The Good Old Days (1)

Published Monday 7 April 2008 at 14:30 by Kevin Berry

Would that the people who pull faces or write weary words whenever music hall is mentioned could see The Good Old Days. The City Varieties is setting the standard for how music hall should be staged and played - witty, energetic, colourful and agreeably sentimental.

This first programme in the spring season gets off to a cracking start with the Barney’s Boys and Girls chorus. There’s sparkling new choreography from Rachel Pease and terrific performances from Simon Chilvers, Helen Turner and the rest. Roy Walker’s gentle style is widely admired - he delights in the nuances of language and the absurdities of life, and the audience shares his delight.

Funny man Don Reid delivers quick-fire wit as he turns everyday situations on their head. His second spot is hilarious, performing a fire-eating act whilst reading the instructions for… a fire-eating act.

Dave Sealey’s tribute to Stanley Holloway is admirably done. Not an impersonation, but rather one man’s acknowledgment of his entertainer hero.

Singer Linda Watts has a magnificent and commanding voice, but that quality is preventing the audience from singing along when asked. Still, her heartfelt rendition of Sunshine of Your Smile had this reviewer reaching for a handkerchief, and I was not alone.

Billy Bedlam lives up to his surname, blowing big instruments and delivering big, big comedy. He has a sousaphone the size of a sea serpent.

A fun programme indeed and Chairman Johnny Dennis ensures the best of introductions for everyone.