Cilla Black OBE was one of Great Britain’s most successful and best-loved entertainers of all-time she had 19 UK Top 40 singles (including two number 1 hits), released 15 studio albums, sold out concert venues around the world and presented many iconic British TV shows whilst bringing up three sons with her husband, Bobby Willis, and on Thursday 9th March at 8pm the Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne plays host to a brand new touring show that celebrates her life.
Cilla and the Shades of the 60s, a hugely entertaining stage show for families and pop music fans of all ages, is a fabulous musical tribute to the songs of Cilla Black and the many artists and songwriters who changed the world of popular entertainment during the 1960s. The show is fronted by the effervescent Liverpudlian singer/actress Victoria Jones (pictured) who, along with the Shades Trio, will take audiences on a musical journey through Cilla’s life and some of her biggest chart hits such as Alfie, You’re My World, Anyone Who Had A Heart, Step Inside Love, Something Tells Me (Something’s Gonna Happen Tonight) and many more.
The show will also celebrate the great songwriting partnerships of the time including Lennon/McCartney, Bacharach/David, Lamont/Dozier/Holland, and Greenaway/Cook with hits including Help!, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, Da Doo Ron Ron, Crazy, Dancing In The Street, Respect, The Shoop Shoop Song, These Boots Are Made For Walking and River Deep Mountain High.
Victoria Jones explains “Growing up in Liverpool, I knew Cilla Black as a TV presenter but then, in my teens, I discovered her music and was amazed by her vocal range and her emotional depth. I find her ballads so beautiful and she portrays heartbreak in a truly moving way. Her passion has always inspired me – in fact I think I was born in the wrong decade! I’ve always adored 60’s music as the songs of that era had such a raw sound which I love.
Performing as Cilla gives me the opportunity to celebrate the fashion and sound of a generation of amazing women who were beginning to make a real difference in the music industry and across the world. When I travel around the country, being a red headed Scouser I always get compared to Cilla… or Sheridan Smith! I do feel a connection there, she too was a bold girl from a working class background who just loved to perform. She could take on The Beatles, beat the big American stars with songs like Alfie, host her own TV show and made every “normal” girl feel like big things were possible.”
Cilla and the Shades of the 60’s is an unforgettable show that journeys its way through Cilla’s life – it even has a special section on her hosting Blind Date! – and brings audiences to their feet in celebration. Tickets, for the show on Thursday 9th March at 8pm the Royal Hippodrome Theatre, cost from £17 and are available from the Box Office on 01323 80 20 20 and online at www.royalhippodrome.com