Tuesday 24 January 2012

Review: Sara Cheston At Peek A Booze, and Parks Art Deco Cafe, Blackpool

Having followed talented and highly versatile singer Sara Cheston with and without her band That Swing Thing for some time, we had a real treat last Sunday.

First of all lunch at the Parks Art Deco Café in Blackpool’s Stanley Park, where Sara was appearing with her band.  Sara sang several old favourites, along with some we had not heard her sing before, such as Noel Coward’s “Mad About The Boy” plus a salute to Etta James who died last week with “I just want to make love to you”.

Then later on in the evening, Sara performed minus the band at the recently-opened Peek-a-Booze Cabaret Bar in Dickson Road, Blackpool.   With a select audience of friends and admirers, Sara asked what we wanted to hear and sang pretty much to order.   Old favourites, such as “Mambo Italiano”, “If you’re good to Mama” (from Chicago), mingled with more modern songs such as “The Apartment”, some Liza Minelli with “Cabaret” and my own favourite (which I’ve never heard anyone sing live before) “Losing my Mind” and some Shirley Bassey with “What now, my love” to name but a very few.  Sara sang from 9 p.m. until late with very short breaks.  She is amazing.

Peek-a-Booze has a wonderful warm, welcoming atmosphere and gorgeous resident DJ Cybil Du Vuax – who also performed some Bassey and Bette Midler numbers – makes you feel welcome from the moment you step through the door.  The music is fantastic and not too loud; they also have a great selection of drinks at very reasonable prices and in case you don’t feel like driving home, there is a hotel attached.

Unfortunately, we had to leave before the end of the show and missed Cybil’s impersonation of Danny la Rue.

Sara Cheston with That Swing Thing will be at the Parks Art Deco Café in Stanley Park, Blackpool on Sunday, 5th February from 13.00 to 15.00 and at Peek-a-Booze on 12th February from around 8 p.m.

Sara Cheston on her own appears regularly at Peek-a-Booze so check out their website where you will also find mention of the other talented local singers who entertain there on a regular basis, such as Kristian (who is organising the charity event on 26th February) and Liam Halewood.

On 26th February 2012 Peek-a-Booze are hosting an event in aid of Blue Skies Hospital Fund and Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Cancer Unit.  Starting at 2 p.m. and going on until late, there will be a multitude of talent performing for your entertainment, including singers, magicians, a hypnotist.  There will be a raffle and entry is free – a golden opportunity to hear Sara, Kristian and Liam sing and of course Cybil Du Vuax - so don’t miss it.

Sara’s pupils will be entertaining at the Blackpool Grand Theatre’s “Schools Alive” on Monday, 30th January.

72 – 74 Dickson Road, Blackpool FY1 2AR

Parks Art Deco Café, West Park Drive, Stanley Park, Blackpool, FY3 9EQ http://www.parksartdecocafe.co.uk/