Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott are to headline what is sure to be an unforgettable night at Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
The former Beautiful South duo’s legendary vocal sparring, rich, acerbic lyrics and utterly unique sound will be in full effect when they headline Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Friday August 5.
Today’s announcement comes as music promoters Cuffe and Taylor reveal more 2016 headliners and dates for Scarborough OAT – the largest open air theatre in Europe – every day this week.
British soul superstars Simply Red have already been confirmed to play on Wednesday August 10.
Paul and Jacqui – the unmistakable voices behind such The Beautiful South hits as Rotterdam, Perfect 10 and Don’t Marry Her – reunited in 2011, after almost a decade apart.
And they have carried on where they left off with their new collaboration spawning two critically acclaimed Top 5 albums – 2013’s What Have We Become and this year’s hit Wisdom, Laughter and Lines, featuring this autumn’s anthem The Austerity of Love.
Tickets for Paul and Jacqui’s not-to-be-missed summer 2016 show at Scarborough OAT go on sale at 9am Monday December 14.
Cuffe and Taylor Director Peter Taylor said: “Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott are arguably one of the hottest live tickets around right now, and for good reason.
“They were part of one of the most successful British groups of the last 30 years and since reuniting have wowed critics and audiences around the UK. They are one of the most original acts whose sound is as unique as it is unforgettable.
“I have no doubt news Paul and Jacqui are among next summer’s headliners at Scarborough OAT – a fantastic venue in a beautiful seaside town – will be greeted with a rush for tickets.
“I’m sure music fans in Yorkshire and beyond cannot wait for this one…I know I certainly can’t!”
Cllr Andrew Backhouse, Scarborough Borough Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Culture, added: “This is exciting news for new followers of Paul and Jacqui and of course for all die-hard The Beautiful South and The Housemartins fans.
“The duo is no stranger to Scarborough, having visited the town earlier this year to film the video for their new single I Don’t See Them. We can’t wait to welcome them back for their performance next summer.”
As frontman for The Housemartins in the 1980s, Paul Heaton released two top 10 albums before he formed The Beautiful South. Jacqui Abbott joined in 1994 and this heralded a string of hits and chart-topping albums. Jacqui left the band in 2000 and The Beautiful South split in 2007 after selling more than 15 million records worldwide.
Paul launched a solo career before famously reuniting with Jacqui over Facebook. They have left fans and critics purring – Austerity of Love was named BBC Radio 2’s Record of the Week in September – and are playing to sell-out audiences across the UK.
Tickets for the fully seated concert are priced at £32.50 and are available online at www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com or in person from the Scarborough Open Air Theatre Box Office from 9am Monday December 14. Tickets are also available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk