Review: Bringing back the joy and power of song ‘The Ukulele Man’ is classic cabaret in fine form 

Review by Karlo Bran

The Ukulele Man tells the story of George Formby who at the time of the Second World War did his bit to entertain the British Armed Forces and gave a breath from home to the troops fighting on the frontline. He began his career as a successful stage performer, leading him to the fast evolving film industry and raising him to great fame in the 1930’s and 40’s. It was at this time he was considered the UK’s top entertainer and what this cabaret confidently unfolds.

Written and performed by Marcel Cole, The Ukulele Man keeps the audience attention with every word. The strength of the performance is in the smooth delivery of the character from its simple start to its certain end. The audience are all too familiar with the man at hand and his music, happily singing along to the memorable melodies and catchy chorus.

Cole’s delivery of this tale is a well accomplished display of storytelling,  bringing to life a glance of the charm that the original George Formby, one can assume, might have had in his time. His youthful and enthusiastic energy speaks for itself. He brings to life the joy and spirit of Formby and clearly denotes the reasons for the popularity of his success. Cole’s crisp clear voice, used both well for dialogue and song, adds an assurance to what the audience hears and a fair match to the scrip and it’s quirks.

Katie Cole perfectly builds the musicality of the show and is well connected to the compliments of the performance.  Accompanied by a piano and other clever musicality, including a ‘banjolele’, the show transitions through Formby’s life with clever direction (Mirjana Ristevski) and musical moments that comfortably entertain the mind.

The essence of the Anywhere Festival is fully encapsulated by the qualities that the venue (The Raven Hotel) brings to the performance. An intimate and quaint experience, so very personal, letting us, the audience, feel the full scope of every string strung.  It’s not often we get to hear the story of past unsung heroes and with its friendly songs and comedic charisma, the tale of Formby as told by Cole is a smooth ride, with charming moments and satisfying storytelling.