Pop star turned vicar shares his memories of a Scottish musical great
Three stars
To paraphrase Joni Mitchell, the last time I saw Richard was Dundee in '87. He'd been appearing at the city's Caird Hall as one half of the synth-pop duo, The Communards. Now, minus the keyboards and Jimmy Somerville, he was back onstage performing in another grand Scottish auditorium. His Borderline National Trinket tour dangled the promise of an evening of anecdotes, gossip, wit and wisdom.
Reverend Richard Coles has pretty much (dog) collared the market in adorable vicars. 'We love you!' Someone yelled as he settled himself down on a barstool and prepared to take us with him on his journey from pop star to parson, broadcaster and best-selling author.
He's a skilled raconteur, a masterful spinner of yarns. Oh, and the gossip's good. Fancy spilling more tea, vicar? Don't mind if I do. Tales of his time on I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! are met with a more muted response.
Jimmy Somerville and Richard Coles (Image: McKormack, Candia) 'You lot are probably too busy watching Antiques Roadshow,' he joked. A scan of the room suggests he could be right. This crowd are definitely more fans of Richard the Rev than Richard the former raver.
Memories of Jimmy Somerville hit the mark, though. Who knew the wee man was such a big fan of French enamel cookware? The story of Jimmy's mum, Annie and her pal, Chrissie, on board a cruise he'd paid for will stay with me for a long time. Jimmy's misbehaviour with a matador will too, but for very different reasons. The love and respect Richard feels for his former band mate is tangible.
Kettering, Cumbernauld, crime novels, religion, Strictly and the King of Norway all feature. The subject matter is as diverse as Richard's career path. The congregation are enthralled. He's preaching to the converted. Just call him The Sermonator.
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It's a long show, though. Perhaps a tad too long. The second hour is devoted to a Q&A. Audience participation can be problematic, but I'm in full agreement with the bloke who jotted down, 'Why are we writing this show for you?'
The tour title comes from a comment made by Richard's late husband, David. After hearing someone at a party describing Richard as a national treasure, David had jokingly replied that he was more like a borderline national trinket.
Trinket or treasure, take your choice. There's a strong argument he could lay claim to both.
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