"The 8th" is one of the longest songs ever written and was one of the hits of last year's Manchester International Festival 2011. A song in eight chapters, it looks at the seven deadly sins through a series of scenes taking place in a single poverty-stricken neighbourhood, one where a new, thoroughly modern sin, "The 8th" is able to insinuate itself into every person's life.

Given a theatrical narrative by award-winning playwright Che Walker (Royal Court and Young Vic) and directed by Paines Plough's joint artistic director George Perrin, the staging of the show at the Manchester International Festival last year was a massive success, with three sold out shows across the event.

The staged version of "The 8th" was commissioned by Manchester International Festival and Paines Plough and premiered at MIF 2011.

Alongside Paul Heaton, "The 8th" features the guests - star of US hit series The Wire - Reg E Cathey, Ivor Novello winning artist Cherry Ghost, ex Beautiful South singer Jacqui Abbott, as well as sweet soul singer Wayne Gidden, Scottish singer songwriter Aaron Wright, The Earlies Christian Madden, Hull country & western singer Mike Greaves and the wonderful Yvonne Shelton.