The club’s annual benefit show was held at St Aidan’s Church Hall on Saturday 18th April. With an audience of nearly 100 in attendance, including some members of the public who attended as the result of a newspaper article in the Evening Echo. It was a wonderful evening which was enjoyed by all who attended and many favourable comments were received at the end of the evening.
The show started just after 8.00, with live music provided by Antony and James Fox after which their dad Adrian welcomed everyone to the show and explained the format for the evening. As usual, an hour’s close-up magic followed and thanks must go to all who appeared to wow their audiences: Mike Davis, Leon Rye, Wally Heddon, Stuart (alias Charlie!) Charlesworth. Mick Geraghty, Adrian Fox, Ray Simkins, James Holdsworth, Rob Newson, Ryan Sholem, Alan Chapman, Dean Cadywould, Robbie Wood (apologies if I’ve missed anyone – it was quite a turnout!)
After a short break and the raffle which contained some great prizes, it was on with the second half of the show on stage. James and Antony again opened the show with some more live music, and Wally went on to compere and introduce the first act – Stuart ‘Charlie’ Charlesworth, who performed his usual comic routine involving some strange hats, some ladies underwear and a string of gags! Adrian was up next and presented his Cilla routine, followed by a card on forehead effect and finishing with his first ever performance of a new ‘drinks at the bar’ routine. Robert Dean was on last but not least to present his mentalism act, including a Yellow Pages mind reading effect, John Archer’s Casino Royale, and his ‘Statue of Liberty’ routine.
In the end a great night’s entertainment for all, and the proceeds (which are being split between the club and Haven’s Hospices) will see a cheque for £200 being presented to Andy Smith from Haven’s at the next meeting.
Thanks again to all who took part, including Paul Mills who was a great help backstage with sound and curtains; and Audrey who manned the door and dealt with all the raffle ticket sales as well.
