Cannon and
Ball
Alnwick Playhouse 28/8/2014
Alnwick
played host to 2 established entertainers who have not lost the knack of
delivering a good night.
In
a show of 2 halves Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball spun through a set of well
crafted family friendly routines. Jokes
and comic routines were freely interdispersed with interaction with the
behaviour of the audience. Here lies one of the differences between this show
and the modern comics. There was none of the “hello, what’s your name, what do
you do – right I’ll now crack a humiliating joke.” There was no over reliance
on catchphrases either. Bobby was willing to respond to the whole audience at
once without resorting to swearing. It is
clear that there is a strong relationship in this act as they reacted to each
other on topics such as table tennis and welding.
The
second half was more conversational – similar to the ITV shows “An audience with…”
As they told their story and answered written questions from the audience they
kept the laughs coming. Cannon and Ball have had to learn the craft the hard
way. As they said tonight “After 18 years of doing the clubs, we became
overnight successes”. It left one thinking how habits have changed in the last
30 years. No longer are variety acts given much of a chance to shine. Older
acts are given limited coverage. Nor do
families sit down together to watch television together on a Saturday evening. The
walls of the Playhouse are adorned with six large portraits of comedy heroes
such as Eric Morecombe and Norman Wisdom
– perhaps there seems to be fewer legends out there to replace them.
The
two experienced entertainers kept the Alnwick crowd in the palm of their hands
for the full show. The audience lapped up their timeless humour. It was a masterclass in merriment.
The
tour continues:
Whitby
Pavilion Theatre 29th August
Mill Rythe Holiday Village Hampshire 30th August
Bridlington
Spa 31st August
Skegness
Embassy Theatre 3rd September
This
review was written by Stephen Oliver
for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
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