London Festival Of Cabaret, Featuring Friedman, Hodge And More, Opens May 2014

The LONDON FESTIVAL OF CABARET is spreading its wings across London celebrating all things songbook in 2014, and this year will play at eight venues in the Capital from TUESDAY 6 MAY to THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014.

Cabaret will stay in the spotlight throughout MAY 2014, where the LONDON FESTIVAL OF CABARET programme will include an unique evening of conversation and song created by Festival patrons MARIA FRIEDMAN and ADAM GUETTEL, the French chanteuse GABRIELLE DUCOMBLE, a brand new show from FASCINATING AÏDA, a master-class on the art of performance with JANIE DEE; through to the innovative THE LIBERATION OF COLETTE SIMPLE - an enticing blend of cabaret and music theatre inspired by the early Tennessee Williams' play The Case of the Crushed Petunias.

LFOC patron DOUGLAS HODGE and a performer in this year's Festival says: "Out of small acorns come big trees and cabaret is the super fertile ground where talents and ideas can first find their voice."

The festival will boast a number of superlative interpreters of song including: LAUREN FOX, hot from New York, XARA VAUGHAN combining glamour with attitude, the dazzling GARY WILLIAMS singing Nat Cole, the highly originalGWYNETH HERBERT, the exhilarating LIANE CARROLL and BARB JUNGR launching a new album of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen songs. London's rich musical heritage will be highlighted with West End performers in their own shows including: JENNA RUSSELL, DAVID BEDELLA & FRIENDS including DOUGLAS HODGE, SIMON GREEN, JULIE ATHERTON, ANNABEL LEVENTON & ROBERT MEADMORE and ALISON JIEAR.

Every Thursday during the LFOC will see an Open Mic night hosting rising stars and not forgetting cabaret's roots in British music hall BRANDYN SHAW brings celebrated music hall singer Al Bowlly to life; whilst musical showbiz is also not forgotten when SARAH-LOUISE YOUNG returns with her delightfully funny Julie Madly Deeply plus a new show of her own work. Then RUSSELL GRANT reaches for the stars with bosom buddy MARTIN MILNES as he finds his inner musical theatre diva!

The LONDON FESTIVAL OF CABARET is supported by the: RADISSON BLU HOTELS, PRESTAT CHOCOLATE, SOHO ESTATES, IRVING BERLIN MUSIC COMPANY, MADE, music publisher JOSEF WEINBERGER, THE NOEL COWARD FOUNDATION, JAZZ CLUB SOHO PIZZA EXPRESS, JERMYN STREET THEATRE, PIZZA EXPRESS AT THE PHEASANTRY THE CRAZY COQS, THE HOSPITAL CLUB, THE LONDON HIPPODROME and THE ST. JAMES THEATRE. Patrons include: DOUGLAS HODGE, MARIA FRIEDMAN, MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, ADAM GUETTEL, BARB JUNGR and JASON ROBERT BROWN.

Festival Producers for the LONDON FESTIVAL OF CABARET - Paul Tyrer and Jamie Clark for The Booking Office. LFOC Artistic Director is Neil Marcus.

LONDON FESTIVAL OF CABARET 2014

FULL LISTINGS INFORMATION

• The LONDON FESTIVAL OF CABARET opens at various locations around London from TUESDAY 6 MAY and runs to THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014.

THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE - West Street, London WC2H 9ND

Box office: 0844 811 2334 / www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk

• MARIA FRIEDMAN & ADAM GUETTEL IN CONCERT & IN CONVERSATION - TUESDAY 20 MAY and WEDNESDAY 21 MAY 7.30PM - £27.50-£55

An intimate evening with triple Olivier Award winning actor and director Maria Friedman and feted American composer/lyricist Adam Guettel who, with their band, talk about and perform their favourite songs.

THE CRAZY COQS - 20 Sherwood Street, London, W1F 7ED
Box office 020 7734 4888/ http://www.brasseriezedel.com/crazy-coqs

• SIMON GREEN with MUSICAL DIRECTOR DAVID SHRUBSOLE - SO THIS THEN IS LIFE - TUESDAY 6 - SATURDAY 10 MAY 8PM - £20

If you could sit down with your 21 year old self... what would you say? Simon Green with his long-time cabaret partner, virtuoso pianist, composer and arranger David Shrubsole, explore the paths untrod, mistakes repeated and ridiculous responses to an ever-changing world - concocting a theatrical marriage of word, music and truths.

• VIMALA ROWE - MONDAY 12 MAY 8PM - £15

The Vimala Rowe Quartet are the hip sound of hard bop, r'n'b groove, and the great jazz tunes of all eras. Mixing styles, swinging hard and always on top of the beat, topped off with Vimala's true vocals. Altogether they create a distinctive sound, hip, groovy, swinging, sweet and tasteful.

• LAUREN FOX - LOVE, LUST, FEAR & FREEDOM: THE SONGS OF JONI MITCHELL & LEONARD COHEN - TUESDAY 13 - SATURDAY 17 MAY 8PM - £20

Through stories and song, New Yorker Lauren Fox examines the creative genius and conflicted desires of two of America's most enduring and popular artists. Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen are widely known to be two of the best and most prolific songwriters of their generation - less known is their short-lived relationship early in their careers...

• ANNABEL LEVENTON & ROBERT MEADMORE - IMPERFECT RELATIONSHIPS -WEDNESDAY 14 MAY 10.30PM - £15

An evening to treasure with West End stars Annabel Leventon and Robert Meadmore; as they explore the pleasures, pitfalls and passions of relationships in this perfect sung evening of cabaret.

• BRANDYN SHAW - THEY CALLED ME AL - MONDAY 19 MAY 8PM - £15

Bringing the world of 1930s British music hall to life with the songs of the inimitable crooner Al Bowlly - widely regarded as Britain's first 'pop' singer. Together with Bowlly's regular pianist, Monia Liter (Jon Butterfield) the tumultuous life is told and sung by Brandyn Shaw as Al.

• GARY WILLIAMS - SINGS NAT KING COLE - TUESDAY 20 - SATURDAY 24 MAY 8PM - £20

The UK's leading standard bearer for the supercool era Gary Williams with his brand new show celebrating the life and music of the unforgettable Nat 'King' Cole.

• LONDON FESTIVAL OF CABARET OPEN MIC NIGHT - THURSDAYS 8, 15, 22 MAY 10.30PM - £5

Catch a rising star, a West End name or take a turn under the spotlight yourself! Harold Sanditen presents The Open Mic Night at Crazy Coqs embraces jazz, pop, rock, theatre and even opera - vocalists and instrumentalists, alike. Every night is an exciting adventure. Come be a part of it!

ST. JAMES THEATRE - 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA
Box office 0844 2642140 / www.stjamestheatre.co.uk

• FASCINATING AÏDA - CHARM OFFENSIVE - SUNDAY 11 MAY @ 3PM and 7.30PM - £25/£30/£35

Following a sold-out 2013 tour, three Olivier Award nominations and over 10 million YouTube hits forCheap Flights, Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson & Liza Pulman continue to celebrate over 30 years of Fascinating Aïda with their terrific new show. Expect topical new songs, plus some outrageous old favourites, as Fascinating Aïda continue to grow old disgracefully!

ST. JAMES STUDIO - 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA
Box office 0844 2642140 / www.stjamestheatre.co.uk

• JULIE ATHERTON - TEMPTING FATE - FRIDAY 9 MAY @ 8PM - £20/£25

One of the Queen's of new musical theatre, Julie brings a mix of brand new songs and favourites with MD Joe Louis Robinson leading the band.

• GABRIELLE DUCOMBLE - SATURDAY 10 MAY 8PM - £16.50/£19

With a special blend of Gallic charm & sophistication, Gabrielle's vocals and emotional punch bring a fresh jazz interpretation to iconic music, supported by a stunning accordion, violin, guitar, bass & drums ensemble from her new album Notes from Paris.

• DAVID BEDELLA AND FRIENDS - PRIMETIME! - SUNDAY 11 MAY 7PM - £20/£25

Olivier Award winner David Bedella, hosts a sophisticated evening of laughter, song, gossip & chat: featuring a live band and his many celebrity friends from the worlds of film, television, Broadway and the West End, including DOUGLAS HODGE.

• SARAH-LOUISE YOUNG - JULIE MADLY DEEPLY - TUESDAY 13 MAY 8PM - £20/£25

Adored by millions, Dame Julie Andrews is a genuine showbiz legend. This charming yet cheeky cabaret takes an engaging look at fame and fandom, through the eyes and voice of award-winning singer & West End actress star Sarah-Louise Young accompanied by MD Michael Roulston.

• JENNA RUSSELL, EDWARD SECKERSON & JASON CARR - RODGERS REVEALED -WEDNESDAY 14 MAY 8PM - £20/25

Through an informal mix of chat and song, Richard Rodgers aficionados Jason Carr and Edward Seckerson and Tony & Olivier Award winner Jenna Russell celebrate arguably the greatest and most versatile melodist of them all. With a choice of more than 900 songs and 43 Broadway musicals!

• ROULSTON & YOUNG - CABARET CHAMELEON - THURSDAY 15 MAY 8PM - £15/£20

Award-winning musical comedy from the creators of Julie Madly Deeply, Songs For Cynics andCabaret Whore. Sarah-Louise Young (Fascinating Aïda, The Showstoppers) and Michael Roulston (Black Cat Cabaret, Dusty Limits) present a delightful evening of original comic songs.

• ALISON JIEAR - IN YOUR EYES - FRIDAY 16 & SUNDAY 18 MAY 8PM - £25/£30

The superlatively talented Australian cabaret singer Alison Jiear (Jerry Springer the Opera) presents her remarkable sell-out show from Pizza on the Park (with a few extra musical twists), reprised especially for the LFOC. This extraordinary performer shows her unique expertise in her exposition of nuanced vocal work and equally note-perfect comic delivery. Supported by The Clive Dunstall Trio.

• LIBERATION OF COLLETTE SIMPLE - CONCERT PERFORMANCE - THURSDAY 22 MAY 6.30PM and 8.30PM - £15/£20

An enticing blend of cabaret and music theatre inspired by Tennessee Williams' play The Case of the Crushed Petunias. Eight top writers (including: Robert Holman, Honeysuckle Weeks, Amy Rosenthal), have reinterpreted Williams' distinctive style into songs boldly scored by Vincent Guibert, 21st Century Kurt Weill. Featuring new cabaret sensation, Nathalie Carrington, as a five piece band let rip, we watch the story of a small town woman and her extraordinary liberation in a magic realist world where canaries transform into cops and strange visitors cough up petunia petals, brought to life in a stunningly imaginative concert show which will transport, challenge and delight.

THE LONDON HIPPODROME - Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7JH

www.londonfestivalofcabaret.com

• SCOTT ALAN & SPECIAL GUESTS - TUESDAY 13 - FRIDAY 16 MAY 10.30PM - £18/£30

Songwriter Scott Alan wrote the book, music and lyrics for the LA musical Detour. Since returning to New York City five years ago, many of today's brightest Broadway and West End stars have sung his music live and on his hugely successful albums including: Megan Hilty, Patina Miller, Samantha Barks, Marc Broussard, Lea Salonga, Kerry Ellis and Cheyenne Jackson. Scott will be joined by a rotating cast of special guests. www.scottalan.net.

• JANIE DEE - MASTERCLASS ON THE ART OF PERFORMANCE - THURSDAY 22 MAY1PM - FREE EVENT

An exciting lunchtime event with the Olivier Award winning, versatile and electric actress and singer. Janie Dee who takes some of the UK's most promising emerging talents through their paces in front of a live audience sharing her insights on how to tell story through song. Supported by The Noel Coward Foundation.

PIZZA EXPRESS AT THE PHEASANTRY - 152 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4UT
Box office: 08456 027017 / www.pizzaexpresslive.com

• GWYNETH HERBERT - MONDAY 19 and TUESDAY 20 MAY 8.30PM (doors open6.30PM) - £20

Gwyneth Herbert is an artist who continues to redefine (and defy) our expectations. A super-talented singer-songwriter with one foot in the jazz world and one somewhere in the future, with pierrot-dotted eyes, polka-spotted shoes and swanny whistle in hand she may appear as whimsical as a Bonzo Dog, but writes beautiful melodies and has a poet's grasp of the world around her.

• CABARET CONFIDENTIAL - THURSDAY 15 MAY 8.30PM (doors open 6.30PM) - £14

A hugely popular showcase now in its 8th year. Hosted by Jamie Anderson introduces a line-up of rising stars from the musical theatre and cabaret scene in this sumptuous art-deco venue. Tom Carradine is the accompanist for the evening.

• RUSSELL GRANT & MARTIN MILNES - SONGS WE ALWAYS WANTED TO SING - BUT WERE NEVER ALLOWED TO - WEDNESDAY 21 and THURSDAY 22 MAY 8.30PM(doors open 6.30PM) - £20

Russell Grant and Martin Milnes unleash their inner musical theatre divas in a flamboyant musical cavalcade of classic West End and Broadway highlights - with unique twists and interpretations. Join the bosom buddies in a scintillating journey through show business encompassing comedy, song and decadence galore!

JAZZ CLUB SOHO PIZZA EXPRESS AT DEAN STREET - 10 Dean Street, London W1D 3RW

Box office: 0845 6027 017 / www.pizzaexpresslive.com

• BARB JUNGR - HARD RAIN - SUNDAY 11 and MONDAY 12 MAY 8PM - £20

Britain's top song stylist and international Cabaret singer performs the songs of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen in her unique style.

JERMYN STREET THEATRE - 16b Jermyn St, London SW1Y 6ST

Box office: 020 7287 2875 / www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk

• XARA VAUGHAN - MONDAY 12 and MONDAY 19 MAY 8PM - £19

A unique chanteuse combining glamour and attitude, Xara gives a contemporary twist to classic songbook www.xaravaughan.com.

The Oak Room, THE HOSPITAL CLUB - 24 Endell Street, London, WC2H 9HQ

More FREE LONDON FESTVIAL OF CABARET Master-classes to be announced at The Hospital Club before May.

LONDON FESTIVAL OF CABARET social network details are as follows:

WEBSITE - www.londonfestivalofcabaret.com

TWITTER - @LonFestCabaret Twitter Hashtag will be #LFoC

FACEBOOK - www.facebook.com/pages/London-Festival-of-Cabaret

YOUTUBE - www.youtube.com/user/LondonFestofCabaret

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