The Music of Judy Garland

Victoria Theatre, Halifax, Thursday February 20 at 7.30pm

Join original Nolan Sister, West End leading lady and cabaret star Denise Nolan for an evening celebrating the Music of Judy Garland – the only date in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire for this tour.

Few names in the world of entertainment deserve the title legend but Judy Garland is one of those names. Garland’s illustrious career saw her star in some of the most iconic films of all time including The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St Louis and the original A Star is Born.

Denise Nolan shot to fame with her sisters as part of the original line up of the Nolans making regular TV appearances on the Two Ronnies and the Cliff Richard Show making household names of Anne, Linda, Maureen, Bernie, Colleen and, of course, Denise. The Nolan sisters have remained at the forefront of showbusiness for more than 40 years with Denise making the jump to solo artist, performing her cabaret all over the world.

Denise has also had an accomplished theatrical career, headlining the West End production of Blood Brothers for several years, earning many plaudits and rave reviews for her portrayal of Mrs Johnstone. However taking on the responsibility of performing some of the most loved music of all time could be Nolan’s toughest role to date, and with the recent critical acclaim of the Hollywood blockbuster movie about Garland’s life, simply titled Judy, the pressure is on.

The star of the movie Renee Zellweger has won a whole host of awards for her portrayal of Judy picking up a Critics Choice Award and Golden Globe for Best Actress. She has also received an Oscar nomination, which she is widely tipped to win later this year when the winners are announced in Hollywood.

So with the recent revival of all things Judy, does Denise feel the pressure of following in the footsteps of such renowned performers? “Absolutely,” she said.

“The songs are so loved by not only Judy Garland fans but by people the whole world over, especially Somewhere Over The Rainbow, which has to be one of the most loved songs of all time.

“Every time I sing it I can feel the expectation from the audience, because the words mean so much to people.

“Many of them will associate Over

The Rainbow with a prominent event or time period in their lives so I know I have to do it justice as it’s such an emotional song.”

When asked how she delivers such an important performance, she is very clear on how she feels is the best way to do so.

“I could never do an impression of Judy as I don’t believe I could sing with someone else’s heart. The arrangements are Judy’s, the emotions are mine, any similarity is purely coincidental.”

The Music of Judy Garland features a live seven-piece band led by West End musical director Dave Bintley.

For an evening of music including The Man That Got Away, Stormy Weather, Zing Went The

Strings, and the timeless classic Somewhere Over The Rainbow the show is a must see.

With anecdotes about Garland’s life and comparisons to Nolan’s own career which includes performing alongside the late great Frank Sinatra.

Tickets: 01422 351158