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LICHFIELD FESTIVAL 2019 A CELEBRATION OF IVOR NOVELLO
Opener
117 Russell Grant talks about his love for musical theatre
The great composer and song-writer Ivor Novello is not just synonymous with some of the all-time classic music theatre songs such as Keep the Home Fires Burning, And Her Mother Came Too and We’ll Gather Lilacs but also to the composition prize named after him whose recipients have included some of today’s greatest songwriters from Adele to George Michael and Robbie Williams.
As it happens, the actor, TV personality and astrologer, Russell Grant, is an Ivor Novello superfan and he’s looking forward to sharing his enthusiasm with Lichfield Festival audiences when he hosts an evening devoted to the songwriting genius in July.
Grant credits his mother – a leading lady in numerous musicals – for his encyclopaedic knowledge of all things music theatre. “I remember her playing Eliza in My Fair Lady, and I was drafted in to do lots of little bits and pieces in various shows from the age of seven … I distinctly remember being in Kismet. I’ve worked out this year that my very first theatrical professional job was in 1969, so 2019 celebrates my 50th year in professional theatre. I can’t believe it – and I’m doing this Novello show for Lichfield and have just finished playing Edna in Hairspray, which is a role I’ve always wanted to do, so it’s turning out to be a very special year.”
Known to millions as an astrologer (his horoscopes are a regular feature in magazines and newspapers) and TV personality, his celebrity status was further boosted when he was partnered with Flavia Cacace in the
2011 series of Strictly Come Dancing, making it through to week 8. So what is it about Ivor Novello that strikes such a special chord?
“I think it’s the man and the lack of recognition he has,” says Grant. “I remember being so shocked when I heard a pop star – who shall remain nameless – receiving a Novello Award saying she had no idea who he was. I couldn’t believe it! And then, of course, there is the music – so many wonderful melodies … that soaring start to Glamorous Night (which will open the show) and then there is the glory of King’s Rhapsody ...”
Whilst it’s true that the plots of some of the Novello musicals may not have stood the test of time (“they seem old-fashioned and out of date, I’m afraid”) that’s exactly why a bespoke Festival show is such an elegant solution, creating a specially-written narrative to link the songs together. The idea for the Novello concert came out of a conversation at Grant’s previous Lichfield Festival appearance in 2017 when he hosted A Celebration of Richard Rodgers. This time, Festival Artists in Residence Rebecca Bottone and Polly Leech (singers) and the Atéa Quintet, will be joined by guest ballroom dancers, Festival Director Damian Thantrey (baritone) and pianist Joseph Atkins.
As for an all-time favourite? “Fling Wide the Gates from King’s Rhapsody, but it’s a very close call,” says Grant. “I did a long run of per- formances of King’s Rhapsody in 1972 and I used to stand in the wings at every performance and marvel – it’s just the most wonderful trio.”
A Celebration of Ivor Novello is at Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday 6 July as part of the 2019 Lichfield Festival. For tickets and information please visit
www.lichfieldfestival.org or call the box office on 01543 306150.
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117
MOTORING, SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT L ICHF I E LD F E S T IVAL
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