17 Jan Nightingale, sequins, ABBA and more this February at Chelmsford’s theatres
This February there is a whole feast of live music lined-up at Chelmsford Civic Theatre and the Cramphorn Studio that will delight music fans all over Essex. From classic love songs, jazz, folk, pop, soul to rock and roll, it will all be live on stage.
Celebrating Frank Sinatra’s golden period on Capitol Records ‘Sinatra, Sequins and Swing’ will come to the Civic on Sunday 3 February. The show is the only UK Sinatra production endorsed by the Sinatra Music Society and is a sensational big band show of Old Blue Eye’s greatest recordings. Expect to hear ‘Come Fly With Me’, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘They Can’t Take That Away From Me’, and many, many more. This is a special matinee performance which will start at 3pm.
Everyone loves ABBA and when ‘Thank ABBA for the Music’ performs at the Civic on Saturday 9 February, you can let your hair down, lace up the platform boots and wear your flares for the best party band ever! The live seven-piece group play a two-hour set packed with all of ABBA’s greatest hits for the ultimate feel-good night out. There are only a few tickets left – so you will have to be quick.
‘Whitney Queen of The Night’, the show that has been wowing audiences all over the country returns to Chelmsford on Friday 15 February. This musical extravaganza is a rollercoaster ride through three decades of hits by the much-missed Whitney Houston. The show is a wonderful reminder of what a great talent Whitney was, and is a celebration of her legacy. Shanice Smith, a Brit School champion, gives a powerhouse performance as she brings the Whitney Houston back catalogue back to life.
Opera lovers will love this homage to Florence Easton, the singer was born in 1882 at South Bank, Middlesbrough, and had a remarkable soprano voice. In 1918 she created the role of Lauretta in the world premier of Puccini’s ‘Gianni Schicchi’. Now the ‘The Nightingale of South Bank’ will see and hear Helena Leonard sing many of the songs that Florence performed. Florence was famous for being the most versatile English opera singer, who could take a part at very short notice and perform it perfectly in public the very same day. Hear the arias of ‘The Nightingale of South Bank’ on Friday 15 February at the Cramphorn Studio.
Marking the 60th anniversary of the day the music died, ‘Buddy Holly and The Cricketers’ will be at The Civic on Saturday 16 February. A pioneer of rock and roll, Buddy left behind a legacy that has inspired many generations of musicians. Now a band of the finest actor-musicians, Buddy Holly and The Cricketers, pay homage to his incredible talent in their authentic performance of Buddy’s songs including ‘That’ll be the Day’, ‘Peggy Sue’, ‘Every Day’ and ‘Oh Boy’.
Two giants of the folk scene, Peter Knight and John Spiers, have joined forces for a special tour that will stop off at the Cramphorn Studio on Thursday 21 February. Peter Knight was the fiddle player in the legendary Steeleye Span and currently leads his band Gigspanner. John Spiers, or ‘Squeezy’ as he is known in folk circles, was the melodeon player in Bellowhead. Together they have recorded a stunning new album, ‘Well Met’, which they will be touring on their first tour together.
The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars will bring ‘Ronnie Scott’s All Stars 60th Anniversary Concert: The Ronnie Scott’s Story’ to the Civic’s stage on Friday 22 February. The band will take you on a guided, musical tour of the famous Soho jazz hangout with the aid of photos and video footage. The band will perform some of the great jazz music that was played at the venue by the visiting guests, including Miles Davies and Count Basie.
Fans of classic rock will love the world’s number one Bon Jovi tribute, ‘The Bon Jovi Experience’ will be stopping off to rock the Civic. The band has toured the world and have had Jon Bon Jovi perform on stage with them, what an endorsement! Come and ‘keep the faith’ on Saturday 23 February at 7.45pm.
To book tickets to see any of these events, visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres or call the Box Office on 01245 606505.
