PAUL DONOVAN is chilled by the contemporary resonance of Harper Lee’s coming of age tale amidst racism and white supremacy in this excellent production
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Touring triumph for Heaton crew
Matthew Collins reviews Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott (Bridlington Spa Centre/Touring)
GEOFF BOTTOMS recommends the unashamedly light-hearted escapism on offer in this stage version of the 1963 film
Full of mysterious religious references and radical sound design, the Scottish duo’s new offering is candidate for album of the year, suggests SIMON DUFF
MARY CONWAY revels in a powerful reminder that human lives are not defined by physical perfection
PAUL DONOVAN recommends the fine performances in this account of the pre-war meeting between the US president and the British king
TECLYN AROD relishes an intimate celebration of jazz improvisation that mixes local and national musicians
5/5
Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott are on the home straight and still going strong. They’ve had a whirlwind year of chart success — their Christmas single, a delightful swipe at a certain reality TV talent show is number two in the country and western charts — sold-out tours and, in between, the picketing of high street employers who don’t pay a living wage.
But there’s no lethargy on show here. On the contrary. As their current union-backed tour has wound its merry way around these islands, Heaton has opened up more and more with anecdotes and “daddy dancing,” with both growing more extravagant along the way.
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