... Thoughts of Chairman Alf York/Touring There is something quite energising about a live Alf on a big empty stage and ripe for a challenge to his views. He or she may dare, but they can never beat the Bard of Bigotry. A few tried and were put in their place, a bonus to a glori ous evening. Warren Mitchell as Alf in his dotage has space to waddle about and stagger even more hilariously in the ...

... RIAS Big Band/BBC Big Band Liverpool It was during the BBC Big Band's very successful spring tour of Germany that the invitation was made to the RIAS Big Band to make a reciprocal visit to the UK during its 50th anniversary year. Not only was the tour set up in double quick time but both bands were booked to appear on the same bill. The RIAS band RIAS stands for Radio in American Sector and ...

... Streisand--the Tribute Berkswell I was very impressed on my first visit to Rick's Garden Cafe and Bar and the Lant Suite at the Nailcote Hall Hotel, Restaurant and Country Club in Berkswell, deep in the Warwickshire countryside. The full events diary for Live at the Hall has a terrific line-up of quality shows, entertainers and musicians who, along with excellent cuisine, affords 'House ...

... The Tango Room Loughborough Hotel We have had Tango Argentina, The Tango Lesson and now Aspect Theatre Productions have come up with The Tango Room, directed by Josette Bushell Mingo with choreography by Alison Vale. Located in the ballroom of the Loughborough Hotel (once known as the Mambo Inn when it was the ultimate haunt of Latin American dance aficionados) in south London, the ...

... Rich Hall Bloomsbury Rich Hall seems like the gentler brother of Bill Hicks who not only went to Sunday School but probably bothered to listen as well. Lines such as Arkansas is Darwin's rewind button, or his questioning of why the word gay is seen as an important prefix to the 'serial killer' who got Versace, has the kind of pungent political stand-up which garnished the meat of a typical ...

... The Best of British Eastbourne An accomplished cast is assembled at the Royal Hippodrome for this elegant British songsheet variety show in which every act wins Yvonne Lloyd and Lesley Windsor are experts at evoking past decades with obvious enjoy ment, including several humorous items and fine singing. Stylish Philip Day is energeti cally helpful and disappears into a collection of ...

... Language, Life, Respect Leeds The excitement continues unabated. RJC's new touring programme clearly demonstrates how the company's dancers have moved on to a level of artistic and technical maturity without restraining their collective spirit. Narrative is clear-cut wit is clever. ly expressed, subtlety and purity have crept into the choreography. Premiered at the splendidly refurbished Riley ...

... The Real Variety Show Barbican Hall This was, by far, the largest venue in which a showcase event--JLA Associates' Real Variety Show--has ever been held. And the Barbican Hall can hardly be most comedians' idea of a good gig, but Terry Alderton triumphed to such an extent that I prophesy that it will not be long before he is a household name. Just why did Alderton score such a direct hit, ...

... Johnny Martell Rotherham One of the real unsung heroes in the field of cabaret vocalists is Yorkshire-based entertainer Johnny Martell. The recipient of many club land awards and many a trophy from grateful concert secretaries' federations, he really deserves a wider audience for his vocal talents. As he entertained, at the lovely Wickersley Club, Martell showed all his familiar tricks of ...

... Showtime USA Bridlington Showtime USA--the alternative David Lee production to the Rockin' Good Fun Show, on offer weekly at the Spa--is a lively show, suitable for all age groups and. for me, with the exception of Craig Douglas, the more able of the two. In spite of what must have been a depressingly small audi ence on the night I was there, each member of the company works with the same ...

... The Manfreds Ryde On stage is a line-up of originals, including the two lead singers who spanned the group's sixties existence, Paul Jones and Mike D'Abo, and there is not a backing track in earshot. At Ryde Arena it was simply a night to remember and the punters were still ing for more after more than two hours of action. With so many talented per formers on stage, the content was varied. ...

... The Billy Fury Experience Cannock When I was part of a double comedy act, I had the good fortune to work with Billy Fury on one of his tours not too long before he sadly died, and it was a most memorable theatrical experience, as was the show I saw at the Prince of Wales Centre. Steeped in nostalgia and per- I fection, it brought the very heart I and soul of Fury back to the I British stage. ...