UK REVIEW
TONY WAYNE
Ossett Central Club- Yorkshire
May 2025
Reviewer: Mark Ritchie
Fans of the now retired singer and entertainer Tony Wayne came from far and wide for the stars final Clubland performance. Before becoming ill, Tony never had a chance to say farewell in true Clubland style. He recently took part in a charity event at which he assumed the role of Compere, but here was Mr Wayne showing his entire repertoire, with many old fans out front cheering him on.
There was the accustomed comedy element to the evening, with tales of Tony’s Yorkshire upbringing. Those of us with long memories can fondly recall his status as ‘Clubland’s Boy Wonder’, during which time he began his long reign as Clubland royalty. What I suspect were comically embellished stories of his family life, growing up in a Yorkshire mining village were all received in the same manner as they were delivered.
Tony Wayne comes from a generation when audiences were respectful and artistes visiting the clubs dressed to impress. It therefore goes without saying that this star was dressed to the nines for his final bow in Clubland. The only big difference here is that this artiste also comes from an age when all the clubs worth playing employed live musicians to back the artistes. Here was Tony singing along to some recorded backing.
Throughout the evening, Tony gave us everything from the swinging 60’s to a whole segment of renditions from the musicals. Due to his ongoing work as a singing teacher, Tony has garnered fair praise and gathered a whole small army of younger fans, who he has helped onto the road which he followed for over five decades as a professional entertainer.
The showbusiness road and what remains of the once great Clubland scene looks very different these days. Many of the clubs and most of the great Clubland artistes are now gone forever alas. With characters like Tony Wayne still very much alive and kicking, as least we have the memories. Thanks for the memories Tony!
