THERE is a packed schedule of entertainment at the Memorial Theatre over the next couple of months, with plenty of music and performances to lighten your evenings.
Here’s the line-up:
JAZZ HITS AND BLUES
On Friday 24th February, 60 years of Jazz hits and blues will be performed by The Manfreds with Paul Jones. They are considered one of the finest and most respected bands from the 1960s’ era and their numerous hits were not just pop songs! Many were R&B-based, with an undercurrent of jazz, a very unusual but winning combination of playing style and substance.
As a result, their records have a timeless quality and, 60 years on, The Manfreds, with original front man, Paul Jones, will be performing many of their hits, including Do Wah Diddy Diddy, one of the most popular and instantly recognisable songs of the ‘60s, and still the biggest audience pleaser at their concerts, along with a mix of Jazz and Blues covers and tracks from their individual solo albums.
Tickets cost £25.
T-REXTASY
Glam-rock band, T-Rextasy will perform The Greatest Hits Tour on Saturday 4th March. Marc Bolan and T.Rex, were one of the most flamboyant, charismatic stars of the original glam-rock era. With Bolan’s special ingredient of Rock-a-Boogie songs, the band had a string of huge hits throughout the 1970s.
T.Rextasy have performed around the world for over 20 years and the band is now accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to T.Rex. They are the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, original ex-members of T.Rex, and Bolan’s catalogue management. The band has been described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’. Tickets cost £25.
ROYAL MARINE BAND
On Saturday 11th March, The Royal Navel Association Frome Branch presents The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Lympstone.
The band’s principal role is to provide musical support of the highest professional standard to the Naval Service. They perform in a wide variety of musical combinations, including parade band, wind band, symphony orchestra, big band, dance band, jazz band, corps of drums and a number of small chamber groups. Tickets cost £20.
AN EVENING OF ‘FUN AND GAMES’ WITH HENRY BLOFELD
Retired sports journalist, broadcaster and amateur ornithologist, Henry Blofeld, (also known as Blowers) will present the show My Dear Old Things on Friday 17th March.
In My Dear Old Things, Blowers recalls his days as a young England hopeful, how an Eton bus knocked him off his stride, and his bike, recoiling from a career in the city to work as a cricket journalist before finding his way into the Test Match Special box.
There are hilarious tales of Johnners, Arlott and other larger-than-life characters in the box and on tour with England. Henry also has plenty of hysterical stories from his post-retirement appearances on Would I Lie to You? and The Real Marigold Hotel.
Backed by film and rare personal pictures on our big screen, My Dear Old Things is an absolute treat for the cricket connoisseur and a wonderfully engaging evening for all. Tickets cost £25.
SIMPLY THE BEST WITH TOTALLY TINA
Totally Tina, the award-winning Tina Turner show will be performed on Saturday 25th March, entertaining the audience with popular songs such as Nutbush City Limits, What’s Love Got to Do With It, and We Don’t Need Another Hero plus more.
Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s supreme Tina, Justine Riddoch, and her talented cast. This breath-taking recreation of a live Tina Turner concert celebrates the golden anniversary of the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll’s signature tune, Proud Mary. Tina’s no-holds-barred take of the song established a reputation for fearsome live performances and those never-ending legs!
Supported by her dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine recreates those famed live performances. The SUPREME Tina (National Tribute Awards), she’s got the looks, she’s got the moves, but most of all, she’s got the voice. Join an army of loyal fans for a truly authentic, fun-packed musical spectacular! Tickets cost £25.
A CENTURY OF SWING
On Friday 31st March, Down for the Count presents A Century of Swing, with a tour through the origins of swing music from 1920s America through to 40s and 50s.
Down for the Count are a mini-big band who bring the sounds of the Swing Era back to life, with an electrifying show full of incredible energy and musicianship. Described as ‘a breath of fresh air on the swing scene’ they are now regularly found at jazz clubs in the UK and abroad (Ronnie Scott’s London, Le Caveau de la Huchette Paris), at festivals including London Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio.
You’ll hear instrumental songs from the likes of Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller and vocal classics from singers such as Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, all presented with Down for the Count’s own unmistakable brand of wit and humour. Tickets cost £24.
- For more information and to book tickets for
the above shows visit
the website, https://www. fromememorialtheatre. org.uk/whats-on/ or call the box office on 01373 462795.
