The smash-hit show, At Last – The Etta James Story, is set return to the UK next Autumn starring the sensational Vika Bull. Having wowed British audiences in 2017 as part of an ecstatically received short tour, Vika and the phenomenal Essential R&B Band start a 23 date visit, kicking off in High Wycombe on Friday September 21st 2018.
Following its world premiere in Melbourne in 2013 At Last – The Etta James Story has since repeatedly packed theatres throughout Australia and New Zealand. In 2016 the show returned to Melbourne for a sell-out season at The Arts Centre and July saw the show triumph for a third season at The Sydney Opera House.
As Vika sang ‘At Last’ it resonated through the theatre with such intensity that it brought the 800-strong audience to their feet in thunderous applause and deserved appreciation – Aussie Theatre
Telling the story of soul legend Etta James’ turbulent life and features some of her most beloved songs including Tell Mama, Something’s Got A Hold On Me, Sugar On The Floor, the heart rending I’d Rather Go Blind, her iconic signature song At Last and more.
During a long and tumultuous career that saw her win six Grammy Awards and a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame, Etta James has influenced a vast array of artists from Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart and is acknowledged as inspiring the careers of a new generation of singers from Christina Aguilera, Joss Stone, Adele and the late Amy Winehouse.
Sadly, Etta’s frantic recording and touring schedule coincided with her ever-growing addiction problems and over time she not only sang the blues…she lived the blues. Mercifully, her passion for life and strength of character saw her conquer her demons and she continued to record and perform into her seventies.