Between the wars many vocalists and comedians played at The Oval, some went on to fame and fortune. Between 1926 and 1927 Arthur Askey was the Star Attraction with the Oval Concert Party.
The Oval bands included a number of local musicians. Pianists included Alex Inman in 1959 and a year later Trombonist Jackie Wright, who later found fame in The Benny Hill Show : (The little fellow who Benny Hill would pat on the head.) Vocalists Carole Hayes and Dennis Stewart also appeared in the 1950's. In the late 1960's and 70's the public wanted a different type of seaside entertainment. It staged wrestling with the likes of Pat Roach and Big Daddy and songs were sung around an electric organ with Tony Savage.
Many thanks to Cliftonville Resident's Association for this article.
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