Tommy Steeles Show & Curtain Call???

Tommy Steele returned to the stage of the London Palladium last night – and he didn’t want to leave it. From Dick Whittinton through The Tommy Steele Show and two runs apiece of Hans Andersen and Singin’ in the Rain, the chart-topper turned musical old pro has clocked up more performances (1,767) at this esteemed 2,300-seater than any other entertainer and this summer he earned a commemorative plaque in the theatre foyer to prove it (See News, 10 Jun 2005). During his second, solo curtain call after last night’s opening performance of Leslie Bricusse’s Dickens-inspired musical Scrooge, in which he plays the miserly title role, Steele urged the audience to “go home!” though he didn’t seem in any hurry to do so himself. He revelled in the audience’s standing ovation, squealing “I love the Palladium!” Amongst the celebrities in attendance were Peter Sissons, Philip Schofield, Gloria Hunniford, Tony Blackburn, Michelle Collins, Jeffrey Archer and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

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