Here is a selection of the vast amount of mail we have received in tribute to LONNIE DONEGAN and LONNIE 'D' The Musical

Dear Sharon,

We both thought it was an excellent show. I must admit to being a little nervous of it beforehand, but was really pleased that it came across so well.
It was a bright, happy show which I think appeals to all audiences not just LD fans.
By the way it was received on Sunday, I think it proves it. The standing ovation at the end was given enthusiastically and not forced.
My favourite pieces were the Pick a Bale of Cotton routine, Seven Daffodils, Nobody`s Child and of course Rock Island Line. I thought Peter did well to sing Rocks in my Bed so well and his Chesapeake Bay was another highlight. As I said on Sunday the 3 man singing group were great as was the comedienne and the girls.

Barbara Jones

'LONNIE D' Show Croydon - Mike Mayne

Saw the show at Croydon - thought it was absolutely unbelievabe. I cannot wait to see it again. The whole producton was hugely entertaining with everyone on stage being totally brilliant especially Peter Donegan and Paul Henry. The unusual site of a fairly elderly audience  at a packed Ashcroft Theatre
giving the stars a standing ovation was something to behold. Is the plan to take the show to the West End - it deserves to be there?

LONNIE D' Show Croydon - Dave Cockle

"The legend lives on"  Just to add my voice to many others sitting around me, a fantastic show!  My eyes were damp for the first four songs, and me, a 67 year old grown man!  You guys just hit the button!
I first heard Lonnie, live on the Light Programme, BBC jazz club I think it was. I think at that time he hadn't even recorded "The Rock Island Line" so you can see I was there at the start of it all.  Over the years I have enjoyed his concerts, both big venues and small where he was so accessible to his fans.
After sending him a "get well card" for his first "by-pass" I received a very nice letter from him in reply.
Both Peter and Anthony have had a hard act to follow and they've done their Father justice, so thank you boys, you were wonderful. I can't wait till April to see you all again at the "Hazlit" in Maidstone.
Very best wishes to you, your Mother and all the Donegan family.

Dave Cockle (East Malling, Kent )

PS:  When Lonnie toured America I remember hearing him sing "I'm Nobodies Child" with a group of, I believe, gospel singers, if you have details of a record of that I would be delighted to obtain a copy. Thanks.

'LONNIE D' Show Hayes - Alan Parsons

Well done Gentleman,
I was at the Hayes performance of Lonnie D & was very impressed with the show.I remember seeing Lonnie there in the 1980's when let's face it ,he was not drawing large audiences.He put on a fantastic show & my friend Martin who is a musician & attended with me will always remember Lonnie's opening line.What are all these people doing in my room? He thought that was hilarious. Anyway back to Lonnie D,it was good to hear the lesser played songs that I know Lonnie was not keen on like My Old Mans A Dustman & Does Your Chewing Gum etc.Also great to hear I'll Never Fall In Love Again & my fave 7 Golden Daffodils. I have been a fan since 1958 when my Dad bought the Stackalee,Jessie James,Railroad Bill EP.
I last saw Lonnie at Guildford in 2001 supported by Geno W,& he was still putting in so much effort into his performance & he did a great version of 7 Golden Daffodils,obviously one of his faves. Good luck with the show & I am delighted to see so many dates booked for 2005.I will certainly be going again.

'LONNIE D' Show Croydon - Pete Fyfe
Live Show review

Hi
This review will shortly be appearing on the www.folking.com website and numerous other music publications. Hopefully it might also appear in the Croydon Guardian as well. In the meantime many congratulations on a great show!..

The Story Of Lonnie Donegan – Fairfield Halls, Croydon (16.11.04)
Since I was a young boy (now where have I heard that before?) I’ve always thought that the Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon was best suited for productions of touring shows and on Tuesday night I was proved right. The intimacy of the theatre lent, atmospherically speaking a great deal towards enhancing a brash but highly entertaining performance of The Story Of Lonnie Donegan.

The first half opened with a paired down retrospective of the great man’s career encapsulating his (nearly) 50 years in the business. The show centred on the Froffy Coffy Bar and introduced us to the exploits of the young people who gathered there and of course their adulation of a certain Mr Donegan. The story also introduced the two main protagonists Lonnie’s sons Peter and Anthony who managed to condense their dad’s career in record time with power charged renderings of his greatest hits helped visually by the large screen photographic montage. On the one hand it was Peter’s Sylvia Young stage school training that provided the (at times) over the top gesticulations from a theatrical point of view but it was Anthony’s striking resemblance in vocal presentation, features and mannerisms that provided you with his dad’s persona. Rattling along in a series of quick chance routines the ensemble left the audience almost breathless in Pump Boys and Dinettes fashion. From acoustic ballads to bursts of true rock ‘n’ roll the band played up a storm and whilst those of a more cynical nature may have thought that the cast played fast and loose with some of the repertoire you couldn’t help but be impressed by the dynamics of it all. The hits came faster than a speeding bullet and included ‘Putting On The Style’, ‘Pick A Bale Of Cotton’, ‘Have A Drink On Me’, ‘Battle Of New Orleans’ and of course, ‘My Old Man’s A Dustman’. You see what I mean. Give the audience what they want and they’ll give the artists the response they require.

There were so many highlights such as the Stomp inspired 5 drummers and dustbins routine that I was seriously in danger in running out of ink! The adrenalin was certainly pumping because the well-rehearsed routines didn’t let up for a second and the outstanding musical contribution of guitarist Paul Henry (I haven’t heard the like since the days of Jackie McAuley) were truly stunning. Come to think of it, the Ever Ready batteries must have been super charged tonight because the show just whistled by and by the end of the performance the entire audience rose as one to show their appreciation. Now I know it might not be very PC to applaud tribute shows but for me - much like I’m sure the Abba tribute next month featuring Bjorn Again will be sold out – all of the cast gave value for money and really, who can ask for more?

LONNIE D' Show Reddich - John Shopland

Superb,Fantastic oh what a show ! We had a superbly enjoyable evening entertained by a very professional cast. Planning to see it again at Leamington Spa in November. May this show succeed where ever it goes.

LONNIE D' Show Stoke - Geoff Green

Saw the show at the Stoke venue on 26/03/05, The show was asolutely brill, could`nt fault it .Felt for the boys and the cast with the theatre only being half full. We travelled from Cannock in Staffs which is about 30 miles away. Surprised the show never came to Wolverhampton where Lonnie had a lot of fans there. There were four of us and we really enjoyed it, The first LP I ever got was of Lonnie way back. I'm 65 now and still enjoy his music. Give my best wishes to the cast.

LONNIE D' Show Swindon - Pam

Thankyou so much for putting on the LONNIE D' musical here in Swindon, recommended by CHAS'N'DAVE when we saw them in January. It was a wonderful time, magical. I never got to see Lonnie when he was alive but on Wednesday night it felt like he was really there. To meet Tony and Peter after the show was wonderful, they signed my poster and CD. Thank you again and keep up the good work.

LONNIE D' Show Leeds - Sandra Brooksbank

Just had to write and say congratulations and many thanks for such a superb night out Sunday 10th April at the Grand Theatre Leeds. Although I was always a fan of Lonnie Donegan I have to admit that the main reason for going to this show was built on the strength of seeing Peter and Leah Bell in a show in Jersey two years ago - another night out that I will always remember despite being subject to Leah's amazing humour by being a front row "stooge"!!
On both occasions I have come away breathless at the overwhelming energy and professional presentation that Peter continually supplies - what a marvellous personality this man has, his Dad would have been so proud. Really hope his career will continue to expand even more and we get the chance to see much more of this very talented artist.

LONNIE D' Show Frome - Brian & Anne Ramsbottom

Ann and I thoroughly enjoyed the show.
 
The first half was a lively resume of Lonnie's show business life interspersed with songs of Lonnie Donegan by the whole cast.
 
The second half reflected a Lonnie Donegan concert with his sons Peter and Anthony fronting the show and brother David together with members of Lonnie's Skiffle Group, Paul Henry, Chris Hunt and Eddie Masters.  Members of the cast joined in with some of the numbers.
 
It was nice to meet up with Paul Henry before the show started and to meet Lonnie's sons Peter and Anthony after the show, when they signed the programme to Ann, who shares Lonnie's birthday later this month on the 29th April.
 
An entertaining evening.
 
We'll keep a look out for when the show is in our area again or for when the boys are in concert.
 
Best wishes to all

LONNIE D' Show Frome - Sandra Gaisford

Saw the show last night at Frome Memorial Theatre. 
 
The show was first class entertainment, lively and FUN.  Nostalgic too.  The high point for me was the terrific rendition of Rock Island Line....GREAT.
 
Congratulations to all the cast and crew and especially to Peter and Tony.  They have certainly inherited their father's talent and charisma.

LONNIE D' Show Camberley - Pat Evans

We thoroughly enjoyed the show tonight and thought it was a wonderful performance.  The energy and total professionalism of the cast was wonderful.  We have friends in Dorset who would love to see the show but, apart from tomorrow, you don't have a date for that area.

LONNIE D' Show Yeovil - Pete

Hi Just like to say what a great show Lonnie D proved to be. A talented and hard working cast, great band and congrats to Peter and Anthony for giving their all. Having seen the great man himself on many occasions I was really struck by the astonishing similarity of Tony's singing to that of Lonnie and Peter has clearly inherited Lonnie's stage presence and movements.
While these two boys continue to perform, Lonnie's music is very much alive and in good hands.
Keep up the good work boys - your Dad would have been so proud of you!

LONNIE D' Show Durham Gala Theatre

Hi, I saw Lonnie D' The Musical at the Gala Theatre Durham and it was the best show Iv'e seen in a long time, it's a show Iwould go and see again, brilliant!

LONNIE D' Show Scarborough Futurist Theatre- Janet & Kirstie

Hi peter and all the cast, what a show, the best Ihave ever seen. I was so impressed Isaw the show 3 times & met you all personally. You have completely opened my eyes and converted me into a Lonnie Donegan fan. Peter your mum must be so proud of you and your dad too. Keep up the good work all of you. Best wishes to you all.

Janet & Kirstie from SPOILT 4 CHOICE at the back of the stage door.
Will see you again. Janet x

LONNIE D' Show Scarborough Futurist Theatre- Joshua

Hi Peter & the rest of the cast. I came to see your show twice at the futurist theatre in Scarborough. I am only 9 years old but I enjoyed it so much. I have framed the T shirt peter signed for me. Thank you so much for a great time. Please thank Peter and the rest of the cast for putting on such an entertaining show, I would love to see you all again.

Joshua (Scarborough)

LONNIE D' Show Billingham Forum Theatre- Alan Candish

Hi Everyone

My wife and I saw the musical when it first opened in Whitley Bay a year ago and, being a devoted Lonnie fan since the late 50's, I was determined to see it again, sooner or later. Consequently when it was staged in Billingham, I decided to make the trip from Tyneside and persuaded my sister and her husband to come with us. My sister's mother-in-law (now 80) was also keen to go and, surprisingly, so was her daughter (15).

It clearly demonstrates the appeal of the show right across the age spectrum that everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Mary (the 80 year old) virtually danced her way back to the car. But the biggest impact among our group was on young Emma (15). She was clapping her hands throughout and howling with laughter at the gags in My Old Man's aDustman (obviously she had never heard them before).

The biggest accolade, however, came from my sister who, after bemoaning the fact that she must be getting old as she knew the words and managed to sing along with all the songs, confided to me "That is one show I would love to see again", echoing the very words that I had said to my wife as we left the Whitley Bay Playhouse a year ago.

OK, the show is a bit different now but the quality, the entertainment and the enjoyment is just a good. Brilliant!

Alan Candlish