Press Play: Pet Shop Boys 'Actually'

Following the sold-out Cocteau Twins listening party in January, Shrem returns to The Big Romance on Wednesday 18th February for the next chapter of the Press Play series - this time celebrating the iconic English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys.

At the heart of the night is “Actually” (1987): Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant’s definitive statement and career-defining masterpiece. The album that crystallised their distinctively sleek, intelligent dance-pop sound, delivered their biggest commercial success, and spawned four era-defining hit singles - “It’s a Sin,” “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” (with Dusty Springfield), “Rent,” and “Heart.”

This was the Pet Shop Boys at their imperial phase peak - a rare period where creative ambition and chart dominance collided. “Press Play with Shrem” will trace this golden run, from early singles and debut album “Please”, through “Actually”, and beyond to “Introspective”, “Behaviour” and “Very”.

Experience “Actually” in full, played loud and luxurious on the HiFi Hatchett Sound System - an immersive, front-to-back vinyl listening session. The night also features a two-part, hand-curated vinyl set, created exclusively for this event: a sonic kaleidoscope of deep cuts, B-sides, extended versions, remixes, and standout collaborations - including work with Dusty Springfield, Boy George, Liza Minnelli, and more to highlight this exceptionally prolific period of theirs.

With just 40 tickets available due to the intimate nature of the space - and the last eight listening parties selling out - this is a one-night-only celebration of one of POP music’s most intelligent, influential, and enduring duos and true synth-pop pioneers.