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Fascinating Rhythm...

Acclaimed singer and comedienne, and one third of the satirical comedy trio Fascinating Aida, Liza Pulman brings her new show, Liza Pulman Sings Streisand to The Apex on 21 March.

Liza celebrates the music of Barbra Streisand in this critically acclaimed show, which features new arrangements of classic songs such as ‘The Way We Were’, ‘Second Hand Rose’, ‘You Don’t Bring Me Flowers’, ‘People’ and many more.

"incredible performances of classic numbers…...delivered with humour, grace and class” (Theatre Weekly). Steeped in the world of theatre by her actress mother Barbara Young (Coronation Street and Last of the Summer Wine) and screen-writer father Jack Pulman (I Claudius and War & Peace), Liza was always going to have a strong creative streak. After training at the Guildhall School Of Music & Drama, Liza joined the Glyndebourne Opera, enjoying principle roles in many leading productions. Drawn by her love of musical theatre, Liza performed with Michael Ball in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and played opposite Philip Schofield in the UK tour of Dr Dolittle. In 2004, Liza joined the renowned comedy trio Fascinating Aida, and remains a member until the present day.

Liza Sings Streisand illustrates Liza's prowess as a comedienne, entertainer and an extraordinarily gifted singer and has earned a clutch of 5 star reviews: “Oozes confidence like a proper Diva – a show which completely immerses the audience from beginning to end.” (Love London Love Culture)

Liza explained more about the show…

"In one of my shows, Songs Of Hollywood, I sang 'Evergreen' from the film A Star Is Born and so many people told me I sounded like Barbra Streisand that I started to look at why that might be. I realized that she has been such a huge influence on my singing and on my approach to music that I wanted to celebrate that somehow."

Is it a tribute show?

Well, I pay tribute to her but it’s by no means a tribute show. I don’t do an impersonation of her or put on a curly wig at any point! But, for me, it’s a chance to celebrate this extraordinary woman by singing just a handful of the songs that she’s made famous.

How did you pick the songs for your Streisand show?

That was a far harder task than I had originally thought… there just isn’t time to sing everything, but I hope that it’s a fine balance between the hits and some fabulous songs from her back catalogue. Frankly I would be lynched if I didn’t sing the likes of 'Evergreen', 'The Way We Were' and 'People'.

Is it daunting to perform alone?

Actually I love it!! I miss the Fascinating Aida girls of course - but in my Streisand show I am backed by six amazing musicians. One of the great joys of the show is the relationship I have with these fantastic players and the audience loves to see that.

You grew up in a very sociable and creative home, did you know then that your life would be on stage?

I was surrounded by writers, actors, directors from a very early age, in fact, I don’t really remember anything else. I always sang as a kid. My mum and my sister and I would sing close-harmony on long car journeys and my sister and I sang together for years as “The Pulman Sisters”, singing music from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. There was a brief period where I fancied being a vet (not long after my goldfish, Felicity Fruit-Cake, died from unnatural causes) but the performing gene was always going to get me in the end!

Liza Pulman Sings Streisand is at The Apex on Wednesday 21 March at 7.30pm. Tickets are £20, ring the box office on 01284 758000 or see the website www.theapex.co.uk for details.