Music

Songs like Dancing In The Street, My Girl, Where Did Our Love Go, My Guy and Baby Love rocketed Motown to the top of the singles charts in 1964, says show producer Michael Taylor.

“Incredibly, 100 more Motown No1s followed worldwide,” says Michael. “The Magic of Motown 2014 Reach Out tour brings to the stage 36 of these chart toppers back-to-back in one critically acclaimed production.

“The Magic of Motown promises five-star performances that will authentically revive the style and sophistication of everyone’s favourite Motown legends.

“This year we’re proud to announce that the show will include more number one hits than ever before.”

Classic hits from the Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and The Supremes are packed into the two-hour spectacular. “As well as dazzling dance moves and glittering costumes galore,” says Michael, “the elusive, authentic sound of Motown is recreated by our incredible Magic of Motown band.”

The group, especially put together for the show, celebrate their tenth year together on this tour.

“In their capable hands,” says Michael, “you can guarantee that the score will be – with a nod to the great Stevie Wonder – uptight, all right and out of sight!”

In 1964 Motown crossed the Atlantic to become a musical phenomenon on these shores. The labels’ touring concert show, the Motown Revue starring Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Temptations, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, (Little) Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross and the Supremes, paved the way for Motown’s chart-storming success in the UK. That year the UK singles chart was peppered with Motown songs.

The concert takes place at Harrogate’s Royal Hall on Friday, May 16, from 7.30pm.

For tickets – £26.50, concessions £24.50 – call the box office on (01423) 502 116 or go to harrogate boxoffice.co.uk.