The Aretha Franklin Story

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Music (storytelling)

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  • Accessibility:
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    Sight not needed
    May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
  • Policy applies to: Children under 1 year

Description

Journey through the incredible life and music of the Queen of Soul – the most charted female of the 21st century! Featuring hit artist Cleopatra Higgins, as seen in West End hit show Thriller Live, 90s chart-topping band Cleopatra (Comin' Atcha) and the finals of The Voice supported by will.i.am who described her as 'an amazing artist'. A fascinating tribute to the undisputed soul queen and 21-time Grammy winner delivered in Night Owl’s signature show-umentary format. Includes hits Respect, Think, Natural Woman and many more. 'She’s on fire' (Tom Jones). 'I was blown away' (Jessie J).

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General venue access

  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    Sight not needed
  • Accessible entry: If not taking the lift there is a full flight of stairs into the space.

    • Wheelchair access type: Platform Lift

  • Stairs: 11- 20
    Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above.

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info

How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
  • Has specific seating requirements
  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Lisa 53 days ago

Cleopatra had an excellent voice and it was lovely hearing interesting facts about Aretha in between. The last song was best as she encouraged us to dance! Would have loved to have danced the whole show if the rest of the audience were more keen to participate! Next time a venue with more dancing space would be great! Overall a lovely tribute to Aretha and her wonderful legacy of music.

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Harriet Rackham 56 days ago

An amazing story with a wonderful singer who sang every song perfectly. The band and the backing vocal singers were also fantastic. I would definitely recommend this show to anyone going to the fringe.

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James Tanner 57 days ago

Cleopatra Higgins is an incredible singer she has real talent she will go VERY far, both her shows at the Fringe this year are amazing, one of the best shows Ive seen at the Fringe.

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C Cowe 58 days ago

Wow what a voice, expected it to be good given the phenomenal catalogue they had to use. The recordings I could have done without. Shows like this are better when the lead talks about the background story and then feeds it into the songs

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Ray Avis 59 days ago

Incredible, this women is so talented, I saw both her shoes Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, what a performer, what a voice

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Pauline 65 days ago

Great show, well thought out and very accomplished band but the stand out element was singer Cleopatra Higgins. Great voice and huge charisma

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John French 66 days ago

The stage is very small, so I had assumed that we'd have a singer performing to a backing track. I was wrong!
Somehow, shoehorned on to the stage the band comprise lead guitar, bass guitar, drums and keyboard. There are two backing singers (one performs as Carole King in The Carole King Story, the other is a very strong singer). Then there is "Aretha" - who probably has even more swagger than the late Queen of Soul.
The whole thing has perfect sound balance. Incredibly professional and very entertaining. I have seen far, far worse on West End stages (at ten times the price). It can't be making money - so rush to be the beneficiary of this very generous charity.
The venue is very comfortable (amazing seats and A/C) - so put up with the uncomfortable and hot queuing area.

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MC 71 days ago

Excellent vocals and band. Few technical issues but handled brilliantly.

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