Fake Thackray

John Watterson, aka ‘Fake Thackray’, who has done a terrific job of keeping Jake Thackray's songs alive in theatres and clubs up and down the country.

Jake Thackray was always a bit of a square peg in a round hole: a Yorkshire singer-songwriter with a love of Brel and Brassens; a devout Catholic whose subversive lyrics often ruffled feathers; and an accomplished performer who hated the paraphernalia of showbiz.

Here we are doffing our cap to him in the company of John Watterson, aka ‘Fake Thackray’, who has done a terrific job of keeping these songs alive in theatres and clubs up and down the country. By way of a support act, there’s a rare chance to see an episode from the 1981 TV series ‘Jake Thackray and Songs’, filmed at the Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath and featuring guests The Maddy Prior Band.

“When John sings, it's as though Jake is with us in the room." – Ian MacMillan, Radio 3