Tredegar Band has been invited to become what is believed to be the first brass band to perform in concert at the famous Old Vic Theatre (above) in London.

Dynamo

The Welsh band will be featured alongside musical satirist and writer Tim Minchin, illusionist and magician Dynamo and comedian Mark Watson, as well as other high profile stars.

The concert is the first of a number of proposed 'Old Vic Variety Night' events that will form an integral part of newly appointed Artistic Director Matthew Warchus' vision for an eclectic inaugural season — starting on Sunday November 15th.

He recently took over the role from American star Kevin Spacey at the world renowned theatre and former home of the National Theatre.

Artistic history

Warchus aims to once again embrace the theatre's rich and varied artistic history and its roots in music, dance and vaudeville.

He told 4BR: "Three of my favourite things are music, magic and comedy, hence my eagerness to introduce a series of Old Vic Variety Nights.

We're looking forward to seeing The Old Vic lit up on a Sunday night welcoming all kinds of audiences, both old friends and newcomers, to see famous faces mixed with new talent in evenings of laughter, fun and really great entertainment."

Contemporary twist

An Old Vic Theatre spokesperson added: "These Variety Nights aim to reinvigorate a much cherished and nostalgic format with a contemporary twist; combining established names in music, magic and comedy with the very best of the current generation. "

Three of my favourite things are music, magic and comedy, hence my eagerness to introduce a series of Old Vic Variety NightsOld Vic Artistic Director, Matthew Warchus

Memorable weekend

Tredegar MD Ian Porthouse told 4BR that the concert will round off a memorable weekend for the band as they also travel to Holland to give a concert at the Dutch National Championship in Utrecht.

"Following our decision not to accept the invitation to the Brass in Concert Championship we actively sought other exciting musical opportunities.

The result of a great deal of hard work is a fantastic weekend that will see us perform at the Dutch National Championship on Saturday afternoon before making a swift return to London the following day to be a part of this amazing opening night at the Old Vic Theatre."

Great honour

He added: "To be asked by the Dutch National Championship organisers and Matthew Warchus, who directed the band in the film 'Pride', to perform at their events is a great honour — and shows that our innovative musical approach continues to appeal to a wider audience."