Hope as Holiday at Swindon theatre (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Hope as Holiday at Swindon theatre

FOLLOWING her critically acclaimed performance in the West End, Dawn Hope will perform as jazz artist Billie Holiday at Swindon's Arts Centre on Tuesday (February 7) at 8pm.

She begins her set in a small bar in south Philadelphia in March 1959, towards the end of the singer's career, and between songs gradually pours out the highs and lows of Billie's life.

Dawn Hope revives her role as the late, great jazz singer in Billie Holiday: Strange Fruit, following a Best Actress award for her portrayal of the singer in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill in 2002.

Dawn made her West End debut at the age of 16 and after appearances in Bubbling and Brown Sugar she made history when she appeared in two West End productions at the same time - Chicago by night and Ain't Misbehavin' during the day.

The outstanding jazz singer of her day, Billie's own compositions included God Bless the Child, espousing the virtues of financial independence, and Don't Explain, a lament on infidelity.

Billie Holiday, a musical legend still popular today, died an untimely death at the age of 44.