Wimbledon has waited two years, almost to the day, but Jane McDonald returns on Wednesday 5 October with her Making Memories tour.
Jane enthusiastically described her new show as her best to date and is clearly relishing being back in front of a live audience.
So, what can they expect? New songs, great arrangements, a 10-piece band, dancers, light show, stage set, and fantastic outfits.
“And I’m two stone lighter!” the singer shared.
Having ditched sugar from her diet earlier this year, Jane is slimmer, healthier, and full of the energy she needs for the tour.
Speaking to SW Londoner, Jane, 53, said: “Making Memories has taken a full year to produce – there is a huge amount of work that goes into making a show.”
Jane explained how the past year has been spent putting the set list together, rehearsing the band, dancers and singers, writing new songs , creating the costumes, and of course remembering all her lyrics.
She said: “My patter on stage changes constantly! My poor band have no clue what I’m going to come out with – and to be honest, neither have I!”
And this is what a fiercely loyal fanbase love about Jane, whose strong Yorkshire accent is undiminished by years in the limelight.
Jane has been a firm public favourite since her standout appearance on the BBC show The Cruise in 1998.
Since then she has enjoyed success as a recording artist, concert and theatre performer, television presenter, and media personality.
She spent ten years as a regular panelist on ITV’s Loose Women, finally leaving in January 2014 to focus again on her music career.
Describing herself modestly as ‘a turn who moves’, Jane has added some Supremes type choreography to her performance.
As far as the songs go, her rendition of Memory from Cats is sure to be an emotional high point of the night.
She played the lead role of Grizabella to rave reviews and standing ovations at Blackpool Opera House last summer.
Jane is also introducing full versions of some of her own songs, including The Hand That Leads Me, written for her mum, and The Singer of Your Song, written specifically for her fans.
“My favourite song to perform at the moment is I’ll Be There,” said Jane.
“It’s a song I wrote with my guitarist, Steve Cooper. You can hear a pin drop when we perform it. It’s also very emotional.
“There are millions of songs I still want to sing – it truly is the best job in the world.”
Jane McDonald plays the New Wimbledon Theatre on Wednesday 5 October, 7.30pm
Featured picture courtesy of Nicky Johnston / Jane McDonald, with thanks
