Scottish National Jazz Orchestra to visit Hamilton

Jul 3 2008 by Graham Fraser, Hamilton Advertiser

THE Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, directed by the celebrated saxophonist Tommy Smith, is the undoubted highlight of this year’s winter programme at the Hamilton Town House.

The SNJO’s performance in the town will be the highlight of this year’s Hamilton Jazz Festival.

Tam White, one of Scotland’s leading blues singers, will demonstrate his indelible talent when the orchestra showcase the music of Joe Williams and Ray Charles on September 5.

The orchestra’s appearance is just one of an exciting line-up of shows announced, which will see ex-Coronation Street stars and Hamilton District Youth Theatre, amongst others, share the plaudits.

On Friday, August 22, the national tour of Buddy Holly: A Legend Reborn will arrive in Hamilton.

The show features Stars in Their Eyes Winner Marc Robison, who stars in the West End musical Buddy - the Buddy Holly Story.

From the producers of Memory Lane, Memories are made of This and All our Yesterdays, Rolling Back the Years will take over the Town House on September 19.

This production will take you back to the music of the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Performed in period costume and featuring a cast of professional dancers, this is not to be missed if you are the nostalgic type.

There are a number of tribute acts to The Blues Brothers on the UK theatre scene. One of the most successful is Jake and Elwood.

The Black Rhino Promotions’ production on October 10 is set to get you reaching for your bowler hat and dark shades.

The Extra Factor then comes to town on October 24 - 26

Starring Kevin Kennedy (Curley Watts from Coronation Street), Anthony Costa (Blue and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here), Kelle Bryan (Eternal), Anthony Kavanagh (Grease is the Word), Russ Spencer (the West End’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and Jennifer Biddell (Hollyoaks), The Extra Factor is a comedy musical which takes an ironic look at reality shows.

So, if you love everything from Big Brother to X-Factor and know your Luke’s from your Leon’s, this show is for you.

For something completely different, European Ballet will bring Tchaikovsky’s classic The Sleeping Beauty to Hamilton Town House on November 7.

Under the direction of Stanislav Tchassov, an ex-principal dancer of The Bolshoi Ballet, the talented dancers will perform in this traditional production of the ballet.

Two weeks later, on Friday, November 21, Hamilton will welcome Let’s Hang On - a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Then, from December 1 until December 6, Hamilton District Youth Theatre (HDYT) will present Aladdin.

HDYT have produced some fantastic shows over the years, including Beauty and the Beast and Annie.

The talented young performers will no doubt entertain their loyal Lanarkshire following once more with their production of the children’s favourite, celebrated in the Disney movie of the same name.

To conclude the winter season, the 2008 tour of Thank You for the Music: a tribute to ABBA and the Bee Gees, will perform in the Town House on December 12 before celebrated big band Big Vern ‘n’ the Shootahs will provide the music on December 19 and 20.

For more information on any of these shows, contact Hamilton Town House on 01698 452299.