Transported back in time to the late 1800s, Leo Owen experiences The Good Old Days and recognises its enduring appeal in TV shows like Britain’s Got Talent
Our “Chairman” for the evening, Johnny Dennis, introduces David Smith’s live three-piece orchestra and sets the early musical hall scene welcoming “Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen” to Queen Vic’s good old days; our imaginations awakened with the clip clop sound of horse carriages and the hiss of gas lamps.
Transported to a time when Britain commanded “the greatest Empire the world has ever known”, its navy ruled the waves and beer was a penny a pint, much of the audience are well-rehearsed in Dennis’ scripted spiel. White hair dominates those seated in the stalls and many of these regulars know the drill, cheerily spouting out the chorus of Daisy Daisy when prompted and applauding themselves during our pre-act warm-up.
First act, Barney’s Players, are Garforth College Performing Arts students and although energetic in their opening rendition of George and Ira Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm, stand-out as amateurs in a later can-can act.
Comedian, Gordon Kane follows wearing a kilt, tartan waistcoat and hat, singing Donald – Where’s Your Troosers and encouraging a sing-along. He has the audience chuckling with Scottish jokes, light political gags and some others that appeal to cornier minds. His explanation of traditional Scottish male dress is particularly amusing.
Regular performer, Marilyn Hill Smith is more of the kind of act newcomers to The Good Old Days might expect. Regularly appearing on Radio 2’s Friday Night Is Music Night, Hill Smith has a powerful operatic voice and sings show favourites like Joshua that seem to have the audience swaying and warbling along unprompted: “Joshua…nicer than lemon squash you are…by gosh you are…”
The arrival of Gordon Peters on stage, completely changes the mood, rejuvenating those less interested in classical soloists. Dennis bigs him up as creating a sensation in the West End, a “treat for the ladies”, “Mr Personality” and “Mr Dynamite”, adding to his comedic entrance; having starred in Dad’s Army and Hi-de-Hi!, Peters is far from eye candy wearing a white suit to match his hair and miserable face while singing about always looking on the bright side. He plays on his age, pretending his knee has popped mid-song, mocking his ageing body (“Genitals like the left-overs of a harvest festival”) and using the contrast between lyrics and appearance to prompt amused smirks and chuckles.
His act moves from song to stand-up, recalling experiences with foreign doctors and a particularly hilarious story about an elderly couple dating with a brilliant punchline. He’s unexpectedly funny and gets the most laughs, resulting in some disturbing pig snorts from members of the audience and some hearty audience participation.
In a similar vein, comedy juggler Goronwy Thom, keeps energy levels high, getting volunteers to throw juggling clubs as he precariously balances on a unicycle, pretending to lack balance and practice. In both halves he uses feigned incompetence to create humour, juggling on the floor when he accidentally-on-purpose drops balls and performing tricks like “Three balls, three hands” with juggling balls glued together.
Concluding act, Gary Lovini, is introduced as a “virtuoso on violin” and doesn’t disappoint. Playing a medley of Last Night Of The Proms favourites, he smoothly glides between songs during an impressive grand finale, having already won his audience with effortless crotch shaking renditions of well-known tunes like Danny Boy. Although extremely talented, he’s almost too low key for the second half but still received a standing ovation from some audience members.
Once a Good Old Days sceptic, I now recognise the appeal of variety shows; the name says it all – there’s something for everyone and like televised talent shows, there’s room to showcase new acts. Living history, a generational sing-along and lots of fun, The Good Old Days could just tempt me back when its seasonal line-ups changes…
The Good Old Days continues at the Leeds City Varieties until late October.