Clearly Joe Longthorne is oblivious to the recession being blamed for cutbacks in shows, shortened tours, and a decrease in the value for money given to many audiences.
Sandwiching a late summer season run into an already gruelling touring schedule, Longthorne still insists on fronting a cream of the crop 10-piece band plus three backing singers - and for the Blackpool run a neatly produced (by his long time friend Bobby Ball - yes, the “rock on” part of Cannon and Ball) first half too.
Preferring the terms “guests” to “impressions”, fans of this unique star know he can pay carbon copy tributes to anyone he wishes - the entire Rat Pack, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, Judy Garland, the Elvises (Costello and Presley) and, of course, his trademark duet between Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones.
But in a piano playing segment, he also adds a perfectly executed John Lennon sandwiched between Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Liberace.
In the middle of all these “guests” it’s easy to forget that he also possesses one of the most impressive original voices in showbusiness.
Recent health problems mean he isn’t as mobile on stage as he used to be but his vocals are certainly impressive. Long may he and his “guests” reign.
Comedy is king in Ball’s first half - combining the energetic clubland talents of his sons Rob and Darren (aka the Harper Brothers) with Hilary O’Neil’s lightning impressions and familiar funny lines.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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