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Like falling off a log for top form Joe
The Joe Longthorne Show Blackpool North Pier Theatre
SHOWGOERS with long memories will recall the first time Joe Longthorne left what has become one of his favourite stages to a standing ovation. These days he comes on to one.
Much water has passed under the pier since then – and it takes a little longer for both himself and many of his devoted following to actually make it along the boardwalk to the revamped theatre – but an evening spent being entertained by a performer who has become a legend amongst his fellow professionals and a hero to his fans is still always a unique experience.
That said, there are few surprises. Then again they aren't required by a Joe Longthorne audience. From opening his act with Love Is In The Air and the uplifting Mary In The Morning to closing it with his unofficial theme If I Never Sing Another Song, his act is a mixture of material delivered in his own voice (which is now thankfully back to full force and firing on all cylinders) and other peoples (who he endearingly refers to as his "guests").
He's the first to admit that quite a few of those guests are no longer around but jokes that "I'm 50-odd, I can't do half of those new people."
So he stays loyal to the likes of Willie Nelson, Matt Monro, Barry Manilow, Mario Lanza, Des O'Connor, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and Barry White.
These days he duets Shirley Bassey with Frank Sinatra (it used to be Tom Jones) whilst Tony Bennett still teams up with Max Bygraves and Dorothy Squires
always makes for an unusual bedfellow with Ken Dodd.
Switching from one to another is like falling off a log for him but somehow it's when he slips into a rock and rolling Jerry Lee Lewis that he's able to really let his hair down (but don't ask him to swing his leg onto the keyboard!)
Most weeks the first half of the show shines the spotlight on one of the resort's favourite funnymen Johnnie Casson with special guest, the energetic all rounder Leye D Johns who is proving a real discovery plucked from his usual cabaret setting.
Local vocalist Carol Kaye always proves popular and the line-up is completed by the four (two male, two female) Showcase Dancers.
Tenerife-based tribute act We Will Rock You have also guested on the show.
Winners of a talent contest
organised by Joe and show producer Tony Jo in the Canaries, the two girl and one boy trio put an interesting and glamorous spin on the music of Queen complete with Bucks Fizz style choreography.
Watch out for them, with a bit of polish and a bit of luck they'll be back next year.
* The Joe Longthorne show runs each Saturdays until October 30.
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 11 February 2012
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Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
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