Teen singing sensation Eva May sells out theatre ahead of Christmas lights switch-on with proud radio star mum
Russell Watson hailed her “magnificent voice” – now Eva May has sold out her debut theatre show and will sing at a Christmas lights switch-on hosted by proud BBC radio star mum Becky Measures, writes Graham Walker.
Young singing star Eva May shared a stage with Russell Watson in April - now she really is ending the year on a festive high note.
The 13-year-old will headline her own sold out theatre debut, where special guests include Sheffield’s Grammy award winning Eliot Kennedy, electronic violinist James Taylor the It Starts With You Choir.
Then next weekend she will brighten up the festive season singing at a Chesterfield’s Christmas lights switch on.
And it will be a family affair.
Eva’s proud mum is BBC Radio Derby breakfast show presenter Becky Measures, a familiar voice to listeners across Derbyshire and Sheffield.
Becky, now BBC Radio Derby’s breakfast show presenter, will host the lights switch-on and Eva May will sing outside the Town Hall in Chesterfield, on Sunday, November 22, with the stage show from 4.30pm and the lights switch on at 5.30pm.
Doncaster singer-songwriter Anya Goel, promoting single Loving On Repeat, will also take to the stage at Chesterfield’s Christmas lights switch on, ending a year that saw her join ADMT on his sold-out UK tour and open for The Reytons.
The event will close a three-day Christmas market in Chesterfield town centre.
It’s 25 years since Becky first took to the switch-on stage with Peak FM. This time, she gets to introduce her daughter.
Eva May was just 12 when she sang two solos at Watson’s Derby Cathedral concert in April.
The tenor praised her “magnificent voice” and Derby Theatre took notice. By July she was performing in its Main House at the 30th anniversary Eagle Awards, which celebrate amateur theatre across Derby and Derbyshire.
Now she’s back with a show of her own. Introducing Eva May and Friends take place tomorrow, Sunday, November 15.
Those lucky enough to have tickets for the sold out show will be treated to hits from musical theatre, classical favourites and contemporary songs, from The Sound of Music and The Phantom of the Opera to Ombra mai fu, one of the first opera pieces Eva May learnt.
She’ll sing Time to Say Goodbye as her final solo before a finale joining the It Starts With You Choir - a community choir, formed by BBC Radio Derby for its campaign to raise awareness of hereditary cancers.
Inspired by presenter Becky Measures sharing her own experience, it brings together local people affected by cancer and takes its name from the campaign song written by Sheffield’s own Grammy and Ivor Novello award winning singer-songwriter Eliot Kennedy.
Eliot’s credits include Boyzone’s Picture of You, Bryan Adams and Mel C’s When You’re Gone, and Take That’s Everything Changes.
The man also behind The Spice Girls classic hit Say You’ll Be There , he will be there - for a guest appearance at Eva May’s sold-out show.
The show ill also feature amazing electronic violinist James Taylor.
His theatre credits include first violin for productions of The Phantom of the Opera at Sheffield Cathedral and Les Miserables at The Steamworks, alongside session recording and collaborations with artists in the UK and overseas.
His work ranges from solo electric violin and piano to ensemble playing, arranging, musical direction and multi-instrumental projects.
James has performed at weddings, private functions, corporate events, theatres, festivals, public venues and collaborative projects for more than 25 years.