Paul Heaton (The beautiful South, The Housemartins) has written one of the longest pop songs ever, The 8th, which was premiered at MIF11. It’s a song in eight chapters, a look at the seven deadly sins through a series of scenes taking place in a single neighbourhood, a poor neighbourhood, one where a new, thoroughly modern, sin The 8th is able to insinuate itself into every person’s life…
Given a theatrical narrative by award-winning playwright Che Walker (Royal Court and Young Vic) and directed by Paines Plough’s joint artistic director George Perrin,The 8th featured a cast of performers from across musical genres who joined Heaton in the Pavilion Theatre for three very special shows.
Paul Heaton Lyrics
Paul Heaton, David Rotheray, Jonny Lexus Music
Che Walker Book
George Perrin Direction
Rebelgonebad Art and Visuals
Performed by The 8th Orchestra:
Paul Heaton
Jonny Lexus
Pete Marshall
Jonny Wright
Reg E Cathey
Simon Aldred aka Cherry Ghost
Kenny Anderson aka King Creosote
Jacqui Abbot
Mike Greaves
Aaron Wright
Wayne Gidden
Christian Madden
With The Owl Ensemble:
Olivia Moore – Violin
Clare Smith – Violin
Katherine Barnecutt – Viola
Semay Wu – Cello
Credits
Commissioned and produced by Manchester International Festival and Paines Plough.