TakeOne reviews Roy's show at Bury St. Edmunds, 25th March 2016

THEATRE REVIEW: His electrifying suit may not be for the faint-hearted but Roy Hudd’s Very Own Music Hall show at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, on Saturday was truly dazzling.

The vintage performer had the sell-out audience eating out of his hand from the opening bars of his first song and then had them rolling in the aisles with a stand-up routine based around his idol Max Miller, delivering a battery of classic belly laughs.
Yes, this was an informative two-hour history of the music hall carried off with panache in a light-hearted style, but it was much more besides from the stage and screen veteran.

Hudd’s twinkling eyes and ability to connect directly with ever member of his audience was incredible to behold and belied the fact he is 80 in May.
The Suffolk-based star went through the whole gamut of his skills, from light-hearted banter, witty asides, a fine singing voice, a spot-on impression of Prince Charles, and even an acting masterclass for delivery of the Ballad to Sam Hall.
All the old classics were there, with the supportive audience joining in lustily with “modern folk songs” including Mother Kelly’s Doorstep, Daisy, The Sun Has Got His Hat On and Underneath The Arches .

Hudd nipped off stage for a change of outfit after his Miller routine. The music he chose for pianist and chief stooge William Godfree to play was perfect – The Entertainer. Yes, that sums Hudd up nicely!

If you missed this show, you’ll have to travel a little further afield to catch him next time. Future dates include Clacton-on-Sea (May 15) and Milton Keynes (May 29), as well as Bromley, Maidstone, Market Drayton, Isle of Wight and Malvern.
For full details, visit www.royhuddsveryownmusichall.co.uk

There's an in-depth interview with Roy Hudd in the current edition of TakeOne and look out for his favourite places in Norfolk and Suffolk in the next issue, due out April 27.