A new Cunard entertainment venue will be brought to life at the Wave Awards 2023 as the luxury cruise line partners with two award-winning performers to showcase Queen Anne’s Bright Lights Society.

Cunard – which is sponsoring the entertainment at this year’s Wave Awards, organised by Cruise Trade News publisher Real Response Media and taking place on 13 November – has partnered with the Olivier Award-winning Matt Henry MBE, and YolanDa Brown OBE DL – a composer and saxophonist who has toured with the likes of Jools Holland and The Temptations.

Henry will treat guests to a rendition of Land of Lola from hit musical Kinky Boots, followed by a performance of Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake.

Cunard ‘hitting the right note’

Cunard president Katie McAlister said: “We are incredibly excited to be giving some of the most esteemed names in the cruise sector a sneak preview of our newest entertainment venue, Bright Lights Society, at the Wave Awards.

“At Cunard, we always strive to hit the right note by offering extraordinary entertainment at sea, and I truly believe this night of musical excellence will set the tone for many spectacular performances that will surprise and delight guests on board Queen Anne.”

Brown added: “I’ve performed on Cunard Queens across the world, from Japan to South Africa, and their iconic transatlantic crossings.

“Cruising with Cunard is a unique experience and the addition of the Bright Lights Society on Queen Anne takes things to a new level. I’m honoured to be a part of this incredible journey.”

The Bright Lights Society venue on Queen Anne will host “enigmatic performers, featuring live music, signature cocktails and dance performances, all set within an opulent art deco interior”, the cruise line said.