THE TIMES | Wednesday December 7 2011 RM

CabaretPlayers' TheatreClub

I Wilton's MusicHall, El****•&

Where better to see a galanight of Victorianmusic hall than in thevenue that is one ofLondon's treasures?

The Players' Theatre Club has quite apedigree of its own. Co-founded75 years ago by Leonard Sachs, whowent on to become master ofceremonies of that long-running BBCinstitution The Good Old Days, thegroup continues to champion thevirtues of Victoriana. The old Queenstared down from a scarlet bannererected across the stage as thechairman Johnny Dennis dispensedgenial Pickwickian humour andintroduced the players, young and old.

A cynic might object that

there's a heritage-industry flavour tothe venture, but anyone who enjoys amodern-day alt-cabaret extravaganzasuch as La Cirque should be glad of thechance to see how an earlier generationlaid down the conventions. Jan Hunt'sbrisk production, complete withtraditional audience singalongs, mixedsentimental ballads with earthyhumour. Her own routine as the eternalbridesmaid, wizened but everoptimistic, proved that risque jokes didnot start with Julian Clary.

David Carter supplied tirelessaccompaniment at the piano as JuliaSutton, Jane Webster, Richard Winchand Judith Hibbert performed periodsongs that ranged as far afield as the eraof Gracie Fields. George Formby's

persona may be an acquired taste, butAndy Eastwood plunged in fearlessly.Ben Stock supplied his ownknockabout musical routines, and14-year-old Ellie Bamber pulled atheartstrings on Daddy Wouldn't Buy Mea Bow-Wow while subjecting a stuffedmoggie to some undignified treatment.

The statuesque female magicianknown only as Romany survived amisfiring rope trick at the climax of heract, while Michael Pearse stole theshow with his brisk, Frank Carson-stylegags, all delivered amid impressivebalancing tricks. The X Factor andStrictly Come Dancing have themegawattage, no doubt; but the oldergeneration has the guile.Clive Davis

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