Bill’s Soul journey began in his hometown, Manchester, where he became a regular at Manchester’s famed Twisted Wheel Club. During the 60s the club blossomed from an underground R’n’B haunt to become a mecca for lovers of lesser-known and more obscure soul music coming out of US cities. When Wheel was finally forced to close its doors in the early 70s, other venues like Wigan Casino and Blackpool Mecca took over. The term ‘Northen Soul’ was born, and Bill remained a regular at the ‘All-Nighters’ held at venues like these.

His love for the music has taken him all over the States searching out 45s. In addition to his DJ duties, Bill is a well-known trader in hard-to-fi nd sounds, during the 80s and 90s he ran one of the UK’s most respected sources for soul and dance music and still trades to this day! Bill has been a label-owner and musician as well as presented his own Soul Radio show. A true all-rounder with an unusual fund of knowledge, he brings ‘Bag of Soul’ Northern Soul Revue to The Exchange this May.

Expect to hear the classics alongside the lesser known and new discoveries all presented by Bill and his guest DJ’s on wonderful vinyl 45s. As Bill says “I want to share this wonderful uplifting music with as many people as I can. It’s a scene for dancing and there is no need to feel inhibited, whether you’re a seasoned dancer or it’s your first time, you’ll be equally as welcome Out on the Floor!

For over 25 years Suspiciously Elvis AKA Ivor Potter has been bringing the magic of Elvis Presley to life on stages all around the world. Backed by a powerhouse live band, he delivers an unforgettable show that captures the voice, energy, and charisma of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.

From sold-out theatres in Dubai and throughout Europe to international festivals, Suspiciously Elvis has performed for thousands of fans, earning a loyal following and a reputation as one of the most authentic Elvis tribute artists today. His attention to detail – from the iconic costumes and signature moves to the heartfelt performances – makes every concert a true celebration of Elvis’ legacy.

With a passion for keeping Elvis’ music alive and a fan base that continues to grow, Ivor Potter doesn’t just impersonate the King – he is keeping the spirit of Elvis rocking for new generations to come.

Here's what they said :

"Sheer Brilliance! The closest thing to The King you're ever going to get"

Katie Weitz ( The Sun )

"The atmosphere was electric. Whether you're an Elvis fan or not this show is great entertainment"

The Scotsman

London Festival Opera

Many celebrated filmmakers feature opera in their movies knowing that this will add an extra dramatic and emotional dimension to key scenes. Opera brings a depth and richness to the cinematic experience like no other music.

Opera at the Movies is a programme of passion, drama and humour of celebrated opera pieces featured in films including Pretty Woman, Shawshank Redemption, Quantum of Solace, The Witches of Eastwick, Gallipoli, Mrs Doubtfire, Amadeus, Family Man, Quartet, Rocky Balboa, The Father, Moonstruck, Chariots of Fire, The Godfather, Titanic and more…

Sit back and listen to some of the greatest music ever written in the company of Handel, Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini, Offenbach and Gilbert & Sullivan.  This is a live performance with spoken introductions and accompanied by superb orchestral backing tracks.

London Festival Opera brings together distinguished artists from the major companies including the Royal Opera, ENO and Glyndebourne with exceptional young singers.   Past performances have been throughout the UK and Europe, including in one of the world’s greatest opera houses La Fenice in Venice, and as far afield as Hong Kong, Africa and India.

An evening not to be missed for all opera lovers and a perfect first visit to the opera!

‘A stirring performance’  THE TIMES

‘Opera at its very best’  THE OXFORD TIMES

www.londonfestivalopera.co.uk 

Presented by Clive Conway

Sir Derek Jacobi in conversation with Richard Clifford

Sir Derek Jacobi ‘is an icon of Stage and Screen’ … known for his work at the Royal National Theatre, has a BAFTA, Olivier, Emmy, Screen Guild and Tony Award and to top it all off; Derek was given a Knighthood for his services to theatre by Queen Elizabeth II.  Not bad for a boy who grew up in Essex, the son of a corner shop owner and a secretary. From Leytonstone and the Leyton Players to ‘Hamlet’ at the Edinburgh Fringe and a scholarship to Cambridge.

With peers such as Ian McKellen and Trevor Nunn; Derek is a founding member of the National Theatre and was invited to be a member of the Birmingham Rep.  Derek is an enormous talent with Shakespeare running through his blood and having starred in almost every Shakespearian play, notably in ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Othello’, two of the greats.

Six decades and so many big screen favourites… ‘I, Claudius’, ‘Gladiator I’ and ‘Gladiator II’, ‘Last Tango in Halifax’, ‘The Crown’, ‘The Day of the Jackal’, ‘Nanny McPhee’, ‘Gosford Park’ and ‘The King’s Speech’ to mention just a few of his triumphs. And let’s not forget, his audio book work, which includes ‘The Night Garden’ for the BBC children's series another huge hit.  There is no doubt that Derek has an incredible body of work

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Richard Clifford is an actor and director. Richard has appeared in films such as ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’, ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (all directed by Kenneth Branagh), ‘My Week With Marilyn’ and ‘Justice League’, as well as TV such as ‘The Crown’ and ‘It’s A Sin’. Theatre credits include ‘Amadeus’ at Chichester and ‘Henry V’ in the West End. He has directed productions at Washington’s Folger Shakespeare Theatre for over 20 years. With Richard in the driving seat for the evening, there will be incredible insight, joy of Shakespeare… and so much more, as he is also Derek’s partner.