Lawrence Batley Theatre has announced the artists collaborating on ‘Prince Reimagined’ showing on Sunday August 6 as part of Kirklees Year of Music 2023.
‘Prince Reimagined’ is an Arts Council England-funded project created by Lawrence Batley Theatre and Hardeep Sahota.
The project aims to review Prince’s music in diverse and exciting musical genres, giving new experiences to long-standing fans, and an insight into Prince’s music to younger generations who may be inspired by his life and work.
The project also looks to collect oral histories from people who have been affected by the music and creativity of Prince.
The project has brought together artists from across the UK, led by lead writer Boff Whalley, former guitarist of the rock band Chumbawumba, and musical director Jennifer Pugh.
Giving voice to the reimagined Prince tracks will be singers Maddie Morris who was the winner of the 2019 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, and Rachel Modest, a semi-finalist on ITV’s The Voice in 2022.
The South Asian women’s choir Song Geet, who recently performed at King Charles III’s coronation concert as part of the Coronation Choir, will provide backing vocals.
Hardeep Sahota. Images by: Robling Photography
A line-up of world class musicians will breathe new life into Prince’s music including Sumie Kent on the Japanese harp; James Frankland on guitar; Carol Hodge on keys and vocals; Sunil Kalyan on tabla and dholak; Vijay Venkat on violin; Lisanse Changwe on vocals; Christine Avis on cello; Dudley Nesbit on steel pan; and Abi Swift on drums.
The headline performance will also include dancing from ballet dancer Erica Mulkern and Rebecca Kane.
This line-up of creatives will now work towards a headline performance which will take place in Lawrence Batley Theatre’s main house on Sunday August 6 (7.30pm).
Becky Atkinson, chief executive of Lawrence Batley Theatre, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring together such an incredible line-up of artists to bring Prince Reimagined to life.
“We can’t wait to welcome them to Huddersfield and for our audiences to experience the magic that they will create together.
“We’re really grateful for the support from Arts Council England as well as Kirklees Year of Music for helping make this happen.”
Hardeep Singh Sahota said: “I am excited to work alongside these world-class musicians to reimagine the songs of Prince into diverse and exciting musical genres from across the globe.
“This project has been two years in the making and now I can’t wait to create this piece in honour of one of the greatest artists to have ever graced the stage.”
Tickets cost £16 and can be booked on the theatre website HERE.
