UK uke pros bring twang to town

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is heading to the Queenstown Events Centre on Tuesday,...
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is heading to the Queenstown Events Centre on Tuesday, November 30. Photo supplied.
What began as a one-off gig for fun in 1985 has become a globetrotting phenomenon that has played Glastonbury Festival, sold out the BBC Proms and inspired others to pick up the instrument.

Now the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain returns to New Zealand for a 10-date national tour, stopping by to entertain at the Queenstown Events Centre on Tuesday, November 30.

The orchestra consists of singers and multi-instrumentalists George Hinchliffe, Kitty Lux, Will Grove-White, Peter Brooke Turner, Dave Suich, Richie Williams, Hester Goodman and Jonty Bankes on the tiny Hawaiian guitars.

Plucking everything from Nirvana to Tchaikovsky via Kate Bush and spaghetti western soundtracks, the "Ukes" last played in Wellington in 2008, selling out seven shows at the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

Promoter Arne Herrmann said in a statement he could not resist inviting the "twanging, singing, awesome, foot-stomping band" of ukulele players back to New Zealand.

"In Wellington I saw how much people loved this band - they are simply fabulous performers and everyone who comes along has a fantastic time."

Ukulele players are encouraged to bring their instruments for a play-along song, Mr Herrmann said.

• The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Queenstown Events Centre, Tuesday, November 30, 8pm. Tickets cost $59, $69 and $79, depending on proximity to the stage, at the events centre, i-Site Queenstown Visitor Centre and Ticket Direct.

 

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