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
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
DISNEY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
RETURNS TO DISNEYLAND® PARIS
This autumn, Disneyland® Paris will
once again transform into a spectacularly
spooky wonderland as the Disney
Halloween Festival returns from 1 October
to 2 November. Guests of all ages can
look forward to a month filled with thrills,
laughter, and magical mischief.
From the moment visitors enter
Disneyland Park, they will be immersed
in a spellbinding atmosphere of glowing
pumpkins, cheeky ghosts, and festive
décor. Disney Villains including
Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, Jafar, and the
Queen of Hearts will be out to greet fans.
For thrill-seekers, iconic attractions
such as Phantom Manor and The Twilight
Zone Tower of Terror™ promise spinetingling adventures. Beyond the rides,
seasonal food and exclusive merchandise
will capture the spirit of Halloween, from
villain-inspired dishes and themed
pastries to sorcerer-costumed plush toys
and festive home décor.
On 31 October, the celebration reaches
its peak with extended park hours for a
special Halloween Day event. Guests are
encouraged to dress up in creative
costumes to rival Disney’s most iconic
villains, blending into the festive
atmosphere as surprise character
appearances bring extra magic.
With spooky shows, delicious treats,
and magical encounters around every
corner, the Disney Halloween Festival at
Disneyland Paris offers families the
perfect mix of enchantment and eerie fun
this Halloween season.
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
