News and Events
Ted Lewis' Birthday Celebration - Get Carter Theme Revisited
Get Carter Theme Revisited – Live Performance Celebrating Ted Lewis’s 2026 Birthday
Join us for an unforgettable evening as Roy Budd's iconic theme music from Get Carter is reimagined.
Performed live by the acclaimed Wendy Kirkland Band.
Featuring: Pat Sprakes – bass & guitar, Sean Corby – horns, Johnny Hunter – drums
As premiered at Hull Jazz Festival and on National Tour.
Friday, 16 January 2026 7:00 PM at the Corn Exchange, Barton-upon-Humber - £15.00 via BookitBee
Expect bold jazz, cinematic flair, and a celebration of Ted Lewis’s legacy in his hometown.
Whether you're a jazz lover, film buff, or heritage enthusiast—this is a night not to miss.
https://events.bookitbee.com/ted-lewis-centre/get-carter-theme-revisited/
Premiered at Hull Jazz Festival and on Tour
With Wendy Kirkland, (piano, organ and voice) and
Pat Sprakes (double bass)
Tickets available from BookitBee at £15.00 each.
https://events.bookitbee.com/ted-lewis-centre/get-carter-theme-revisited/
The Theme
Musical prodigy from the age of 6, Roy Budd was a leading jazz piano and organist before he was introduced to the Get Carter producer, Michael Klinger, who had purchased the film rights to Ted Lewis' novel, Jack's Return Home. Budd agreed to compose and play the entire score for a miserly sum of £750 (a fee which would be worth just over £12,000 today).
Budd economised by playing the electric piano, piano and harpsichord himself, accompanied by only two others, the similarly talented, Chris Karen on bass and electric bass and Jeff Clyne on percussion and rhythm. Budd's haunting theme on the harpsichord was adopted by director, Mike Hodges, to accompany those dark parts of the film which made its reputation and it has now become instantly recognisable.
The soundtrack included a number of stand-alone songs and themes in which Budd collaborated with his friend and songwriter, Jack Fishman. He continued writing screen music after Get Carter and was held in high regard. He died of a brain haemorrhage in 1993 at the age of 46. Ted Lewis, also died early at 42 - what creative art would they have created had they lived longer ?
About the Centre
Discover how a young Lincolnshire man became the 'Father of British Noir' of films and literature.
Discover how a young Lincolnshire man became the 'Father of British Noir' of films and literature.
Not just a pile of books. Discover the art, eventful life and times of author Ted Lewis. He wrote Get Carter which is regarded as the best British gangster film of all time. Ted was not only a prolific author but a jazz pianist and a talented animator. He managed more than sixty artists to produce the graphics for The Beatles' ground-breaking cartoon film, Yellow Submarine.
What visitors can expect
Discover how a young Lincolnshire man became the 'Father of British Noir' of films and literature.
We invite you to experience the fascinating Ted Lewis Story:
- enjoy Ted's distinctive art
- watch comprehensive audio-visual presentations
- fascinating memorabilia and artefacts such as Michael Caine's original Get Carter directors chair
- friendly and knowledgeable volunteers
- all Ted's books on sale in our souvenir shop
- relax with coffee and ref
We invite you to experience the fascinating Ted Lewis Story:
- enjoy Ted's distinctive art
- watch comprehensive audio-visual presentations
- fascinating memorabilia and artefacts such as Michael Caine's original Get Carter directors chair
- friendly and knowledgeable volunteers
- all Ted's books on sale in our souvenir shop
- relax with coffee and refreshments
Free entry but contributions to our charity are always welcome.
Museum and Exhibition Centre
Museum and Exhibition Centre
The Arts Council has awarded the Centre full Museum Accreditation status.
The Centre also has National Archive recognition.