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As Hadley Fraser prepares for his biggest solo concert to date at London’s Cadogan Hall, he reflects on a journey that began with a love of music and drama — and a touch of serendipity.
“I had half an eye on being a journalist,” Fraser admits. “And I’d like to have opened the bowling for England, but I suppose you end up where you’re supposed to be.” That path led him to the Royal Academy of Music, where he completed a postgraduate course in musical theatre. “I haven’t looked back, to be honest,” he says.
Reflecting on a career that includes major West End roles and screen appearances, Hadley is characteristically humble. “If you’d asked me at 21, I don’t think I would have believed this is where I’d be now. I’ve done a nice mix of musicals and plays, plus some screen work and recorded music. You have to continually check yourself and make sure you’re not taking it for granted.”
Now, Fraser is stepping into the spotlight solo — almost. “It’s certainly the biggest concert I’ve ever done,” he says. “I’ve done smaller-scale things before… but I’ve never taken on a big concert hall of my own.” The concert at Cadogan Hall coincides with the release of his new album, which came out in February. “We had always wanted to do an accompanying launch gig… when Cadogan Hall came along, it felt like a natural fit.”
The venue holds a special place in Hadley’s heart. “It can be quite a magical space… it manages to be both epic and quite intimate at the same time.” That duality mirrors the tone of the album itself, which Hadley describes as “quite melancholic… about loss a lot of the time, or longing, or hope — whether that’s in vain or not.”
The album’s genesis is rooted in collaboration. “A lot of it has to do with a colleague and friend who wanted me to provide some music for a recorded spoken word project.” Though that project is still in development, the music found a life of its own. “We decided to release this as an album because we felt like it could stand on its own two feet.”
Hadley credits arranger and pianist Sam Young with shaping the album’s sound. “When I sat down with him and said we want this to feel kind of fresh and contemporary… he came back with some amazing arrangements.” The result is a collection of songs reimagined with a modern sensibility. “We didn’t want to just dial it back to the ’50s and do another swing album.” The partnership with Sam Young has been a creative cornerstone. “Basically, Sam tells me what is good and I do that.”
The concert will feature the full album, plus a few surprises. “There’ll be some from albums past and some other little surprises… some new material.” Hadley will be joined by three guest stars: Natalie May Paris, Maiya Quansah-Breed, and his wife, Rosalie Craig. “She didn’t take too much persuading! If you don’t want to come for me, come for them!” Hadley laughs.
Each guest brings a unique connection. “Maiya sang on the album… Sam and I sat there in the studio pinching ourselves when she was recording.” Natalie is a long-time collaborator. “I always knew I wanted her to be a part of this concert.” And Rosie? “We’re going to sing some songs from my very first studio recording… it’s going to be really special to sing those tunes in particular — we’re doing them for our daughter.”
Balancing rehearsals with a current run in the West End has been a logistical feat. “The gig was already planned before I joined The Deep Blue Sea… so I thought, right, I’d better see how I can make this work.” Fortunately, the musicians are familiar with the material. “They all played on the album… hopefully they all remember it!”
Hadley is especially excited to perform “I Get Along Without You Very Well.” “Sam’s done the most luscious string arrangement.” Another highlight will be “Fly Me to the Moon,” and a duet with Natalie from one of their favourite musicals. As the concert approaches, Fraser is focused on the joy of live performance. “Music is a live medium really, isn’t it?… there’s no substitute for going and seeing music live.” He’s eager to share the album in its “natural home.”
The production team, including Fourth Wall and Westway Music, has been instrumental. “They’ve both been great… I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing a few of them on the night and toasting the album and the live show.”
And for anyone still on the fence about attending? Hadley has a simple message: “Don’t miss it. It’s going to be a fantastic evening of music at one of London’s most iconic music venues… come and hear some beautiful, beautiful, beautiful music. I don’t think people will regret it.”
Hadley Fraser is in concert at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 15th June 2025. Tickets are on sale here.