WC JUNE 28
On Monday I saw one of the best shows I have seen for some considerable time. The audience response for Laughter In The Rain at the Mayflower, Southampton, was quite stunning and well deserved. They were all on their feet at the end of a sizzling show. This was not just the songs of Neil Sedaka with a thin text. The show had a great story which was very personal and very true and superbly written by Philip Norman, who grew up on the Isle of Wight. Wayne Smith, as Sedaka, was quite amazing and has a real future in the business. The supporting cast all make this such a good production which must end up in the West End.
This year is the 30th anniversary of a world famous 80s band who enjoyed hits all over the world. To tie in with this anniversary, a world tour and a brand new 4-album set, I went to the London home of one of their two original members still in the group. This was a different angle on the group, for a reason that began thirty years ago. All will soon be revealed.
On Thursday another musical legend, who has appeared in three mega world-famous groups, has agreed to appear on JH Meets. It will happen following a trip to Warwick.
Ended the week with a real rarity. I went to a new show for the second time inside a week. I was so impressed with Wayne Smith, as Neil Sedaka in Laughter In The Rain, I went back to the Mayflower to interview him. I am convinced he has a real future in the business. I could not resist the temptation to see the show for a second time – and I could even have stayed on to see it again on Saturday night. Once again, the whole audience stood at the end of the show. If only there were more like this.