... Tuning in to bygone masters BY JOHN MARTLAND Although Radio 2 has for some years been attempting to shed its 'cardie and slippers' image and appeal more to the 35 to 40 age group, the station still provides an impressive cross-section of listening for most ages and musical tastes. Much of this output stems from independent production companies, which supplement the BBC's own in-house efforts ...

... Nostalgia rules the waves By JOHN MARTLAND Obviously it is a coincidence, but following ongoing protests about BBC Radio's pre-occupation with younger listeners, there seems to be more nostalgia than usual on the national airwaves. For instance, even a pair of new sitcoms take their subject source from the past. MacFllntock's Palace (R4, Wednesday, February 10), is writ ten by Mark McDonnell ...

... Kentwood Choir and John Dankworth and Friends Swindon Musical director Sheila Harrod's lifelong.ambition to appear on the same stage as Cleo Laine is going to have to wait a little longer as chronic voice loss meant Dame Cleo was unable to join the much admired Kentwood Choir for a sell-out performance at the Wyvern. Almost the entire audience remained, however, to be rewar ded by a ...

... Blackpool Tower Circus Blackpool Keith Harris, Orville and Cuddles have breathed new life into a show which has already been ably entertaining families for more than 100 years. Harris is a ringmaster of sorts, introducing each act as well as having his own moments of glory (including two songs!) while scenes and props are changed. There is no doubt his presence is a genuine boost to the appeal ...

... Moving from Les Mis Now Jeff Leyton has plans to musically adapt another French classic himself COMPILED BY PETER HEPPLE For eight years, on and off. Edinburgh-born singer Jeff Leyton has been playing Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, in both the West End and on tour. He is, in fact, currently playing in the touring i j o c i tion until the end of February. But, like many other per formers ...

... Bobby Roberts Super Circus Ayr/Touring This Is not only an excellent example of modem touring circus but Is also, for theatre buffs, a wonderful reminder of shows of yesteryear, featuring a selection of the kind of speciality acts which once commonly enriched variety theatre bills. For example, there are two terrific spots from Stephen Sallal and his high-speed juggling and hand balancing. ...

... Noel, Gertie, Bea and Boo Jermyn Street Theatre John Dalby belongs to that diminishing breed, the sophisticated easyon-the-ear supper room singer/pianist. In this cabaret revue he cele brates the talent of Noel Coward and the Master's favourite lead- Ing ladles Gertrude Lawrence, Bea Llllle, and Evelyn Lave. All have made massive con tributions to the theatre and their reputations are safe in ...

... Putting on the Glitz Margate After a decade and a half, one might begin to believe that the Girling summer show cannot get more glamourous, funny and vivacious. But it invariably does. This year's show, in the Winter Gardens' Queens Hall, has combined effervescent youth with experi enced funnymen and the end product must be the best value on the south east coast. The stylish production numbers ...

... You've got to be Wireless Wise BY JOHN MARTLAND Some of those quizzes which take a particular area of the media as their subject--the dreaded Telly Addicts for example--can be simply anorak fodder, but trie first edition of Wireless Wise (Testbed for R4, from Monday, June 28) had a rather broader appeal. Of course, you had to be of a certain age to get a kick out of hearing about Jack De ...

... Jory, Jory hallelujah! Borderline/Touring Sarah Jory Having been the recipient of a British Country Music Award and nominated for another one this year, Sarah Jory is clearly considered to be a leading light of her chosen genre. At this cosy, cavern-like venue, a sizeable gathering greeted her appearance, together with her band, comprising piano, bass, drums, lead and rhythm guitars. Initially ...

... New Act of the Year Hackney Empire It is one thing getting laughs down the boozer, but quite another getting them in front of fairly full auditorium. Some 150 acts had tried for giggles during qualifying heats at the local Samuel Pepys pub and for the prize of a spot in the New Act of the Year final at the Hackney Empire. A bit of a poi soned comedic chalice for new comers maybe, but names of ...

... The Chuckle Brothers: In Trouble at Sea Basingstoke/Touring Paul and Barry (aka the Chuckle Brothers) have an act that relies almost entirely on old pantomime and music hall routines with a good smattering of circus slapstick. It is ideal for the five-KHiinfryear-olds at whom the show is targeted, and, even better, their BBC Television programmes Chucklevision and To Me to You, have made the ...