Opera Prelude Presents: Thoroughly Modern Lillie

Songs from London's Golden age and the darling of Peel Fold, Lady Beatrice Lillie.

Beginning with the age of musical halls and parlour songs to gramophones and wartime broadcasts, England was home to a rich and influential heritage, often overlooked, in popular song writing. From the joy and optimism of the Victorian and Edwardian ages to the nostalgia and escapism of the interwar years, this era produced music that was always as memorable as it was accomplished and would shape popular music, film, theatre and art song for years to come. There was arguably no greater exponent of this wonderful music than Lady Beatrice Lillie. Spanning the genres of both comedy and musical theatre, Lady Beatrice was internationally renowned for her touching and irreverent performances of diverse repertoire, including the Ziegfeld Follies, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, winning a Tony Award in 1953, for her one-woman review.

With music by Ivor Novello, Noel Coward, Arthur Sullivan, Alan Murray, Eric Coates and others, this recital promises to be a magical evening of song, operetta, and cabaret, paying homage to Lady Beatrice in her beloved home at Peel Fold.

An outdoor evening recital in Henley-on-Thames - directions given at time of booking.

Friday 17th August, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Tickets £25 (advance purchase only)