At last…Etta James story arrives in Manchester

Smash-hit show At Last – The Etta James Story is set to take to the stage in Manchester next week, just days after the production made its UK debut.

At Last -The Etta James story, which tells the story of soul legend Etta James’ turblent life, gained success at its world premiere in Melbourne in 2013 and has since gone on to wow audiences worldwide.

The leading lady is played by Australian blues singer Vika Bull, one half of succesful duo Vika and Linda and has played the role of Etta James for an impressive four years.

The singer, who is joined by seven piece band The Essential R&B band on stage, is enjoying performing to a British audience. She said: “We have been doing the show for over three years in Australia, but we have been thrilled with the reactions from the audiences here in the UK. The Brits love their music, especially soul and R&B, which is great to see.”

During a long and tumultuous career that saw her win six Grammy Awards and a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame, Etta James, who passed away in 2012, 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.

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.

It is because of this that Vika takes the role very seriously. She said: “When I was first approached to take on the role in 2013, I knew that the show was going to be a very tough thing to do, to portay her life over 50 years, but I had always been such a fan.

“However, I had loved her music but didn’t know much about her life, and her troubles, which made her a great singer, but after researching, it all made sense. My favourite thing about the role is singing her songs, even the songs that she covered, she made them her own.”

The show, which see’s Vika narrate Etta James’ story from birth to death, includes an impressive 23 songs, from 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 many more.

At Last – The Etta James Story takes to the stage at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music on Monday April 10.