Paul Heaton’s The Eighth
Paul has written one of the longest pop songs ever – The 8th. Premiered at this year’s Manchester International Festival 11, it’s a song in eight chapters, a look at the seven deadly sins through a series of scenes taking place in a single neighbourhood, a poor neighbourhood, one where a new, thoroughly modern, sin The 8th is able to insinuate itself into every person’s life…
Given a theatrical narrative by award-winning playwright Che Walker (Royal Court and Young Vic) and directed by Paines Plough’s joint artistic director George Perrin, The 8th features a cast of performers from across musical genres who join Heaton for some very special shows in July.
Featuring and written by multi-platinum selling artist Paul Heaton, starring Reg E Cathey from hit US series The Wire, Ivor Novello winning artist Cherry Ghost, Mercury prize nominated Kenny Anderson, The Beautiful South’s Jacqui Abbot and many others.
Whilst the first half of the show focuses on the 8th, the second half of the shows sees the 8th’s performers joining forces to sing some of Paul’s best known tunes – include classic offerings from the Beautiful South and The Housemartins.
The staging of the show at the Manchester International Festival was a massive success with three sold out shows across the event and glowing pieces in The Independent, Guardian and Manchester Evening News. It was one of the major successes of the festival.
Look out for news of The 8th touring and a CD release in 2012!