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News And Reviews
I have tended to waffle on in my
previous reviews of my gigs so I will
try to keep them as brief as possible
and include a few photographs as
and when I can.
The review below is by a special friend of ours
Mags Cummings who has also taken some of
the photographs as well, Thanks Mags
Jean and Albie
Jean
Fri 26th November
Playhouse Theatre Preston
Here is a report of the Preston Show by our very own roving reporter Mags Cummings. Thanks to everyone for making it such a great success.
Yet another brilliant night with Ray Shenton and Craig Martin doing Billy Fury and Buddy Holly proud.
The Playhouse theatre in Preston is a lovely little place - perfect venue.
Jeanie's sisters were there to welcome us and other members of the family and
friends were also on duty to make things run very smoothly. I was with my sister
Chris and Kat and Andy joined us on the front row. We had already met and
chatted to the VIP guests, Jean and Albie Wycherley and Ray's Mum and Dad.
Craig opened the first half with his excellent Buddy Holly set. Looking the part
in his tux and horn rimmed glasses he had the audience in the palm of his hand
straight away. What a great audience it was, they clapped and sang along
obviously enjoying themselves. I've seen Craig twice before, in Blackburn and at
the Variety Club dinner and this was his greatest performance so far for me. He
has a superb voice and the finishing song 'American Pie' gave me goose bumps,
fabulous stuff indeed.
During the interval, Jean Wycherley and I sold raffle tickets to add to those
already sold by Jeanie's sisters Pauline and Jaxi. People were astonished and
thrilled to find out that Jean was Billy's Mum ( I kept telling them) and all
commented on how wonderful she looked.
Ray was fantastic as always opening the second half of the show and looked
amazing in his new shiny grey suit with black trim. The audience were eating out
of the palm of his hand and when he was talking about Billy, you could hear a
pin drop. What a voice Ray has..........it just seems to get better and better.
Everyone was singing along, most appeared to know the words to every song. Ray
has such presence and warmth on stage along with his great talent. For some of
the upbeat numbers he was joined by three couples jiving behind him bringing
energy and interest. Ray covered so many songs and dedicated many of them
to friends and family remembering Moya of course. (Not long now!!) After an
encore and then a song from Ray and Craig together, Albie and Jean were summoned
to the stage to sing Halfway to Paradise. Albie looks and sounds so much like
Billy and Jean has such a brilliant strong voice. The audience were thrilled to
see them up there. All of the helpers and artistes were assembled on stage to
enjoy the spectacle.
The raffle was next, my sister and Kat won a prize each, thanks to Jean W
drawing their tickets. Jean announced that £150 had been raised for her
children's heart and Kidney charities, well done to everyone.
I must mention Jeanie who was behind the scenes doing the sound - it was
excellent, good job Jeanie girl!
We finished the night with Ray treating about thirty of family and friends to an
Indian Restaurant buffet. Great gang, great food, great night Thanks Ray and
Jeanie you're stars.
Thanks our Mags.
I will add some
more
pics at a later date