Wilmot is so charismatic THE 1996 concert tour of Showstoppers is even better than the popular television series that had the same title and the same leading man - Gary Wilmot.

The numbers performed by Wilmot and his talented colleagues were after all largely drawn from stage shows and he has a stage presence that is remarkable in a man who made his name on television.

As Wilmot's list of stage credits grows, his voice improves in range and expressiveness.

Manchester saw him during his nationwide tour ofZMe and My Girl.ZThen and last night he moved about the boards with the skill of an old-time music Hall star. His timing is impeccable as singer, comic, dancer and knock-about.

Songs fromZMe and My GirlZwere included in last night's show. Wilmot seemed to have a particular affection for them and performed them well.

Maybe this has to do with his East End roots. But now he is also very much West End material. His versions of hit songs from West End shows such asZCopacabanaZ- which he opened in at Manchester - andZCarmen JonesZare almost the definitive renditions.

His four singing and dancing companions and an excellent band under the direction of Paul McGuire ensured musical and visual variety.

Hannah Jones has a big, rich voice heard to best effect inZ Bring Him Home,Za song fromZLes MiserablesZrarely sung by a woman or so movingly.

Johanne Murdock was a versatile singer, whether tackling numbers in a pop or musical comedy style.

Philip Hazelby was a nifty dancer with a light comic touch to his singing and to his interjections as Wilmot pretended to be losing touch with the thread of the show. Some chance!

Mark Joseph had an attractive voice and proved a good foil to any member of the cast who needed one.

I felt that Wilmot was at his best in a non-show tune,ZMr Bo Jangles,Zand I liked, too, hisZWhere is Love,Zsung to the accompaniment of Missak Tackoushian's acoustic guitar, and an emotional version ofZOl' Man River.

At one stage he sang Happy Birthday to You to members of the audience who were celebrating birthdays this week. He sang it in the style they requested and did not demur at a request for a classical version.

Happy Birthday to You in the manner of Pavarotti'sZNone Shall SleepZwas indeed a showstopper. DOREEN CROWTHER

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