On a recent visit to Brick Lane Music Hall, theatre critic, Johnny Mans had the time of his life. As well as the high standard of the show and the impressive service from dedicated staff, he particularly singled out for praise Vincent Hayes and his tribute to Danny La Rue.

During my lengthy career in showbiz I’ve been lucky enough (and honoured) to meet many major stars throughout the world of entertainment, and also shaken hands with numerous members of the Royal Family, including The Queen and The Queen Mother. In fact I still look back at my good fortune and must admit, I’ve been thrilled to be invited to countless exciting and prestigious events, many that will eventually find a place in my memoirs, whenever I find time to write them!

However, one person I’m really in awe of is VINCENT HAYES, now celebrating 25 years at the helm of the ever-popular Brick Lane Music Hall, which is a thriving business near City Airport in London and is always packed to the rafters. It also has an incredible atmosphere like you’ve never experienced before. Vincent is not only an hilarious comedian, a dancer, a singer, an entrepreneur and an impresario, but as a businessman he has created a unique niche in the entertainment business that is second to none. He also has an outreach wing that provides entertainment for Care Homes and Schools and although he has a well-deserved MBE for his charitable work, in my eyes a Knighthood would not go amiss.

On a recent visit to the venue by my wife Becky and myself we witnessed a superb 25th Anniversary show which was beautifully costumed, wonderfully choreographed, and incorporated snippets of Vincent’s past presentations including an Irish section, a James Bond theme, Music Hall, and even a smattering of good old pantomime fun.

The show itself was preceded by a scrumptious three course meal, served by loyal smartly dressed and extremely courteous staff, most of whom were celebrating Ramadan, which must have made it hard work to actually serve food to customers, whilst personally fasting at the same time.

The show was one of the most enjoyable we’ve seen in many a long year and was produced by Vincent’s long-standing business partner Zara, who has been with him since day one, and also had hilarious writing and comic performances from comedian Paul James and Vincent himself. The other multi-talented artistes in the cast all performed to an amazingly high standard and when Vincent told the story of how the legendary Danny La Rue helped him in the early days, Vincent then followed this with an incredibly lifelike tribute to Danny, dressed in Danny’s own costume and singing Danny’s songs … it actually brought tears to the eyes of both my wife and myself … and if ever a movie was made of Danny’s life story, Vincent should be the one to play the unforgettable Dan the Man

“It’s the best ever! We loved it!”

Johnny Mans, Encore Magazine