The Stage

Players’ Theatre Club 75th Anniversary Extravaganza

Published Monday 21 November 2011 at 11:40 by Jennifer Reischel

Balancing golf clubs on the end of noses as bosoms heave in lavish frocks, an assembly of music hall players prove that even a century later, singalongs such as Old Father Thames still have a rather keen niche audience.

clockwise from left: Jan Hunt, Ellie Bamber and Ben Stock in Players' 75th Anniversary Extravaganza at Leicester Square Theatre, London Photo: Emma Leafe/Tas Kyprianou

Apparently Peter Ustinov had his first big break as part of this legendary group who have, since 1936, made Covent Garden their home.

For their special birthday, the New Players have lined up some of their best talent, led by artistic director Jan Hunt who herself gives an expertly comic rendition of Always a Bridesmaid. Further standouts include Andy Eastwood, a cheeky chappy violin virtuoso who also bangs out his banjo in an impressive manner while singing merry ditties. Ben Stock opens the evening with Whoops I Did It Again, his lallies a good five feet in the air during his jumps, while Peter John proves a veteran raconteur who wows us with He Must Be a Millionaire - and his fascinatingly flexible tongue. Jane Webster’s top soprano is beautifully piercing while Judith Hibbert does Gracie Fields proud in a dedicated medley. West End veterans Julia Sutton and Gay Soper perform effortlessly while special star guest June Whitfield and Barry Cryer take charge of the raffle draw and closing of the evening.

A joyful outing to a forgotten era for fans of the genre. Though I would recommend shortening the programme by half an hour - a fair amount of shuffling viewers left before the final curtain.