In their 150th Anniversary year, City Varieties Music Hall kicks off its Autumn season of 'The Good Old Days' this Friday.
For those under the age of 50, this was a hugely popular TV show from way back when, in which current performers took to the stage at City Varieties in a mock Victorian music hall style variety show. It attracted talent from all over the world, with regular stalwarts like Les Dawson, Larry Grayson, Danny La Rue and Morecambe and Wise packing them in.
During October, each weekend will have a different headlining artiste plus a supporting bill filled with the cream of variety talent including comedians, jugglers, singers, magicians and illusionists… accompanied in style by 'The Good Old Days' orchestra and presented by your worthy Chairman, Mr Johnny Dennis.
These live stage shows have now been held for over 25 years… almost as long as the original record-breaking BBC light entertainment show which ran from 1953 to 1983.
Here are the full line-ups:
Fri 2 & Sat 3 October
Bernie Clifton
Veteran, comic entertainer Bernie Clifton is best remembered for his stints on Crackerjack and “riding” his enormous ostrich
Jan Hunt – Singer
Judith Hibbert - Singer
The Todd Sisters – Singers (as The Dolly Sisters)
Ross Tomlinson - Singer
Ben Stock – Singer/comedy character
Fri 9 & Sat 10 October
Freddie 'Parrotface' Davies
The much loved Freddie “Parrot Face” Davies, who shot to fame in 1964 via Opportunity Knocks and became a nation TV favourite with his character, Samuel Tweet. Freddie also appeared in the movies Funny Bones (with Lee Evans & Jerry Lewis) and Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban
Julia Sutton - Singer
Ian Marchant – juggler
John Styles – Magic/Comedy
Donald Grant – Diablo
Mickie Driver – Singing/comedy
The Krankies
Fri 16 & Sat 17 October
The Krankies
Scottish comedy duo , Ian & “Wee Jimmy” Krankie… stars of several of their own TV shows from the 1970s & 80s as well as regular panto appearances and guest spots on French & Saunders
Andrew Robley - Singer
Peter John – Singer/comedy characters
Andy Eastwood – Musician (Ukelele and Banjo)
Andrew Van Buren
Fri 23 & Sat 24 October
Don McLean
All round entertainer Don MacLean is probably best remembered for his anarchic Crackerjack antics with Peter Glaze and Good Old Days’ regular Jan Hunt… a quality comedian and presenter in the classic British tradition.
Katie Milton - Singer
John Barker – Musician (Trumpet)
Jay Rawlings – Juggler
Romany – Magician
Mark Walsh – Musician (Ukelele)
See more shows coming up in Leeds