Really Useful Theatres announce new head of programming in strong market move to increase live music events at the London Palladium

09 June 2017 - Press release

Really Useful Theatres have today announced that former Roundhouse Head of Music – Dave Gaydon has been appointed as the group’s new Head of Programming, as it moves towards presenting an increased volume of live music concerts and events especially at the London Palladium.
 
Gaydon will work alongside Rebecca Kane Burton, who runs The Really Useful Theatre group, owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The group owns and operates seven theatres in the West End. Arguably the London Palladium is a real jewel in the group’s crown.
 
Rebecca said of Dave’s appointment; “Since taking the helm here I’ve been keen to secure the right music person to propel the London Palladium forward and secure the calibre of acts this World – famous stage deserves. Dave’s credentials at the Roundhouse and beyond speak for themselves. I’m thrilled he’s joined us and can’t wait to see how the place flourishes under his creative direction.”
 
Recent gigs at the London Palladium have included three nights of Bob Dylan, three nights of Brian Wilson, Imelda May, Leanne Rimes, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Billy Ocean, An Evening with Whoopi Goldberg and The Kaiser Chiefs.
 
Dave Gaydon said “I am delighted and feel privileged to be part of the move into a new era for this incredible venue. There are a whole host of both heritage and contemporary artists that I know will work fantastically well in the intimate setting of The Palladium and I’m looking forward programming some great gigs.”
 
The venue has recently undergone a £1 million plus refit of the backstage and dressing room areas, as well as utilising the front of house area to accommodate a gig friendly crowd by opening bars early and keeping them open after the gigs. And the team are keen to secure the permissions they need to host standing gigs downstairs too.
 
The venue is steeped in a rich history ranging from Marvin Gaye to The Beatles to Sinatra, everyone wants to play the London Palladium.
 
“I loved playing to my fans at the beautiful London Palladium last year, we played 3 very special nights there and the room was filled with music and joy.” Brian Wilson.
 
“I recently had 3 nights of Bob Dylan at the Palladium and had a wonderful experience. The venue Is world famous and beautiful which is good for both the artist and the public. The staff were very professional and helpful.”
Barry Dickins ITB

“To have an iconic, legendary and historic venue like The Palladium available to us for concerts is a real honour. So many music artists want to play there. One of the best shows I saw at The Palladium was the late Chris Cornell. A great artist, with a great voice in a great venue"
Andy Copping | President of UK Touring
 
“The Palladium is one of the best venues in town, it’s Classy, Sophisticated and historic. All the staff there are very helpful and friendly, it’s perfectly located in the centre of town, I’ve had great shows with Imelda May and Shane Filan there, I love it. If they had the dates available at Christmas I would have put Mariah Carey’s Christmas show in there for 5 nights!” John Giddings Solo
 
“For me the London Palladium is very Special having seen Cliff Richard & The Shadows there, Bette Midler, and Gene Pitney in the 70’s (whom I represented at the time). Now I have Art Garfunkel there. This is such a unique venue, perfect in size for so many Artistes and with an amazing ambiance. It’s great that Dave Gaydon is joining the team there, he was amazing at the Roundhouse and I’m sure will be perfect for the London Palladium.” Neil Warnock United Talent
 
“There aren’t many venues in the UK or world for that matter you can use the word iconic about, here is one of them, it has amazing history in the UK market for music and variety and recently with its
new open door policy has seen a resurgence with some incredible artists gracing the stage.” Steve Homer AEG Presents
 
“We’ve put over 20 shows in the Palladium in the last year alone, ranging from Primal Scream to Norah Jones to Coldplay, and everyone is always excited about playing the venue because of its rich history and the beauty of the place. We look forward to putting on many more shows in there.” John Cornwell SJM Concerts
 
Although his focus is now with the Really Useful Theatres Group, Dave will remain as a director of GOAT Music and GOAT is continuing with its work across venues and festivals in the UK and India.