LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND: The Music of Victoria Wood comes to Beccles

Beccles Public Hall and Theatre is excited to welcome a new show this April.

LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND: The Music of Victoria Wood is a tribute to comedian, actress, lyricist, singer, composer, pianist, screenwriter, producer and director, Victoria Wood. It celebrates her unforgettable characters and songs with this funny and touching tribute to the much-loved national treasure.

The show is written and performed by Paulus The Cabaret Geek.

Paulus, is an entertainer and educator who specialises in cabaret and is best known for his appearances on BBC1’s All Together Now as a talent judge. His musical tribute to Victoria Wood, Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood premièred in London in 2020.

Donna, Marketing Manager for Beccles Public Hall and Theatre caught up with Paulus to find out a little more about the show and what audiences in Beccles can expect.

Tell us a little more about the show…

“Looking For Me Friend is a show filled with love, laughter, and fabulous memories for Victoria Wood fans. But don’t worry – those unfamiliar with the work of Vic will love the show too - it’s like a beginners guide to all things Victoria Wood.

It features twelve of Victoria’s best-loved songs throughout the decades, including ‘It Would Never Have Worked’, ‘Reincarnation’ and, of course, the classic ‘Ballad of Barry & Freda (Let’s Do It)’. The show is performed in 2 x 45 minutes halves with a short interval.“

Will it be just you on stage, or can audiences expect a little bit of support on the night?

“Michael Roulston will be joining me on stage - proving what many have known for decades: that it takes two men to do the work of one woman! Michael is a composer, accompanist, arranger and actor-musician with a passion for cabaret. We work so well as a pair. Michael will mainly be on the piano whilst I sing. Working so well together we do go a little off script at time, but this brings an additional element of laughter to the performance.”

Paulus and Michael Roulston backstage at the first ever show

We all love Victoria Wood, but what is it about her that made you want to do a show in her honour?

“Victoria Wood was a stand-up comedienne, writer, musician and much more – who we lost back in 2016 to cancer. We also lost Alan Rickman, Prince and David Bowie in that same year, but for me the loss of Vic was by far the most significant. I grew up watching Victoria Wood with my mum and sister on TV. Since losing my mother in February last year also to cancer, the show has taken on greater meaning for me than I ever imagined. After decades of watching my plays and being confronted with various ‘Mother figures’ in my work – who may or may not have had anything in common with her -, this show celebrated us in a way I have never shared before. Of course, the irony is that this is the show Mum will never see.”

When did you first start planning the show?

The project for my stage show began in November 2019, when myself and my director, Sarah-Louise Young and musical director, Michael Roulston – both also old friends of mine who share a love of Vic – first got in a room together. Over two years later, Looking for My Friend has had a run at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe as well as toured to the UK. It has received rave reviews and I couldn’t be prouder for what the show has become.”

Finally, what are you most looking forward to about your appearance at Beccles?

“I would love to say it is to follow in the footsteps of Victoria Wood, but I can’t see that ever-visited Beccles. If anyone know any different, I would love to hear from them. That aside, I’m excited to visit East Anglia with the tour. It is my first visit to Beccles and I can’t wait to see what it has to offer. “

LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND: The Music of Victoria Wood is appearing at Beccles Public Hall and Theatre, Thursday 13th April 2023 at 7:30PM.

Tickets are on sale now for £16.50* per person. Tickets can be booked via the Hall’s website: www.becclespublichall.co.uk or via the Box Office, open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday. Visit in person or call 01502 770060 to book.

*Booking fee may apply