Starlight
They called it Starlight. But with more than a few passing references to the smash hit of the year, this fabulous show could easily have been called Fifty Shades of Brilliance.
Although comedy impressionist Phil Lowen is nominally the headline act, every one of the six main artists put in a top-of-the-bill performance. The genius of the Babbacombe Theatre shows – and this is impresario Colin Matthews 29th year producing it – is the versatility of the performers. Every singer can dance, every comic can sing, the dancers can do musical comedy as well as ballet. And this year Colin had four little aces up his sleeve. For the powerhouse performances put in by the teeny sensations Kidz and Co was breathtaking. Andrews Sisters – eat your heart out. Shirley Temple – watch and learn. And the audience played their part too,alternating between side-splitting laughter and hand-stinging applause the packed crowd brought the best out of a cast at the top of their game.
Phil Lowen: Zany, anarchic, full of energy with perfect comic timing. Our own Keedie Green with a voice of such range and power she can tackle anything from rock to opera – and always produce the goods. Ben Nickless: Can handle 26 impressions in five minutes and has a more than passable singing voice. Look out for his hilarious ‘illusionist’ routine – one of the funniest you’ll see. Paul Cobley: A voice to die for, whether he’s on his own or doing duets with male or female colleagues. He also has fine musical comedy talents. Wayne Champagne: Lives up to his name every minute he’s on stage with sparkling songs and cork-popping comic timing. And last but by no means least, the lovely Lisa Walker who can also tackle solos and duets with a wonderful mellow voice that is pitch-perfect throughout. That just leaves the dancers, Danze Chique. It’s probably no longer politically correct to call a dance group sexy, but the chaps in the audience will know exactly what I mean. Perfectly matched, perfectly together and, dare I say it, perfectly formed. Where does Colin find them?
Two of the highlights for me were ‘Harry Hill’s’ Stars in Their Eyes, and a wonderful performance of Aladdin the Musical. But also watch out for Telescoppi Pavarotti and the Inflatable Titanic. Priceless!
Two hours of joy that could easily have been four. A five-hundred strong audience that could easily have been a thousand. And a laugh-count off the scale.
Fifty shades of grey, it wasn’t. Fifty shades of great IT WAS!
Although comedy impressionist Phil Lowen is nominally the headline act, every one of the six main artists put in a top-of-the-bill performance. The genius of the Babbacombe Theatre shows – and this is impresario Colin Matthews 29th year producing it – is the versatility of the performers. Every singer can dance, every comic can sing, the dancers can do musical comedy as well as ballet. And this year Colin had four little aces up his sleeve. For the powerhouse performances put in by the teeny sensations Kidz and Co was breathtaking. Andrews Sisters – eat your heart out. Shirley Temple – watch and learn. And the audience played their part too,alternating between side-splitting laughter and hand-stinging applause the packed crowd brought the best out of a cast at the top of their game.
Phil Lowen: Zany, anarchic, full of energy with perfect comic timing. Our own Keedie Green with a voice of such range and power she can tackle anything from rock to opera – and always produce the goods. Ben Nickless: Can handle 26 impressions in five minutes and has a more than passable singing voice. Look out for his hilarious ‘illusionist’ routine – one of the funniest you’ll see. Paul Cobley: A voice to die for, whether he’s on his own or doing duets with male or female colleagues. He also has fine musical comedy talents. Wayne Champagne: Lives up to his name every minute he’s on stage with sparkling songs and cork-popping comic timing. And last but by no means least, the lovely Lisa Walker who can also tackle solos and duets with a wonderful mellow voice that is pitch-perfect throughout. That just leaves the dancers, Danze Chique. It’s probably no longer politically correct to call a dance group sexy, but the chaps in the audience will know exactly what I mean. Perfectly matched, perfectly together and, dare I say it, perfectly formed. Where does Colin find them?
Two of the highlights for me were ‘Harry Hill’s’ Stars in Their Eyes, and a wonderful performance of Aladdin the Musical. But also watch out for Telescoppi Pavarotti and the Inflatable Titanic. Priceless!
Two hours of joy that could easily have been four. A five-hundred strong audience that could easily have been a thousand. And a laugh-count off the scale.
Fifty shades of grey, it wasn’t. Fifty shades of great IT WAS!
Paul Levie for THE HERALD EXPRESS.
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