Graeae’s new production of Reasons to be Cheerful has been touring again this autumn, and going down a storm with audiences and critics alike. This raucous musical featuring the hits of Ian Dury and the Blockheads celebrates the infectious spirit of the band, and always leaves audiences shouting for more! The hits performed include Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll, Sweet Gene Vincent, Spasticus Autisticus and Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick and many more.
4-stars “An exhilarating, hugely entertaining, rollercoaster ride of a live experience.” Whats On Live
4-stars “Loud, exuberant and thoroughly enjoyable…you’ll be leaving the theatre with a very big grin on your face.” Reviews Hub
4-stars “It feels fresher than ever in this new touring version… Sealey’s production is one of glorious anarchy. Far from being an add-ons, the creative integration of sign language, audio description and captioning adds to the theatricality.”
It’s 1979: Labour loses to the Tories, strikes rock the nation and Ian Dury and the Blockheads’ Reasons to be Cheerful (Part 3) climbs the charts. As the ultimate fans, Vinnie and his mates would do anything to see Dury at the Hammersmith Odeon, only the gig is sold out. But life has a habit of throwing strange things at you, and one night of frustration becomes something else entirely…
Let’s ‘ave it! Following nationwide tours, concert versions across the world and a performance at the London 2012 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony, REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL is back on the road one last time!
‘It is amazing to think that 37 years after Ian and I wrote Reasons to be Cheerful (Part 3), the song still has such an impact and sounds so fresh. The respect they have for Ian’s lyrics and lust for life is undeniable. If Ian were alive I am sure he would be laughing his head off and applauding the bravura of this very talented ensemble. Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved.’ Chaz Jankel
See what audiences think about the show by clicking here: Link to audience vox pops
Watch the interview with Blockheads Chaz Jankel and Derek Hussey here: Link to Chaz and Derek
Watch the interview with Jemima Dury here: Link to Jemima
Tue 17 – Sat 21 October
Liverpool Everyman
Box office: 0151 709 4776
www.everymanplayhouse.com
Tue 24 October – Saturday 4 November
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Box office: 020 8534 0310
www.stratfordeast.com
For full show information and trailers, visit www.graeae.org