If you’ve ever wondered about the hand life’s dealt you or the best
way forward, then these wonderful puppets will point the way.
Their – at times – outrageous path through a section of their own
lives may reveal the inspiration to help you through a troubled time
too.
In that respect they owe an awful lot to The Muppets. Cleverly
constructed puppets with carefully drawn characters who are, for the
most part, knowledgable, well-meaning and of course fallible.
And it’s that fallibility which makes for such a great story in a comedy musical that’s now a worldwide hit.
From the off the songs tell us how ‘It Sucks to Be Me‘, thanks to new
graduate Princeton, who turns up to live on Avenue Q with his new
degree but no experience and no job.
One of his neighbours explains to another that he‘d still love to
be a friend ‘If You Were Gay’ and then the adult realities of life are
hammered home with the delightfully-written and performed ‘Everyone’s a
Little Bit Racist’.
Are you starting to get the picture? Maybe not: this is by no
means a “right-on” morality tale. It’s an adult show with the F-word
just five minutes in. Human actors share the stage with puppets and
puppeteers – and the mix works well!
We get a puppet vamp, puppet nudity and even puppet sex. But it’s
not as outrageous as you might imagine. Hilarious, yes – but not
indecent or even titillating.
There is some outrageous talent among the puppeteers though, with
Katherine Moraz, Chris Thatcher and Sam Lupton among the leading
lights.
So we witness a tender love story, a tale of true friendship and
learn that ‘There is Life Outside Your Apartment’, but find that
ultimately, many people never find the purpose Princeton seeks.
Does he find what he’s looking for? Why not give this a whirl and
see for yourself? The show runs until Saturday with tickets available
at all prices.
Tuesday, June 26
Thursday, June 21
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Royal Centre
Who’d have thought Douglas Adams would have predicted wikipedia?
For The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is precisely that, according to the introductory lines of this long-venerated work.
This delectable treat for sci-fi geeks of a certain age made it clear that hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Wonderfully played by a much-loved cast, this stage show recreates what the original radio production may have been like if recorded before a live audience.
Taking material from across the trilogy of five books it brought together the cast from the original radio series from 1978: Simon Jones, wearing well as Arthur Dent, Geoffrey McGivern as Ford Prefect; the lovely Susan Sheridan as Trillian, Mark Wing-Davey perfectly slipping into character as Zaphod Beeblebrox and the voice of Stephen Moore as Marvin, the Paranoid Android. "Life. Don’t talk to me about life…"
So we learn about life, the universe, and everything.
How time is an illusion and lunchtime doubly so; the reality brought to us by guest star "voice of the book", Christopher Timothy.
We embark on a romp through time and space, the history of planet earth, how it all actually makes sense and how Marvin saves us all.
The most famous lines brought a ripple of applause as aficionados lapped up this peculiar genre – although it has to be said that there was a predictable age range in the packed house for a book that’s almost 35 years old.
Is this sort of thing going to happen every time they use the Infinite Improbability Drive? Very probably.
For The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is precisely that, according to the introductory lines of this long-venerated work.
This delectable treat for sci-fi geeks of a certain age made it clear that hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Wonderfully played by a much-loved cast, this stage show recreates what the original radio production may have been like if recorded before a live audience.
Taking material from across the trilogy of five books it brought together the cast from the original radio series from 1978: Simon Jones, wearing well as Arthur Dent, Geoffrey McGivern as Ford Prefect; the lovely Susan Sheridan as Trillian, Mark Wing-Davey perfectly slipping into character as Zaphod Beeblebrox and the voice of Stephen Moore as Marvin, the Paranoid Android. "Life. Don’t talk to me about life…"
So we learn about life, the universe, and everything.
How time is an illusion and lunchtime doubly so; the reality brought to us by guest star "voice of the book", Christopher Timothy.
We embark on a romp through time and space, the history of planet earth, how it all actually makes sense and how Marvin saves us all.
The most famous lines brought a ripple of applause as aficionados lapped up this peculiar genre – although it has to be said that there was a predictable age range in the packed house for a book that’s almost 35 years old.
Is this sort of thing going to happen every time they use the Infinite Improbability Drive? Very probably.
Sunday, April 22
Dancing On Ice, Capital FM Arena
The razzle-dazzle sequined circus that is Dancing on Ice returned to Nottingham this weekend, pleased and proud to be back in the home city of Bolero.
Or as the master of ceremonies put it, “Torvill and Dean’s Dancing on Ice”.
Because it really was their show this time around, with not even perennial host Andi Peters in sight to keep the action bobbing along.
Jayne and Chris themselves were the comperes and anyone who’s ever heard them interviewed will know that it’s perhaps not their strongest role.
Out on the ice, though, they were most definitely in charge, with three spectacular routines to remind us that it was here that the legend began.
Their first set the standard for the rest of the evening while after the break they treated us to two more arrangements, one with Jayne in a Geri Halliwell-style union flag-design dress, paying homage to our sporting summer ahead.
In the contest itself, the ladies in the audience found themselves overexcited at the sight of Dancing On Ice 2012 champion, Emmerdale soap star Matthew Wolfenden – who was definitely a crowd favourite and always destined to be in the final. Singer Chico caused plenty of interest too.
Shirtless, muscular and with the ability to shake the parts you wouldn’t normally look at.
Actor Sam Attwater, Coronation Street’s Andy Whyment and tiny Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter made up the five who won through to the final on the night we were there ... but it wouldn’t be fair who reveal who triumphed in a Bolero skate-off.
Suffice to say it was a popular decision and went to the celebrity who so desperately wanted to win.
We were also treated to near-perfect routines from bendable actress Jennifer Ellison, smiley Sugababe Heidi Range and British skier Chemmy Alcott.
The standard was high and finalists were chosen by a text vote from the audience, which was amalgamated with the judges’ scores.
No flying this year, though, and after our local heroes departed the ice to the ovation they deserved, the first few numbers from the competitors seemed a little flat, even when the favourites graced the ice.
With the Arena rather less than filled to capacity, and tickets available in all areas for Sunday’s show, perhaps the public is cooling to Dancing On Ice.
Even the judging panel was slimmed down from five to three this year, comprising former Olympian and TV series coach Karen Barber, 2007 winner Kyran Bracken and comedy actor Christopher Biggins.
Or as the master of ceremonies put it, “Torvill and Dean’s Dancing on Ice”.
Because it really was their show this time around, with not even perennial host Andi Peters in sight to keep the action bobbing along.
Jayne and Chris themselves were the comperes and anyone who’s ever heard them interviewed will know that it’s perhaps not their strongest role.
Out on the ice, though, they were most definitely in charge, with three spectacular routines to remind us that it was here that the legend began.
Their first set the standard for the rest of the evening while after the break they treated us to two more arrangements, one with Jayne in a Geri Halliwell-style union flag-design dress, paying homage to our sporting summer ahead.
In the contest itself, the ladies in the audience found themselves overexcited at the sight of Dancing On Ice 2012 champion, Emmerdale soap star Matthew Wolfenden – who was definitely a crowd favourite and always destined to be in the final. Singer Chico caused plenty of interest too.
Shirtless, muscular and with the ability to shake the parts you wouldn’t normally look at.
Actor Sam Attwater, Coronation Street’s Andy Whyment and tiny Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter made up the five who won through to the final on the night we were there ... but it wouldn’t be fair who reveal who triumphed in a Bolero skate-off.
Suffice to say it was a popular decision and went to the celebrity who so desperately wanted to win.
We were also treated to near-perfect routines from bendable actress Jennifer Ellison, smiley Sugababe Heidi Range and British skier Chemmy Alcott.
The standard was high and finalists were chosen by a text vote from the audience, which was amalgamated with the judges’ scores.
No flying this year, though, and after our local heroes departed the ice to the ovation they deserved, the first few numbers from the competitors seemed a little flat, even when the favourites graced the ice.
With the Arena rather less than filled to capacity, and tickets available in all areas for Sunday’s show, perhaps the public is cooling to Dancing On Ice.
Even the judging panel was slimmed down from five to three this year, comprising former Olympian and TV series coach Karen Barber, 2007 winner Kyran Bracken and comedy actor Christopher Biggins.
Thursday, March 1
The King and I - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
An explosion of colour and sound and two wonderfully cast leads, along with heroic stagecraft and scenery, whisk the audience off into another time and a far-off world.
We're often told that this is the true story of the King (played by the excellent Ramon Tikaram), willing to embrace the best of what the West can offer while fearful that it will take away much of what he loves about home.
It takes the guile and rapport of the British school teacher Anna (Josefina Gabrielle) to help him muddle along – and together their diplomacy and tact wins through.
While Ramon is probably best known for TV roles such as Ferdy in This Life and Qadim, in EastEnders, he's a natural in front of the live audience, subtly working the crowd in a not-too-knowing way.
Double Olivier-nominated stage and screen actress Josefina has scores of theatre credits from the regions and the West End and she breathes life into Anna in a performance that clearly won more than just the King's heart.
Aiko Kato, as Eliza in the performance of The Small House of Uncle Thomas, was a pint-sized star, expressive to the point where we were hard-pushed not to share her anguish, relief and joy during the set-piece ballet from Act Two.
Add 32 locally-cast children to the mix and it's an unforgettable theatrical extravaganza.
One of the great Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, it combines superb music with a strong story and this show boasts some great one-liners from the King which betray his deep wisdom, albeit in a mind constrained by his beliefs and upbringing.
Some of the most colourful stage costumes eased in a traditional Siamese theme, working well with scene changes involving giant golden statues, the all-important throne and a cityscape that made it so easy to lose yourself in the story and its nuances.
The March of the Siamese Children is of course a memorable number, along with I Whistle a Happy Tune and Shall We Dance, all performed with perfect orchestral backing.
The cast are clearly enjoying themselves so much – and their show more than stands the test of time and the rigours of a live performance.
At two hours and 25 minutes long, you'll leave in agreement that it's not over-long, but simply outstanding value and excellent theatre.
We're often told that this is the true story of the King (played by the excellent Ramon Tikaram), willing to embrace the best of what the West can offer while fearful that it will take away much of what he loves about home.
It takes the guile and rapport of the British school teacher Anna (Josefina Gabrielle) to help him muddle along – and together their diplomacy and tact wins through.
While Ramon is probably best known for TV roles such as Ferdy in This Life and Qadim, in EastEnders, he's a natural in front of the live audience, subtly working the crowd in a not-too-knowing way.
Double Olivier-nominated stage and screen actress Josefina has scores of theatre credits from the regions and the West End and she breathes life into Anna in a performance that clearly won more than just the King's heart.
Aiko Kato, as Eliza in the performance of The Small House of Uncle Thomas, was a pint-sized star, expressive to the point where we were hard-pushed not to share her anguish, relief and joy during the set-piece ballet from Act Two.
Add 32 locally-cast children to the mix and it's an unforgettable theatrical extravaganza.
One of the great Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, it combines superb music with a strong story and this show boasts some great one-liners from the King which betray his deep wisdom, albeit in a mind constrained by his beliefs and upbringing.
Some of the most colourful stage costumes eased in a traditional Siamese theme, working well with scene changes involving giant golden statues, the all-important throne and a cityscape that made it so easy to lose yourself in the story and its nuances.
The March of the Siamese Children is of course a memorable number, along with I Whistle a Happy Tune and Shall We Dance, all performed with perfect orchestral backing.
The cast are clearly enjoying themselves so much – and their show more than stands the test of time and the rigours of a live performance.
At two hours and 25 minutes long, you'll leave in agreement that it's not over-long, but simply outstanding value and excellent theatre.
Wednesday, February 8
Swallows and Amazons, Nottingham Theatre Royal
Did you have adventures in the wilds of the countryside as a nipper?
Here's a tale of youngsters from a time when you could let your imagination run riot - and it's a feast of music, exploration and piracy for all ages.
And there's ample opportunity for the audience to use their imagination too, as some of the oldest children around prepare to do battle and defeat their enemies in front of a backdrop of clever scenery and props.
Swallows and Amazons is the Arthur Ransome book set in the Lake District and written in the 1930s and this touring production comes from the Children's Touring Partnership whose Goodnight Mister Tom recently visited Nottingham.
Any child who's old enough to read will enjoy this action-packed show. They will immediately appreciate the adult actors playing the children of two families, brought together during school holidays as they sail the lakes and islands of an idyllic era, something that makes it easy to relate to for the grown-ups in the audience too.
After a battle of supremacy between the crews of Swallow and Amazon, the youngsters join forces to take on the barbarian adults who almost succeed in curtailing their fun.
If you were ever a child, this show is a must. If you ever had a den, made weapons from a stick, camped out or spent a day exploring at the seaside, the actors here will vividly recall those feelings of freedom - and the threat posed by rival youngsters.
You'll also find an unexpected chance for audience participation which slots seamlessly into the show despite being quite a departure from what went before. Sail a Swallow or Amazon for yourself, join in the pitched battle and vote on whether the captain should walk the plank!
Here's a tale of youngsters from a time when you could let your imagination run riot - and it's a feast of music, exploration and piracy for all ages.
And there's ample opportunity for the audience to use their imagination too, as some of the oldest children around prepare to do battle and defeat their enemies in front of a backdrop of clever scenery and props.
Swallows and Amazons is the Arthur Ransome book set in the Lake District and written in the 1930s and this touring production comes from the Children's Touring Partnership whose Goodnight Mister Tom recently visited Nottingham.
Any child who's old enough to read will enjoy this action-packed show. They will immediately appreciate the adult actors playing the children of two families, brought together during school holidays as they sail the lakes and islands of an idyllic era, something that makes it easy to relate to for the grown-ups in the audience too.
After a battle of supremacy between the crews of Swallow and Amazon, the youngsters join forces to take on the barbarian adults who almost succeed in curtailing their fun.
If you were ever a child, this show is a must. If you ever had a den, made weapons from a stick, camped out or spent a day exploring at the seaside, the actors here will vividly recall those feelings of freedom - and the threat posed by rival youngsters.
You'll also find an unexpected chance for audience participation which slots seamlessly into the show despite being quite a departure from what went before. Sail a Swallow or Amazon for yourself, join in the pitched battle and vote on whether the captain should walk the plank!
Monday, January 23
Roger McGough, Nottingham Playhouse
When a man gets to a certain age, it's time to look back.
Whether revisiting clear memories of learning to read during the war (by the light of Messerschmitts crash-landing outside), or hazier memories of chasing a ball that rolled into a minefield on Crosby beach, Liverpudlian poet Roger McGough delivers key ingredients to provoke private thoughts among the audience.
Occasionally, the watching guests would murmur in shared understanding of experience, events or fears. This was McGough on growing older. Looking further back, recalling people, places and events.
Yet in just a few words his own experiences were easily – and in many cases sympathetically – shared with his audience. Colourful language and choice descriptive phrases spark thoughts racing which are revisited hours later in one's quieter moments.
Who else could have described marrying in old age as "leading your partner into a macabre dance" or conjured up the thought that living each day as if it's your last might well involve lying in intensive care, wired up to medical machinery rather than a gung ho rollercoaster existence?
This is not a maudlin show. Far from it. It celebrates the rich tapestry of life and the ability to look back and put everything into perspective – summed up well in As Far As I Know, some thoughts on a (perhaps) quiet life, which elicits a wonderful audience response when read aloud by the writer.
Whether revisiting clear memories of learning to read during the war (by the light of Messerschmitts crash-landing outside), or hazier memories of chasing a ball that rolled into a minefield on Crosby beach, Liverpudlian poet Roger McGough delivers key ingredients to provoke private thoughts among the audience.
Occasionally, the watching guests would murmur in shared understanding of experience, events or fears. This was McGough on growing older. Looking further back, recalling people, places and events.
Yet in just a few words his own experiences were easily – and in many cases sympathetically – shared with his audience. Colourful language and choice descriptive phrases spark thoughts racing which are revisited hours later in one's quieter moments.
Who else could have described marrying in old age as "leading your partner into a macabre dance" or conjured up the thought that living each day as if it's your last might well involve lying in intensive care, wired up to medical machinery rather than a gung ho rollercoaster existence?
This is not a maudlin show. Far from it. It celebrates the rich tapestry of life and the ability to look back and put everything into perspective – summed up well in As Far As I Know, some thoughts on a (perhaps) quiet life, which elicits a wonderful audience response when read aloud by the writer.
Sunday, November 20
Disney On Ice - great show this year in Nottingham
So were you expecting Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Pluto? So were we - but they were merely the warm up act with this year's Disney on Ice going from strength to strength from beginning to end.
Despite being firm favourites they only set the scene for a series of superb set-pieces which proved much better than previous years' efforts.
And what's more there was something for everyone, with the vehicles from Cars sliding around the rink, an undersea adventure with Ariel, a Tink-tastic tale with everyone's favourite fairy - and then an amazing second half with all our favourites from Toy Story.
Each set tells a familiar story, so even if you weren't all that familiar with every nuance of the Disney stable, it's easy to follow what's going on!
Amazingly, the first story, from Cars, saw real vehicles slip-sliding around as they rescued Mickey's charabanc from a breakdown. Not many ice skates in evidence but a beautifully choreographed section with characters that look just like the real thing. I never knew that Lightning McQueen, Mater and the others were real, so it was an eye-opener for me!
Then came the first of the ice dancers - with the tale of Ariel looking for her Eric. Prince Eric? There's hope for us all in that case, isn't there? As we know only too well, Ursula's deal becomes Ariel's choice. But of course it all ends happily ever after.
Tinkerbell's changed a lot since those early days being a pugnacious rebel in Peter Pan. She's joined by a whole host of fairy friends who the little girls in the sold-out Arena all knew the names of before they introduced themselves. We got some 'real' flying to wow the crowds, and dozens of little 'uns out there were wishing they had wings, too. If your princess one loves the likes of Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist and Fawn, book your tickets now!
Oddly, the second half was just a single story but flew by.
It was, of course, a Toy Story. Toy Story 3 to be precise, the one where Andy says goodbye to his pals. But not before they've done some magnificent set-pieces, the most impressive being dozens of little green toy soldiers doing their moves on the ice. But there's Mr and Mrs Potato Head, Slinky, Barbie and Ken alongside Woody and Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang.
There's no expense spared with this show, and every character is perfectly crafted to transport you into the worlds of fantasy it promises across the ticket.
Despite being firm favourites they only set the scene for a series of superb set-pieces which proved much better than previous years' efforts.
And what's more there was something for everyone, with the vehicles from Cars sliding around the rink, an undersea adventure with Ariel, a Tink-tastic tale with everyone's favourite fairy - and then an amazing second half with all our favourites from Toy Story.
Each set tells a familiar story, so even if you weren't all that familiar with every nuance of the Disney stable, it's easy to follow what's going on!
Amazingly, the first story, from Cars, saw real vehicles slip-sliding around as they rescued Mickey's charabanc from a breakdown. Not many ice skates in evidence but a beautifully choreographed section with characters that look just like the real thing. I never knew that Lightning McQueen, Mater and the others were real, so it was an eye-opener for me!
Then came the first of the ice dancers - with the tale of Ariel looking for her Eric. Prince Eric? There's hope for us all in that case, isn't there? As we know only too well, Ursula's deal becomes Ariel's choice. But of course it all ends happily ever after.
Tinkerbell's changed a lot since those early days being a pugnacious rebel in Peter Pan. She's joined by a whole host of fairy friends who the little girls in the sold-out Arena all knew the names of before they introduced themselves. We got some 'real' flying to wow the crowds, and dozens of little 'uns out there were wishing they had wings, too. If your princess one loves the likes of Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist and Fawn, book your tickets now!
Oddly, the second half was just a single story but flew by.
It was, of course, a Toy Story. Toy Story 3 to be precise, the one where Andy says goodbye to his pals. But not before they've done some magnificent set-pieces, the most impressive being dozens of little green toy soldiers doing their moves on the ice. But there's Mr and Mrs Potato Head, Slinky, Barbie and Ken alongside Woody and Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang.
There's no expense spared with this show, and every character is perfectly crafted to transport you into the worlds of fantasy it promises across the ticket.
Wednesday, August 10
Verity Rushworth in The Sound of Music
INFECTIOUS and addictive: half an hour after leaving the theatre you're guaranteed to be whistling a reprise of the Lonely Goatherd out loud – even if it does surprise the passengers on the bus home.
Direct from the West End, it says, and this realisation of a wonderful and timeless classic demonstrates how the legacy of Julie Andrews' film role is in very safe hands.
The tomboy nature of a lanky trainee nun who's unsure of her commitment to the abbey is expertly conveyed by Verity Rushworth. It's no wonder the Captain falls for her.
It's also easy to see why this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical attracts such a hardcore fan base. And while it's true you know what to expect because of the film, the stage version inevitably results in a truncation of the plot. But fear not. The reason you're going is for that music – Maria's subtle comic asides mean Verity scores an instant and natural connection with the audience. And we find that she sings too!
Reading in the lavish programme that Connie Fisher was taking the lead at some other theatres on the tour, it was something of a welcome revelation that with former Emmerdale girl Verity, we couldn't have wished for a better incarnation of Maria.
Alongside Keiron Crook as Captain Georg Von Trapp, the would-be lovers play off each other magnificently, despite the plot format making their marriage a very swift conclusion to their attraction.
The younger Von Trapp children were all spot on, winning the hearts of youngsters in the audiences, and generating a tear or two among their parents!
We all loved Claire Fishenden as the eldest von Trapp daughter Liesl, soon to realise womanhood. And Martin Callaghan's comic turn as Max Detweiler was also a winner, along with our Mother Abbess for Nottingham, Marilyn Hill Smith, who gave an exhilarating invitation to Climb Ev'ry Mountain to send the first half of the show out on a high. It's hard to resist singing along with all those bright, familiar tunes with, of course, Do-re-mi among the numerous highlights.
The house was packed for this first Saturday night of a three-week run. Judging by the whoops of approval at the curtain call, remaining seats will be selling like hot strudel.
Direct from the West End, it says, and this realisation of a wonderful and timeless classic demonstrates how the legacy of Julie Andrews' film role is in very safe hands.
The tomboy nature of a lanky trainee nun who's unsure of her commitment to the abbey is expertly conveyed by Verity Rushworth. It's no wonder the Captain falls for her.
It's also easy to see why this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical attracts such a hardcore fan base. And while it's true you know what to expect because of the film, the stage version inevitably results in a truncation of the plot. But fear not. The reason you're going is for that music – Maria's subtle comic asides mean Verity scores an instant and natural connection with the audience. And we find that she sings too!
Reading in the lavish programme that Connie Fisher was taking the lead at some other theatres on the tour, it was something of a welcome revelation that with former Emmerdale girl Verity, we couldn't have wished for a better incarnation of Maria.
Alongside Keiron Crook as Captain Georg Von Trapp, the would-be lovers play off each other magnificently, despite the plot format making their marriage a very swift conclusion to their attraction.
The younger Von Trapp children were all spot on, winning the hearts of youngsters in the audiences, and generating a tear or two among their parents!
We all loved Claire Fishenden as the eldest von Trapp daughter Liesl, soon to realise womanhood. And Martin Callaghan's comic turn as Max Detweiler was also a winner, along with our Mother Abbess for Nottingham, Marilyn Hill Smith, who gave an exhilarating invitation to Climb Ev'ry Mountain to send the first half of the show out on a high. It's hard to resist singing along with all those bright, familiar tunes with, of course, Do-re-mi among the numerous highlights.
The house was packed for this first Saturday night of a three-week run. Judging by the whoops of approval at the curtain call, remaining seats will be selling like hot strudel.
You To Me Are Everything: a slow burn!
For a man whose band’s big No1 was sandwiched between The Wurzels and Demis Roussos at the start of that long hot summer of 1976, Eddy Amoo is a very chipper man.
The Real Thing recorded You To Me Are Everything at the start of the year after it failed to excite record bosses in London – and it kick started a career that’s lasted until the present day.
The soul trio perform at the Theatre Royal this weekend as part of an idefinite programme of live shows and expect an energy-filled audience to set the party alight.
“Life doesn’t stop just because you don’t have hit records,” says Eddy.
“We continually recycle ourselves in that me and Chris are producers and writers, and over the years we have tweaked and changed the classic tunes so that they fit in today without losing the magic. We’re always writing new material for the show and we can still stand up there and be full of energy.”
So what does it feel like to be the architect of the hit that forms the soundtrack to so many people’s lives? Did the band feel something special was about to happen when they first heard their biggest hit back in ‘76?
“Abolutely not!” he said.
“It was hawked around everyone in London before it came to us. They all turned it down.
“We were just about to get the boot from our record company because we’d had a series of misses. Our record company thought it wasn’t a bad song at all, so they gave us a small budget to record it.
“It was very early in 1976 we recorded it and then forgot all about it. Three or four months later our manager came to us and told us it was selling 100 records a day.
“Then one day we got a telegram from our manager. He said get the band down to London tomorrow as it was one of the breakers [the fastest climbers in the top 50] and they wanted us on Top of The Pops.
“Everything went mad, it was magic.”
Yet the biggest year of hits for The Real Thing was actually in the following decade, when in 1986 they hit the charts with Straight to the Heart and sccessfully released remixes of You to Me Are Everything, Can't Get By Without You, and Can You Feel the Force?
And it’s their stying power that’s the secret.
“We’re the original members – we’re not a tribute band,” says Eddy, “which is what happens when you keep replacing people over the years.
“We built up an audience over two completely different timespans and have built on that.”
The Real Thing recorded You To Me Are Everything at the start of the year after it failed to excite record bosses in London – and it kick started a career that’s lasted until the present day.
The soul trio perform at the Theatre Royal this weekend as part of an idefinite programme of live shows and expect an energy-filled audience to set the party alight.
“Life doesn’t stop just because you don’t have hit records,” says Eddy.
“We continually recycle ourselves in that me and Chris are producers and writers, and over the years we have tweaked and changed the classic tunes so that they fit in today without losing the magic. We’re always writing new material for the show and we can still stand up there and be full of energy.”
So what does it feel like to be the architect of the hit that forms the soundtrack to so many people’s lives? Did the band feel something special was about to happen when they first heard their biggest hit back in ‘76?
“Abolutely not!” he said.
“It was hawked around everyone in London before it came to us. They all turned it down.
“We were just about to get the boot from our record company because we’d had a series of misses. Our record company thought it wasn’t a bad song at all, so they gave us a small budget to record it.
“It was very early in 1976 we recorded it and then forgot all about it. Three or four months later our manager came to us and told us it was selling 100 records a day.
“Then one day we got a telegram from our manager. He said get the band down to London tomorrow as it was one of the breakers [the fastest climbers in the top 50] and they wanted us on Top of The Pops.
“Everything went mad, it was magic.”
Yet the biggest year of hits for The Real Thing was actually in the following decade, when in 1986 they hit the charts with Straight to the Heart and sccessfully released remixes of You to Me Are Everything, Can't Get By Without You, and Can You Feel the Force?
And it’s their stying power that’s the secret.
“We’re the original members – we’re not a tribute band,” says Eddy, “which is what happens when you keep replacing people over the years.
“We built up an audience over two completely different timespans and have built on that.”
X-factor Jamie set to rock the racecourse
JAMIE 'Afro' Archer is the latest star to join the line-up of the first Rasen Rocks summer concert at Market Rasen Racecourse.
He’ll bring the band Archer to the races in a show that includes headline performer Aiden Grimshaw as well as Paije Richardson.
Already an accomplished performer, he wowed all four judges with his energetic rendition of Kings of Leon's 'Sex on Fire' in the first round of auditions for the hit ITV show.
He says we can expect to hear the “new sound” at the gig, something which might surprise a few fans.
Jamie told What’s On: “Some people might be expecting us to put out a Bon Jovi record. It couldn't be further from the truth.
“We've been looking for a new rock sound. It'll surprise some. There's a lot of depth to the music and lyrics.
“Be assured though, it's big, it's fun, it's loud it's singalong - been waiting a long time to be able to play these songs out. This is the real thing.
“The whole band will be there. This is what really excites me. I've done alot of shows in the past to backing CDs and the audience don't buy it.
“They want real quality live music. And that's what they get with this band. It's going to be a blast.“
Aside from preparing and rehearsing the live dates, Archer have also been in the studio, recording their latest tracks – but not necessarily an album, according to Jamie..
He said: “The current concept of albums and singles is outdated now. People just buy songs they like. We're more interested in releasing quality singles and EPs at the moment and the album will take care of itself.
“At the moment we're promoting the first single which is called 'insanity'. It sums up how anyone is feeling when they're on the edge. It's a big song. We'll be performing it at Market Rasen.
“Everyone in this operation has worked so hard to get us here because we all believe in this. We all just want to see some decent rock music back in the charts.
“The music is based in rock but has many different influences. Especially house music. It ranges from big, big singalongs to beautiful ballads. You get a balanced diet of music with us.”
He says life has changed somewhat since the X Factor experience – and it’s one he wouldn’t swap.
“Love it,” he said, ”Love being on the road meeting the fans. I still have to pinch myself sometimes when I think of the amazing opportunities the X Factor has given me.
“All I ever wanted was to release a song and have a fair chance of people hearing it and get a shot of getting some fresh rock music out there.”
And was he looking forward to an outdoor gig at the races?
“Of course we are. Last year I got seriously rained on. Fingers crossed the weather holds out.
“But in the true British way it did not dampen spirits. The crowd absolutely had it. I know the crowd won't disappoint.”
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