An Evening of Comedy, Piano and Song
A Gala Concert with Deborah Rose and Alistair McGowan
When a comedian and a folk singer use the same local church to prepare for their respective comeback concerts, the constellations align and these two very different artists decide to join forces and put on a gala concert at Walcot Hall, Lydbury North, on Saturday 13th November, 6.30pm. To add to the atmosphere of this very special evening the event will be black tie, with fizz and canapes served.
Walcot Hall is situated in the borderlands of South Shropshire. This border area, known as the Welsh Marches, is famed for its pastoral beauty, rich history and culture. The hall is a Georgian country house steeped in history, with a turquoise freestanding ballroom, and eclectic furnishings. The rustic romance of the rambling estate, as well as the mass of curiosities, have made it the perfect host venue for world famous operas. With 15 unique self-catering holiday cottages, this wonderful evening can turn into that longed for post lockdown weekend break. Alistair’s sublime piano, and clever comedy followed by Deborah’s pure voice and poetic songs, makes for a classic evening of entertainment in this magnificent venue.
Alistair McGowan is an impressionist, actor, writer of jokes, plays and sketches, stand-up comedian and, latterly, pianist, who recently moved to Shropshire.
At the age of 49, Alistair went back to the piano (having reached Grade 2 as a nine-year old), achieving a No. 1 Sony album that grew into successful live concerts with a difference. The Piano Show, a number of short pieces interspersed with Alistair’s trademark impressions, is ‘the classical concert you’ve always wanted to see’.
“He plays the piano splendidly” The Observer
“Alistair plays an impressive range of pieces with enviable touch and feeling” Charles Owen, pianist.
Alistair plays classical gems by the likes of Glass, Debussy, Bach, Cyril Scott, Yann Tiersen and Erik Satie.
Alistair who is best known to British audiences for The Big Impression, said, “I’ve heard a lot about the magical nights at Walcot Hall and really can’t wait to perform there. It should be a very special night. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Deborah perform and hearing her ethereal voice and the idea of doing a show with her was irresistible. Our musical styles are quite different but will, I think, gel very well. “
Folk singer-songwriter, Deborah Rose is from Newport, Wales, currently living in Ludlow. Deborah will be joined by violinist Ben Walsh and pianist Martin Riley for this special show.
“Deborah Rose casts a spell with her songs and her voice. Her music brings you to another place, a place of calm, a place of wonder, a place of mystery. She has dedicated her life energy to service and music, and the result of her hard work is this collection of beautiful songs for us to savour, a gift to the world. She’s a gem, as are these songs. Please give a listen!” Mary Gauthier
Deborah Rose is a Welsh singer/songwriter whose emotive, timeless voice has been described by folk legend Judy Collins as “one of the finest I’ve heard”.
Deborah’s love of song and poetry combined has guided her compositions. Inspired by Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott, and Tennyson she shares a deep love of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, and has performed in many National Trust and historical houses that are linked with the poets and painters referenced on her albums.
She regularly offers music workshops to adults suffering with dementia, and teaches songwriting internationally in prisons, and schools. Deborah’s guiding light is to serve others by using her voice to reach out, inspire, and touch that place deep in the soul of her audiences, whether in the living room of a hospice, a wedding ceremony, or a cathedral concert.
Deborah said, “I’ve always loved Alistair’s impersonations, especially of TV presenter Richard Madeley, Ross of Friends, and Welsh newsreader Huw Edwards, and to hear him play piano was a wonderful surprise. While the genres we play are different, there’s a crossover and common thread in our approach and appreciation of music. I’m really excited to be performing at Walcot Hall this Autumn, it’s a beautiful time of year for a concert.”
ENDS
Tickets are £50 and can be purchased online via eventbrite at the following link:
Tickets are also available to purchase in person at Bishops Castle Town Hall Box Office
For more details please call: 01588 630023
For more information please visit:
www.highfieldproductions.com
www.walcothall.com
Media Enquiries: Jill Lerner of James H Soars Media Services. jill.jameshsoars@gmail.com Tel: 07702 230856
