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Presented by Brian Daniels on behalf of New End Theatre

Tap & Chat with Lionel Blair

Starring & Devised by Lionel Blair

New End Theatre

13 – 29 De 09

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A review by Barry Grantham for EXTRA! EXTRA!

Tap & Chat with Lionel Blair – a pleasant hour, with a pleasant and entertaining host.

A likeable fellow this Lionel Blair and, I’m given to understand, always has been, I gather that from repute. For, although I am roughly his contemporary, and worked with many of the same people, (our paths never met), I never heard other than he was always agreeable and easy to get along with.  I think that was why he has worked with so many famous performers - they liked to have him around.

The names roll from his lips as familiar friends – Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., Peggy
Lee, The Beatles, Roger Moore, Peter Sellers, Tommy Cooper, Alma Cogan, Hughie Green, Mike and Bernie Winters, etc, etc.  But let me assure you there is nothing brash or offensive in this – they are merely the excuse for a series of amusing anecdotes on which the production largely depends. Beyond this, he sings some of the old songs of the ‘Give me the old soft shoe’, and ‘Me and my shadow’ ilk, pleasantly; he is graceful and urbane, and his tap beats have not lost their clarity or alacrity.

The stage is mocked-up as a living room, cheerfully decorated for the season with a large Christmas tree and a baby grand piano.  As no pianist was named in the programme I thought Mr Blair might be going to accompany himself, but no, its purpose was purely decorative – or as I just realized, there for the show which follows at 8.15. ‘Jacques Brel –the Rage to Live’ a show, I should think, also well worth a visit.  Incidentally Mr Blair’s accompaniment is well managed electronically with equipment by ‘Richer Sounds’ and skill from the sound and lighting operator, Robert Elliot.

Towards the end, the proceedings were opened to questions, and so they came from a largely adoring audience, on which Mr Blair had exorcised his charm. However someone thought they would challenge his rosy-cosy view of life and asked “of all the people you have worked with who did you hate the most?”  Barely a shadow crossed Lionel’s handsome face, before he assured us that everyone, well almost everyone had been just lovely to him. (and I believe him). There was then a serious question, “Had he ever suffered from anti-Semitism in his profession?”  He barely needed to think about this one: “No, never, honestly never”.  And again I believed him.  It is my view that the theatrical and entertainment business is and has always been the most tolerant of all professions.

If you are at all familiar with the list of names listed earlier you will enjoy this show at New End Theatre.

Dates:   13th-16th, 19th -23rd,   27th & 29th December 09.at 6.30 pm

New End Theatre   27 New End, Hampstead, London, NW3 1JD
5 Minutes from Hampstead Tube

Tickets:    £17   Concessions £15

Box Office: 0870 033 2733   www.newendtheatre.co.uk

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