One of the good things about the Queen's shows is a touch of classy nostalgia. It sets the bar for which other theatres would dare to match. Music Hall took me right back in the past when Queen Victoria ruled the greatest empire in the world.
Laurence Payne began the show with a rendition of Roll Out The Barrel. Chairman Johnny Dennis then took to the stage immediately afterwards with Daisy Bell and Piccadilly. Most of the songs were well remembered by the audience that they sang along with almost every number.
The cast regaled the audience with stories of Music Hall's heydays. They were theatrical variety shows that were popular from 1850 to post World War 2. People of all classes flocked to catch a slice of music, comedy and speciality acts from all around the world. They often became a part of modern culture promoting the campaign for men to go to fight for their country in the world wars and formed the basis of the modern Royal Variety Performance which is still in use today.
Music Hall relived the hits of the many artists who were the celebrities of their time: Marie Lloyd, Fred Barnes, George Formby, Max Miller and Gracie Fields. Soprano Katie Milton relived the classic hits Joshua, My Hero, You Are My Honeysuckle and Memories.While Steve Galler brought his banjo along to perform We're Not Cleaning Windows, Seething Shouting, That'll Be The Day, Camptown Races, Bye Bye Blackburn and I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen. Payne and Dennis got the audience singing along to Do You Like To Be Beside The Seaside.
Song and dance duo Ian Adams and Tiffany Todd brought the magic of vaudeville entertainment to the Queens. Vaudeville is the US equivalent of Music Hall which sadly didn't last as long as music hall did. The duo's footwork set the stage alight to warm the hearts of the audience.
A lot of laughs came from comedian and juggler Michael Pearse with a traditional rope trick and sword balancing act. A bundle of jokes from way back when. Thank God the nostalgia wasn't enough to get eggs thrown all over the stage if it had been bad. The yolks were on him.
For me the greatest act of the matinee was songstress Helen Watson. Her mix of comedy and singing had me in stitches and there was an unexpected guest in the auditorium. Watson performed what could be described as a panto act with a patron. A pensioner audience member called Jack was pulled up onto the stage and danced with her. It was even more satirical when accusations of molesting were brought up by Watson. It made us laugh so much that Jack was convincing enough to be an actor. Whether he was part of the act or an overexcited audience participant we'll never know!
The show ended on a high with the entire cast singing Down At The Old Bull And Push. Don't worry, there's still another chance to catch another Music Hall with a different programme coming 22nd July this year.
