The Chequermead Arts Centre at East Grinstead, in Sussex, was full, mostly with GK Club members, and we were not disappointed. He started with his own re-worded version of "All By Myself" with a lyric about himself, alone at the Chequermead Arts Centre. cleverly worded, followed by "All I care about is love", from the musical Chicago.Next came a song of his music and lyrics by Ira Gasman, "Don't take candy from strangers". Then he donned a glittering trilby and sang the fun song, "Gone Hollywood" complete with high kicks while sat at the piano! "One life to live", a song written with Ned Sherrin was sung in remembrance of Ned. A special guest at the Theatre was Chris Hutchinson, son of 'Hutch' and Gerard sung a song Hutch made famous called "These foolish things". "Shine on" is a song from a musical he and Drey Shepperd wrote for Gloria Swanson. To round of the first half he sang the Beach Boy Bruce Johnston song, "I write the songs". Act two A rousing start to the second half was, "Nickles and dimes" Then came some particular piano wizardry and part of the Cole Porter song, "Anything goes", and the whole of "Let's misbehave". "The world is waiting for the sunrise/Bye Bye Blackbird" was a medley we all joined in with. Next was an old song with a verse before the song. Gerard sang the verse and challenged us to identify the song, few were able, but it was, "Never the less". Part of a song for the first grandchild in his family, "Emily" was next, then a parody of the song, Things ain't what they used to be, with new words from his mother-in-law, Di's and renamed "Things like they always used to be". His evergreen song "New York New York" as always, brought the house down! Then a few part songs, "Song for Guy/Your song/It's alright with me" and after chat about meeting Elton John, he played and sung, "Honky Cat". A few more 1950's part songs, with a Cole Porter song thrown in, "La bamba/Do I love you do I/Tears on my pillow" was followed by Jerry lee Lewis' "Great balls of fire" To end the second half he sang a song pinched from a friend, Alan Stewart, "The curtain falls". He was called back for an encore and sang, "I made it through the rain". As he was taking bows, the PA system played "Goodnight Sweetheart" and not to miss a challenge he sat back at the piano and we all joined in with the song. Another great night with a man of many talents. It's good to see and hear Gerard back on 'our stage' after all he only lives, 'just down the road!' and maybe nearly 100% full health. One thing is for sure, on this night he gave 100% effort and brilliance and entertained us royally.
The G K Club,
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