Love in Slough, a brand new one-man musical comedy written by Alexander Williams and based on the songs of Phil Craddock, is the story of Jack, a middle-aged man tied to an unfulfilling marriage, whose drab, directionless life is given an injection of vigour when he embarks on an unexpected love affair. This funny, fast-paced show is bursting with wonderful jazz tunes, which propel us through Jack’s journey of self-discovery and redefined relationships with sparkling wit and brutal honesty.

Alexander Williams is well known in his hometown of Watford as Great American Songbook vocalist Tiger Jazz, and as host of the popular Dial Up Open Mic events, which have been running for over 15 years. He met jazz pianist Phi Craddock when they ended up performing together in the SJ Jazz 5, a jazz band who perform at Watford’s Cassiobury Park bandstand every summer. Phil kindly gave Alex a copy of his two albums, and Alex was so inspired by the characters and emotions in the music that he constructed the entire plot of Love In Slough around his favourite songs.

Love in Slough received its world premiere in the Watford Fringe Festival 2024, so the performances this summer include some exciting additions and refinements. Alex and Phil still perform together every summer at the bandstand and are looking forward to seeing how far their musical venture will take them. Alex says: “It’s such a wonderfully entertaining hour packed with toe-tapping, finger-clicking music and a story brimming with humour, heart and hope. I really hope people get their tickets and come join us for a great evening of music and storytelling!”