What The World Needs Now: The Burt Bacharach Songbook

Due to continued ticket demand What The World Needs Now – The Burt Bacharach Songbook hasannounced a date at the Victoria Theatre Halifax, the only date in Yorkshire, in October 2026 – honouring one of the most influential songwriters of the past century.

Led by Burt Bacharach’s longtime musical director Rob Shirakbari and performed with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, the production celebrates one of the most influential and enduring songwriters of all time.

The evening features special guest performances from acclaimed UK artist Rumer, who worked closely with Burt Bacharach, alongside Mercury Prize-nominated singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt – known for his rich, soulful vocals and distinctive songwriting, with additional guests to be announced.

The show features many of Bacharach’s classics including ‘The Look of Love’, ‘Walk on By’, ‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head’,   ‘Anyone Who Had a Heart’, ‘Make It Easy On Yourself’ and the timeless anthem ‘What The World Needs Now Is Love’.

Bacharach remains one of the most decorated songwriters in modern music with a catalogue that includes 73 US Top 40 and 52 UK Top 40 hits as well as three Academy Awards, six Grammy Awards and an Emmy.  His songs have been recorded by hundreds of artists across multiple generations and genres.
“A man (Rob Shirakbari) so instrumental in helping me put this show together… writing the arrangements, writing the orchestrations. I couldn’t have done it without him.” –  Burt Bacharach

“These songs are the star of the show, and we’re here to serve the music as he intended. I know he’d be proud to see his work reaching fans old and new.”- Rob Shirakbari

An unforgettable evening celebrating the music of BURT BACHARACH