Man makes unearthly music from household objects with hilarious results
A wacky musician who wowed Britain's Got Talent (BGT) judges had pensioners in stitches. Dennis Frere-Smith moved from the sublime to the ridiculous when performing in Caernarfon, Gwynedd.
After a rousing rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In, the veteran entertainer put aside his trumpet to produce some unearthly but hilarious tunes on a teapot, a garden hose and even a shower head.
The routine, which also included a sink plunger and watering can, was similar to the one that won him acclaim on BGT last year. After initially rolling his eyes, judge Simon Cowell gave him a standing ovation.
At the time, Amanda noted: 'It just reminded me of good old fashioned entertainment. There is no other show on earth where you'd be able to play a hosepipe – perfect for Britain's Got Talent.'
There was also a thumbs-up from fellow judge Alesha Dixon but Bruno Tonioli described Dennis's performance as a 'waste of wind'. Dennis advanced onto the following round and performed his routine on the famous London Palladium stage - but he failed to reach the show's semi-finals.
Despite this, his crowd-pleasing performance at Pendine Park's Bryn Seiont care home in Caernarfon was definitely a Golden Buzzer moment. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
Among those to get out of her seat was Betty Driver, 87, a former professional dancer who often performed at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. 'That was a great show, I really enjoyed it,' she enthused. 'I couldn't help but get up and dance to some of the songs.'
(Image: Mandy Jones)
Dennis sang and played a selection of hits ranging from Frank Sinatra to Bobby Darin and Cliff Richard. He also performed a medley of wartime songs in preparation for VE Day in May.
'It's a Long Way to Tipperary' had a special meaning for Ethna Williams, originally from County Dublin, Ireland, who latterly lived near Holyhead. She said: 'It was lovely to hear him sing and especially when he came up to me (during the song) and held my hand.'
Former police officer David Edwards, from Dolwyddelan, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, correctly identified the opening bars of 'Bring Me Sunshine', a song regularly sung by comic duo Morecambe and Wise on their TV shows.
He then joined Dennis to recreate the dance Eric and Ernie did as they left the stage. 'I enjoyed Dennis' singing very much,' he said. 'He's got a very fine voice and he's a very talented musician.'
(Image: Mandy Jones)
Dennis, from Norfolk, rounded off his hour-long session with a stirring version of You'll Never Walk Alone. Now in his late-60s, Dennis joined the Scots Guards as a musician on leaving school and later became a teacher before becoming a full-time musician and entertainer.
He said: 'I was teaching music at a school in Buckinghamshire and was asked to take a group to entertain at a care home. There was no one available so I went along and did it myself – and I've been visiting care homes ever since.
'My mother is now in her 90s and I know how much pleasure elderly people get from music. I enjoyed performing for the residents here in Caernarfon very much, they were a great audience.'
(Image: Mandy Jones)
Dennis said his BGT appearance last year had since given him new ideas for his act. 'Amanda Holden challenged me to play When the Saints Go Marching In and go faster and faster – and with other instruments,' he said.
'So I've prepared a backing track with the help of my son and added a watering can and a funnel to the others that I play. I'm hoping to develop a new show for the theatre and cruise ships market.'
Nia Davies Williams is Bryn Seiont Newydd's musician in residence. She was blown away by the performance, saying it evoked happy musical memories for the residents. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
'The effect of music is well known,' she said. 'It seems to linger longer even among those for whom a simple conversation seems to be very difficult. Having Dennis her to sing those old familiar songs from their earlier years does the residents the power of good.'
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