DUNCAN JAMES TO PERFORM AT THE HANNELLS DARLEY PARK CONCERT

Derby LIVE are delighted to announce that Blue singer, West End performer and Hollyoaks actor Duncan James is performing at the Hannells Darley Park Concert on Sunday 2 September. The headline star of pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, Duncan is playing Jack at Derby Arena this Christmas.

Blue singer Duncan was recently seen playing the role of Ryan in the popular Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. He achieved significant success in the role, being nominated for ‘Most Popular Newcomer’ for the 2016 NTA's and was nominated ‘Best Newcomer’ for the 2017 Soap Awards.

Talking about the announcement Duncan said: “I’m delighted to be performing Somewhere over the Rainbow alongside the magnificent orchestra on stage at Darley Park in Derby this September." Duncan’s performance will follow Sinfonia Viva’s carers choir Sing Viva, who will be performing I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing in the second set of the spectacular concert. 

As in previous years Derby favourites, Sinfonia Viva, the Orchestra of the East Midlands who are supported by Rolls-Royce will be performing at the concert with accomplished conductor James Holmes. Sinfonia Viva are an exceptional Orchestra and ensemble of professional musicians who will again be showcasing an exceptional programme of classical favourites. Themes of peace, hope and reconciliation run throughout concert, which will include the final section of Beethoven’s ninth Symphony which has been used in major events, including a concert to mark the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Councillor Alan Grimadell, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “It’s great to have Blue singer Duncan James on-board to perform at this year’s Hannells Darley Park Concert. He is certain to be a crowd pleaser and it will give people an opportunity to see him perform ahead of this year’s Derby LIVE pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk in which he will be playing Jack.”

Duncan was born an entertainer, starring in school productions and starting his professional career working at Haven holiday camp, where he met his soon to be bandmates Lee Ryan, Simon Webbe and Antony Costa. In 2001 he exploded onto the scene with pop group Blue and amassed huge commercial success, racking up forty Number One singles worldwide, three Number One UK albums and sales of over 16 million records.

In 2005 Duncan launched a successful acting and TV career. He starred in the hit musical Chicago, the West End production of Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre and the UK tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Duncan has presented numerous TV shows including The National Lottery, T4 and GMTV’s Entertainment Today, Soapstar Superstar, Capital FM’s Party in the Park, City Hospital and The Clothes Show. He also competed in ITV’s Dancing On Ice where he became a finalist.

2011 saw the Blue boys represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dusseldorf with their song I Can. Blue released their fourth studio album Roulette in 2013 before joining other groups on TV in The Big Reunion and released their latest album Colours in 2015.

Duncan made his pantomime debut in 2014 playing the title role at the Birmingham Hippodrome and performed as Prince Charming in Cinderella at the Liverpool Empire in 2017.

The Hannells Darley Park Concert, supported by Flint Bishop Solicitors, HUUB, Invictus Communications, Mortgage Advice Bureau, PKF Cooper Parry, Redrow Homes and Stratstone BMW Derby, will take place at Darley Park on Sunday 2 September from 6pm, with gates open from 2pm. Tickets bought before 1 September are priced, Standard £5, Under 16s £2.50. Tickets bought on the day of the concert are priced, Standard £7.50 and Under 16s £2.50.

Tickets for this fantastic evening of classical music and fireworks can be purchased from 01332 255800, online at derbylive.co.uk, or in person at the Sales and Information Centre, Assembly Rooms, Market Place, Derby.

Back to news