That evergreen and popular performer James Pellow returned to The Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth at the end of May.

Joining him on stage in 'An Evening with James Pellow' were three faces well-known on the East Devon theatrical scene, Gillian Coley, Janet Farrow, and Mark Rose, together with Musical Director 'extraordinaire' John Griswold.

A display of pink and floral backdrops against the black curtains, tall pot plants and an attractive arrangement  of flowers, made for a welcoming scene for the action to come, and things certainly set off with a bang!

The irascible MD took umbrage immediately with James’s rendition of Baby Face, and Stage Manager Janet Farrow quickly made her presence felt by putting him immediately into 'blackout', showing who was really in charge! James commented that hopefully Gillian would be joining them soon if her bus was on time, and the audience was immediately in stitches! 

Seated in an impressive colour co-ordinated chair at the front of the stage James proceeded to reminisce over the past decades, when it wasn’t the done thing to eat or drink in the street, with delightful anecdotes, impressing that 'we should never lose touch with silly'.

We remembered Kathy Kirby’s red lips – a look that could easily be achieved with 'red Smarties', Hilda Baker, Beryl Reid, and the incomparable Joyce Grenfell – great stuff!

There were some fun sketches with Janet, Gillian and Mark involving mistaken identity, spiders, and centipedes! Throughout it all James dashed around in a multitude  of jackets, some with diamond-studded lapels, and we were treated to some memorable songs: Rhinestone Cowboy, Lose it at the Astor, once banned by the BBC, Be like the Kettle and Smile.

Tony Hill, with Mark’s assistance, put his magic touch on sound and lighting. Interval teas and coffees were served in aid of Children's Hospice South West and, in memory of Ken Davis, another local theatrical who died earlier this year, a donation from the show was made to FORCE Cancer Support.

A special evening of laughter and giddy fun – yes it most certainly was, and raised more than just a Smile.