A man in traditional Bhangra costume stands in front of a microphone looking out to the left of the picture from a stage with people behind him. Everyone is clapping.

A look back on Prince Reimagined

2023 August 11

The team at Lawrence Batley Theatre is so proud of Prince Reimagined, the brainchild of our community ambassador and amazing local artist Hardeep Sahota.

Prince Reimagined was an Arts Council England funded project created by ourselves and Hardeep Sahota as part of Kirklees Year of Music 2023. This exciting project has given us the chance to shine a light on the incredible work that is being created in Kirklees. The support and passion for the arts from every one of the venue team makes Lawrence Batley Theatre a place where the unexpected really does happen everyday.

Prince, known for his incredible musicianship and flamboyant stage presence, influenced generations of musicians and fans. His songbook is one of the most distinctive created by any artist; while his celebration of diversity, sexuality and identity has struck a chord with people across the world.

In this unique show created just for us, we heard Prince's songs played live by incredible musicians who have reimagined them into diverse and exciting musical genres. Punctuated through the show were moments of fans tales of their connection and memories of Prince, how he touched them in their lives. The evening was a true tribute of the iconic musician.
A lively concert scene with a diverse group of musicians performing on stage, including a singer holding a microphone and wearing a dark shirt. The audience is visible in the foreground, standing and clapping with enthusiasm. The stage is illuminated with colourful lights, and additional band members and backup singers are positioned across the stage, some playing instruments and others dancing.

There was a line-up of world class musicians breathing new life into Prince's music led by local legend Boff Whalley and musical director Jennifer Pugh. Maddie Morris, BBC Radio 2's Young folk award winner, Rachel Modest from The Voice and Lisanse Changwe all took turns at centre stage on vocals. Sumie Kent on the Japanese harp, James Frankland on guitar, Carol Hodge on keys and vocals, Sunil Kalyan on tabla and dholak, Vijay Venkat on violin, Christine Avis on cello, Dudley Nesbit on steel pan and Abi Swift on drums. The headline performance will also include dancing from ballet dancer Erica Mulkern and Irish folk dancer Rebecca Kane. A short film of the production can be seen below.

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