Sir,
Re. Rat Pack live, Friday, March 13. at the De Valence.
Organised and produced by the singer taking the role of Frank Sinatra, this tribute act was reminiscent of the curate's egg - good in parts.
The Sinatra impersonator explained that his accompanying band had been scaled-down to accommodate an 'intimate' (small) venue like the De Valence, whilst retaining 'a big sound'. That big sound nearly blasted my ears. The bands accompanying the real Rat Pack were not so 'in your face'. Nor was the dialogue - mainly between the Sinatra and Sammy Davies impersonators - so corny.
The voices of all three take-off singers were good, but that of 'Dean Martin', complete with schmaltzy intonation, was head and shoulders above the others. This vocalist's appearance and mannerisms were also spot-on.
'Sammy Davies Junior' was OK. 'Frank Sinatra' might have looked a little more the part if he'd kept his hat on for the whole performance, not just one number.
Most audience members felt that the second half of the show was a great improvement on the first: more Rat-Pack-like, more 'into their stride', better, on the whole, when the three men sang together.
The female guest soloist was impressive.
Although there was a reasonable turnout, it might have been higher if tickets hadn't been over-priced at £16.
Due to the over-priced programmes at £4 each, I am unable to name the performers individually.
Anne-Ruth Alton,
Victoria Street,