Variety Night

The village hall was full to bursting when we arrived, with the audience seated at tables and hardly a spare seat to be seen.  A big “thank you” to Margaret for finding us two seats with a perfect view of the stage – right in the front!

When you love to entertain you go all out to put on a show, even if this means trying something completely different. Heath Players are fortunate to have gathered together an array of talent which enabled them to stage a variety show that was fast moving and very entertaining. I liked that it included performers of all abilities, the main requirement being enthusiasm which was present in droves.

The opening number “You’ve got a Friend” by Chrissie Waites and Tony Saxby set the bar high and was followed by slick entertainment, which moved at a cracking pace.  There was Dot Sharp looking as though she had just stepped out of a costume drama, reminiscing about dressing shows past and berating those who prefer to come on stage in jeans.  This was followed by “Combine Harvester” performed by the company, which really got things going. From then on we had songs and sketches in quick succession with never a dull moment.

Sid and Steve Perry, who I’d previously seen in panto – Oh yes I had! – showed their great versatility with sketches, songs and dance (Sid).  “Let’s do it” had us all in fits of laughter as did Sid’s “Kimberley” sketch and Carol Parradine’s “The Interview”.                       

Following the interval we were treated to a great “Cell Block Tango” with the girls looking very racy in their black and red costumes.  This was followed by so many great songs and sketches that it’s impossible to mention them all so I’ve just picked a few at random.  Carol’s “Air Hostess” sketch was a great comical insight into the day to day lot of the trolley dolly, and I loved Steve and Tony’s “Parrot Sketch”. Well done also to Ed Hall on his ‘Brucie’ impersonation and his take on being a game show host.

Mark Ratcliff, dressed as the devil, welcomed us to hell, while Bernard Moule did a great send up of the judiciary with “Entirely a Matter for You”.  “One Leg Too Few” with Dot, Steve and Mark was hilarious and then, all too soon, it was over.

Congratulations to all the performers and the creative team on a great evening’s entertainment.

Thank you for inviting me and I hope you managed to raise lots of money for your chosen charities.

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