Aretha Franklin hits to take the UK by storm

RESPECT The Aretha Franklin Songbook will be coming to a theatre near you - and we’re offering our readers a discount to the show!

ICON: RESPECT: The Aretha Franklin Songbook

DIRECT FROM London’s Eventim Apollo, RESPECT: The Aretha Franklin Songbook is coming to theatres across the UK as it embarks on a 50-date tour.

From the creator of West-End smash hit Thriller Live and directed by Racky Plews (Footloose, American Idiot), with script & choreography by Tiffany King, Respect: The Aretha Franklin Songbook is a live concert that pays tribute to the Queen of Soul with an uplifting sermon celebrating her life and greatest hits.

The production features world class lead vocals from Stacy Francis, Cleopatra Higgins, Tanya Edwards and Cleo Stewart accompanied by a live band and gospel choir. 

LEGACY

Franklin sadly passed away on August 16 2018, leaving behind an unmatchable musical legacy that will live on forever. Her amazing discography contains some of the greatest songs ever written and recorded, and inspired this production, produced by Adrian Grant. 

Grant said: “Aretha is one of the greatest vocalists to ever perform and I had been thinking about producing a show around her music for many years. Now, I have the chance to honour Aretha and her legacy through this show. 

“Fans of all ages will love the musical journey we will take them on which spans over four decades of hits from ‘Won’t Be Long’ released in 1960 to ‘I Knew You Were Waiting’, the number one duet with George Michael in 1987.

“I’m so excited to be working with the outstanding singers and musicians we have lined up for this show. They will absolutely do Aretha’s music justice, and I myself cannot wait to hear them on stage delivering some of the most popular songs of all time!” 

One of those lead singers is the sensational Stacy Francis (X Factor, Celebrity Big Brother). She said: “I love and respect Aretha. I grew up in the Baptist Church just like her. I am also a preacher’s kid like she was. When I was 17 years old, I sang backup for her on national television in America. She was very powerful and I feel blessed to have met and worked with her. With these experiences, I feel confident in singing her music.” 

Also starring in the show is Cleopatra Higgins from the 90’s pop group Cleopatra – a singer who wowed the nation with her vocals when reaching the semi-finals of The Voice UK. “To perform Aretha Franklin’s music is always an honour,” said Higgins. 

“My intention when paying homage is to deliver respectfully and with the passion I would my own music, and so I do. I invest into the honour while giving sprinklings of myself throughout.” 

This two-hour live concert celebrating the late, great Queen of Soul will take you on a nostalgic musical journey packed with over 24 of Aretha Franklin’s greatest hits including Think, I Say A Little Prayer, Do Right Woman, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Natural Woman, Son Of A Preacher Man, Respect and many more! 

The show is also proud to support Breast Cancer Care and will be donating £1 from every programme sold to the charity. The money raised will help Breast Cancer Care & Breast Cancer Now continue to provide free services including; support over the phone with a nurse or someone who’s been there, welcoming online forums, reliable information and local group support. 

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