Five-star entertainment from the Cowan Vaudeville, Purley.
If you remember the ‘The Good Old Days’ which was broadcast in the latter half of the 20th century, this was a feast of nostalgia. Despite the evening having been organised in a very short space of time, the acts followed each other seamlessly, and were introduced in fine style by John Thurley (remember Leonard Sachs?). A large cast of (mainly) lady members sang & danced to tunes from the late 19th & early 20th centuries, all displayed talents, previously unknown! Thanks goes to all those who were brave, or foolish enough, to ‘take the stage’.

The evening started with the ‘Anne Jameson Trio’ singing, what else but ‘Doing the Lambeth Walk’. Jane Harding followed with a rendition of ‘My Old Man Said Follow the Van’. Then a bevy of ‘Pearly Beauties’ gave us ‘Oom-Pah-Pah’, which culminated in a raucous cacophony, when the audience lustily joined the singing. They continued their performance with ‘Daisy, Daisy’ and ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ (up the Hammers!).
John Roe played a series of song selections throughout the evening, inviting the audience to join him, which they did with gusto. Elizabeth Bennett sang both ‘Hold Your Hands Out You Naughty Boy’ and ‘You Made Me Love You’, wonderfully, in spite of a malfunction of the microphone. Well done, Elizabeth! Mick ‘Bomber’ Durkin’ gave us ‘You Are My Sunshine’, which he first sang publicly in 1945. After the interval he also performed ‘Every Time We Say Goodbye’. During the interval, a pub-style meal was served, which, judging by the empty plates, was enjoyed by all. A raffle also raised £260 for the Captain’s charity, which this year is the South East Cancer Centre.
Not content with organising the evening, Mary Roe gave a rendition of ‘Molly Malone’ and later ‘Danny Boy’, the latter moistening many an eye. John Roe (is there a theme developing here?) followed by reciting the amusing poem ‘Albert and the Lion’. Ann Traynor, ably supported by Jennifer Lees, gave us a Scottish aire, and Fiona Weaver ‘A Dorset Ditty’.
For a finale the whole cast joined together for ‘Show Me the Way to Go Home’, which we duly did, having been wonderfully entertained. Apologies to all those whose names have been omitted, your efforts were appreciated all the same.