A Couple of Swells is the inspired pairing of two unique entertainers – Liza Pulman, songstress, comedienne and one-third of the iconic Fascinating Aida, and virtuoso pianist, songwriter and singer Joe Stilgoe.

Together they combine humour and musicianship at the very highest level, making old songs sound new and new songs feel like you’ve known them all your life.

Both born in the proverbial trunk, their style has been fine-tuned from cradle to stage, and together they have the musical and theatrical chemistry of Dudley Moore and Julie Andrews, or Barbara Cook and Wally Harper.

Prepare to be swept away by Joe’s dazzling piano playing, Liza’s exquisite vocals and their beautiful, tight harmonies as they dig into the true classics and hidden gems of Irving Berlin, Paul McCartney, Jerome Kern, Billy Joel and Leonard Bernstein, mixed with a few new songs specially written for the show.

This is old-fashioned glamour in the company of two, modern-day musical greats.

“Saw this last night. Ooooh it’s SO good.”
Dawn French

“A musical match made in heaven”
All That Dazzles

“Quite simply superb… bewitches us with sheer vocal virtuosity… Liza Pulman is a force of nature.”
BritishTheatre.com

Liza Pulman, comedienne, songstress and one third of the iconic Fascinating Aida, has teamed up with the quick-witted musical virtuoso Joe Stilgoe. A Couple of Swells brings together their unique musical styles and stories from two fascinating careers, featuring some of their all-time favourite songs, sprinkled with heaps of panache and a whole lot of dazzle!

“Liza and Joe’s show for Britten Pears Arts was captivating, they had the audience fully engaged throughout as they changed styles, combinations and even instruments! Their enthusiasm and passion for the music was clear and their partnership sparkled as much as Joe’s jacket!”
 Sarah Bardwell, Former Executive Director,  Britten Pears Arts, Aldeburgh Snape Maltings,

“Two supreme entertainers on the stage together… what’s not to love!” Stewart Collins, Artistic Director, Petworth Festival.

“A big thank you to Joe and Liza for bringing such a fantastic night to Perth Festival of the Arts. Our audiences absolutely loved the show and feedback has been great. My team here was blown away by their musical talents.”  Helen Band, Festival Director, Perth Festival

“A wonderful night of proper showbiz from two extraordinary artists right at the top of their game… stunning music and musicianship, comedy and a great rapport with our audience. In our Festival audience review, A Couple of Swells was the most praised and commented on show in our entire season by Festival-goers, and deservedly so”.
Damian Thantrey, Festival Director, Lichfield Festival

LONDON JAZZ NEWS REVIEW – OCTOBER 2024

After about a year and a half, the duo of Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe is gathering momentum.

What stays in the mind is quite how good Liza Pulman’s stagecraft, fabulous vocal control, instinct for/ skill as harmonising singer are – she says singing in harmony was part of her growing up and of the grieving for her father who died when she was a young girl. And also had a stint in the Glyndebourne chorus. Maybe above all, though, I kept marvelling at how completely flawless her diction is.

Every word not just crystal clear, but enjoyed and savoured too. Joe Stilgoe, as pianist/ singer and creator of new, clever and interesting ideas always seems to have another new trick up his sleeve. I enjoyed their take on the hilarious Dudley Moore / Marian Montgomery version of “Close Your Eyes”. It is good on the album, but has developed further, and it is even funnier live. (video below) . Their “double songs” also work well, especially the splicing-together of the Rodgers and Hammerstein songs “People Will Say We’re In Love” and “If I Loved You” Read more….LONDON JAZZ NEWS REVIEW – OCTOBER 2024