One of this country’s favourite entertainers, Brian Conley will be returning to Churchill Theatre (Tue 27 March) as part of his 45th showbiz anniversary tour, Still The Greatest Entertainer – In His Price Range.
Brian will perform brand-new comedy, sketches and songs, alongside some of his best-known and loved retrospective material from the stage and screen.
Here, Brian tells us more about his cheeky show and famous doppelganger.
Hi Brian, we’re looking forward to you returning to Churchill Theatre.
I’ve played there a few times over the years. We filmed there a few years back because we wanted a live feel for a TV show and it worked really well. And of course, I’ve appeared there in panto too.
Tell us what we can expect from your new show, Still The Greatest Entertainer – In His Price Range?
This is my 45th year in the business, so I will be celebrating my illustrious career. It will be a potpourri of entertainment and a whole lot of fun. I like to wind up the audience. It will be a cheeky show, not rude but cheeky.
Can we expect any panto ad-libs or Strictly moves?
I’ll be opening with comedy and there will be songs from the musicals and a number of sketches. It’s a bit of everything with a lot of surprises thrown in. What can possibly go wrong with a trampoline and a member of the audience on stage while trying to recreate the famous lift from Dirty Dancing?
Our mind boggles. You’re a comedian, television presenter, singer and actor – what do you prefer?
I love it all. I’ve had the most incredible time and have been so lucky. I got my Equity card when I was 12 years old and at stage school and I have been earning money ever since. I paid for my own school fees.
What do you enjoy most about being on tour?
I like the feel of the commitment that I give, and the fact people have chosen to come and see me on their night out, possibly after a lovely meal – something they have been looking forward to for a while. It is a real buzz.
What is the secret of your success?
The fact that I love it, I love it all. I love being out there, meeting people and entertaining them. I have never courted press or fame, I just love to entertain. Even when I am on holiday with my family, if there is the opportunity for me to get up and entertain people, I will, even if we are somewhere people don’t know me.
Who is your inspiration?
I love funny people; Peter Sellers, Brucie in his heyday, Steve Martin, Bill Hicks and Tommy Cooper – he’s probably my favourite, he was such a naturally funny man. I bet if he asked for a cup of sugar people laughed.
Tell us about your doppelganger.
People are always mistaking me and Bradley Walsh for each other. We made a TV show about it last year and it was funny, we went for a break and a man come up to me saying, “I met you years ago” and went on to say, “Say hello to your manager for me”. When he said the manager’s name I realised he thought I was Bradley. It couldn’t have been timed more perfectly.
Have you got a message for your Bromley audience?
Come along and have a laugh, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Tuesday 27 March
Brian Conley, Still The Greatest Entertainer – In His Price Range
Book now
Tickets range from £24.50-£29.00. Dining seats also available.
Call our Box Office on 020 3285 6000 or visit our website churchilltheatre.co.uk