Solid Silver 60’s Show at the Victoria Theatre Halifax Review
Solid Silver 60’s Show
Victoria Theatre, Halifax
23 April 2016
www.calderdale.gov.uk/victoria
Reviewed by Deborah Banasko
I went to see the 31st Anniversary tour of the Solid Silver 60’s Show at the Victoria Theatre situated in Halifax Town Centre, just 5 minutes walk away from a multi-storey and open carpark, with plenty of road-side parking.
This is a beautiful traditional auditorium, and even though I was sat close to the back I still had an excellent view. There are some seats with obstructed views but this is clearly noted or mentioned when purchasing such tickets. The temperature was perfect, but there wasn’t a huge amount of leg room. I am pretty average height and found that by the end of the show I was feeling a little uncomfortable, but with such an old theatre I think these issues are forgivable and also expected.
The foyer is smaller than many theatres, but there is still a bar, kiosk for snacks and drinks, as well as ice-cream stands. The size of the theatre certainly does not affect the level of service provided, and it was clean and well maintained.
The staff were so friendly, chatting with me during the interval as I bought refreshments and they all seemed very happy to be there. This is a great theatre to see big shows as you avoid the traffic problems and parking of some bigger towns and cities.
Not being a child of the 60’s I was unsure how many of the songs I would actually know in this show, or whether the musicians would have lost their spark and ability to hold an audience. I certainly was not disappointed. It was high energy throughout, with outstanding vocals that certainly hadn’t faltered over the years, and a fabulous live band. I didn’t feel as though I was watching a show headlined by men who had had their heyday in the 1960’s.
From the very start the show was exciting… “Hi Ho Silver Lining” was belted out before the first artist was introduced, inducing a frenzy of clapping from the audience.
“New Amen Corner” opened with “Bend Me, Shake Me” which was a highlight. The lead singer had an amazing voice and the band were on point throughout. The saxophone player was a particular favourite of mine especially in the second half of the show. Audience participation was encouraged throughout, and they sang a range of 60’s songs including a Beach Boys number.
This group remained on stage throughout the show, providing the majority of the music.
Dave Berry made his entrance in what I am told is his trademark eccentric manner, with a gloved hand appearing around the curtain first, followed by his slow walk on before removing the glove. I found him quirky, delightful and slightly bonkers with his microphone tricks and dry sense of humour. At one point he told us that Peter Noone was being walked around the carpark to sober up! Just hilarious. He engaged the audience with an easy rapport, told us stories about his 55 year career and when he first came to Halifax, but more importantly he had a great voice! For me, “Mamma” was a beautiful number; his cover of “The Crying Game” was gorgeous; and “Route 66” really got the audience going. A fabulous, eccentric entertainer.
The Merseybeats were next, and again we were told a bit of history on how they got started which was very relaxed and interesting. I loved their rendition of “Wishing and Hoping”, and their covers of The Everly Brothers and Del Shannon hits. However their final number got everyone up on their feet and singing, “Hi Ho Silver Lining”, simply amazing vocals and so much fun to watch and be a part of.
The second half opened again with “New Amen Corner”. They covered other artists, but The Hollies hit “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” seemed to be the biggest hit with the audience.
Brian Hyland was on next, and he came across as a cool American rocker. He played guitar and harmonica brilliantly, and yet again was keen for audience participation. I had no idea he originally sang “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini”, which was such a fun number, along with “Hey Baby”. He did a few covers, including “Whiter Shade of Pale” which was a hi-light. He kept the pace of the show up and had a cool energy about him.
Peter Noone created a great contrast to this with his “Something Tells Me I’m Into Something Good”. His smile and happy persona were contagious, he looked to be in his element which made him amazing to watch. His brought more humour to the show with little quips at Dave Berry, and remarks about how many old people were at their shows. He played his own songs and covers; “Don’t they know it’s the end of the world” got raucous applause, and “A Kind of Hush” was a great number. Audience involvement was key to his section, and at one stage an 8 year old little girl was brought close to the stage as she was a huge fan. He had a chat with her and asked her to choose the next song. He then took a “selfie” of the audience with the little girl at the front… what a great guy.
The final number saw every performer return to the stage, and it was like watching a group of old friends having the time of their lives… I had goosebumps watching them it was simply electric. These musicians sounded as though they were still at the peak of their game, and they all kept the audience involved and enthusiastic. Some people were even dancing in the side aisles, but by the last number everyone was on their feet. Not one act disappointed, and the order that each act appeared worked really well. I would imagine if this was the music of your youth the nostalgia of the evening would be a little emotional. Even if, like myself, you only know a few of the songs it’s still a thoroughly enjoyable show. The ticket price is more than justified by the quality of the show, and I have to score it 5 stars out of 5 as every act was fantastic and gave it their all.
Rating: 5/5 
The Solid Silver 60’s Show 2016 is currently on tour around the UK with the next stop at Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on 25 April 2016. For more information, tour dates or to buy tickets click here.
For other shows at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/victoria.
Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax HX1 1BP | 01422 351158
