Tonners Thrill Ticknock 
Three fat boys humble the Hippodrome Hordes!
Report by Nail O Conchubhair

A capacity, and appreciative, audience witnessed a historic event at the Hippodrome last Friday when The Three Tonners  finally performed before their adoring masses in aid of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund, raising an impressive €1500 from the patrons.  Under the baton and direction of the eccentric Professor Meehall O Buachalla, The Tonners made an impressive debut, albeit supported by the many special guests, and performed with a professional approach that over shone their expected amateurism.

Right from Ben Hurley's opening bars of 'Bring Him Home', the audience were left in no doubt that another night of mystery and wonderment lay ahead.  Indeed whispers of 'What the feic are they up to now?' prevailed as they waited for the evening's acts to follow.  As the orchestra adjusted their strings, the never-to-be-forgotten words boomed over the PA system - 'Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to The Ticknock Hippodrome.  Tonight's music is provided by The Ticknock Concert Orchestra under the baton of Professor Meehal O Buachalla - Live and in concert for one night only we proudly present the Three Tonners and special guests'. 

To the pounding 'Fanfare of the Common Man' The Tonners floated through the clouds of dry ice and approached the stage to a thunderous applause from the stunned onlookers.  Without a word the three proceeded to simply astound the audience with a belting version of Verdi's 'La Donna E Mobile', from Rigoletto, which pleasantly shocked the onlookers to such a degree that some were seen to swoon at the sight and sound of the performance.  Master of Ceremonies, Alan McDonagh McDwyer, took centre stage immediately afterwards to introduce Sir Norman Bowler QC and Lichio Connore who roused the audience with a stirring version of 'Le Beaux Gendarmes' leaving the onlookers in no doubt that they were in attendance at a very special evening of cultural awakening.

John Davington kept the amazing tempo flowing with the high powered 'Blaze Away' to be followed by a spoken piece from Noel Coward's 'Private Lives' expertly delivered by Mr. Skall & Ms Jo Halpin, who did manage to overcome some early sound problems to continue to stun those in the stalls.  The memory of Owen Halleeee's presentation of Figaro will be one that stays with the audience for a long time as the thespian supreme imposed himself forcefully and covered every strand of carpet on the specially constructed stage.  The interval followed and a stunned and surprised audience were, quite simply, completely overcome with the level of the professional presentation they had just witnessed - some were heard to mention that it even surpassed the usual behaviour on a Friday evening!

The Tonners returned to the stage to commence the second piece of the show and provided the backing for Ciarao Driscolee with their version of 'Flight of the Bumblebee' which included a rather high pitched, ball breaking note!  The hair raising Professor O Buachalla got the most from the musicians in the orchestra to match the decibels of the audience as they joined in with Munster scarf clad Keeran Gibbons' Thomondish version of 'Stan' up and Fight'.

Security personnel led Diva Ciarao Driscolee to the stage where she was joined by Finnybogs for a wailing version of 'Duetto buffo di due gatti' only for the bodyguard to abandon her and escort Finnybogs instead  at the end of the glass breaking performance.  John Davington returned to finish the evening's presentation with a rousing version of 'Goodbye (to the White Horse Inn)' before a standing ovation made the cast return for their rendering of 'The Drinking Song' from The Student Prince which included a spectacular (not) solo kazoo piece by Lichio. 

The evening's professional performance was more than equalled by the generous donations by the audience who, as per usual, dug deep and raised near €1500.  Again it must be said that the contribution far outweighed the presentation and I'm sure the O.C.F. will be make excellent use of our donation. 

The Three Tonners 

Some CDs left

Available in Bar

Collector's item

For Sale

Priced to clear!

Available soon

A section of the appreciative audience.

CREDITS

All monies raised go to OCF.

Sound Recorded, Produce & Engineered by Johann Crone.
Sound Engineer; Johann Hudson
PA; Ricardo Rourke
Lights; Shane Colemano, Hawlbowline Theatre Group.
Conductor; Professor Meehall O Buachalla
Master of Ceremonies; Alan McDonagh McDwyer
Stage; Gordini Meado & Daithi Keefoo
Programme; Dwayne Breen @ OKI Computers, East Beach.
Prizes sponsored by Belvelly Smokehouse, Nick the Essex Boy & Rushbrooke Hotel.
Canapés; Leslie & Avril Casey
The Lack of Cleavage Crew; Dee C, Aoife, Clodagh & Gordini (Excuse notes were provided by Carol & Olga)
Performances by; Ben Hurley, Sir Norman Bowler QC, Placido Webmaestro, John Davington esq, Lichieo Connore,
Mr Scall & Ms Jo Halpin, Owen Halleeee, Ciarao Driscolee, Keeran Gibbons, Finnybogs.

 
Permission kindly granted by Meehall Carlosini

The Three Tonners were conceived on a Friday evening some time ago by person/s unknown (we just can't remember exactly who - but 'twas probably me!) after copious amounts of alcohol.
The Three Tonners Concert was conceived by Sir Norman Bowler QC & Professor Meehall O Buachalla after copious amounts of alcohol at Emma Davington's wedding to Alfonso Berduque .