The Stage

Danny La Rue : A Night At The Music Hall

Published Thursday 11 March 2004 at 13:15 by Patrick Newley

It is fashionable nowadays, in some quarters, to knock the phenomenon that is Danny la Rue yet few entertainers in Britain have consistently stayed at the top for so long.

Now at an age when most female impersonators would be happy to hang up their bra strings, the 77-year-old entertainer is back on the road in a glossy well produced music hall production of the traditional kind. True, La Rue may not be giving a high kick these days but the bosom is just as opulent and the dresses just as spectacular.

His brand of ultra glamorous vulgarity always proved to be catnip to coach parties and family audiences and the largely female audience at Camberley were not disappointed on this occasion when he led them through bawdy choruses of music hall songs interspersed with gags about Claire Short and Tony Blair.

A selection of songs from La Cage Aux Folles and Hello Dolly was also a poignant reminder of this unique performer’s versatility.

The production was ably compered by Spencer K. Gibbins and among the supporting acts was chirpy Andy Eastwood, who played a mean banjo and violin, plus youngster Lorrie Brown who paid tribute to Vera Lynn. It is unlikely that the war-torn Dame Vera ever sang to the troops in a mauve evening dress and high heels but Brown delivered the vocals well.

Another touch of vocal nostalgia was the appearance of David and Pauline Conway, one of variety’s most polished acts.

Excellent musical direction was by David Carter and Phil Jeffrey.