THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

An Interview With Peter Corry

GNI Magazine recently had the pleasure of interviewing Peter Corry, a prominent and well respected personality in the entertainment industry who is celebrating 30 years in show business. Peter has delivered numerous successful concerts, shows, and events throughout his career, including a sold-out tour of Northern Ireland that culminated in two incredible shows at St Anne’s Cathedral earlier this year. Now, Peter is returning to the Netherlands with a new production of “The Showman is Coming”. The audience are guaranteed an absolute delight for the senses with burlesque, circus, show songs, dance, pop, Bollywood, cabaret, and opera all making an appearance in this spectacular show. The show will also be premiered exclusively at the Theatre at the Mill for two performances only on September 9th, 2023.

Peter was recently invited to speak at a Ted X event about his love for music and its incredible power to transform lives. Aptly entitled, ‘The Long and Winding Road’, after both the song he sang for George Best’s funeral, and the path his career has taken him on; Peter discussed the impact of music on people’s lives.

Can you tell us more about the power of music and its ability to transform people’s lives?

The power of music is truly amazing. I’ve witnessed it first-hand, from the day I was dragged to a concert by my father, where I witnessed him play a solo that made a woman cry. I realized then that my dad had a superpower, and I wanted one too. Music has always been my constant companion, and as a teenager, it helped me navigate life’s many emotions, from heartache to euphoria. It’s an emotional outlet for me and has helped me find a space to express my feelings.

What role do you think music plays in bringing people together?

Music is incredibly powerful. Think of the pandemic, from rhythmic clapping to honour the NHS to kitchen disco’s and celebrities performing songs on scial media from their own homes, we couldn’t have gotten through it without music. National anthems bring a nation together like nothing else, it’s a declaration that we’re all in this together, regardless of our differences. Music has also been used to fight injustice and prejudice. The song “We Shall Overcome” is a perfect example of this. And even in sports, music has a way of bringing fans together, regardless of their differences. Music’s ability to connect us so simply, without having to say a word, is truly remarkable.

Can you tell us more about your upcoming show, “The Showman is Coming,” and what audiences can expect?

“The Showman is Coming” is a new production featuring burlesque, circus, show songs, dance, pop, Bollywood, cabaret, and opera. It’s a show where all these different genres come together to create something truly special. I’m excited to be returning to the Netherlands with this new production, and I’m looking forward to premiering it at the Theatre at the Mill for two performances on September 9th, 2023. It’s going to be an incredible show, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.

What’s the biggest joy music has brought you?

It brought me to my ‘Tribe’. When I was in my teens and a member of the Belfast Youth Orchestra I met young people from so many different backgrounds who enjoyed the same thing, that was an amazing opportunity when growing up in Northern Ireland during the troubles, to meet and play with young people from all walks of life, that was my first experience of finding my tribe and that has continued into adult hood – music has brought me the joy of connection.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about Music?

Yes, one more thing, think about your week so far or even the last week and now erase every aspect of music from it. No radio, no spotify, no tik tok videos’, no advertising jingles, no programme theme tunes. Think of films without music.

Imagine your Life without Music. Maybe that’s manageable for a few days but how about a few weeks? A year? Imagine the whole of lockdown without any music allowed at all, how would that have impacted on your mental health. So I ask you to go now, play your favourite song, turn up the volume and enjoy every beat!

To book tickets for Peter Corry’s ‘The Showman is Coming’ at The Theatre at the Mill please visit petercorryproductions.com