DAVID WAKEFIELD Norwich Playhouse

DAVID WAKEFIELD

Norwich Playhouse

It says much for the charity concerned, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and the tireless efforts of the show organiser, Chris Bailey, that top singers and musicians turn up at Norwich each year to support this entertaining evening.

This year's mix was as rich as ever and, despite the late unavailability of singer Lee Gibson, there was plenty to thrill a full house.

The biting, sardonic wit and excellent musicianship of Earl Okin, and the cabaret polish and brilliant skills of New York entertainer Steve Ross are seldom heard in this area, and were all the more welcome for that. Then, back again, was Rat Pack Confidential (in which he plays Frank Sinatra) and Emmerdale actor Richard Shelton, this time with Rat Pack “Dean Martin” buddy Alex Giannini, whose smooth, experienced tones contrasted with the bluesy qualities of Norfolk legend Albert Cooper and the fresh tones of jazz singer Laura White.

Norfolk pianist James Goodwin once again displayed his well-researched and technically excellent blues and boogie, while the backing was in the hands of pianists John Moreton and Simon Brown, bassists Andy Doyle and Dave Pullin, drummers Neil Kane and Will Clark, Freddie Gavita (trumpet) and Matt Wakefield (tenor sax) all of whom worked hard throughout an evening - sponsored by Euro RSCG Riley and Newsmakers PR - compered by Mr Bailey.