News

As our tour continues, we’re taking a look at what was happening in our next five cities in the 1960’s…

 

 

Bradford

• Bradford University Students rocked out at their student’s union to Status Quo, as well as watching folk, blues and jazz groups.
• In the classical music world, Bradfordian violinist Rodney Friend became the youngest ever leader of the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1964.
  
  

  ©Rodney Friend 2009

• Bradford born David Hockney caught the eyes of many art fans as an important contributor to the 1960’s Pop Art Movement.
• Hairspray venue the Alhambra Theatre hosted a variety of performances including famous comedians Laurel & Hardy.

Southampton

• Exclusive members club The Concorde hosted many soon-to-be big names including Rod Stewart and Elton John.
• Southampton officially became a city in 1964
• Hairspray venue the Mayflower Theatre, which was named The Gaumont in the 60’s, hosted theatre and music but was primarily a cinema. Many famous acts played at the venue including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Ipswich

• Hairspray venue the Regent Theatre hosted many big names in the 60’s including Buddy Holly and the Crickets, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix.
• Ipswich born actor Ian Hendry starred alongside Sean Connery in 1965 film The Hill.
• Stage and screen actor Ralph Fiennes was born in Ipswich in 1962. He first achieved success at the Royal National Theatre, but is most famous as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter films as well as his roles in The Grand Budapest Hotel, Schindler’s List and James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre.

Brighton

• Youth subcultures were infamously a key part of 1960’s life in Brighton, particularly the Mods and Rockers who caused a lot of controversy for the city.
• The Brighton Dome was a key music venue with performances by many big-name acts including Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd.
• Brighton born singer and comedienne Jill Day made a name for herself in the 60’s through her music, acting and BBC Television show The Jill Day Show.
• Brighton was the base for renowned Theatre actor and director Laurence Olivier during the 1960’s.

Birmingham

• Birmingham boasted a vibrant music scene in the 1960s with over 500 bands of a wide variety and combination of sounds and genres forming in the city. Notable artists included The Applejacks, The Rockin’ Berries, The Moody Blues and The Fortunes.
• The Spencer Davis Group were originally from Birmingham. They combined Folk, Jazz, Blues and Soul to create a new Rhythm and Blue sound and are arguably one of Birmingham’s most successful bands.
• Alongside artists of many other genres, Birmingham was the birthplace of Heavy Metal music in the late 1960’s. Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and half of Led Zeppelin originally came from the city.

 

Don’t forget to book tickets for Hairspray the Musical at these venues and more. View all venues here.