Collen Players make a splash with Seaside Serenade

* The Collen Players cast on stage for the grand finale. All pictures by Jeanette Robinson.

Llangollen’s famous Collen Players took their audience on a rip-roaring trip to the seaside as they made a triumphant return to the stage last night (Friday).

The versatile local entertainers, who specialise in old time music hall and variety shows, presented their latest offering – entitled Seaside Serenade and with a salty nautical theme - to a crowded Community Hall.

Back by popular demand was special guest star Colin Bourdeic, who is acknowledged as the UK’s foremost George Formby impersonator.

One of the only song and dance men reliving the golden age of variety and Vaudeville, he appeared in both halves of the show, firstly doing his memorable Formby act, then returning for a Flanagan and Allen routine.

After some cheekily witty introductory songs to get everyone in the mood from the evening’s chairman and Players founder Lee Taylor, it was off to the coast we headed with Bertie and Flo’s rousing medley which came complete with big beachballs.

Also making a return was Players’ regular Phil Robinson with a brace of appealing music hall numbers.

The first act came to close with a Wilson, Keppel and Betty-style sand-dance special courtesy of Julie and Jan.

Young Shea Ferron, direct from his vaunted victory in the Eisteddfod’s Voice of Musical Theatre award earlier this month, opened act two with his stylish presentation which ended with Monty Python’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life to maintain the evening’s jaunty atmosphere.

In contrast came a captivating performance by Selana Kong, the first number of which was a beautiful melody sung in Chinese.

Another Players’ favourite, John Williams, prompted some audience participation with a couple of sea-based favourites, including What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor?

On hand for some accomplished accompaniments were musicians Jayne (keyboard) and Clayton (drums).

The entire cast was back on stage for their traditional finale piece of Down at the Old Bull and Bush.

* Before the curtain fell to ringing applause, chairman Lee announced that the Players’ Christmas show will be on Friday December 13 at 6.30pm. Tickets: Email stcollens@gmail.com, or call 01978 861768 (leave a message if there’s no answer and someone will get back to you).