Former Housemartin and Beautiful South main man Paul Heaton will celebrate his 50th birthday by performing his acclaimed Soul Opera The 8th, as well as some of his most well-known and loved songs from his back catalogue in this sensational performance.

The 8th is one of the longest songs ever written and was one of the hits of last year’s Manchester International Festival. A song in eight chapters, it looks at the seven deadly sins through a series of scenes taking place in a single poverty-stricken neighbourhood, one where a new, thoroughly modern sin, The 8th is able to insinuate itself into every person’s life…

The performance of this electrifying musical will then be followed by a set of some of Paul’s Greatest Hits for a tune packed journey through his back catalogue featuring songs from his Beautiful South, Housemartins and solo career.

Paul will will be accompanied by star of US hit series _The Wire _ Reg E Cathey, Ivor Novello winning artist Cherry Ghost, ex Beautiful South singer Jacqui Abbott, Los Campesinos! vocalist Gareth Paisey as well as sweet soul singer Wayne Gidden, Scottish singer songwriter Aaron Wright, The Earlies Christian Madden, Hull country & western singer Mike Greaves and the gospel tinged voices of Yvonne Shelton and Steve Menzies for this sensational evening of great music.

Given a theatrical narrative by award-winning playwright Che Walker (Royal Court and Young Vic) and directed by Paines Plough’s joint artistic director George Perrin, this performance will be a musical experience like no other.