The hKippers
Jazz grooves collide with Euro folk and anarchic humour in the strange world of this much acclaimed line-up led by Paul Bradley and Oscar winning composer Stephen Warbeck.
Stephen Warbeck - accordion, piano & vocals
Sarah Homer - clarinet
Andrew Rankin - drums
Dai Pritchard - clarinet
Rob Townsend - saxes
Richard Henry - trombone
Dave Berry - bass/tuba
John Eacott - trumpet
A beguiling, eccentric fusion of jazz folk and world music, bolstered by anarchic stage humour, this 8-10 piece band, co-led by former EastEnder, Holby City actor Paul Bradley (lovable old Nigel!), is possibly the only act we’ll host that manages to incorporate a swimming cap, goggles, and a roll of sellotape into their show. But don’t be fooled into thinking they’re a joke band – this extremely talented ensemble do everything in their power to ensure you’re having as much fun as they are.
Vocalist Bradley co-leads alongside Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck (recognised for his work on Shakespeare in Love), and behind the comedic disposition of the act, the rest of the band are just as accomplished, including a Symphony Orchestra performer, a talented Producer and the drummer from the Pogues. Having formed in the late eighties, the cheeky public face to this band is just cunning misdirection – this ensemble is tight, talented, and when they line up to perform it’s for the sheer pleasure of being on stage together – a benefit felt by the audience, too!
The friendship and on-stage history between Warbeck and Bradley, which dates back many years to their time together at a Rep company in Manchester, made Paul the natural choice front man when The hKippers were conceived – without him, this is a band that plays great music. With him, he holds the lighter elements together and brings a touch of genius to it all. Personalities are the key to this band, but the music is always King – miss it at your peril!
“A band of friends who claim to play a fusion of jazz-folk and world music but still tackle anything that seems like fun” Phil Daoust – The Guardian