Georgian Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees
Volume Music Bar, Stockton-on-Tees
Project Space, Middlesbrough
June FREE 8.15pm The Chapel, Middlesbrough
June FREE 12pm Café Etch, Middlesbrough
June £5 + bf
Georgian Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees
-Tees
June £4 + bf 6.45pm Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool
Brew, Middlesbrough
July £7 + bf
Darlington
Volume Music Bar, Stockton-on-Tees
Listings subject to change, please check with the venue’s website for full information before booking.
Off The Beat with Robert Nichols and Tracy Hyman