Month: April 2015

STOMP

NOW BOOKING TO 5 JUNE 2016

AT LONDON’S AMBASSADORS THEATRE

WITH CHRISTMAS 2015/16 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE CONFIRMED

STOMP at London’s Ambassadors Theatre is now extending its booking period until 5 June 2016.  The show, which has broken all previous box office records at the Ambassadors Theatre, will be celebrating its 13^th Birthday in the West End with a Gala Night for Teenagers on Monday 11 May.

STOMP, created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas was first performed in 1991 in Edinburgh.  The show played Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 1994 and won the Olivier Award for Best Choreography, before opening in New York, where it is now celebrating its 21^st birthday.  The European company was created in 1997 and began its London run at the Vaudeville Theatre in 2002, transferring to the Ambassadors Theatre in 2007.

One of Britain’s greatest exports, STOMP has toured the globe for 22 years, playing over 20 thousand performances to more than 12 million people in 53 countries on 6 continents.  There are currently four STOMP companies performing worldwide: one on tour in North America, another throughout Europe and the rest of the world, one in New York, and one in London.

 

In its 13 years in London’s West End, STOMP has consumed over 10,000 boxes of matches, over 13,500 brooms, almost 9,000 bin lids, over 18,000 drumsticks, over 8,000 wooden poles, over 35,000 newspapers, over 6,500kg of sand, almost 260,000 litres of water and 676 gallons of floor paint.  The cast of STOMP has performed ‘Cecilia’ with Paul Simon and Jimmy Fallon and the production is a firm celebrity favourite, with audience members having included Jodi Foster, Oprah Winfrey, Bob Dylan, Sir Ben Kingsley, Phil Collins and Stephen Fry.

STOMP performed live at the 1996 Academy Awards (the Oscars) to an estimated audience of almost 1 billion worldwide.  The largest assembly of STOMP performers ever (40 performers from 12 different countries) was brought together for a specially choreographed appearance at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The cast of STOMP in London currently includes Omari Carter, Nigel Clarke, Simone Clarke, Hugo Cortes, Paul Gunter, Melanie Joseph, James Lane, Laetitia Lawrence, Serena Morgan, Paul Bend, Rob Shaw, Adam Buckley, Meloné M’Kenzy, Andrew Patrick, Paul Russell, Jasper Valentine and Simeon Weedall.

STOMP is presented in London by Yes/No Productions and Glynis Henderson Productions Limited.

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Ambassadors Theatre

West Street

London WC2H 9ND

Box Office: 08448 112 334

Tickets: £26 to £52.50 + a £2.50 transaction fee

Performances: Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 6pm, with matinees Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 3pm*

*Extra Performances:  Wednesday 17 February 2016 3pm & 8pm, Wednesday 30 March 2016 3pm & 8pm, Wednesday 6 April 2016 3pm & 8pm, Wednesday 1 June 2016 3pm & 8pm

Christmas 2015/16 Performance Schedule

Monday 21 December                                     8.00pm

Tuesday 22 December                                     NO PERFORMANCE

Wednesday 23 December                              3.00pm and 8.00pm

Thursday 24 December                                   3.00pm

Friday 25 December                                         NO PERFORMANCE

Saturday 26 December                                    3.00pm and 8.00pm

Sunday 27 December                                       3.00pm and 6.00pm

Monday 28 December                                     8.00pm

Tuesday 29 December                                     8.00pm

Wednesday 30 December                              3.00pm and 8.00pm

Thursday 31 December                                   3.00pm and 6.0pm

Friday 1 January                                                NO PERFORMANCE

Saturday 2 January                                           3.00pm and 8.00pm

Sunday 3 January                                              3.00pm and 6.00pm

Running Time: 100 minutes with no interval

Current Booking Period: 5 June 2016

www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk

www.stomplondon.com

@StompTour

Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Perfect Pitch present

THE HOUSE OF MIRRORS AND HEARTS

A new British musical by Eamonn O’Dwyer and Robert Gilbert

AT ARCOLA THEATRE FROM THURSDAY 2 JULY TO SATURDAY 1 AUGUST 2015

A new British chamber musical The House of Mirrors and Hearts will play in Studio 1 at Arcola Theatre from Thursday 2 July to Saturday 1 August, with a press night on Tuesday 7 July at 7.30pm.

Keeping secrets is a kind of art…

When Anna’s husband is killed in a tragic accident at their home, her family’s life is changed forever. Seven years pass and, torn apart by grief, Anna has drunk herself numb. Her daughters, Lily and Laura, exist in a world of secrets and lies. They spend their days in bitter silence and suspicion, until Nathan, a new lodger studying the works of a forgotten poet, forces them to confront their past. Tensions within the family build, threatening to shatter this already broken household once and for all.

 

A timeless, atmospheric and intoxicating musical, The House of Mirrors and Hearts is a contemporary British story about a dysfunctional family haunted by their past.

The House of Mirrors and Hearts is presented by Aria Entertainment (Jerry’s Girls, From Page to Stage) and Perfect Pitch (Lift, The Go-Between), two companies dedicated to the development of original British musicals. Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Andy Barnes for Perfect Pitch said today: “We are so thrilled to be joining forces on this beautiful British chamber musical. Both our companies are known individually for our work with emerging British composers and new writing but The House of Mirrors and Hearts is the first project we have had the wonderful opportunity to partner on. We both feel positive about the current climate of new musical theatre with more and more great initiatives and opportunities arising for new writing. Collaborating with like-minded people has to be the way forward in supporting the evident array of emerging talent.”

The House of Mirrors and Hearts will be directed by Ryan McBryde, whose credits include the current UK Tour ofSaturday Night Fever, Angus, Thongs and Even More Snogging (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Hamlet The Musical(Northampton Royal & Derngate) and A Day at the Racists (Finborough Theatre).

The musical director is David Randall, with design by David Woodhead. Casting is to be announced.

Listen to music from The House of Mirrors and Hearts:

http://www.perfectpitchmusicals.com/HOMAH/music.html

 

Twitter: @HOMAH2015

LISTINGS

 

THURSDAY 2 JULY – SATURDAY 1 AUGUST 2015

ARCOLA THEATRE, 24 Ashwin Street, E8 3DL

Press Night: Tuesday 7 July, 7.30pm

Performance Times: Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, Saturday 3.00pm

West Yorkshire Playhouse presents

JOIN A ONE-OFF EVENT OF INTERNATIONAL FOOD, GLOBAL THINKING, MUSIC AND
IDEAS…

FEAST

PART OF TRANSFORM 15

West Yorkshire Playhouse, Saturday 2 May 2015, 2pm
BOX OFFICE: 0113 213 7700 or www.wyp.org.uk, Tickets £15

As part of Transform 15, this Saturday West Yorkshire Playhouse is
inviting audiences to FEAST, an unforgettable afternoon of delicious
international cuisine, world music and conversation. Taking place on
the Quarry Stage, which will be transformed into an intimate pop-up
restaurant by designer Hannah Wilson, the afternoon includes tasty
courses served by culinary artists alongside a range of speakers
offering their take on the theme: ‘What does it mean to be local and
global in 2015 and beyond?’

The mix of local and international speakers include Lebanese theatre
maker and social activist Lucien Bourjelly, Lucy Neal co-founder of
London International Festival of Theatre, Arthur France founder of
Leeds West Indian Festival, City of Sanctuary’s Rose McCarthy and
Irna Qureshi, Co-Director of Bradford Literature Festival. Adding to
the debate and culinary delights will be music from Leeds based
musician Richard Ormrod playing a mix of all the world music he’s
ever been fortunate enough to come across.

Established by West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2011, this year TRANSFORM
is shifting and inviting artists and audiences to join the
conversation about its future development. The three days of
activities at TRANSFORM 15 include feasting, conversation and
celebration, including an explosive night of performance, music and
intervention at the TRANSFORM PARTY. At the centre of the weekend are
early stage showings of future TRANSFORM projects, presented by local
and international artists. Committed to developing and presenting
adventurous performance and extraordinary experiences in Leeds,
TRANSFORM has presented an array of productions, performances and
events throughout the Playhouse building and outside its doors. Four
years on, with plans to move to a more citywide and international
model – TRANSFORM 15 offers an opportunity to be a part of shaping
the future of TRANSFORM.

FEAST

Saturday 2 May, 2pm, Quarry Theatre, £15 (includes three course
dinner)

Reserve tickets by calling West Yorkshire Playhouse Box Office on 0113
213 7700 or by visiting www.wyp.org.uk ( http://www.wyp.org.uk )
Advance booking highly recommended.

Follow on Twitter #transform15 @wyplayhouse

A brand new colourful production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s popular favourite Oklahoma! is heading with its stellar cast to Newcastle Theatre Royal this summer (Tue 23 – Sat 27 June 2015) as part of its national tour.

 

From the award-winning producers of the highly successful tours of The King and I and Fiddler on the Roof, this new production of one of the great classic American musicals stars Gary Wilmot, famous for his role as Bill Snibson in Me And My Girl in the West End and later as Tony in the world premiere of Barry Manilow’s Copacabana.

 

Starring alongside Gary, the role of Aunt Ella is played by Belinda Lang who many audience members will recognise from her role as level-headed mother, Bill Porter, in the long-running BBC sitcom 2 Point 4 Children.

 

The new production of this Pullitzer Prize-winning show is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with new choreography by Drew McOnie. Oklahoma! is based on the Lynn Riggs play Green Grow the Lilacs and was the first musical written by famous duo Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II. It was originally produced on Broadway in 1943 and the Academy Award-winning film was released in 1955.

 

Set in the Oklahoma territory in the early 1900s, the musical tells the story of two sets of star-crossed lovers. Cowboy Curly loves Laurey, Aunt Eller’s niece, but Curly’s rival is the mysterious and dangerous hired hand Jud Fry.  Meanwhile, Ado Annie is torn between cowboy Will and peddler Ali Hakim.  Their stories are told with the help of some of the best loved songs in musical theatre history, including Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’, I Cain’t Say No, The Surrey With the Fringe on Top, Kansas City, People Will Say We’re in Love and the title song Oklahoma!

 

These toe-tapping tunes are accompanied by a live orchestra with musical supervision by Stephen Ridley, set and costumes design is by Francis O’Connor, with lighting by Tim Mitchell and sound by Ben Harrison.

 

Oklahoma! appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 23 – Sat 27 June 2015 (Evenings: 7.30pm, Matinees: Thur 2pm and Sat 2.30pm). Tickets from £14.50 (Save 50p per ticket by booking online) Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.

 

And why not tempt yourself with Afternoon Tea after the matinees on Thu 25 and Sat 27 June? Served in our exclusive Olivier Suite and accompanied by one of our pianists, you can treat yourself for £14.95 per person or upgrade to Afternoon Tea with Prosecco for £20.90. Book via the Box Office or online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/afternoon-tea

 

THEIR FINAL EVER TOUR!

 

Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace

in

THE LAST TANGO

 

Britain’s best-loved dance duo to perform together in theatres for the last time

 

Fresh from their sell-out hit shows Midnight Tango and Dance ’Til Dawn, Strictly superstars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have created their most moving production yet as the pair prepare to dance in their final ever theatre show. The Last Tango is coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 13 – Sat 17 October ’15.

 

Twenty years of dancing together has seen them become Strictly Come Dancing favourites, World Argentine Tango Champions, and create and star in their own Olivier Award nominated West End productions – but now, as the nation’s favourite dancers prepare to take on new projects, it is time for Vincent and Flavia to say goodbye to audiences across the UK in a brand new, thrilling live performance.

 

Flavia said; “We have had such a fantastic time creating and dancing in Midnight Tango and Dance ’Til Dawn. It’s an incredible experience to perform live in front of our wonderful audience night after night, but all good things must come to an end, so we’re creating our final ever theatre show. It’s going to be intimate, intense and full of our award-winning Argentine tango. The Last Tango is going to showcase our best work and most beautiful dance moves before we finally say farewell to theatre.”

 

Vincent “The last few years have been amazing – we’ve loved it. It may be our final theatre tour but we’re going to go out with a bang! This is going to be our best show yet!”

 

Don’t miss your last ever chance to see this dynamic duo do what they do best live – in an intimate, passionate and explosive experience. It’s time for The Last Tango.

 

The Last Tango is directed by Olivier Award winning choreographer and director Karen Bruce and produced by Adam Spiegel Productions (The Producers,Dance ‘Til Dawn, Midnight Tango, Love Me Tender).

 

The Last Tango is at Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 13 – Sat 17 October ’15 (Evenings 7.30pm, Matinees: Wed & Thu 2pm and Sat 2.30pm).

Public and online booking opens on Fri 1 May.  Become a Friend of the Theatre and you can book from Tue 28 April.  Tickets are available from £16.50 (save 50p per ticket by booking online) and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or book online and select your own seat (from 1 May) at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

 

Friends of the Theatre Royal can book earlier than everyone else and get the best seats.  Memberships start from only £30.  To become a Friend, contact the Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or visit www.theatreroyal.co.uk

 

NEW PRODUCTION OF THE CLASSIC

SHERMAN BROTHERS MUSICAL

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

TO OPEN AT WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE  

ON 2 DECEMBER 2015

& THEN TOUR UK & IRELAND THROUGHOUT 2016

NATIONAL PRESS NIGHT

AT WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE

ON THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2015 AT 7.30pm

 

 

West Yorkshire Playhouse and Music & Lyrics Limited present a new production of the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, opening at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds on 2 December, with a national press night on Thursday 10 December, for a nine-week season finishing on 30 January 2016.  The UK & Ireland Tour will then open at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on 10 February 2016 for a two-week run.  Further dates and casting to be announced.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG has music and lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman, who were also responsible for Mary Poppins, The Slipper and the Rose, The Aristocats and The Jungle Book.  The Sherman Brothers have won two Academy Awards with a further nine nominations, two Grammy Awards and they have received 21 gold and platinum albums.

The film made from Ian Fleming’s classic story has been adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, based on the MGM Motion Picture Licensed Script adapted by Ray Roderick.

This new production of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG will be directed by West Yorkshire Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining, with new choreography by Stephen Mear and production design by Simon Higlett.

James Brining said, “Directing such an iconic show is a great opportunity, a thrilling challenge for any director. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a brilliant adventure story, filled with classic songs and scenes that hold so many memories for so many people. I cannot wait to bring the show not only to Leeds but also to audiences across the UK and Ireland.”

The new production will have sensational sets and stunning special effects and, of course, the memorable score by the Sherman Brothers, which includes such standards as Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli commented, “We are delighted Chitty will fly once again around the UK and Ireland. The show has a very special place in our hearts and we are happy to entrust it to Music & Lyrics and the West Yorkshire Playhouse.”

John Stalker said, “Music & Lyrics is honoured to be bringing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang back to the stage and into the lives of hundreds of thousands of theatregoers. Our new production will delight and enthral lovers of the fantasmagorical film and introduce Chitty to brand new audiences.”

 

This production is presented by permission of JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York.

For more information, visit www.chittythemusical.co.uk

Facebook:  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang The Musical       

Twitter:  @ChittyMusical

LISTINGS INFORMATION

2 December 2015 – 30 January 2016        West Yorkshire Playhouse            

                                                                    www.wyp.org.uk                             0113 213 7700 

10–21 February 2016                                Southampton Mayflower                                        

                                                                   www.mayflower.org.uk                    02380 711811

 

 

THEIR FINAL EVER TOUR

Britain’s best-loved dance duo to perform together in theatres for the last time.

Fresh from their sell-out hit shows Midnight Tango and Dance ’Til Dawn, Strictly superstars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have created their most moving production yet as the pair prepare to dance in their final ever theatre show. The Last Tango opens in September 2015 and will visit Darlington Civic Theatre in May 2016.

Twenty years of dancing together has seen them become Strictly Come Dancing favorites, World Argentine Tango Champions, and create and star in their own Olivier Award nominated West End productions – but now, as the nation’s favorite dancers prepare to take on new projects, it is time for Vincent and Flavia to say goodbye to audiences across the UK in a brand new, thrilling live performance.

Flavia said; “We have had such a fantastic time creating and dancing in Midnight Tango and Dance ’Til Dawn. It’s an incredible experience to perform live in front of our wonderful audience night after night, but all good things must come to an end, so we’re creating our final ever theatre show. It’s going to be intimate, intense and full of our award-winning Argentine tango. The Last Tango is going to showcase our best work and most beautiful dance moves before we finally say farewell to theatre.”

Vincent said “The last few years have been amazing – we’ve loved it. It may be our final theatre tour but we’re going to go out with a bang! This is going to be our best show yet!”

Don’t miss your last ever chance to see this dynamic duo do what they do best live – in an intimate, passionate and explosive experience. It’s time for The Last Tango.

The Last Tango is directed by Olivier Award winning choreographer and director Karen Bruce and produced by Adam Spiegel Productions (The Producers, Dance ‘Til Dawn, Midnight Tango, Love Me Tender).

The Last Tango is at Darlington Civic Theatre from Monday May 16 to Saturday May 21, 2016. Tickets* are priced from £21 – £36

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy

Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Guy James, and Ilai Szpiezak for Szpiezak Productions

in association with Greenwich Theatre

present

 

THE WHO’S
TOMMY

 

AT GREENWICH THEATRE

FROM WEDNESDAY 29 JULY TO SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 2015

 

Almost 20 years after its last UK production, The Who’s Tommy will play a limited run at Greenwich Theatrethis Summer, marking the 40th Anniversary of the original film and the 50th Anniversary of The Who.

 

Based on the iconic 1969 double-album rock opera, which later became a film of the same title, The Who’s Tommy is an exhilarating musical about hope, healing, and the human spirit. 

 

After witnessing the accidental murder of his mother’s lover by his father, Tommy is traumatized into catatonia, and as the boy grows, he suffers abuse at the hands of his sadistic relatives and neighbours. But as an adolescent, he is discovered to have an uncanny knack for playing pinball, a talent that breaks through his catatonia and puts him on the path to international superstardom. The story of the pinball-playing, deaf, dumb and blind boy who triumphs over his adversities has inspired and amazed audiences for more than 40 years. 

The five-time Tony Award, four-time Drama Desk Award and three-time Olivier Award winning musical was translated to the stage by director Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) and The Who’s Pete Townshend into a high-energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event. This brand new production, the first UK revival in 19 years, will mark the 40th Anniversary of the original film and the 50th Anniversary of The Who. 

 

The Who’s Tommy has Music and Lyrics by Pete Townshend and Book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, with Additional Music and Lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon. It is staged and directed by award-winning director Michael Strassen with Musical Direction by Kevin Oliver Jones. It is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Guy James, and Ilai Szpiezak for Szpiezak Productions in association with Greenwich Theatre, by special arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

Casting is to be announced.

@TommyTheMusical

 

LISTINGS

WEDNESDAY 29 JULY – SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 2015

GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, SE10 8ES

Press Night: Friday 31st July, 7.30pm

Performances: Tuesday – Sunday 7.30pm, Saturday 3.00pm (No perfs 2/4 August)

Tickets: £25, £20 (Concessions), £15 (Previews) 
Box Office 020 8858 7755 | www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

THEIR FINAL EVER TOUR!

Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace

in

THE LAST TANGO

Britain’s best-loved dance duo to perform together in theatres for the last time

Fresh from their sell-out hit shows Midnight Tango and Dance ’Til Dawn, Strictly superstars Vincent Simone andFlavia Cacace have created their most moving production yet as the pair prepare to dance in their final ever theatre show.

The Last Tango is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 3^rd to Saturday 7^th May 2016 – tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday April 24^th at 10am.

Twenty years of dancing together has seen them become Strictly Come Dancing favourites, World Argentine Tango Champions, and create and star in their own Olivier Award nominated West End productions – but now, as the nation’s favourite dancers prepare to take on new projects, it is time for Vincent and Flavia to say goodbye to audiences across the UK in a brand new, thrilling live performance.

Flavia said; “We have had such a fantastic time creating and dancing in Midnight Tango and Dance ’Til Dawn. It’s an incredible experience to perform live in front of our wonderful audience night after night, but all good things must come to an end, so we’re creating our final ever theatre show. It’s going to be intimate, intense and full of our award-winning Argentine tango. The Last Tango is going to showcase our best work and most beautiful dance moves before we finally say farewell to theatre.”

Vincent “The last few years have been amazing – we’ve loved it. It may be our final theatre tour but we’re going to go out with a bang! This is going to be our best show yet!”

Don’t miss your last ever chance to see this dynamic duo do what they do best live – in an intimate, passionate and explosive experience. It’s time for The Last Tango.

The Last Tango goes on sale at Leeds Grand Theatre on Friday 24^th April at 10am.

 

Tickets are priced from £19.50 to £39.

 

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call box office on 0844 848 2700.

 

 

Where did the idea to form the Voca People come from?

Shai Fishman: Lior Kalfo – the director of the show – approached me about five years ago with an idea for an a cappella and beat box musical comedy show. I am a great fan of a cappella and vocal arrangements are one of my strengths, so I jumped at the opportunity. We spent a long time figuring out how to make this show special and unique, since we knew there were a lot of wonderful a cappella groups out there, such as Take 6 and Naturally 7…

Slowly but surely, musical ideas began to develop in my mind for a new concept for the arrangements.  I didn’t want the Vocas to have a classic a cappella sound, but instead wanted to preserve and accentuate the original arrangements and well-known musical riffs of popular songs. In a sense, I wanted the Voca People to have a musical language of their own – with their own way of simulating guitars, brass, percussion, drums and bass. This, combined with the show’s storyline, is what made this project so innovative. Together with the Vocas, we brought something incredibly unique to a field that needed new inspiration.

How did the group members meet?

Shai: We wanted to form an ‘elite squad’ of musical talents, so only the most talented, gifted out-of-this-world talents were carefully chosen. They needed to have skills not only as singers and beat boxing; they also need topossess comic and dancing skills. 

Why did they choose the white motif for their costumes and make-up?

Shai: It’s a show unlike any other show. There are no stars but the music itself. The Voca People are aliens in the sense that they have unearthly abilities. it’s an ‘outsider’s’ view on Earth’s music, unique arrangements (medleys) containing over 100 well-known hits, beloved melodies and themes from all times . 

The show is filled with love of music and humour, and maybe the most important thing is that it’s an innocent and ego-less show. Music and harmonies are the real stars. It is a great way of shifting the focus of the a cappella, so that it becomes much more than just singing.  It is about a simple, yet captivating, story, in which music becomes the language that bridges the gap between aliens and humans, who have no other way of communicating .

What kind of vocal training is required for their live shows?

Shai: Exceptional! It starts with the fact that they have unbelievable skills and unique vocal capabilities. The rest is very hard work as a cappella and beat box require perfect harmony and accuracy to recreate the sound of a full orchestra without using any musical instruments

 What are the criteria when choosing the repertoire of the shows?

Shai:  Most of the music in our show is popular/well-known music. I wanted to help the Vocas strike a chord with anyone who watches the show, from a kid in China to a grandfather in Italy. I was going for the most well-known, critically acclaimed artists and their songs. I knew I was taking a risk by tackling songs most arrangers wouldn’t dare to touch, because they will inevitably be compared to the originals. With songs by the Beatles, Queen and Michael Jackson, I knew that unless I created arrangements that balanced my ideas with the magic of the originals, I’d be at risk of the show being too ‘karaoke’. There’s also something

wonderful that happens when the audience recognizes the songs, even before a word has been sung, because the arrangement is so exact and true to the original. For example, when we deliver the opening to ‘Billy Jean’, the famous bass line plays and people recognize it even before the lyrics are sung. They thoroughly enjoy it, because they are more involved.

 How much improvisation is there in the show?

Shai: When it comes to music – 0%!  Yet each show is a unique evening as Voca People interact with their crowd and together, a magical journey through earth’s greatest music is being formed. They go down to the audience and include it in the experience; sometimes they even bring members of the audience to the stage.  These moments are improvised and open to the Voca People’s creativity – and the audience always loves it!

Which do you think is the secret of the Voca People’s worldwide success?

Shai: Fortunately the audience reacts to the show almost hysterically, as if Michael Jackson just appeared on stage; people scream, shout and wildly applaud! The show is understood very well around the world, from Brazil to Italy, USA, France and Mexico – everybody loves the songs and understands the humor. At the end of the Show, people are on their feet, stomping their feet, dancing and singing. Often we might see a grandfather with his grandchild in the audience, both equally enjoying the show and dancing together. I guess that anybody who loves and appreciates music and sees the show can rediscover their ‘inner child’ for an hour and a half.

What message do the group want to give to the audience?

Shai: (laughing) Make music, not war! Music is one of the most powerful forces in nature and it can become an intercultural bridge. Enjoy. Sing. Laugh. İnteract with your inner child through the music of the Voca People. 

Voca People are at Darlington Civic Theatre on Monday 18 May, 7.30pm

Tickets* £18 & £20

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*Includes a £1 restoration levy