From Oxford Law to Cabaret Stardom: Chris Hamilton’s Dazzling Return to Wales
This October, the Wales Millennium Centre welcomes a homegrown talent whose journey from courtroom to cabaret is as captivating as his music. Cardiff-born pianist and composer Chris Hamilton returns to his roots with Tiano, a genre-defying tenor and piano act that’s been lighting up stages from London to Massachusetts.
Hamilton, a multi-award-winning musician and Oxford law graduate, performs alongside his husband, West End tenor Shimi Goodman. Together, they form Tiano—a duo that blends classical piano with powerhouse vocals in a show that’s been described as “electrifying” and “magical.” Their synergy is undeniable, forged through years of friendship, collaboration, and a lockdown wedding that sparked the birth of their musical partnership.
Since its inception, Tiano has sold out cabaret venues across London’s West End and made its U.S. debut at Barrington Stage in Massachusetts. This autumn, the duo takes their act to Las Vegas and Tucson before landing in Cardiff for a one-night-only performance at Cabaret, Wales Millennium Centre on 17 October 2025.
Hamilton’s musical pedigree is impressive. He won the prestigious Blue Riband at the Welsh National Eisteddfod and placed third in the Texaco Young Musician of the Year. His first musical, Over The Threshold, earned critical acclaim in Edinburgh and went on to productions in London, Vienna, and New York. He’s also been lauded by The Telegraph as an “ace pianist,” and his performances have graced venues as varied as The Savoy, House of Commons, and even a private party in Melbourne.
The Tiano repertoire is as eclectic as its creators—pairing familiar pop and classical pieces in unexpected medleys. Expect everything from Albinoni to Tom Jones, reimagined through Hamilton’s virtuosic arrangements and Goodman’s soaring tenor.
For Hamilton, performing at Wales Millennium Centre is more than a gig—it’s a homecoming. “As a Welshman, I’m thrilled to bring Tiano to Cabaret,” he says. “It’s a chance to share something deeply personal with the community that shaped me.”
Tickets start at £20, and seating is unreserved—so arrive early, grab a drink, and prepare to be swept away by a night of musical alchemy.
