Magnificent and Beautiful

Barbara Brittain
Sep 29
3 min read

Updated: Sep 30

Tribute acts Bottled Blondie (Maria Brown) and Cher-Esque (Lara Jones), with live band gave stunning performances at an evening gig in St. Petroc’s Church, Bodmin on Friday 26 September 2025. Stage, lighting and music created an 80s vibe.

Cher-Esque, up first, owned the stage. Her charisma, powerful vocals and eye-catching costumes enraptured the audience.

Photo credit: Bodmin Camera Club; CosmicExposure; Bodmin Camera Club

Connecting the two acts, Bottled Blondie musicians supported Lara, and Maria on backing vocals produced stunning harmonies. Lara, relishing the experience, interacted with musicians and stepped off the stage to be closer to the audience.

Photo credit: Bodmin Camera Club

The biggest applauses came with the ballad "Just Like Jesse James" and “Believe”.

Lara referred to Cher's performance of "Fernando" in Mamma Mia 2 and sang it herself.

After Cher-Esque’s performance, two audience members said: “She was very good.” “Yeah. She can sing.”

Fans, Rachael and Laila, said: “That was amazing, as always, and special to see her in her hometown. She’s extremely entertaining and, whether on a big or small stage, she brings so much energy with her.”

Photo credit: CosmicExposure and Bodmin Camera Club

Next, Bottled Blondie, donned with sunglasses and white dress, encapsulated the essence of summer and sang all the hoped for classics. Kicking off her shoes and dancing barefoot, Maria’s passion, talent and experience made you believe the lyrics “I’m going to be your number one”. And words from “Atomic” “magnificent and beautiful” described the performer. The act’s rendition of the hit "Maria" was a standout moment, with Maria’s seductive vocals capturing teenage desire.

Blondie, shooting bubbles, weaved through the crowd and her setlist motivated energetic dancing in the aisles.

Continuing to connect the two acts, Lara joined Bottled Blondie for the hit “One Way or Another”.

Photo credit of duo: Bodmin Camera Club

Cosmic-xposure-uk.co.uk promotes the performers and owner Suzan Elliott said: “They are the nicest people, always committed and perform for their own enjoyment, sharing their energy with audiences.”

The skilful musicians deserve special recognition, with lead guitar Sam MacKenzie, Richard Voision on base, Simon Bowman on keys and Steve Brown on drums. Sam and Simon sang harmonious backing vocals, and the audience showed their appreciation of the band’s performances during the stars' costume changes.

Simon said: “It’s the first time I’ve played in a church; the sound is amazing.”

Photo credit: Bodmin Camera Club

Pre-show dressing room interview

Besides looking and sounding like the stars they resemble, what inspired the singers to choose their tribute acts?

Maria, originally from Wales, said: “Listening to “Parallel Lines” sparked my admiration for the rock and roll icon. Blondie is the queen of cool. She inspired Madonna and Miley Cyrus. Debbie Harry is still rocking at 80.”

“I’ve always loved Cher’s music. When I was younger, she was big in the charts with “Believe”. She’s amazing. She always looks the same. She is the ultimate diva.” said Lara, who’s lived in Bodmin and attended Bodmin College.

The singers, who met cruising the seas, sing separately but have “super-secret duo projects” for fans to look forward to.