“Two shows for the price of one: laugh out loud comedy and some surprisingly sensitive piano playing.” – James Lisney, Pianist.
Alistair McGowan – The Piano Show
UK TOUR 2022
A Unique Mix of Classic Comedy and Classical Music
AND ANNOUNCING THE RELEASE OF A NEW ALBUM OF CLASSICAL PIANO MUSIC…
Master impressionist Alistair McGowan is embarking on a brand-new tour during Spring 2022 which combines his incredible comedy talents with his new-found passion for classical piano music.
Alistair McGowan – The Piano Show opens on Thursday 31st March 2022 in Hexham, before heading to Barnard Castle, Alnwick, Cheltenham, Ivybridge, Taunton, Cardiff, Blackburn, Selby, Liverpool, Poole, Shanklin, Radlett, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Scarborough, Canterbury, Tetbury, and London’s prestigious Cadogan Hall.
After 25 award-winning years in the world of comedy, Alistair McGowan began playing the piano in 2015. Within two years, he had released Alistair McGowan: The Piano Album through Sony Classical which topped the UK Classical album charts and reached No 2 in the Classic FM chart. The album featured 17 short piano pieces by composers including Satie, Chopin, Field, Grieg, Schuman, Liszt, and Glass.
Since 2018, Alistair has been playing the piano publicly to great acclaim (despite the odd mistake!), and his move from comedy at the highest level into the world of classical piano is unparalleled. He thinks he is the first person to mix stand-up comedy with straight classical music in a live setting.
Without training as a musician, his ability to perform in public under pressure and then to slickly mix the music with his stand-up routines and endlessly changing roster of impressions of zeitgeist celebrities is truly impressive, sets him apart – and makes for a very entertaining evening which Alistair describes: “Two shows in one. It shouldn’t really work but, I’m repeatedly told, it does – thankfully. Audiences even seem to enjoy my mistakes, I don’t!”
Alistair studied piano for two years as a boy but gave it up in favour of football and tennis.
He began working as a stand-up comedian in 1989 and soon found work on radio and television as well as taking shows to the Edinburgh Festival including When Harry Met Ally with Harry Hill in 1991. His own television series eventually followed in 1999 and, over four years, The Big Impression became one of BBC One’s most highly rated comedy programmes, winning a BAFTA in 2002.
He has also worked on television as an actor in programmes such as Mayo and Bleak House and in the film Driving Aphrodite with Richard Dreyfuss. On stage, he has twice played Henry Higgins in Pygmalion, twice played The Mikado, and was nominated for an Olivier Award for his performance as the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors in the West End, alongside Sheridan Smith. He has also written three biographical plays for Radio 4 about George Bernard Shaw and the composers, Erik Satie and John Field.
Alistair McGowan – The Piano Show demonstrates and showcases his love of all the art forms that have gripped him during his rich and varied career. And, in its two previous incarnations, he has introduced a new audience to short, classical piano pieces from composers including Cyril Scott, Yann Tiersen and Madeleine Dring, and has surprised classical music lovers by delivering – between the pieces – his impressions of Harry Kane, Raymond Blanc, and Roger Federer.
The 57-year-old says: “Rediscovering the piano as an adult has been a great joy to me and being able to share that joy with others is both a privilege and a huge pleasure – although I continue to be in total awe of trained pianists who can play far more intricate pieces than I could ever attempt.”
“After having to reschedule the tour due to the pandemic, I’m very much looking forward to this new tour and if it encourages someone else to follow their own dream, whatever their age, then that’s even better.”
Alistair has received plaudits from several classical musicians for the quality of his playing reminding us all that it is never too late to try to attempt what you love and what you and others may think is impossible.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY ABOUT ALISTAIR MCGOWAN
“Alistair McGowan’s impressions are faultless” – The Sunday Times.
“He plays piano splendidly” – The Observer.
“Alistair plays an impressive range of pieces with enviable touch and feeling” – Charles Owen, Pianist.
“Inspired and inspiring!” – Anthony Hewitt, Concert pianist.
UK 2022 Tour Dates
31st Mar Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham
1st Apr The Witham, Barnard Castle
2nd Apr Alnwick Playhouse
6th Apr Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham
8th Apr Watermark Theatre, Ivybridge
9th Apr The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton
World record breaking indie band The Pocket Gods release their new album 1000×30 – Nobody Makes Money Anymore. The album consists of 1000 (yes you read that right!) songs each around 30 seconds long. The reason for the songs being 30 seconds is that this is the length after which Spotify pays out a royalty in full.
The album is a protest against the lack of fair royalties from music streaming services to artists, songwriters, and performers. The band state that they earn around £0.002 from each stream of a song from Spotify – it used to be around £0.007 which was still a pittance but since it became a listed company in 2018 it has reduced dramatically.
The single from the album is called 0.002. The B-side is – Nobody Makes Money Anymore.
The band have been campaigning for fairer royalties since their first (in a series of 9) albums of 100 songs all 30 seconds long back in 2015. The band read an article by US music Professor Mike Ericco who asked why songwriters of today weren’t adapting their craft to the media of today. He said the reason why people started writing 3-minute pop songs was due to the length of 7-inch vinyl. He said artists should just write 30 second songs as streaming services paid out a royalty in full after this – why would you write longer songs especially as they were paying so little.
The Pocket Gods took this on board and recorded their first 100X30 album which as well gaining features on UK and International TV also got them an official Guinness World Record for most songs on a digital album. Since then, the band have released 9 albums of the same format and their 2021 album 500X30 Morse Code Days In Lockdown holds the current world record for most tracks on an album (446).
The band were formed in 1998 at Tower Records in London and recorded 74 albums since then and were briefly discovered by the late John Peel before he tragically died a few months after championing the band. They have also had rave reviews from the likes of Tom Robinson and Steve Lamacq from BBC 6 music.
The band are Noel Storey (keys) and Mark Christopher Lee Vocals and Guitar (both founding members) ex Searchers drummer Scott Ottaway and Simon Herries on Bass.
Wonderbirds is a unique and special show, created from love, kindness, and compassion. Why is it so unique? At the beginning of the March 2020 lockdown, the world was thrown into chaos, fear, and confusion. For many, it was a time of loneliness, darkness, and loss. This was certainly true of me; the overwhelming sensation of terror, panic, and the unknown. The feeling of being isolated and alone was at times almost too much for me to bear; a feeling I was unable to comprehend or put into words.
Amongst the chaos and the uncertainty, Wonderbirds came into being. By a fortuitous twist of fate, or serendipity, I discovered this beautiful online show. Created by Debbie Arnold, Dee Anderson, Harriet Thorpe, and Sherrie Hewson, the show addressed all the feelings I had regarding lockdown and the pandemic. At a time when I felt physically and emotionally alone, these incredible women were discussing every emotion that was swirling around in my head; it was as if they were talking to me, such was their empathy and understanding. I had discovered a very special show and I knew I was not alone. There were thousands, perhaps millions of people out there who felt exactly the way I did; Wonderbirds made me realise that. From the moment I first started to listen to these inspirational women, I was hooked!
The show immediately embedded itself in my life as a source of light and happiness during a tumultuous time. These incredible women exuded warmth, love, empathy, and a genuine sense of friendship and togetherness. The show not only gave me the feeling that I was not alone but also gave me a structure to my week. It gave me something to look forward to and, perhaps most importantly, kept me in a routine at a time when I may easily have fallen apart.
It’s almost two years since Wonderbirds began and I remain an avid viewer having watched every single episode since it started. For me, this is unusual but reflects the power of the show and my love for it. Listening to the words of the guests and, of course, Debbie, Dee, Harriet, and Sherrie, has supported me through some challenging times. Their words of wisdom have proved invaluable to me and have helped me to find strength and belief within myself. They have continually shown the importance and value of the entertainment industry, reminding us of how much strength and emotional support it brings to our lives. In times of hopelessness, a show such as Wonderbirds is a tonic that brings healing and strength to so many.
Wonderbirds is a show which has a very powerful connection with its audience. However, the show’s success is also due to the talent, skill and professionalism of its presenters, who put their heart and soul into each episode. The show opens with the jazzy theme, Bad Blood, written by Dee Anderson, keeping in ‘in house’ and adding to the feeling that this is very much their creation. These incredible women have demonstrated what can be achieved by taking back control during a time when so much seemed impossible and, in doing so, have created something magical and hugely successful. They are an emblem of the power of positivity, strength and determination.
Adding to the heart of the show are the guests who feature in each episode; all of them interesting, powerful, each with their own story to tell. A common bond – the ability to inspire, share and empower. Most importantly, they share the qualities which are intrinsic to the show; empathy, compassion, positivity, strength. The attitudes of the guests always remain in keeping with the ethos of the show; the soul of Wonderbirds is always maintained through the ever-present feeling that this is a show with a purpose and a heart. Each individual involved with the show conveys the Wonderbirds ethos of togetherness.
In June 2021, Dee, Debbie, Harriet and Sherrie transferred Wonderbirds to the stage in their live show at the Duchess Theatre in London. The fact that they succeeded in staging a show during a pandemic highlighted just how much determination and talent these women have. In taking Wonderbirds to the stage, they again brought, light, hope and optimism to a world steeped in darkness. The live show was outstanding and a true celebration of their talent and their love for their craft. Particularly noticeable, was the absolute love from their followers, and for these wonderful ladies which emanated throughout the theatre for the entire night. Their vibrancy encapsulated the audience and created an electric atmosphere. Debbie, Dee, Harriet and Sherrie proved that they bring light and happiness to wherever they perform.
Wonderbirds is a show which knows its audience; it bonds with its viewers and combats the sense of loneliness and isolation which has become so prevalent in today’s society. Wonderbirds challenges perceived and accepted ideas of how individuals should be, promoting acceptance and courage. This show demonstrates that it is important to be different; to be able to take a leap of faith and not be afraid to be who you are. It is about self-acceptance and the celebration of diversity and difference. Most importantly, it is about love.
July 12, 2026 100 BC Julius Caesar 1854 George Eastman 1895 Oscar Hammerstein II 1927 Frank Windsor 1928 Kathy Staff 1935 Roy Barraclough 1937 Bill Cosby 1943 Christine McVie 1947 Gareth Edwards
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