THERE’S a return to the stage next weekend for Huddersfield-born actor Gorden Kaye (pictured) who features in a music hall spectacular in Leeds.
Gorden, who lives near Leeds these days, has long been an accomplished theatre actor and will doubtless enjoy doing a stint at the City Varieties, a theatre steeped in the traditions of music hall.
The City Varieties is a Grade II* listed music hall which was built 1865 and the original interior is largely unaltered. It is a rare surviving example of the Victorian era music halls of its time, but is expected to close early next year for refurbishment.
Charlie Chaplin, Marie Lloyd and Houdini were among the artists who performed there and for 30 years, starting in the early Fifties, the theatre became familiar to millions thanks to the BBC television programme The Good Old Days.
The programme recreated old-time music hall, featured Leonard Sachs as the chairman and saw audiences turning out in period costume.
That tradition continues, though not on TV, as the City Varieties hosts music hall sessions in spring and autumn.
Next Friday and Saturday Gorden will feature in what is expected to be the final season of The Good Old Days for almost two years because of the proposed refurbishment.
Lined up alongside Gorden will be virtuoso violinist Gary Lovini, ventriloquist Neville King and comedian Hal Nolan. Johnny Dennis will be banging the gavel and using fancy words as chairman.
Performances are at 7.30pm and there is a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. The box office is on 08456 441 881.
