KENT'S VERY OWN BARBARA STURGEON IN THE AUDIENCE
BARBARA STURGEON REVIEW
DAVE LEE-A LARGE PORTION OF ....
With the bewildered gentlemen
Gulbenkian Theatre Canterbury, Saturday 15th September 2007 at 7.45pm
A capacity crowd at Canterbury's Gulbenkian Theatre on Saturday was promised a large portion of Dave Lee. The big man did not disappoint.
The glamorous girl group Fancy Three opened the show, with a string of familiar hits, including a Motown medley and an impressive solo spot of Bassey belters. If they wondered why a huge laugh went up halfway through their set, it was our glimpse of a half dressed, bewildered Dave Lee crossing upstage on his way to the showers.
Then it was time for the main event. Loud cheers welcomed the funnyman to the stage, with his 6 man band and the swinging "Have You Seen Miss Jones?" With so many performers now working with backing discs, it was simply thrilling to hear a live band, made up of experienced, professional musicians; I had goose bumps from the moment they began to play. the boys in the band wee an integral part of the fun, keeping up an easy banter with the star of the show throughout.
Dave Lee is one of those comics who make you laugh before he opens his mouth to speak. His style, easy and effortless, is due not only to natural talent, but forty years experience in the business. Once the gags came, the laughter didn't stop. I felt as though my face was going to set in a permanent rictus. Looking round the audience, I wasn't the only one mopping up the mascara. Dave's treatment of fabulous classics like Frankie Valli's " My Eyes Adored You" gave us time to catch our breath, and enjoy ballards that showcased a surprising sweetness in his singing. I think he should do more of it.
Before the show was over, we saw Dave perform a Beatles medley on a vintage Ludwig dum kit, just like Ringo's. Even dropping a drumstick didn't faze him; he calmly reached for another. That's experience for you. Of course we didn't let him go without an encore, and Dave belted out the Sinatra classic "Thats Life" to great acclaim. The poignancy of the lyrics struck me in that they could have been written for him. A much deserved standing ovation said it all.
Many people knew Dave Lee from his numerous pantomime appearances, but were, until this show, unaware of his talent as an all round entertainer. in fact his style was reminiscent of the Rat Pack. This show was a real tonic. He's a performer who knows how to connect with his audience.
We were promised a large portion of Dave Lee, and that's what we got. In fact, I think there's a lot more still to go round.
