In this poignant and critically acclaimed show, Liverpool singer songwriter Gary Edward Jones takes to the stage to tell the unique story of one of his idols, combining visuals, stage design, storytelling and, of course, that iconic music and incredible songs.

A natural storyteller, with charisma and warm Liverpudlian charm, Gary weaves together songs and stories that cross the Atlantic, from New Jersey to the North West of England.

The show is billed as honouring the musician and his music rather than a traditional tribute show. It follows Simon’s career from his early global success with duo Simon and Garfunkel to his incredible solo career, which included 13 multi-million selling albums and 16 Grammy Awards. And alongside tales from Simon’s life the evening includes a string of his hits from ballads like, The Sound of Silence, America and Kathy’s Song, to the more upbeat Me And Julio, 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover and Wristband.

The show premiered in Liverpool, where it enjoyed a successful two-night pilot run at the Epstein Theatre in Autumn 2018. And after receiving 5-star reviews producer Bill Elms is lining up more dates across the region. “Feedback from the pilot run was incredible an inspiring, and it made us even more determined to take the story on the road, where it belongs,” says Bill.

Performer Gary adds: “We thoroughly enjoyed the creative process for Something About Simon, taking the show from paper to rehearsals to stage. We were completely overwhelmed by the audience response, and now we cannot wait for the next phase in the show’s development – first stop the Albert Halls in Spring.”

Something About Simon is at Albert Halls Bolton on 27 April 2019. Visit website for details.

For a chance to win a pair of tickets to the 7.30pm performance of Something About Simon at Albert Halls Bolton on Saturday 27 April email your full name and address to competitions@quayslife.com with Something About Simon in the subject line.

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The competition closes at noon on Friday 15 March 2019.

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The reason has nothing to do with the lasting quality of the story or the script, which, although a definite period piece, is as relevant today in its human truths and raucous humour – think of a poetical Shameless and you’re there.

Rather, it is the quality of the performances that Cartwright’s script demands that can be so difficult to find. Little Voice has to be able to act her socks off, sing like a dream, and impersonate a whole range of divas – Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Shirley Bassey and Marilyn Monroe to name a few. However, until she finds her voice, LV hasn’t much to say, leaving the main comedy of the piece to be carried by the rest of the cast, particularly the central role of her loud-mouth mother, Mari.

Here the Octagon has not let Cartwright down in his home town, bringing together a sterling cast in a highly entertaining production. Katie Elin-Salt plays LV as a girl almost possessed by the spirits of her late father’s record collection, her real strength being the soaring clarity of her voice in the nightclub scenes when, singing with a three piece live band, she jumps from one impersonation to the next.

A red-haired Sue Devaney relishes in the role of Mari, her natural energy maintaining the pace of the production at breakneck speed. It is an incredible performance, both in the range and depth of emotion that she evokes from the part. Mari, tottering around in skyscraper heels and thigh-high skirts, is struggling to come to terms with the passing of time. All “liquor and lacquer” she is brash, foul-mouthed and selfish, with no interest in her daughter until her wheeler dealer boyfriend, Ray Say (Matt Healy) suggests he could make her a star.

Yet, in a play about dreams and broken dreams Devaney brings out the anguish in a character who we feel has never quite got it right, winning the audience’s sympathy as well as their laughter. Terrific support is also given by Healy, both handsome and greasy as the despicable Ray; Sally Bankes, as Mari’s put-upon friend, Sadie, and Max Beesley snr, who brings just the right amount of pizzazz to nightclub compere, Mr Boo, stealing a high kick after every gag.

At almost three hours long, director Elizabeth Newman hasn’t pulled back on any scenes in the play, but the strength of performances makes sure that it flies along. I loved every minute.

The Rise And Fall of Little Voice by Jim Cartwright is at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton from 31 May 2012 to 30 June 2012.

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