A musical celebration of themes from Gerry Anderson’s TV shows at Symphony Hall.
Music from one of the most iconic back catalogues of all time, including Thunderbirds, Space: 1999, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, and Stingray, will be celebrated in a special concert at Symphony Hall on Saturday 13th July.
The timeless soundtracks from the TV shows of legendary producer Gerry Anderson MBE, including
music from the series created with his former wife and collaborator Sylvia, will be brought to life in a brand-new celebration by a full symphony orchestra with guest singers. Audiences will be able to feel the pulse of Thunderbirds, discover the mysterious allure of Stingray, and enjoy the futuristic vibes of Space: 1999, while immersing themselves in the iconic landscape of music, sounds and themes that defined an era.
Following a sell-out concert at Symphony Hall in 2022, Anderson Entertainment presents a brand-new production with Stand By For Action! 2: Tunes of Danger. The show will feature music from Anderson shows which have never before been performed by a full live orchestra, alongside many fan favourites from the worlds of Gerry Anderson. The themes and incidental music will be presented alongside stunning visuals from the series and films including newly created content.
And, as 2024 marks 60 years since the aquatic adventures of Stingray were first broadcast, the concert features an exclusive performance to commemorate this anniversary. Deadly Concerto is a tale that promises to plunge audience members into the heart of never-before-told adventures, where Titan discovers a new alliance and the secrets of a lost race.
The live performance of Deadly Concerto,featuring a full cast, sound effects, and music from the orchestra, marks the beginning of the 60th anniversary celebrations of Stingray, with other media platforms such as novellas, audiobooks and comic anthologies all being released in the months following the concert, telling an epic multi-part, multiplatform story – Deadly Uprising.
This unique new concert will be hosted by actor, comedian, and impressionist Jon Culshaw (pictured), who provides the voices for characters including Parker and Jeff Tracy in Anderson Entertainment’s Thunderbirds audio stories.
Jon Culshaw said, “I’m over the moon to be hosting this stunning event in Birmingham once again. The Anderson anthems as performed by the amazing orchestra are incredible to behold and are sure to fill Symphony Hall with the magic of the great Gerry Anderson and take the roof off. I grew up with Gerry Anderson’s shows, and to have another opportunity to present his work to a live audience and celebrate the enduring legacy of his creations is a real delight. ”
Jamie Anderson, son of Gerry Anderson and Director of Anderson Entertainment, added, “I cannot wait for fans to enjoy this nostalgia-packed evening of iconic tunes, and to experience the special celebration of Stingray with Deadly Concerto. Commemorating 60 years of Stingray is not just about looking back at the incredible legacy left by my father, but also about pushing the boundaries of storytelling into new and exciting territories. With Deadly Concerto, we’re honouring the past while boldly navigating the future of this beloved series.
“Birmingham has played such an important part in the creation of my father’s work, which many people maybe aren’t aware of, so there’s no better venue than thw incredible Symphony Hall to return to for this special occasion.”
Many of the most-recognisable puppets for Gerry Anderson’s series were created in Birmingham by John Blundall, one of Britain’s foremost puppet masters and designers. Born in Birmingham, Blundall had made his first puppets by the age of 14, before going on to train in puppet-making and theatre in Russia and Japan. In 1966, Blundall joined the staff of the Midland Arts Centre, where he founded the Cannon Hill Puppet Theatre in 1968.
Blundall was one of four puppet designers who worked with Gerry Anderson to create the characters for Thunderbirds, as well as for Supercar, Stingray and Fireball XL5. In addition to the puppets, the original sound effects for many of Anderson’s TV productions were created in Birmingham. Grosvenor Road Studios, formerly the renowned Hollick & Taylor Studios, has been Birmingham’s best-kept secret for nearly seventy years. The effects were often improvised by studio owners John and Jean Taylor, placing Jean in a small group of women at the forefront of electronic music and sound effects.
From 2pm on Saturday 13 July, audiences are invited to arrive early at Symphony Hall where there will be an exhibition of Gerry Anderson-themed books, annuals, and toys to enjoy. There will also be a display of models and props built by members of the International Plastic Modelers Society, opportunities for photos with members of the Gerry Anderson cosplay team (audience members are encouraged to dress up for the concert), and a shop selling official Gerry Anderson merchandise.
Presented by Anderson Entertainment and Carrot Productions, Stand By For Action! 2: Tunes of
Danger will take place at Symphony Hall, on Saturday 13th July at 7.30pm. Tickets from £43 are available here.