Those who think old-style variety shows are no longer popular should have a word with Michael Jamieson.
Once again, the fund-raising co-ordinator has pulled out all the stops to organise a glittering variety show at Inverurie Town Hall on Saturday night.
Topping the bill is theatre star Keith Jack, who shot to fame after appearing on the BBC show Any Dream Will Do.
Another TV favourite, speciality act Billy George, will also be appearing. He is the handsome acrobat and Cyr wheel performer who made it all the way to the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent.
Home-grown talent comes in the form of Taylor Rhys, the Scottish actor best known for playing Jack MacAllister in the TV show Waterloo Road.
The keen rugby and hockey player also possesses some rather talented tonsils and will be exercising them with a vocal tribute to the late, great Frank Sinatra.
As with all variety specials, there will be a full supporting cast of local performers
These include 15-year-old singer Amber Hughes, from Rothienorman, the Ill Tricket Ceilidh Band, from Keith, the Jessiman Dancers, from Huntly, Kintore Pipe Band and the Inverurie Academy choir.
Mr Jamieson said: “We’ve been staging these variety specials for more than 16 years now and this happens to be the 55th one.
“We’ve pulled together a very strong cast this time round, with something there for everyone – real variety in the true sense of the word.
“We’re extremely grateful to Keith Jack for taking time out of his busy schedule to head up to Inverurie to do a show for us – it’s a real coup, I’d say.
“But of course we’re equally excited that we have a strong cast of north-east talent taking part, along with Billy George, from Britain’s Got Talent, who will be performing his speciality acrobatic act – something that’s never been seen in one of our variety specials before.
“Another surprise on the night will be the vocal talents of Taylor Rhys.”
Tickets for the show sold like proverbial hot cakes, which is great news for SSAFA – the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association – which provides support for members of the forces and their families. It is a beneficiary of the show.
“I’m delighted at how fast tickets sold as in many ways it’s an old-fashioned variety show, but this is how established and popular these shows have become,” Mr Jamieson said.
“I’m delighted and grateful for the support we get from the public, as indeed they’ve always shown us.”
The show has sold out but it may be worth calling 07927 050536 or e-mailing inverurievarietyspecial@ gmail.com to check for any returns.
First record bought: The Savage Garden Album
First job: Working in a chip shop cutting chips
Worst fashion faux pas: My hairstyle when I was on Any Dream Will Do!
Favourite holiday destination: Dominican Republic
How do you relax? In the gym, believe it or not!
Worst mistake: Forgetting to put my pants on when going on as Joseph in a loin cloth!
If at first you don’t succeed: Try 100 times harder
Would most like to meet: Hugh Jackman
Quirky habits: I have to brush my teeth before I go on stage
Most embarrassing moment: Forgetting the words to a song in Joseph in front of 2,000 people