Jimmy Osmond’s American Jukebox

Published Monday 18 July 2005 at 10:00 by Robin Duke

When “Little” Jimmy Osmond topped the UK charts in 1972, few people would have gambled on him headlining his second successive Blackpool summer season 33 years later.

Even fewer would have bet on hearing a drum solo from brother Jay Osmond - or indeed anyone else - on the same stage or corny one-line gags from the second oldest Osmond Wayne.

But Jimmy isn’t little any more and is now the business brains behind the family’s musical industry. So while one version of the hit dynasty tours stadiums in retro packages and Donny continues to be a superstar, the brothers Jimmy, Jay and Wayne fly the flag for the first ever boy band in Blackpool.

These days it is more an old boys’ band and there is a whiff of Fiery Jack in the dressing room after the crazy dancing to Crazy Horses but there is still something special about their American professionalism, charisma and slickness.

Most of the show is lifted from Jimmy’s Branson, Missouri, production - with some of the music being far more familiar to the Bible Belt’s Las Vegas followers than a UK holiday audience - and as such is a showcase for his broader talent as musician and indeed magician.

Billy Pearce delivers the familiar comedy which has made him a firm Blackpool favourite as well as being involved in vocal sketches with the brothers and cast members Emma Gilmour and Stephen Dean.

For her part, the attractive former Dream Team and Footballers’ Wives actress is happiest when singing Carpenters tributes while last year’s Boogie Nights DJ needs to relax more into his supporting role. The Jukebox Jivers complete the bill and could do well to all be as enthusiastic as team member Jodi Crump.