Jacqui Dankworth

This year is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

Jacqui thought it would be most appropriate, therefore, to visit the musical settings of Shakespeare’s poetry inspired by, and taken from, the seminal 1964 album 'Shakespeare and All That Jazz' composed by her late father, Sir John Dankworth, for her mother, Dame Cleo Laine.

This new incarnation of 'Shakespeare and All That Jazz' will feature the incomparable Jacqui Dankworth on vocals, accompanied by an all-star jazz combo and a symphony orchestra (orchestrations have also been adapted for jazz big band plus string section).

The ground-breaking arrangements include settings such as 'Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer’s Day”, 'O Mistress Mine', 'Fear No More The Heat O’ The Sun', the story of 'Macbeth' and a comical setting of Shakespeare’s complete works!

The brilliance of the music, the genius of Shakespeare’s poetry and world class musicians combined with Jacqui’s emotional and virtuosic voice will make for a very special concert.

This material has not been performed in completion by another songstress since Dame Cleo Laine recorded the album 'Wordsongs' in 1978.

Jacqui did however perform some of the settings at The Bear Garden Museum 30 years ago, having been invited by Sam Wanamaker himself to help raise money for the Globe Theatre on the river Thames, London.

The time is right for Jacqui to revisit the material she grew up with and to sing these poems that are embedded in her DNA!