Hugo set to star with a line-up of great singers at the Millennium Forum

HUGO Duncan fans across the North West eager to see his country show this month in the Millennium Forum may be disappointed to learn that it’s been pushed back a few weeks.

However, they can rest assured that the ‘Wee Man From Strabane’ will be back on track next month, and he can’t wait.

The show, Hugo Duncan’s Classic Country Show, will instead grace the Millennium Forum on Thursday, February 24 boasting a line-up of country greats including Susan McCann and Sinead Heaney (Susan’s granddaughter), Crawford Bell, Niamh Lynn, John McNicholl, Tony Allen and Trionagh Allen, backed by Country Harmony.

Eager to get back to doing what he loves best, Hugo explains, “The show was supposed to happen this month, but for understandable Covid reasons, they asked if we could put it back and of course we said yes.

“That said, I’m looking forward to treading the stage again. I love getting up in front of a crowd for a wee sing song with them.

“Anywhere you can sing and have the crowd singing back with you is brilliant in my book. It’s wonderful to see entertainment opening again, although there’s still very little on at the moment.

“I’m raring to go for the show at the Forum. An excellent bunch of performers have been assembled for what is going to be a brilliant night of music and craic.

“I always love going to play at the Millennium Forum, it’s a beautiful theatre.

“I know there will be a crowd, not just from Derry but my hometown crowd from Strabane will be out in force as always.”

The entertainment industry has been decimated ever since the pandemic hit

“I’ve been in showbusiness since 1971 and these past couple of years are some of the strangest I’ve had in my career. I’ve been home more than I’ve been away from home,” he explained.

“Everything has come to a standstill, and the entertainment business has been hit badly. I know a lot of people in the industry who have had to take second jobs just to stay afloat. Other performers have taken to doing the Facebook Live thing just to bring some music and joy during these dark times, bringing people together. I never organised my own but have taken part in other’s live events which has been genuine fun.

“But you know, as dark as things get, there’s a wee thing called hope that we should hold on to, a light at the end of the tunnel. We’ll get through this and come out of it,” Hugo added.

• Hugo Duncan’s Classic Country Show will play at the Millennium Forum on February 24, tickets priced at £22.50