When
Ronnie approached us to do a theatre in Southend-On-Sea, it sounded really
exciting. He had got together with his friend Ted Houser, over a glass or
two, and Ted had said he'd always wanted to put on a variety show in a
theatre. The New Empire had recently undergone a face lift and was
welcoming new acts, so it seemed the best place to start. Ted and Ronnie
started ringing round old chums, and with help from Helen Havis they managed
to included Kerry Jenkins, Charisma, Cory Gray, Lea Jenkins, Steve Jordan,
The Dumb Waiters and of course, us.
The
show started with the 'cast' performing A Comedy Tonight,
the song from the show A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum. We'd
had frantic rehearsals, guided by Helen, the production co-ordinator,
before the show to get this song just right, for most of us it was a
completely new song to learn but everyone, including Ted came on and gave it
their best shot.
Kerry Jenkins was the MC for the evening, and
did a terrific job holding the show together.
The
Dumb Waiters, were extremely funny from the off, they were showing people
into their seats and acting up 'good and proper'. As advertised they
certainly were a loveable, clumsy bunch that DID intrigue the audience.
They certainly managed to give Kerry a hard time and really lightened
the atmosphere making everyone laugh.
Steve Jordan was first act on, he stood
in at the last minute as Mikki Wright, who should have appeared couldn't
make it, Steve was really funny and a fabulous personality.
Then
Ronnie Reynolds, formerly of the 60's band White Plains, did his
thing, startingwith Tom Jones's Delilah and following that
with a variety of songs everyone was able to sing-a-long with. What a
loveable old rogue.
Then
came the professional dance group Charisma, they were astonishing. The
group has performed at many renowned venues across the UK including Circus
Tavern Purfleet, Sadlers Wells Theatre London and the Teresa Joanne in
London's Docklands and tonight they did the show proud. An extremely
friendly bunch of girls, it would be a pleasure to work with them again.
It
was now time for us to take to the stage with Carpenters Interpretation.
Everyone only had 20 minutes to perform and it's very difficult to choose
20 minutes of Carpenters songs, they are all so good. Anyway Pete and I
started with Please, Mr Postman, and then went on to do Close To You, Top
of the World, Jambalaya and Sing. I'd had a cold all week and was a little
worried, to say the least, but I'm pleased to say the set went off without
too much trouble. Special thanks to 'Day Nurse' Excellent product.
Now
it's time for a break and everyone charged down to the bar to meet friends
and have a welcome drink. It was lovely to see old and new friends out to
support us. Special Thanks to Ricky and Billy of The Saints, traveling
from Cambridge, Del and Sue also from Cambridge and April and Ray from
Gloucestershire.
The
second half of the show opened with the fabulous Cory Gray as Tina
Turner. We'd made friends with Cory when we arrived for rehearsals and
she really is a lovely lady. Cory's likeness in voice and looks to Tina
Turner were astonishing, and being a Tina Turner fan, I thoroughly
enjoyed her performance.
Then
Lea Jenkins took the stage. She is a fabulous Impressionist, mimicking
people like Margaret Thatcher and Hyathyth Bouquet and she had the
audience in stitches in no time. With her backing duo she also
treated us to Cilla Black and Lulu.
Now it was Pete's turn to do his Cliff set.
Unfortunately Linzi, Tay and Emma couldn't make this show so Pete have the
stage to himself. He started with a medley of Cliff songs Move It, Please
Don't Tease and Gee Whiz It's You, then he went into Summer Holiday and
Living Doll, followed by The Day I Met Marie. Charisma joined Pete on Devil
Woman, and the stage came alive with dancing. After such a lot of dancing
the only thing that could possibly follow was the beautiful ballad Miss You
Nights.
The set was finished off with The Young Ones
and the whole cast joined Pete for the last verse. Fabulous. Shadows walks
were tried by everyone - and Ted fulfilled another of his ambitions!
Final
bows and back down to the bar for drinks and sandwiches. Lovely. We had
a great time, and hope everyone else did too. Thank you Ted for inviting
us along to enjoy the fun of live theatre once again.
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Steve Jordan was first act on, he stood
in at the last minute as Mikki Wright, who should have appeared couldn't
make it, Steve was really funny and a fabulous personality.
Then
Ronnie Reynolds, formerly of the 60's band White Plains, did his
thing, starting with Tom Jones's Delilah and following that
with a variety of songs everyone was able to sing-a-long with. What a
loveable old rogue.
Now
it's time for a break and everyone charged down to the bar to meet friends
and have a welcome drink. It was lovely to see old and new friends out to
support us. Special Thanks to Ricky and Billy of The Saints, traveling
from Cambridge, Del and Sue also from Cambridge and April and Ray from
Gloucestershire. 
The
second half of the show opened with the fabulous Cory Gray as Tina
Turner. We'd made friends with Cory when we arrived for rehearsals and
she really is a lovely lady. Cory's likeness in voice and looks to Tina
Turner were astonishing, and being a Tina Turner fan, I thoroughly
enjoyed her performance. 
