Welcome to the Cabaret Supper Club blog! As we gear up for our highly anticipated event, “The Music of James Bond,” we are excited to bring you exclusive insights from the remarkable talents gracing our stage. Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing the sensational Karen Rush. Known for her captivating voice and dynamic performances, Karen is set to take you on a thrilling musical journey through the iconic themes of James Bond. Join us as we dive into her inspirations, favourite Bond moments, and what you can expect from her performance on Friday, 6th September.
Bond Beginnings:
What is your earliest memory of watching a James Bond movie?
Where to begin? Well, we might need to rewind to the late 1980s, I guess. Picture this: the family sitting down after a lovely Sunday roast dinner, followed by watching the afternoon movie with my brothers and an ice cream smokey for dessert—the parents conked out on the sofa—if you know, you know!
It’s hard to recall the first movie I ever saw. By then, there had been many re-runs of the Bonds that came before. Though The Henchmen & Villain Jaws stands out in my memory most of all, so to give you a guess, it was probably The Spy Who Loved Me.
Which Bond film is your personal favourite and why?
There are so many to choose from—we are talking five decades of movie gold. I grew up loving them all, and they have aged, but I do love the iconic imagery of Diamonds Are Forever, the Villan Blofeld and his diamond-studded white cat. Perhaps Sean Connery’s best Bond performance, with a good balance between gritty and witty. Also, with a title theme song by Shirley Bassey…what’s not to love?
Musical Inspirations:
What inspired you to take part in this James Bond musical tribute?
I’m a fan of almost all female artists who covered James Bond movie themes, notably Shirley Bassey, Carly Simon, and recently Adele and Billy Eilish. I’m also a fan of big-hitter songs and wanted to take my vocal diva out of my shower and onto the stage with this repertoire and all the glamour and drama that befits the music. We recently relaunched our whole show with our 9pc band at Theatre at the Mill to rave reviews, so prominent boxed ticked there!
Which Bond theme song resonates with you the most and why?
Any of the songs covered by Shirley Bassey covered three Bond songs. Diamonds Are Forever & Goldfinger are my favourites; how she delivers this song with originality and elegance blows my mind! Bassey defines Bond!
Performance Insights:
Can you share any interesting behind-the-scenes stories from your rehearsals?
It’s always been a dream to put together a James Bond show, and it has not come without its challenges. But I cannot do it alone. The main challenge for me as a producer was finding the right male vocalist. Hearing trained Jay’s voice range from the suave and sophisticated 60’s classic sounds to the Pop and rock vocals required for the later Bond era was very exciting for me indeed, and I immediately knew he was the man for the mission. Not only does he sound amazing, he looks dashingly handsome, just like Bond.
How do you prepare for a performance of such iconic and beloved songs?
I am a producer and performer in several well-known tribute shows. I do this job as I have a natural ear that wants to tune into the artist’s songs I sing, but with this show, we are not trying to Tom Jones, Sam Smith or Sheryl Crowe. We want to pay homage to their style visually as well as vocally. But, if you close your eyes and the sounds fit and make you feel closer to the record you know and love, then all the better. Also, it’s hard for me to understand the wide vocal range required to deliver these massive songs. Tina Turner’s GoldenEye alone covers 3 octaves, and everyone expects the money notes at the end of Thunderball and Goldfinger. It’s a very demanding repertoire that requires you to dig deep and do a lot of vocal searching to make it work, but I think we covered it.
Personal Touch:
How do you bring your unique style and interpretation to these classic Bond songs?
We perform true to the original recordings. There will be no mashups or key changes. We will showcase the best of Bond styles performed by world-class local talent.
What do you hope the audience will feel or take away from your performance?
I hope everyone will come dressed to thrill and emerge in our Bond theme. We want the audience to enjoy their meal and experience audio and visual delight. Whether you’re a Bond movie fan or a music fan, you will be singing along with us by the end of the night. We are very excited!
Local Connection:
How does performing in Belfast, especially at Cabaret Supper Club, make this event memorable for you?
I have performed at Cabaret with different shows over the years, but I need something to fit the brief and overall customer experience this night will surely bring. Cabaret is the perfect setting for a glamorous duo to perform this musical style intimately. This dedicated Bond night will be a first for Cabaret customers, so I hope to see some familiar and new faces.
Can you share thoughts on the local music scene and how it influenced your career?
We are first inspired and influenced by the original artists and the musical content, and then we engage the talent to deliver it to the local music scene. Cabaret is very much at the centre of this, with an array of musical variety to compliment the scene.
Future Projects:
Are there any upcoming projects or performances you’re excited about and can share with your fans?
We are working on more dates for our full live Music of James Bond in Concert experience. This show is the perfect showcase to see what we are all about. Come check us out; you won’t be disappointed!
Fun Facts:
If you could play any character in a James Bond movie, who would it be and why?
Pussy Galore… as she was not depicted as pretty, weak and helpless, unlike many of the Bond Girls. She was more like the first female Bond!
What’s your favourite James Bond gadget?
The pen bomb and the car that swims
Audience Engagement:
How can fans and attendees best connect with you on social media or follow your work?
We would love you to follow our Facebook page @jamesbondtributebandireland & our management on Instagram @musicon_entertainment
Do you have any special messages or shout-outs you’d like to give to your fans and the audience at the show?
We have some incredibly dedicated fans and followers who support us in all our performing projects in theatres across Ireland and Europe. We will dedicate this performance to them. There may also be a prize or two to be won. So come along for this new cabaret experience.
Favourite Bond Elements:
Who is your favourite James Bond actor, and what makes them stand out to you?
Sean Connery, it’s the accent! He has smooth looks and a subtle delivery of his witty script.
Do you have a favourite Bond girl or villain? What do you love about that character?
Oh yes! As a child, I was terrified of Jaws, but then it turns out he was not bad after all, as he fell in love with a girl in pigtails… maybe he was just misunderstood. My favourite Bond girl would have to be the gorgeous Swedish blonde Britt Ekland, with whom I enjoyed doing Panto at The Opera House in Belfast quite a few years ago. She’s completely bonkers! But we got on very well, and I am proud to have introduced her to the ”Bacardi Breezer.”
Show Highlights:
What can audiences expect from “The Music of James Bond” show at Cabaret Supper Club?
A stylish and intimate night of all your favourite James Bond Classics songs spanning five decades. Perhaps a ‘red herrings’ and fun thrown in for good measure of a martini in hand. Karen & Jay step away from their band for one night only to bring you a musical night to die for!
Are there any particular songs or moments you are incredibly excited about performing in the show?
All of it! Those who don’t know ALL the songs will certainly be singing them on the way home and adding them to their Spotify playlist so they, too, can sing in the shower!
