Legend Performs First London Gig In 15 Years

Eartha Kitt is to perform in London for the first time in 15 years in a special series of five performances at the intimate Shaw Theatre from Tuesday 13th February to Saturday 17th February.

The legendary seductress will purr and growl her way through an evening of wit, hysterical anecdotes, and featuring her unique but instantly recognisable vocal delivery of songs such as ‘C'est Si Bon', 'Santa Baby' the career-defining 'I Want To Be Evil' and her comically guttural Japanese version of 'Come On-a My House'.

Now age 79, Miss Kitt is still at the top of her game; an international performer of repute; one of only a handful of artists to be nominated for all three major showbusiness awards: a Tony (three times), a Grammy (twice) and an Emmy.

Eartha Kitt is an international superstar who gives new meaning to the word versatile. She has distinguished herself in film, theatre, cabaret, music and on TV and has enthralled New York nightclub audiences during extended sold out seasons at THE CAFÉ CARLYLE. Her triumphant return to this epitome of chic in 2005 has been captured in her newest recording, 'Eartha Kitt, Live At The Carlyle' (EMI).

Born Eartha Mae Kitt, she was ostracised at an early age because of her mixed-race heritage. At eight, she was given away by her mother and sent from the South Carolina cotton fields to live with an aunt in Harlem. In New York her distinct individuality and flair for show business manifested itself, and on a friend's dare, the shy teen auditioned for the famed Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe. She won a spot as a featured dancer and vocalist and before the age of 20, toured worldwide with the company.

During a performance in Paris, Miss Kitt was spotted by a nightclub owner and booked as a featured singer at his club. Her unique persona earned her fans and fame quickly, including Orson Welles, who called her "the most exciting woman in the world". Welles was so taken with her talent that he cast her as Helen of Troy in his fabled production of 'Dr Faust'. Broadway stardom led to a recording contract and a succession of best-selling records including 'Love For Sale', 'I Want to Be Evil', 'Santa Baby' and 'Folk Tales of the Tribes of Africa', which earned her a Grammy nomination.

During this period, she published her first autobiography, 'Thursday's Child'. Miss Kitt then returned to Broadway in 'Mrs Patterson', and received her first Tony nomination. Films followed, including 'The Mark of Hawk' with Sidney Poitier, 'Anna Lucas TA' with Sammy Davis, Jr. and 'St Louis Blues' with Nat King Cole. In 1967, Miss Kitt left her indelible mark as the infamous Catwoman in the TV series, 'Batman'. She became synonymous with the roll and her trademark growl became a part of pop culture.

Singing in 10 languages, Miss Kitt has performed in over 100 countries and was honored with a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. In 1968, Miss Kitt's career took a sudden turn when, at a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson, she spoke out against the Vietnam War. Blacklisted by many in the U.S. entertainment industry, she was forced to work abroad where her status remained undiminished.

Miss Kitt's second autobiography, 'Alone With Me', was published in 1976, and the third volume, 'I'm Still Here: Confessions of a Sex Kitten', was released in 1989. Her fourth best-selling book, 'Rejuvanate! (It's Never Too Late)', was released in May, 2001. In December 2003, Miss Kitt dazzled Broadway audiences as Liliane Le Fleur in the revival of 'Nine The Musical'.

On January 17, 2007, Miss Kitt will celebrate her 80th birthday. This milestone will be celebrated with a special performance at New York's Carnegie Hall in June.

A Purrfect evening with Eartha Kitt - Tuesday 13th February to Saturday 17th February at 7.45pm.

The Shaw Theatre, 100 - 110 Euston Road, London, NW1 2AJ.

Box Office: 0870 033 2600

Tickets £60.00