News/Events

A Shirley Bassey tribute singer from Torbay made a cameo appearance in a brand new series of Stars in Their Eyes last night.

Debbie Farrell first appeared on the show as a contestant on the 2003 series and has since gone on to gain national and international recognition for her Shirley Bassey tribute show.

She performs all over the world as Dame Shirley, putting on the tribute show ‘Debbie Farrell as Shirley Bassey’. Farrell has appeared everywhere from Brixham Theatre to the bright lights of Singapore.

Stars in their Eyes returned to TV screens last night after a nine year absence, presented by comedian Harry Hill.
Farrell appeared as Bassey to give some tips to contestant Christie Holland before she went on stage.

Holland, who like Bassey, is from Wales, went on to win the show with her performance as Christina Aguilera and will now take her place in the series final.

Debbie said: “It’s brilliant to be back on TV. I was only meant to be doing a VT with Christie but they loved what I did and asked me to make an appearance on the show. I’m delighted that they wanted me to return to Stars in their Eyes after all these years, it’s a great endorsement.

“It was a crazy filming process, Harry Hill is so zany. But once the contestants are on stage they are so professional. I’m due to reappear at some stage during the series so keep your eye out!”

Not everyone embraced the revival of Stars in their Eyes with such enthusiasm. Many people took to Twitter complaining of Harry Hill’s presenting style and calling for the return of former presenter Matthew Kelly, who did make a cameo himself during the show.

Original story by The Herald Express.
Reproduced by kind permission of author/publisher.

One thing that Anne George, the MD of Trevor George Entertainments, knows how to do is greet clients in style. Those arriving at Beverley Parks are met by the towering, gravity-defying vision of stilt artist Eloise Bradbury. They are then confronted by a very cheeky puppet in the foyer, controlled by Louis Taylor. It signals the start of the annual, two-day, three-session show, which on past experience always has a light entertainment trick or three up its sleeve. Injecting instant vitality into the showcase, and with the MD momentarily joining them on stage, was hi-energy, female dance troupe So Street. Led by the ever bubbly and constantly enthusiastic Ami Lauren this was an encouraging preamble to the main show. Not just an act, but a travelling dance company offering everything from cheerleading classes to lessons in old time music hall, this energetic ensemble appears to have focused in on a niche with some potential. For comperes, it’s never easy to pitch material for what are notoriously tricky audiences. Thankfully, experienced performer Steve Laister has enough strings to his bow to be able to fill the gaps with decent enough, if occasionally slightly juvenile routines and material.

Described as a cheeky Northern chap, the diminutive Mark-Andrew Smith, certainly knows how to work a stage, and get an audience going. Flinging off his coat at stage as he launched into a Tom Jones cover, he’s clearly a versatile singer capable of tuning his vocal chords to just about musical genre. He is very small of stature and that will always rule him out of performing genuine tributes to some strapping male vocalists, but I don’t think he’ll be losing sleep over that.

Quite what speciality act Richard Griffin intends to achieve by appearing on stage wearing the most bizarre mask and ludicrous comedy attire, I’m not sure. Initially, it doesn’t do him any favours and that’s a shame because as it transpires, he’s a slick, impressive, multi-faceted magician who works an audience – and his chosen volunteer – very well indeed. Cramming in so much magical material into a short showcase set takes real talent, and he has that in abundance.

Glamorous female duo Chique (Lisa Walker and Eloise Cole) are always going to be initially judged on their model looks by audiences, but there’s certainly enough combined vocal talent to enjoy here too. Both have appeared as leading vocalists at the Baccacombe Theatre, Devon, and that’s a gig you obviously don’t get unless you can genuinely hold a tune. If there is a criticism it’s that on stage, they look like two, solo performers as opposed to a ‘team’ and need to work on generating more synergy between each other.

With 30 years’ experience in the business, a brief appearance at Beverley Parks was never likely to trouble male vocalist/guitarist Shaun Perry. And indeed it didn’t, picking up then putting down his guitar as need be as he rattles off a Bee Gees cover, before tackling the Impossible Dream, a song I’ve rarely seen performed to its real, emotive potential. His live, acoustic set option sounds interesting, possibly more so than this perfectly enjoyable, if standard set.

International comedy specialist Steve Rawlings is a man who clearly suffers for his art. His obvious pain is our joyous gain as he juggles furniture, contorts his face to accommodate numerous ping-pong balls, then almost commits arson on stage in Paignton courtesy of a hilarious, flame-filled juggling routine. If anyone tells you that variety and spirit of the music hall is long dead, you know that person hasn’t seen Rawlings perform live. Genuises are often tortured souls – it’s just that he’s quite happy to torture himself.

Guessing the ‘level’ of any audience’s sense of humour is not easy, but at least compere Laister, teaming up with co-compere Lee Randall as Steve ‘n’ Lee for a brief skit on a Bee Gees number, is a harmless, if hardly sophisticated stab at generating some visual and vocal laughs, before male duo The Boys of Mickey Finn appear on stage. Now based in the South West, the twin brothers have been long-time show business partners and that’s very evident from the way they gel on stage. On first impression, you wouldn’t have them down as fans of the Everly Brothers, but they perform a tribute to them and I’m sure that set provides plenty of nice, retro entertainment.

Zooka & Suzie Q is described as ‘speciality and magic with a difference.’ So often such boasts never fulfil their promise at showcases, but this was stylish, captivating and immaculately presented. The act blends traditional illusion fare, such as white doves appearing at will, with really edgy touches and it’s that mix which raises this act up another level. Its boldness of presentation holds your interest and you’re never quite sure what’s coming next – and that sense of unpredictability is a priceless asset in the world of illusion.

Much more of a slow illusion burner was Mark Shortland, but sticking with his act was ultimately well worthwhile, not least to see someone totally committed to his rather bizarre craft giving his all on stage. His trump card on this occasion was the unexpected bonus of picking a prefect, mature stooge out from the audience whom he could work well off throughout his routine. At other performances he’s not going to be so lucky, but he clearly has the guile, sense of humour and consummate skills to win over and impress even non-fans of magic and illusion.

Having just seen young female vocalist Kelly Pepper at a recent showcase, little reminder of her versatile talents was required. She already boasts an impressive performing CV and is even willing to ‘learn specific song requests in advance if needed,’ according to her publicity.

It’s difficult to find enough superlatives to describe father and son, Steve and Jay Rawlings. With Rawlings senior having previously wowed the audience in his own fabulously eccentric manner, his hat juggling routine – some in wonderful slow motion – with Rawlings junior, was just sublime. Jay is clearly touched with his father’s sense of the ridiculous, and that’s to be celebrated, His main illusion all revolved around a volunteer comically aping a gunfighter which in terms of pure entertainment, was pretty slow on the draw, but it got there in the end. I’m guessing the Rawlings home is rarely a dull place to be.

Experience the mystery, says the tag line on the billing for Luke Cook Magic & Illusion, and indeed there was plenty of interesting magic and illusion performed during a set boasting rousing music, plenty of on-stage action and a fair bit of creative flair. The only down side is that, for frequent showcase attendees, a lot of the routines here were quite familiar. But, this contains just about enough twists to maintain the interest.

Vocal male duo, Noteable (Barry Leigh-James and Luke Sampson), described as a fresh and funky duo, is a perfectly acceptable, if slightly routine act. That this set covered versions of Love Train and Bruno Mars probably tells bookers all they need to know in terms of the musical versatility.

SBX is, according to their publicity, the UK and Europe’s leading urban entertainment team. Quite a claim, but few witnessing the daring creativity, physical excellence and acrobatic skills of this unique urban ensemble of street skills exponents would argue that what they witnessed was quite brilliant. From dazzling football-juggling skills through to human beat box music and mind-boggling BMX antics, this is a sure-fire winner for younger audiences anywhere in the world.

Described as Spinal Tap meets Morecambe and Wise, music/comedy double act The Ray Guns, as the showcase finale, left most pretty bewildered. Given a big build-up by his guitarist colleague the other half of the act’s appearance in an open-chested tiger onesie did have some comic effect – for all of about three seconds. Then it was downhill all the way. In truth, given the venue and the profile of the audience on the night, this act was always going to struggle.

This was a showcase with all the expected Trevor George hallmarks – something old, plenty of things new, some impressive speciality acts and not much blue. Ultimately, it was the illusion acts that stood out, namely Zooka & Suzie Q, Richard Griffin and Mark Shortland. Then, of course, there was Steve Rawlings – still juggling while his hat was ablaze on stage. Priceless.

First published in the Stage

by Derek Smith

 

It’s not often that afternoon showcase sessions are packed, but then again few midday events offer such a generous, complementary buffet. Plus there was also, of course, the tasty attraction of a varied bill covering all light entertainment options.

Using a surname like Chaplin gives you an awful lot to live up to, fledgling comedian, Bournemouth-based Duncan Chaplin being the fresh-faced and clearly nervous compere for the afternoon session. He did struggle at times and looked increasingly rattled as many of his jokes failed to get laughs, but he kept going and, to his credit, he kept a smile of his face even if that was maybe through gritted teeth at times.

Getting any afternoon showcase audience to clap along with any real enthusiasm is no mean feat, but vocalist Lindsey Collard clearly has no intention of letting those watching her lively set just sit back without joining in. Expecting the Beverley Parks crowd to join her in some air guitar moves was a tad over-ambitious though, but at least she tried hard to whip up some energy during what was a raucous, entertainingly and lively set. She also performs a tribute to Karen Carpenter, so Collard can clearly tone it down a bit too when she needs to.

Most in the industry will know vocalist Ruby Washington, and those who don’t, should. She’s always been a class act, appearing here with Simon Woods-Tucker on keyboards to make up funky duo, Superstition. It’s a combination that works very well, Washington bashing a tambourine with gusto at one point and clearly still loving the experience of singing some fine covers on stage and having performed over many years in very different guises. Her unflagging enthusiasm and total professionalism is fabulous to see.

The description ‘function band’ really should be banned from use on acts’ publicity. It certainly does groups like Funkty Dumpty no favours, conjuring up images of staid, elderly musicians wearing bow ties and drab formal attire. But, this band’s six-strong line-up here performed as good a showcase set I’ve seen for a long time from a so-called function outfit. The two lead female vocalists are top drawer, the musicians edgy and the spin they manage to put on really old numbers, like Proud Mary, is a lesson for other bands on the circuit.

You sense that Madonna tributes have been slipping out of vogue a little lately, but if there is an act to keep the Madge tribute flag flying, it has to be Tasha Leaper, being as good as any booker will currently find on the circuit. Appearance wise, she’s a dead ringer, the voice accurate and her sense of showmanship and standard of presentation first class. Joined by two, young and enthusiastic female dancers, this set which included Get Into The Groove and Like A Prayer, was executed almost to perfection. Leaper has clearly worked extremely hard over the years at getting this tribute right, and that effort has really paid off.

I’m not sure if the company is sponsoring Mr Eerius’s illusion and magic act, but if it isn’t, then Coca-Cola is certainly missing a trick or four. Not just the soundtrack mentioned the brand several times, but there was plenty of product placement too. This being a magic routine though, the bottles conjured out of thin air by this top illusionist took on increasingly baffling proportions. When I last saw this act, I loved its energy, style and originality, and nothing has changed. He really is the real thing.

Every showcase needs something a little different musically, and the Celine Dos Santos Band definitely offers that. One female guitarist (Celine), a female vocalist and a flat cap-wearing beat box beating male sandwiched in-between makes for an intriguing, original sound. The harmonies didn’t gel that well at times, but given a young, trendy venue to entertain in, audiences will love their individual approach.

Being near to Christmas, it’s only natural to bring out the Olly (Murs) – in the lively shape of Karl Lewis as Almost Olly. Murs tribute acts are suddenly everywhere on the circuit, probably because all acts need to do is to put on a slightly silly hat, some braces and adopt a cheeky chappy persona on stage and you’re away. To be fair, there’s more than that to Lewis’s act, not least a decent voice and good audience interaction, but it still feels just a bit cobbled together and a tribute without that much substance.

A more intense tribute band than The Darkside of Pink Floyd it is hard to imagine. Probably much better suited to a slot in the evening session, this was nevertheless an intriguing set from some fine musicians not afraid to tackle some of the iconic band’s harder tunes to replicate with any authenticity, like the epic Shine On You Crazy Diamond. Pink Floyd fans do not suffer poor tribute bands gladly, but for any bookers this act is Money well spent.

Less intriguing, but a decent example of a very competent, versatile male vocalist is Matthew Shaw, an artist capable of covering a wide range of musical genres – his only problem is stamping his own identity on the material, something I felt he didn’t really achieve here.
Most showcase sessions finish with a loud, full-on band, and when initially Plymouth-based male/female duo Crush didn’t sound anything out of the ordinary, it looked as though the afternoon was going out on a whimper. But, first impressions can mislead and this was to prove a rattling good set, powered along with strong female vocals (Kerry Harper) and impressive guitar playing from Nick Jones. Duos so often disappoint, Crush certainly doesn’t.

This was an interesting, mixed bag of a session, but featuring a few acts that would have probably much preferred an evening billing. Beforehand, you wouldn’t have predicted getting too excited by a function band and a Madonna tribute act. But, Funkty Dumpty and Tasha Leaper respectively were both on top form. As was Ruby Washington, one half of Superstition. That was no surprise, as at previous showcases, Ruby has always been a diamond.

First published in the Stage 

by Derek Smith

The final session of this year’s annual showcase couldn’t have opened with any more drama, The High Seas pirate-themed attraction mixes magic, illusion and dance with energy, fun and visual excitement, incorporating pirate pyrotechnics, sword fighting and general mayhem. It’s the creation of illusionist Eloise Bradbury, an experienced entertainments manager, and especially for any youngsters, this act provides a treasure chest full of entertainment.

When you see Paul Eastwood’s name down as compere, you just know any showcase is in safe hands, being guaranteed plenty of giggles in-between the acts. His material can be abrasive at times, especially when audiences don’t play ball, but there’s always an edge to his comedy and I wouldn’t swap that for any of the run of the mill, bland comperes on the circuit.

Based in Worcestershire, duo Lady & The Sax is certainly out of the ordinary. Bursting on stage in a vivid red and very baggy suit, tenor and alto sax player Sam Pagett is a charismatic musician, and is complemented by female vocalist Laura. A distinctive cover version of Soft Cell’s Tainted Love was unexpected, highly entertaining and probably just a glimpse of their true talents.

When technical hitches plague a performer at a showcase it can prove terminal. But, as magician Steve Price’s headset went awry, he just carries on, chips in a few barbed comments and came sailing through the experience, urged on by the audience. Secretary of the Magic Circle, he is clearly a highly accomplished magician, and his routine, despite the sound problems, was intriguing, entertaining and a lesson in determination.

Evidently, male vocalist Graham Davies, has two sides to his singing persona – one as a vocalist in his own right doing covers, the other as Gary Barlow and part of Take That tribute, Beautiful World. On this evidence, I prefer him in Barlow mode, a guise that appears to raise both his voice and performance up a level and out of slightly mundane covers territory.

During the many times I’ve seen Steve Arnold perform, I’ve never seen him make a single error during his high-energy, visually creative juggling routine. He made a couple here though, and given his high standards it’s something I’m sure he was furious with himself about after. But, on each occasion, he quickly recovered and it was never likely to detract from this very appreciative audience’s enjoyment.

An act in his own right, and co-compere for this session, Danny Posthill has the advantage of not just being a joke teller, but also an able impressionist. Like just about every other impressionist out there, his skits on celebrities past and present are very hit and miss, but there’s a character for everyone to tap into ranging from Alan Carr and John Bishop, through to Michael McIntyre. His material isn’t brilliant, but you have to admire any male comedian who tackles an impression of Sarah Millican, one that was pretty good.

Having performed in the afternoon as a tribute to Olly Murs, Swansea-based vocalist Karl Lewis gave a second showcase appearance a few hours later, once again showing his singing competence and versatility.

New, bespoke ultra violet puppet show Pure Imagination, promises that it ‘will leave yourself wondering what just happened.’ And, that was unfortunately the case when a power cut left a drum-playing green and black skeleton in the dark and without any soundtrack. That wasn’t this act’s fault, of course, but it did put a dampener on the routine and overall the characters didn’t grab the imagination nearly enough, the colours were a little insipid and the score a bit rambling. You have to applaud the creative effort behind this act though.

Multi-faceted vocal entertainer Max Hutton has got the arrogant strut, replica appearance and confidence to be a top Robbie Williams tribute, plus he apparently also tunes his vocal chords to Michael Buble. When he does strip away all the characters, he’s clearly also a very capable singer in his own right as his cover of Wham’s I’m Your Man illustrates. Often, male tributes lack the necessary charisma to convince – Hutton has it.

Acts trying to do something different deserve plaudits, and comedy entertainer Tony Mack (aka Anthony Maddocks), sporting an electric blue suit, was at least attempting to pull off something a little out of the ordinary. It’s a shame then that after this performance, the jury is still out as to whether his set, which includes his secret musings made audible while playing the keyboards, actually works. It’s really the classic case of a great idea, let down by a weak script, the same being true of his lyrical skit finale.

I imagine main comperes Eastwood and Posthill looked totally bemused as they watched their roles being substituted for the rest of this session by two puppet characters from furry ensemble The Rascals. This kind of chatty, childish banter is probably fine for afternoon audiences, but coming late in the evening in front of an adult audience, just proved increasingly irritating at each subsequent appearance.

Like Mack Vox Magique is attempting something different, in this case blending magic (Tim Osler) with female vocals (Faye Smith). She’s not the strongest singer around, judging by this performance, but her delivery does gel well enough to make this an interesting vocal and visual combination. In truth, the illusions executed are not new, but this act nevertheless conjures up some very stylish entertainment. At the very least, it’s original.

Lots of acts struggle to balance just right – acrobat duo The Swampets (Maya Peters and Liam Jones), is a stunningly sure-footed and inch-perfect during its outrageous, nicely crafted routine. The presentation is very was low-key, but that helps ensure there are no distractions from their superb, combined physical flexibility and excellence. The only thing that needs work is maybe the name – you really don’t expect acrobats when they are announced.

It was now time to see a reprise of Matthew Shaw’s performance from the previous session.

I saw classical female vocal duo La Voci perform at a recent showcase, and this very similar set was just confirmation as to how strong each one’s voice is, and how well they complement one another on stage. I’d take issue with their appearance, as I did previously, but maybe they just dress down for showcases. Some clients will certainly expect a bit more effort.

Any guitar duo that can breathe fresh life in Dire Straits’ Sultans Of Swing, gets my vote and Fast Company (Rhodri Williams and Leon Kemp) certainly achieves that. As the showcase’s final act, this could and should have been a bit longer, especially given the quality of musicianship. Apparently, this act is working on a Bruce Springsteen tribute and on this evidence that will be well worth seeing.

Even if hadn’t quite matched the previous evening, there was still plenty of talent to admire during this session. Opening act, Lady & The Sax, certainly offers something different as far as duos go, as does Vox Magique. Plus, an award for carrying on regardless surely goes to magician and consummate professional, Steve Price.

First published in the Stage 

by Derek Smith