Beverley Knight talks ahead of Birmingham show and panto appearance

Beverley Knight thrilled her Black Country and West Midlands’ fans last year when she took her Soulsville tour to the venue. And she’s back for more on Sunday with a headline show, that was rescheduled from June 26.

Beverley says: “I can’t wait. I’m busy. I’ve got a new album coming up of musical theatre classics, then there’s the panto at Birmingham Hippodrome. But before those, I’ve got the Soulsville show at Symphony Hall.

“I love Symphony Hall and all of my crew from Wolverhampton will be coming along to see that one. I just love being on stage and the Symphony Hall is such a great venue.”

Soulsville was a Top 10 hit and Beverley’s latest show follows a six-month run in the smash hit West End musical The Bodyguard in January.

Beverley will play a broad set featuring hits from her stellar career, highlights from the Soulsville album as well as a few customary surprises that fans have come expect from her legendary live shows.

Recorded early last year at Royal Studios in Memphis, Soulsville celebrates the music, sounds and legacy of Memphis and was produced by Grammy nominated Justin Stanley (Prince, Beck).

It features original material co-written by Beverley, alongside a handful of classic Memphis covers.

The new tour will see her perform favourite tracks from this latest hit album, including the self-written radio 2 A-listed airplay hit Middle of Love and Beverley’s stunning version of the Ann Peebles classic I Can’t Stand The Rain as well as fan favourites spanning her recording career, with a nod to her newer role as leading lady of the West End.

Beverley adds: “Last year was so full of professional highlights – releasing my eighth studio album Soulsville and performing again in the West End to name but two. My first love is appearing on stage as myself and I can’t wait to give it my all again on the I _ Soulsville Tour.”

Beverley has loved featuring in The Bodyguard and is the only star to reprise the role of Rachel Marron.

“I was asked to return to the show, which of course was hugely flattering, so I accepted. I felt it was a production that deserved its place on a West End stage, as it is so spectacular, and it was great to be asked to head up the cast.

“The role of Rachel is probably one of the busiest roles on any stage, but I am totally prepared for that having already done it. I know how to pace myself for the long run. I’m having even more fun with it this time around, and that’s a load of fun! Although I was there three years ago, myself and Ben Richards are the newbies, as the current cast have been working together for a long time on the UK tour. I decided to approach the show with an entirely new ‘head’, as so much about it was different.”