Dom Newton has developed a cult following within the city for his unique one-off music nights: a blend of original material, off the wall live performances and a high-camp theme that lends itself to singing, dancing, and messing around in the fancy dress box. His summer show sees Newton take to the stage in the suitably louche surroundings of Studio 2 Parr St on Friday 26th July, where he will be premiering Atlantis. His previous events – the Horror Blues Halloween Ball, Malice in Wonderland and Barrington Fanshawe: Man of God – featured full sets of songs created specifically for the night, as well as guest musicians and D.J.s.
Offering the usual charismatic blend of story-telling through song with killer tunes, the event is described as a garage rock fantasy and details the adventures of Sailor Sid and his pirate crew in the magical kingdom of Atlantis. Sid falls in love with the beautiful mermaid princess Ariel and must battle the Kraken in a bid to save her from certain death. Although the songs take the listener on a journey through Sid and Ariel’s romance, they are all strong enough to stand alone, underpinned by Newton’s raw blues talent and searing vocals.
Dom says: “I only do two shows a year – which means I can save everything up and do something special! I work on the albums as concepts, using the songs to tell the stories – in the style of a musical, but with more rock! It’s a cheeky combo of rock music, theatre and comedy in a saucy package of entertainment. I’ve been living in the Atlantis for some time now, creatively, which means I’m always in my swimming trunks and am very much looking forward to sharing the story with the world, or at least the people who seem to be crazy enough to keep coming out and seeing me perform.”
It is rumoured that Liverpool legend Ian Prowse will be making a guest appearance as Poseidon. Support on the night will come from punk poet Anne Marie Briggs and will also feature the drawings of well-known local artist James Munro.
Dress code is sailors, swimwear, sea creatures, pirates and princesses (attending without costumes will be very much frowned upon.)
Tickets for this event are priced at £5 on the door.