John Illsley: The Life and Times of Dire Straits

If you want a show that delivers on every level this is it. John Illsley’s ‘Life and Times of Dire Straits’ is not just ‘an evening with’ with a bit of chat and the odd anecdote, it’s much, much more ...his new show has everything.

Of course there is chat and stories, plenty of it – and who doesn’t want to know about life in one of the most famous bands the world’s ever known - but there’s double bubble even here. John is interviewed by one of Dire Straits’ old managers, Paul Cummins, who has his own take on the good old days himself. Indeed he often throws the odd curveball... “It’s extraordinary what Paul remembers” says John “talk about keeping me on my toes, and every show seems to throw up something different!”

Then there’s the music. Unlike many of the aforementioned ‘talking’ evenings John also provides music. Along with three members of his own band he swings acoustically through some of Dire Straits’ biggest hits and some of his own music as well (and fantastic it sounds too).