Equity fund-raising concert

Jubilee Club Leeds
July 10 2014.
Producer Ashley Wheelhouse
Reviewer Mark Ritchie
What a splendid evening for both Equity and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity as luminaries and Clubland artistes gathered for the latest extravaganza.
With the delicious actress Malandra Burrows, ex- Leeds City Varieties supremo Peter Sandeman and Author and singing star Caroline Fields in the audience, there was much for them, and the rest of the audience, to enjoy on stage.
Dapper singers Nathan and Rob make up the harmony duo Timeless and they opened the shows with songs from Simon and Garfunkle and the little heard Turtles hit Eleanor. True, we could have done without the occasionally intrusive backing vocals on the track and more in the way of choreographed movement would aid their cause enormously. However Timeless are bright and breezy singers and should receive ‘A’ for effort and enthusiasm.
Glamorous singer Shirley Ann Scott hit the mark with some real crowd-pleasing sing-along material. A segment of her recently launched tribute to Dame Vera Lynn was also showcased most effectively.
Almost attaining national treasure status by now is the brilliant comedian Johnnie Casson. As witty and engaging a funny man as Britain has ever produced, Casson’s slow burn comedy and devastatingly funny one-liners hit the mark as ever. Surely only comedy ageism keeps the great Johnnie Casson so incongruously off our television screens.
Hearing smooth voiced balladeer Paul Stewart always makes for a lovely listening experience. Songs from Gregory Porter, Ed Sheeran and Billy Joel were expertly sung by this vastly under-rated entertainer.
In closing the show out The Amazing Bavarian Stompers gave us an hour of pure variety Oompah magic. Established 43 years and still going strong The Stompers, led by ‘Franz Udderclipper’ on accordion and augmented by drummer ‘Otis Spunknacker’ and ‘Johan Von Fatbastard’ on Sousaphone and other assorted instruments, this act is still fresh, vibrant and funny. I would venture to suggest that perhaps The Amazing Bavarian Stompers are well capable of amazing a whole new generation of comedy Oompah fans.
Compere for the night was king of the keyboards Craig Michaels. Some wonderful fill moments between the acts from this superbly presented artiste were well appreciated by the Leeds Equity audience.
It is perhaps worth a mention that last year, while I was still working for The Stage newspaper, a review of this event was requested but not commissioned. UK Cabaret is pleased and proud to cover any worthy event such as this whenever we were able.

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