Southport Jazz Festival Set To Return For A 13th Year at The Atkinson, Southport

The Atkinson, Southport’s state-of-the-art new venue has announced it will be home to the 13th annual Southport Jazz Festival, which will run from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 May 2013.

The festival has firmly established itself as one of the regions premiere music events and will feature a whole host of internationally acclaimed artists from the world of Jazz. The line-up includes James Morton’s Pork Chop, James Morrison with the Swingshift Big Band, MOBO Award winners Kairos 4Tet, Joe Stilgoe Trio and up and coming talent including Go Go Penguin.

Southport Jazz festival is to be one of the first events to be hosted at the brand new Atkinson venue, a cultural jewel in the crown of the seaside resort. It is a long-awaited £17 million development of the old Southport Arts Centre, Atkinson Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens Museum and the central Library and is due to open early May 2013.

Emma Lloyd, Marketing, Programme and Visitor Services Manager said “The 2013 Southport Jazz Festival is different to the past events, as this year there are headlining jazz gigs taking place throughout the 3-days so we are able to offer a range of weekend, day and session tickets to encourage people to stay in the town that little bit longer.

We have worked really hard to ensure that the programme is diverse and has something for everyone, from the contemporary to the big band jazz, from the well-established names to the new soon-to-be stars of the jazz circuit. This year we are delighted that CAMRA have come on board to run a beer festival as part of the festival – we know this will add to the festivities.”

The full programme of events will see performances from the world of Jazz playing throughout the day and night at The Atkinson, it all kicks off on the Friday with Sheffield-born vocalist from the Nicola Farnon Quartet, who the legendary late Humphrey Lyttleton described as “A class act who should be on every jazz festival in the land...a sure fire hit!” The Al Wood Nine take over early evening with selection of bebop and swing from the multi-talented group and will perform some special arrangements as well as their classic set.  Friday evening will also feature charismatic altoist James Morton leading his band Porkchop through a collection of funk, soul jazz and gospel sound.

Go-Go Penguin makes their return to the SJF to start Saturday’s proceedings, following their huge success at last year’s festival. They are one of the most exciting contemporary instrumental groups working today.  Saturday will also feature The Bateman Brothers Jazz Band, an all-star group comprising of Alan Bateman (trumpet/vocals), Ian Bateman (trombone), Trevor Whiting (clarinet), Craig Milverton (piano), John Day (Bass), Steve Rushton (Drums) and Maggie Reeday (vocals). Their special guests for the Festival are Enrico Tommasso and Spats Langham.  Also part of Saturday’s big line-up is Gabby Young and Other Animals.  The 7-piece band, are the ringmasters of Circus Swing, a musical genre that fuses Swing Jazz, Eastern European beats and English Folk created with horn, wind and percussion instruments.  Closing Saturday is Sector 7, made up of seven talented musicians, amongst them, award-winning vocalist Sarah Ellen Hughes. Having only being on the jazz scene for two years they have already taken the musical world by storm, recording and releasing their EP, gaining critical acclaim, and being invited to perform at prestigious events and festivals across Europe.

Sunday starts in great style, music and film lovers of all ages will enjoy Terry Seabrook’s band Milestones performing a new film score at this year’s festival. Inspired by the Miles Davis soundtrack Lift to the Scaffold, Seabrook has written his own full-length jazz soundtrack, for Buster Keaton’s 1924 film Sherlock Jr. Milestones will perform live as the film is screened. Making their first appearance at the Southport Jazz festival are the award-winning Kairos 4Tet, a band born out of a desire to explore times past, present and future via music. Winners of 2011’s MOBO award for ‘Best Jazz Act’, they make a welcome addition to Sunday’s line-up.  The chart topping sensation the Joe Stilgoe Trio take the festival into Sunday evening, as one of the world’s finest singer-pianists Stilgoe released his critically acclaimed second album ‘We Look to The Stars’ last year.  Closing the festival is Australian musical virtuoso James Morrison, besides the trumpet, this multi-instrumentalist also plays trombone, euphonium, flugelhorn, tuba, saxophone and piano. Morrison has performed gigs in the world’s most famous jazz clubs, been commanded by royalty and political leaders, and has been awarded The Order of Australia for his services to the arts. James will perform with the Swingshift Big Band for the festival finale.

CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) will be running a beer festival alongside the three-day jazz event, showcasing a selection of real ales and perrys for the public to sample.
The Southport Jazz Festival for 2013 encompasses The Atkinson - Headline Gigs, The Jazz Festival Village at the Town Hall Gardens and The Fringe Festival across the town.

Follow all the latest festival news on the Southport Jazz Festival on twitter #southportjazz and facebook/The Atkinson


EVENT LISTINGS



Friday 10 May

The Nicola Farnon Quartet                                2.30pm

The Al Wood Nine                                               7pm

James Morton’s Porkchop                                 10pm



Saturday 11 May

Go Go Penguin                                                   11am

The Bateman Bothers Jazz Band                     2.30pm

Gabby Young and the Other Animals             7pm

Sector 7                                                               10pm



Sunday 12 May

Milestones Play to the Silent Screen                  11am

Kairos 4tet                                                               2.30pm

Joe Stilgoe Trio                                                       5pm

James Morrison with Swingshift Big Bang         8pm



HOW TO BOOK 

Southport Jazz Festival

Dates: 10-12 May 2013

Day and Weekend Festival Tickets are now on sale.

01704 533 333* or online at www.seftonarts.co.uk*

*Subject to booking fee.

Join The Atkinson mailing list at www.theatkinson.co.uk 

The Atkinson
Lord Street,Southport

PR8 1DB

Sefton's flagship new arts venue, The Atkinson,reveals opening programme

The Atkinson, Southport’s brand new state of the art multi-purpose cultural venue, can now reveal the eclectic performance programme for its opening season.

Incorporating four established venues - Southport Arts Centre, the Atkinson Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens Museum and Southport’s Central Library, into one regional cultural centre, the Lord Street venue has undergone extensive development and will open in several different phases across the next two years. When fully complete, The Atkinson will comprise two performance spaces, a cafe, TIC and library, plus art galleries, a shop and a museum.

The initial performance programme for The Atkinson features renowned names from the world of music, dance, theatre and comedy plus some top family and children’s entertainment and gives just a taster of the calibre of artists who will be visiting this regional centre for the arts in the future.

The headline acts of the long established Southport Jazz Festival make The Atkinson their home from 2013 onwards, with this year’s festival running from 10-12 May and bringing with it a fantastic line up of acclaimed artists, a great mix of big names and up and coming talent including The Nicola Farnon Quartet, The Al Wood Nine, James Morton’s Pork Chop, Go Go Penguin, The Bateman Brothers Jazz Band Ft: Spats Langham and Enrico Tomasso, Gabby Young and the Other Animals, Sector 7, Milestones Play to the Silent Screen, Kairos 4tet, Joe Stilgoe and James Morrison with Swingshift Big Band.

Aside from the Jazz Festival, The Atkinson has lots of other great music on offer with a wealth of genres represented.

Americana, roots and blues fans won’t be disappointed with the gigs coming up - there’s State of The Union, a masterclass in songwriting from bluesy Americana stalwart Brooks Williams and cult British singer-songwriter Boo Hewerdine on 3 May, and the superb I See Hawks in LA, a roots-rock band straight from California on 4 July. Also crossing the Atlantic, this time from Canada, is Romi Mayes on 25 May with guitar demon Jay Nowicki, who together are described as edgy blues electric duo with a dirty bluesy sound.

UK blues artists haven’t been forgotten - British R&B scene stalwarts The Blues Band visit on 4 May, see live rapturous Chicago style rhythm & blues from The Stumble on 31 May and acclaimed London-based blues-rock guitarist Marcus Bonfanti on 18 May.

Folk lovers are also well catered for – one of the most popular duos on the vibrant English folk scene Spiers and Boden visit The Atkinson on 9 May, followed by a return to popular duo performances from two more of British folk’s most accomplished performers Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman on 22 May, the originators of British folk-rock music Fairport Convention on 30 May, and in June not one but two award winning female folk singer songwriters – Cara Luft on 14 June and Heidi Talbot on 22 June.

The Atkinson also has classical music covered. 16 June sees a performance of Reverie – The Life and Loves of Claude Debussy, the fourth biographical programme of composers' words and music to be scripted by pianist Lucy Parham that celebrates Debussy’s 150th anniversary. Angela Hewitt, who the Guardian described as ‘the pre-eminent Bach pianist of our time’, performs a concert on 5 May

There’s an exciting double bill of country music and rock from Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes on 6 June, and country fans with also love The Johnny Cash Story starring Roger Dean and The Lazy Boys on 27 July. 70s rock & roll legends Showaddywaddy visit on 24 May, and The Christians, the outstanding, soul influenced group who had hits in the late 80’s and 90’s including ‘Forgotten Town’, ‘Harvest For The World’, ‘Born Again’,‘Ideal World’, and ‘Hooverville’, play at The Atkinson on 8 June in this, their 25th anniversary year. Irish contemporary singer-songwriter Kieran Goss visits on 17 May, this multi-platinum selling artist will perform a selection of his hits.

The Atkinson can also boast a strong comedy programme for its opening season. Hilarious highlights include an evening of observational humour on 2 May from ex-Guardian sports reporter Josh Widdicombe plus Seann Walsh, both regulars on various TV comedy shows. Montana’s Rich Hall brings his renowned, grouchy deadpan style to the Atkinson stage on 8 May, whilst 15 May sees comedian, writer, broadcaster and all-round British institution Arthur Smith’s latest show ‘Exposed!’  On 29 May Monkeypoet performs a double bill of 2 radically different acts - the surreal Murder Mystery bringing some of the literary world’s most renowned figures back to life followed by an hour of radical stand up! On 12 June The Reduced Shakespeare Company will whizz audiences through The Complete Works of Shakespeare in their own inimitable style whilst on 15 and 16 June Torquay comes to the North West with Faulty Towers - The Dining Experience – a dinner show with a hilarious interactive twist! The Lancashire Hotpots – five northern lads in flat caps – round off this rib-tickling season on Saturday 13 July with their rib-tickling blend of music and fun.

World-class dance company Richard Alston, renowned for the musicality of their choreography, will perform three enchanting pieces on Thursday 23 May and for something completely different, Nicholas Collett plays a multitude of characters and recreates the Battle of Britain onstage in Spitfire Solo on 16 May. 

There’s plenty to keep young people and families entertained, too.  Hiccup theatre and Olivier award-winning writer Mike Kenny bring a revamped version of the classic fairytale Rumpelstiltskin on 18 May, Topsy Turvy Theatre effortlessly bring to life the tale of a little duckling struggling to find her feet as she grows up on 29 May with Ruby Flew Too and Andy and Mike’s Tick Tock Time Machine starring Cbeebies’ Andy Day flies into The Atkinson on 2 June. On 14 and 15 June, Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company bring their infamous blend of physical comedy, eccentric puppetry and live music to tell the story of The Enormous Turnip!


For more information and to book tickets visit www.seftonarts.co.uk or call box office on 01704 533333

The Atkinson website will be launched in February, to be added to the mailing list visit www.theatkinson.co.uk

Southport Rocks 2011 review

This weekend saw us doing something I never thought we'd ever do............camping in Victoria Park in Southport. The reason why, for Southport Rocks formely known as the Jedi Festival. This festival first began to raise awareness for SADS, (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome) and initially started off as a one day in door event to the 2 day outdoor festival we know today. Co founded by Steve Haw, who lost his son Chris to this devastating condition, Southport Rocks is a festival with a truly worthy cause fuelling it on and it'sorganisers company Vital Sounds Foundation are now in partnership with Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital to bring a screening programme to the young people out there to get themselves checked out for undiagnosed heart conditions.

With a lot of unsigned North West talent, tribute bands and some big names gracing the main and alternative stage as well as a dance tent on offer there was something here to keep all musical tastes entertained. If I was to write about each band I'd be on a par with War and Peace so here's my highlights of the weekend.

One of the first bands we saw in the alternative tent were, Ratty Little Fingers, a quirky modern folk ensemble, who came dressed in onesies comprising of a cat, flying squirrel and a raccoon. With a guitar, violin, and a wooden crate, they provided an eccentric little set that filled the tent with toe tapping folk tunes and with their character's bouncing along just as much as the bubbles from their bubble machine did, you couldn't help go away with a happy smile on your face after listening to them.

Another fab band who made it to the main stage were Catfish and the Bottlemen, from Llandudno, They provided a very slick energetic indie rock set on a sunny Saturday afternoon and had the crowd hooked from the first song. With their cheeky characters coming out and clear love of music, I can only hope that they soon become a household name, unfortunately, the "compare" didn't think so and decided to cut their set short to make way for a 12 year old singing Lady Gaga!! The crowd seemed as dismayed as the band, who carried on strumming away behind him in a refusal to move till there allotted time was up. Good on you guys!! Personally I'd have liked to hear a lot more from them as I have to admit they were the musical highlight of the weekend for me.

Friday's headliners, the Lancashire Hotpots provided a highly entertaining set and I don't think I've ever laughed so much in ages. With flat caps and waist coats, they entertained us for an hour with comical musical musings about getting lost in Ikea, their own version of YMCA entitled "CHAV", bringing beer drinking to the Olympics, and yes I'd be up for that one, and a drum and bass fuelled ditty which the crowd had to do the conga to, as instructed by lead vocalist, Bernard Fresher, who became alter ego "B Fresh" especially for it. With most of the crowd twirling round each other arm in arm, this was definitely a great way to end the first day.

Back to Saturday again and Kid British once again played a perfect set, with their ska influenced tunes sliced with a bit of rock, they had the crowd bouncing away to, "Picadilly Gardens" and "Our House is a Dadless House" plus many more hits.

The alternative tent meanwhile was witnessing Stagecoach, who seeing as there were only three people in the tent at the time, decided to invite them up onto the stage with them and some of the band took to the audience part. As people drifted in they too were invited onto stage, the band refusing to play until they had. With a rather manic ukelaili player balanced on any speaker he could climb onto the tent soon filled up once word got round. I have to say Stagecoach provided the most entertaining set of the whole weekend.

Newly signed to Universal Records, Luke Bingham provided an R&B set, which saw all the teenage girls enthralled as soon as he came onto the stage, especially two who stared goggle eyed at him and lapped it up when he sang towards them. With songs like "Baby come closer", a very Taio Cruz influenced number, I'm pretty sure he will soon be the next heart throb for many youngsters.

The final highlight of the weekend was closing act, The Futureheads, who blew the crowd away with a full on rock set including favourites, "Heartbeat Song", "Hounds of Love" and show opener "Beginning of the Twist". I saw them at Kendal Calling last year and was a bit disappointed but I have to admit that this set was amazing from start to finish and exuded a sheer force of energy throughout. Lead singer Barry Hyde's character flowed out of him on Saturday just as much as his vocals and the whole band looked like they were really enjoying it as much as the crowd.

Other acts over the weekend you might like to check out are Sly Digs, Matt Belcher and Picture Book.

 

Only downsides to the weekend, for me anyway, was the sheer lack of promoting the Alternative stage by the compare, a DJ from Dune FM, who seemed to like his own voice more than some of the acts and the sheer amount of tribute bands on the main stage. It would have been nice to see more of the unsigned acts, who actually write their own music and lyrics, instead of copycat bands, who some sound and look nothing like. I understand that, for example, The Blue Meanies, are crowd pleasers and to be fair, they do make an effort to look like them, but if more festivals took that small step to promote these young talented acts, then maybe some of them might just get that break that they so readily deserve.

Overall though this was a fantastic weekend, even when the rain poured, and it's a festival that helps to raises an awareness to an extremely worthwhile cause.

Review by Alison Goggin

Festival pics in full can be found HERE

Southport Rocks - A Fresh Music Festival to Make Southport Rock

A two day musical extravaganza offering the ultimate festival experience for families as well as the stalwart festival goer is coming to Southport. Southport Rocks will take place at Victoria Park over the 8^th and 9^th of July 2011 offering a line up of artists, acts and events from mainstream musical artists to the North West’s very best in new music talent.

The Main Stage will play host to some of the North West’s best new music talent and unsigned artists. Artists include the newly signed electro pop sensation Picture Book, XFM’s band of the World Cup Sour Mash, Indie-Ska band Kid British who have supported both The Specials and The Enemy in recent years, Stagecoach who were named as one of BBC Introducing ‘Acts of the Year’ by Radio 1’s Huw Stevens and Sly Digs, who’s song ‘Electric Love’ was acclaimed by NME as “one of the five tracks you must listen to” to name but a few.

The two day music extravaganza will be headlined by The Futureheads, the post punk indie band likened to other UK heavy weights of the ‘angular movement’ such as Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party. The Futureheads rose to fame through their cover of the Kate Bush hit ‘Hounds of Love’, which reached top ten in the charts, and its performance is sure to be a festival moment not to be missed on Saturday 9^th July.

Steve Haw, Co-Founder and Chief Organiser of Southport Rocks:

 “Southport Rocks is something new, fresh and exciting for the North West. We have worked to bring a very rounded festival experience which has everything from a stellar line up of new music talent, recognisable and mainstream acts as well as amazing tribute bands, incredible camping facilities as well as activities and entertainment everyone will enjoy. The festival is going to be a highly charged and fun filled weekend and an experience you will never forget.”

Southport Rocks will also play host to a variety of activities and events expanding the festival experience across the site. Alternative and Dance Music Stages will showcase some of the best local musical talent, acoustic acts, DJ Sets and evening comedy performances. Outdoor climbing walls, cage football, face painting, a vintage market, a homeopathic tent and a massive toddler play will also be entertaining family festival goers.

Those planning on attending Southport Rocks should also take advantage of the Glamping facilities; an area will be made up of luxury Mongolian Yurts and Tepees in which you can rest those weary heads after a day of music and fun. There will be traditional camping spaces available for those wishing to bring their own.

Tickets start at £49.00 for the weekend including camping with under 12s allowed in free with paying adult, family tickets and day tickets are also available.  

Ends 

A little more about Southport Rocks…..

• Southport Rocks is 2011’s freshest music festival, with live headline bands, new and emerging musical talent and onsite camping.
• Situated a stones throw away from the beach, Southport Rocks mixes tribute acts, breakthrough artists, unsigned new music, the freshest dance stages, alternative talent with big name headliners.
•   5,000 tickets are on general sale through Ticketline.
• Headline acts confirmed include The Lancashire Hotpots and The Futureheads with new bands being added each week.
• Taking place on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th July, a full weekends camping costs just £49, with onsite catering facilities and entertainment available.
• Southport Rocks is passionate about showcasing local artists and breakthrough acts from around the North West.
• Ticket holders are free to explore the surrounding Southport areas and can also bring their own food and drink.
• Formerly The Jedi Festival, the event was launched in 2007 in memory of Chris Haw, a local young man with a huge passion for music. The festival will donate all profits to The Vital Sounds Foundation, screening young people against SADS (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome) 
•  
• .http://www.southportrocks.co.uk/

SPEND MOTHERS’ DAY WITH JUDY AND LIZA

JUDY AND LIZA

SPEND MOTHERS’ DAY WITH THE ULTIMATE SHOWBIZ MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Treat the special ladies in your life to a Mothers’ Day they’ll never forget with a trip to see Judy and Liza, a glittering new show, which comes to The Southport Theatre especially for Mothers’ Day, Sunday 3 April at 4pm, prior to its premiere UK tour in the autumn.

Almost five decades after the ultimate showbiz mother Judy Garland and her daughter Liza Minnelli last performed together at the London Palladium, these two legendary songstresses return to the stage thanks to this brand new production, presented by JL Touring, which received standing ovations and rapturous acclaim from audiences and press alike during its preview season in Liverpool in November 2010.

These two extra-ordinary women of are portrayed by West End stars Emma Dears (Mary Magdelene-Jesus Christ Superstar, Ellen –Miss Saigon) and Lucy Williamson (We Will Rock You, Fame and most recently played alternate Judy in End of the Rainbow in the West End). Emma and Lucy will be backed by a four piece band, providing the perfect setting for the songs of Judy and Liza, with orchestrations from renowned Conductor and Composer Michael England, who has conducted a number of hit musicals including Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon in the West End. Michael also recently worked as Musical Director on the 25^thLes Miserables. Anniversary cast recording and subsequent tour of

Images and footage of Judy, Liza and those closest to them form the backdrop to the show, whilst Emma, as Liza and Lucy, playing Judy, tell the sensational stories of the lives of these world famous artistes, featuring live performances of all of your favourite Judy and Liza hits including Cabaret, Maybe This Time and The Man That Got Away.

Judy and Liza is a dream that Emma Dears has had for a number of years. Emma has created the concept, written the script and also performs as Liza in the show. Emma is thrilled that she’s able to reawaken the magic of this Mother and Daughter duo especially for Mothers’ Day.

She said.... “When I wrote Judy and Liza it was the Mother/Daughter relationship that fascinated me, especially as they share a rare ability to move their audience. When you look deeper into the songs which they have both made famous over the years the parallels with their own life experiences are uncanny. This is why “Judy & Liza” works and why the audience will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst at the same time enjoying some of the most beautiful and familiar songs of the last eighty years. It really is the perfect way to spend Mothers Day”

Get a sneak peak of the show by viewing its trailer at www.youtube.com/jltouring

Judy and Liza makes a special Mothers’ Day appearance at the Southport Theatre on Sun 3^rd April at 4pm. This is a show that the whole family, from daughter to Great Grandmother will not want to miss. So, come hear the music play, as the curtain rises once more on Judy and Liza...Together, wherever we go.

www.judyandliza.com

‘So I would dance and she would sing, and it was kind of a family thing.

Performing was part of our world.’ Liza Minnelli.

PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ – EXCITING DINNER & SHOW PACKAGE

Enjoy a pre show lunch and see the Judy and Liza for just £29.50 per person.

Give your Mum an afternoon to treasure by teaming your visit to Judy and Liza with a delicious, two course meal at the theatre before the show. Your choice of Oven baked Supreme of Scottish Salmon or Wild Mushroom, Brie and Cranberry Wellington is followed by Strawberry Pavlova and cream in a lunch that is fit for the most fabulous of Mums. For more information or to make a booking call 01704 500036. Spaces are limited, so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

Judy and Liza

Southport – Theatre & Convention Centre

The Promenade

Southport

PS9 0DZ

Sunday 3^rd April 2011, 4pm

Tickets: £21.25 – £23.25 (Inc booking fees)

Concessions: £19.25 – £21.25 (inc booking fees)

How to Book, call the theatre Box Office on 0870 145 1178 or call Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2380. Alternatively, visit the theatre’s website@ www.southporttheatre.org.uk

Tickets on sale for Judy and Liza Mothers Day performance

JUDY AND LIZA

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER - REUNITED FOR MOTHERS DAY

to a fulltou

Tickets are now on sale for two special performances of Judy and Liza. This exciting new production comes to The Broadway Theatre, Peterborough on Sat 2 April and The Southport Theatre on Sunday April 3^rd especially for Mothers Day 2011- prior to a full UK tour.

Almost five decades after the ultimate showbiz mother Judy Garland and her daughter Liza Minnelli last performed together at the London Palladium, these two legendary songstresses will return to the stage thanks to this brand new production, presented by JL Touring Productions - local girl Emma Dears. Treat the special ladies in your life to a Mothers’ Day they’ll never forget with a visit to this brand new musical experience, which received standing ovations and rapturous acclaim from audiences and press alike during at its preview season in Liverpool in November 2010.

These two extra-ordinary women of are portrayed by West End stars Emma Dears (Mary Magdelene-Jesus Christ Superstar, Ellen –Miss Saigon) and Lucy Williamson (We Will Rock You, Fame and most recently played the lead role of Mavis in the UK No1 tour of Stepping Out). Images and footage of Judy, Liza and those closest to them form the backdrop to the show, whilst Emma, as Liza and Lucy, playing Judy, tell the sensational stories of the lives of these world famous artistes, featuring live performances of all of your favourite Judy and Liza hits including Cabaret, Maybe This Time and The Man That Got Away.

Emma and Lucy will be backed by a five piece band, providing the perfect setting for the songs of Judy and Liza, with Musical Direction from renowned Conductor and Composer Michael England, (Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon, both in the West End) who conducted the 25^th Anniversary cast recording of Les Miserables and direction from the award winning Rita Henderson who has over 30 years’ experience in Scottish Theatre including being Artistic Director at Edinburgh Grand Opera. Rita has also worked with many of the UK’s most highly regarded repertory companies including Perth Repertory Theatre and the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.

Judy and Liza is a dream that Emma Dears has had for a number of years. Emma has created the concept, written the script and also performs as Liza in the show. Emma is thrilled that she’s able to reawaken the magic of this Mother and Daughter duo especially for Mothers’ Day.

She said.... “When I wrote Judy and Liza it was the Mother/Daughter relationship that fascinated me, especially as they share a rare ability to move their audience. When you look deeper into the songs which they have both made famous over the years the parallels with their own life experiences are uncanny. This is why “Judy & Liza” works and why the audience will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst at the same time enjoying some of the most beautiful and familiar songs of the last eighty years. It really is the perfect way to spend Mothers Day”

Pay a visit to www.judyandliza.com to hear Emma Dears sing Maybe This Time, a little teaser of what you can expect from the show. (Don’t click on anything when you get to the site to listen)

If you’re stuck for something to buy your loved ones this Christmas, then look no further Judy and Liza comes to the Broadway Theatre, Peterborough on Sat 2^nd April at 7.30pm, before making a Mothers’ Day appearance at the Southport Theatre on Sun 3^rd April at 4pm, preshow meals are available. This is a show that the whole family, from daughter to Great Grandmother will not want to miss. So, come hear the music play, as the curtain rises once more on Judy and Liza...Together, wherever we go.

‘So I would dance and she would sing, and it was kind of a family thing.

Performing was part of our world.’ Liza Minnelli.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

Peterborough – Broadway Theatre

Broadway Theatre,

46 The Broadway,

Peterborough,

PE1 1RT

Saturday 2^nd April, 2011, 7.30pm

Tickets: £21.50, Concessions: £19.50

How to Book, call the theatre Box Office on 0844 850 0850 or visit the website @ www.thebroadwaytheatre.co.uk

Southport – Theatre & Convention Centre

The Promenade

Southport

PS9 0DZ

Sunday 3^rd April 2011, 4pm

Tickets: £21.25 – £23.25 (Inc booking fees)

Concessions: £19.25 – £21.25 (inc booking fees)

How to Book, call Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2380. Alternatively, visit the theatre’s website@

www.southporttheatre.org.uk

JUDY AND LIZA - REUNITED ON STAGE

JUDY AND LIZA

REUNITED ON STAGE IN JUST ONE WEEK’S TIME

What good is sitting alone in your room? In just one week’s time Judy Garland and her daughter Liza Minnelli will be reunited on stage as Judy and Liza begins previews around Merseyside, before touring the UK in 2011. Rehearsals are now in full flow in London and the excitement is building as the orchestrations, set, costumes and performers all come together for the first time.

Merseyside born Emma Dears felt that it would be perfect to trial the show in her home region due to its status as a cultural capital, as well as it being home, of course. Thus, the people of the region will be the first to see this all new musical experience before anyone else. Judy and Liza will open at the Capstone Theatre, Liverpool on 4^th Nov before travelling to the St Helens Theatre Royal on 6^th Nov and The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton for two performances on 13 Nov.

These legends of the silver screen will be portrayed on stage by West End stars Emma Dears (Mary Magdelene-Jesus Christ Superstar, Ellen –Miss Saigon) and Lucy Williamson (We Will Rock You, Fame and most recently played the lead role of Mavis in the UK No1 tour of Stepping Out). The performances will be intertwined with images of Judy and Liza, whilst Emma, as Liza and Lucy, playing Judy, tell the sensational stories of the lives of two of the world’s most legendary stars of stage and screen. The show will of course feature all all of your favourite Judy and Liza hits including Cabaret, Maybe This Time and The Man That Got Away.

Emma and Lucy will be backed by a five piece band, providing the perfect setting for the songs of Judy and Liza, with Musical Direction from renowned Conductor and Composer Michael England, (Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon, both in the West End) and direction from the award winning Rita Henderson.

Visit www.judyandliza.com to hear Emma Dears sing Maybe This Time, a little teaser of what you can expect from the show. (Don’t click on anything when you get to the site to listen)

Judy and Liza is a dream that Emma Dears has had for a number of years. Emma has created the concept, written the script and also performs as Liza in the show. Now, her vision becomes a dazzling reality.

Emma explains “About ten years ago I had the idea for a show about Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. I had always been compared to Liza as a performer and so I started to look into her life. The one thing that these two fascinating women share is the rare ability to move an audience and yet their personal lives are blighted with tragedy and loneliness. When you look deeper into the songs which they have both made famous over the years the parallels with their own life experiences are uncanny. This is why “Judy & Liza” works and why the audience will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst at the same time enjoying some of the most beautiful and familiar songs of the last eighty years.”

Judy and Liza is a show that the whole family will not want to miss, so come hear the music play, as the curtain rises on Judy and Liza one more time...

‘So I would dance and she would sing, and it was kind of a family thing.

Performing was part of our world.’ Liza Minnelli.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

The Capstone Theatre, Liverpool

Hope University Creative Campus,

17 Shaw Street,

Liverpool

L6 1HP

Thursday 4^th November 2010 @ 7.30pm

Ticket Price £15.00 (£12.50 Concession)

Tickets can purchased through the Liverpool Philharmonic Box Office

Box Office Telephone Number: 0151 709 3789

Tickets can be purchased from Website: www.judyandliza.com

St Helens Theatre Royal

Corporation Street

St Helens

WA10 1LQ

Saturday 6^th November 2010 @ 7.30pm

Ticket Price £15.00 (£12.50 Concession)

Theatre Box Office: 01744 756000

Website: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.co.uk

New Brighton Floral Pavilion
Marine Promenade
New Brighton
Wirral
CH45 2JS

Saturday 13^th November 2010 @ 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Ticket price 7.30pm £22.00 & £20.00 (£2.00 reduction for concessions)

2.30pm £20.00 & £18.00 (£2.00 reduction for concessions)

Theatre Box Office: 0151 666 0000

Website: www.floralpavilion.com