21st January 2009 is a memorable date in the life of the singer Susan Boyle. Little did she know that her first tentative audition for Britain’s Got Talent in front of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan would thrust her into the limelight, followed by global success as a much beloved superstar.
If you missed the TV programme, no matter: the video YouTube clip of her extraordinary, powerfully emotional performance, singing "I Dreamed a Dream" became a You Tube sensation across the world – within a week, it was watched over 100 million times.
First you observe the giggles, and dismissive, prejudiced facial expressions on the faces of audience and judges alike, as this buxom, shy, 47 year old woman from Blackburn stepped onto the stage. But then Susan begins to sing and within seconds, there are smiles, cheers, tears and applause and finally a standing ovation.
Four years and four best selling CDs later (19 million copies) with a phenomenal fan base worldwide, Susan Boyle In Concert will be her first tour visiting theatres in Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh this summer.
Her career has been carefully managed, with CD recordings, TV documentaries, guest appearances singing for H.M The Queen and the Pope, and a Musical based on her life, I Dreamed a Dream (starring Elaine C Smith). Now, having created a substantial repertoire, it’s the right moment to take a show on the road.
"If this works well, then the world is my oyster and 2014 will be a global tour," she explains. "I wanted to begin in Scotland to say thank you for all the support I have been shown over the past few years. It feels right to begin another new experience in my home country."
Susan’s dream to be recognised as a professional singer is like an amazing Rags to Riches Fairy Tale. At that first magical audition where her genuine talent was spotted, the judges described her performance as “stunning . . . incredible”. “I felt so privileged to have heard you sing.”
Now, in July 2013 we can all have the privilege to see and hear Susan Boyle live in Concert.
Edinburgh
Friday 12th July & Saturday 13th July 2013
Festival Theatre, edtheatres.com/susanboyle
Rest of Scotland
Tuesday 2nd July 2013
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
eden-court.co.uk
01463 234 234
Thursday 4th July 2013
Music Hall, Aberdeen
boxofficeaberdeen.com
01224 641 122
Saturday 6th July 2013
Caird Hall, Dundee
dundeebox.co.uk
01382 434 940
Monday 8th July & Tuesday 9th July 2013
King's Theatre, Glasgow
atgtickets.com/glasgow
0844 871 7648