When we came to devise our new Sixties show, we were fortunate enough to have on hand a man who can truly claim to have inside knowledge of the subject, Paul James.

Paul played in a band in the 1960’s, “the Soundcasts”, and toured with many of the big names, including Cilla Black, the Walker Brothers, the Hollies and the Rolling Stones. Starting his career as a commercial artist, Paul had also got to know many of the 60’s stars behind the scenes, working on promo’s. He then got a job working for Brian Epstein. Paul worked closely with all of Brian Epstein’s acts – names like BJ Kramer, Cliff Richard, Gerry and the Pacemakers and, of course the Beatles. In a decade famous for innovation, Paul still remembers Paul McCartney asking him to get some boots made for him at Anello and Davide. They had to have cuban heels and cost £100. These would have been the specially adapted chelsea boots, which became known as the Beatle boot and marked the introduction of high heels for men. During the 60’s, long queues formed outside Anello & Davide’s shop, young men waiting to get fitted for their first pair of high heeled boots.

When Paul started his radio show in the 1980’s, he was able to invite many of the stars to appear. His insider knowledge could be a bit unnerving at times for his guests, because he knew exactly what questions to ask! Luckily for us, he has brought his extensive knowledge of the music of the 1960’s and is the inspriation behind the great music for the show. Let’s Twist Again is an insider’s guide to the liveliest decade of our time.

Paul James in Let’s Twist Agian, Brick Lane Music Hall, starring Vincent Hayes, Paul James, Andrew Robley, Steve Galler, Joni Talks, Hayley Jo Whitney and Saskia Brynne.