The Val Doonican Show

- Season 3

(1973)

With a song and a smile and a barrel of blarney, the oh-so-relaxed Mr Doonican presents the first of his new series of variety shows. Variety there certainly is with the sweet singing of Olivia newton-John, the mystifying magic antics of David Nixon, the crazy antics of Dailey and Wayne and the oompah of Acker Bilk. Plus the soft Irish humour of the lad himself.

Another hour of tip-top entertainment from Val and his guests. Joining the boy from Waterford this week are the lovely Anita Harris, Bobby Crush, the young pianist who has been making such a hit since his Opportunity Knocks debut last year and from Greece, the Trio Athenee. If that's not enough, there's also the gravel voiced comedian and singer Johnny Hackett. Fancy footwork comes from the Norman Maen dancers.

Whoever said opposites attract had the Val Doonican Show in mind. For anyone who's seen the most relaxed man in show business teamed up with the biggest bundle of energy in the game will know what to expect tonight. What's Roy Castle doing? Well, he could be playing a kettle, as he did last time he appeared with Val, or even the kitchen sink which was one of the 40 "musical" instruments with which he recently set a world record. Also in the show is New Zealand's chart-topping singe Suzanne, music from the group Fabric and dancing from the Norman Maen Dancers.

Commuting from California, The New Seekers join Val Doonican as a prelude to a five-week tour of the north of England. They're bringing with them a new sound that's been secret up until now. No-one knows what line of Dublin chat we can expect from Mike Newman but we can be certain that Patricia Carroll will hit a high note. Fancy footwork as ever comes from the Norman Maen dancers and there's music from the group Fabric.

Joining Val Doonican and special guest Dickie Henderson a bit later than usual are singer Lena Martell and jazz violinist Stephan Grappelli. There's dancing from the Norman Maen dancers and more music from Kenny Woodman and his orchestra. The group Fabric will also be performing.