A SHOW marking the 40th anniversary of the legendary Nat King Cole is coming to Worcester - and the music has been arranged by Worcestershire talent Steve Hill.
The House That Nat Built takes you on a musical journey down memory lane, when men were baritones and ladies were suitably impressed.
Steve, who hails from Norton, is the musical director and arranger of the show, which he helped create two years ago.
"We recorded a concept album for the show two years ago and went on to stage it in Hampstead," explained the 39-year-old, who now lives in London.
"We've been busy on other projects since, but now we're putting the show on the road and are touring mainly the South East."
The show will feature a host of talent, with West End performer Colin Roy (Five Guys Named Moe, Smokey Joe's Caf, Sweet Charity, SoulTrain) taking on the star role.
Steve is no stranger to the world of musicals. Falling in love with the piano, he went to study at Leeds College of Music then the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London.
His talents have seen him working with the likes of Michael Ball, Petula Clark, Shirley Bassey, Sarah Brightman, Elaine Paige and Andrea Bocelli.
His musical director credits include Little Shop Of Horrors, Spend, Spend, Spend, Guys & Dolls, Carousel, Smokey Joe's Cafe and 42nd Street, and he has played the piano in many West End productions including Mamma Mia, The Rat Pack, Starlight Express, Miss Saigon and Fame.
"I'm just lucky that I've been able to get so much work," said Steve. "And as for having any aspirations for the future, it has to be staying in work because it's a tough old industry."
Steve has performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Big Band and was musical director for the military's Combined Services Entertainment, travelling to countries such as the Falkland Islands, Cyprus and Ireland and working with performers including Sheila Ferguson, Joe Pasquale and Paul Daniels.
"I've found that the best way to get work is to learn to be diverse and use your skills in as many ways as possible," he added.
He's had two books of jazz piano music published and composed musicals and theme tunes for television programmes.
n The show will be on at Huntingdon Hall at 8pm for one night only on Saturday, June 11.
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