Get Ready at The Redgrave Theatre Sunday 25th February 2018
Posted on: 22 Feb 2018Get Ready will be performed at the Redgrave Theatre in Bristol on Sunday 25th February 2018.
Take a trip back to 1960s Detroit with the brand-new, celebrated stage show featuring the music of the Temptations, Four Tops, Supremes, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Velvet vocals from a stellar cast of critically-acclaimed performers combine with divinely-gifted musicians, to authentically recreate the sound responsible for lifting an entire generation to its dancing feet. Immaculate costumes and astounding dance moves truly revive the most pulsating era of music the world has ever seen, and the memories don’t stop there. Follow the rise to super stardom of Diana, Michael and Stevie as the soul explosion of the 70s, 80s and beyond is brought to the stage in exhilarating style.
Florida-born Freddie Lee Peterkin is the star of Get Ready - at first glance, the professions of church minister and stage show performer may appear odd bed fellows, but ordained interdenominational minister Freddie is equally at ease whether preaching or singing.
Not only does he say that performing the hits of Motown is a natural progression from his gospel roots, he also reveals there is an affinity between the songs he sings on stage at night and his “day job”.
“Far from hindering my beliefs, the songs of Motown perfectly complement the message that I undertake with my ministerial activities. Motown songs are packed with positivity and it’s just great when an auditorium is up on its feet singing along and dancing.”
Freddie’s love of singing was inspired by performing gospel music as a child at his local church in Pahokee.
“From Stevie Wonder to Beyonce, gospel is the basic building block for soul singers. Attending church with your parents you learn about music, how to sing and harmonise. It inspires r’n’b performers from an early age and is part of our culture.”
After graduating Freddie became part of the soul and gospel group Message which opened for chart-topping artists like Howard Hewett of Shalamar and Betty Wright and he also sang backing vocals on hits for Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. At the same time he furthered his profession with the church and as a teacher. But, two years on the performer in Freddie came to the fore again. . .
“An opportunity arose in Spain to become an entertainer and producer,” he says. “I couldn’t fight it.” Changing their name to The Aces, Message – featuring Freddie – upped sticks and headed for Madrid and eventually Gran Canaria. “The group built a reputation for itself as one of the earliest soul tribute shows,” says Freddie. “And after five years we were ready to come to the UK as one of the first American soul tributes, initially hooking up with show producer Pete Tobit.” Their production was a major hit, and saw Freddie performing throughout the country at all the UK’s best theatres and concert halls. However, tensions between cast members saw Freddie leave the group in 2002 to create and perform in concert shows featuring the music of The Temptations, Four Tops and Drifters. He also went on to record and release his own material and forge a career in film and TV.
“During the Sixties and Seventies, musically and lyrically Motown songs were always of the highest standard. It’s the difference between driving a Bentley or a Fiesta, only one is going to stand the test of time and still be motoring 50 years later.”
Similarly, the artists from that recording stable retained that quality when they left the label and it is a Four Tops song recorded with Arista that is the high point for Freddie in the Get Ready show.
“By the time we get to Loco in Acapulco the audience is always going crazy. The lyrics, the choreography, the song – every element combines for that perfect moment as a performer.”
Longing for a night of musical brilliance and non-stop hits? The must-see concert show of the year is on its way. Get ready. . . here it comes!
Tickets are £22.00 including transaction fees.
Article by:
Miri is an English literature student at the University of Bristol who enjoys folk-punk & math-rock music, trailing round art galleries, and playing video games. She is a keen follower of politics and will read any science fiction you throw her way. Having lived in and around Bristol for many years she has developed a keen interest in the Bristol underground music scene and independent restaurants.
