One-man Bristol show pays tribute to bluesman

A one-man musical in tribute to blues legend Big Bill Broonzy is returning to Bristol this weekend.

Big Bill, who influenced many legendary rock stars including Sir Paul McCartney, played one of his last ever concerts in Bristol shortly before he died in 1958.

His life and influence inspired Bristol writer Will Grealish to pen a musical about Big Bill which is returning to the city in celebration of Black History Month.

Mr Grealish, 53, said: "As a writer who happens to be a musician as well, it was pure joy for me when researching the play to uncover a consistent and widely-held feeling of fondness and respect from people who knew or were musically influenced by him such as Sir Paul McCartney, Peggy Seeger and artist Peter Blake."

Big Bill was a virtuoso guitarist and a prolific songwriter who was born the son of slaves and became the Chicago Blues King in the 1930's.

He fell foul of the authorities during the McCarthy era when his song, Black Brown and White Blues became an anthem for black workers.

He relocated to England in the 1950s and lived in Bristol for six months in 1958.

He played one of his last ever gigs in the same year at the Central Hall in Old Market.

Actor Okon Ubanga-Jones who has appeared in Casualty, The Bill, Smiley's People and The Dark Crystal, is a blues guitarist himself, who recreates that Bristol gig with a minimalist stage setting of table, two chairs, a bottle of whisky and two glasses.

An Evening with Big Bill Broonzy was premiered in 2003 before touring extensively in Britain, France and Canada.

It will be staged at Circomedia, St Paul's Church, Portland Square, on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, starting at 7.45pm.

Tickets cost £7, concessions, £6.

Tickets available from Colston Hall Box Office on 922 3686. For more information, phone 924 7625.