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Bill's Magical Mystery Tour
Blackpool
31st August 2013
Reviewed by Richard Blackie
With
an impressive line up of acts on board this was a packed evening of first class
entertainment dedicated to the memory of Bill Thompson, with proceeds from the
show going to Paul Zenon's Wonderbus charity.
Paul Zenon hosted the show with his direct and humorous approach as well as
performing a number of routines throughout the evening. He started the show with
his comical Del Zenon fruit based routine, and recalled some of his fond
memories of his early years in Blackpool working alongside Bill. Next, Paul
presented his cut and restored microphone cord routine before introducing Mark
Raffles.
Mark continued the comedy, showing us classic magic with a comedy twist as he
presented his serene Linking Rings routine that built into multiple comedy
moments where his jacket, glasses, a hacksaw, and a chair all became
inexplicably linked to the rings.
This was followed with a very different style of comedy in the form of the "Fat
Folkers" aka two members from comedy ensemble Slaughterhouse Live, who presented
a lively performance involving audience participation with songs and wordplay.
Next was Russell Brown flowing with enthusiasm and a jug full of orange juice.
Using a paper orange juice carton he poured milk, chocolate milkshake, Pepsi,
Iron Bru, Lilt and beer into empty cups, before ripping the carton open to show
it empty. The poured drinks were then distributed amongst members of the
audience who consumed their chosen drinks. As the drinks were finished the
audience showed their appreciation with plenty of applause.
Paul Zenon continued with a drinks theme combining centrifugal force and comedy
as he spun a pint of beer precariously above his head before downing in one.
Circus performer and hula hoop dancer Silvia Pavone then lit up the stage with
poise and precision as she danced with illuminated hula hoops.
Next, Dave Spikey presented some sharp and topical comedy about the ambiguity of
the English language with a series of puns linked to signs, newspaper headlines,
magazine articles and adverts, culminating with a Lancashire based story
involving hotpot and rapturous applause.
After a short interval the show resumed with Paul Zenon presenting a bowling
ball routine, before introducing talented juggler Thomas Bounce who gave a
superb display of speed and skill with numerous juggling balls, in a style which
has developed enormously since he appeared on Britain's Got Talent.
Next was Steve Royle with his inimitable style of comedy combined with juggling.
Steve has a comedic manner that plays brilliantly, and he kept us all laughing
and appreciating his juggling as he finished with a Spanish theme that involved
juggling three full size guitars.
Paul Zenon then presented a great knife through jacket routine with many comedy
subtleties before introducing the final act of the evening. This was magnificent
magician James More who gave us a slick display of dexterity and style,
presenting magic in a manner which is very much appreciated by audiences around
the world.
This was a great night of entertainment, raising money for
The Wonderbus
charity, and a fitting tribute to the memory of Bill Thompson, with an array of
talented performers supported by many friends of Bill who made the evening
possible.
© Richard Blackie, September 2013