Legends of the Oche

Wednesday 4th February 2009

This is a Crackerjack review of Legends of the Oche: Bobby George, John Lowe & Eric Bristow. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.

Crackerjack rating: 9 / 10.

Cheltenham Town Hall is currently going through a minor face-lift so the usual bar in the Pillar Room was unavailable.

A temporary bar had been erected at the back of the main hall for the night’s entertainment and I couldn't think of a more fitting addition to a room set up for an evening of darts.

First up was our compere for the night - Duncan 'chase me' Norvelle who promptly plucked two young men from the audience and skipped them up and down the isles.

The first half of the show featured John Lowe, Eric Bristow and several members of the audience. Duncan chose willing participants to go up on stage and have a game of arrows with their darts heroes.

Volunteers were a mixed bunch - some weren't half bad considering the pressure and some who I don't think had ever seen a dart board before!

Particular favourites with the onlookers were the tree-surgeon who valiantly continued through the heckles, the chap in the deerstalker who claimed "I don't play very often but I am very good" and the fan wearing an Eric Bristow t-shirt who had quite possibly waited his whole life to play against the man himself.

The atmosphere fluctuated from total silence while they threw and uproarious laughter at various quips from Duncan and the players.

Left in anticipation at the break for the arrival of the third and final legend, Bobby George we were able to take a look at some of the merchandise the trio had to offer.

You could take your pick from items such as darts and dart boards, posters, mugs and books.

Purchases made we all settled back down for the grand entrance. And what an entrance it was. Lights dimmed, Bobby approached the stage from the back of the room complete with cape and candelabra and Queen's We Are the Champions being blasted out.

Earlier in the night we were informed that Bobby wouldn't be throwing any darts but there was good reason. So the first thing we heard from him was a description of the variety of injuries to his right arm and shoulder which explained the highly decorated gold sling concealed beneath his cape.

He then regaled us with a few tales, telling us that although he couldn't play darts he couldn't let us down and would entertain us with chat instead.

Then the return of Lowe and Bristow for best of five. We only got three though with John beating Eric in 3 straight games.

Eric explained that at the last show he scored high but couldn't finish and tonight he hit all the doubles but his scoring was low so we should all go along to the next night in Tamworth where he would put it all together and show us what he's famous for.

To finish they auctioned off the dart board and a signed print of the legends themselves.

That was not strictly the end though. They aren't the 'take your money and run' types and all three stayed in the hall for photos, autographs and a bit of a chin-wag.

A nice touch which showed they appreciate the fans - not something you'll see very often nowadays.

In the words of Eric Bristow "it's something a bit different" and he's not wrong. This is entertainment like no other but it's also very good fun!

Jamie Ross

This is a Crackerjack review of Legends of the Oche: Bobby George, John Lowe & Eric Bristow. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.