Reviews & Previews
Joe Brown
Sunday, 11th May 2008
Review by Susan Elizabeth
Joe Brown rolled back the years with another stunning performance.
Looking much younger than his years, he was in fine form at the Banks’s Stadium – a venue he has graced many times before.
This was a rescheduled show after his original date was postponed due to the illness of his base player. It was definitely worth the wait.
After a superb four-course meal, the 300 plus crowd were treated to the delights of comedian Mike Gold, whose 30 minute set got everyone in the mood for a good time.
And a good time was exactly what was had. Joe’s repertoire is second-to-none and he performed all his classics. From ‘A Picture Of You’ to ‘I’ll See You In My Dreams’, every song you would expect to hear from Joe was delivered.
Joe’s son, Pete, joined his father on stage for an excellent rendition of ‘That’s The Way It Goes’ with Pete on acoustic guitar in what was a fitting tribute to the late, great George Harrison – Joe’s long time friend.
It was an excellent evening as Joe proved that, even at 67, there is still plenty of life left in the old rock ‘n’ roller yet.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
Sporting Dinner with Mick Quinn
Thursday, 8th May 2008
Review by Daniel Mole
The Mighty Quinn was in fine form at Walsall Football Club’s latest Sporting Dinner.
Drawing on tales from a colourful career both on and off the field, the former Portsmouth, Newcastle and Coventry hitman blended his stories with a number of one-liners to keep the crowd ‘s attention.
Fittingly for a guy whose autobiography is entitled ‘Who Ate All The Pies’, the 200 plus audience were treated to an excellent steak and kidney pie meal before Mick took the stage.
He spoke openly about his fall-out with Kevin Keegan whilst the pair were on Tyneside, gave his opinion on his beloved Liverpool FC’s rotation policy and recalled the early days of his playing career under Larry ‘One Cap’ Lloyd.
His tale was one to warm the hearts on an already balmy summer’s evening. Mick rose through the Football League from the old Fourth Division all the way through to what is now known as the Premiership, picking up the European Golden Boot along the way after bagging 36 goals during the 1989/90 season.
Mick is a real character and it is no wonder he is carving out a successful career as both a professional horse trainer and media pundit. Let’s just hope he doesn’t hang up his after-dinner microphone just yet as there’s plenty of stories in the Big Man yet.
After Mick came comedian Josh Daniels. The Geordie comic was making his Banks’s Stadium debut. It was as good as Mick’s first appearance at Newcastle and to put that into context he bagged four goals that day.
Josh interspersed his gags with parodies of some of the world’s most famous songs, changing the words to keep the crowd laughing and strumming his guitar to great effect.
It was a great end to a great night and I’m sure the pair will both be back at Walsall some time soon.
Click here to see Mick meeting one of his many fans at this superb event.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
End of Season Awards Dinner
Sunday, 4th May 2008
Review by Andrew Poole
The inaugural Walsall FC Awards Evening was a huge success as an audience of over 300, which included past and present players, supporters and sponsors, were treated to a delicious four-course meal before settling down to a glittering awards ceremony, entertainment from comedian, Ollie Spencer and a disco.
Anthony Gerrard walked away with the Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season prizes. The full list of winners is, as follows:
GOAL OF THE SEASON, SPONSORED BY HENWOOD COURT FINANCIAL PLANNING LTD. - Ishmel Demontagnac at Brighton & Hove Albion
BANKS'S FAN OF THE SEASON - Elsie Siddons
DANNY WHITE MEMORIAL APPRENTICE OF THE SEASON, SPONSORED BY TARMAC - Richard Davies PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE SEASON - Anthony Gerrard
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON, SPONSORED BY HARVEY WORLD TRAVEL - Mark Bradley
PLAYER OF THE SEASON, SPONSORED BY HARVEY WORLD TRAVEL - Anthony Gerrard
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, SPONSORED BY BANKS'S - Albert McPherson
For images of this fantastic evening, click here.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
Comedy Night Featuring Norman Collier, Ian 'Sludge' Lees and Roy Walker
Saturday, 19th April 2008
Review by Daniel Mole
Fittingly for an event that took place at the Banks’s Stadium – home of Walsall FC – a football cliché is the best way to sum up this Comedy Night. ‘Form is temporary, class is permanent’.
Norman Collier, Ian ‘Sludge’ Lees and Roy Walker rolled back the years with stand-up routines that had the near 300 hundred capacity crowd in fits of laughter from start to finish.
Local comic ‘Sludge’ acted as compere, introducing Norman and Roy on to the stage whilst keeping the laughs coming with a host of cracking gags and one liners throughout.
After ‘Sludge’ had warmed up the crowd, Norman took centre stage.
The Yorkshire comedian showed why he is celebrating over 40 years as an entertainer with a vast array of anecdotes and impressions – including his legendary chicken impersonation!
To think that, at the age of 82, he is still able to have the audience in fits of laughter says it all. He came on to stage with all his wacky hats and false teeth in a rucksack. Pointing at it, he said ‘a bag of nerves’. He was anything but. Top class.
After Norman, ‘Sludge’ was back on stage and back on form with stories of his time on The Comedians and his recollections of life growing up in Walsall.
After ‘Sludges’ second ‘mini set’, Roy Walker was introduced on to stage.
Looking crisp in his sharp suit, the Irish comic was in fine form. Like ‘Sludge’, Roy’s set took the audience on a journey of his time on The Comedians. His timing was impeccable and he showed that he still has real star quality.
The ability to laugh at yourself is a must in the world of comedy and Roy did just that.
He explained that on the way to the show his taxi driver looked at him and, after a long pause, said ‘Give Us A Clue’. Roy turned around and said ‘No……Catch Phrase’ to which the driver replied ‘No…..give us a clue mate, where are you going?!’.
Thankfully it was to the Banks’s Stadium and, if ever he comes back, I’ll pay his taxi-fare. A great night.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
Sporting Dinner with Jan Molby
Thursday, 17th April 2008
Review by Suzanne Forward
Football fans were out in force on Thursday 17th April as former Liverpool ace, Jan Molby, came to the Banks’s Stadium.
The Denmark International, who spent 12 successful seasons at Anfield, treated the audience many a tale from his time with the club and also spoke of his time at the likes of Ajax.
It was particularly interesting to hear about Molby’s experiences of playing in England, especially how he was signed by Liverpool after just 10 days on trial. He also spoke about his knack of taking penalties, which made him Liverpool’s all-time record penalty scorer with a staggering 42 (he missed just two!).
Molby’s sense of humour showed throughout as he poked fun at himself repeatedly with jokes about his weight. He even said how, when he first arrived in Liverpool, he was asked in a pub if he knew the player they had just signed (meaning himself) as they had heard he was rubbish!
The audience also got to hear of Molby’s experience as a manager at various clubs such as Swansea City and Kidderminster Harriers. It gave an insight into Molby’s life after hanging up his boots.
After Jan Molby, the crowd were entertained by regular comedian Mick Walker, which rounded off what had been a truly fantastic show.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
The Magic of the 80's
Friday, 14th March 2008
Review by Suzanne Forward
The Magic of the 80’s show blitzed the Banks’s Stadium on Friday 14th March as the audience reminisced over power dressing, big hair and extravagant make-up - for both sexes!
For almost two hours the audience was treated to an eclectic mix of electric hits, all delivered by a band fronted by Matthew James of 90’s boy band ‘Bad Boys Inc’.
Their robotic dance moves and boundless energy entertained the audience so much so that it was impossible to stay seated!
From The Eurythmics to Blondie, to the New Romantic sounds of the Human League and Duran Duran, many of the well-known hits were performed and were recognised by everyone in the crowd – including those of us who weren’t born until the 1980’s.
The highlight of the show came right at the climax when The Magic of the 80’s finished with a stunning rock medley including ‘Final Countdown’ and ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’.
Should Magic of the 80’s come to the Banks’s Stadium again, it is really worth making a date in your diary because, as they sang, “Ain’t Nobody Does It Better!”
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
Sporting Dinner With Jack Charlton
Thursday, 6th March 2008
Review by John Padden
On Thursday, 6th March a packed audience at the Banks’s Stadium welcomed World Cup Winner Jack Charlton as guest speaker.
The evening started with a delicious four-course meal and was interspersed with games throughout the rest of the night. These offered the opportunity to win cash prizes and there was also an auction of football memorabilia with all monies raised going to the Walsall FC Youth Development Fund.
The former England International and Republic of Ireland manager entertained the crowds with stories of football, fishing, family and the unique style of the Irish.
His audience with the Pope and being invited to start a race for blind people with a flare, were just two of the stories of his time as the Republic of Ireland manager.
Charlton spoke about winning his first England Cap at the age of 29 against the ‘old enemy’, Scotland, alongside fellow debutant Nobby Stiles. He went on to talk about the exploits of the only England football team to win the World Cup Final.
His relationship with his brother, Sir Bobby Charlton (and wife), was clarified to the amusement of all in the room.
The evening finished with howls of laughter prompted by the wit and stories of Yorkshire comedian, Billy Bean. This ensured that everybody left the stadium with a big grin on their faces.
All in all it was a great night and I for one shall be back for more.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
The Syd Lawrence Orchestra
Friday, 1st February 2008 and Saturday, 2nd February 2008
Review by Daniel Mole
Two superb nights were had at the Banks’s Stadium thanks to Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchesta.
On Friday evening, the band paid tribute to Matt Monro playing a selection of his hits such as ‘Born Free’, ‘Walk Away’, ‘Portrait Of My Love’ and many more – all sung by Chris Dean himself.
Chris’ voice was an accurate reflection of that of the great British crooner. It really thrilled the audience.
The band were also on fire. The first half was dedicated to the ‘big band’ sound made famous by the likes of Glenn Miller and Harry James. The 16-piece band were made up of some of the best musicians around such as Mike Smith (drums), Ian Moffatt (trombone) and Trevor Brown (keyboards). They really did live up to their reputation of being the best big band in the land.
On Saturday, the theme switched to ‘The Golden Age Of Hollywood’. The band – with Chris and Angie Mills on vocals - played some of Hollywood’s greatest songs. From ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ to ‘Tara’s theme’ from Gone With The Wind – every hit was performed.
The audience warmed to the quality of music on display in what was their 10th year at the Banks’s Stadium. The good news? They’ll be back Friday, 6th February 2009!
See more images from these fantastic evenings:
All images are copyright of Stuart James Photography.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
'Thank You For The Music' - Bee Gees & ABBA
Friday, 25th January 2008
Review by Daniel Mole
‘Thank You For The Music’ was the name of the show; it was also what the sell-out Banks’s Stadium crowd were saying following this superb ABBA and Bee Gees tribute.
The night started with Barry, Robin and Maurice hitting the stage in crisp white suits, belting out all the classic hits from the Gibb brothers.
From ‘Stayin Alive’ to ‘Massachusetts’, ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ to ‘You Win Again’, every song you would expect from a Bee Gees tribute was delivered.
The trio also performed Bee Gees-penned hits for other artists such as ‘Islands in the Stream’ before finishing their 45 minute set with ‘Saturday Night Fever’. At times the set didn’t appear to be totally ‘live’ but that shouldn’t take anything away from the energetic stage performance.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
Next up were ABBA. Benny, Bjorn, Anni-Frid and Agnetha arrived on stage looking and sounding like the real thing.
‘Dancing Queen’ got the crowd on their feet and hits like ‘Super Trouper’, and ‘Money, Money, Money’ kept them dancing as they worked off the superb three-course meal they had been treated to earlier in the evening.
As you would expect, the evening came to an end with the show’s title song ‘Thank You For The Music’.
All in all a good night was had by all in what was the first cabaret event of 2008.
See more images from this fantastic evening:
Above images copyright of David Linney Photography.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
David Copperfield Christmas Lunchtime Special
Friday, 21st December
Review By Daniel Mole
David Copperfield rolled back the years at the Banks’s Stadium putting the sell-out crowd well and truly in the mood for Christmas.
Copperfield was his usual zany self as he encouraged crowd participation, told a number of hilarious gags, and made sure the 300 or so Christmas Lunchtime guests had an entertaining afternoon.
From mimicking voices to an appearance from his puppet ‘Jock the Croc’, Copperfield’s show was a real throw-back to the 1980’s.
There was time for a few serious moments though as the former ‘Three of a Kind’ entertainer showed off his vocal range and skills on the guitar.
A light-hearted look at life was enjoyed by all!
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
Mark Lawrenson
Thursday, 6th December
Review By Suzanne Forward
Thursday 6th December saw Liverpool legend and one of BBC Sports’ most popular commentators visit the Banks’s Stadium.
Mark Lawrenson did not disappoint, nor did the evening of entertainment.
The night started with a delicious four-course meal and a host of prize-packed games. Then it was Lawrenson’s turn to take to the stage.
The former Republic of Ireland International entertained the sell-out crowd with a vast array of ‘inside’ stories centering on other Liverpool legends such as Ian Rush and Jason McAteer.
Next came an insight into Sven Goren Erikkson and his colourful career and (allegedly) colourful love life!
Lawrenson was in fine form and finished his after-dinner speech with an in-depth discussion on various football managers’ opinions on one of life’s very important questions: “Just why did the chicken ever cross the road?!”
The audience joined in with great enthusiasm as the evening switched from such light-hearted topics to the serious side of football and, most notably, who should be Steve McClaren’s successor as England manager.
It was a great insight in to the world of football from someone who has been privileged enough to have played and analysed the sport.
The night was rounded off with the comedy delight of Mick Miller, whose one-liners focusing around problems with hotels and airports (and also the prospect of a ship cruising around Switzerland!) ended the evening in hysterics.
Overall, the night was a great end to the first week of Christmas entertainment at the Banks’s Stadium. It set an extremely high standard for the remainder of the festive period.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
Magic of Motown
Friday, 30th November
Review By Daniel Mole
The Magic of Motown was exactly as it was billed. They belted out all the hits from the Motown era…and they were magic.
The spectacular live show recreated all that is great from the Tamla Motown record label and added a few soul classics in for good measure.
The show began with a trio of stunning female vocalists. It was as if The Supremes were back together.
This warmed up the sell-out crowd, who were then treated to the excellent sounds of a male quintet, whose harmonies were as tight as the weaves sported by their female counter-parts!
Songs from the show included hits by the likes The Drifters, The Temptations and The Four Tops. They delivered each and every song with real style and never missed a note. Quite a feat in what was a two-hour set.
The crowd showed their appreciation in the best way possible - They left their tables and started dancing!
Accompanied by an accomplished Big Band, the Magic of Motown was a visually, and audibly, stunning show. Surely one of the best seen at the Banks’s Stadium this year.
See more images from this fantastic evening:
Above images copyright of David Linney Photography.
* In the original show review for 'The Magic of Motown', Stephanie Benson was named as one of the artists on show. We have since been informed that this was not the case and would like to apologise to Stephanie and her management team for any inconvenience this may have caused.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
Talon
Friday, 16th November 2007
Review By Alison Lawrenson
Tribute bands do not come any better than Talon.
The audience at the Banks’s Stadium were treated to a truly memorable performance by this talented group of musicians.
This performance formed part of Talon’s tenth anniversary tour and it is easy to see why they have enjoyed such popularity over the last decade.
Talon’s musical ability was evident as the band interchanged guitars and keyboards with the lead vocal passing from one to another through classics such as ‘Lying Eyes’, ‘Life in the Fast Lane’, ‘Tequila Sunrise’ and ‘Take It To The Limit’, together with new material from The Eagles’ recently released album.
Talon played to a sell-out crowd who responded to the band with genuine emotion and enthusiasm. There can not have been many present who did not join in the fun. It truly was a night to remember.
Talon know how to sing and their harmonies were as outstanding as the solo performances.
There was a real feel-good atmosphere at the Banks’s Stadium as band members interacted with the audience on many an occasion.
It made for a night to remember that culminated in the encore performance of the all time classics of 'Desperado' and 'Hotel California'. Book me in for the next visit!
See more images from this fantastic evening:
Above images copyright of David Linney Photography.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here.
The Rat Pack Live
Friday, 19th October 2007
Review by Daniel Mole
The Banks's Stadium was transformed into the Sands Hotel in down-town Las Vegas last night as The Rat Pack swung in to town.
Frank Sinatra (David Alacey), Dean Martin (Harry Crawley) and Sammy Davis Junior (Rahul d’Mello) wowed the sell-out crowd with a whole-host of classic hits from the swinging sixties.
The three crooners were joined on stage by superb live big band and The Stunning Vegas Show Girls in what was a great night of entertainment.
Dean Martin kicked-off the show before being joined by Sammy Davis Junior. Belting out hits such as ‘Volare’, ‘Everybody Loves Somebody’, Mr. Bojangles’ and ‘What Kind Of fool Am I’ before the chairman of the board, Frank himself, took centre stage.
In between their swinging set, Frank, Dean and Sammy had all the patter of the original trio as The Rat Pack Live showed why they are one of the best tribute acts around.
As the show built in momentum, Sinatra plucked one lucky lady out of the audience for a rendition of ‘Something Stupid’ before the trio belted out ‘Luck Be A Lady’.
The show closed with ‘My Way’ and a show-stopping rendition of ‘New York, New York’.
Combining the full sound of big band swing with charisma, panache and swagger, the Rat Pack Live did not disappoint.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
Amateur Boxing Dinner Show
Thursday, 18th October 2007
Review by Daniel Mole
Boxers from across the Midlands entertained the sell-out crowd at Walsall Football Club’s latest Amateur Boxing Dinner Show last night.
After being treated to a five-course meal and a half-hour set from local comedian Ollie Spencer, the 300 plus fight fans settled down for an evening of amateur action.
Hosted by Pleck Amateur Boxing Club, the nine-bout card saw a number of junior boxers whet the appetite before the attention turned to the seniors.
Juniors from Pleck, Nechells Green, Lions, Wednesbury, Rubery and Walsall Wood all took part in three one-and-a-half minute rounds whilst seniors, who were also fighting out of the above mentioned ABC’s, boxed for three rounds of two minutes.
At the interval former British Midlands Area Cruiserweight Champion, Nigel Rafferty, entered the ring. ‘The Centurian’, one of only a select band of boxers to have over 100 professional fights under his belt prior to his retirement in 2001, received a rapturous applause as he showed off his belt.
Great food, a superb comedian, an appearance from a boxing champion and nine great fights. What more could you ask?
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
All Star Comedy Night
Saturday, 6th October 2007
Review By Peter Lawrenson
The All Star Comedy Night lived up to its billing when Frank Carson, Stan Boardman and Ian ‘Sludge’ Lees provided over two hours of non-stop gags at the Banks’s Stadium on Friday night.
Local comedian Lees warmed-up the sell-out crowd with tales of his past including his time as a tax exile in Cheslyn Hay. Combined with his outrageous attire, a suit that would not have been out of place in a fully decorated Christmas tree catalogue, he set a high standard for the rest of the evening.
Stan Boardman delivered a cameo performance of stories and wit that thoroughly entertained.
Now into his 80’s, Frank Carson had the energy of someone half his age. His near hour-long performance was relentless in pace and humour and it was clear that he loves his work. He delivered a barrage of tales and one-liners that maintained non-stop laughter throughout to provide a memorable evening of fun.
Carson’s performance could best be summed up by Spike Milligan’s quip “What's the difference between Frank Carson and the M1? … You can turn off the M1”.
So, to sum up the evening in true Frank Carson style, it was a cracker!
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
'Smackee' - The Musicals
Friday, 28th September 2007
Review By Ben Lowe
Cabaret kings Smackee made a magical Banks’s Stadium debut on Friday night when they performed the world’s greatest songs from the world’s greatest shows.
The Musicals featured over 20 timeless classics, taking stage and screen enthusiasts on a nostalgic cruise unlike any other.
Barry Walker’s Coventry-based showgroup are established entertainers with appearances at venues including The Waterfront in Belfast, The York Opera House and Her Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen. They have also apperaed at some of London’s finest hotels such as The Dorchester, Hilton and Grosvenor House.
Their two-hour set was dramatic, dynamic and delightful which left the audience mesmerised from first number to last.
Opening with Coming from Broadway favourite West Side Story, Walker and fellow singers Dawn and Laura dazzled in white suits with musicians Rob (guitars), Tom (bass) and Ian (keyboards) behind them wearing black.
Smackee soon had the crowd clapping and swaying to hits from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chicago and Les Misérables.
They displayed their professionalism midway through the first part of the show when the lights went out during Walker’s tribute to the late Bobby Darin. The charismatic crooner used his vast experience to continue with Beyond the Sea as if nothing had happened.
After the interval, the group showed their versatility by belting out songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Calamity Jane and Grease with costume changes aplenty.
Walker encouraged audience participation throughout with one of many humorous moments occurring when he split the room into cowboys and Indians. He even asked everyone to stomp their feet but could only smile when he realised the Stadium Suite floor was carpet!
There was still time for an emotional rendition of Nessun Dorma, using English lyrics written by Neil Sedaka, and the fantastic Unchained Melody which deservedly earned the 58-year-old a standing ovation.
Cries of ‘encore’ were then rewarded when the group performed (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing to bring down the curtain on a wonderful evening.
For the latest Banks's Stadium events click here
