Beyond the wise-cracking television persona: Clive James the songwriter.
Catching the Light explores a lesser-known side of Clive James. With composer Pete Atkin, Clive created some of the most distinctive and unexpected songs of his generation — romantic, acutely observed and deeply personal.
The Way You Are With Me
Tim Benton with Simon Wallace, from Catching the Light. (More vids here)
Catching the Light is a cabaret-style show — part live music gig, part memoir — built around a personal selection of these songs. Even if you’ve never encountered Clive or Pete before, their songs feel like a friend opening up: sharing joys, regrets, frustrations and earthy observations of everyday life. Whether it’s a love song, a character study or a bittersweet observation on life and ambition, a little more of the real Clive emerges from each lyric.
“Songs that are funny, sad, beautiful and true.” — Stephen Fry
First performed at Greenwich Theatre, London, Catching the Light brings this more thoughtful, reflective side of Clive James to life in an intimate, story-led performance. Part live music and part memoir, the show combines a personal selection of James–Atkin songs with the story of the man behind the lyrics.
I perform the songs in a warm, lived-in baritone, accompanied by leading UK musical director Simon Wallace. His jazz-tinged arrangements give the show its distinctive sound, while his work with Pete Atkin brings a particular understanding of the James–Atkin repertoire.
Video trailer filmed at London’s Vortex:
Between songs, I trace Clive’s story — from a brash Australian “kid from Kogarah” arriving in 1960s Britain, to an international writer and broadcaster loved for his columns and programmes such as Clive James on Television.
The result is a compelling evening of song and story, whether you know Clive’s work well or are discovering it for the first time. At its heart is his unmatched gift for “turning a phrase until it catches the light.”
Compact and self-contained, Catching the Light is ideal for arts centres, cabaret rooms, small theatres, libraries, literary festivals and private events — anywhere audiences enjoy thoughtful, characterful songs in an intimate setting.
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Clive James image: Shutterstock (Rex/ITV)
Tim Benton Sings 