The patter between singers impersonating Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior at the De Valence Pavilion in Tenby, was rather corny.
But having looked back at a few videos of the real singers in concert, it's clear that the dialogue of the originals was even more trite. So in that sense, the De Valence show was only being accurate.
But all that is small beer, compared to the imposing singing voices we heard in this exciting tribute to the 'Rat Pack'.
None of the artists looked amazingly like the real thing. But their voices (and mannerisms) made up for that. David Alacey sounded like Old Blue Eyes, right enough. And it's no surprise that Buddy Greco once said of him 'This guy really IS Sinatra.'
Harry Crawley as Dean Martin had the exact sound and resonance of the Latin crooner. He probably had the hardest job to do - as the Dean's lilting, tipsy-sounding voice sounded like no other.
Perhaps the most impressive voice of all was that of Rahul d'Mellow as Sammy Davis Junior. Is it insulting to Sammy's fans to say that Rahul occasionally treated us to even clearer and melodic notes than his idol?
A very appreciated bonus was four or five songs from 'Frank Sinatra's' wife, Dawn Alacey, who is currently number seven in the Jazz Album Charts.
The Rat Pack - Live was a razzmatazz quality show with three ace performers and four top of the tree show biz musicians to back them up. With some modern techno wizardry, they made the same big sound as a full dance orchestra.
There was a warm reception to the show from the audience, which included many who would remember the Rat Pack in its hay day. And a lot of younger people who would not. But then this is timeless music - and 10 times more thrilling when played live.
Malcolm Stacey