Folk-rock legend Richard Thompson and experimental singer-songwriter Jesca Hoop are among the latest headliners confirmed for Royal Albert Home – the Royal Albert Hall’s series of free streamed shows, coming directly from artists’ living rooms. Thompson performed at the Royal Albert Hall for his 70th Birthday celebration accompanied by a staggering array of guest stars; we reviewed the concert here.
Last year saw the release of Stone Child, Jesca Hoop’s latest album which we reviewed on Folk Radio here. We also interviewed the Californian singer-songwriter and guitarist alongside Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) in 2016 when they teamed up for their Love Letter for Fire album. Her career has spanned six albums of finely-crafted songwriting, and her recent live performances included appearances at Glastonbury and Latitude and a special guest slot alongside José González at the Royal Albert Hall in 2018.
Also performing in May is This Is the Kit (Kate Stables) whose last album, Moonshine Freeze (reviewed here) received wide critical acclaim. The album was produced by John Parish and featured extensive contributions from The National’s Aaron Dessner. Those that follow Kate will also know she was also in a band with Rachael Dadd called Whalebone Polly.
Since the programme launched on 9 March, performers including Rufus Wainwright, Alfie Boe, Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Baxter Dury and the Royal Choral Society have performed exclusive concerts to a combined audience of half a million viewers, keeping music-lovers entertained during the lockdown and raising funds for the iconic London venue, which celebrates its 150th anniversary next year.
Also announced today is multi-instrumentalist and winner of the Critics’ Choice category at the BRIT Awards and the BBC Sound of 2016 poll, Jack Garratt as well as star of stage and screen Samuel West. West will read ‘The Great Jelly of London’, Paul Jennings’ classic Hall-themed ’60s kids’ book, as part of a full programme of family events, which also includes jazz, opera and classical concerts for kids.
Other upcoming shows, previously announced, include performances from KT Tunstall, as well as an at-home version of comedy-science show Sea Shambles – originally scheduled to take place on the Hall’s famous stage – where hosts Robin Ince, Dr Helen Czerski and Steve Backshall will be joined by a host of special guests.
Talking about the latest headliners, Lucy Noble, Artistic Director of the Royal Albert Hall, said: “…it’s hard to imagine a more influential musician than Richard Thompson, a more innovative one than Jesca Hoop”, adding “We’ve been blown away by the response to the first Royal Albert Home shows. We wanted to do something to keep the venue’s spirit alive, and to cheer, inspire or just distract audiences during this difficult time – and from the messages we’ve received, it seems that we’ve done that.”
The events are also designed to raise money for the venue, which is currently closed for the first time since the Blitz, meaning that it has no regular income to support staff or its Grade I-listed building. Though the shows are streamable free of charge, the venue is asking viewers to consider making a donation.
Lucy Noble continued: “We’d like to thank the hundreds of people who’ve made donations to the Hall as a result of the past week’s performances. When times are tough, people’s priorities understandably change, but we know that the Hall holds a unique place in the memories and hearts of millions. We are doing our best to keep entertaining the world during our closure but the building is at risk and the show cannot go on without support and donations. Now is the chance for anyone who loves this place to show their appreciation and protect the future of the Royal Albert Hall.”
For more information, and to stream all previous and upcoming Royal Albert Home shows, go to www.royalalberthall.com.
LISTING:
Jazz for Kids: Jazz Around the World
Sat 25 April, 2pm
Jack Garratt
Sun 26 April, 7:30pm
KT Tunstall
Thu 30 April, 8:15pm
Classical for Kids: Harmonious Harp
Sat 2 May, 2pm
This Is the Kit
Tue 5 May, 7:30pm
Samuel West reads The Great Jelly of London
Sat 9 May, 11am
Richard Thompson
Sun 10 May, 7:30pm
Jesca Hoop
Mon 11 May, 7:30pm
Sea Shambles
Sun 17 May, 7pm