The creative partnership of British Born Cypriot duo Martha D Lewis and Eve Polycarpou began with their first TV appearance together in 1987.

Two voices and two personalities were driven by a desire to see prejudice and boundaries of all descriptions broken down.

The duo struck lucky when their first Edinburgh festival performance, in 1987, was picked up by television programme ‘0-1 for London’. This TV exposure has given them the attention that spurned over three decades of a creative partnership and friendship.

With “sparkling wit and outstanding musical performances” (The Standard), Martha and Eve’s duo, Donna & Kebab, carved out their own distinctive place in the field of alternative comedy in the late 1980’s – even before ethnically – themed comedy sketch shows like ‘The Real Mccoy’ and ‘Goodness Gracious Me’.  Through sketches and characters drawn from their community, their full-length theatre shows highlighted the story of the bi-cultural young person dealing with family pressures, subtle racist assumptions and stereotypes, and challenging sexual politics of the time.

Over the years their profile includes credits for; writing producing and directing full-length theatre shows, 5 record releases, a DVD of their live theatre show; numerous TV appearances and interviews; composing music and presenting documentaries; featured artists in commercial Radio adverts, producing and presenting radio programmes.

“Martha and Eve balance the influence of their parent culture with their own urban experience. Theirs is an innovative and multidimensional music with folk and rock meets Soul and Greek meets with a twist of flamenco” Peter Paphides – (Guardian)

“Martha and Eve combine talent, charm and the friendliest charisma with spine tingling vocals, stunning songs, impeccable harmonies and infectious humour”. (The Observer)

“great power and passion, they are eclectic enough to be able to combine folkish tendencies with a touch of soul and blues and even a certain kind of 60s pop. Recommended.”  (Scotsman)

The journey

At the beginning of their creative partnership Martha D Lewis and Eve Polycarpou were ‘Donna and Kebab’ the award-winning music comedy duo that combined their brilliant, improvised humour with original music and skilful comedy sketches.

From 1994 the duo focused their concentration on their music and songwriting partnership and changed their name from Donna and Kebab to Donna and Kbb to subtly mark the change of direction in their creative partnership. Over the years, they gradually introduced their names and are now known as ‘Martha and Eve’.

“This highly literate music duo are an excellent partnership of the finest voices… spirited percussion exhilarating rhythms”  (The Guardian)

Recordings

They have recorded 5 albums including their hugely popular debut album, Donna and Kbb are Martha and Eve (1996).

Stay (2000) and Absolutely Live (2006).

The duo also recorded a Club Single – Je T’aime / Don’t Talk.

And a charity single for Leukaemia Cancer Charity ‘Thank You For Today’.

They also recorded a DVD by TVS of their music comedy show

‘Donna & Kebab Live at the Hackney Empire’.

All releases are available from digital outlets and HMV retail (see discography page).

‘Live and Touring’

Martha and Eve have established reputation for exceptional live performances in London UK Europe and the Middle East.

On stage whether in large concert halls, outdoor festivals or intimate club settings, their personalities are irresistibly honest, raw, energetic and humorous and their gigs always have an emphasis on communicating with the audience. Their music and lyrics mostly come from personal experience, so it is easy to see who they are.

Touring highlights include: Anti-Clause 28 concert Manchester Town Hall, British Council Tours to Syria Jordan and Cyprus; Numerous National and International Festivals including Glastonbury, Brighton Wales and Edinburgh (Gilded Balloon and Assembly Rooms), Cyprus, Dublin Festival; Womens’ and multi-cultural Festivals, throughout the  UK, Germany, Switzerland Austria and France .