... Stunning fare brassily played Weymouth BBC Big Band This crowd-packed concert at the Pavilion smoothly incorporated two recording sessions for BBC Radio 2's Big Band Special and, with no programme available, we were fortunate that resident host, the engaging Shella Tracy, was onstage to guide us through the evening. Conducted by Barry Fbrgie, the 17-piece band demonstrated their superb ...

... Stars from the Old Moscow Circus Croydon Timing, as they say, is everything. Last week the Chinese State Circus was in town, blitzing the whole area with posters and half-price vouchers. This week it is the Russians' turn, but the evening audiences have evaporated. Pity then, the troupe of 20 performers who put on brave faces and went on with the show. It is strange enough seeing circus ...

... Daryll King Hornchurch Businessman Brian Nightingale asked professional pub and club singer Daryll King what he most wanted. King said his own show and sold out the Queen's weeks before it was staged with Nightingale Music's backing. Supported by Kevin Hartnett's excellent eight-piece band and two backing singers King was clearly in his element as an enter tainer among friends. He knows what ...

... Throne by turnaround Sadler's Wells The King This is the first major production I have seen about a tribute artist, albeit unintentional. Creator Peter Schaufuss originally conceived his ballet on the subject of Elvis Presley, but problems with the Presley Foundation forced a drastic switch of emphasis. A courageous decision, but unfortunately I do not believe it works. Much of the ...

... An Evening of New Acoustic Beats Ronnie Scott's Singer/songwriter Baxta and his band produced a superb performance to stand out among a four-strong bill in this programme of folk, rock and country-inspired music. A collection of diverse songs composed by the guitarist rounded off the evening in outstanding style, displaying both his show manship and distinctive voice. Influences ranging ...

... An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck Halifax/Touring Jimmy Tarbuck should think about rationing his quiz show work and ditching the golf videos if he wants to be remembered as an outstanding comedian. His spring tour has him doing what he does best working a live audience. His act is steeped in quickfire Liverpool wit and street-comer cheek, and his timing is sublime. He might live in the south, but ...

... Make 'Em Laugh Shanklin, Isle of Wight This is a welcome innovation for Shanklin Theatre's summer entertainment programme. It upholds real seaside holiday traditions, particularly with an abundance of comedy and even a few sketches. The seven-strong company work well together, and the production numbers are really effective. James Pellow hosts the show and proves there is much more to him ...

... The Big Big Laughter Show Blackpool Producer Duggie Chapman's contribution to the North Pier's summer season features The Grumbleweeds at the top of the bill. Founder members Graham Walker and Robin Colvill are joined by established solo act Tony Jo in a trio that has become a firm Blackpool favourite. They are the perfect combination of fairly straight man, natural clown and talented ...

... New McBroom sweeps through Pizza on the Park Amanda McBroom Returning to London's premier cabaret spot, Amanda McBroom's programme consisted almost entirely of her own songs. The sole exception was Marieke, one of Jacques Brel and Eric Blau's most potent numbers, which received a spectacularly theatrical reading. McBroom is in a completely different class now from most of the other cabaret ...

... The Magic Flute London Coliseum Twelve years in the English National Opera repertory, Nicholas Hytner's spectacular staging, set in the Age of Enlightenment, is a delightful combination of pantomime fantasy and robust humour. This revival, directed by Carlos Wagner, features a tip-top cast of favourites returning to their roles plus talented newcomers. And with Bob Crowtey's lavish designs, ...

... Dynamic start to class show BY PETER HEPPLE DAY ONE AFTERNOON SESSION Showcall Showcase II had a new, if temporary, home this year-- the Horseshoe Showbar at Blackpool Pleasure Beach-- which turned out to be highly successful, in part because it is a dedicated nightclub-style venue with excellent sightlines and a superb lighting installation. All the acts, and The Stage's production team, ...

... La Gioconda London Coliseum ENO's two concert performances of Ponchielli's Venetian melodrama gave the old war-horse a good canter while providing peachy parts for seven of Britain's finest singers. The convoluted plot tells how La Gioconda frustrates the villain Bamaba's attempts to possess her and enables the lovers, Enzo and Laura, to escape from the latter's vengeful husband, Alvise. Davy ...