Shropshire Star

Doreen gets last laugh at Telford Big Top show

Hundreds of people turned out for the last show celebrating Telford's 50th anniversary.

Published
Doreen Tipton

The Telford50 Big Top, set up in the town's park, was home to performances by some of the biggest names in music and comedy for the last two weeks.

And, apart from last week's controversial no-show from classical boy band Collabro, it has been a big success.

On Friday night a packed house enjoyed a performance by Queen of the Black Country Doreen Tipton.

And The Big Sing Gospel Choir rounded out the fortnight of shows on Saturday.

Telford & Wrekin Council spokesman Russell Griffin said: "The Big Sing Gospel Voices was a fantastic end to our run in the Big Top celebrating Telford50.

"We would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the event and others throughout the Big Top series."

Doreen Tipton made a royal visit after travelling down the M54 for Telford’s 50th birthday celebrations.

The Queen of the Black Country came to the stage looking rightly regal – dressed as a Poundland Britannia, complete with plastic bag cape and bin lid shield.

And the Telford50 Big Top proved an ideally-intimate venue for the YouTube character turned regional icon when she performed her greatest hits on Friday night.

Audience

The self-professed "lazy cow" was anything but in a two-hour show that included multiple costume changes, songs and even a bit of audience participation.

Between segments, Doreen sat on a leopard-print sofa and ate crisps while new sketches or old video clips played on a giant screen.

And while it may have been the character’s scowling face that brought in the nearly 1,000-strong crowd, actress Gill Jordan proved she was much more than just that one character.

An impression of Margaret Thatcher drew boos from sections of the audience – a testament to her spot-on performance and not a reaction to the material.

And other original characters were given time to shine as well, demonstrating both Gill’s ability as a actress and singer.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s relatively small Big Top gave a great chance to shine.

The shows over the fortnight were held to celebrate both the 50th anniversary of Telford and of Oakengates Theatre. It included performances by tenor Russell Watson, Dara O Briain, Al Murray, Boyzlife and S Club.

Collabro failed to appear on stage on Thursday blaming technical issues, disappointing a large crowd.