Blackpool’s Got BGT Talent Heading To VIVA!

7 April 2016

As Britain’s Got Talent returns to TV, Blackpool’s most vivacious entertainment venue, Viva Blackpool, is tempting BGT viewers who fell in love with the voices of past finalists.

On 22 April, the wonderful Welsh duo, Richard and Adam – The Johnson Brothers, will be taking to the Viva stage, providing the audience with a chance to hear their fabulous classical voices in an ‘up close and personal’ setting.

Although well-remembered for their stoical attempts to ignore a protester throwing eggs at Simon Cowell in their particular BGT final, in which they came third, the duo is also much-loved for its discography.  The brothers’ debut album, ‘The Impossible Dream’ achieved the 2013 record for most consecutive weeks at number 1, staying in top spot for four weeks and going Platinum thanks to 350,000 sales in the UK alone.

Their December 2013 Christmas album became a best-seller on Amazon and their August 2015 ‘At the Movies’ album went straight into the charts at number 5.

The duo released their most recent album, ‘Believe: Songs of Inspiration’, in February and this entered the charts at number 9.  This album references their Welsh roots, including the anthem, ‘Land of My Fathers’ and other Welsh classics, as well as inspiring songs such as ‘Climb Every Mountain’ and ‘I Believe’.

Richard and Adam grew up in Holywell, North Wales and have come a long way since their days working in the family sandwich shop.  Viva’s kitchen will be keen to discover their favourite sandwich filling, when preparing their snacks, to see whether all their international travel, to concerts overseas, has influenced their food preferences.

Tickets for their 180-minute show, in which they will be supported by Viva’s resident showman, Leye D Johns, the Viva Showgirls and Phil Jeffries, cost from £21.50 for adults and from £7.50 for juniors.

Less than a month later, another huge name from Britain’s Got Talent, Jonathan Antoine, will be appearing at Viva Blackpool.  Jonathan admits to being excited about delivering a 120-minute performance in a more intimate venue than many at which he appears, knowing this will enable his audience to truly appreciate his stunning classical voice.

Jonathan requires no introduction for many music lovers, having delighted with his two hugely successful ‘top 5’ albums, recorded with his former singing partner, and having gone on to enjoy a brilliant solo career.

His extraordinary talent and pitch-perfect performances led to him being described as the ‘teenage Pavarotti’ and have catapulted him to appearances on stage with global stars such as Placido Domingo, Vittorio Grigolo and Joss Stone.  He has also wowed audiences in the Royal Albert Hall, night after night, at the Autumn Proms and Classical Spectacular and still holds the record of being the youngest tenor to have ever had a classical no 1.

What people may not know about Essex-born Jonathan is that he also describes himself as a “guitar nut”, owning a collection of six, seven and eight-string guitars, not to mention two bass guitars and a ukulele!  Those who have followed his journey closely will, however, appreciate that Jonathan has found himself through his music and grown in confidence thanks to the love he generates from his audiences.

Tickets for Jonathan’s concert cost between £23.50 and £31.50, with a choice of three seating price bands available at Viva Blackpool – Platinum, Standard and Tall Table/Bar.

Viva Blackpool’s managing director, Martin Heywood, says: “Our commitment to bringing top talent to perform here in Blackpool is fully demonstrated in these two events.  Richard and Adam and Jonathan Antoine have between them inspired millions of people to either pick up the phone and vote for them on Britain’s Got Talent, or rush out to buy their albums.  They have demonstrated the overwhelming popularity of the classical crossover genre and reached into the hearts and homes of people from all walks of life, moving them, as well as entertaining them, and inspiring many to view classical music in a new light.

“We are delighted to have them coming to perform at Viva and know Blackpool will demonstrate its appreciation of truly talented performers, by creating two sell-out occasions.”

Tickets can be bought online at www.vivablackpool.com without additional card charges, or can be bought from the Viva Blackpool Box Office on 01253 297297.