Christine Pedi, Frances Rufelle & More Set for The Crazy Coq's This Month

With the Autumn well and truly underway, October kicks off to a sexy, wickedly funny start with Charlie Bicknell leading the glittering array of headline acts at Crazy Coqs. Swiftly followed by the Grammy-nominated American pianist and vocalist Judy Carmichael, the line up of female songstresses continues with the magical voice presence of Frances Rufelle. Hot on her stiletto heels comes the Broadway diva Christine Pedi and then to round off month, comes the maginificent and capitivating star of television, stage and screen, Anne Reid.

These acts are joined on the programme by a cornucopia of rich autumn pickings of residences and regulars and special guests. With an array of talent from Barb Jungr to Michael Dore, Ian Shaw to Benoit Viellefon and his Orchestra , Juliet Kelly to Lenore Raphael included in the musical line up, there's magic with Neil Henry, comedy from Kit and McConnell, cool late night jazz and a feast of surprises in the legendary Crazy Coqs Open Mic night every Thursday. All this plus more adds up to a rich and varied harvest festival

Crazy Coqs October Special Guests
All start at 8pm

Fri 2nd & Sat 3rd October
CHARLIE BICKNELL, £30
"She's the kind of girl who makes men loosen their ties and women shorten their skirts. You have been warned!" The Sunday Times

Charlie is a force to be reckoned with in NO ANGEL, a show packed with anarchy, wit and comic ingenuity. She is joined by the internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Louise Innes. Songs range from Tim Minchin to Meatloaf, Jacques Brel to Bizet and as well as acrobatic antics whilst singing! Charlie has been described by The Observer as "A one woman weapon of mass distraction", "Kicking, thriving, surprising, shocking and always delighting." With exceptional pianist David Harrod, and Jez Brodie, the ex postman turned circus strong man.
Charlie Bicknell became a household name playing Delilah in BBC2's This Life and subsequently starred as Scout in Ben Elton's West End hit Popcorn. Continuing to work as an actress for the National Theatre and rep around the UK, Charlie then moved into cabaret, performing all over the world. Recently she received the accolade as being "The finest living exponent of Brecht" from Dudley Winterbottom, Chelsea Arts Club.

Tues 6th - Sat 10th October
JUDY CARMICHAEL, £25
"Judy is a one -woman force for good; more to the point, she's a player of extraordinary accomplishment who has made stride piano relevant again." The Times

The Grammy-nominated American pianist and vocalist debuts THIS IS MY LUCKY DAY, new swing tunes (including a tango!) alongside her favourites from the American Songbook in an evening of piano, sultry vocals and lively humour.

Judy Carmichael appears frequently on radio and TV throughout the world and keeps a busy international touring schedule. She is a favourite with both jazz and cabaret audiences with her soulful, swinging interpretations of the Great American Songbook and equally impressive hilarious, improvisational anecdotes. Her wit and musical knowledge come together on her weekly radio broadcast Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired, now in its sixteenth year, where she talks with celebrated creative people about their love for jazz and how it inspires them, with guests from Seth MacFarlane and Chevy Chase to Robert Redford and Billy Joel.

TUES 13 - SAT 17 October
FRANCES RUFFELLE, £30
"... a pure magical voice emerges from one side of the room. Frances Ruffelle is starting as she means to go on... She doesn't just use the space, she crushes it under her high heels." ***** The Scotsman

Following a series of sold-out performances at Crazy Coqs, the internationally acclaimed singer returns with a brand new show to celebrate the launch of her album I Say Yeh Yeh. A joyful and nostalgic European road trip - with surprise special guests, and all the best vintages, naturally!

Frances is a celebrated stage actress and recording artist, known worldwide for her legendary performances as the original Eponine in Les Miserables and recently appearing in the new ITV series of Birds of A Feather. She has won multiple awards including the coveted Tony award.

TUES 20 - SAT 24 October
CHRISTINE PEDI, £25
"Should not be missed under threat of torture. Pedi is utterly charming, engaging and even sexy. She makes one vacillate between wanting her to perform at your anniversary party to wanting her as a best friend to wanting to initiate an ill-advised affair with her." Argus Tonight

The Broadway diva and renowned impressionist celebrates the great ladies of the stage, screen and beyond. With comic flair and warm appreciation, she conjures up Merman, Minnelli, Streisand, Julie Andrews and Joan Rivers to name a few.

Fresh from the recent Broadways satirical revue Newsical The Musical and from her daily hosting on Broadway's SiriusXM Radio, this multi-award winning cabaret artist has performed all over the US, London and South Africa. Her renowned impressions garnered her a Drama Desk nomination in the legendary and long running Forbidden Broadway, a show she appeared in all over the world including London's West End. On Broadway she's been Mama Morton in Chicago, in Talk Radio with Liev Schrieber and Little Me with Martin Short. Off Broadway she's played the title role in Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating & Marriage and appeared in many of the 24 Hour Plays, A Train Plays & Project Shaw productions. Good To Mama her solo CD was just released this year.

TUES 27th - SAT 31st October
ANNE REID, £35
"Anne Reid's only regret is that she did not do cabaret years ago. That she is now, with such captivating results, is cause to rejoice." Classical Source

Alongside popular songs by Harold Arlen, Charles Strouse and Cy Coleman, Anne performs I LOVE TO SING, recounting funny and interesting stories about her life in and out of show business. Accompanied by two-times Tony Award nominee and Musical Director Jason Carr.

Anne Reid has become a familiar figure to audiences everywhere in her many roles on television, stage and screen. In 2004 she received critical acclaim for her starring role in the film The Mother alongside Daniel Craig. Only recently has she branched out into musicals, with roles in Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods at the Royal Opera House and Cole Porter's Out of This World in Chichester and earlier this year A Little Night Music.

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