April 20, 2008
Sauntering on to the stage in a cream dinner jacket and slippers, Blowers acknowledges the generous applause from an audience who have been appreciating his Test Match Commentary for a decent segment of their lives. Taking a relaxed position behind his lectern, he feigns modesty in a way that only those of supreme confidence can achieve, but is never less than likeable. This is the man who has represented the quintessential English upper classes throughout his career, with the sauce of Terry Thomas, the stutter of Dennis Norden, and the pretended dim-wittedness of any given Harry Enfield character. And for those in the know, it is entirely affable.
Henry ‘Blowers’ Blofeld is a man best known for his cricket commentary on BBC’s Test Match Special. Through this key journalistic position he has met an array of famous characters, many of who are included here in the anecdotes that litter his one-man show. Unfortunately, far from being entirely household names, the Queen and her Mother aside, I was often left underwhelmed. My 55-year-old father, with his superior knowledge of cricketing history and, well, just being older, was far more clued in than I was.
The stories were fondly and competently recited and those who have a good understanding of cricket will fully appreciate Blofeld’s anecdotes. However, with my limited knowledge of cricket, I found my mind beginning to wander. This is a highly polished show, with just the least bit of mumbling and stumbling to make you think that Blofeld is sharing a drink with you at the bar. ‘Blowers’ is relaxed, good company but, as with anyone who enjoys talking, it helps to know what they are talking about.
Henry ‘Blowers’ Blofeld is a man best known for his cricket commentary on BBC’s Test Match Special. Through this key journalistic position he has met an array of famous characters, many of who are included here in the anecdotes that litter his one-man show. Unfortunately, far from being entirely household names, the Queen and her Mother aside, I was often left underwhelmed. My 55-year-old father, with his superior knowledge of cricketing history and, well, just being older, was far more clued in than I was.
The stories were fondly and competently recited and those who have a good understanding of cricket will fully appreciate Blofeld’s anecdotes. However, with my limited knowledge of cricket, I found my mind beginning to wander. This is a highly polished show, with just the least bit of mumbling and stumbling to make you think that Blofeld is sharing a drink with you at the bar. ‘Blowers’ is relaxed, good company but, as with anyone who enjoys talking, it helps to know what they are talking about.