Recreate the glory of Tommy’s magical routines EastEnder Lucy prepares for panto

FOR YEARS, a shambolic giant of a man with a penchant for rubbish magic tricks could make audiences hoot with laughter just by looking at them.

It was also a finely honed act, and from one of the sharpest minds on the variety circuit.

But he was also one of the most troubled too.

Tommy Cooper, the fez-wearing mischief maker, was adored for his stage act, but behind the scenes was a heavy drinker and a reputation that preceded him.

His life and laughter will be explored in a new show coming to South Hill Park next month.

Daniel Taylor is stepping into the shoes of comedian who knew how to do the tricks really, but found it funnier for audiences to pretend he didn’t.

The Very Best of Tommy Cooper aims to recapture his trademark mayhem and misfiring magic for anyone who missed the original or for those who were left wanting more.

With the blessings of the great man’s daughter Vicky, the show brings to the stage many of Cooper’s hilarious one-liners, dazzling wordplay and celebrated tricks, including Glass/Bottle, Dappy Duck, Spot the Dog and Jar/Spoon.

Danny says: “Tommy was given that wonderful and rare gift to make people laugh, often by simply standing there.

“His most-loved routines draw on an innocent sense of humour that appeals to all ages and still stands the test of time.” n For more details, call the box office on: 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk.

More than 30 years since Tommy passed away on stage after a heart attack during a live TV show, so Danny will be raising money and awareness along the tour to help install defibrillators in every performing venue across the UK and will be collecting donations at the Wilde Theatre on the night.

The event takes place on Thursday, June 22, from 7.45pm. Tickets cost £22.50.

Christmas might seem a long way away, but a Guildford theatre has announced its core cast for Cinderella, including some familiar faces. PHIL CREIGHTON explains

AFORMER EastEnder is swapping metal detecting for a ball this Christmas. And no, that’s not as daft as it seems.

Lucy Benjamin will be making her debut at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford as they prepare for their festive show, Cinderella.

She will be playing the wicked stepmother in the rags to riches story of true love and finding a slipper that fits.

“I’m really looking forward to being in Guildford this Christmas at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, performing in one of my favourite pantos, Cinderella,” she says.

“I’m especially looking forward to playing the Wicked Stepmother … because there’s nothing more fun than playing the baddie, if you ask me.”

While it might be her first time in Guildford, for one of the cast it will be their 18th Christmas on stage: radio star Peter Gordon will once again don the frocks, this time as an ugly stepsister.

Cinderella will be Clair Gleave, Stanton Wright will be Prince Charming, and CBeebies star James Merry returns for a third year, this time as Buttons.

Peter is looking forward to his festive stint.

“As always, I’m hugely excited to be back at the Yvonne Arnaud,” he says. “Cinderella is so many people’s favourite and I love the role of Ugly Sister as it’s a fun, mischievous part – and who doesn’t like a good ‘boo’?

“It’ll be an honour and a privilege – as always – to be back on stage with a great team in my hometown for so many years, Guildford.”

The show will be made, rehearsed and created by an inhouse team, and its recent show, Dick Whittington won an award for the best ensemble in the UK Pantomime Awards.

The show’s director will be the theatre’s chief executive, Joanna Read, who says: “I’m really excited about the cast we have been able to attract this year, namely EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin and