HE is probably best known for his impression of David Beckham.
But now Alistair McGowan is tuning up for a different type of performance – as a classical pianist.
And the entertainer has chosen Barnard Castle as one of just 12 venues for his tour show Alistair McGowan’s Introductions To Classical Piano.
The show follows the success of his recent piano album and he will play tracks from the LP and some other short classics piano pieces, from Gershwin to Grieg, Mompou to Mendelssohn, Satie to Schubert.
In the show, he mixes stories about the composers of the 14 or so pieces he plays with his trademark wit and impressions.
In between the pieces, he will talk a little about the history of each piece, the composer and his own connection to the music. Expect a lot of beautiful music some interesting stories and a sprinkling of his trademark impressions.
He said: “I’m hoping to introduce people to music they haven’t heard, or didn’t realise that they knew, but they liked.
“It’s unique, a totally new way of presenting classical music. It’s the first time, to my knowledge, that an impression of Harry Kane has introduced a piece of Debussy.”
Alistair McGowan’s was among the voices of ITV’s ground-breaking Spitting Image show in the late 1980s.
TV credits include The Big Impression, Bleak House, Live At The Apollo and he was one of the voices and writers of the new hit comedy show, The Week That Wasn’t.
As an actor, he has appeared in the West End in Pygmalion, Cabaret, The Mikado and Little Shop of Horrors.
He also devised and performed Sincerely Noel, a musical tribute to Noel Coward.
His Introductions To Classical Piano comes to The Witham on Wednesday, April 24, courtesy of the Funny Way to Be Comedy Club.
Promoter Peter Dixon said: “Alistair is an extremely versatile and talented performer.
“He’s embarking on a new venture, and this very special show is only touring to 12 places. We were thrilled when he agreed to include Barnard Castle to the itinerary.
“We often say that we aim to bring a variety of different types of comedy show to Barnard Castle. This show very much exemplifies that philosophy.”
Tickets priced £18 (£16 concs) are available from The Witham on 01833 631107 or www.funnywaytobe.com.
The show is suitable for ages 14+.
