GEORGE: Eliot in Words and Music with Harriet Walter

Presented by Hambletts

Harriet Walter brings George Eliot to bold and dramatic life.

Harriet Walter tells George Eliot’s story through her great novels, letters, journals, poetry and journalism. In tune with her radicalism, Eliot’s own words are woven with music by contemporary singer-songwriters – from Kate Bush to Florence Welch and PJ Harvey – performed by Eurovision singer-songwriter, SuRie and Orchestra of the Swan.

Harriet Walter celebrates her long, acclaimed association with George Eliot – through film, TV and radio – in a virtuoso performance that gives voice to Eliot, her immortal characters, and the people in her life. The second richest woman of her day (after Queen Victoria), Eliot’s great works – Middlemarch, The Mill on the Floss, Adam Bede – and clear vision resonate as powerfully today.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter, SuRie performs with Harriet. Internationally renowned for classical, pop and musical theatre, SuRie represented the UK at Eurovision 2018 and won the Offie for Lead Performance in a Musical in 2024 for her portrayal of Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun.

Orchestra of the Swan’s Musical Director, David Le Page captures Eliot’s timeless genius in a dazzling music programme that features contemporary, female singer-songwriters. The Swan’s musicians perform on-stage, alongside SuRie. The script is written and adapted by Deirdre Shields (Red Sky at Sunrise: Laurie Lee in Words & Music).