26VOICEVOICEFriday, February 27, 2015

.uk/ rttimes.co ofof thethe vibe PEPEOPOPLELE Picture: Simon Bennett

e has performed for shows that often make him royalty, former US Music more nervous. Hpresidents and the He adds: “When I was Pope and now, one of the singing at the Vatican to the world’s most prominent theatre is at the stadium. It is Pope, there was a sense of oc- tenors is singing in Rich- incredible. I did Swing Low casion and the butterflies STRIKE IT mond, writes Laura Proto. Sweet Chariot there a few seemed to fly a bit more. On Despite Russell Watson’s times and they always go wild the intimate set-up, I have PLUCKY first album, The Voice, reach- when you do those types of more of a connection with ing the top spot in the UK and songs and it was always a the audience. US charts in the same week thrill there. It would be great “It will be a great night. I Music

and performing at large to get back there.” have been around for a very venues around the world, the For his up-close-and-person- long time and I have had in- classical singer is swapping al tour at theatres across the credible career highlights, Touted as one of the UK’s

the big stage to tour UK, Watson will be joined and there has been some finest banjo players, Dan smaller venues When on stage with a string downers as well like my Walsh, pictured, performs at across the I was sing quartet, pianist, clas- health scare. It is the building Twickfolk to celebrate the ing “ country. at sic guitarist and of layers for an artist. When launch of his new album. Watson says: the Vatican to local choirs with you have turbulence, it gives the Incidents and Accidents is “It is a trip to Pope the but- up to 100 people. you a better relationship with Walsh’s follow up to Same the more te“rflies seeme Last year, Watson music. The position I have But Different, featuring a d also embarked on a provincial areas now is totally different more stripped-back format in the UK I have to fly a bit small venue tour to 15 years ago.” with guest appearances from never visited be- more and received great fore and a way to take feedback, which en- the likes of Patsy Reid on fid- the show out of the major couraged him to produce a dle, Nic Zuppardi on man- cities and towns. similar show this year. dolin and Canadian singer “I have a mature fan base He says: “The reaction last Meaghan Blanchard. and they don’t always like to year was fantastic – this time Having made his name with go out on the buses into the we have a bigger set-up than the duo Walsh and Pound and big towns. I have scaled the last time. For three or four as a member of the Urban show down and it has a much shows last year, I just sang The interview Folk Quartet, Walsh takes to more intimate feel.” with a piano. It was an idea I the stage as a soloist. While Watson has not per- got from a Pavarotti show He begins his tour in Twick- formed at and I thought that it was a RUSSELL WATSON enham before travelling before, he is looking forward great idea.”  An Intimate Evening with Russell across the country and finish- to returning to the borough Despite being comfortable Watson; Richmond Theatre, Little Green, ing his tour in Scotland. which is the home of Eng- singing in front of Richmond; April 25, 7.30pm; £30.90 to  Dan Walsh; Twickfolk at land rugby. thousands of people, the Cabbage Patch, London Watson admits it is £52.90; call 08448 717651 or visit He says: “The closest I Road, ; March 1, have performed to the the smaller atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre 7.45pm; £10, £8 advance; visit wegottickets.com/event/3021 54. DISCODANCING

Iconic musical Satur- the West End, while Naomi day Night Fever Musical Slights, who has performed comes to Richmond in Mamma Mia, plays Theatre in a new Stephanie. production of one of dancefloor, creating a stir If you fancy a boogie, do the most-loved dance as he wows the crowds with not miss this iconic play stories of all time. his unbelievable routines. when it comes to Richmond It is 1976 in New York The spectacular classic next month. and Tony Manero, a young show is packed full of leg-  Saturday Night Fever; man from a tough Brooklyn endary hits by the Bee Gees Richmond Theatre, Little neighbourhood with a dead- including classics like Green, Richmond; March 24 end job has one ambition in Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever to 28, evening shows 7.30pm, life – to dance. and Jive Talking. matinees 2.30pm; £10 to Every Saturday night, he Tony is played by Danny £45.90; for more information, dons his flares and hits the Bayne, who made his debut visit atgtickets.com/ as Danny Zuko in Grease in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER richmond. Picture: Nobby Clark