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Jimmy Greaves proves a crowd-pleaser at the Apex

REVIEW by Russell Claydon

THEY certainly don’t make them like they used to.

Jimmy Greaves, the man the great Pele declared the greatest goalscorer he has ever seen, can do far more than put a ball in the onion bag, on this showing.

Tears were rolling down faces at the Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday night as the former Spurs legend proved his worth as a top stand-up comic - for the last time by himself, after 15 years, before he joins up with Gazza.

Incredibly, Greaves went 30 minutes into his show without mentioning his own career. And they flew by, just like the whole night.

Jokes about even his future work colleague Paul Gascoigne were not avoided as Greaves showed he was quick off the mark with new material, including the evening’s match between Manchester United and Chelsea (about favourable United officials), as well as a few words on Tottenham’s capitulation in Madrid and Wayne Rooney.

During his two-hour set a wonderful insight into the changing face of football was delivered by Greaves, who scored an incredible 44 goals in 57 international appearances.

He told of how he worked in the office at Chelsea as an apprentice, aspiring to the £20-a-week maximum wage; didn’t even know where AC Milan was when told he was being transferred there and how he would have paid anything out of his pocket to come home! And then, of course, those wonderful years as part of Bill Nicholson’s all-conquering side at White Hart Lane.

Quite simply the audience, who got to carry out a question-and-answer session with the great man during the second half, were hanging on his every word and anecdote. And the laughter almost bought the house down.

A particular favourite story of mine was when he told how he carried out the first-ever double act commentary on live television, obviously now the norm, with Ian St John, as an emergency stand-in for a game between Scotland and Italy. And how it went horribly wrong. To the point where they didn’t know the Italian goalscorer as the crowd jumped up in front of them and when Jimmy was asked off mic by Ian his expletive-driven reply was taken up in a desperate bid to mean an Italian name, and given out on air! It was their one and only go.

Greaves, who currently writes a column for the People, clearly believes today’s ‘superstars’ could learn a lot from his generation, but there was no bitterness at the current crop, although there was a few jokes about Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch and Wayne Rooney.

I didn’t expect Greaves to be as funny as he was, but on or off the pitch, this guy, who used this show to raise money for charity, is clearly in a league of his own.

* Jimmy Greaves tour with Paul Gascoigne, both former Spurs legends and both recovering alcoholics, will be touring together for the first time from June 18.

The 6th of April 2011 may prove to be a significant date. After twelve fantastic and enjoyable years filled with laughter on and off the stage, Jimmy & Terry possibly performed the Jimmy Greaves theatre show for the last time at the lovely new theatre the Apex in Bury St Edmunds. Appropriately it ended with a well deserved standing ovation for Jimmy who was on great form.

“We have had a great run that’s probably come to an end, we’ve had a laugh and made a living with Terry and his A1 Sorting Speakers team” said Jimmy Greaves.

“We’ll miss it, Jimmy was my football hero and it’s been a privilege doing this show for all these years.” said Terry Baker.

“Thanks to everyone that came to see us, giving up time and money. We will never forget the great reception we got wherever we went”, Jimmy Greaves & Terry Baker.

The matching of Greavsie and Gazza on an A1-promoted countrywide tour is a masterstroke, bringing together two of the finest and most famous (some would say infamous) footballers in the history of the British game.

Greavsie, in his days as a hugely popular television personality, spotted the potential of Gazza the player earlier than most. He brought him to the attention of Saint and Greavsie viewers in his Newcastle career, calling him names like Mars Boy and Fatboy. It was all said with affection, Jimmy pointing out that he had extraordinary skill and potential.

Paul went on to become the most entertaining footballer of his generation, being idolised at each of his clubs, notably Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton.

He became a national treasure during the 1990 world Cup finals in Italy, earning wide applause and appreciation for his performances and sympathy for his tears when he cried as England made a late, dramatic exit.

Gazza scored ten goals in 57 England appearances. Coincidentally, Greavsie also won 57 caps, and he scored a remarkable 44 goals.

Another (sadder) coincidence is that on their retirement from playing both Gazza and Greavsie had problems with alcohol. Showing enormous character, Jimmy beat the bottle and has been ‘dry’ since way back in 1978.

Gazza has found the fight much harder, but we are delighted to report that he has been sober since before Christmas and everybody is behind him as he marches forward on the recovery road.

Both Jimmy and Paul have fascinating football stories to tell, and their no-holds-barred question and answer sessions at their shows are certain to be absorbing, amusing and, no doubt dangerous!

This will be the Tour of the Year for football followers, and tickets are certain to be in high demand. So get in early. For full details go to www.GazzaShow.com.

To book VIP tickets to the events go to: http://www.a1sportingmemorabilia.co.uk/

Confirmed tour dates:

18th June 2011
Bournemouth Pavillion
Box office:  0844 576 3000
Book standard tickets
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9th September 2011
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Box office:  0141 353 8000
Book standard tickets
Book VIP tickets

12th November 2011
Stevenage - Gordon Craig Theatre
Box office:  01438 363200
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Greavsie - Autobiography signed by Jimmy Greaves
Superb Jimmy Greaves autobiography, personally signed by the England and Spurs legend.
£19.00
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Cup Legend - Canvas of 1967 FA Cup final signed by Jimmy Greaves
Stunning canvas of Jimmy Greaves holding aloft the 1967 FA Cup, signed by the Spurs legend
£149.00
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Jimmy Greaves signed print - England Legend
Striking black and white print of Jimmy in England colours, signed by the man himself.
£29.00
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The Heart of the Game - Book signed by Jimmy Greaves
Acclaimed book examining the nation's ongoing obsession with the beautiful game, written and signed by legendary Spurs and England legend Jimmy Greaves.
£25.00
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Saint & Greavsie Book - Signed by Ian St John and Jimmy Greaves
Brilliant Saint & Greavsie Funny Old Games book, personally signed by the superb double act, Ian St John and Jimmy Greaves.
£25.00
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SIGNED PELE SHIRT At every show someone will win a Brazil Shirt hand signed by Pele. We support a charity called The Murry Foundation and all proceeds go to support an orphanage in South Africa. Everyone that buys one of our tour programmeswill get a strip of raffle tickets and due to Terry & Freda's A1 Sporting Speakers company have a worldwide 4 year exclusive contract with Pele which means the winner gets a guaranteed hand signed shirt. View All News