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The Good Old Days (1)

Published Tuesday 3 October 2006 at 18:05 by Kevin Berry

The opera singer Paul Arden-Griffith makes an inspired contribution to the first of the autumn series of The Good Old Days.

Arden-Griffith is a fine tenor and he delights in being on the City Varieties’ stage. Chairman Johnny Dennis calls him a Victorian balladeer and he plays the part thoroughly. He introduces a ‘new’ ballad called Roses of Picardy and talks of Oscar Hammerstein as being “a young lyricist we are going to hear more of”.

Great fun - and what an example he sets. Exemplary stagecraft, graceful movement and splendid outfits.

This Good Old Days bill sets a standard for the remainder of the season. Character comedienne Lizzie Wiggins is pure music hall - gently paced comic ditties interspersed with hilarious domestic gags. The song and dance duo of Ian Adams and Tiffany Todd offers ragtime and vaudeville routines. They are are a polished act, steeped in showbusiness traditions.

The speciality slot is filled by Papillon, one of the very best black light illusion acts. They astonish and amaze with the skill and beauty of their work.

Bill-topping Tom O’Connor charms everyone with a mix of wry observations, sharp Scouse wit and shared memories of being a nipper.

Always introduced as “the stars of tomorrow” the new crop of Barney’s Boys and Girls impress with a beautifully constructed Irish medley. Lead singers Jill Regan and Simon Ouldred are outstanding prospects.

Throughout all of this splendid fare, David Smith and his regular house musicians are again showing why they are so admired by the public and cherished by the artists.

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