Mike Oldfield’s ‘Tubular Bells’ to be recreated by two musicians at the Apex

Two multi-instrumentalists are to combine to bring Mike Oldfield’s classic album “Tubular Bells’ to life in a unique theatrical performance which is being staged at the Apex next month.

“Tubular Bells For Two” sees the pair play over 20 instruments.

Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” is perhaps the most unlikely smash hit record ever to be released.

The beautiful and sprawling progressive Celtic-folk-rock opus shot to number one in the album charts around the world in 1973 and 1974, throwing its young composer into the international spotlight and kick-starting Richard Branson’s Virgin music empire.

Now, 40 years later, multi-instrumentalists Daniel Holdsworth and Aidan Roberts have arranged the entire score of “Tubular Bells” to be played out by just two men, bringing the influential masterpiece to life with all of its multi-layered madness and subtle beauty intact.

While Oldfield used the latest in multi-track technology, playing each instrument one-by-one in the recording studio, “Tubular Bells For Two” sees just two men, live on stage, performing every part with only four hands and four feet between them.

The duo dash around a sea of instruments in an intricately choreographed thrilling show that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Things could go wrong at any moment and the slightest mistake or misplaced limb will bring the whole thing crashing to a halt!

The support act for the tour is a folk rock outfit Gypsyfingers – a band led by Luke Oldfield, the son of Mike.

“Tubular Bells For Two” is at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Monday, May 6, at 7.30pm. Ring the box office on 01284 758000 or see www.theapex.co.ukfor details.