Brian Conley, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham - review
Supposedly once the highest paid male television personality in the UK, Brian Conley last night brought his The Greatest Entertainer (In His Price Range) tour to a packed New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
Arriving on stage to the most welcoming of receptions, Conley took the audience on an evening spanning his varied career in television, comedy and on stage.
From a hilarious Dangerous Brian sketch to songs from the various musicals Brian has starred in such as Oliver, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Jolson, the evening was more of a variety show than a straight-up comedy gig.
This was exemplified by magician Ali Cook taking to the stage while Conley got changed into costume.
Various ‘It’s A Puppet’ anecdotes were made while well thought-out comedy routines had the audience in tears.
Perhaps the most entertaining was a routine involving a penny whistle as performed on The Brian Conley Show.
Conley’s warmth and experience shone through in the performance, a true showman that perhaps has been lost in this day and age.
Conley also took time at the end to allow audience members to ask questions about his career as well as divulging tales of Birmingham, pantomime and I’m A Celebrity before leaving the stage to a standing ovation.
Contrary to the tour’s title, you could argue that Conley is perhaps the greatest entertainer in any price range.
