The Divine Comedy: Liberation/Promenade

Venus, Cupid, Folly & Time

,Barbican Hall
Neil Hannon in a black and white suit and tie standing in front of a blue pyramid

As part of a five-night residency celebrating their 30th anniversary, Neil Hannon’s The Divine Comedy, performing as an eleven-piece ensemble, play the band’s first two full albums in their entirety.

Liberation is for Hannon the point at which The Divine Comedy found its musical identity. Flitting between highbrow and low brow, with tracks inspired by Fitzgerald (‘Bernice Bobs Her Hair’), Wordsworth (‘Lucy’) and Mr. Benn (‘Festive Road’), it’s a perfect introduction to Hannon’s intellectual vivacity and trademark wit.

Promenade is something of a concept album – a day in the life of two friends, siblings or lovers in a sleepy seaside town. The influence of Michael Nyman's popular minimalism is evident from the opening bars, while Hannon’s interest in philosophy and literature continues, with the protagonists discussing books, film religion and childhood.

Tagged with: Contemporary music Venus, Cupid, Folly & Time

This concert will start at the advertised start time and running times will be confirmed closer to the event

This concert is subject to Government Guidance relating to Covid-19.

Produced by the Barbican

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Black and white image of Neil Hannon posing beneath a statue

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Neil Hannon walks through the architecture of his highly anticipated five-night residency, charting an illustrious career spanning 30 years.

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