TALON MUSIC PRESENTS
TALON THE ACOUSTIC COLLECTION
HANDLE WITH CARE 2025

Sitting on bar stools and armed with no more than their trademark four-part vocal harmony, acoustic instruments and laid-back banter, Talon will leave you simply spellbound.

“ESSENTIAL LISTENING IF YOU APPRECIATE GREAT MUSICIANSHIP, MAJOR LABEL PRODUCTION STANDARDS AND THE TIGHTEST HARMONIES YOU WILL HEAR THIS SIDE OF CROSBY STILLS NASH”‘MAVERICK’
(The UK’s Leading Country Music Magazine)
*****

WWW.TALONACOUSTIC.CO.UK

Join this May for the final Party Animals show with Corner Exotics at the Regal. After a 40-year career, we bid farewell to Simon and his Animals as they embark on retirement.

Don’t miss this last opportunity to experience this wonderful interactive show, featuring over 35 animals. This beloved event promises to be memorable for all ages and is likely to sell out quickly—early booking is recommended!

Join us for the world’s greatest celebration of the life and work of one of the best-selling singer-songwriters of all-time, Neil Diamond.

Using evocative imagery, video and narration to enhance the magic, this acclaimed production will take you on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s glittering 50-year career.

In this exciting live show you’ll be transported from the Bang Years to the present day and soon be singing along to all the hits including Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, Forever in Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, Hello Again, Love on the Rocks, America and many more.

“Close your eyes and you could be in the presence of one Neil Leslie Diamond...A spellbinding recreation of a Neil Diamond concert.” – Nottingham Post

“Absolutely Mesmerising” – Steve le Fevre - Sky TV

We’re delighted to welcome Ben Ottewell for an intimate show in the Regal Studio supported by Gracie Beverley.

Ben Ottewell is a British musician best known as the gravelly-voiced frontman of the indie rock band Gomez. Born on June 23, 1976, in Chesterfield, England, Ottewell began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by his father's eclectic record collection. In 1996, he co-founded Gomez with Ian Ball, Tom Gray, Paul Blackburn, and Olly Peacock while studying at university in Sheffield.

Gomez quickly gained attention with their debut album, "Bring It On," released in 1998, which won the Mercury Music Prize. Ottewell's distinctive vocals and songwriting contributed to the band's unique sound, characterized by a blend of blues, folk, and rock elements. The band went on to release several critically acclaimed albums, including "Liquid Skin" (1999) and "In Our Gun" (2002).

Throughout Gomez's career, Ottewell's soulful voice and introspective lyrics resonated with fans, earning him a dedicated following. His solo career saw him exploring a more stripped-down acoustic sound, showcasing his raw talent and emotive storytelling. In 2011, Ottewell released his debut solo album, "Shapes & Shadows," followed by "Rattlebag" in 2014 and ‘A Man Apart’ in 2017

With a career spanning over two decades, Ben Ottewell continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances and evocative songwriting, cementing his legacy as one of the most distinctive voices in British rock music.

About Gracie Beverley:
GRACiE is a singer-songwriter and pianist, writing romantic indie music sprinkled with jazz. Her smooth, crooner voice carries nostalgic lyrics born from a need to capture honest emotions and real moments. She spent most of her childhood travelling Europe with a 25 piece Big Band which introduced her to swing music. As a self taught pianist, who grew up around musicians, she is a naturally intimate and emotional performer. GRACiE's music has been featured on BBC 6 Music, and she performed as part of a concert for BBC Introducing which later aired on BBC iPlayer. GRACiE's new single, ‘The Big Bang' is a cosmic love story, a metaphor for that explosive moment when love sparks life into being.

Join us for a Quiz night in the Regal Studio this May!

£10 per person. Light food included.

This event is sold out.

Join Tenbury Town Band for a concert that commemorates the music and musicians celebrating anniversaries in 2025, intertwined with a poignant tribute to the end of World War II. Our evening will also include Tenbury Town Band's comedy team ensuring entertainment for the whole family. This concert promises to be a blend of music, reflection and laughter—truly a celebration for all ages.

Join us at the Regal for a captivating evening with the classic 1923 silent romantic-comedy, Safety Last!, featuring the daredevil antics of Harold Lloyd. This unforgettable screening includes live improvised piano accompaniment by the acclaimed Darius Battiwalla, Leeds City Organist, known for his masterful live scores for silent films.

Film Synopsis:
A young man leaves his quiet country life behind, aiming for success in the bustling city with hopes that his sweetheart will soon join him. His journey is filled with comedic escapades and thrilling moments, culminating in the iconic clock-tower stunt that has enthralled audiences for nearly a century.

Directors: Fred C. Newmeyer and Sam Taylor
Stars: Harold Lloyd, Mildred Davis, Bill Strother

About Darius Battiwalla:
Darius began accompanying silent films in 2008, and in the last few years has been increasingly in demand as a silent film accompanist on both organ and piano.  After a sell-out performance of Nosferatu in 2009 at the Sheffield Festival, he has accompanied Phantom of the Opera, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde on the organ, and on the piano has played for the premieres of the newly restored Helen of Four Gates. For several years he played for a monthly series of films at the National Media Museum, and he makes regular appearances at the Leeds International Film Festival, and has also appeared at the Mayfield Festival, Deer Shed Festival, and many other venues throughout the UK.  This year sees films in Sussex, Leeds, London and Newcastle. Darius now teaches improvisation for organists at the Royal Academy of Music.

Returning to the Regal due to popular demand! This event is part of our inaugural Regal Opera Festival.

Enjoy a gala evening of beautiful arias, duets and ensembles by composers such as Bizet, Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Puccini and more!

Featuring professional opera singers soprano Erika Mädi Jones, mezzo soprano Charlotte Wicks, tenor Andrew Henley, baritone Felix Kemp and the incomparable Charlotte Forrest at the piano, joined by the Neen Sollars and Milson Community Choir . Whether you're a long-time opera aficionado or new to the genre, you're in for a treat with this evening of beautiful music and singing.

What the audience said last year:

"One of the best nights ever at the Regal"

"Superb, exceeded all expectations with professional performances, excellent programming, and delightful humour."

"An amazingly talented group, delivering the most exciting and fun aspects of opera, enjoyable for everyone from opera buffs to children."

"The theatre buzzed with anticipation; top-notch performers combined great artistry with evident humour."

Meet the Talented Artists:

Soprano Erika Mädi Jones
Erika debuted to critical acclaim as Elisabeth Tannhäuser at Longborough Festival Opera in summer 2016 working with Anthony Negus. She sang Ellen Orford Peter Grimes in a project curated by Dartington International Music Festival with Sian Edwards at the baton in 2017. Other roles performed include Sieglinde Die Walküre (Edinburgh Opera Players), Micaëla Carmen (Rogue Opera), Donna Anna Don Giovanni, (Moon-Little Theatre & Co Opera Co). Leonore  Fidelio (Guildford Opera). Erika was a chorister at Glyndebourne Festival Opera in 2015.

 Erika won the 2017 Dvořák Society for Czech and Slovak Music Prize at the Emmy Destinn Young Singers competition and highly commended in the finals of the 2015 UK Wagner Society singing competition. She was a semi-finalist in the 9. Internationale Wagnerstimmen Wettbewerb in Karlsruhe in 2018. She was a Les Azuriales young artist in 2015.

Together with pianist Panaretos Kyriatzidis she won the 2018 British Song Competition awarded by Roger Vignoles in his masterclass as part of the London Song Festival. The duo have been performing together since they met at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance where they won first prize in the Elisabeth Schumann Lieder Duo competition. The duo have performed in masterclasses with Ian Partridge CBE in the 2014 Oxford Lieder Festival, Thomas Quasthoff and Eugene Asti and have performed in venues such as St James’ Piccadilly, The Red House, Aldeburgh, and Blackheath Halls.

A Britten Pears Young Artist, Erika performed in the 2016 Aldeburgh Festival as part of the Thomas Quasthoff Brahms song course. Erika is and extremely passionate recitalist and sings a wide variety of song repertoire including well known works by Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Wolf, Strauss, Wagner, Britten, Debussy, Duparc and lesser known works by Berg, Korngold, Poldowski, Alma Mahler, Frank Bridge, Rebecca Clarke amongst others.

In concert Erika has performed orchestral works such as Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Ravel’s Shéhérazade and worked with conductors including Howard Williams, Diego Masson and Gerry Cornelius. Oratorio works performed include soprano soloist in Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Brahms’s Ein Deutsches Requiem.

Erika graduated from the Cardiff University Music School with honours before pursuing vocal studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Gaining Distinctions in both Masters of Music and Postgraduate Artist’s Diploma, her studies were supported by the Robinson Hearn Scholarship, Stopford Westminster Bursary, the Kathleen Roberts Scholarship, Trinity Laban
www.erikamadijones.co.uk

Mezzo-Soprano Charlotte Wicks:
Born in Manchester, Mezzo Soprano Charlotte Wicks studied at the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Academy Opera course graduating in 2009. She is an Independent Opera Fellow and graduate of the Solti, Te kanawa Academia di Bel Canto.    

Roles for RAO include Cherubino/The Marriage of Figaro, Celia/La Fedelta Premiata, Hänsel, Diana /La Calisto, Vava/Cheryomushki . For British Youth Opera charlotte covered Gertrude/Romeo and Juiliette and sang Minsk Woman/Flight.

Charlotte made her debut with Glyndebourne Touring Opera singing Valetto/L’incoronazione di Poppea and has performed Annio / La Clemenza di Tito with English Touring Opera and Kate Pinkerton and Cousin in Mid Wales Opera Production of Madam Butterfly. Other tiles in productions include Nancy/Albert Herring at Opera North, Carmen Garden Opera’s 2013 UK tour and cover Kate Pinkerton for Raymond Gubbays production of Carmen at the Royal Albert Hall and chorus in Opera De Monte Carlo’s production of Peter Grimes. Charlotte returned to Glyndebourne festival opera in 2015-2017 to cover the role of Ramiro in La Finta Giardiniera and sing the role of an apprentice in Wagners’s Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg.

A Samling scholar she has sung as a soloist at the Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, St Martin in the Fields, St John’s Smith Square, The Royal Albert Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and The London Handel Festival. She teaches singing at St. Andrews Prep in Eastbourne and is co founder of Intergenerational Opera.

Tenor Andrew Henley
Hailing from Monmouth, British-Irish tenor Andrew Henley studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and is a graduate of the National Opera Studio, where he was supported by the WNO Sir John Moores Award. He was with winner of the 2019 Dunraven Young Welsh Singer of the Year and is the recipient of the 2023 John Scott Award from Scottish Opera.

Operatic engagements have included The Tenor Trauernacht, Tybalt Romeo and Juliet and Voleur de Lune Der Mond with Opéra de Lyon, Heinrich der Schreiber Tannhäuser with the Stadttheater Klagenfurt, Father Grenville Dead Man Walking and Candide (cover) Candide with Welsh National Opera, Officer and Armand (cover)Thérèse, Tenor Soloist on the Spring 2023 Opera Highlights Tour and Nemorino (cover) L'elisir d'amore with Scottish Opera, Don Ottavio Don Giovanni (cover) with the Glyndebourne Autumn Festival, Barigoule Cendrillon with Buxton International Festival, Don Ottavio Don Giovanni with Clonter Opera, Novice Billy Budd with the St. Endellion Festival, Lechmere Owen Wingrave with British Youth Opera, Major (cover) Patience with English Touring Opera, Ostrogotho La Fiera di Venezia with Bampton Classical Opera, Kekikako Bataclan with West Green House, Adam A+E at the Grimeborn Festival, Christoph Kommilitonen! with Welsh National Youth Opera and chorus with Glyndebourne and Wexford Festival Opera. Roles at RWCMD included Fenton Falstaff, Albert Albert Herring and Schoolmaster The Cunning Little Vixen. Upcoming engagements include Tybalt in Gounod Roméo et Juliette at the Immling Festival in Bavaria, Barbarigo in Verdi I due Foscari with Chelsea Opera Group and The Son in Stanford The Critic and Rodolfo The Passion of Puccini with Wexford Festival Opera.
 
Concert engagements have included Mendelssohn Elijah at Cadogan Hall with the City of London Sinfonia, an opera highlights concert with the WNO Orchestra conducted by Carlo Rizzi at BBC Hoddinott Hall, Mozart Mass in C Minor at Wells Cathedral, Verdi Requiem at St. Paul's Covent Garden, Vaughan Williams Serenade to Music, broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, and Purcell The Fairy Queen, conducted by Nicholas McGegan, both with the CBSO at Birmingham Symphony Hall.
www.andrewhenleytenor.co.uk

Baritone Felix Kemp
A Britten-Pears Young Artist and Momentum Emerging Artist, Felix Kemp was a finalist in the 2021 International Handel Singing Competition and he made his Royal Opera House debut in Don Carlo in the 2022/23 season. In the current season Felix covers Marcello (Bohème) for English National Opera and joins the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company as Strephon (Iolanthe) and Florian (Princess Ida).

 In the previous season, Felix performed the roles of Falke (Fledermaus) for If Opera, Belcore (Elisir) for Celebrate Voice and created Dick Dewy in the world première of Paul Carr’s Under the Greenwood Tree for Dorset Opera. In 2022, Felix sang Papageno (Zauberflöte) for Dorset Opera and made his debut with Welsh National Opera creating the role of Adham in the world première of Will Todd’s Migrations.

 On the concert platform, this season Felix performs Britten Curlew River for Britten Pears Arts at the Aldeburgh Festival directed by Deborah Warner and filmed for BBC broadcast, Duruflé Requiem with Sinfonia Viva at Southwell Minster, Handel Messiah at the London Handel Festival and at Winchester Cathedral with Florilegium, Vaughan Williams A Sea Symphony at Hereford Cathedral, Verdi Requiem at York Minster and Zelenka Lamentations on tour with Ensemble Diderot to Opéra de Rouen and Kölner Philharmonie.

 In recital, Felix’s performances have included the ROH Crush Room, London Song and Oxford Lieder festivals, collaborating with pianists including Simon Lepper, Huw Watkins and Sholto Kynoch. Felix’s recordings include Joseph Phibbs Juliana and Ethel Smyth Fête Galante. Broadcasts include In Tune for BBC Radio 3. www.felixkemp.com

Pianist Charlotte Forrest: A Senior Vocal Coach for Glyndebourne Festival Opera and currently a regular member of visiting music staff for English National Opera, Grange Festival, Garsington Opera, Longborough Opera and Opera Holland Park, Charlotte spent 10 years as a member of music staff at Opera North and collaborated regularly with Sir Graham Vick for Birmingham Opera Company. Internationally, she has worked at the Bregenzer Festival, Estonian National Opera, Bergen Opera and L’Opera Comique in Paris.

She regularly gives masterclasses as a visiting lecturer and coach at the Royal Academy of Music, London, as well as the Royal Welsh College of Music and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Committed to bridging the divide between higher education and the profession, Charlotte has worked regularly for British Youth Opera, coached the Jerwood Young Artists at Glyndebourne, the Jette Parker Young Artists at the Royal Opera House, the Alvarez Young Artists at Garsington and has worked closely with the ENO Harewood Artists.

As a recitalist Charlotte is heard regularly on BBC Radio 3 and made her Wigmore Hall debut in 2011, going on to perform regularly there as well as at the Pisa Duomo, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Versailles and Paris Salle Pleyel. For nearly 20 years she has been Associate Keyboardist with the Monteverdi Choir and its orchestras, collaborating in over 30 projects with Sir John Eliot Gardiner.

Join us in the Regal Auditorium for a very special night of Jazz with Mark Latimer and friends.

Join Dick Pearce on trumpet, James Hunt on Sax, Miles Levin on Drums, Peter Cabara on Bass and of course Mark Latimer on Piano

with special guest Gracie Beverley on vocals

About Mark Latimer:
Mark Latimer is an acclaimed English pianist renowned for his extensive repertoire of over 75 piano concertos. His performances include the monumental Concerto for Piano and Chorus by Busoni and the Alkan Concerto for Solo Piano, for which he made the first live recording. A gifted composer, Latimer has had numerous works performed and recorded.

Remarkably, he performed Rachmaninoff's 3rd piano concerto at age 12 and went on to play Rachmaninoff's 3rd and Prokofiev's 2nd piano concertos at 16, followed by both Brahms piano concertos (No. 1 and No. 2). By age 18, he became a professor of music at the London College of Music.

Latimer is also celebrated for championing works by lesser-known composers such as Sorabji, Reger, Honegger, and Lambert. His versatility extends to the organ, with notable recordings including the hour-long improvisational CD Zeitgeist. His jazz contributions are highlighted by his ongoing "Take" CD series and his suite "Exhibitionist at the Pictures".

Additionally, Latimer has shared the stage with jazz legends Stan Getz and Chet Baker, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.

Alistair brings you the comedy and impressions for which he is known and loved, reads from his newly-published poetry collection (‘Masterly’, Simon Cowell) and plays short piano favourites by Chopin, Grieg, Elgar, Satie, Bill Evans and others. Expect beautiful music, funny and poignant poems and spot-on mimicry. It’s a unique evening - and three great shows in one!

Join us this May for the first show in our inaugeral Regal Opera Festival.

In this intimate version of Bizet's Carmen, scored for four voices with piano accompaniment and a new English script by Director Bronwen Stephens-Harding, Rogue Opera presents a compact production re-imagined to bring you the essence of the story, the complexities of the characters and the beauty of the music.

Synopsis
Bizet’s Carmen is more than just a grand spectacle or operatic tragedy. Bizet broke operatic convention by celebrating proletarian and immoral ways of life, vividly bringing to life the character of Carmen as a complex, proud and spirited woman.

Rogue Opera strips away the pomp and pageantry to present a raw and intimate piece of theatre, examining the human emotions at the core of this tale of seduction, obsession, rejection and revenge.

Carmen and the gypsies seek a bohemian life, finding freedom outside of the law. José, drawn to Carmen, is torn between love, duty and honour. Micaëla, innocent and pious, represents a simpler way of life, and the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo soon becomes a rival for Carmen’s affections. The dramatic resolution of the opera’s story was shocking and unconventional in depicting such violence at its premiere in 1875. Just as shocking is that this tragedy is still pertinent today, where the simple act of saying ‘no’ too often turns love and passion into abuse and fatal revenge.

Shoddy Theatre, Joshua Beaumont and Matthew Emeny present: A Shoddy Detective and The Art of Deception

A laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos.

When a priceless painting goes missing at a private auction, Detective Stuart Pidcock is called upon to uncover the mystery. However, when he cannot solve it himself he is forced to enlist the help of an old nemesis. Together, the pair must interrogate the many characterful suspects that reside at the manor, in order to catch the conniving culprit and solve the crime of the century!

Fresh from selling out their run at The Ed Fringe, Camden Fringe, New Normal Festival and a 2022 Spring Tour. Shoddy are back with their hit show “A Shoddy Detective”. Grab you tickets now for the slapstick comedy that's taking the country by storm.

REVIEWS:
“HAD THE AUDIENCE LAUGHING THROUGHOUT”
North East Theatre Guide

“SHODDY BY NAME BUT NOT SHODDY BY NATURE”
London Pub Theatres Magazine

“WITTY, ENDEARING AND GOOD CLEAN FUN”
The Reviews Hub

★★★★ Theatre Scotland

★★★★ London Pub Theatres Magazine

★★★★ Ed Fringe Review

★★★★ North East Theatre Guide

Cast and Creatives

Mitch Donaldson Creative Director, Producer & Writer for Shoddy Theatre
Becky Bartram Company Manager & Writer for Shoddy Theatre
Josh Beaumont Producer for The Production Garden
Matthew Emeny Associate Director & Producer for The Production Garden
Holly Salewski Head of Marketing & Associate Producer for Shoddy Theatre
Adam Jefferys Production & Lighting Designer
Louie Whitemore Set & Costume Designer
Sam Baxter Sound Designer
Beth Qualter Buncall Costume Supervisor
Mirella Lloussi Production Assistant
Charlotte Wheeler PR
Print supplied by Goldups Lane
Artwork designed by Rebecca Pitt
Photography by The Other Richard

Pidcock
Neil Jennings
He/Him
Neil is no stranger to this high energy style of comedy, having been part of The Pantaloons Theatre Company for over 12 years. His comedy chops have seen him showing the world his Bottom and his Benedick, as well as Not Doing that Lake Bit as Mr Darcy, and contemplating which utensil hurts more as The Sheriff of Nottingham. He is also one half of the founders of Mangled Yarn Theatre Company, whose debut show was Frankenstein the Pantomime, where Neil played the Dame Mrs F, and most recently a madcap take on It’s a Wonderful Life, where Neil played George Bailey. Mangled Yarn have been lucky enough to have spent 2 years taking their shows to Copenhagen and are set to take Christmas Carol there this December.

Neil also regularly plays the Dame in numerous Pantomimes across the country, most recently Widow Twanky with Big Little and Nurse Nora in Hyjack’s Sleeping Beauty at Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells.

TV credits include Eastenders, Call the Midwife and the BSL channels 1st ever deaf sitcom Coffee Morning Club, as Sergeant Simpson.

Dusty
Wesley Griffith
He/Him
Training: Guildford School of Acting (2010).

Stage: Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (UK tour, Miracle Theatre); Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest (UK tour, Miracle Theatre); Moriarty in The Death of Sherlock Holmes (UK tour, Miracle Theatre); Sam in Cornwall Vs China (The Vaults/The Old Red Lion, All the Pigs); Mellors in Not: Lady Chatterly's Lover (Theatre503/ Edinburgh Fringe/UK tour 2018 and 2021, Happy Idiot); My Paper Girlfriend (one person play, Brighton Fringe); Jimmy in Dinner Is Coming (The Vaults). Colonel Mustard in Cluedo (National Tour); Chris in Windfall (Southwark playhouse)

Film/commercials: Jay in The Gym (Kayvan Novak, BBC pilot; Finnair, July (TV/internet;) Kellogg's, Chocoholic (TV/internet); Ben in Starbucks Red Cup (internet) Diageo (internet) Tarzan in Vicks lozenges (Europe); Conran in Meet the Richardsons (Dave, UKTV play)

Understudy
Alexandra Ricou
They/Them
Alexandra is an actor and writer. They trained at Mountview and, since 2021, have been a member of the award-winning street theatre company, the Natural Theatre Company.

Theatre credits include: A Christmas Cracker (Natural Theatre Company), Gluck’s Flowers (Theatre West), I KILLED MY EX (Dear Dark Productions) and The Wind in the Willows (Calf2Cow).

On screen, they recently starred in the award-winning short film, Queer Enough, which screened as part of the BAFTA-qualifying Iris Prize.

 Lord Raeburn
Mitch Donaldson
He/Him - originally Blyth/Northumberland/Newcastle. Currently Leigh-on-Sea. 

Mitch Donaldson is an actor and theatre all-rounder from Northumberland, who trained at the National Youth Theatre and East 15 Acting & Stage Combat, where he set up Shoddy upon graduating.

Mitch produced Shoddy’s work which sold out at The Camden Fringe, New Normal Festival, Edinburgh Fringe and the 2023 Spring tour. In 2023, he was selected as part of the cohort for Mercury Theatres producers scheme.As a performer his theatre credits include: A Shoddy Detective (Shoddy Theatre), Blyth Spirit (Live Theatre, Newcastle), Romeo & Juliet (Globe Theatre, Rome), A Night Before Christmas (Theatre N16) and Simon Boccanegra (Royal Opera House).

TV & Film credits include: Danny & Mick (CBBC), Drunken Butterflies (Feature Film) and Soldiers of the Damned (Feature Film).

Lady Raeburn
Becky Bartram
She/Her - originally Yorkshire/Leeds. Currently Leigh-on-Sea. 

Becky is an Actor & Stunt Performer from Yorkshire. A graduate of East 15 Acting and Stage Combat course.

She joined Shoddy in 2020 and is now the Company Manager.

Stage credits include: A Shoddy Detective (Shoddy Theatre) Dragon Slayer (Knights of Middle England) and Unacceptable (Vienna English Theatre).

TV special action credits include: The Witcher: Blood Origin (Netflix) The Witcher S3 (Netflix) Sandman (Netflix) Gangs of London (ITV) Citadel (Amazon) and Slow Horses (Apple TV).

Stage Manager credits include: Dear Santa (NLP Productions) Atom & Luna (Matthew Linley Creative Projects) As SHE Likes It (Chloe Wade Productions) The Olive Boy (Mitch Donaldson Creative).

Becky is currently training for the British Stunt Register.

Shoddy Theatre, Joshua Beaumont and Matthew Emeny present: A Shoddy Detective and The Art of Deception

A laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos.

When a priceless painting goes missing at a private auction, Detective Stuart Pidcock is called upon to uncover the mystery. However, when he cannot solve it himself he is forced to enlist the help of an old nemesis. Together, the pair must interrogate the many characterful suspects that reside at the manor, in order to catch the conniving culprit and solve the crime of the century!

Fresh from selling out their run at The Ed Fringe, Camden Fringe, New Normal Festival and a 2022 Spring Tour. Shoddy are back with their hit show “A Shoddy Detective”. Grab you tickets now for the slapstick comedy that's taking the country by storm.

REVIEWS:
“HAD THE AUDIENCE LAUGHING THROUGHOUT”
North East Theatre Guide

“SHODDY BY NAME BUT NOT SHODDY BY NATURE”
London Pub Theatres Magazine

“WITTY, ENDEARING AND GOOD CLEAN FUN”
The Reviews Hub

★★★★ Theatre Scotland

★★★★ London Pub Theatres Magazine

★★★★ Ed Fringe Review

★★★★ North East Theatre Guide

Cast and Creatives

Mitch Donaldson Creative Director, Producer & Writer for Shoddy Theatre
Becky Bartram Company Manager & Writer for Shoddy Theatre
Josh Beaumont Producer for The Production Garden
Matthew Emeny Associate Director & Producer for The Production Garden
Holly Salewski Head of Marketing & Associate Producer for Shoddy Theatre
Adam Jefferys Production & Lighting Designer
Louie Whitemore Set & Costume Designer
Sam Baxter Sound Designer
Beth Qualter Buncall Costume Supervisor
Mirella Lloussi Production Assistant
Charlotte Wheeler PR
Print supplied by Goldups Lane
Artwork designed by Rebecca Pitt
Photography by The Other Richard

Pidcock
Neil Jennings
He/Him
Neil is no stranger to this high energy style of comedy, having been part of The Pantaloons Theatre Company for over 12 years. His comedy chops have seen him showing the world his Bottom and his Benedick, as well as Not Doing that Lake Bit as Mr Darcy, and contemplating which utensil hurts more as The Sheriff of Nottingham. He is also one half of the founders of Mangled Yarn Theatre Company, whose debut show was Frankenstein the Pantomime, where Neil played the Dame Mrs F, and most recently a madcap take on It’s a Wonderful Life, where Neil played George Bailey. Mangled Yarn have been lucky enough to have spent 2 years taking their shows to Copenhagen and are set to take Christmas Carol there this December.

Neil also regularly plays the Dame in numerous Pantomimes across the country, most recently Widow Twanky with Big Little and Nurse Nora in Hyjack’s Sleeping Beauty at Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells.

TV credits include Eastenders, Call the Midwife and the BSL channels 1st ever deaf sitcom Coffee Morning Club, as Sergeant Simpson.

Dusty
Wesley Griffith
He/Him
Training: Guildford School of Acting (2010).

Stage: Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (UK tour, Miracle Theatre); Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest (UK tour, Miracle Theatre); Moriarty in The Death of Sherlock Holmes (UK tour, Miracle Theatre); Sam in Cornwall Vs China (The Vaults/The Old Red Lion, All the Pigs); Mellors in Not: Lady Chatterly's Lover (Theatre503/ Edinburgh Fringe/UK tour 2018 and 2021, Happy Idiot); My Paper Girlfriend (one person play, Brighton Fringe); Jimmy in Dinner Is Coming (The Vaults). Colonel Mustard in Cluedo (National Tour); Chris in Windfall (Southwark playhouse)

Film/commercials: Jay in The Gym (Kayvan Novak, BBC pilot; Finnair, July (TV/internet;) Kellogg's, Chocoholic (TV/internet); Ben in Starbucks Red Cup (internet) Diageo (internet) Tarzan in Vicks lozenges (Europe); Conran in Meet the Richardsons (Dave, UKTV play)

Understudy
Alexandra Ricou
They/Them
Alexandra is an actor and writer. They trained at Mountview and, since 2021, have been a member of the award-winning street theatre company, the Natural Theatre Company.

Theatre credits include: A Christmas Cracker (Natural Theatre Company), Gluck’s Flowers (Theatre West), I KILLED MY EX (Dear Dark Productions) and The Wind in the Willows (Calf2Cow).

On screen, they recently starred in the award-winning short film, Queer Enough, which screened as part of the BAFTA-qualifying Iris Prize.

 Lord Raeburn
Mitch Donaldson
He/Him - originally Blyth/Northumberland/Newcastle. Currently Leigh-on-Sea. 

Mitch Donaldson is an actor and theatre all-rounder from Northumberland, who trained at the National Youth Theatre and East 15 Acting & Stage Combat, where he set up Shoddy upon graduating.

Mitch produced Shoddy’s work which sold out at The Camden Fringe, New Normal Festival, Edinburgh Fringe and the 2023 Spring tour. In 2023, he was selected as part of the cohort for Mercury Theatres producers scheme.As a performer his theatre credits include: A Shoddy Detective (Shoddy Theatre), Blyth Spirit (Live Theatre, Newcastle), Romeo & Juliet (Globe Theatre, Rome), A Night Before Christmas (Theatre N16) and Simon Boccanegra (Royal Opera House).

TV & Film credits include: Danny & Mick (CBBC), Drunken Butterflies (Feature Film) and Soldiers of the Damned (Feature Film).

Lady Raeburn
Becky Bartram
She/Her - originally Yorkshire/Leeds. Currently Leigh-on-Sea. 

Becky is an Actor & Stunt Performer from Yorkshire. A graduate of East 15 Acting and Stage Combat course.

She joined Shoddy in 2020 and is now the Company Manager.

Stage credits include: A Shoddy Detective (Shoddy Theatre) Dragon Slayer (Knights of Middle England) and Unacceptable (Vienna English Theatre).

TV special action credits include: The Witcher: Blood Origin (Netflix) The Witcher S3 (Netflix) Sandman (Netflix) Gangs of London (ITV) Citadel (Amazon) and Slow Horses (Apple TV).

Stage Manager credits include: Dear Santa (NLP Productions) Atom & Luna (Matthew Linley Creative Projects) As SHE Likes It (Chloe Wade Productions) The Olive Boy (Mitch Donaldson Creative).

Becky is currently training for the British Stunt Register.

'Hejira’ is a 7-piece band set up to celebrate and honour the masterpiece works of Joni Mitchell, mostly from the late ‘70s.

Having released the albums ‘The Hissing of Summer Lawns’, ‘Hejira’, ‘Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter’ and ‘Mingus’, Joni then toured briefly with a band formed from the crème de la crème of contemporaneous musicians (Metheny, Mays, Brecker, Pastorius and Alias). The tour was recorded, producing the outstanding live recording, ‘Shadows And Light’; it is from this period that the band Hejira is drawing the body of its repertoire.

Comprising highly experienced, world-class musicians, Hejira is fronted by the brilliant Hattie Whitehead who not only has – in her own way – assimilated the poise, power and beauty of Joni’s vocals, but also plays guitar with Joni’s stylistic mannerisms. Expect an evening of the ‘great’ songs from Mitchell’s back catalogue, such as ‘Amelia', ‘Woodstock’, 'In France They Kiss On Main Street’, ‘Hejira’, ‘Black Crow’, ‘A Case of You’ ‘Free Man In Paris’ etc..

The full personnel is:
Hattie Whitehead ~ vocals; guitars
Pete Oxley ~ guitars
Ollie Weston ~ saxophones; bass clarinet
Chris Eldred ~ keyboards
Dave Jones ~ bass
Rick Finlay ~ drums
Marc Cecil ~ percussion

A Foreigner's Journey is the UK's number one tribute that pays homage to two of the most iconic rock bands of all time - Journey and Foreigner. The band has been wowing audiences with their authentic renditions of classic songs from both bands capturing the spirit and energy of Journey and Foreigner's music, bringing to life hits like "Don't Stop Believin'", "Cold As Ice", "Separate Ways", "I Want To Know What Love Is", "Open Arms" and many more.

A Foreigner's Journey's live performances are truly a sight to behold, with the band members putting on an electrifying show that leaves audiences spellbound. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Journey, Foreigner or just a lover of classic rock music, A Foreigner's Journey is a tribute band that you won't want to miss!

'Come and check out this amazing band, they really ROCK!' (Jeff Pilson, Foreigner)

Join us at the Regal for a unique tribute to Teddy Swims, the social media sensation known for his incredible covers and original songs.

Teddy Swims has become a worldwide sensation, having number one hits in the UK and America. Teddy became famous on social media for his outstanding covers of iconic songs, this coupled with his captivating original material has made Teddy the Musician he is today.

Teddy’s surname ‘Swims’, is an acronym for Somebody Who Isn’t Me Sometimes, and that is exactly what you get with Mike Skilbeck, a vocal performer for over 20 years. Mike becomes someone who isn’t him, he becomes Teddy Swimz delivering the vocals and talents you want to hear to showcase Teddy’s songs. So, he’s taken a page out his favourite book and hopes you lose control within the show!

“What A Great ****ing Show” – ART GARFUNKEL

Few shows have experienced the phenomenal global success of The Simon & Garfunkel Story, with multiple sold-out shows in over 50-countries worldwide and over 20 headline performances in London’s West End, including multiple appearances at the world-famous London Palladium.

Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show tells the story of the origins and meteoric rise of Simon & Garfunkel blended together seamlessly with a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

With standing ovations at every performance at the show Art Garfunkel himself loved, you don't want to miss this international sensation.

Mark and David are singing, song writing, strumming and swigging buddies from the Badlands of the Cheshire Plain.

Radcliffe has been on BBC national radio since the early nineties and currently hosts the Radio 2 Folk Show and weekend breakfast on 6Music. He is also the author of five bestselling books, the latest being ‘Crossroads’ In Search Of The Moments That Changed Music’. Previously a member of folk-rock bands The Family Mahone and Galleon Blast, he is currently one half of electronic duo UNE and drummer and lyricist for Americana band Fine Lines.

David Boardman. A consummate guitarist and guitar teacher, David cut his teeth on the rock circuit with Darktown Jubilee touring not only the UK but also North America and Canada. A gifted visual artist, Boardman met Radcliffe in their hometown of Knutsford where their writing partnership soon paid dividends.

Their act is one of classic simplicity: two voices, two guitars, some great original songs, the odd carefully chosen cover and the occasional rambling anecdote. It might not sound like much, but they seem to be getting away with it….so far.

You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

Awarded ‘Best Kid’s Show at Edinburgh Fringe’ by The Derek Awards, this interactive show promises to entertain and educate in the most spectacular way!

www.spectacularscienceshow.com

“A brilliant show for all the family.”
★★★★★
One4Review

★★★★★
Families Edinburgh Magazine

“The Spectacular Science Show is certainly spectacular! The hour-long show blends perfectly the balance of an educational display with entertainment and amazement.”
★★★★★
Families Online

Awarded one of the “Top 20 Shows to See” by The List

“A truly spectacular and explosive show full of drama and some really cool science too!”
PRIMARY TIMES  

Live on stage and in person, renowned stars of stage & screen COLIN BAKER (Doctor Who, The Brothers) & TERRY MOLLOY (Mike Tucker in The Archers for 40 years) are joining forces this spring to play the world’s most famous detectives, SHERLOCK HOLMES & DOCTOR WATSON. Alongside DEE SADLER (All Creatures Great & Small, No Place Like Home), they star in a brand new stage adaptation of THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES - originally on tour to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most popular thriller and now extended by popular demand!

“The legend of the Hound Of The Baskervilles has haunted the Baskerville family for generations - none more so than Sir Charles Baskerville, who died in mysterious circumstances worthy of the legend. This leads Doctor Mortimer to consult Sherlock Holmes & Doctor Watson, in the hope of preventing the heir to the Baskerville estate, Sir Henry, from suffering the same fate. But the supernatural seems a very long way from 221B Baker Street…

However, once Holmes & Watson journey to isolated Baskerville Hall, the line between reality and the legend becomes blurred. Death, doom and myth surround them – what is the secret of the butler in the night, whose is the mysterious lantern that shines in the darkness, and what hellish apparition stalks Dartmoor with murderous intent?”

Presented by Crime And Comedy Theatre Company as a radio-play-live-on-stage - our setting is a radio studio, our actors ready as if for a radio broadcast, and our sound effects created live on stage, all combining to transport the audience from Baker Street to Dartmoor, as we bring to life this tale of murder, mystery and horror that’s surely the greatest detective story ever told! A rare chance to see these popular actors live at your local theatre, this is a play not to be missed.

Reviews for “The Hound Of The Baskervilles” -

“5-stars! Colin Baker was born to be Sherlock Holmes, Terry Molloy is my favourite Dr Watson to date. A phenomenal evening at the theatre, I can’t recommend this play enough!” – The Entertainment Views blog

"5 stars! Colin Baker & Terry Molloy have terrific stage presence & their interactions sparkle - one not to miss!" – Cult Box

“A master class in razor-sharp interplay” – Henley Standard

“4-stars! An immensely entertaining evening” – West End Best Friend

"4 stars! Holmes & Watson at their best!" - Sadie Takes The Stage blog

"4 stars! A well-judged production in every sense... a howling success!"

- Be My Guest

www.crimeandcomedytheatrecompany.co.uk

Join us for an ultimate Kids Party Night!

Get ready for the ultimate pop party! PopKidz is a high-energy, all-singing, all-dancing live concert experience packed with chart-topping hits, dazzling choreography, and non-stop fun for the whole family.

Sing and dance along to your favourite songs from TikTok and beyond – featuring pop anthems by Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Timberlake, and more! With sparkling costumes, feel-good vibes, and loads of audience interaction, this is a show where kids can let loose, join in, and shine it's totally Poptastic!

Join the Regal Community Theatre for their Spring 2025 production: 'A Chorus of Disapproval' by Alan Ayckbourn

A diffident widower attempts to escape loneliness by joining the local amateur light operatic society. By accident rather than by design (in fact, by not saying "no" to anything be it a request to obtain confidential information from his company or an offer of illicit sex) he advances from a small part to the lead. Parallels are skillfully drawn between The Beggar's Opera and the day to day activities of the society which is performing it. The National Theatre's production starred Michael Gambon as the shambling, madcap producer.

'A brilliance and invention remarkable even by his standards.' - Financial Times' Symmetrically shaped, psychologically acute and painfully, heart breakingly funny.' - The Guardian

Join the Regal Community Theatre for their Spring 2025 production: 'A Chorus of Disapproval' by Alan Ayckbourn

A diffident widower attempts to escape loneliness by joining the local amateur light operatic society. By accident rather than by design (in fact, by not saying "no" to anything be it a request to obtain confidential information from his company or an offer of illicit sex) he advances from a small part to the lead. Parallels are skillfully drawn between The Beggar's Opera and the day to day activities of the society which is performing it. The National Theatre's production starred Michael Gambon as the shambling, madcap producer.

'A brilliance and invention remarkable even by his standards.' - Financial Times' Symmetrically shaped, psychologically acute and painfully, heart breakingly funny.' - The Guardian

Join the Regal Community Theatre for their Spring 2025 production: 'A Chorus of Disapproval' by Alan Ayckbourn

A diffident widower attempts to escape loneliness by joining the local amateur light operatic society. By accident rather than by design (in fact, by not saying "no" to anything be it a request to obtain confidential information from his company or an offer of illicit sex) he advances from a small part to the lead. Parallels are skillfully drawn between The Beggar's Opera and the day to day activities of the society which is performing it. The National Theatre's production starred Michael Gambon as the shambling, madcap producer.

'A brilliance and invention remarkable even by his standards.' - Financial Times' Symmetrically shaped, psychologically acute and painfully, heart breakingly funny.' - The Guardian

Join the Regal Community Theatre for their Spring 2025 production: 'A Chorus of Disapproval' by Alan Ayckbourn

A diffident widower attempts to escape loneliness by joining the local amateur light operatic society. By accident rather than by design (in fact, by not saying "no" to anything be it a request to obtain confidential information from his company or an offer of illicit sex) he advances from a small part to the lead. Parallels are skillfully drawn between The Beggar's Opera and the day to day activities of the society which is performing it. The National Theatre's production starred Michael Gambon as the shambling, madcap producer.

'A brilliance and invention remarkable even by his standards.' - Financial Times' Symmetrically shaped, psychologically acute and painfully, heart breakingly funny.' - The Guardian

“Since they made their album debut back in 2010, Police Dog Hogan have been building a reputation as one of the country’s finest live bands and folk-country acts,” said Folk Radio in 2022. “Overground is their finest hour yet.”

After the release of their album Overground - which spent 4 weeks on the UK Folk albums chart - Police Dog Hogan returned to steady touring, with dates taking them across the UK. The band also spent much of 2023 in the studio, releasing regular new singles to streaming platforms beginning with the stunning Just Breathe in April - each track produced (with the band) by George Murphy, who also produced Overground.

Police Dog Hogan combine guitar, fiddle, banjo, trumpet and accordion with bass and drums to create a driving country-folk sound that has earned them a large live following. They’ve played dozens of festivals, many of them repeatedly, including Glastonbury, Cropredy, Cornbury, Kendall Calling, Black Deer and the Sidmouth Folk Festival.

In 2020 the band released a charity Christmas single, My First Christmas Alone, along with a video. That song helped to raise over £50k for the charity Crisis and reached No1 in the iTunes country charts.

In 2018 their song Devon Brigade was nominated for best original song at the AMA-UK Awards. Overground will be their first full-length release since 2017’s Wild By The Side of the Road, produced by Oysterband’s Al Scott, which spent several weeks in the Official UK Americana charts. The tour supporting that album culminated in a sold out show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

In 2014 PDH were one of only three UK bands invited to Nashville to perform at the prestigious Americana Music Association Awards, where DJ Bob Harris – in town for the awards – snapped them up for a recording that has become one of the most-watched YouTube videos on his “Under the Apple Tree Sessions” channel.

Police Dog Hogan are:
James Studholme (guitar vocals)
Eddie Bishop (fiddle, mandolin)
Tim Dowling (banjo, steel guitar)
Emily Norris (trumpet)
Shahen Galichian (accordion, piano)
Don Bowen (bass)
Alistair Hamer (drums)

This event is part of the 2025 Regal Folk Festival, celebrating the best in folk music across the UK and beyond. Join us for an intimate afternoon in the Regal Studio with Grey Wolf, one of the festival’s highlights, as they share their unique blend of American and British traditional music.

Grey Wolf is delighted to spend an informal couple of hours sharing their love of traditional music from America and the British Isles. A pay bar will be available.

Wherever they perform, audiences are eager to learn more about the music they sing and play, and Grey Wolf is excited to return to the Regal, offering friends new and old an opportunity to meet with the band in a relaxed setting in the Regal Studio.

In April 2023, Grey Wolf played to a packed Regal Theatre, and they’re thrilled to be returning to perform again in September 2025. Some may remember their appearance at the inaugural Tenbury Music Festival in 2015, where they were honoured to share the stage with Robert Plant.

The band was founded in 2010 when Jim Allen and Martin Thomas began performing as a duo, blending their shared love of American old-time music with British folk. In 2021, they were joined by widely experienced and versatile bass player Andy Offer, and more recently by virtuoso fiddle player Richard Coleman and vocalist Rosie Green.

Using traditional instruments like the banjo, fiddle, guitar, dulcimer, mandolin, and double bass, alongside fine vocal and harmony singing, Grey Wolf’s sets include arrangements of traditional tunes mixed with a few original songs. The band has headlined several of the UK's prestigious Old Time American Music and Dance Festivals and performed at radio events, folk clubs, festivals, and music and literary venues across the UK.

Come along to listen, sing, ask questions, and enjoy traditional music from both sides of the Atlantic in the cosy atmosphere of the Regal Studio.

Join us in March for this spectacular double bill night of music on the Regal stage.

Smith & Brewer
Ben Smith and Jimmy Brewer originally met at an event organised by Joan Armatrading for the acts she had chosen to support her on her 2015 tour. Although they originally planned to just write together, they soon realised that their different guitar playing styles and voices complemented each other and they started performing together regularly after their inaugural gig supporting Joan Armatrading in front of a thousand-strong crowd. Since then Smith And Brewer have played together all over the UK, toured with 10cc, Ralph McTell, Jools Holland, and Fairport Convention, and have played hundreds of shows together.

“There's a timelessness to the neatly crafted songs that display their musical interplay and superb harmony vocals.” R2 Magazine

The 4 Of Us
THE 4 OF US are one of the most acclaimed bands in Ireland, having been a steadfast part of Irish music history for over 30 years. Blending contemporary roots with rock, the award-winning band was formed by brothers Brendan and Declan Murphy from the border town of Newry in Northern Ireland. Their truly unique sound has garnered a large and loyal fan base and an enviable catalogue of timeless songs, including six Top 20 Irish char[ng albums and several hit singles. Regulars on Irish radio playlists, their music has also been featured extensively on American, UK, and Irish TV soundtracks.

THE 4 OF US shot to early fame towards the end of 1989 with their debut Songs for the Tempted, which featured the massive hits Mary and Drag My Bad Name Down. The follow- up Man Alive made Q magazine's prestigious Top 50 Albums of 1992 and included the UK Top 30 song She Hits Me. Touring recently as Special Guests for Folk-Rock legends Fairport Convention, and Robert Plant’s Saving Grace, The 4 of Us have gathered new fans across the UK and beyond.

“Intricate arrangements, skilful lyric writing, and as we have come to expect from The 4 Of Us, their songs are imbued with considerable melodic flair. Excellent.” HOT PRESS Magazine

“Leading the next generation of socially conscious songwriters” - Jim Moray

Maddie Morris is an artist who strives to make a difference in the world. Bold, insightful and refreshingly unique, they take traditional song in new directions to shine a light on contemporary issues, offering new perspectives about the world we live in today.

Folk songs have always told stories, but how Maddie makes their mark is by turning this storytelling into action. Described by Jim Moray as “leading the next generation of socially conscious songwriters”, Maddie uses their work to highlight inequality, challenge viewpoints and provide an inclusive space for shared experiences. Maddie was recently commissioned by Unlimited to explore LGBTQIA+ experiences of disability through traditional music, and has also been proud to collaborate with organisations such as Queer Folk, The Bit Collective and Trans Pride Brighton.

Whether they’re a turning centuries-old ballad on its head or writing something completely new, Maddie places their focus on drawing out true meaning rather than being true to tradition. Maddie released their first studio EP Upstream in 2022 to huge critical acclaim. Two years on, they’re following this up with their debut studio album, Skin (release February 2024). Skin is a beautifully crafted collection of songs which amplifies the stories of those often marginalised by society.

Passionately political, yet gently understated, this is music that deftly treads the path between art and activism.

The FUREYS are one of Ireland’s all-time most acclaimed and influential folk and traditional bands. FUREYS classics such as I Will Love You, When You Were Sweet 16, Red Rose Café, Leaving Nancy, The Old Man, From Clare to Here, Her Father didn’t like me anyway and The Green Fields of France have become the soundtrack to the lives of fans all over the world.

The Fureys indelible musical footprint is rivalled only by their vast collection of personal stories of their musical experiences and friendships, gathered by Eddie and George Furey along an amazing 48-year journey which shows no signs of reaching a final destination.

The oldest of the brothers, Eddie Furey left home in 1966 and travelled to Scotland at the time of the great folk revival where with his brother Finbar, he met and shared accommodation with then unknown folk singers Billy Connolly, Gerry Rafferty, Tam Harvey and Alex Campbell, now all famous in their own right. In 1969 Eddie and Finbar were the special guests for the Clancy Brothers throughout the USA and Canada.

In 1972, Gerry Rafferty wrote ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’ for Eddie. BBC Radio 1 presenter, the late John Peel made it his single of the year. In 1973 they moved to mainland Europe where they toured for a number of years, building up a huge following particularly in Germany releasing many LPs.

By 1976, George, Paul, Davey Arthur and Brendan Leeson were playing with their own band, the Buskers in Denmark. Eddie and Finbar, while touring in Germany were involved in a road accident. When their brothers got news of the accident, they immediately travelled to Germany to be with their brothers. They then decided that they should all be playing together and this was the start of the FUREYS & DAVEY ARTHUR.

They are particularly proud of their UK chart success with songs such as I Will Love You and When You Were Sweet Sixteen, which in turn helped bring Irish folk and traditional music to a completely new audience. The band made their Top of the Pops debut in 1981.

The Fureys will jump at any chance to play... not just on stage. Stories of the band striking up spur of the moment music sessions with fellow music stars who happen to be around are legendary. Joe Dolan, Philomena Begley, Tom O'Connor, Chris Rea, the Chieftains, Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Liam Clancy and Sean Maguire are just a few of those who have joined The Fureys for their spontaneous sessions, each one with a story begging to be told.

Coronation Street, Royle Family, Keeping Up Appearances and Heartbeat star, the late Geoffrey Hughes, had a keen interest in Irish music and would play the Bodhran with the band. He once joined the guys for a legendary all-night session in the Europa hotel after starring in the Christmas pantomime at the Grand Opera House next door. The Fureys also struck up an unlikely music session with Kool & The Gang, Midge Ure (Ultravox) and other music co-stars backstage during an episode of Top of the Pops. There was a BBC strike and all of the show’s artists found themselves at a loose end. Alas, there are no recordings of how this fusion of styles came across.

Eddie Furey recalls how "many musicians have told us we influenced them after hearing a record from their parents or grandparents' collection". Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics has credited Eddie with teaching him his first chords on the guitar while still a teenager. Eddie would return the compliment by joining Dave on stage in Paris for a jam during the latter’s wedding to Bananarama’s Siobhan Fahey.

Inevitably changes have occurred over the years. Their brother Paul died suddenly in June 2002, Finbar left the band in December 1996 and Davey got a stroke in March 2014 which he is still recovering from. However, George and Eddie have continued to delight audiences on their tours and releasing CDs.

The FUREYS are responsible for some of the most stirring music ever to capture the public imagination. Their folk based music has received standing ovations in some of the biggest concert halls of the world and they credit their musical ability to their parents, Ted and Nora, who were well known musicians themselves. They encouraged their sons to play music from a very early age and there was live traditional music in their house almost nightly.

Their emotive songs stir many emotions, tears and laughter, sadness and joy.

The FUREYS will be performing all of their best loved songs on their UK tour 2025.

A FUREYS concert is always a night to remember