The Lady Boys of Bangkok: Mile High

Although it may seem hard to believe, a tiny slice of Bangkok’s exotic nightlife has been transported from Thailand to Tyneside. Nestled in the heart of Newcastle city centre is the Sabai Pavilion, the venue that, for the next four weeks, is playing host to The Lady Boys of Bangkok.

Back to wow the crowds for a fifth year, the show is sassier, sexier and more sensational than ever before. Inspired by the world of aviation, the Mile High show even boasts its own plane.

The cabaret show encompasses elements of burlesque, revue and variety and is performed by sixteen of the world’s most beautiful showgirls – all of whom just happen to be men.

It is a raunchy, risqué and riotous party night that is packed full of the feel-good factor. Where else could you expect to see divas including Shirley Bassey, Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud and the Nolan’s sharing the same stage?

The thing that puts this drag show above all others is the sheer professionalism that is evident throughout. From the show-stopping choreography to the stunning costumes, the painstakingly applied make-up to the well-drilled routines, the Lady Boys are masters of their art and know just how to give their audience exactly what they want.

The atmosphere is electric, particularly during the numbers that are performed to disco anthems including ‘It’s Raining Men’, ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘I’m In The Mood For Dancing.’

The production is, quite simply, a dazzling display of glitz, glamour and great entertainment that has the crowd whooping, screaming and cheering their appreciation.

‘The Lady Boys of Bangkok: Mile High’ runs at The Sabai Pavilion in Newcastle upon Tyne until Saturday 10^th October 2009.

Encore

The Customs House, South Shields, Tyne & Wear

(until Saturday 23 May 2009)

It isn’t often that a theatre show can take you from the comfort of your seat to the sidewalks of New York City, on to the mystical land of Oz, and then place you in the poverty-stricken streets of Liverpool, but that’s exactly what the sensational singing group, Encore, do in their brand new show – and all before the interval, too!

Having earned themselves a reputation for excellence and established a faithful following, their shows are always a huge hit with audiences at the Customs House. Every time they are welcomed back to the venue I wonder how they’ll top their last show – yet every time they confound me and do just that.

Combining performances that are polished and professional with comedy sketches and dramatic excerpts from West End hit musicals, the group always manage to strike the right note with the crowd.

As well as performing many classic songs, Encore include a selection of their trademark themed sections. Their homagé to the well-loved sitcom ’Allo ’Allo, complete with double entendres using baguettes and French sticks, is a particular treat.

In addition to the group numbers, there are also some fantastic solo performances, notably Patricia Whale’s version of Good Morning Baltimore and Alan Davison’s deliverance of Love For Sale. But, it is Janet Peel’s emotionally-charged Tell Me It’s Not True that triumphantly closes the first act and puts her in the same league as any of the divas who have donned the crossover pinny and care-worn countenance to play Mrs Johnstone.

Encore are also to be applauded for their innovative decision to incorporate songs from contemporary shows such as ‘Wicked’, ‘Hairspray’, ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Blood Brothers’ into their repertoire. This is something that works very well and puts them even farther ahead of their closest competition.

This is an irresistible, irrepressible show that has all the ingredients of a great night out, and it’s difficult to leave the theatre without a smile. Don’t miss it!

Steve Burbridge.

Bobby Pattinson and Friends

The Customs House, South Shields, Tyne & Wear

Friday 6^th March 2009

The North East’s own comedy legend, Bobby Pattinson, made a triumphant return to The Customs House last night and confirmed his status as ‘The Godfather of Geordie Comedy’ with a sensational sell-out show.

Bobby, a tireless charity fund-raiser, is a spritely seventy-five year old with the gift of the gab and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. His gigs are always popular with audiences who revel in the type of entertainment that was once the staple of Clubland for decades, but is now, sadly, all too rare.

The evening was packed full of entertainment that included songs, impressions and cabaret. The first guest to join Bobby on stage was guitarist and singer Dave Black who, it was revealed, turned down an offer in the 80s to join a new band. Having spent many years on the road, Dave declined and recommended one of his music students. The student was John Taylor and the band became Duran Duran! That’s showbiz.

Black demonstrated his talents with performances including Fields of Gold, Abracadabra and Rockin’ All Over The World. The dance troupe, ‘The Dolly Rockers’ provided the ‘showgirls’ element with some fantastic choreographed routines.

Comedian and singer Paul Squire had the audience eating from his hand with his mix of jokes, impressions and ballads. His jokes about Geordies were particularly well-received, proving that, here in the North East, we don’t mind laughing at ourselves.

The final guest was Radio Newcastle presenter and comedian Alfie Joey and he was a huge hit with the audience. His impressions of Bruce Forsyth and Michael Crawford were only surpassed by his witty and satirical swipe at George Bush and Tony Blair’s ‘special relationship.’

The show was, quite simply, three hours of laughter and song performed by a group of great entertainers. However, as marvellous as his guests may have been, it was the slick septogenarian who really brought the house down. Long reign, King Bobby!

Steve Burbridge.

Encore

The Customs House, South Shields

The popular singing group, Encore, have enjoyed massive success at The Customs House and last night they were back with their unique style of entertainment and a brand new show.

I have never seen the group perform before and, to be perfectly honest, I didn’t really know what to expect. I had a pleasant surprise ahead of me!

From the start, the group delivered their musical numbers with charm, panache and fantastic vocal skills. Of the nine performers, there was not one weak link. The show is divided into several themed segments; the first focused on ‘The Four Seasons of the Year’ and included April Showers, Summertime, Autumn Leaves, A Winter’s Tale, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Calendar Girl. In addition to performing in harmony as a group, each of the nine stepped into the spotlight alone and proved their individual worth.

Encore are streets ahead of similar groups in the genre because their shows are carefully constructed, well-rehearsed and perfectly performed. The attention to detail encompasses the simple, but sophisticated, stage settings, the lighting that magically matches the mood of each song and the sound system that showcases the vocal strengths and talents of each performer consummately. The choreography is slick and stylish and special mention must be made of the fantastic band that accompanied the group sensationally. Andrew, on keyboards, also sang Ain’t Misbehavin’, Music Was My First Love and Can’t Smile Without You. His voice is exquisite and I couldn’t help feeling that he was not fully utilised – he should have been upfront with the rest of the group.

The integration of comedy into the show added another dimension and worked effectively. I particularly enjoyed Hi, We’re The W.I. and The Ballad of Freda and Barry, which was originally written and performed by the inimitable Victoria Wood. She’d have given the thumbs-up.

The show fizzes and froths along like sparkling champagne and includes ‘Songs From The Musicals’ such as I Can Do Without You, I Hate Men, Don’t Rain On My Parade, Last Night Of The World, A Spoonful Of Sugar and Consider Yourself At Home; ‘Country Classics’ – Country Roads, King Of The Road, Rhinestone Cowboy and Stand By Your Man; ‘Fifties and Sixties Favourites’ – Good Vibrations, Only The Lonely, Young Girl, The Young Ones and Great Balls Of Fire.

The audience were tapping their feet and singing along as the auditorium pulsed with unbridled pizzazz. This show is designed to delight and entertain and it does so, in equal measure, on both scores. All in all, it is simply a great night out!

Steve Burbridge.

Performances

Tuesday 13^th May 2008 – Saturday 17^th May 2008

Evenings at 7.30pm

Matinee at 2.30pm (Saturday 17^th May 2008 only)

Tickets

£12, £10 (concessions available at certain performances)

Venue

The Customs House, Mill Dam, South Shields NE33 1ES

Box Office: (0191) 454 1234

Online: www.customshouse.co.uk