*
banner

Tredegar hit the bottles with star studded Old Vic appearance

Tredegar Band joined up with the likes of Damian Lewis, Lulu and Tim Minchin to provide the entertainment at The Old Vic Theatre on the weekend in London.

Tredeagr
  The band met up with the stars at the Old Vic event — including 'Billions' star Damian Lewis.

Tredegar Band was featured as part of the hottest entertainment ticket in London on the weekend as they performed at the 200th anniversary Gala Ball of the famous Old Vic Theatre.

They joined a star studded list of performers, actors and singers such Damian Lewis (above), Adrian Lester, Imelda Staunton and Lulu to provide the evening's programme of entertainment which had been specially created by Artistic Director Matthew Warchus, who also directed the BAFTA award winning film, 'Pride' which featured the band.

Tributes and contributions came from across the entertainment world, including Dame Judy Dench, Bono and Sir Ian McKellen for an event which it is understood raised over £1 million.

Tim Minchin

Themed on the theme '200 Green Bottles' it was led by comedian, actor and composer Tim Minchin, with Tredegar providing the backing accompaniment as well as being featured on his special performance of 'Forever Young' by Bob Dylan to round off the night.

Musical Director Ian Porthouse told 4BR: "We were thrilled to accept the invitation from Matthew Warchus to be part of the event and to once again link up with composers Chris Nightingale and arranger Simon Lenton to provide some of the musical backing for an eye-opening event."

It was great to have the band with us again — they are amazing. I can't thank them enough for once again being so easy to work with and so musically inventiveOld Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus

200 Green Bottles

He added: "It's also the second time we've linked up with Tim Minchin, who is a quite incredible performer.

The '200 Green Bottle' theme was so clever, and there was a standing ovation for the Bob Dylan finale which featured four of the band perched in different areas of the hall. Everyone was just looking around the hall to hear where the sound was coming from."

So inventive

Speaking to 4BR Tim Minchin said: "What a band and what a sound. I loved it."

Meanwhile, Artistic Director Matthew Warchus added: "It was great to have the band with us again — they are amazing. I can't thank them enough for once again being so easy to work with and so musically inventive."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Yorkshire

Yorkshire Committee issues Third Section statement

March 8 • The Yorkshire Regional Championship Committee has clarified the reason behind the delay in the announcement of the Third Section results in Huddersfield.


Market Rasen

Results: 2026 Midlands Regional Championships

March 7 • Area title success for GUS, Rushden Town, Market Rasen and Cubbington Silver Band in Bedworth.


Perth

Results: 2026 Scottish Championships

March 7 • Whitburn claim the domestic honours as Kirkintilloch Kelvin, Johnstone, Selkirk Silver and Bon-Accord B take section titles in Perth.


South Yorkshire Police

Results: 2026 Yorkshire Regional Championships

March 7 • Area title success for Hepworth, South Yorkshire Police, Hatfield & Askern Colliery, Drighlington and Queensbury Music Centre in Huddersfield.


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queen Victorias Consort

Friday 13 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Rushden Town Band

March 8 • 2nd Trombone for Midlands Area First Section Champions 2026.


Glossop Old Band

March 7 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

March 6 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd