Theatre News

Rolf Harris performs rare solo show at Royal Festival Hall, 8 Feb

Veteran entertainer Rolf Harris will make a rare stage appearance at the Royal Festival Hall next year when he presents a solo show featuring his trademark songs, wobble board and live art.

Harris, who was awarded a CBE in 2006 and is today officially appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia, will perform at the Festival Hall for one night only on 8 February 2013.

He said: “This will be the first time I will be playing a solo performance at the
Royal Festival Hall. Previously, I have been one item as part of a
show. I’m really looking forward to it, I just love the feeling of the
place – it’s purpose built and a wonderful venue.”

The show will comprise painting live on stage and performances of his hit songs
including “Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport”, “Two Little Boys” and “Stairway
to Heaven”. Harris will be joined by his seven-piece band –
featuring “possibly one of the biggest didgeridoos in the world” – and the
show will be interspersed with stories from his inimitable career, which has seen him headline Glastonbury and paint a portrait of the Queen.

The Southbank Centre also announced today the line-up for its Christmas season. Highlights include the UK premiere of Meow Meow’s Little Match Girl; the return of Slava’s Snowshow; and Wayne Hemingway’s A Vintage New Year’s Eve Party, transforming the Festival Hall into a “hotspot of glamour” replete with views of the Thames fireworks.