Hugh Laurie to tour Australia

Hugh Laurie and the Copper Bottom Band have announced their first Australian tour.

Laurie, who is best known for his performance as Dr Gregory House in the American medical drama House from 2004-2012, will perform a series of unmissable live shows in April and May this year. Hitting Thebarton Theatre on Saturday, April 19, Hugh Laurie and the Copper Bottom Band are set to perform an eclectic mix of blues, tango, southern and South American music, with glimpses of his famous British charm thrown into the mix. The beloved British actor, producer, writer, musician, composers and comedian (who was in a gang of English comedy classics including A Bit of Fry And Laurie with Stephen Fry and the Blackadder series) said he is looking forward to his first Australian performance in three decades. “We’re really excited to be coming to Australia to perform,” he said in a press release. “The last time I was there was 1981, in a comedy show, and the world has changed a lot since then. I haven’t though. I’m exactly the same. It’s uncanny. Obviously, I’ll be hoping to restore some national pride after the Ashes. If anyone throws anything at me, I’ll lob up an easy catch to the balcony.” As a brilliant pianist and vocalist, Laurie collaborated with the Copper Bottom Band to release their debut album Let Them Talk in 2011 with their second album Didn’t It Rain following in 2013. Despite his heavy acting schedule, which saw Laurie receive two Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards, six Emmy Award nominations and a Guinness World Record title for the most watched leading man in television for House, he continues to enjoy a successful career playing the blues he loves. Playing the piano since age six, Laurie credits hearing a song by Willie Dixon on the radio as the source of his blues love affair. Hugh Laurie Australian tour dates Melbourne Sat 19 Apr, Palais Theatre – Ticketmaster bookings: 136 100 ticketmaster.com.au Canberra Tue 22 Apr, Royal Theatre – Ticketek bookings: 132 849 ticketek.com.au Adelaide Thu 24 Apr, Thebarton Theatre – Venuetix bookings: 08 8225 8888 venuetix.com.au Perth Sat 26 Apr, Concert Hall – Ticketek bookings: 1300 795 012 ticketek.com.au Brisbane Fri 2 May, Brisbane Concert Hall – QTIX bookings: 136 246 qpac.com.au Newcastle Sat 3 May, Civic Theatre – Ticketek bookings: 02 4929 1977 ticketek.com.au Sydney Mon 5 May, State Theatre – Ticketmaster bookings: 136 100 ticketmaster.com.au