Mike Read’s All Star Charity Show at the Kenton
Mike Read’s ‘Anything Can Happen Night’ at the Kenton on Sunday night really did live up to its name. Mike was persuaded by Ed Simons, Chairman of the Kenton Theatre Trustees to put together a night of entertainment with a few of his chums.
As Mike said to the audience when he opened the show, “I’m really not sure what is going to happen tonight and make sure you keep your phones on so that you don’t miss that important call – the different phone tones I’m sure will add to the musical performances!”
Mike opened the show (because no else wanted to!) with a great medley of class songs including ‘Oh Boy’ and ‘Hello Mary Lou’. He then welcomed on stage local girl, Rebecca Poole who had only flown in from Dubai at lunchtime that day. Rebecca a new age romantic singer and songwriter performed three songs including Butterflies from her forthcoming new album.
Rebecca was followed on stage by 21 year old Luke Upton from Basingstoke whose fantastic soulful voice got everyone on their feet when he sang, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”. Luke is one to watch, he got to X Factor boot camp in 2009 and in 2011 he was runner up in the UK Open Mic competition and was voted by the judges as the best unsigned male solo artist in his category of 20,000 contestants.
The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, a group of mad musicians from the 1960s then came on stage, playing a set from rock n roll to western, jazz to music hall with their surreal humour, ‘Monty Python’ style comic costumes and props. With their nutty music and clever musicality the audience in awe of what they were going to do next.
The second half opened with a haunting video made to a song Mike Read wrote about the grief caused by the 2004 Tsunami. This was a reminder that despite the fun of the concert we were here for a serious cause, that of helping others …
Songwriter Barry Mason then came on stage accompanied by his childhood friend on keyboard. He spoke personally about writing songs that became hits. Barry wrote many songs including the Tom Jones hit, Delilah (which he sang with as much gusto as Tom himself) and ‘The Last Waltz’ which was inspired by falling in love. Mike Hurst then took to the stage with his guitar and mesmerised us by his wonderful musicianship.
The last 45 minutes were absolute fizz – The Jive Aces, the UK’s No 1 Jive and Swing Band got the theatre moving with their energy and showmanship – a fantastic finale to a fantastic show.
Money raised from the show will go towards the ‘Kenton for Keeps ‘fundraising initiative and The Chiltern Centre for Disabled Children.
Both before and after the show, the audience enjoyed delicious canapés made by Paul Clerehugh from the Crooked Billet which were served by him, his daughter Delialh and his staff.
Mike is a great Ambassador for the Kenton and both charities were really grateful to him for organising this special show.
