That's Life at the Elgiva (From Bucks Free Press)

That's Life at the Elgiva

9:37am Tuesday 2nd February 2010 in

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THE story of one of the world's most popular and influential singers takes to the stage at Chesham's Elgiva Theatre on tomorrow night.

'The Sinatra Show' tells the extraordinary tale of Ol' Blue Eyes, with no fewer than 21 of the maestro's best-loved hits being performed.

Taking the role of Sinatra himself is Fred Gardner – and it was from listening to him that inspired producer and writer Bob Browing to create the show.

Bob, 69, from Fleet in Hampshire, said: “Like the vast majority of folk of my generation, from the 40s and early 50s, the broadcast medium was the old valve radio – imagine, no TV!

“It took several minutes to warm up, whistled like a butcher's delivery boy, and battling against the smoke from my father's 28th fag of the day came the sound of Frank Sinatra. He was the king – the other young upstart king, Elvis, came later. Sinatra ruled the airwaves.

“Such profound early influence stays with you, so when in the early 90s I saw Fred Gardner perform at a charity concert in Hampshire, and was quite taken aback by the tonal similarity to Frank, the idea of putting together a show about the great crooner came firmly to mind.”

The story of Sinatra's life is told through the eyes of Jo the Barman at Jo's Bar, played by Elliot Griffiths, a young actor well known in the Hampshire and Surrey theatre area.

Bob says: “Frank visits this bar frequently and the two strike up a friendship, of which Jo is proud. Jo takes the audience on a reflective tour of Frank's life, and it is during one late night visit that Frank sings the poignant, and my favourite, 'Quarter to Three'.”

Music is provided by the Paul Sykes 16-piece band, who Bob says are “arguably the best big band in the south”.

He said: “Paul has led this group of skilled musicians for over 25 years, which includes its own arrangers and composers, and a past director of music of one of the top military bands in the country.”

The show will, Bob says, appeal to music lovers of all ages.

“Whereas it is true that the larger core audience will, like me, hail from the post World War Two era, there is no question that Ol' Blue Eyes is appreciated by all decades, as evidenced by the heads of full hair in the audience,” he said.

Providing glamour and giving Fred a break on stage is female vocalist Hazel Pollard, whose special arrangement of 'When You Wish Upon A Star', says Bob, “disturbs every red blooded male in the audience”.

Hazel joins with Fred for two classic duets, 'You Make Me Feel So Young' and 'Something Stupid'.

'The Sinatra Show' was at the Elgiva Theatre at 8pm on Saturday January 30.