Syd Lawrence Orchestra
The Best Big Band in the Land
The renowned Syd Lawrence Orchestra returns to the Queen’s Theatre stage on
Monday 25 August with two spectacular performances of Strictly Big Band at 3.30pm and 7.30pm.
Voted Best Big Band in the Land for the last 12 years, the Syd Lawrence Orchestra celebrated their 40th touring year in 2007 and continue to keep the sweet sounds of swing alive.
Packed with countless Big Band favourites, the concert includes tributes to Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Neal Hefti, Billy May, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald and many more.
Chris Dean, who took over as Director since Syd retired in 1996, leads a 16-strong orchestra, who range in age from 20-something to 60 and hail from all over the UK. An established trombone player with a wealth of showbiz experience, Chris has worked with the likes of Quincy Jones, Nat King Cole, Shirley Bassey, Jon Bon Jovi and Wet Wet Wet. His film credits include Never Say Never Again, Batman, Superman, Star Wars and Basic Instinct and he has played in orchestras for TV programmes such as Opportunity Knocks and Morecambe and Wise.
He has also been principal trombone player at the London Palladium, performed in leading musicals including Chorus Line and West Side Story and played with numerous high-profile orchestras including BBC Radio, London Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, English Chamber and the National Philharmonic.
The show also features guest vocalist Angie Mills, who has performed at the Royal Festival Hall, the National Theatre and jazz festivals around the country.
In a touching tribute, legendary American composer Neal Hefti dubbed the Syd Lawrence Orchestra “a truly great band and worthy custodians of the Basie legacy.” So don’t miss the chance to hear the music of the swing era brought back to life with the youthful verve that made it the smash hit pop music of its day!
“The best band currently playing this music anywhere in the world.” BBC Radio 2
The Syd Lawrence Orchestra performs at the Queen’s Theatre on Monday 25 August at 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets cost £18 and £16.50 concessions for the 3.30pm show and £18 for the 7.30pm show. To book, call the Box Office on 01708 443333. For further information about the Queen’s Theatre, visit www.queens-theatre.co.uk or for more details about the orchestra, visit www.syd-lawrence-orchestra.com
