Linda Thompson Celebrates Music of English Music Hall with 'My Mother Doesn't Know I'm On the Stage'
Linda Thompson's career began in the much beloved late '60s/early '70s British folk-rock scene, when she went by the name Linda Peters. At first, she was mostly a session singer and a part of a short-lived duo with Paul McNeill with whom she released two singles, in 1968 and 1969. McNeill happened to be friends with Sandy Denny, and soon so was Linda. She became one of the “supergroup” of musician friends related to Fairport Convention for the 1972 The Bunch album, a side project of sorts that highlighted rock hits of the '50s. The album's single featured Linda and Sandy covering the Everly Brothers' “When Will I Be Loved.” Also in 1972 Linda married Richard Thompson; she and Sandy can be found in the credits for his solo debut, Henry the Human Fly. Beginning in 1974, albums started appearing by Richard & Linda Thompson, winding up with 1982's classic Shoot Out the Lights — which also signaled the end of their marriage.
Guest Blog: Susannah van den Berg On All-Female Gang Musical ORANGES & ELEPHANTS
Oranges and Elephants is a new musical written by Lil Warren with original songs and music by Jo Collins. It features an all-female cast directed by Susie McKenna. Set within a framework of a Victorian Music Hall (which is extremely apt in Hoxton Hall), we tell the age old tale of the yawning divide between rich and poor, focusing on what women in particular have to do to survive.
The Everyman Celebrates 120 Years of Entertainment
The Everyman celebrates its 120th anniversary this week in true theatrical style. This beautiful 650-seat theatre is a jewel of late Victorian architecture: a listed building, the theatre is steeped in history and is a favourite with audiences and performers alike for its intimacy and atmosphere.
BWW CD Reviews: THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND ME (Original Cast Recording) is Charming
According to Jessica Walker, she spent much of her career playing trouser roles in opera and musical theatre. From her curiosity, the kernel for THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND ME was planted. With Director and Co-Writer Neil Bartlett, Jessica Walker crafted a variety show that explores and celebrates this once loved but now almost entirely forgotten aspect of performance history.
The National Portrait Gallery Presents THE GREAT WAR IN PORTRAITS Exhibit, Feb. 27
The National Portrait Gallery stages the first national exhibition of the First World War centenary commemorations, opening tomorrow Thursday 27 February 2014. The Great War in Portraits (27 February-15 June 2014) marks the start of a four-year public programme at the Gallery of displays and events, and workshops for young people.