A ‘BRUTALLY HONEST’
EVENING WITH MEL B
THE LOUDEST, PROUDEST SPICE GIRL ANNOUNCES RETURNS HOME IN INTIMATE ‘IN CONVERSATION’ STYLE SHOW
LEEDS GRAND THEATRE AND OPERA HOUSE SUNDAY 25TH AUGUST
TICKETS ON GENERAL SALE WEDNESDAY 26TH JUNE AT 10 AM
SUPPORTING WOMEN’S AID
Fresh from the success of the Spice Girls sell-out tour, her Sunday Times best selling autobiography, ‘Brutally Honest’ and her explosive Piers Morgan Life Stories interview the loudest, proudest Spice Girl has announced an exclusive, intimate ‘in conversation’ style show in her home town of Leeds.
Melanie will be appearing at the Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House on Sunday 25th August. Tickets for the show go on sale on Wednesday 26th June at 10am via www.leedsgrandtheatre.com.
The Grand’s General Manager Ian Sime said, “We are thrilled to be hosting Mel at Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House. Mel is no stranger to our venue having performed as a young girl on our stage with Leeds Amateur Operatic Society – it’s truly incredible what she has gone on to achieve both with the Spice Girls and as an individual artist. A proud ‘Leeds lass’, it seems only fitting that Mel comes home to tell her story to those who know her best. It is going to be a fabulous evening, and I dare say one not to be missed.”
Fans will get a rare chance to get up close and personal with the star as she reveals the real truth behind the headlines, with an opportunity for the audience to ask questions. The live show will support Women’s Aid for whom she is a patron. Mel will also be inviting survivors of domestic abuse from a local Leeds refuge along.
As one-fifth of the iconic Spice Girls and judge on X Factor and America’s Got Talent, Melanie Brown, aka Scary Spice, has been an international star since the age of 19. And yet there are sides of Mel that no one has ever seen or really known.
The show will examine every aspect of Mel’s life, from where she began to where she is today. Mel’s self-effacing, mercurial story-telling will shatter your illusions in every way possible. The show takes the Spice Girls sell out reunion as its starting point and will zigzag back and forth through an exceptional life story. The show will also feature never-before-seen video content.
With deep personal insight, remarkable frankness and Melanie’s trademark Yorkshire humour, this event removes the mask of fame and reveals the mother, wife and daughter behind the Spice Girl everyone thinks they know.
Melanie said: “ I’m so honoured to be sharing my story – good and bad – because I kept so many things secret for so long out of shame and I have learnt over these past few years that through talking, through sharing you learn and you make real bonds with people. This is a first for me. I want to make it very special, very real and very intimate. I know there will be tears but I am also hoping for few laughs too because that’s the woman I am – as you will discover.”
Melanie will be interviewed by co-author of her book and trusted friend, the celebrity journalist, Louise Gannon.
Louise commented, “Having spent years of my life talking to Melanie Brown I know there are so many sides to her that people don’t always see – there is Mel B the Spice girl, the gobby, Scary outrageous star but there is another Melanie, the real Melanie Brown and the real Melanie is one hell of a woman as everyone is about to find out. It’s exciting to be doing this very exclusive event in the company of those who mean the most to her – her family and those who know her best. I have no idea what to expect – that is always the deal with Melanie – but I can guarantee it will be an unforgettable night.”
As well as the enormous highs she has experienced in her life, Melanie will also touch on the dark times; talking openly and honestly about the struggles, pain and coercive control she experienced in her most recent marriage and how it culminated in an attempt to take her own life. The domestic abuse Melanie suffered has led her to become an ambassador for the charity, Women’s Aid.
Teresa Parker, Head of Communications at Women’s Aid, said, “Melanie bravely sharing her story helps other women, and we know what a difference it makes. Women are telling us they are seeking support after hearing her speak. We are so grateful to Melanie for helping to raise vital funds and awareness for Women’s Aid through these shows. She is a courageous and inspirational woman, and we are proud that she is our patron.”
Melanie will be joined, on stage, for part of the interview, by her mum, Andrea, sister Danielle and daughter, Phoenix who will add their own funny memories and anecdotes of life with Melanie.
They will also talk candidly with Louise and Melanie about their experiences of coping with and supporting a loved one who is in an abusive relationship, which resulted in a seven-year estrangement. Warm, relatable and of course, ’Brutally Honest’ this will be an evening not to be missed.
The show will be produced by Jet TV’s Yvonne Alexander, executive producer on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, NHS Heroes Awards and The Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards.
Yvonne commented, “We are thrilled to be working with Melanie on this. She is a brilliant storyteller with an awesome sense of humour and there are bound to be loads of laughs as well as some emotional moments. We are also delighted to have the brilliantly talented celebrity journalist, Louise Gannon, on board as interviewer”
Melanie’s relentless enthusiasm against all odds and refreshingly blunt compulsion towards honesty will make this shos the hottest tickets in town.