It’s The Fifties

Published Wednesday 5 September 2007 at 11:30 by Jane McKell

Rosemary Squires has remained perpetually popular since she burst on the scene singing with the big bands and megastars of the fifties - she has worked on TV, radio, in theatres and concert halls.

Looking svelte and younger than her years, Rosemary and her co-star Jeff Hooper gave their Christchurch audience two hours of energised, toe-tapping chart toppers linked by nifty fifties facts.

Both in fine voice, they featured favourites from artists on both sides of the Atlantic including Petula Clark, Alma Cogan, Bill Haley, Cliff Richard, Judy Garland, Eartha Kitt, Frankie Laine and Dean Martin, and had their silver-haired audience swaying with pleasure.

The quality of Rosemary’s musicians underscores their respect for her - unassuming but hugely talented arranger, musical director and band leader Brian Dee is acknowledged as a world-class accompanist working with the greats including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee.

His fellow band members have equal credentials from guitarist Colin Green - Shirley Bassey’s musical director for eight years, to John Burgess on bass and drummer Peter Cater - both have bands of their own.

Squires gives the stage to each of her musicians with featured spots throughout the show. International star Jeff Hooper has a charming chemistry with Squires and the audience. The mutual enjoyment is infectious. If you like memorable, romantic, happy music, this fifties show is a must.