A comedy legend has a North East date on a tour of UK theatres - after unexpected encouragement from singing superstar Robbie Williams.
Tommy Cannon, one-half of the record-breaking double act Cannon and Ball, is stopping off at the Middlesbrough Theatre on Friday, November 1 during his tour.
A household name responsible for some 20 million plus viewers during his peak time Saturday evening TV shows, Tommy is heading out on his first UK solo theatre tour at the age of 86 after heartbreakingly losing his much-loved comedy partner Bobby Ball during Covid.
Tommy said: “Sadly, during Covid Bobby passed away and suddenly, I felt extremely vulnerable, desperately low and hugely depressed.
"My confidence had gone as I had lost my entertainment soul mate and partner of nearly six decades. I just felt lost and sad."
The rise of Cannon and Ball was a classic tale of working-class lads that were catapulted to fame via social clubs and would eventually lead them to record-breaking summer and panto shows as they headlined in theatres across the UK.
Tommy said: "I can’t wait to get started with my solo tour – I think that at the age of 86 it’s likely to be some kind of a record breaker when it comes to debut tours.
“I want to thank so many special friends that have helped me put the past behind me and have been encouraging me to step out again."
He added: "I am really looking forward to getting back to Middlesbrough. Teesside holds many special memories for me as Cannon and Ball played so many of the wonderful venues in that area. The iconic Club Fiesta in Norton, owned by the Lipthorpe family springs to mind immediately.
"The visit to the area will be hugely emotional for me as one of my last performances with Bobby was just along the road at the Billingham Forum Theatre in March 2020 when we played to a full house and received a huge ovation."
Tommy revaled that the tour was inspired by meeting Robbie Williams. Robbie invited Tommy and his family to his last tour as special guests.
During the concert Robbie introduced Tommy to the 22,000 crowd and had everyone chanting his name.
Tommy said: "I honestly didn’t realise that people would still feel that love. When I got home, I thought about it and decided 'why not'?
Read more:
- Comedy legend takes final bow at record-breaking County Durham panto
- Laugh me a laugh: Legends of Variety head to the North East
- Cannon and Ball to star in new play at Darlington Hippodrome
"I still have an audience out there, it’s just that like me, they are a little older. That night in front of Robbie was a real game-changer."
In his show, 'Rock On Tommy’, he will chat through his memories of working at the very top of his profession featuring many classic clips. The evening will include support from some of his favourite acts.
Rock on Tommy plays the Middlesbrough Theatre on Friday, November 1 at 7.30pm Tickets available HERE.
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