Bowler Dessert Online

I had read of Neil Brand’s amazingly successful Centenary Tour and simply had to see it when it came to the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr on 12th May. It was the 42nd show in his UK tour, but the first in Scotland, with only four remaining.

 

I was with Grand Sheik Janice Hawton and Tom and Pat and we all had a marvelous experience. Before the show started, we were approached by three separate people who recognized us from tent meetings, so we felt very much at home and with friends.

 

As for Neil Brand, we felt we had met a new friend the minute he stepped onto the stage. His chat about the formation of the team of Laurel and Hardy right through to their twilight days was a masterclass. The clips he showed, mostly of silent comedies, were of the newly restored movies and his piano accompaniment was outstanding. He even persuaded members of the audience to assist with sound effects, such as the ripping of trousers in You’re Darn Tootin’.

 

Many people responded to the invitation to submit a written question and Janice and I had a special glow when he read out ours! Janice asked was Neil shocked that Bohemian Rhapsody kept The Trail of the Lonesome Pine from topping the UK singles charts in 1975. He was! The audience’s response was humorous and sympathetic.

 

I asked what Neil thought of the 2019 movie Stan & Ollie. He said he liked it, but then mentioned one or two shortcomings.

 

We met Neil after the show and he signed our programmes.

 

An evening to cherish, without a doubt!