Top class tribute shows to feature at the Theatre Royal

There’s a series of musical tribute acts coming to the Theatre Royal over the coming months with some much-loved legends celebrated on stage beginning with The Carpenters later this month. 

It is created and produced by West End director and vocalist Vikki Holland-Bowyer, with partner Greg Stevenson.

Vikki promises a fast-moving production that accurately portrays not only The Carpenters’ musical brilliance, but also Richard and Karen Carpenter’s infectious magnetism.

“As well as paying meticulous attention to Karen’s mannerisms, we’re also keen to faithfully recreate the pair’s brother/sister relationship and their playful interaction with both the band and the audience, which was a trade mark of their live shows,” said Vikki.

Richard Carpenter, played by musical arranger, vocalist, and producer Greg Stevenson, features on the piano alongside a band that is joined on the drums by Karen, just as The Carpenters would have performed live in concert. 

“Carpenters Gold is the only production that fully recreates a live Carpenters concert, even down to the authentically kitsch 70s stage costumes,” said Vikki. 

All of The Carpenters’ greatest hits feature in the show which is to take place on Tuesday, January 20, including “Goodbye to Love”, “Close To You”, “Solitaire”, “We’ve Only Just Begun”, “Top Of The World”, “Yesterday Once More”, “Superstar”, “Please Mr Postman”, “For All We Know”, “Only Yesterday” and many more.

“When we were young we’d listen to the radio, waiting for our favourite songs – now we can enjoy them live, performed just how they would have been by The Carpenters during their heyday,” promises Vikki.

The Magic of the Beatles, follows on Wednesday, January 26, and the sensational cast not only look and sound like John, Paul, George, and Ringo, they also generate the same incredible excitement and unique sense of humour too.

This magical musical mystery tour will transport you back to the golden era of pop with hit after hit including “She Loves You”, “A Hard Day’s Night”, “Help!”, “I Feel Fine”, “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”, “Hey Jude”, “Here Comes The Sun”, “Get Back” and so many more.

The Abba Reunion Tribute Show takes to the stage the following day and is created by the director, producer, and choreographer of the award-winning ABBAMANIA musical and starring the original Frida from the London West End cast.

Following a four-month run at The Strand Theatre and successful international tours selling out theatres, stadiums and concert halls, Vikki Holland-Bowyer was spurred on by the four members of ABBA saying for years that they will never re-form. 

“With this in mind,” she says, “we decided they would give the fans the next best thing. . . and not just another ABBA tribute show.

“The Abba Reunion Tribute Show gives ABBA fans the opportunity to get together and re-live the addictive ABBA phenomenon that swept the airwaves and discos during the 70s and 80s in a truly feel-good, party-style concert.”

From “Mamma Mia” to “Dancing Queen”, The Abba Reunion Tribute Show commits to perform, from both an audio and visual perspective, all the hits with unrivalled authenticity – complete with a live band.

There is a huge focus on the 1977 and 1979 live world tour footage plus the iconic pop videos that feature the famous flamboyant costumes and dance moves and visually, the performers are transformed into Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn and Anni- Frid (Frida).

Each character has been studied by means of video clips of both live and studio performances to mimic the movements and mannerisms, enabling a true-to-life presentation.

Rock for Heroes, is on Friday, February 11, and is performed by a full live rock band and  singers.

There will be music from artists such as Queen, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Van Halen, Toto, Bon Jovi, Guns ‘n Roses, AC/DC, Prince, Dire Straits and many more. 

​Buddy Holly and the Cricketers, follow on Thursday, February 24.

Songs include all time favourites such as “That’ll Be The Day”, “Peggy Sue”, “Heartbeat”, “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore”, “Raining In My Heart”, “Oh Boy!” – and much, much more. 

Producer Simon Fielder, a former actor in the original touring and West End show, said: “I’m so lucky to present shows that feature people and subjects about which I am really passionate. Buddy Holly was pivotal in my development as a guitarist and songwriter.

“Buddy’s music has touched the heart of millions around the world and influenced many famous artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Brian May and many others. It’s also incredible how many younger people are now into his music. 

“Our audiences are a great mix of ages and the show just keeps growing in popularity. It seems that Buddy’s music – and Rock and Roll – really will never die.”

The show has been delighting audiences for 29 years and has performed in many locations around the world including Europe and a tour of the US. 

It stars some of the finest actor-musicians in the UK including Jason Shaw, as Buddy, and was endorsed as Britain’s most popular Buddy Holly act when the show appeared on BBC One’s “The One and Only”, with Graham Norton notably commenting that they were “Buddy Brilliant”.

The George Michael Story, is on Wednesday, May 18, and features a live band with video screens supporting the show, including footage of George and interviews with the man himself.

The George Michael Story tells in detail, the career of George and his 100 million record selling history.

The show starts with George in the Wham! days and then into the Grammy Award winning “Faith” album, through to George’s more mature hits, touching on some of his heartfelt songs.

And finally Forever in Blue Jeans the UK’s No 1 Rock n Country Show, is on Tuesday, June 28.

Come and join the greatest party in town as Blue Jeans celebrates 25 successful and happy years on the road. 

Starring Carole Gordon along with superb singers, dancers and musicians playing the best in Country Music and Rock ‘n’ Roll

This big hearted show performs songs from Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Pardon, Glen Campbell,  Tammy Wynette, The Carpenters and Carol King plus many more. 

Book tickets online for all the shows at www.theatreroyal.org or call 01284 769505.