Basket: £0.00
Basket: £0.00
Unbound Theatre's riotously-funny sleuthing audio sitcom jumps from recording studio to stage. In Victorian London there is one man people turn to when faced with an impossible mystery. The Great Detective himself, Sherlock Holmes. And when Holmes is too busy to help, Inspector Murder takes up the mantle! Come and revel in the fantastically funny misadventures of the second-best consulting detective agency, including the eponymous Inspector, his fellow sleuth Laura Norder, their genius inventor and bondsman Luc Vercluse, and thoroughly unhinged housekeeper Constance Urveillence. Join the cast and crew as they perform a live reading of two episodes from the show's furst season, including an infamous misadventure aboard a speeding train... Suitable for ages 16+
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Unbound Theatre present their latest Shakespeare tour, bringing the Bard’s work to audiences across Buckinghamshire! When former lovers Beatrice and Benedick are reunited in Messina, a merry war begins. At the same time, Count Claudio is about to meet the love of his life - but not everyone in the city wishes the union well... This brand-new production of Shakespeare’s iconic comedy is perfect for fans of the Bard as well as those a bit suspicious of Shakespeare! Had a bad experience with his plays at school? Can’t deal with another show full of men in tights? This is the show for you! The production will debut for two nights here at QPAC before heading out and about on tour, including dates at Waddesdon Manor and Wycombe Museum. Click here to book for touring performances.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Unbound Theatre present their latest Shakespeare tour, bringing the Bard’s work to audiences across Buckinghamshire! PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to book for the two performances at QPAC's Limelight Theatre on 14-15 July, please click here. When former lovers Beatrice and Benedick are reunited in Messina, a merry war begins. At the same time, Count Claudio is about to meet the love of his life - but not everyone in the city wishes the union well... This brand-new production of Shakespeare’s iconic comedy is perfect for fans of the Bard as well as those a bit suspicious of Shakespeare! Had a bad experience with his plays at school? Can’t deal with another show full of men in tights? This is the show for you! Tour Schedule: Fri 14 Jul - Queens Park Arts Centre (7.30pm - click here to book) Sat 15 Jul - Queens Park Arts Centre (7.30pm - click here to book) Sun 16 Jul - Wycombe Museum (1.30pm - click here to book) Fri 21 Jul - Nag's Head, Great Missenden (7.30pm - free entry) Sat 22 Jul - Buckingham Library (2pm - book via calendar below) Sun 23 Jul - Waddesdon Manor (2pm - free with grounds admission) Fri 28 Jul - Sunneyhill Barn, Rowsham (7.30pm - book via calendar below) Sun 30 Jul - King's Head, Aylesbury (2pm - free entry)
Queens Park Arts Centre
External Events
DISCOUNT PERFORMANCES: Fri 8 Dec (7.30pm), Sat 9 Dec (5.30pm) & Fri 15 Dec (7.30pm) SIGNED PERFORMANCES: Sat 9 Dec (1pm) & Fri 29 Dec (7.30pm) RELAXED PERFORMANCE: Sun 17 Dec (5:30pm) Directed by Erika Sanderson | Written by Dario Knight | Music by Stephen J Davies Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning! Queens Park Arts Centre celebrates the 40th birthday of its Limelight Theatre by staging a magical pantomime adventure with Peter Pan. Some years have passed since Wendy Darling and her brothers said goodbye to Peter Pan. Now he’s back! Magic is disappearing from Neverland. Peter needs Wendy’s help – but neither of them is quite the person the other remembers. Only Christmas itself can restore the magic, but is it already too late? Alongside a cast of pratfalling pirates, lively Lost Boys and wonderful Wild Girls, Peter and Wendy embark on a magical adventure – but a terrifying foe lurks in the shadows. This year’s pantomime show is packed full of rib-tickling slapstick routines, amazing dances and songs, and beautiful handmade sets, costumes, props and puppets from the artists and makers of Queens Park Arts Centre. The show is produced by Queens Park’s in-house storytelling company Unbound, and once again features amazing dance routines choreographed and performed by SDSD. Show Run-time (incl. interval): 2hrs Praise for previous Queens Park pantomimes: "Truly brilliant, we laughed ourselves silly." "It was stunning - the professionals couldn't out-do you." "Absolutely fantastic. My children loved it and will be talking about it for quite a long time to come. Thanks to all the cast & crew who made it such a brilliant night."
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Come and seee the band live to witness a show which will take you back to the late seventies and early eighties when The Jam played as one of the most iconic and influential bands in music history. If you like The Jam then you will love A Band Called Malice and are guaranteed to have an unforgettable evening for all the right reasons! In 2017, A Band Called Malice was formed when frontman Andy Coultas decided to create a new band. A band to recreate the sound of The Jam with the attitude and feel of the original line up. Finding musicians to do this was not an easy task as the people in the band had to be of exceptional standard, able to sing, able to commit, love The Jam, and of course be fit and agile enough to reproduce the live performance of Weller, Foxton and Buckler. Andy turned to Jo Adams from Their Music Rocks, a promotional agency, and together they searched fior the right band members and, after a year of auditions and rehearsals, they finally settled on the superb line up to make up A Band Called Malice.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
A Celebration of the Music of Coldplay; capturing the sound and energy of one of the biggest bands in the world. Featuring the hits and many surprises for all fans of Coldplay. -- “Brilliant musicians! Great Sound! Thank you so much.” - Sara Shipp “Great Evening Will certainly come again!” - Di Humber “You guys were IMMENSE.” - Raptorneet “Great evening and well done for recreating the Coldplay sound.” - Mark Baber
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Saturday 17 June 8PM Join Aidan the Wizard as he makes his debut performance at QPAC's Limelight Theatre with a brand-new 'work in progress' magic and mind reading show. In this hilarious and jaw-dropping show, audience members will put Aidan to the test in a once-in-a-lifetime experience to find out if it's really possible to read minds - live on stage. Nobody really knows what's going to happen in these shows...except that secrets will fly, minds will be blown and we’ll all have a good laugh in the process. Not suitable for under 15's.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
A brand new regular comedy night at the Limelight Theatre. See below for upcoming dates / line-ups. FRIDAY 12 MAY (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) STEVE WILLIAMS KATE MARTIN TREVOR BICKLES * FRIDAY 30 JUNE (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) JAVIER JARQUIN JAMES COOK RAE LLOYD * FRIDAY 28 JULY (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) MARLON DAVIS DAMAN BAMRAH MARY FLANIGAN * PLEASE NOTE: All line-ups are subject to change
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
From the age of 9, John Otway knew he wanted to be a pop star. But even at that young age, having listened to his sister's Beatles and Stones records, he knew he would never be able to do what they do. However, when his sister got the latest Bob Dylan album, he knew there was a place for him and he set about learning how to play guitar. Otway had to wait until 1977 and the rise of punk before his dream of fame and fortune would finally become a reality. Having caught the eye of the producers of the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test, Otway's performance on that show would grab the attention of the watching audience. Otway, ever the showman, decided to jump on to the amplifier of his colleague during a performance of Bob Lind's Cheryl's Going Home. (Un)fortunately for Otway, he misjudged his leap and sent Wild Willy Barrett’s amplifier tumbling as he crashed down straddling the box under the amp. The full force of the impact was absorbed by the most tender part of his body, but in doing this one simple act of recklessness and his wanton disregard for his own safety, Otway was the talk of everyone who watched that evening's programme. Not only did he see a surge in his audiences, sales of Otway's sixth single, the halfspoken love song Really Free increased dramatically and reached number 27 in the UK Singles Chart. An appearance on the BBC's flagship music programme Top of the Pops, where Otway & Barrett were introduced by Elton John later, Otway was finally a star. It would however, be his greatest success for some time. Despite numerous attempts to get back into the charts, Otway would have to wait 25 years for his next taste of chart success. In the intervening years, Otway would become an actor; write an autobiography (Cor Baby That’s Really Me: Rock and Roll’s Greatest Failure); perform sold out shows at London’s Astoria and Royal Albert Hall; make regular appearances at both Glastonbury and Edinburgh Festivals; and write the nation’s seventh favourite lyric of all-time (beating Bob Dylan and Paul Simon in the process). In 2002, Otway achieved what he desired the most – a second hit. A concerted publicity campaign saw Otway reach number 9 with the disco pastiche Bunsen Burner and a second appearance on Top of the Pops. Despite this success, a planned world tour collapsed, but Otway continued to gig extensively around the UK either with his band, as a duo with Wild Willy Barrett or solo. A follow-up autobiography was penned in 2010 and titled: I Did It Otway: Regrets I’ve Had a Few. To celebrate his 60th birthday in 2012, Otway produced his debut movie titled Otway the Movie: The Story of Rock n Roll’s Greatest Failure. A screening for producers was held at London’s Leicester Square with the final scenes from the movie filmed on the red carpet and edited into the film as the audience were watching. The film was then taken to Cannes Film Festival and a 50-date tour of cinemas in both the UK and North America. It was subsequently voted the 2nd best film of the year in a poll of its readers conducted by The Guardian newspaper. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, Otway took his band to the Caribbean island of Montserrat to record a new album. The album would be the first to be recorded on the island by an international artist since The Rolling Stones recorded Steel Wheels in 1989. Produced by Grammy-award winner Chris Birkett and recorded at Olveston House – the former home of Sir George Martin, it was released to critical acclaim in May 2017.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
John Young is the front man for Lifesigns, a band fast establishing itself as one of the current leaders in new progressive rock, pop and jazz fusion. John’s solo show is a mixture of music and stories through the years from when he first started touring the world with Uli Jon Roth’s Electric Sun back in 1985 through to 2023 with Lifesigns. Over the years he has worked with: Asia, John Wetton, The Scorpions, Bonnie Tyler, Paul Rodgers and the Law, Roy Wood, Fish, Electric Sun, Mammoth, The Strawbs, Greenslade and Lucio Battisti to name but a few, as well as guesting with Ringo & George, Robert Plant & Jimmy Page and many more. John has won both the PROG Magazine Keyboard player of the year for 2021 and the last Classic Rock Society keyboard player of the year award in 2017. Lifesigns also featured heavily in critics' top 10s for their recent album Altitude and were voted by many as the best band on Cruise to the Edge in 2022. When you think that other acts included Marillion, the Alan Parsons Project, Simon Phillips, Transatlantic and the Frank Zappa Band… that’s quite an honour. Music will range from John’s solo career through to the music of Lifesigns. Listen on YouTube and on Lifesigns website
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Friday 16 Feb 8PM Legends of Motown is a tribute show jam packed with all of Motown’s biggest hits, with stunning vocals and amazing live band, celebrating the music of the iconic and timeless Motown era.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Join us for the return of the QPAC Open Mic Night. Step onto the Limelight Theatre stage and share your talent with an appreciative crowd. Whether a musician, a magician, a comedian, a singer, a dancer, an actor or an all-rounder - all are welcome. Or - if you're happy away from the footlights - graba drink from the Limelight bar and come and enjoy a night of great local talent. Each act gets a 10-minute slot. Cost of Entry is £5 for audience members and £3 for performers. PLEASE NOTE: Acoustic acts only. A jack cable will be provided for electro-acoustic intruments. If bringing your own backing music, please have it available as an mp3 file on a USB stick, CD, or phone/tablet with a headphone socket.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
This magnetic bond still holds after more than 40 years of attempted escapes and still loved for their total in-yer-face originality, the contrast between the dead pan humour of Barrett and mad onstage antics of Otway are hilarious to watch. John’s lyrical genius and Willy’s outstanding musicianship (he seems to play almost every stringed instrument known to man, plus a few hybrids of his own making!) Ever keen to add a new dimension to the show, Willy has a new addition to his array of instruments. Beware the Moose Homp!!. Willy’s interest in making instruments began when he commandeered two guitars made by his dad in 1965. One from an old guitar neck and a scaffold plank which became affectionally known as the Les Dawson, and the other branded the Mk1 Schitstik electric slide of similar pedigree. These instruments were used on many of the early tracks, including Really Free and Racing Cars) Was the Last Straw Tour of 2017 to be the end? Willy’s remark “this will be the last time that many of you will see us together again” was often hastily misinterpreted as the final throw of the dice, but the reason given “it’s not us packing up, it’s you lot dying off, you know who you are!” is often overlooked by eager scribes. And so the rumours abound. For any Otway/Barrett virgins out there who don’t know what to expect, be prepared for everything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin as the duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another: An amazing and irreverent performance by two master entertainers.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
A night with the Skamungas is a night not to be missed! If you thought you didn’t like ska and reggae this band might well change your mind, or even your life, with their infectious enthusiasm and unique take on those instantly recognisable ska and reggae standards. Expect a musical jaunt through the history of ska and reggae – do you know the difference? From 60s Caribbean artists such as Desmond Dekker, Toots and the Maytals, and Jimmy Cliff, through the 70s with Dave and Ansell Collins and the wonderful songs of 80s bands Madness, The Selecter, The Specials, and Bad Manners. Then on to the 90s and Reel Big Fish, and more recently, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra and Paolo Nutini. Just to name a few! And that’s not all. The band in ska/reggae tradition takes classic pop and rock songs and feeds them through the Skamungas machine to be performed as though always intended as ska or reggae numbers. Their ska rendition of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” is a particular favourite as is “These Boots Were Made for Walking”, yes, the Nancy Sinatra number! In 2017 some very talented musicians from across the Home Counties came together to do something different. Skamungas was formed and rapidly achieved a great live reputation evidenced by headlining Astonbury 2017, their first festival, and Live In The Park 2018 in Aylesbury before 10,000+ people. The band was selected from hundreds of contenders to play PennFest 2018, on the bill with the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Feeder and Manic Street Preachers. 2019 was a triumph of sell out dates, the band now playing far and wide across Southern England, continuing to headline festivals and being courted by ever bigger venues and clubs stretching from the south coast up through London to the Midlands. With a terrific brass section of trombone and tenor sax, driving drums and bass, rhythmic guitar and keyboards, harmonised backing vocals and a lead vocalist to die for, Skamungas is set to achieve even greater things. Please note, this will be a seated gig. Skamungas Follow Skamungas on Facebook.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
“…If I’d closed my eyes, I would have thought it was The Beatles…fantastic!” Review from 2019 Friars Club show at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Described by The British Beatles Fan club as “definitely not your average Beatles band”, since 2013 The Dung Beatles have carved out a unique reputation for performing the music of The Beatles with authenticity, passion and raw energy to sell-out audiences around the UK. Today, live shows draw on an incredible repertoire of over a hundred songs, including both hits and rarely heard album tracks, that have also made the band popular guests on BBC. “A must-see band for all Beatles fans”.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
The KT Bush Band were formed in 1977 and featured Brian Bath on guitar, Del Palmer on bass, Vic King on drums and a young female singer called Kate Bush. The band gigged throughout London and the South of the U.K. playing many of Kate’s original tunes alongside some classic covers, and Brian went on not only to perform on four of her early hit albums, but also the original Tour Of Life, Kate’s only ever tour. Now the band are back, with original member Brian Bath at the helm and featuring Steve Bevan on bass, Emily Francis on keyboards, Pete Turtle on drums and the sensational Sallie-Anne Hurst on vocals. Classic Kate Bush songs are the order of the day, alongside a few never-heard-before originals from back in the day, all intertwined with entertaining and sometimes hilarious anecdotes from the gentlemen that were there to help launch Kate’s hugely successful career back in the day. A show not to be missed - this is not a tribute band. This is The KT Bush Band.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
In a brand-new format for 2023, multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer will be joined by exquisite singer and bass player Miranda Sykes, solo performer, and frequent collaborator with Show of Hands. Completing the line-up is highly accomplished drummer 'AMA-UK Instrumentalist of the Year 2020' Sian Monaghan. The Phil Beer Trio promises an exciting evening of combined talent & musicianship - not to be missed! www.showofhands.co.uk
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Unbound Theatre's riotously-funny sleuthing audio sitcom jumps from recording studio to stage. In Victorian London there is one man people turn to when faced with an impossible mystery. The Great Detective himself, Sherlock Holmes. And when Holmes is too busy to help, Inspector Murder takes up the mantle! Come and revel in the fantastically funny misadventures of the second-best consulting detective agency, including the eponymous Inspector, his fellow sleuth Laura Norder, their genius inventor and bondsman Luc Vercluse, and thoroughly unhinged housekeeper Constance Urveillence. Join the cast and crew as they perform a live reading of two episodes from the show's furst season, including an infamous misadventure aboard a speeding train... Suitable for ages 16+
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Unbound Theatre present their latest Shakespeare tour, bringing the Bard’s work to audiences across Buckinghamshire! When former lovers Beatrice and Benedick are reunited in Messina, a merry war begins. At the same time, Count Claudio is about to meet the love of his life - but not everyone in the city wishes the union well... This brand-new production of Shakespeare’s iconic comedy is perfect for fans of the Bard as well as those a bit suspicious of Shakespeare! Had a bad experience with his plays at school? Can’t deal with another show full of men in tights? This is the show for you! The production will debut for two nights here at QPAC before heading out and about on tour, including dates at Waddesdon Manor and Wycombe Museum. Click here to book for touring performances.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Unbound Theatre present their latest Shakespeare tour, bringing the Bard’s work to audiences across Buckinghamshire! PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to book for the two performances at QPAC's Limelight Theatre on 14-15 July, please click here. When former lovers Beatrice and Benedick are reunited in Messina, a merry war begins. At the same time, Count Claudio is about to meet the love of his life - but not everyone in the city wishes the union well... This brand-new production of Shakespeare’s iconic comedy is perfect for fans of the Bard as well as those a bit suspicious of Shakespeare! Had a bad experience with his plays at school? Can’t deal with another show full of men in tights? This is the show for you! Tour Schedule: Fri 14 Jul - Queens Park Arts Centre (7.30pm - click here to book) Sat 15 Jul - Queens Park Arts Centre (7.30pm - click here to book) Sun 16 Jul - Wycombe Museum (1.30pm - click here to book) Fri 21 Jul - Nag's Head, Great Missenden (7.30pm - free entry) Sat 22 Jul - Buckingham Library (2pm - book via calendar below) Sun 23 Jul - Waddesdon Manor (2pm - free with grounds admission) Fri 28 Jul - Sunneyhill Barn, Rowsham (7.30pm - book via calendar below) Sun 30 Jul - King's Head, Aylesbury (2pm - free entry)
Queens Park Arts Centre
External Events
DISCOUNT PERFORMANCES: Fri 8 Dec (7.30pm), Sat 9 Dec (5.30pm) & Fri 15 Dec (7.30pm) SIGNED PERFORMANCES: Sat 9 Dec (1pm) & Fri 29 Dec (7.30pm) RELAXED PERFORMANCE: Sun 17 Dec (5:30pm) Directed by Erika Sanderson | Written by Dario Knight | Music by Stephen J Davies Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning! Queens Park Arts Centre celebrates the 40th birthday of its Limelight Theatre by staging a magical pantomime adventure with Peter Pan. Some years have passed since Wendy Darling and her brothers said goodbye to Peter Pan. Now he’s back! Magic is disappearing from Neverland. Peter needs Wendy’s help – but neither of them is quite the person the other remembers. Only Christmas itself can restore the magic, but is it already too late? Alongside a cast of pratfalling pirates, lively Lost Boys and wonderful Wild Girls, Peter and Wendy embark on a magical adventure – but a terrifying foe lurks in the shadows. This year’s pantomime show is packed full of rib-tickling slapstick routines, amazing dances and songs, and beautiful handmade sets, costumes, props and puppets from the artists and makers of Queens Park Arts Centre. The show is produced by Queens Park’s in-house storytelling company Unbound, and once again features amazing dance routines choreographed and performed by SDSD. Show Run-time (incl. interval): 2hrs Praise for previous Queens Park pantomimes: "Truly brilliant, we laughed ourselves silly." "It was stunning - the professionals couldn't out-do you." "Absolutely fantastic. My children loved it and will be talking about it for quite a long time to come. Thanks to all the cast & crew who made it such a brilliant night."
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Come and seee the band live to witness a show which will take you back to the late seventies and early eighties when The Jam played as one of the most iconic and influential bands in music history. If you like The Jam then you will love A Band Called Malice and are guaranteed to have an unforgettable evening for all the right reasons! In 2017, A Band Called Malice was formed when frontman Andy Coultas decided to create a new band. A band to recreate the sound of The Jam with the attitude and feel of the original line up. Finding musicians to do this was not an easy task as the people in the band had to be of exceptional standard, able to sing, able to commit, love The Jam, and of course be fit and agile enough to reproduce the live performance of Weller, Foxton and Buckler. Andy turned to Jo Adams from Their Music Rocks, a promotional agency, and together they searched fior the right band members and, after a year of auditions and rehearsals, they finally settled on the superb line up to make up A Band Called Malice.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
A Celebration of the Music of Coldplay; capturing the sound and energy of one of the biggest bands in the world. Featuring the hits and many surprises for all fans of Coldplay. -- “Brilliant musicians! Great Sound! Thank you so much.” - Sara Shipp “Great Evening Will certainly come again!” - Di Humber “You guys were IMMENSE.” - Raptorneet “Great evening and well done for recreating the Coldplay sound.” - Mark Baber
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Saturday 17 June 8PM Join Aidan the Wizard as he makes his debut performance at QPAC's Limelight Theatre with a brand-new 'work in progress' magic and mind reading show. In this hilarious and jaw-dropping show, audience members will put Aidan to the test in a once-in-a-lifetime experience to find out if it's really possible to read minds - live on stage. Nobody really knows what's going to happen in these shows...except that secrets will fly, minds will be blown and we’ll all have a good laugh in the process. Not suitable for under 15's.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
A brand new regular comedy night at the Limelight Theatre. See below for upcoming dates / line-ups. FRIDAY 12 MAY (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) STEVE WILLIAMS KATE MARTIN TREVOR BICKLES * FRIDAY 30 JUNE (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) JAVIER JARQUIN JAMES COOK RAE LLOYD * FRIDAY 28 JULY (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) MARLON DAVIS DAMAN BAMRAH MARY FLANIGAN * PLEASE NOTE: All line-ups are subject to change
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
From the age of 9, John Otway knew he wanted to be a pop star. But even at that young age, having listened to his sister's Beatles and Stones records, he knew he would never be able to do what they do. However, when his sister got the latest Bob Dylan album, he knew there was a place for him and he set about learning how to play guitar. Otway had to wait until 1977 and the rise of punk before his dream of fame and fortune would finally become a reality. Having caught the eye of the producers of the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test, Otway's performance on that show would grab the attention of the watching audience. Otway, ever the showman, decided to jump on to the amplifier of his colleague during a performance of Bob Lind's Cheryl's Going Home. (Un)fortunately for Otway, he misjudged his leap and sent Wild Willy Barrett’s amplifier tumbling as he crashed down straddling the box under the amp. The full force of the impact was absorbed by the most tender part of his body, but in doing this one simple act of recklessness and his wanton disregard for his own safety, Otway was the talk of everyone who watched that evening's programme. Not only did he see a surge in his audiences, sales of Otway's sixth single, the halfspoken love song Really Free increased dramatically and reached number 27 in the UK Singles Chart. An appearance on the BBC's flagship music programme Top of the Pops, where Otway & Barrett were introduced by Elton John later, Otway was finally a star. It would however, be his greatest success for some time. Despite numerous attempts to get back into the charts, Otway would have to wait 25 years for his next taste of chart success. In the intervening years, Otway would become an actor; write an autobiography (Cor Baby That’s Really Me: Rock and Roll’s Greatest Failure); perform sold out shows at London’s Astoria and Royal Albert Hall; make regular appearances at both Glastonbury and Edinburgh Festivals; and write the nation’s seventh favourite lyric of all-time (beating Bob Dylan and Paul Simon in the process). In 2002, Otway achieved what he desired the most – a second hit. A concerted publicity campaign saw Otway reach number 9 with the disco pastiche Bunsen Burner and a second appearance on Top of the Pops. Despite this success, a planned world tour collapsed, but Otway continued to gig extensively around the UK either with his band, as a duo with Wild Willy Barrett or solo. A follow-up autobiography was penned in 2010 and titled: I Did It Otway: Regrets I’ve Had a Few. To celebrate his 60th birthday in 2012, Otway produced his debut movie titled Otway the Movie: The Story of Rock n Roll’s Greatest Failure. A screening for producers was held at London’s Leicester Square with the final scenes from the movie filmed on the red carpet and edited into the film as the audience were watching. The film was then taken to Cannes Film Festival and a 50-date tour of cinemas in both the UK and North America. It was subsequently voted the 2nd best film of the year in a poll of its readers conducted by The Guardian newspaper. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, Otway took his band to the Caribbean island of Montserrat to record a new album. The album would be the first to be recorded on the island by an international artist since The Rolling Stones recorded Steel Wheels in 1989. Produced by Grammy-award winner Chris Birkett and recorded at Olveston House – the former home of Sir George Martin, it was released to critical acclaim in May 2017.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
John Young is the front man for Lifesigns, a band fast establishing itself as one of the current leaders in new progressive rock, pop and jazz fusion. John’s solo show is a mixture of music and stories through the years from when he first started touring the world with Uli Jon Roth’s Electric Sun back in 1985 through to 2023 with Lifesigns. Over the years he has worked with: Asia, John Wetton, The Scorpions, Bonnie Tyler, Paul Rodgers and the Law, Roy Wood, Fish, Electric Sun, Mammoth, The Strawbs, Greenslade and Lucio Battisti to name but a few, as well as guesting with Ringo & George, Robert Plant & Jimmy Page and many more. John has won both the PROG Magazine Keyboard player of the year for 2021 and the last Classic Rock Society keyboard player of the year award in 2017. Lifesigns also featured heavily in critics' top 10s for their recent album Altitude and were voted by many as the best band on Cruise to the Edge in 2022. When you think that other acts included Marillion, the Alan Parsons Project, Simon Phillips, Transatlantic and the Frank Zappa Band… that’s quite an honour. Music will range from John’s solo career through to the music of Lifesigns. Listen on YouTube and on Lifesigns website
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Friday 16 Feb 8PM Legends of Motown is a tribute show jam packed with all of Motown’s biggest hits, with stunning vocals and amazing live band, celebrating the music of the iconic and timeless Motown era.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Join us for the return of the QPAC Open Mic Night. Step onto the Limelight Theatre stage and share your talent with an appreciative crowd. Whether a musician, a magician, a comedian, a singer, a dancer, an actor or an all-rounder - all are welcome. Or - if you're happy away from the footlights - graba drink from the Limelight bar and come and enjoy a night of great local talent. Each act gets a 10-minute slot. Cost of Entry is £5 for audience members and £3 for performers. PLEASE NOTE: Acoustic acts only. A jack cable will be provided for electro-acoustic intruments. If bringing your own backing music, please have it available as an mp3 file on a USB stick, CD, or phone/tablet with a headphone socket.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
This magnetic bond still holds after more than 40 years of attempted escapes and still loved for their total in-yer-face originality, the contrast between the dead pan humour of Barrett and mad onstage antics of Otway are hilarious to watch. John’s lyrical genius and Willy’s outstanding musicianship (he seems to play almost every stringed instrument known to man, plus a few hybrids of his own making!) Ever keen to add a new dimension to the show, Willy has a new addition to his array of instruments. Beware the Moose Homp!!. Willy’s interest in making instruments began when he commandeered two guitars made by his dad in 1965. One from an old guitar neck and a scaffold plank which became affectionally known as the Les Dawson, and the other branded the Mk1 Schitstik electric slide of similar pedigree. These instruments were used on many of the early tracks, including Really Free and Racing Cars) Was the Last Straw Tour of 2017 to be the end? Willy’s remark “this will be the last time that many of you will see us together again” was often hastily misinterpreted as the final throw of the dice, but the reason given “it’s not us packing up, it’s you lot dying off, you know who you are!” is often overlooked by eager scribes. And so the rumours abound. For any Otway/Barrett virgins out there who don’t know what to expect, be prepared for everything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin as the duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another: An amazing and irreverent performance by two master entertainers.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
A night with the Skamungas is a night not to be missed! If you thought you didn’t like ska and reggae this band might well change your mind, or even your life, with their infectious enthusiasm and unique take on those instantly recognisable ska and reggae standards. Expect a musical jaunt through the history of ska and reggae – do you know the difference? From 60s Caribbean artists such as Desmond Dekker, Toots and the Maytals, and Jimmy Cliff, through the 70s with Dave and Ansell Collins and the wonderful songs of 80s bands Madness, The Selecter, The Specials, and Bad Manners. Then on to the 90s and Reel Big Fish, and more recently, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra and Paolo Nutini. Just to name a few! And that’s not all. The band in ska/reggae tradition takes classic pop and rock songs and feeds them through the Skamungas machine to be performed as though always intended as ska or reggae numbers. Their ska rendition of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” is a particular favourite as is “These Boots Were Made for Walking”, yes, the Nancy Sinatra number! In 2017 some very talented musicians from across the Home Counties came together to do something different. Skamungas was formed and rapidly achieved a great live reputation evidenced by headlining Astonbury 2017, their first festival, and Live In The Park 2018 in Aylesbury before 10,000+ people. The band was selected from hundreds of contenders to play PennFest 2018, on the bill with the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Feeder and Manic Street Preachers. 2019 was a triumph of sell out dates, the band now playing far and wide across Southern England, continuing to headline festivals and being courted by ever bigger venues and clubs stretching from the south coast up through London to the Midlands. With a terrific brass section of trombone and tenor sax, driving drums and bass, rhythmic guitar and keyboards, harmonised backing vocals and a lead vocalist to die for, Skamungas is set to achieve even greater things. Please note, this will be a seated gig. Skamungas Follow Skamungas on Facebook.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
“…If I’d closed my eyes, I would have thought it was The Beatles…fantastic!” Review from 2019 Friars Club show at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Described by The British Beatles Fan club as “definitely not your average Beatles band”, since 2013 The Dung Beatles have carved out a unique reputation for performing the music of The Beatles with authenticity, passion and raw energy to sell-out audiences around the UK. Today, live shows draw on an incredible repertoire of over a hundred songs, including both hits and rarely heard album tracks, that have also made the band popular guests on BBC. “A must-see band for all Beatles fans”.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
The KT Bush Band were formed in 1977 and featured Brian Bath on guitar, Del Palmer on bass, Vic King on drums and a young female singer called Kate Bush. The band gigged throughout London and the South of the U.K. playing many of Kate’s original tunes alongside some classic covers, and Brian went on not only to perform on four of her early hit albums, but also the original Tour Of Life, Kate’s only ever tour. Now the band are back, with original member Brian Bath at the helm and featuring Steve Bevan on bass, Emily Francis on keyboards, Pete Turtle on drums and the sensational Sallie-Anne Hurst on vocals. Classic Kate Bush songs are the order of the day, alongside a few never-heard-before originals from back in the day, all intertwined with entertaining and sometimes hilarious anecdotes from the gentlemen that were there to help launch Kate’s hugely successful career back in the day. A show not to be missed - this is not a tribute band. This is The KT Bush Band.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
In a brand-new format for 2023, multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer will be joined by exquisite singer and bass player Miranda Sykes, solo performer, and frequent collaborator with Show of Hands. Completing the line-up is highly accomplished drummer 'AMA-UK Instrumentalist of the Year 2020' Sian Monaghan. The Phil Beer Trio promises an exciting evening of combined talent & musicianship - not to be missed! www.showofhands.co.uk
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
2023 All rights reserved. Powered by
