poppy field

Spenborough

90th Anniversary Celebration Concert - 5 June 2011

This glittering variety concert to celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Royal British Legion, was held at Cleckheaton Town Hall on Sunday 5 June 2011.

The show was put together by Mr David Smith, who is Musical Director of "The Good Old Days" at the famous City Varieties Music hall in Leeds and has appeared in a wide range of television programmes and films. David assembled a cast of professional entertainers who kindly offered their services in support of The Royal British Legion.

The David Smith Trio including Ron Bottomley and Ian Mann have played around the world in theatres, concert halls and cruise ships, playing for cabaret and revue shows. The trio have been the resident band for the Good Old Days at the City Varieties for many years.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr Paul Harper. Paul has been a 1930's and 1940's entertainer for 21 years and has entertained at 1940's events all  over the UK, including the  Pickering War Weekend. He has entertained annually at the Liberation Celebrations in Holland for the last 10 years.

An energetic opening dance routine of the Charleston, was performed by the Elaine Howarth Dancers. Elaine's Centrestage Dance Studio is located in Cleckheaton and in 2010 won their way through many heats to represent the North Of England at  the UK's biggest talent show, Festival4star. Later in the show the dancers performed a foot tapping routine from Cabaret.

Judith Hibbert gave a superb tribute to Gracie Fields and also a variety of comedy songs. Judith has worked extensively in both TV and theatre, performing in musicals, cabaret and pantomime. She has toured the US and her TV appearances inlude Stay Lucky and The New Statesman.

Joyce Grenfell was played perfectly by Caroline Fields who has followed Maureen Lipman with great success in celebrating the life of Joyce Grenfell. Caroline is a seasoned pantomime performer, with many appearances on both TV and The good Old days.

Maybe we can do something similar for the Centenary?

90th Finale 5 June 2011 w