Shows | noted-for-music

In these somewhat uncertain times comes a wonderful evening of warmth, wit and gentle humour. Choice Grenfell features some of the best of Joyce’s delightful songs and monologues from ‘Stately as a Galleon’ and ‘School Nativity Play’ to “A Terrible Worrier” and "First Flight “. Joyce is our guide for a delightful delve into some of her most delightful characters , ably accompanied by her trusted pianist. As Joyce would have said “ We request the pleasure of your company” in the company of one of Britain’s best loved comediennes.

We are delighted that the family of William Blezard have allowed us access to previously unpublished rehearsal recordings and personal letters from Joyce Grenfell allowing a unique insight into the queen of comediennes.

Choice Grenfell is a full length show celebrating the life of Joyce Grenfell , the trailblazing comedienne ! The show will provide a completely unique view into the life of Joyce Grenfell through the eyes of her much respected friend, and Musical Director, William Blezard. Starting with a depiction of a rehearsal in Act 1 and then segues into the full performance in Act 2. Andrew was given access to personal letters and hours of interview recordings from William Blezard in order to make this show as authentic as possible.

Act 1 – The Rehearsal

Joyce and William arrive as if they are turning up at an empty theatre for a rehearsal before the performance. As Joyce rehearses songs and monologues, the dialogue between the characters provides the opportunity for us to learn about Joyce Grenfell’s life, the type of lady she was and her relationship with William Blezard, her longstanding and trusted pianist and Musical Director.A lot of the dialogue for this act has been written by acclaimed playwright Simon Downing using extensive material kindly provided by the family of William Blezard.

Act – 2 The Performance

The second half of the show is the performance! The stage is now set, make up is on and the audience are now given the full Joyce Grenfell performance.

Our aim with the show is celebrate the life and work of a great lady. In order to do this we have been given access to personal letters and hours of interview recordings of the man who knew her as well as anyone. We didn’t want to produce just another show trotting out songs and monologues in a ‘tribute band format’. We wanted to produce a piece of theatre that gives people an understanding of the lady herself as well as celebrating her marvellous work.

Join Gill Manly, a member of the British Jazz Royal family as she performs her brand new hot, sultry and soulful show revealing the incredible lives and careers of R ‘n B High Priestess Etta James and jazz , soul diva Nina Simone.

Described by Time Out as “a singer not lacking in testosterone” she dives right into the songbook revealing the sexiest, bluesiest, most intense collection of songs. Expect all the biggest hits including “Purple Rain”, “You Can Leave Your Hat On”, “Hoochie Coochie Gal”, “I’d Rather Go Blind” ,“Mojo Working”, “ My Baby Just Cares For Me “, I Loves You Porgy “ and “I Put A Spell On You”.

Gill Manly has an amazing voice and is a truly great artist. She has been around on the UK scene for 20 years….she is a soulful and blues diva that has a voice able to move thousands.

"Magnificent" ROBERT ELMS - BBC RADIO LONDON

"The greatest singer I have heard in the last 30 years, a star!" BUDDY GRECO

Her recent sell-out performances left her audience in no doubt:

“Gill has heart, she has soul and she has the best voice you will hear in your lifetime. To experience a performance by Gill is a true privilege that you will never forget.”

“Gill's tribute to the Etta James song book and Etta herself will have you on your feet cheering for more, more, more.”

“Andrew wowed his audience and fully justifies the comment "You're The Top", this guy is

the tops ..special magic ! Cole Porter tribute

THE SCOTSMAN

A beautifully paced review featuring the music and lyrics of one of the worlds best-loved

songwriters. Great songs including Night and Day, I Get A Kick Out Of You, Lets Do It and many more are accompanied by an insight into what made this genius tick, from one of the UK’s most accomplished and knowledgeable performers of his work.

Enjoy an evening of wit, sophistication and talent, hosted by pianist and singer Andrew D

Brewis Andrew has performed the work of the master songwriterin top London venues and

around the world, including U.S.A and Cape Town.

“Brewisʼ piano skills are first rate.” The Scotsman

“Great stuff ” Len Goodman

“You’re brilliant” Sir Bruce Forsyth

Andrew D. Brewis who hails from Walton on Thames spends most of the year entertaining

at events all over the world, recently touring extensively in the USA and Africa. Andrew

regularly plays for celebrities either at The Ivy or The Wentworth Club,and is much in

demand on the music circuit. He is delighted to be bringing an evening of music and

anecdotes...celebrating one of the worldʼs best songsmiths COLE PORTER.

“ Its all about the music, the evening will be very lighthearted and fun...I’ll be sharing

some of the stories and anecdotes about my life as a modern day minstrel, I can tell you

its not as glamorous as it may seem ....and about Cole Porter, the man and his music“

This brand new show features two of the UK’s most accomplished jazz singers, SARAH MOULE and SHIREEN FRANCIS. The Ladies’ individual singing careers have seen them perform sell-out shows at Ronnie Scott’s Club, the Royal Festival Hall, on BBC Radio 2‘s Friday Night Is Music Night, and in theatres, jazz clubs and festivals throughout the UK.

Here, they come together for the first time to celebrate their musical icons, PEGGY LEE and ELLA FITZGERALD with anecdotes and personal interpretations of their signature songs in a wonderful programme of classic jazz. The Ladies’ exuberant mix of close harmonies and stunning solo work shows why they have all established themselves as jazz singers of the first order. Each brings a contrasting and original take on their chosen repertoire, from the understated purr of Fever and Black Coffee, to the infectious swing of The Lady Is A Tramp and Take The ‘A‘ Train.

‘Makes you realise the era of the great jazz singers might not be over’ Bob Sinfield Jazzfm

‘The excellent Sarah Moule...a great voice and a great talent’ Russell Davies, BBC Radio 2

‘Sarah Moule boasts a stunning vocal spectrum, sweet and salty, tough and tender and hauntingly gorgeous’ Jazz Times USA

“Shireen Francis is a brilliant vocalist whose beguiling performance left me wanting more” - Jazzwise Magazine

"Quite simply, Shireen is one of the best British jazz vocalists of this generation." – Tony Currie, BBC

INTRODUCED AND NARRATED BY

ANDREW D. BREWIS*

* at certain performances

Get Happy

Sheridan Morley

With the words and music of

An entertainment devised by

Noel Coward

...they were elegant; they sang, they danced, they made jokes through clenched cigarette holders. They were impeccable...from the bawdy to the sublime, from the witty to the achingly heartfelt and, once heard, many of his melodies are never forgotten.

This witty and moving show tells the story of the professional and personal relationship between two of this century's greatest stage personalities: Gertrude Lawrence and Noel Coward. Together they epitomised an era of high style and elegance. The songs, sketches and snippets of scenes pieced together have the entrancing effect of accurately portraying this remarkable duo and the era they helped to define.

A brand new production touring from September 2022.

Starring

Andrew D. Brewis

& Suzanna Walters

WITH THE SIMON WALLACE TRIO,

SIMON WALLACE ON PIANO

PAUL ROBINSON* ON DRUMS

*(Nina's last drummer)

To book one of our shows call 01932 228368

or e mail us at info@notedformusic.com

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