A Night at the Music Hall

Published Thursday 5 May 2005 at 10:35 by Alan Bowler

In Brian Goddard’s last week at the Grand Theatre it was fitting that the final event in his career was this star-studded performance, for it was Brian who introduced the show to the audiences of the Grand Theatre 12 years previously.

This week-long spectacular was a celebration and starting the show was Brian’s lovely wife, Anne Duval, who opened with a charming set of popular songs. A brief appearance by Ray Alan, playing the ukulele with great gusto followed, before he captivated the audience with a simple glove puppet.

Madcap magician Clive Webb, ably assisted by his son Danny Adams, mixed clowning with Tommy Cooper-style tricks to tremendous applause. Certainly Danny looks full of talent, a natural clown.

The first half closed with John Stokes’ Bachelors in fine voice, their rendition of the Titanic theme song was especially moving.

Ray Alan reappeared with Lord Charles and proved he still probably the best vent act in this country. Craig Douglas, looking very dapper, cruised through his set with polished professionalism and charm. Finally, Cannon and Ball made their entrance in a cloud of duck feathers and chalk, left over from Clive Webb’s act. They rightly complained that the stage should have been swept but they even managed to turn this grumble into a rib-tickling situation - true professionals who instinctively know how to make an audience laugh.

The amiable Chairman Duggie Chapman held the superb evening together. In a memorable star-filled finale the cast wished Brian Goddard well in his retirement.