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Tristan und Isolde, Welsh National Opera

2012-05-20T10:58:00.003+01:00

There are some evenings, which transcend one’s expectations, one’s surroundings, and even an infuriatingly fidgety audience, many of whom appeared to be auditioning for one of opera’s many dying consumptives. In many ways, this was one of those evenings. Most importantly, the performance marked the UK debut of Ann Petersen as Isolde - I have seen many great Isoldes in my time and Petersen bids fair to rank with the best. She has a voice that encompasses every aspect of the role from top notes hurled out into the auditorium down to the finest spun pianissimo. She also has a startlingly original take on the role, playing her very young, almost a teenager. This was especially telling in Act I when her girlish delight in the potions chest was truly chilling. When one considers it, her approach (or her director’s) makes perfect sense : Young love is an all consuming, ravaging, dangerous passion and those in its thrall can easily believe that one could literally die of love. Her Liebestod sung with resplendent power crowned a magnificent assumption. Petersen’s absolute commitment to the role (vocally and dramatically) reminds me of Waltraud Meier and Nina Stemme - I can think of no higher praise. She sings Freia at the Royal Opera this Autumn - I would expect bigger roles very soon. Ben Heppner has had a few hard years battling with vocal problems - These were particularly in evidence at his recent London Tristans where he battled to keep control of his instrument. This performance was a very significant return to form. There were a few pitch problems in Act II and he suffered to the point of shouting in Act III. However, there were long passages of splendid singing and his Act III was harrowing and ultimately deeply moving - His painful stagger towards Isolde before dying at her feet was one of several moments which moved me to tears. Susan Bickley, despite a few squalls in the upper register, remains an excellent Brangäne. Her tower warnings, especially the second, were beautifully sung. The relationship with Isolde was very well drawn with the maid acting as substitute mother for the wilful Irish Princess. Matthew Best was recently seen as König Marke in the Salonen/Philharmonia performances. That performance was very well received - If anything this was even better. Beautifully sung, but never downplaying the anguish of the betrayed uncle and husband, his Act II monologue was a highlight of the evening. Philip Joll was a sympathetic bear of a Kurwenal. There were occasional rough patches at the top but he is so utterly under the skin of the role that these seem unimportant. There was excellent support from Simon Thorpe as a conflicted, almost sympathetic Melot and Simon Crosby Buttle as both the Act I Sailor and the Act III Shepherd. Janis Kokkos’ production (shared with Scottish Opera) is a blessed relief after the horrors of Tristan productions at Bayreuth and other addresses somewhat closer to home. Like the superb Glyndebourne production, it tells the story clearly using simple, evocative sets and excellent lighting and constantly provides fresh insights to the characters without ever forcing Wagner’s drama into irrelevant concepts or bizarre twists. Lothar Koenigs added another Wagnerian blockbuster to his roster after his wonderful Meistersinger. He is already deeply immersed in the complexities of the score and there were many standout moments - I don’t think I have ever heard the searing pain of the awakening after drinking the love potion so startlingly conveyed. Also memorable was the grey desolation of the Act III prelude conveying the deep despair that is the dark heart of this astonishing section of the score. A very distinguished debut and an interpretation that will undoubtedly deepen even further. All in all a wonderful evening particularly notable for Petersen’s Isolde and Heppner’s return to form. SEBASTIAN PETIT 4.5 STARS

Gig Review: Camille O'Sullivan - Feel - London Wonderground Southbank Centre ✭✭✭✭✭

2012-05-16T16:39:00.000+01:00

Camille O'Sullivan

Feel

London Wonderground

Tuesday 15th May: Camille O'Sullivan, currently in the middle of a UK tour, premiered her show Feel in the gorgeous venue that is the Spiegeltent, Priceless London Wonderground at Southbank Centre.

A lovely intimate setting, with dresses hanging down from the wooden beams, small mirorball, a star tambourine and the stage strewn with red pea-lights over the drums, piano and music stands.

Houselights out, stage showered with smouldering purple, red and blue lighting, and Camille enters through the audience, lightly brushing the back of heads with her hand, covered in a hooded red cape, and graces the stage singing Arcade Fire's Wake Up. She plays with various props, a bird in a cage, puts on donkey ears and this all adds to the quirky yet charming show.

Camille's intoxicating vocals have a huskiness about them, which show off well in Crack Of Doom, and an even edgier, raspiness in blues number Sugar In My Bowl. Other artists covered include Nick Cave, Bob Dylan and Nina Simone to name a few, backed by a band of four on keyboards, drums, guitars and trombone.

With a standing ovation at the end from the sold out Spiegeltent audience, Camille did two more songs, before donning a red trilby hat and leaving the stage through the audience.

A wonderful performance from a first class entertainer. ✭✭✭✭✭

Camille O'Sullivan will be back at London Wonderground with more shows.
Check the website for more details https://pricelesslondonwonderground.co.uk

TIM MINCHIN, MELANIE C and CHRIS MOYLES to star in UK arena tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

2012-05-16T11:15:00.000+01:00

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

The Really Useful Group and AEG Live will bring the first ever UK arena tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar to London's O2 Arena on Friday 21 September 2012.

Award-winning musical comedian Tim Minchin – also the co-writer of West End smash musical Matilda – is confirmed for the role of ‘Judas Iscariot’. Three million album selling pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C will take the only female lead as ‘Mary Magdalene’, and BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast Show host Chris Moyles will make his major stage debut as ‘King Herod’, in what is set to be one of the biggest and most impressive arena tours to hit the UK.

The ITV primetime show ‘Superstar’ will give the UK public the chance to decide who will play the starring role of ‘Jesus’, with a panel of live show judges led by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Celebrating 40 years since it first opened in London’s West End, the Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour kicks off at The O2 in London on Friday 21 September. Tickets for The O2 show are priced £45-65 go on sale at 9.00am on Friday 18 May via www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “Jesus Christ Superstar began life as an album followed by a sell-out arena tour of the US. Our very first show was at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where we played to over 13,000 people. Tim and I have always wanted to take Superstar back to its roots and we are both delighted that it will finally play an arena tour in the UK in venues where many of the world’s great rock acts have gone before. We’re thrilled to have such great talent in the cast for the new show – they are all true ambassadors of UK entertainment. The re-mastered album sounds fantastic and we hope that fans both old and new will enjoy it.”

Tim Minchin said: “As a huge fan of Jesus Christ Superstar, I’ve always thought it needed 3 key things: a big cast and band; loads of volume; and me playing Judas. I’ve been in two small productions of the show, and understudied the big man both times. I am really bloody excited about this.”

Melanie C said: “I have been lucky enough to perform at arenas across the globe and to star in London’s West End but taking on the role of Mary Magdalene in the incredible Jesus Christ Superstar has to be one my most exciting challenges to date. I can’t wait to take the show to some of my favourite venues in the UK with such a talented and formidable cast including Tim and Chris.”

Chris Moyles said: “To receive a phonecall from Andrew is very cool, but then when he asks you to be in his musical that’s pretty amazing and there is only one thing to respond with… And that is yes! Absolutely! My mum’s gonna be well excited!”

The original multi-million selling Jesus Christ Superstar double-album, released in 1970, became a No.1 hit record in the US charts and spawned the live show phenomenon. The album features Ian Gillan as ‘Jesus’, Murray Head as ‘Judas Iscariot’, Mike d’Abo as ‘Herod’ and Yvonne Elliman as ‘Mary Magdalene’, plus legendary rock music session musicians such as Neil Hubbard (Bryan Ferry, BB King, Elton John), Chris Spedding (Roxy Music, John Cale), Alan Spenner (Joe Cocker, Peter Frampton) and Bruce Rowland (Paul McCartney’s Wings, Fairport Convention). The album has been digitally re-mastered and will be released on 16 July through Polydor.

The Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour is a co-production between AEG Live, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Really Useful Group. ‘Superstar’ is an ITV Studios Production for ITV1. Jesus Christ Superstar the album is released by Polydor, a division of Universal Music.

Tour Dates

Friday 21 September - London O2 Arena
Tuesday 25 September - Glasgow SECC
Friday 28 September - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Sunday 30 September - Manchester Arena
Tuesday 2 October - Cardiff Motorpoint
Thursday 4 October - Birmingham NIA
Tuesday 9 October - Belfast Odyssey
Friday 12 October - Dublin O2
Tuesday 16 October - Liverpool Echo Arena
Friday 19 October - Nottingham Capital FM Arena
Sunday 21 October - Sheffield Motorpoint

www.jesuschristsuperstar.com

KELLY CLARKSON announces UK arena tour plus special guests COVER DRIVE

2012-05-16T10:55:00.000+01:00

KELLY CLARKSON

ARENA TOUR ANNOUNCED

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

COVER DRIVE

NEW SINGLE ‘DARK SIDE’ RELEASED JUNE 3^RD

TAKEN FROM HER FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM ‘STRONGER’ OUT NOW

US superstar Kelly Clarkson has announced a five date arena UK tour for October and will be joined by one of the biggest pop bands of 2012 Cover Drive.

Kelly Clarkson is also set to release ‘Dark Side’ on JUNE 3^RD which is the third single to be taken from her top 5 album ‘Stronger’ out now.

Kelly has already achieved huge success with the release of her fifth studio album. She performed an incredible secret gig at Borderline in London, turned on the infamous Regent Street Christmas Lights, and single ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’ is still riding high in the airplay charts.

Since bursting onto the music scene 10 years ago, Kelly Clarkson has released five studio albums (Thankful, Breakaway, My December, All I Ever Wanted), sold over 20 million albums worldwide, had seven top ten singles in the UK and has sold over 3.5 million units in the UK alone.

She is the recipient of 2 Grammy Awards, 2 American Music Awards, 2 MTV Awards and 11 Billboard Awards. Clarkson’s last effort, 2009’s All I Ever Wanted debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and produced the smash singles – “My Life Would Suck Without You” (which charted at number one and went platinum in the UK) and “Already Gone.”

Joining Kelly on the arena tour will be Barbadian four piece band Cover Drive. Cover Drive have had three top 10 singles in the UK so far including the Caribbean-infused #1 single ‘Twilight and they have recently released their debut album ‘Bajan Style’. Amassing a huge following in their native Barbados, the UK and beyond, Cover Drive’s You Tube views are over 14million and the band have previously supported Rihanna and Dappy on tour.

KELLY CLARKSON ARENA TOUR

PLUS SPECIAL GUEST SUPPORT COVER DRIVE

October 2012

Friday 12 Manchester Arena 0844 847 8000

Sunday 14 Birmingham LG Arena 0844 338 8000

Tuesday 16 Glasgow Braehead Arena 0844 499 9990

Thursday 18 Sheffield Motorpoint Arena 0114 256 5656

Saturday 20 London Wembley Arena 0844 815 0815

Tickets go onsale Friday 18^th May at 9am – www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051

www.kellyclarkson.com

Twitter: @kelly_clarkson

Facebook @kellyclarkson

www.wearecoverdrive.com

Dave Willetts & Marti Webb to headline 42ND STREET UK Tour

2012-05-15T14:57:00.000+01:00

42nd Street

West End stars Dave Willetts (Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Cats, Ragtime, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) and Marti Webb (Blood Brothers, Tell Me On a Sunday, Evita, Cats) will join forces to headline the legendary Broadway musical 42^nd Street as it embarks on a national tour of the UK from 1^st June 2012, playing 23 venues to the end of the year.

From the producers of hugely successful touring hits including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, 42^nd Street is the timeless, inspiring tale of small town Peggy Sawyer’s rise from chorus line to Broadway star.

Winner of the 1980 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 2001 Tony Award for Best Revival, 42^nd Street is a true classic. The tour is directed by the show’s author and Broadway director Mark Bramble, and features the stunning sets and costumes from the Broadwayrevival.

The memorable score of hit songs includes ‘Lullaby of Broadway’, ‘We're In The Money’, and one of the great showstoppers, ‘42^nd Street’, danced down a flight of steps that light up as bright as the faces of the cast. Audiences are taken to musical comedy heaven with breathtaking routines and glorious choreography. 42^nd Street remains the greatest tap dancing musical of all time.

Dave Willetts (Julian Marsh) has headlined countless musicals in the West End and on tour. He has played leads in shows such as Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. He headlined Seven Brides forSeven Brothers both on tour and in the West End as well the tour of South Pacific. He recently starred inAndrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard in the West End.

Marti Webb (Dorothy Brock) is one of Britain’s most popular leading ladies, whose extensive West End credits include lead roles in shows such as Blood Brothers, Tell Me on a Sunday, Song & Dance, Evita, Cats and Thoroughly Modern Millie, to name only afew. She recently headlined the UK tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! across the country.

Produced by Martin Dodd for UK Productions, 42^nd Street has music and lyrics by Harry Warren and Al Dubin and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, who also directs. Choreography is by Graeme Henderson and Musical Supervision by Gareth Williams. Set design is by Douglas W Schmidt, with costumes by Roger Kirk, lighting design by David Howe and sound design by Ross Portway and Jon Higson.

LISTINGS

Martin Dodd for UK Productions presents

42^NDSTREET

starring Dave Willetts& Marti Webb

www.ukproductions.co.uk

Venue	Dates	Box Office

Rhyl Pavilion	Fri 1 – Sat 2 June	01745 330 000
New Theatre, Oxford	Tue 5 – Sat 9 June	0844 871 3020
Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield	Tue 12 – Sat 16 June	0114 249 6000
Grand Opera House, Belfast	Tue 19 – Sat 23 June	028 9024 1919
King’s Theatre, Glasgow	Tue 26 – Sat 30 June	0844 871 7648

New Victoria Theatre, Woking	Tue 3 – Sat 7 July	0844 871 7645
Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham	Tue 10 – Sat 14 July	0844 847 2291
Sunderland Empire	Tue 17 – Sat 21 July	0844 847 2499
Blackpool Grand Theatre	Tue 24 – Sat 28 July	01253 290 190
Theatre Royal, Plymouth	Tue 31 July – Sat 4 Aug	01752 267 222

Eastbourne Congress Theatre	Tue 4 – Sat 8 Sept	01323 412 000
New Wimbledon Theatre	Tue 11 – Sat 15 Sept	0844 871 7646
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford	Tue 18 – Sat 22 Sept	01274 432 000
Cardiff New Theatre	Tue 25 – Sat 29 Sept	029 2087 8889

Southampton Mayflower	Tue 2 – Sat 6 Oct	02380 711 811
Theatre Royal Norwich	Tue 9 – Sat 13 Oct	01603 630 000
Churchill Theatre Bromley	Tue 16 – Sat 20 Oct	0844 871 7677
Palace Theatre, Manchester	Tue 23 – Sat 27 Oct	0844 871 7660
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre	Tue 30 Oct – Sat 3 Nov	01902 429 212

Edinburgh Playhouse	Tue 6 – Sat 10 Nov	0844 871 3014
Liverpool Empire	Tue 13 – Sat 17 Nov	0844 847 2525
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre	Tue 20 – Sat 24 Nov	0844 871 7607
Theatre Royal Nottingham	Tue 27 Nov – Sat 1 Dec	0115 989 5555

Theatre Review: Starlight Express - New Wimbledon Theatre ✭✭✭

2012-05-15T14:26:00.000+01:00

Starlight Express

New Wimbledon Theatre

Monday 14th May: New Wimbledon Theatre is co-producing this new UK tour of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's Starlight Express in association with Bill Kenwright. Does this production hit the tracks running? Well... yes. If you you have never seen Starlight Express before, the plot features around a group of toy railway trains, portrayed by actors on roller-skates, who come to life inside the mind of a small child. The characters race to become the 'fastest engine in the world', and in the end, the underdog, Rusty (Kristopher Harding), triumphs, winning the race and the heart of observation car, Pearl (Amanda Coutts).

As soon as you enter the auditorium, the preset on stage are the lighting towers full of moving lights, with an LED video screen behind split into three sections, showing a visual of a train on a track in what seems to be from an 80's Sinclair Spectrum game... quirky and odd but works. The houselights go down, and the band start to play, and this is the entrance of the international trains, a very late one from the British 'Prince Of Wales' train playing on the humour of our rail system.

Previous tour production shot
Photo by Jens Hauer

The music has an 80's feel from the band, with a lot of synthesised keyboards used in the arrangements, the more up-tempo numbers sounding like an old school disco. A Whole Lotta Locomotion on the other hand is a complete contrast, bringing the score up to date and looking like Girl's Aloud on roller skates.

Choreography from Arlene Phillips is spot on, incorporating the use of two ramps for skaters to back flip, fast attacking skating, body jumps etc. A huge visual feast for the eyes. Add this to the excellent lighting design by Nick Richings and it does look really good.

As far as performances go, the cast are in great shape, and where credit is due, flawless. Ruthie Stephens as Dinah did a magnificent job throughout, especially in the song U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D giving it a country feel. Kristopher Harding's Rusty was also very good, lovely vocals at the end of act one in Starlight Express, the lighting adding to the feel of the song. Electra played by Mykal Rand often had some funny moments, and Amanda Coutts as Pearl was also fantastic, again lovely vocals.

There are a couple of times in the show when we are presented with a 3D movie for the actual races. You are given 3D glasses and are told when to put them on. I've never been a huge fan of film being shown in theatre productions, but when done well they work wonders, and this is good fun to watch.

Starlight Express looks good, sounds good, great choreography, fantastic vocals, but it still feels dated with an average score, and is lacking a certain something and I can't quite put my finger on it. ✭✭✭

STARLIGHT EXPRESS – UK TOUR DATES 2012/2013
Thursday 10 – Saturday 19 May
New Wimbledon Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Tuesday 29 May – Saturday 16 June
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

Website: www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 30 June
The Lowry, Salford Quays

Website: www.thelowry.com

Tuesday 3 – Saturday 14 July
Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh

Website: www.edinburghplayhouse.org.uk

Tuesday 17 – Saturday 28 July
Liverpool Empire Theatre

Website: www.liverpoolempire.org.uk

Tuesday 31 July – Saturday 18 August
BIC Windsor Hall, Bournemouth

Website: www.bic.co.uk

Tuesday 21 August – Saturday 1 September
Concert Hall, Nottingham

Website: www.trch.co.uk

Tuesday 4 – Saturday 15 September
Southend Theatres

Website: www.southendtheatres.org.uk

Monday 17 – Saturday 29 September
Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Website: www.venuecymru.co.uk

Tuesday 2 – Saturday 13 October
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

Website: www.boxofficeaberdeen.com

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 27 October
Hull New Theatre

Website: www.hull.gov.uk/hullnewtheatre

Tuesday 30 October – Saturday 10 November
Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Website: www.blackpoollive.com

Tuesday 13 – Saturday 24 November
Empire Theatre, Sunderland

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Tuesday 27 November – Saturday 8 December
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

Website: www.mayflower.org.uk

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 29 December
New Theatre, Oxford

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Tuesday 29 January – Saturday 9 February 2013 Box Office: 028 7126 4455
Millennium Forum, Londonderry

Website: www.millenniumforum.co.uk

BLUR announce warm up shows ready for Hyde Park gig

2012-05-14T12:25:00.000+01:00

BLUR

WARMING UP FOR HYDE PARK

www.blur.co.uk

Blur will play four UK warm up dates ahead of their highly anticipated sold out return to London’s Hyde Park later this summer.

The band will head to the seaside for a gig at the historic Winter Gardens in Margate on 1st August, followed by a return to Wolverhampton for the first time since 2009 to play two shows at the Civic Hall, and finally Plymouth’s Pavilions on 7th August.

“Every one of these shows will be very special and we can't wait to get cracking.” Alex James

Blur Warm Up Dates:

August 1 Margate Winter Gardens

August 5/6 Wolverhampton Civic Hall

August 7 Plymouth Pavilions

Tickets are £35 each (plus a £3.50 booking fee) and available from 9:00am on Friday 18th May through www.eventim.co.uk

Fans registered at Blur’s website will have access to a pre-sale from 9:00am on Wednesday 16th May.

Blur 21: The Box will be released on 30th July 2012. Twenty one years since the release of their debut album Leisure in 1991, the band’s body of work has been compiled and gathered together into one box. Blur’s seven studio albums are collected with over 5 ½ hours of previously unreleased material including 65 tracks, rarities, 3 DVDs, a collector’s edition book and special limited edition Seymour 7 inch vinyl.

For full track-listing and a complete list of all bonus material and rarities please visit www.blur.co.uk/blur21

Gig Review: Louise Dearman - 'Here Comes The Sun' Album Launch - Bush Hall London

2012-05-14T11:56:00.000+01:00

Louise Dearman

Here Comes The Sun - Album Launch

Bush Hall, London

Sunday 13th May: Bush Hall was nearly full to capacity for the 'Here Comes The Sun' album launch last night from Louise Dearman.

Photo courtesy of @LouiseDfans

Opening the set with the hauntingly beautiful Uninvited, Louise instantly shows off her powerful and very theatrical vocals, which adapt to the song effortlessly. She is joined on the small stage by a drummer, guitar, bass player and two backing vocalists, whilst on the floor behind the piano is her Musical Director Craig Adams, who has a done a great job with the arrangements.

Purely playing songs from the new album, there is a good range of tracks on offer, Here Comes The Sun is one of those you can listen to over and over again, along with See The Day which took us into a short interval.

The second half had a special guest, Steve Balsamo, who joined Louise for Time After Time. One of my favourite songs from the album was up next, One Day I'll Fly Away... just wonderful to listen to.
Final song of the night Little Bird is a great up-tempo number, giving us the chance to sing along with the 'ooo ooo's'. Great fun!

As album launches go, and I've been to a fair few, this was at the top of them.
Faultless vocals, great songs to listen to, wonderful arrangements, and I even had Lee Mead stood right behind me in the first half!

Set List
Uninvited
Here Comes The Sun
This House
Gravity
See The Day
Squander
Time After Time - with Steve Balsamo
One Day I'll Fly Away
Kissing You
Little Bird

Louise Dearman - Here Comes The Sun is available now.

www.louisedearman.com

Review: Abandoman - E4 Udderbelly Festival Southbank London ✭✭✭✭✭

2012-05-14T11:01:00.000+01:00

Abandoman

E4 Udderbelly Festival - Southbank London

Friday 11th May: Abandoman are Ireland's answer to Kanye West, albeit in a hilarious fashion. Playing to a sell out crowd in 'The Cow of Love', this hip-hop improv duo - Rob Broderick and James Hancox - added extra musicians for an hour of top notch music and comedy.

The now infamous 'What's In Your Pocket' song is a blast, a great way to get the audience laughing their socks off. You are asked to hold in the air something odd from your pocket... and with various items gracing the scene from thongs to meerkat dolls, a hip-hop track of never before heard proportions is brewed in magical ways in front of us. Pure genius!

Audience interaction is a huge factor of the show, with the boys finding out more about you, to help with their song making. I've never heard, and I don't think I ever will hear again, a man's name of 'Champagne' playing connect four to a rap song!

This all makes for a truly hilarious hour of fun, great music, fantastic comedy, and overall one of the best nights out in a long time. It's only an hour long, and the time just flies by.

Well done Rob and James, a brilliant show which had me in stitches throughout.

✭✭✭✭✭

www.abandoman.com

Harrison Dowzell joins cast to become 30th West End BILLY ELLIOT as booking extends to December 2013

2012-05-14T10:34:00.001+01:00

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

HARRISON DOWZELL

BECOMES THIRTIETH WEST END BILLY ELLIOT

AS 640,000 NEW TICKETS ARE RELEASED FOR SALE TAKING BOOKING INTO 2013

HARRISON DOWZELL BECOMES THIRTIETH WEST END BILLY ELLIOT

Twelve year old Harrison Dowzell from Nottinghamshire is to become the thirtieth boy to play the title role of Billy Elliot in the West End. Harrison, who joins the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical today, 14 May 2012, will alternate the role of Billy with Harris Beattie (13 year old from Aberdeen, Scotland), Kaine Ward (13 years old from Hertfordshire), Ryan Collinson (13 years old from Southport) and Adam Vesperman (13 years old from Seattle, Washington, USA) He will be the 65th boy to play the role worldwide, including Jamie Bell who played Billy Elliot in the award-winning film.

Harrison Dowzell

Harrison Dowzell said: “I am twelve year old Harrison Dowzell from Nottinghamshire and I live with my mum, dad, little brother Josh and Persian cat Rocky. I have always enjoyed sport, especially football and I was lucky enough to play for Notts County FC. Knowing how much I enjoyed dancing, my teachers at junior school suggested I took proper lessons and for over two years I managed to juggle football and dancing and was very busy. When I was eight years old I joined the Rollo Academy of Performing Arts and Freedom Movement (a hip hop troupe). I loved the film Billy Elliot so much that when I saw the audition poster in my dance studio I thought I would try my luck. I took a couple of ballet lessons in preparation and six months after my first audition (and after several call backs), I was invited to do some training with the Billy team over the summer. It was shortly after this that I was told I had got the part of Billy Elliot and I was so happy I could have burst. When I first arrived in London I was a little nervous but within a couple of days I felt like I had been here for months. I am really excited about my first performance as Billy.”

640,000 NEW TICKETS ARE RELEASED FOR SALE TAKING BOOKING INTO 2013

Billy Elliot the Musical, now in its eighth year, will release a further 640,000 tickets this week, taking booking at the Victoria Palace Theatre to 21December 2013. The internationally award-winning show, which opened at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 2005, has been seen by almost 8 million people worldwide, including 3.7 in the West End. Billy Elliot the Musical has also been staged on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre, as well as Sydney, Melbourne, Chicago, Toronto and Seoul, South Korea and is currently on tour across North America, with further international productions planned.

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

Based on the Oscar nominated film, Billy Elliot the Musical is an inspirational story of one boy’s dream to realise his ambitions against the odds. Set in the North East of England against the background of the historic 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy pursues his passion for dance in secret to avoid disapproval of his struggling family.

Billy Elliot the Musical features music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, is directed by Stephen Daldry with choreography by Peter Darling. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, the associate director is Julian Webber, costume design is by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.

From 14 May 2012 the West End cast comprises Harrison Dowzell (12 years old from Nottinghamshire), Harris Beattie (13 years old from Aberdeen, Scotland), Kaine Ward (13 years old from Hertfordshire), Ryan Collinson (13 years old from Southport) and Adam Vesperman (13 years old from Seattle, Washington, USA) who alternate the role of Billy. Reece Barrett (13 years old from Exeter), Connor Kelly (13 years old from Scunthorpe) and Joe Massey (12 years old from South Wirrell) who alternate the role of Billy’s best friend Michael; Dayna Dixon (9 years old from Newcastle upon Tyne), Francesca Mango (13 years old from Northumberland) and Macy Stasiak (10 years old from Darlington), who alternate the role of Debbie.

They perform alongside Gillian Bevan (Mrs. Wilkinson), Deka Walmsley (Dad), Michael Peavoy (Tony), Ann Emery (Grandma), Sean Kearns (George), Kay Milbourne (Dead Mum), Simon Ray Harvey (Mr. Braithwaite), Barnaby Meredith (Older Billy) and ensemble members Craig Armstrong, David Bardsley, Paul Basleigh, Alan Bradshaw, Dawn Buckland, James Butcher, Spencer Cartwright, Lucinda Collins, Jaymz Denning, Gillian Elisa, Helen French, Sergio Giacomelli, Simon Ray Harvey, Kieran Jae, Ian Gareth Jones, Sean Kearns, Connor McAllister, Barnaby Meredith, Kay Milbourne, Steven Paget, Steph Parry, Ryan Pidgen, Dan Reilly and Mike Scott

Billy Elliot the Musical is presented in London by Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Tiger Aspect and is based on the Universal Pictures/ Studio Canal film.

LISTINGS INFORMATION BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

Booking until: now booking until 21 December 2013

Theatre: Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London SW1

Box Office: 0844 811 0055

Tickets: £19.50 - £65.00

Performances: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm

Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm

There is no performance on 27 July 2012

There is an extra matinee performance on 24 July 2012 at 2.30pm

Assisted Performances Sign Interpreted Performances 2012:
Thursday 28 June at 2.30pm
Thursday 9 August at 2.30pm
Friday 7 September at 7.30pm
Audio Described Performances 2012:
Saturday 1 September at 2.30pm
Thursday 6 September at 2.30pm
Captioned Performances 2012:
Thursday 5 July at 2.30pm
Tuesday 28 August at 7.30pm
Saturday 8 September at 2.30pm

To book, or for further information on our assisted performances, please call our access line on 020 7834 1170, or email access@victoriapalace.co.uk

Website: www.billyelliotthemusical.com

DERREN BROWN brings 'Svengali' to London's Novello theatre for a final run

2012-05-14T10:15:00.000+01:00

Derren Brown

Derren Brown’s 2012 Olivier award-winning show Svengali, will take up residence at London’s Novello Theatre for 27 performances only, from July 12 – Aug 11. This is the last chance to see the sell-out live show that has mesmerized the nation, performing in over 150 venues

Derren, who professes that he loves writing and performing on stage more than anything else, says:

“"I enjoy the stage shows more than anything else. This one is fun, dark, funny, freaky. Live on stage is the best place for what I do: it's unpredictable, and the audience knows there's no possibility of judicious editing. Plus we've put in new material for this year and the show has grown and changed on the road more than any other."

Svengali is written by Derren Brown and Iain Sharkey with Stephen Long and produced by Michael Vine, Andrew O'Connor & Corrie McGuire for Objective Talent Management.

On stage as well as on TV Derren is in a class of his own, exhilarating audiences with his unique brand of entertainment. For the past ten years he has created TV and stage performances that have stunned audiences, debunked the paranormal and encouraged many to improve and enhance their own mental abilities. His first show appeared in 2000, Derren Brown: Mind Control, and was followed with Trick of the Mind, Trick or Treat and a series of Specials including the controversial Russian Roulette, the hugely popular Events, Hero at 30,000 Feet and the more recent Experiments.

Derren’s live stage shows have earned him a string of award nominations, including three Oliver nominations. He has twice won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment Show , and a Silver Rose d’Or for Variety.

LISTINGS

Novello Theatre

Aldwych , London WC2B 4LD

July 12^th to Aug 11 2012

6 shows per week

Prices £16-£51 plus booking fees where applicable

Bookings: 0844 4825170

delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Performance times: 7-30pm:

Director: Polly Findlay

Designer: Will Bowen

Lighting Design: Matt Eagland

Sound Design: Colin Pink

General Manager: John Dalston

The performance is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

JESSIE J and MELANIE C to kick off Music is GREAT Week - Both to appear at HMV Oxford Street London on Monday 14th May

2012-05-11T18:37:00.001+01:00

JESSIE J and MELANIE C

To kick off Music is GREAT Week celebrations

Melanie C will introduce Jessie J on stage at HMV, Oxford Circus

To kick off the recently-announced Music is GREAT Week, Jessie J will perform at the flagship HMV store, 150 Oxford Street on Monday 14th May. Spice Girl Melanie C will officially start the week and introduce Jessie onto the stage.

Melanie C on stage at 1.45pm. Jessie J on stage at 2pm.

The Spice Girls performance of Who Do You Think You Are? at The BRIT Awards in 1997 appears on Music Is GREAT Britain, a DVD and download of iconic live moments which is released on the same day. The Who, Blur and Adele also feature on the DVD and download which spans three decades of unforgettable performances. All net profits will go to Save The Children.

Melanie C says, “We’re so good at music in Great Britain why shouldn’t we celebrate? We’ve produced some of the world’s biggest stars. I’m honored that the Spice Girls are on the DVD, that performance is by far one of my most memorable. I got such a buzz. Music is GREAT Week is about that buzz of a live gig. They are the best thing ever and we Brits are the best at it.”

Jessie J says: "I am super proud to be British and I have always loved repping the UK with my music. Its wonderful to celebrate music and I can't wait to kick off Music Is GREAT week"

Admittance to the performance is on a first come first served basis at the store. For more information head to www.facebook.com/MusicisGREATBritain

The performance is part of HMV’s partnership with Music is GREAT which also extends to a national poll to establish the greatest album and film of the past six decades, marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Votes can be placed via the Facebook page.

Music is GREAT Week will be the platform for fans and critics to debate what's GREAT about British music and the amazing experiences that go with it: What was the best live show you’ve been to in the UK? Which gig did you camp out at the night before in order to attend? What ticket did you covet the most?

Music is GREAT Britain is available on DVD and download from HMV, iTunes and Amazon .

Available on pre-order: http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;0;-1;-1;-1&sku=706386

Theatre Review: Babel - Caledonian Park, London

2012-05-11T17:50:00.000+01:00

BABEL

Directed by Bill Mitchell

Wednesday 10^th May: BABEL is a site specific performance that will happen come rain or shine, so sporting some rather attractive wellies, the audience of over 300 start queuing outside Caledonian park; conversation is that of intrigue as we all wonder what is in store.

Upon entering the park the audience members are ushered down a pathway, along which there is a community living amongst the shrubbery. We are guided through this magical yet seemingly poverty stricken neighbourhood and observe the people go about their daily lives, sleeping, eating, reciting poetry, even lifting weights. All this happens under the ever watchful eye of stern security guards that strike fear in the people and in some cases even the audience members.

There is a scurry of activity & excitement as a woman announces that ‘it is time’ and the community and audience are led into the main park where the iconic tower stands. The festival type atmosphere is electric, with so much going on you are left with the dilemma of what to see and do first. There is so much for the audience to get involved with and observe, including, music, monologues, martial arts, dance and crafts. As the story unfolds the audience is absorbed deeper within the performance and care more and more about the outcome of the people.

The roots of BABEL go far back, beyond memory, to one of our first stories – ‘in the beginning the people was one’. These people felt compelled to gather, to create something extraordinary together, and so they built a city and the Tower. Over time both were abandoned, the people fled to the far corners of the earth and the first tribes were formed. Not only is the park a magical setting for the performance it is also a relevant location historically, Caledonian Park was chosen as the site for BABEL, because it so closely mirrors the story itself, with its very own clock tower and a multi-layered history.

BABEL is a fable about the things that matter. The things that bind us together and keep us apart. It’s about the incredible things we can do together, the power of memory and our common humanity. The production involved within this performance is superb; in particular the use of art projection is absolutely fantastic; Babel really is a theatrical experience like no other and is not to be missed!

Performances of BABEL will be running from the 8th to the 20^th of May 2012.

By Rachel Toye

WE WILL ROCK YOU to celebrate 10 years - ROBERT DE NIRO to attend performance on 14th May at Dominion Theatre

2012-05-11T10:44:00.000+01:00

We Will Rock You

To Celebrate 10 Fantastic Years

Producer Robert De Niro To Attend Anniversary Performance

Dominion Theatre May 14th

West End smash hit musical We Will Rock You is delighted to announce that Robert De Niro, one of the original producers of the show will attend the very special 10 year Anniversary celebrations at the Dominion Theatre on Monday May 14th. Hosted by its creators Queen and Ben Elton the night will include a spectacular performance and some incredible surprise moments.

While no one is yet issuing a full list of which other special guests might be expected in the audience or possibly even on stage come the night of May 14, with the credentials of creators Queen, Ben Elton and producer Robert De Niro, there’s reason to believe in finding signs of scorched earth around the site of the Dominion Theatre the day after.

Created by Ben Elton and Queen, the highly anticipated musical opened at the Dominion on May 14, 2002, and has since earned itself a place in the top ten of the West End’s longest running musicals in a list which includes Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and The Lion King.

In its ten-year run We Will Rock You has built a fiercely loyal following across all ages with some fans having visited the show more than 400 times, couples have met and married through the show, and when Queen’s Brian May himself popped up in the Box Office to personally hand over the 1 millionth ticket purchased (September 22, 2003), it was a 61-year-old grandmother who was buying the ticket to treat her 4-year-old great grandson to see the show.

And in terms of A listers who have dropped in on the show during its ten year run, how many others could boast having had Beyoncé, Britney Spears and Pink in the house on the same night, as well as other celebrity fans such as Demi Moore, Priscilla Presley, and Liza Minnelli, not to mention a certain famous British actress who has already slipped in to see the show 17 times.

On top of having established itself as such a West End fixture, We Will Rock You has since 2002 opened in 15 countries around the world. It has been seen by more than 6 million people in the UK and more than 12 million worldwide.

The West End cast presently appearing include Noel Sullivan as Galileo, Sarah French as Scaramouche, former Coronation street star Kevin Kennedy as Pop, Brenda Edwards as Killer Queen, Rachel John as Meat, Alasdair Harvey as Khashoggi, and Wayne Robinson as Brit.

WE WILL ROCK YOU is a Queen Theatrical Productions/Phil McIntyre Entertainment/Tribeca production. Book and direction Ben Elton. Music and Lyrics Queen. Music Supervisors Brian May and Roger Taylor. Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road, London, W1. (Tottenham Court Road tube station).

Theatre Review: Top Hat - Aldwych Theatre, London

2012-05-11T09:33:00.001+01:00

Top Hat

Aldwych Theatre

Thursday 10th May: Following a 17 week UK tour and seventy seven years after its movie release, Top Hat has landed at the Aldwych Theatre. With music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and based on the RKO motion picture, the screenplay by Dwight Taylor and Allan Scott has been adapted for the stage by Matthew White and Howard Jacques and is presented by arrangement with RKO Pictures LLC, Warner Bros Theatre Ventures Inc. and the Irving Berlin Music Company.

The story is about Jerry Travers (Tom Chambers), the famous American tap dancer who arrives in London to appear in his first West End show. Here he meets leggy blonde Dale Tremont (Summer Strallen), the girl of his dreams and a case of mistaken identity leads to all sorts of shennanigans and they end up together.

Summer Strallen and Tom Chambers
Photo by Alastair Muir

Tom Chambers is a great dancer, pulling off all the moves graciously in fine style, a lovely little hat stand routine to note. Fortunately his dancing is his saving grace as his voice doesn't quite match the tap dancing and ballroom quality, which leaves me rather disappointed for this leading man. Summer Strallen on the other hand is an all singing, all dancing gem of a star. Lovely vocals and shimmering moves, this is the quality of a leading lady. The one thing that Tom and Summer don't have is the connection on stage between the two characters, there is no spark, no flames... another let down in the evening.

What does make up for this are the splashes of comedy thrown in and great acting from others on the stage, notably Stephen Boswell as the ever so cunningly disguised butler, gondolier and various other characters. Stephen has this great stage presence, great comedic values and facial expressions which are a pleasure to watch. Martin Ball (Horace Hardwick) and Ricardo Afonso (Alberto Beddini) are also great to watch on the stage, again some great performances.

The sound for the production is very good, sound designer Gareth Owen has done a sterling job so we hear all the orchestra well, but not too over powering. Musical Director Dan Jackson is doing some great work in the pit, working with lovely orchestrations for classics such as Puttin' On The Ritz, Cheek To Cheek and Let's Face The Music And Dance.

The art-deco set is put to good use, including a hansom cab and aeroplane, with sliders being used throughout to conceal the set changes, and the automation flows well to swiftly go into the scenes.

Top Hat is good quality light entertainment, another vintage musical in the West End. Some good performances, great dancing and fabulous music. ✭✭✭✭

Listings Information
Dates: 19 April 2012 – 26 January 2013
Address: Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF
Performances: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm
Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm
Box Office: 0844 847 1712
Ticket prices: £65 - £20 Concessions available
Website: www.tophatonstage.com

THE MILK announce June UK tour, festival dates and new single 'Every Time We Fight'

2012-05-10T13:02:00.001+01:00

THE MILK

New Single – ‘Every Time We Fight’ – out June 24

UK Tour and Festival Details Also Confirmed (incl. Ibiza Rocks with Ed Sheeran)

Hot on the heels of a 27-date UK tour, which climaxed with a sold-out show at The Scala, The Milk have announced details of a brand new single for the summer and a string of live dates for June. The soaring ‘Every Time We Fight’ will see a release on June 24 on Sign Of The Times, and follows support across the likes of Zane Lowe, Huw Stephens, Mistajam, Huey Morgan and XFM for the Essex four-piece’s former single (‘Broke Up The Family’).

‘Every Time We Fight’ is a personal and impassioned turn from The Milk, mixing classic soul melodies with a modern dance sensibility. Driven by a memorable chorus, soaring horns and intricate rhythms, this is the sound of a band digging deeper than the hip-hop groove of fan-favourite ‘B-Roads’, or the gutsy guitar-rock of first single ‘Broke Up The Family’. Seemingly penned in response to a rocky but resilient relationship, the track was in fact recorded amidst the summer riots; which added an extra gravitas to the domestic turbulence within the lyrics. In typically brazen fashion, the band explain that “Every Time We Fight is a war cry to anyone who feels cheated out of a brighter future.”

With the band’s debut album expected later this summer, The Milk will first play another extensive run of dates, cementing their reputation as one of the hottest live acts in the UK. These include festival spots at Great Escape, Camden Crawl, Ibiza Rocks (where they’ve been invited to support Ed Sheeran), Beachbreak and Isle of Wight.

With an expansive following and a stellar record under their belt, not to mention another hefty set of tour dates across the summer, the real work for The Milk starts here...

“Pure fire and skill…an immersive experience you don’t want to end” Guardian

"The Milk are one of the hottest bands out there this year" Backstage Pass

“Flawless” Neon Gold

"This is the next band you all should be paying attention to" NME

“Straitjacket-tight...influenced by classic soul, punk and reggae, but defiantly un-retro” Time Out

“Irresistibly infectious” The Sun

May 5 London Camden Crawl

May 12 Brighton Great Escape Festival

May 31 Bristol Cooler

June 1 Bedford Esquires

June 2 Southend Chinnerys

June 4 Newcastle Evolution Festival

June 5 Mallorca Mallorca Rocks (with Ed Sheeran)

June 6 Ibiza Ibiza Rocks (with Ed Sheeran)

June 9 Leeds Cockpit

June 10 Hull Fruit

June 12 Leicester Lock 24

June 13 Birmingham Hare and Hounds

June 14 Derby The Venue

June 15 Nottingham The Bodega

June 16 Coventry Kasbah

June 17 Swansea Beachbreak

June 20 St Albans The Horn

June 21 Guildford Boileroom

June 22 Northampton Labour Club

June 24 Isle Of Wight Isle of Wight Festival

MICK HUCKNALL announces September date at London's Royal Albert Hall for one night only

2012-05-10T11:38:00.000+01:00

MICK HUCKNALL

sings American Soul

ROYAL ALBERT HALL

ONE NIGHT ONLY – SEPTEMBER 18TH 2012

Mick Hucknall announces his first solo concert, to be performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London for one night only, on September 18th 2012.

This hails the beginning of a new chapter for ex-Simply Red frontman Hucknall after the final curtain fell on Simply Red at their triumphant sell-out Farewell Tour in December 2010.

On what promises to be a very special night in Hucknall’s glittering career, he will showcase his forthcoming new solo album ‘American Soul’, featuring his own take on classic songs which have inspired him throughout his life.

Mick is renowned for his great interpretations of others’ songs, having already had global hits with Money’s Too Tight To Mention, If You Don’t Know Me By Now and You Make Me Feel Brand New. The start of Hucknall’s solo career gives him free rein to record, together on one album, his favourites from his own personal journey through the American soul genre including such gems as I Only Have Eyes For You, I’d Rather Go Blind and That’s How Strong My Love Is.

The Royal Albert Hall is without doubt the most prestigious and beautiful live venue in London and has been the host to the most revered artists of our time, drawn from every musical genre; a fitting venue for the launch of the exciting next phase in Mick Hucknall’s extraordinary career.

Tickets for Mick Hucknall sings American Soul go on sale on Friday 11th May from:

ROYALALBERTHALL.COM / 0845 401 5005

KILILIVE.COM /0844 871 8803

For VIP packages contact www.markbutler.co.uk 0207 603 6033

Album Review: Tenacious D – Rize Of The Fenix – Released 14th May

2012-05-10T10:50:00.000+01:00

Tenacious D

Rize Of The Fenix

It’s been six years since Tenacious D have released anything, since their last album ‘The Pick of Destiny’ didn’t have as much success as the first album ‘Tenacious D’, they went quiet. But now Jack Black and Kyle Gass are back with a 13 song album, with the usual comedy rock stylings, it would appear that Tenacious D are back on top form. Recorded in their friend’s garage – “we recorded down and dirty in a friend’s garage with a shoestring budget of $600.”

The band described the making of this album as a “journey similar to that of Gandolph in The Lord of the Rings.” After the bad reception from ‘The Pick of Destiny’ they realised something had to be done. Kyle Gass adds “there we were – just like Gandolph the grey, down in the muck – but we never gave up, we defeated our own personal demons and began chipping away, slowly climbing back to the land of the living – when we emerged we were no longer the old Tenacious D, we were Gandolph the white, with new powers and wisdom and bravery and skills.”

The album starts with ‘Rize Of The Fenix’, the lyrics talk about their down fall and rising again, great song, clearly hoping this song is a hit and brings them back to the top ‘we only need one hit, yeh we are hoping this is it’. Very catchy, musically it’s genius. It could definitely be a hit.

‘The Classical Teacher’ is the first hilarious interlude on the album. Black’s intent on being the best band in the world, “almost as good as Arcade Fire”, he hires a Spanish guitarist, Felix Char (Black) to help Gass with his guitar technique. Flutes and Trombones is another interlude, Black catches Gass in the studio late at night, and questions are asked about their musical intentions.

Senorita has a Spanish feel to the song, a flamenco guitar riff track. A love song about Black avenging and protecting Conchita, his Spanish senorita, Larry is the villain who broke Conchita’s heart. Loved this song, made me laugh and loved the Spanish feel.

Roadie a song dedicated to the hidden heroes of live music, ‘without me there’d be no sound from those amps, without me there’d be no lights on the stage, but you don’t applaud for me’. It’s almost like a rock ballad. Another song that has a similar theme is Ballad of Hollywood Jack and The Rage Cage, about the turmoil Gass goes through as Black ruined his indie image to make money in Hollywood, and their inevitable and kick-ass reunion.

Rock Is Dead a rock jam about the death of rock, with an awesome guitar solo from Gass, a short song at only 1minute and 44 seconds. They F****d Our Asses is another short song, it sounds like a middle finger up to critics.

The last song on the album is not a song you’re expecting, but it is almost on the same lines as ‘F**k Her Gently’ from the first album. It’s a song about Black’s thirty-nine year old sex interest, Black channels a husky voice, like Bruce Springsteen. It’s definitely a song for the loyal fans.

Other songs that appear on the album are: Low Hanging Fruit, Deth Starr, Throwdown and To Be The Best. There is also an extra track for the people that pre order 5 Needs.

A good come back for Tenacious D, looks like they are back to their old ways. I’m sure their fans with the ‘D’ tattoos will be happy. Comical lyrics and amazing music.

Review by Christina Benneworth

Listings Information

Tenacious D are touring the UK

June 5^th O2 Brixton Academy, London (sold out)

June 6^th O2 Brixton Academy, London

June 7^th O2 Brixton Academy, London

June 9^th Donnington Park, Download Festival

June 10^th O2 Apollo, Manchester

June 12^th SECC, Glasgow

www.tenaciousd.com

B*tch!Dyke!Faghag!Whore! - Open dance auditions Soho 6 June

2012-05-09T16:26:00.000+01:00

OPEN DANCER AUDITIONS

6TH JUNE 2012

PROFESSIONAL & NON-PROFESSIONAL MALE & FEMALE DANCERS

PENNY ARCADE

BITCH! DYKE! FAGHAG! WHORE!

27 June – 22 July at the Arcola Tent

www.pennyarcadenyc.net

BITCH! DYKE! FAGHAG! WHORE! is Penny Arcade's sex and censorship show and one of the most exuberant events ever to emerge from New York's downtown art scene. B!D!F!W! changed the way the world viewed erotic dancers, presenting it, as a feminist art form, and kicking off what would become the 'neo-burlesque' movement. Some of the greatest erotic dancers and performers from all over the world have performed in B!D!F!W! and many of them have gone to establish dance and burlesque revues and careers elsewhere.
“ Beg, steal a ticket” Newsweek
“Acute, humane, unmissable” Time Out
“The show has everything you wanted to know about censorship, feminism, counterculture and joy” Jeff Buckley, Rolling Stone

WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Professional and non-professional dancers of all ages, sexes, shapes and sizes.

You will be energetic, friendly, collaborative, generous and creative with an engaging presence, and personality, and an erotic energy about you.

You might be a professional high-energy dancer or the best dancer in your local club with a love of
performing on podiums; or you might be a sex-worker, stripper, erotic dancer or live art performer.

You must be dependable, responsible and flexible in your approach.

We are especially seeking women with erotic dancing skills, pole and floor work, and men with great presence and physicality.

AUDITION DATE & VENUE
• Wednesday 6th June 12-5pm at Madame Jo Jo's 8-10 Brewer Street Soho W1F 0SE

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
Register your audition by Friday 1st June by sending an email with "Dancer Audition" as the subject heading to jeremy@goldsteinproductions.net

Attach no more than a single page resume or 100 words about yourself with your contact number and photo if you have one.

We will email to confirm your audition by close of business on Monday 3rd June.

Due to the high volume of inquiries we ask you to send specific queries by email.

We will respond to all emails.

If chosen for a callback please be available on Thursday 7th June from 12-5pm.

PERFORMANCES:
If you are invited to join the company, please be available for a rehearsal on Saturday 23rd June from 1pm-6pm and then for the production week and opening from 25th June – 1st July with specific call times to be advised.

All performances 27th June – 22nd July Wed-Sunday at the Arcola Tent in Dalston.

You may not have to dance in every performance, and we aim to be flexible so you can fulfill your existing commitments. A rota will be issued on a weekly basis.

All dancers are paid a little over Equity minimum on a per call basis.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHOW PLEASE VISIT WWW.PENNYARCADENYC.NET

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!!
BITCH! DYKE! FAGHAG! WHORE! IS CO-PRODUCED BY JEREMY GOLDSTEIN PRODUCTIONS AND TIME OUT LIVE AND PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH ARCOLA THEATRE

LOSTPROPHETS announce November UK tour

2012-05-08T10:43:00.000+01:00

LOSTPROPHETS

LOSTPROPHETS WILL RELEASE THEIR NEW SINGLE ‘WE BRING AN ARSENAL’ ON 4^th JUNE TAKEN FROM THEIR ALBUM ‘WEAPONS’ OUT NOW

NOVEMBER UK TOUR ANNOUNCED

Having stormed back onto the UK charts with their top ten album ‘Weapons’, Lostprophets will release their new single ‘We Bring An Arsenal’ on June 4^th. Lostprophets have also announced a massive UK tour for later this year following their sold out April/May tour.

An instant fan favourite after only a few live airings, 'We Bring an Arsenal' is described by Kerrang as

‘a colossal slice of hard rocking braggadocio with a chorus so infectious that this summer’s festival crowds are probably already singing it’.

Guitarist Mike Lewis says: ‘We Bring An Arsenal is about us as a band, our gang mentality. We’ve always had that, even before we formed Lostprophets. When we were just mates growing up, we had that us vs. them, underdog mentality. That song is about that – whatever you throw at us we’ll come back with more.’

As well as being confirmed for Radio 1’s Hackney Weekender in June, Lostprophets will also be playing the following venues this November:

NOVEMBER

Thursday 01 Wolverhampton Civic Hall 0870 320 7000

Friday 02 Preston 53 Degrees 01772 893 000

Saturday 03 Sheffield O₂ Academy 0844 477 2000

Monday 05 Edinburgh HMV Picture House 0844 499 9990

Tuesday 06 Inverness Ironworks 0844 499 9990

Thursday 08 Manchester O₂Apollo 0844 477 7677

Friday 09 Portsmouth Guildhall 023 92824 355

Monday 12 Norwich UEA 01603 508 050

Tuesday 13 Lincoln Engine Shed 0844 888 8766

Wednesday 14 Newport Centre 01633 656 757

TICKETS ON SALE: 9.00AM FRIDAY 11 MAY

WWW.GIGSANDTOURS.COM & WWW.TICKETMASTER.CO.UK

24HR CC HOTLINE 0844 811 0051 & 0844 826 2826

Lostprophets are Ian Watkins (vocals), Jamie Oliver (keyboards, turntables, vocals), Stuart Richardson (bass), Mike Lewis (guitars), Lee Gaze (guitars) and Luke Johnson (drums).

www.lostprophets.com

www.facebook.com/lostprophets

www.twitter.com/lostprophets

Gig Review: Professor Green + support Smiler and Chiddy Bang – London O2 Brixton Academy

2012-05-08T10:05:00.000+01:00

Professor Green

London O2 Academy Brixton

Saturday 5^th May: The last show of the 10 date ‘At Your Inconvenience’ tour, and Professor Green (Pro Green) is finally headlining Brixton Academy, and he did not disappoint.

Joining Pro Green tonight was South East London’s Smiler. I saw Smiler perform on the MOBO tour at the end of February and this guy is taking off, big things from him this year. Performing songs from his mixtape ‘All I Know’, which has received great success. He is releasing his single ‘Rocksteady’ on 11^th June. Look out for him.

Chiddy Bang

The next opening act was Chiddy Bang, an alternative hip hop band from Philadelphia. 2011 was a great year for the two person group, rapper Chiddy Anamege and DJ/producer Noah Beresin, they joined Pro Green on tour. They have great energy and got the audience jumping. ‘Handclaps and Guitars, which has samples from Walk The Moon’s ‘Quesadilla’. Chiddy introduced the next song by saying ‘Let’s take them to church real quick’ then in comes the single ‘Ray Charles’ which is taken from their album ‘Breakfast’ released in March. Another song performed from their album was ‘Talking To Myself’, which has uncredited vocals from Bluey Robinson, absolutely loved this song. The last song to be performed was the well-known song ‘Opposite Of Adults’, which is on the ‘The Swelly Express’ mixtape, the majority of the audience knew all the words, the audience went crazy for this song. If you have yet to hear of Chiddy Bang, I would strongly suggest a look at their album or previous mixtapes. These guys are going to be huge, and they are a great live act. Chiddy left the stage by saying ‘Brixton it’s about to get busy’ – he was right.

Next to the stage was Pro Green’s DJ – DJ IQ and Felix, getting the audience ready for Green, they played music and hyped up the crowd, got everyone singing and dancing, everyone was in a good mood. Brixton was packed, sold out with nearly 5,000 people, it wasn’t’ a surprise why the queue went round the whole building. With the audience ready for Pro Green, it wasn’t long till the curtain dropped, revealing the band and Pro Green comes running on to the stage.

The first song we hear is ‘At Your Inconvenience’, Pro Green is flawless, you can understand why people want to see him live, the band and Pro Green jut bring the music to life. Next was ‘Oh My God’ from the album ‘Alive Till I’m Dead’, it was good to hear music from not only his ‘At Your Inconvenience’ album, the original track has vocals from Labrinth, however Pro Green’s backing singer, introduced as Thomas took over the vocals, he has an incredible voice, and may have taken the shine away jut for a second from Pro Green, in my opinion.

‘D.P.M.O’ was next, I guess this is the time to say that everyone should be warned about the explicit content, not just in the songs but generally. ‘Need You Tonight’ was up next, this was the first song released after his tour with Lily Allen and is from the ‘Alive Till I’m Dead’ album. Then ‘Just Be Good To Me’ which features Lily Allen came on, obviously Lily Allen wasn’t there, but the female backing singer took over the vocals, and did a great job, she was introduced as Katie.

‘I Got The Remedy’ is a song that when performed live has so much energy, at a point in the song, a crowd of people run on to the stage, including Smiler and Chiddy Bang, carrying alcohol and dancing around the stage, at the end of the song, most of the cups are thrown in to the audience, and Pro Green downs a whole plastic cup of Jack Daniels.

Three songs later, a song called ‘How Many Moons’ this is the remix, and brought to the stage were Dream Mclean and Rinse. For me was the best song of the night, the ground was shaking, the audience were going mad, energy on the stage, great lyrics, was awesome.

‘Are there any monsters in the audience?’ brought in the song ‘Monster’ another crowd pleaser. At the end of the song Pro Green says ‘before I’m done let’s run this town to the ground’, clearly you think that at the end of the song that’s the end of the concert; so after ‘Into The Ground’, everyone leaves the stage and you think that’s the end, but if you have been to Brixton Academy before, you know it’s never over until the lights go up.

After a while everyone comes to the stage for a five song encore. Pro Green even does an acoustic of some lyrics from a new song he is writing, clearly the fans were intrigued and all their phones were out. The most well loved song of the night, had Katie come back to the front of the stage and help Pro Green with ‘Read All About It’, it is a beautiful song, with deep and emotional lyrics. The last song of the night was ‘Goodnight’ from the Alive Till I’m Dead album, a great song and a great way to the end the night.

All in all, the night was fantastic, some great live music, from both the opening acts and Professor Green, if you like Professor Green I strongly suggest seeing him live. Unfortunately that’s the end of this tour, however it’s now festival season, he will be appearing at; Isle of Wight festival, T in the Park, V Festival and Wireless.

www.professorgreen.co.uk

Review by Christina Benneworth

Gig Review: The Slow Show - St Giles In The Field Church, London

2012-05-04T16:00:00.000+01:00

THE SLOW SHOW

St Giles In The Field Church, London

Thursday 3rd May: The Slow Show are a recently formed band hailing from Manchester. The band consists of five members Robert Goodwin (vocals, guitar), Frederik ‘t Kindt (keys, producer), Christopher Hough (drums), James Longden (bass), and Joel Byrne-McCullough (guitar). It’s hard to describe their sound, there isn’t a particular genre that these guys fit perfectly into, they are described as American alt-rock with a distinctive northern twist. They have an EP out at the moment available for download ‘Midnight Waltz’ and another EP coming out soon titled ‘Brother’. They recently supported ‘Elbow’ at Manchester Cathedral.

The Slow Show enter the church, which has drawn a crowd of around 100 people; the venue is small so the turnout has almost filled the church. They are also followed by a brass section and a guest female vocalist. The band was introduced by the bands manager, ‘I’m a firm believer that great music speaks for itself’, and this was definitely the case. There are no signs of pretentiousness, it feels very humble and Robert is very appreciative of the crowd.

The set had a mix of songs from ‘Midnight Waltz’ and some of the new material that is to be released. The first song to be played was ‘Mr Blue Tie’ a beautiful piece of music with lyrics to match. Next was the new song ‘Brother’ it begins with a melancholic piano and violin, the voice from the lead singer Robert provides an edge to the track. Robert’s voice is memorising, for such a young guy it’s over-whelming in richness and depth, it is addictive, reminded me of a young Johnny Cash on Hurt.

Next was a song called ‘This Is How I Know’ an easy track, a perfect example of an Americana track but with a certain difference, that I feel comes from the northern British twist.

‘God Only Knows’ was an appropriate song to be played in such a beautiful venue, the church was really beautiful, the music and vocals from Robert fill the church. Robert puts it perfectly ‘this is where music should be played’. From the same EP was ‘Dirty Little Secrets’, this song gives the crowd another reason to buy the EP that is to be released.

‘Falling Slow’ was another song from the ‘Midnight Waltz’ EP, another beautiful song, showing the talent that this group have. ‘Northern Town’ have lyrics that talk about their love for where they are from, with lyrics like ‘Northern town/ you never let me down/ do you?/ The sights and sounds/ of a northern town/ have always been so good to me,’ a beautiful song.

The Slow Show did a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born To Run’, fitted the sound of the group perfectly, a great cover. They ended their 11 song set with ‘Morning Hours’ which has received radio air time, the song was a great way to end the show. A simple ‘Thanks so much’ from Robert ended a great gig.

You get the idea that they are generally a great group of people, who are happy that people are listening to their music, a great band to see live, they are different, which is refreshing, I believe The Slow Show are one to watch.

Review by Christina Benneworth

Listings Information

20th May – The Pig, The New Forest
4th June – Eurocultured Festival, Manchester (tickets available at www.eurocultured.com/tickets)
8th June – The Head Of Steam, Newcastle (tickets available at http://www.wegottickets.com/event/166514)
13th June – Stereo, York
23rd July – The Castle, Manchester (tickets available at http://www.wegottickets.com/event/167262)
29th July – Camp Bestival, Dorset (tickets available at http://www.ticketline.co.uk/camp-bestival#tour)
8th September – Union Chapel, London

www.theslowshow.co.uk

JASON DONOVAN joins Kerry Ellis in 'The War of the Worlds: The New Generation'

2012-05-04T15:32:00.000+01:00

JEFF WAYNE’S MUSICAL VERSION

THE WAR OF THE WORLDS… THE NEW GENERATION!

JASON DONOVAN

WILL RETURN

IN A NEW ROLE AS PARSON NATHANIEL

Fresh from Strictly Come Dancing, Jason Donovan, will return to the cast of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds for The New Generation Tour.

Previously a leading light of the phenomenally successful tour as The Artilleryman, Jason will return as Parson Nathaniel, the disturbed holy man driven to insanity by the Martian invasion of earth.

Jason says,“I am delighted and very excited to be going back on tour with The War of The Worlds and taking on the new role of Parson Nathaniel. The New Generation is going to have some fantastic effects and I, for one, can’t wait to see the 3D hologram of Liam Neeson! It’s going to be a whole new show and a whole new experience.”

West End star Kerry Ellis will play his wife Beth, “I was already thrilled to be part of such a credible cast,” says Kerry, “and now to add Jason Donovan into this is fantastic – he’s an inspirational West End star and international heartthrob. Having Jason cast as my husband is a teen dream come true"

Also confirmed is Kaiser Chiefs’ Ricky Wilson in the role of The Artilleryman.

Hollywood star Liam Neeson will appear in the new production, for the first time, in the holographic role of The Journalist, taking over from Richard Burton’s iconic narration on the original album, and previous tours. The groundbreaking, full body, live action hologram is an extraordinary performance from Liam, who interacts with the live performers, including passing objects between hologram and reality!

In addition to a long career in TV, and success in the charts, Jason has starred in acclaimed productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, The Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sweeney Todd and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, before joining the 2010-11 tour of The War of The Worlds.

Such is his reputation that Andrew Lloyd Webber has chosen Jason to mentor contestants for the new ITV talent show, Superstar! searching for the lead in the new production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Jeff Wayne says, “I’m not aware of any performer who has portrayed a leading character in one production, then returned in the next playing an entirely different role.

But such is Jason Donovan’s diverse talent, this is exactly what he will be doing. Having been a magnificent Artilleryman in our 2010 production - that of a dreamer with a plan for Mankind’s survival underground - he will now tackle the role of Parson Nathaniel, who has lost all faith in Humanity and the ability to survive on top of it. I have no doubt Jason will bring a vibrant interpretation to this character, and I welcome him back to The War of The Worlds - Alive on Stage!”

November 2012

THURSDAY 29 DUBLIN O2 ARENA

December 2012

SATURDAY 01 LIVERPOOL ECHO ARENA

SUNDAY 02 CARDIFF MOTORPOINT ARENA

MONDAY 03 CARDIFF MOTORPOINT ARENA

TUESDAY 04 NOTTINGHAM CAPITAL FM ARENA

THURSDAY 06 LONDON WEMBLEY ARENA

FRIDAY 07 BIRMINGHAM NIA

SATURDAY 08 MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS ARENA

SUNDAY 09 SHEFFIELD MOTORPOINT ARENA

MONDAY 10 NEWCASTLE METRO RADIO ARENA

TUESDAY 11 GLASGOW SECC

THURSDAY 13 BOURNEMOUTH BIC

FRIDAY 14 BOURNEMOUTH BIC

SATURDAY 15 LONDON THE O2 ARENA

SUNDAY 16 BRIGHTON BRIGHTON CENTRE

MONDAY 17 BRIGHTON BRIGHTON CENTRE

WEDNESDAY 19 ROTTERDAM AHOY ARENA

SATURDAY 22 LISBON PAVILHO ATLANTICO ARENA

January 2013

THURSDAY 03 HAMBURG HAMBURG ARENA

FRIDAY 04 OBERHAUSEN OBERHAUSEN ARENA

SATURDAY 05 BERLIN 02 WORLD BERLIN

MONDAY 07 NURNBERG NURNBERG ARENA

TUESDAY 08 MUNICH MUNICH ARENA

THURSDAY 10 GDANSK GDANSK ARENA

SATURDAY 12 HELSINKI HELSINKI ARENA

MACK AND MABEL to get London revival at Southwark Playhouse in July - Norman Bowman to star

2012-05-04T14:55:00.000+01:00

Danielle Tarento in association with Southwark Playhouse presents

Mack and Mabel

Book by Michael Stewart

Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman

Revised by Francine Pascal. Based on an idea by Leonard Spigelgass

Presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd

Director Thom Southerland

Musical Director Michael Bradley

Choreographer Lee Proud

Set & Costume Designer Jason Denvir

Lighting Designer Howard Hudson

Sound Designer Andrew Johnson

Producer & Casting Director Danielle Tarento

The creative team behind last summer’s sold-out, acclaimed Southwark Playhouse musical, Parade - long-listed for The Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical in the 2011 Evening Standard Awards - are returning to the venue for a major revival of the Jerry Herman/Michael Stewart Hollywood musical, Mack and Mabel.

Mack and Mabel, starring Norman Bowman as Mack and Laura Pitt-Pulford (who received rave reviews as Lucille Frank in Parade) as Mabel, directed by Thom Southerland and produced by Danielle Tarento, will run for an 8-week season at The Vault at Southwark Playhouse, from Thursday July 5 - Saturday August 25.

Press night is Wednesday 11 July at 7.30pm.

Mack and Mabel is set in the early days of motion pictures and follows the tumultuous, real-life romantic relationship between movie director Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand, who became one of the biggest screen stars in the world. Told in a series of flashbacks, Sennett relates the glory days of the Keystone Studios from 1911, when he discovered Normand and cast her in dozens of his early "two-reelers", through his creation of Sennett's Bathing Beauties and the Keystone Cops to Mabel's death from TB in 1930.

The original 1974 Broadway production of Mack and Mabel was nominated for 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Norman Bowman

Norman Bowman (Mack) was Micky Deans in the UK tour of Over the Rainbow. His major musical roles include Sky Masterson in Michael Grandage’s West End production of Guys and Dolls, Tom Watson in the Donmar's Parade, Marius in Les Miserables, Sam in Mamma Mia!, Jack in George and Ira Gershwin's Lady Be Good at the Open Air Theatre, Regents Park, and Dany Zuko in Grease.

Laura Pitt-Pulford (Mabel) is currently starring as Charity in Sweet Charity (MAC, Belfast). Her other major roles include Snake in Nick Lloyd Webber's The Little Prince (Lyric, Belfast), Lucille Frank in Parade (Southwark Playhouse), Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls (Theatre Clwyd), Lola in Copacabana (Watermill) and Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard (Watermill and West End).

Laura Pitt-Pulford

Director Thom Southerland was longlisted Best Newcomer in the 2011 Evening Standard Awards for Parade. He was named Best Director at the 2011 The Offies - Off West End Theatre Awards - for Me and Juliet at the Finborough. He directed the European premiere of I Sing!, Divorce Me, Darling!, Annie Get Your Gun, The Pajama Game and sold-out all-male adaptations of Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore and The Mikado (Union); Noel and Gertie (Cockpit), the European premiere of The Unsinkable Molly Brown (Landor), Irving Berlin's Call Me Madam! (Upstairs at the Gatehouse) and the European premiere of State Fair (Finbourough and transfer to Trafalgar Studios).

Musical Director Michael Bradley’s credits include Parade at Southwark Playhouse, Spring Awakening (UK tour) and Godspell, Once Upon A Time at the Adelphi and Assassins (which won Best Production at the 2011 Offies) all at the Union.

Choreographer Lee Proud is the resident choreographer of Billy Elliot in the West End. Other credits include: Guys and Dolls and High Society at Upstairs at The Gatehouse - both nominated, Best Choreographer, Offie Awards.

Set & Costume Designer Jason Denvir’s recent credits include Third Floor, Wolfboy, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, New Boy, Lifecoach (Trafalgar Studios) along with several large scale musicals, including Hair, The Sound Of Music and A Chorus Line, for international festivals across the globe.

Lighting Designer Howard Hudson received the 2012 Offie Award for Best Lighting Design for Burlesque at Jermyn Street, Ragtime and The Hired Man at the Landor and the 2011 Offie Award for Best Lighting Design for Tomorrow Morning at the Landor and Me and Juliet at the Finborough.

Sound Designer Andrew Johnson’s credits include Midnight Tango (Aldwych), Little Shop of Horrors (West End and UK tour), Top Hat (UK tour), Company (Southwark Playhouse).

Mack and Mabel is produced by Danielle Tarento (winner Best Producer at the 2012 Offies). She also produced The Pitchfork Disney (Arcola Theatre), Burlesque (Jermyn Street), the sold-out productions of Parade and Company at Southwark Playhouse, and Noel and Gertie (Cockpit). She is co-founder of the Menier Chocolate Factory and co-produced all in-house shows 2004- 2006, including Sunday In The Park With George, which received a West End transfer and 5 Olivier awards.

LISTINGS INFO

Mack and Mabel

Southwark Playhouse

The Vault

Shipwright Yard

(Corner of Tooley St. and

Bermondsey St)

LONDON SE1 2TF

Box Office: 020 7407 0234

www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

Nearest Rail/Tube: London Bridge

Northern line/Jubilee line

Thursday 5 July – Saturday 25 August

Monday - Saturday at 7.30pm

Saturday matinee at 3.00pm

please note that during the Olympics, evening performances from 28th July - 12th August will have a later start time of 8.00pm

Press night: Wednesday 11 July at 7.30pm

Tickets: £10 - £22.50

‘Airline style’ pricing, the earlier you book the cheaper the tickets

BEN MONTAGUE unveils video for new single 'Love Like Stars' released on July 8th

2012-05-04T14:22:00.000+01:00

BEN MONTAGUE

LOVE LIKE STARS

RELEASED JULY 8TH 2012

Ben Montague releases his epic new single Love Like Stars on July 8th through Nusic Sounds/EMI.

Love Like Stars is a joyous, widescreen pop-rock song that captures that glorious moment when you can’t think of anyone else. The single, which is written by Ben Montague, Jez Ashurst and Kim Richie showcases Ben’s sweet, soulful vocals.

If the name Ben Montague sounds familiar, that would be because you heard his debut single ‘Haunted’, which became a major radio hit two years ago. At the time Ben didn’t have a record deal or an album to his name. Fast forward to 2012 and Ben, with a label behind him, is ready to launch his debut album ‘Tales Of Flying and Falling.’

Recorded at Rockfield with producer Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers, Idlewild, Kylie) ‘Tales Of Flying And Falling’ is a set of songs that make sense together; that document a relationship that was right, went wrong, then came right again. It’s an album that will make his fans fall for him all over again. “This was always my dream – to make an album with one producer, in one studio,” says Ben. “To take my time and make sure every song sounded as good as it could. Working with Dave was amazing. He’s a rock guy; I write pop songs. We bonded over old-school desks and old-school mics and a love of authentic, epic music.”

Ben will be hitting the road to showcase songs from his forthcoming album. The full list of dates are below.

JUNE

7 Mr Kyps, Dorset

12 O2 Academy, Brimingham

13 O2 Academy Islington, London

14 Rescue Rooms, Nottingham

17 Komedia, Brighton

20 Greystones, Sheffield

21 Academy 3, Manchester

22 Discovery Centre, Winchester

23 Tower, Folkestone

24 Isle of Wight Festival

26 O2 ABC, Glasgow

27 O2 Academy, Newcastle

28 Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh

29 O2 Academy, Liverpool

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twitter @ben_montague