Press Play: Bananarama ” True Confessions”

For the next edition of Press Play, Shrem ventures into the world of unapologetic guilty pleasures, 80’s gems and pure POP nostalgia, with an entire evening dedicated to the one and only Bananarama.

At the heart of this listening party will be “True Confessions”, the English trio’s ambitious third studio album, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. This synth-pop marvel saw Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey and Keren Woodward explore more sophisticated and serious-minded pop soundscapes, while still retaining the irresistible dancefloor appeal that made Bananarama so iconic.

Despite only moderate commercial success upon its initial release in the UK, “True Confessions” gradually grew into a bona fide dance-pop classic and a firm fan favourite. The album spawned four singles – “Do Not Disturb”, “More Than Physical”, “A Trick of the Night” and, of course, “Venus”, which became the group’s biggest commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

And while the record is packed with signature dancefloor-ready moments, it also contains a few delightful surprises: the new-wave-tinged “In a Perfect World” and the sublime, Sade-esque sophisti-pop deep cut “Dance with a Stranger” among them.

For this edition of Press Play, “True Confessions” will be played loud, in its entirety, through the HiFi Hatchett Sound System, creating an immersive listening experience.

But there’s much more beyond “True Confessions”. The evening will unfold with a two-part, hand-curated vinyl journey through Bananarama’s entire ’80s catalogue, including their early collaborations with Fun Boy Three, as well as Shakespears Sister, Siobhan Fahey’s alternative project with Marcella Detroit.

As always with Press Play with Shrem, expect a generous dose of vinyl rarities, remixes, extended versions and elusive B-sides, alongside a whole lot of beloved hits.

Only 40 tickets are available due to the intimate nature of the venue, so this one is expected to disappear quickly. Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the deep-cuts. Leave with Bananarama stuck in your head.

Secure your ticket early and join us for an intimate, immersive celebration of one of pop music’s most prolific and enduring girl groups.