← Back to listings
Eddi Reader poster at Sheffield Octagon

The Spiel

What sets Eddi apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance and ability to not only move the listener, but connect her experience to that of her audience. No two performances are ever the same. Though first brought into the limelight as front woman for Fairground Attraction, who’s #1 single, Perfect and parent album, First of a Million Kisses, both topped the charts in the U.K., Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, it was Eddi’s subsequent solo albums that signaled her ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them very much her own. Notably, The Songs of Robert Burns (2003) is a timeless interpretation showcasing the poems of Scotland’s national bard and gained her honorary degrees from Strathclyde University, Caledonia University, Stirling University, Edinburgh University and Paisley University as well as an MBE for outstanding contributions to the Arts. With her work in song, from the traditional to the contemporary, Eddi Reader extinguishes the preordained boundaries of genre, bringing joyous life to all forms. Her rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary music. With 10 critically acclaimed solo albums, and awards in tow, Eddi continues to delight audiences worldwide. The past few years have proved to be some of her busiest yet, playing sell out shows as part of her ‘40 Years Live Tour’ in addition to appearing as special guest with the Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for an extensive UK tour. Eddi has also explored the acting profession, through her acclaimed performances as Jolene Jowett in John Byrnes Your Cheatin Heart (BBC Scotland production starring Tilda Swinton). She also appeared as a 1937 jazz singer in Richard Linklaters movie: Orson And Me, starring Zac Efron and in her contribution as Joy 3 in Michael Boyd’s production of Janice Galloway’s The Trick Is To Keep Breathing, (Radio Four and a Tron theatre production also starring Siobhan Redmond and Jenny Black). “One of my favourite singers of all time” Jools Holland “Just perfect – Eddi Reader gets every song just right” The Sunday Times “Flawless, not just perfect, world class” R2 Magazine DOORS 7PM – Supported by Miwa Nagato-Apthorp Miwa Nagato-Apthorp is a Singer-Songwriter from the Scottish Borders whose song-writing practice draws on folk traditions to explore multicultural understandings of history, climate, gender and home. Described as “a visceral new voice in Scottish Folk” Miwa was recently Musician in Residence at Alchemy Film & Arts and Connecting Threads where she developed new music exploring lesser-known histories and perspectives of the Scottish Borders and beyond. Her debut EP, Noren, was released in March 2025 and she was awarded “Best Acoustic” at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards.

Nearby

Goes well with…

University & BroomhillFoundry nights on campus — Steel City student energy, then Bar One, Broomhill pies, or a proper pint at The University Arms.

Bar One (Sheffield SU)

4.4£8–£18🍔 SU bar & kitchen

Open · See SU for term-time hours

10% off burgers and wings with gig ticket. The classic pre-Foundry spot on The Outdoor City side of campus.

The Nottingham House (Broomhill)

4.6£12–£22🥧 Pub & pies

Open · See venue for hours

Free extra gravy or small side with any pie & gig ticket. Legendary for their pies — a short hop from Steel City gigs.

The University Arms

4.3£10–£20🍺 Traditional pub

Open · See venue for hours

£1 off any local cask ale with event ticket. A beautiful traditional pub seconds from campus — proper Sheffield.

Utility readout

Nearest tram / bus

Straight-line (approx.)

  • Tram · University of Sheffield260 m
  • Tram · Netherthorpe Road450 m
  • Tram · West Street680 m
Add to calendar
Google Calendar
Scene countdown

132

days to go