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?
