Jacqui Dankworth, Simon Callow , Charlie Wood , Geoff Gascoyne and Julian Siegel

Acclaimed jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death by performing some musical settings to Shakespeare’s poetry both inspired by and taken from the album, Shakespeare And All That Jazz, composed by her late father, Sir John Dankworth. Acclaimed actor and writer Simon Callow will read some of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Dankworth will be joined by her husband, the acclaimed pianist-vocalist Charlie Wood, saxophonist Julian Siegel and bassist Geoff Gascoyne.

The settings include Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer’s Day, O Mistress Mine, Fear No More The Heat O’ The Sun, the story of Macbeth and a comical setting of Shakespeare’s complete works. The complete material has not been performed since the 1980s when Cleo Laine recorded the album Wordsongs. Jacqui Dankworth performed them 30 years ago at the Bear Garden Museum as a fundraiser for the Globe Theatre.

Dankworth is one of the UK’s most highly regarded vocalists. Her concert appearances and her stylistically diverse recordings showcase her effortless mastery of a wide spectrum of genres. Known primarily as a jazz singer, Dankworth also draws on soul and blues influences.

Callow is an actor and director known for his roles in such films as Amadeus, Room with a View and Four Weddings and a Funeral.  He has also written extensively and talks about his three-volume biography of Orson Welles at another event earlier in the day.

Wood is an American singer/songwriter and pianist whose eclectic musical style incorporates elements of jazz, blues, traditional R&B and popular music. Wood continues touring and recording regularly throughout the UK and Europe.

Siegel is one of the most highly sought-after saxophonists on the European jazz scene and has worked with many of the top figures in music. He was awarded the 2007 BBC Jazz Award for Best Instrumentalist and his quart CD Urban Theme Park received widespread critical acclaim, winning the London Jazz Award.

Gascoyne is a musician and producer who has worked with the likes of Michel Legrand, Everything But the Girl, Van Morrison, Georgie Fame and Sting.

This event lasts two hours including a 30-minute drinks interval.