Tanya Cross, fan of BLAKE'S 7 and Steven Pacey, reviews BY JEEVES:

There was no scenery, only black curtains.  It opened with the local vicar
introducing the village hall musical evening, and the chair falling apart as
he does so. Straightforward slapstick, but very well done, and it set the
tone for the rest of the play. He eventually introduces Bertie, who is to play
his banjo, but much to music lovers' relief it has been stolen, and there is a
hour delay before they can get hold of another one.  Hence Jeeves' idea that
with the help of the hall's few props and some of his friends, Bertie can relate
some true stories about himself to the audience whilst awaiting the new
banjo.

I will not go into the story he retells, because it gets complicated, very
complicated, but for those of you who know some of the stories,  it's the
one where Bingo, Bertie, and Fink Nottle all end up changing names, as Bingo
and Fink Nottle try to get together with the ladies they love, and Bertie tries
to avoid them. 

Well, back to Steven.  I was sat on the edge of my seat awaiting Steven's first entrance for the
evening, and I wasn't disappointed.  He really has not changed much over the last 15 years. He is
still as thin and fit looking, his eyes are just as strongly blue, and that smile....mmm, that
smile!  And it was seen in abundance throughout the performance.  And what a
performance, not just by Steven but the whole cast.  For about the first 5 
minutes it was strange hearing Steven with an upper class accent, as I've only
ever heard him as himself or Tarrant really, but that soon wore off.  The
whole thing was hilarious, and yes, when the car was improvised by an
upturned table, sofa and boxes, the whole act was wonderful, the audience
was roaring.  One of my favourite moments was at this stage.  To avoid Honoria 
Glossop, Bertie with his back to us, leans into the car engine (a box) to
pretend to work on it,  and we got a lovely view of his rear, and what a
lovely rear it is.  Did I forget to mention, my seat was only about 15 ft. from
the stage!!  Lovely view   :-)

The songs are not Andrew Lloyd Webber's usual style,  the big show glossy
numbers,  but rather simpler.  Steven sang in all but one or two of
them, and his voice suited them well.  He has quite a good musical
voice, but it was a little difficult to tell from some of these songs, as
some of them were done in a more 'spoken' way, if that makes any sense.  I would
like to hear him sing more typical show tunes.

The show was about 2-1/4 hrs long overall, and apart from about 5 mins, Steven was on stage all
the time.  It must have been exhausting as the show is fast moving and energetic, but he looked,
sounded, and was, simply brilliant.

The show was totally absorbing after the first 10 minutes or so.  The
fact that there was no scenery, only glued together, shambolic, props and
lighting, worked really well, I got totally drawn in to what was going on.  It was
hugely fun, and the audience loved it.  I haven't seen so many eyes streaming
with laughter in a long time.

Tanya enjoyed it so much she went back to see again, this time waiting backstage for a chance to
see Steven:

I was a pathetic sight, getting as nervous as a schoolgirl.  By this time I was the only one left
outside, besides friends of the other actors waiting for them to come out. The other actors
eventually slowly trickled out, and then there was Steven....... <sighs deeply in remembrance>

I couldn't ask him straight away as he was talking to friends for a moment,
apologising for having to rush off.  I must have looked ridiculous loitering
next to them.  As he moved off I pounced (metaphorically of course... well
at least I hope it was).  I spoke to him of all of about 60 seconds, and stupidly at
this point, having been so overwhelmed, cannot remember precisely what he
said to me.  I'm sorry, but when those eyes and smile are aimed purely at you,
it's pretty devastating.  He looked wonderful, tired and flushed from the show,
but wonderful, and was very charming and polite, that I do remember.  He also
recalled me when he came to sign my program and asked my name.  Now this is
another fairly embarrassing confession, no I have never met him before, so
that wasn't what he recalled my name from, but rather a short note I wrote to
him earlier this week, C/O the theatre, about how much I had enjoyed the show.
It was really nice to know he had actually received it.  This again I have
ever done before, and felt very foolish doing it,  thinking he probably would
not get it anyway. He then took his leave and rushed off into the crowds.