World Premiere : 'Chris Needs : Like It Is'.
Press Release:
Lloyd Davies played Chris Needs in a new stage show by Gabe Cameron and PT Rose.
The World Premiere of 'Chris Needs -Like It Is', based on the life of legendary broadcaster and charity fundraiser Chris Needs, staged at The Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea between June 20th - 22nd, 2024.
The play traces Chris's life story from Cwmafan through significant moments, his performance and broadcasting career to his extraordinary charity work notably for Diabetes Wales.
The script is based upon Chris' three volume autobiography and private audio tape recordings with his long time friend the writer PT Rose.
The recordings were part of the process of creating a stage show. Chris was tragically taken from us just before that original show was about to go into production. Extracts from the audio tapes have been released and can be heard on line.
The show featured a range of songs important to Chris and his enormous fan base of followers in the 'Chris Needs Friendly Garden' and features Oliver Ryall-Dimech as 'Young Chris'.
Lloyd said:
'I am absolutely overwhelmed to be cast in the role of the legend that is Chris Needs. Not only did I admire Chris very much, I was also honoured to have called him a friend.
We talked together many times on the radio and he was always so encouraging and enthusiastic about all of the theatrical or writing projects in which I was involved.
I wrote for him too in the form of a comedy song which he sang on his show....we had a lot in common.
We both were pianists, came from more or less the same area and shared a huge love of comedy. We often laughed together till it hurt. I am very touched to have Gabe’s personal blessing in being cast in this special role.
They are big shoes to try and fill but I will give it everything I’ve got to try and honour his memory and legacy'.
Gabe Cameron Chris's life partner and creative producer of the project added :
Chris loved performing … he was a born entertainer and particularly passionate about his career in radio broadcasting. However, he did not consider himself to be a celebrity and often said that it was an image he couldn’t live up to.
Simply, he cared deeply for his audience and the many friends he made on the way. Chris was indeed a very complex person and above all, loved life.
Over the past months we have had a very difficult task in choosing the right person to cast but I am so pleased to have secured Lloyd Davies in the role of ‘our’ Chris Needs.
Lloyd is a consummate performer in his own right; singer/songwriter, musician and actor … Lloyd heralds from the same ‘neck of the woods’ as Chris; they had shared work ethics and experiences and, as Chris’ friend for many years, supported each other in their various projects.
I am so proud to welcome Lloyd in this, the initial staging of Chris’ life, As It Is …
Please contact karen@karenstruelwhite.com
Show website - http://www.chrisneeds.show/index.html
Writer's website: PT Rose
Press Release:
Lloyd Davies played Chris Needs in a new stage show by Gabe Cameron and PT Rose.
The World Premiere of 'Chris Needs -Like It Is', based on the life of legendary broadcaster and charity fundraiser Chris Needs, staged at The Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea between June 20th - 22nd, 2024.
The play traces Chris's life story from Cwmafan through significant moments, his performance and broadcasting career to his extraordinary charity work notably for Diabetes Wales.
The script is based upon Chris' three volume autobiography and private audio tape recordings with his long time friend the writer PT Rose.
The recordings were part of the process of creating a stage show. Chris was tragically taken from us just before that original show was about to go into production. Extracts from the audio tapes have been released and can be heard on line.
The show featured a range of songs important to Chris and his enormous fan base of followers in the 'Chris Needs Friendly Garden' and features Oliver Ryall-Dimech as 'Young Chris'.
Lloyd said:
'I am absolutely overwhelmed to be cast in the role of the legend that is Chris Needs. Not only did I admire Chris very much, I was also honoured to have called him a friend.
We talked together many times on the radio and he was always so encouraging and enthusiastic about all of the theatrical or writing projects in which I was involved.
I wrote for him too in the form of a comedy song which he sang on his show....we had a lot in common.
We both were pianists, came from more or less the same area and shared a huge love of comedy. We often laughed together till it hurt. I am very touched to have Gabe’s personal blessing in being cast in this special role.
They are big shoes to try and fill but I will give it everything I’ve got to try and honour his memory and legacy'.
Gabe Cameron Chris's life partner and creative producer of the project added :
Chris loved performing … he was a born entertainer and particularly passionate about his career in radio broadcasting. However, he did not consider himself to be a celebrity and often said that it was an image he couldn’t live up to.
Simply, he cared deeply for his audience and the many friends he made on the way. Chris was indeed a very complex person and above all, loved life.
Over the past months we have had a very difficult task in choosing the right person to cast but I am so pleased to have secured Lloyd Davies in the role of ‘our’ Chris Needs.
Lloyd is a consummate performer in his own right; singer/songwriter, musician and actor … Lloyd heralds from the same ‘neck of the woods’ as Chris; they had shared work ethics and experiences and, as Chris’ friend for many years, supported each other in their various projects.
I am so proud to welcome Lloyd in this, the initial staging of Chris’ life, As It Is …
Please contact karen@karenstruelwhite.com
Show website - http://www.chrisneeds.show/index.html
Writer's website: PT Rose