The Ukulele Man at The Playhouse Hotel.
The Ukulele Man at The Playhouse Hotel.
At 6.30 pm on Thursday 17th July, Barraba will be able to catch The Ukulele Man at The Playhouse Hotel. This joyous show, brought to us by Arts Northwest On Tour, which tells the fascinating story of George Formby, one of Britain’s most beloved comedians of the last century.
Affectionately known to the British public simply as “Our George”, George Formby combined cheeky songs, a toothy grin and his signature ukulele to create a remarkably long and successful career. His fame - which endured from the end of the Music Hall era to the early days of television - reached its peak during World War II, when he rose to become the cheerful face of plucky resilience. Yet behind the carefree facade lurked a darker story... which he eventually overcame.
Now, up-and-coming young singer/dancer/actor Marcel Cole brings Formby's story to life in his award-winning musical homage to the man and a vanished world of popular entertainment in which he played such a notable part. With disarming charm and an effortless command of Formby’s distinctive persona, Cole seems to channel the comedian himself. Cole's mastery of the ukulele and banjolele, coupled with natural comic timing and an engaging audience rapport have won him rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. He is joined on stage by his real-life mother Katie Cole, who plays several supporting characters - as well as a few musical instruments!
This is a show for anyone with a taste for nostalgia, an interest in theatre history or simply a love of a jolly good night of music and laughter.
Tickets to the show are $35 (full price), $25 (pensioners) and $15 (school or uni students.) The running time is approximately one hour. Following the performance, patrons can stay on to enjoy an optional two-course typical post-war English dinner of “Bangers and mash” followed by “Spotted dick”. Tickets to the dinner are $40 per person. Bookings for the dinner are essential. You can book for the show or the show plus dinner by phoning the hotel on 6782 1109, or you can book online by clicking on this link: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1426588