Theatre News

Paul Heaton’s MIF hit The 8th at Lowry

Following success last Summer at the Manchester International Festival, The 8th returns to Manchester. This is a new show with music and lyrics by Beautiful South singer/songwriter Paul Heaton and book by Che Walker (Been So Long) co-commissioned and co-produced with the Manchester International Festival, where it premiered from 7 to 9 July 2011.

Joined onstage by his band and a host of special guests, Heaton “transports you to a destitute neighbourhood where the seven deadly sins unfurl. From the seven an eighth is born, a new and thoroughly modern sin that imprisons all who cross its path.” Directed by George Perrin, The 8th will feature a cast of performers from “across musical genres”.

Paul will will be accompanied by star of US hit series The Wire – Reg E Cathey, Ivor Novello winning artist Cherry Ghost, ex Beautiful South singer Jacqui Abbott, Los Campesinos! vocalist Gareth Paisey as well as sweet soul singer Wayne Gidden, Scottish singer songwriter Aaron Wright, The Earlies Christian Madden, Hull country & western singer Mike Greaves and the gospel tinged voices of Yvonne Shelton and Steve Menzies.

The 8th is one of the longest songs ever written and was one of the hits of last year’s Manchester International Festival.   A song in eight chapters, it looks at the seven deadly sins through a series of scenes taking place in a single poverty-stricken neighbourhood, one where a new, thoroughly modern sin, The 8th is able to insinuate itself into every person’s life…
 
The performance of this musical will be followed by a set of some of Paul’s Greatest Hits as he is joined by the performers of The 8th for a tune packed journey through his back catalogue featuring tunes from his Beautiful South, Housemartins and solo career.

The staging of the show at the Manchester International Festival last year was a massive success, with three sold out shows across the event.

Paul Heaton’s The 8th is at the Lowry on 6th July and the album is released on 2nd July on Proper Records.