By Andrew Clarke

Published at 11:07, Thursday, 28 June 2012

FOR a man who’s played the London Palladium, the Royal Albert Hall and even Sydney Opera House during a distinguished 50-year career, it would be easy to imagine Joe Longthorne wouldn’t get too excited about a gig at Whitehaven Civic Hall.

Joe Longthorne: “It’ll be my first time performing in Whitehaven – although I have visited before – and I can’t wait; it’ll be fantastic.”

However, it’s abundantly clear from speaking to Joe, ahead of his big gig in town tomorrow (Friday) night, that nothing could be further from the truth.

“It’ll be my first time performing in Whitehaven – although I have visited before – and I can’t wait; it’ll be fantastic,” said Joe.

“I love discovering new venues, big and small, and performing to people who may not have had the chance to see me before. I just love to perform.”

The Whitehaven show, A Man And His Music, comes at the end of a proud month for Joe, in which he learned he was to be awarded an MBE by the Queen in her Birthday Honours List. It’s in recognition of his tireless charity work for a host of organisations, including Breast Cancer Care, The Anthony Nolan Trust and The Terrence Higgins Trust.

“When I got the letter to inform me of the MBE, I was absolutely flabbergasted,” he said. “We had a great party that night, let me tell you!

“But although the focus is on me, I don’t think of the award as ‘mine’; I am accepting it on behalf of everyone who do such great work in all the charities I am involved with, and it’s a way of putting these charities in the spotlight.”

Tomorrow’s show will see Joe do what he does best – variety.

His own songs from his extensive back catalogue will be performed, alongside some of his trademark impersonations of the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Johnny Mathis and even Pavarotti.

“It’s a really nice show we’ve got, with something on offer for everyone.

“We’ve got two grand pianos on stage and I enjoy banter with the musicians, and we have George King on the bill, who is a superb comedian.

“And then it’s me, as I am, with no props, no make-up, just as I like it.”

Although he attracts a wide and varied fanbase, Joe is happy being an “old-fashioned performer”.

He has been performing since childhood – his mother was a traveller and his father a fairground worker – so he has grown up on the road.

An already experienced performer, he got his “big break” on talent show Search For A Star in 1981, and went on to present The Joe Longthorne Show from 1988 to 1991.

“I had failed auditions for Opportunity Knocks and New Faces before Search For A Star came along, and I am thankful for the opportunity that gave me.

“But I think you need a grounding in performing before you go on these TV talent shows.

“Clubs were soaring when I was starting out, and variety clubs were like college to me. They strengthen people and show them how to work, but good luck to anyone who wants to try their hand at a talent show; it’s not an easy thing to do but it can offer wonderful opportunities.”

Later years may have included “ups and downs” says Joe, not least his recent and, thankfully, successful battle with leukaemia, but he shows no signs of slowing down. Shows in Spain and the United States are set to follow his current 60-plus date UK tour.

“I suppose it goes to show that good old-fashioned variety is very much alive and well,” says Joe, “and it’s great to see all the new talent coming through – even if it is a dancing dog!”

The show begins at 7.30pm and tickets are £20 from the Civic Hall in person or on 01946 514960.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk