The Good Old Days (2)

Published Monday 14 April 2008 at 11:45 by Kevin Berry

Two standing ovations in the same show? Yes indeed, for Peter John and for the electrifying violinist Gary Lovini, and both are well deserved.

No household name on this second Good Old Days bill. A bold experiment has dropped the idea of a bill-topping act to add more artists. The verdict? A thumbs-up and appreciative comments from everyone.

Peter John and Jan Hunt are each pure music hall. Vim and comic vigour from Hunt, and then rich innuendo from the irrepressible John. Young ventriloquist Steve Hewlett adds to the laughter with surprising characters and irreverent banter.

Musical entertainment comes from the distinguished baritone John Rawnsley and the previously mentioned Lovini. Rawnsley sings The Floral Dance and typically tearful Victorian ballads with masterly style. Both he and Lovini know how to move on a stage and take the audience with them. They don’t simply stand there and neither do they sweat themselves into a frenzy.

Desiree Kongerod is first seen on high silks doing thrilling things and making enthralling shapes. In the second half she appears as one half of Norvil and Josephine, a beautifully paced and spellbinding act reminiscent of French music hall.

Choreographer Rachel Pease continues to give Barney’s Boys and Girls exciting moves. Josh Jones shines in an enjoyable tap dancing routine.

Music hall certainly needs its bill-toppers but many will hope that this experiment becomes a regular feature of Good Old Days seasons.