Critically-acclaimed LGBT+ icon Jake Shears is the headline host of Pride Classical, which will see a world-class 32-piece orchestra take to the stage to perform the best Pride anthems of the last 50 years for thousands of people at Liverpool’s Pier Head on Friday, 26 July – the eve of Pride in Liverpool.
Jake is set to be joined by a star-studded line up including RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 4 Winner Danny Beard, West End sensation Alison Jiear and actor and musician Ashford Campbell. Pride Classical is an amazing spectacle that adds an important fundraiser and additional day to the Pride in Liverpool festival.
We spoke with Jake ahead of his headline performance at Pride Classical…
What can people expect from your performance?
I’ll be bringing the party to Pride Classical Liverpool playing some Scissor Sisters classics, some of my solo stuff from my album ‘Last Man Dancing’ plus some surprises
What is your favourite Pride song and why?
It has to be ‘Walk the Night’ by Skatt Bros – it’s an edgy gay anthem that was once very obscure and is now a classic.
How was performing at Eurovision Village in Liverpool last year?
Being part of the Eurovision Village last year was incredible – the crowd was totally electric and the vibe across all of Liverpool was truly magical throughout Eurovision week.
You’ve recently been working with Elton John on Tammy Faye the Musical – how has that been?
Elton is such a dear friend and we’ve had a blast working on our musical Tammy Faye together. The reaction in London was great and we are so excited for it to open on Broadway later this year.
Our theme for this year’s Pride in Liverpool celebrations is Be Heard. Why is it important for LGBT+ people to Be Heard and how can we make our voices heard?
It’s never been more important to make your voice heard, particularly to represent marginalized people across the world who don’t yet enjoy the freedoms we do here.
Catch Jake alongside Alison Jiear, Ashford Campbell, Danny Beard and a 32-piece orchestra at Pride Classical on Friday, 26 July. Get tickets at prideinliverpool.co.uk/classical.
