THIS IS LONDON SEPTEMBER EDITION 2025 copy - Flipbook - Page 10
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THE DOWN FOR THE COUNT SWING
ORCHESTRA AT CADOGAN HALL
Having delighted audiences around
the country on their Swing That Music
tour, Down for the Count are set to bring
their exuberant celebration of vintage
tunes to Cadogan Hall this October –
and for this special occasion, the band’s
core 10-piece All-Stars will transform
into the 30-piece Swing Orchestra.
Described as ‘one helluva celebration
of vintage music’ by TimeOut London,
the show takes audiences on a journey
through the music of the big bands. But
Down for the Count don’t just indulge in
nostalgia. They continue to plough their
own furrow by rejuvenating classics
from the Great American Songbook in
their own inimitable style.
Audiences can expect instrumentals
from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count
Basie and Glenn Miller, as well as vocal
numbers from acts such as Louis
Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat ‘King’
Cole, with fresh arrangements by
members of the band.
With spontaneity being a central
aspect of the show, no two performances
are ever the same – giving each night a
unique energy and experience. Musical
director Mike Paul-Smith explains:
‘Every show is different, as we want
people to leave the theatre feeling
energised and inspired to go and find
out more about the swing and jazz music
which we love in Down for the Count.’
But there’s a magical extra ingredient:
the band’s off-stage friendship, which
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creates an atmosphere of infectious joy
that has left audiences buzzing on tour
and returning for more.
For all their energy, Down for the
Count also dig beyond the surface, into
the history and origin of swing music,
which, as Mike explains, ‘has a
fascinating and, at times, troubling
history. Our show explores certain
aspects of this, and the pivotal moments
that shaped this music.’ But the music
itself always takes centre stage. Mike
continues: ‘We want audiences to leave
feeling inspired to go and learn more
about the origins of this incredible,
varied genre of music.’
Down for the Count have become
regulars at Cadogan Hall, and with good
reason – with so much talent on the
stage bringing so many great tunes to
vivid life, it’s a night guaranteed to leave
audiences of all ages in high spirits.
The concert takes place at Cadogan
Hall on 4 October (19.00), tickets are
available on the website at
www.cadoganhall.com
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BEHIND THE SCENES AT TOWER
BRIDGE
Tower Bridge is inviting visitors to
experience London’s defining landmark
like never before, as its exclusive
Behind-the-Scenes Tours return.
Perfect for curious explorers, these
expert-led tours offer a rare chance to go
beyond the standard visitor route and
delve into the Bridge’s inner workings,
including access to areas usually closed
to the public, such as the cavernous
Bascule Chambers beneath the Thames,
which allow for the movement of the huge
counterweights used during Bridge Lifts.
This year’s tours are the most inclusive to
date, featuring the first-ever BSLinterpreted Behind-the-Scenes Tours.
Chris Earlie, director of Tower Bridge,
said: ‘These tours are an incredible
opportunity to see the Bridge from the
inside out; from the thrilling machinery
that powers it, to the stories of the
people behind its construction. Making
this unique experience accessible isn’t
easy due to the operational nature of the
working Bridge but with the introduction
of BSL interpretation, we hope to
provide a more inclusive offer.’
While the Behind-the-Scenes Tours
offer something truly unique, every visit
to Tower Bridge delivers a memorable
experience: from walking on the Glass
Floors suspended 42 metres above the
Thames and stunning skyline views from
the High-level Walkways to stepping
back in time in the atmospheric
Victorian Engine Rooms.
For further information, visit the
website at www.towerbridge.org.uk
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