SHANKLIN THEATRE came alive on Tuesday night (September 21) with ‘The Good Old Days’.
Compared by Johnny Dennis, the two and half hour show was over so quickly that the audience were calling for more.
With a host of London stars, the first half was stolen by Mark Walsh, very reminiscent of George Formby but his banjo playing was incredible and he brought the instrument alive with his wonderful performance.
However Judith Hibberd with her rendition of ‘Sally, Sally’ brought back memories of Gracie Fields but showed that there are people around outside of opera with wonderful soprano voices.
This does not take anything away from the other stars such as Jan Hunt in her brilliant red dress and light hearted comedy and Richard Winch with his Lord Mayor’s song.
The second half must go to Don McLean. His up-to-the-minute humour and jokes would have gone down very well anywhere and when he started to sing it turned out he had the most beautiful tenor voice.
My admiration for the original ‘One Man Band’ goes to David Carter who played the piano and organ at the same time and he never seemed to miss a beat. However Jane Webster who got the audience singing deserves mention.
The cast came down into the audience at the end of the evening, which is something I have never experienced before; people loved it and it did add just that little extra touch to a really good evening. It also gave some of us a chance to examine the Pearly King suit of Larry Barnes – he assured us he had sewn on every button himself, thousands of them!
I shall certainly book my seat when they return.
