Review: Cannock Gala Charity Show

The show started on time and Lee Carroll, producer of the event, took to the stage with a bang, as he treated us to a string of funny one-liners and settled the eager audience down before introducing David Laine, a versatile vocalist that can sing anything, and he did. He immediately had the dancefloor full. I particularly enjoyed his reggae music.

We were then treated to a beautiful set from the elegant Lynn Sweet, wow this lady can belt out Northern Soul, and she finished with a quite unique and touching version of the Impossible Dream, she is real class.

Then came the moment many were waiting for, a rare UK appearance from the Rock God Robert Hart. He was formerly with Bad Company but is currently fronting Manfred Mann. What a superb acoustic set, featuring five huge hit songs, he got the audience from the moment he strode onto the stage.

After the break we were introduced to Keri Hoffman, a new name to the locals but many will want to see her return. She closed her set by switching vocal styles to classical with Nessun dorma, simply superb.

Andrew Marc came next, he was a finalist on The Voice, and boy he showed his vocal versatility with impressions of Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey, plus Tina Turner. This man has everything and wowed the audience.

Finally came Devotion, a husband and wife duo I believe. They treated the audience to disco and soul and they were the perfect closing act, vocally excellent and very entertaining, we all wanted more. These two know their art and they finished up a fine evening of variety.

At just £10 a ticket it was worth every penny and everyone thoroughly enjoyed this event. I hope lots of money was raised for the charity. I think venues should take note that this type of show will fill clubs, be brave you bookers as this was a spectacular - Progressive Productions take a bow. 

Review by Will Allen

Pictures by Stu Harris