Saxation, King's House Big Band
As the curtain rises on Wednesday night, the Big Band strikes up and Allan Stewart launches into foot-tapping-happy-go-lucky mood, with “Bring me Sunshine”. Two and a half hours of music and comedy keep the audience thoroughly entertained - an old style Variety show is back at the King’s.
“The Music Hall is a natural, unselfconscious world that does not see the need for any pretence: here are the cross talk men, trick cyclists, jugglers, tumblers and comic singers, who have nothing but themselves, a song and a backcloth.” The Times, 1932
After great success with the show last year, Stewart is back with his two Panto stars, Grant Stott and Andy Gray. This talented trio - each with a quirky style of humour, is akin to the quick witted, blokey banter of Clarkson, Hammond and May.
In a fun Lip Synching singing contest, Andy Gray makes such hilarious facial expressions, he does not need to speak; a topical sketch about gay marriage is rather under-rehearsed, but the pros they are, the script is peppered with quick fire ad libbing. And their skit on the Pussy Cat Dolls, in very short shorts, has to be seen to be believed.
Along the way, you can expect a diverse line up of entertainment. Marching onto the stage are four young ladies - Saxation, a female sax quartet, innovatively created by Sarah Chandler just last year.
Dressed identically in glamorous frocks and with a synchronised routine of steps and moves, they perform a vivacious medley of tunes. (Perhaps a few moments of chitchat to introduce themselves and music selection would add a more personal touch). Accompanied by the Big Band, the girls strut their sassy, saxy stuff with a jazzy, jaunty version of Glen Miller’s Pennsylvania 6-5000.
The top of the bill was undoubtedly Kev Orkian, the unique, multi-talented British-Armenian comedian. In 2011 he reached the semi final of ITVs Britain's Got Talent. With his heavily accented, fast paced, zany stories about illegal immigrants and brilliant piano performances, Les Dawson/Eric Morcambe style, he wowed the crowd.
Apart from his role as compere and comic act, Allan Stewart the singer has the debonair manner and smooth mellow voice of a classic crooner, such as in Frankie’s "One for my Baby" - sitting on a bar stool; for my money, fewer gags, more songs please!
Scottish pantomime thankfully remains true to its Music Hall roots, traditional story telling with local jokes for pure family entertainment. Back at the King’s this Christmas, Allan, Grant and Andy will be donning wigs and costumes once again, for Snow White.
With this Variety show whetting the appetite for more of these crazy guys, better get your Panto tickets now!
Show times:
8 – 11 April, 2015.
Ticket prices: £ 25. Offers & Concessions.
Snow White: 28 November, 2015 - 17 January, 2016