How do you imitate a renown drunk and keep a clear head? Rat Pack tribute singer Wayne Kennedy tells us.
Entertainers come and go but some defy fashions and trends to become such icons that the mention of their name provides an unforgettable image. The Rat Pack is one such collection – the legendary group who not only raised hell but also entertained millions during the sixties in film, on TV but most memorably during live performances that have achieved almost mythical status.
The Rat Pack Spectacular Show is a tribute to these men (plus, occasionally, women) that has been touring for eleven years and will be playing the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham on Thursday 26th September. We spoke to the show’s founder, Wayne Alexander, who also plays Dean Martin, and asked him the background behind the production
“It’s about probably the most iconic show in the history of entertainment, which is the Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Dean Martin – live at the Sands Hotel, Las Vegas in 1966. It’s not a strictly accurate copy, because it does include numbers that were written after that time. My Way, Mr Bojangles and New York, New York; in the public’s perception they were the biggest songs and we can’t leave them out. There are also one or two changes because what worked in the States during the sixties might not work in the UK now but on the whole it’s an authentic Rat Pack performance.”
Who will be appearing in the Birmingham production?
“There’s myself playing Dean Martin, Roman Marek is Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis will be played by Jim Whitley, who not only has a fabulous voice but he also played for Manchester City and won caps for Northern Ireland.”
That word ‘iconic’. It’s appropriate because the Rat Pack are probably the coolest collection of guys ever. Yes, the music was great but even without that, the image has also stood the test of time.
“Without a doubt. The two words that sum it up are ‘Timeless class.’ There’s never been a point in time when ladies don’t want to dress up to go out, it seems to have that special aura about it. “
And even if they hadn’t been singers, looking at photographs you can tell that they’re something special, they would still have made it because they had such charisma. Of course, it’s ironic now that Sinatra is the best-remembered member when at the time the situation was much different.
“Dean Martin was a major league entertainer before the Rat Pack, much bigger than Frank Sinatra. He had his own TV show. In 1963 the Beatles were everything, they had something like six of the top ten records in American but Dean knocked them off the number one slot with Everybody Loves Somebody, then when they finished at the Sands it was more expensive to see Dean than it was to see the others. Frank hadn’t had My Way or New York, New York, but then he re-invented himself. Times change, he was considered unsuitable for national television in the fifties because of his arrogance and certain other things, then the Vietnam war came along so times became more anti-establishment and easy-going. And of course, by that time what had been unsuitable in the fifties added to his reputation twenty years later when the time was right for him. Everybody loves an old rogue.”
The music has come back now with Robbie Williams and Westlife recording swing era music and bringing it to a new audience.
“The age range at our shows never ceases to amaze me. It’s right across the board. One thing I do insist on at bigger venues such as the Alex is that children are admitted free in some of the seats. It’s a class show, it can get a bit wild but there’s no bad language so it’s suitable for all ages.”
Finally, you must be asked this question in every interview but you’re Dean Martin. Do you drink as much as he did?
“Not these days. I drink very little now. But you know, in reality it was Frank and Sammy who were the big drinkers. Dean was the family man of the trio.”
The Rat Pack Spectacular Show is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, on Thursday 26th September. Tickets are available from the box office on 0121 230 9077 or at www.atgtickets.com
