National treasure and Strictly Come Dancing’s longest serving judge, Craig Revel Horwood heads to Guildford on Sunday 30th March for an evening of singing and stories from across his career in support of the Theatre’s Play Your Part campaign. After starting as a dancer, Craig worked on the nation’s biggest musicals and became a choreographer, director, and best-selling author. Craig’s also a remarkable singer, and to celebrate the release of his debut solo album, Revelations, he’ll reveal his own, hidden talent during a fab-u-lous night of big songs, tall tales, and glamour!
Craig is delighted to support the Yvonne Arnaud, ‘I had a truly fab-u-lous time there creating a wonderful musical called Beautiful and Damned. It’s a really creative space and as a company we were welcomed with loving arms by the entire team.’ ‘The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre shines as a star in Surrey due to its illustrious history, exceptional productions, community involvement, and commitment to providing a memorable theatrical experience for all.’
There are many more strings to his diamante-encrusted bow than being a Strictly Judge, and singing is foremost
among them. So, when the opportunity arose last year to record an album he jumped at the chance. ‘I thought: ‘Come on, you’re 60. Do it.’ My mum’s always told me to get an album together, and do something. So, I hought: ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’ I grew up in the era before things were recorded – so there are no recordings of my earlier performances in theatre. No one had mobile phones and all of that malarkey back then. Now everything is recorded, no matter what you do, I walk out the hotel room, and it’s recorded by someone.’
Craig went into the studio and recorded Revelations – Songs Boys Don’t Sing. It’s a stunning collection of tunes that showcases a marvellous, emotive, pitch-perfect voice. His interpretations of such songs as Memory showed a discombobulating degree of warmth and empathy, Don’t Rain On My Parade cast him as the ultimate razzle-dazzle showman, while As Long As He Needs Me, from Oliver! became a song that took on new meaning with
Craig’s thoughtful tenderness.
‘Singing is such a liberating experience. Each song on the album means something to me. You know, the first ever musical that my mum went to see with the kids was Jesus Christ Superstar, so I’ve recorded I Don’t Know How To Love Him.’ Craig said. Craig will be joined on stage by the super talented musician, Ben Goddard, who fans will
recall from their double-act on Celebrity Gogglebox. He can’t wait to hang out with one of his best mates and is expecting plenty of laughter along the way. ‘I love Ben. I’ve worked with him quite a lot, either directing with him or when we did a one-man show together, which was hilarious.’
The event is in aid of the Yvonne Arnaud Play Your Part Campaign which will transform the theatre and develop the iconic and much-loved building into a cultural community hub with theatre at its core. The work is due to be completed in the summer, and will radically improve accessibility and create new multi-purpose spaces for wider community and artistic benefit; ensuring the theatre is able to meet the needs of the communities of Surrey for the next 50 years.
Ahead of his national tour, don’t miss this very special event, with a talk, Q&A and snippets of performance. For more information and to book tickets, visit: Craig Revel Horwood: Revelations | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Alternatively, contact the Box Office on 01483 44 00 00 (Mon-Sat, 10am to 5pm)
