MIKE Oldfield’s recording of Tubular Bells is perhaps the most unlikely smash hit ever to be released, reaching number one back in 1973 and constantly been revisualised since.

Now Australian multi-instrumentalists Daniel Holdsworth and Aidan Roberts have arranged the original score to be played live on stage to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the original release.

When you both sat down one evening and decided to play along to Tubular Bells on vinyl – did you ever think you would present it as a live show?

Not at all. The showcame about completely by accident.

A few years back we were sitting around listening to the record and thought it’d be a fun exercise to try and play through the whole albumin just two guitars.We really enjoyed the process and decided to keep working on it week to week.

One thing lead to another, and before we knewi t we had a whole house full of instruments.

When it all came together we decided to perform it as a ‘one night only’ affair, expecting only a few friends and family to show up.

When we arrived to play, the venue was sold out, and now, four years later, we’re touring it all over the world.

How long does it take to present the show on stage?

We play the whole album, so about an hour of continuous music, and also play a special treat at the end.

How many instruments do you use altogether and what is the most unusual?

There’s about 20 instruments on stage: five guitars, bass, two pianos, organ, synthesizer, mandolin, two drum kits, glockenspiel, two kazoos, two looping stations, we sing, and of course there’s tubular bells.

The first fewshows we played we couldn’t afford to get a real set of tubular bells, so we had amate build us a set. They were rather abstract looking, made out of fence pipes and posts.

However they kept breaking, once during a performance on national radio in Australia. Nowwe’re lucky enough to use real orchestral tubular bells.

What does Mike Oldfield think of your presentation of Tubular Bells – has he seen it?

He thinks it’s great, and he thinks it proves that Tubular Bells is just as relevant today as it was 40 years ago.

Are there any other musical projects you’d like to develop for a live show?

Wehave been asked to do more classic albums. Pink Floyd, War of the Worlds, more Mike Oldfield albums.

But to be honest, this show developed so organically, I don’t think it’d work to impose the same framework on another album.We have, however, been contemplating developing an original production, but that is still in lockdown.

What can the audience expect from your show when it comes to Cardiff?

The show is not only about hearing Tubular Bells.

There’s also this intense theatrical performance of two men attempting an almost impossible task.

It’s full on tension, unexpected moments, a few laughs, and an incredible musical journey.

  • Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells For Two will be performed at St David’s Hall on Wednesday May 22. Call 029 2087 8444 for ticket details