LOUISE THOMAS :
ThisisPlymouth
13:48 - 16 February 2005
King of the jungle Joe Pasquale is the jewel in the crown of a star-studded line-up announced by Plymouth Pavilions today. The high-pitched funnyman has added his name to a packed spring programme of entertainment, featuring everything from comedy to pop, rock to ballet and darts to dance.
Viewers went nuts for Pasquale when he appeared on ITV 1's I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here last year.
Now, having escaped the jungle wearing the series crown, the madcap comedian is heading for Plymouth on October 4 with more cheesy humour and a few 'songs that will get on your nerves'.
Another new signing for 2005, is the outspoken American comic Joan Rivers, who will be making her first appearance at the Pavilions on November 7, while comedy greats, including Jack Dee and Roy 'Chubby' Brown, will return to the city in the spring.
When it comes to music, there's something to suit all tastes in 2005, with tunes from legendary artists through to today's chart-toppers.
Jools Holland makes his annual visit to the Pavilions on December 16 with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra - an 18-piece band which has enjoyed sell-out shows across Britain and Europe. Award-winning singer/songwriter Joan Armatrading will be replaying some 70s and 80s classics, with songs such as Love and Affection, Down to Zero and Drop the Pilot, on October 19, while Sheila Ferguson and Billy Lewis, an original member of The Drifters, will transport their audience to a 'Boogie Wonderland' on March 10.
Looking ahead to winter, the world-renowned Russian Ice Stars will be delivering some magical moments in Snow White on Ice in December, followed early in 2006 by a thrilling performance of Michael Flatley's critically-acclaimed Lord of the Dance.
Pavilions' director of programming and marketing Alvin Hargreaves said: "The Pavilions' spring season has already exploded into life with a truly memorable Green Day gig that saw more truck loads of gear than any other previous show - eight articulated lorries and six coaches.
"We are delighted to announce an eclectic and diverse range of shows this spring that should really see something to suit all tastes."
March is traditionally the busiest month of the season for the Pavilions, and this year is no exception.
UK Garage group The Streets make their first visit to the Pavilions on March 1, before the 'Modfather' Paul Weller, returns for his rescheduled sell-out gig on March 6.
Following his recent performance with sister Natasha at this year's Brit Awards, Daniel Bedingfield brings his sold-out gig to Plymouth on March 24. The artist, who has already notched up six top 10 hits, will perform an easy blend of R &B, pop, garage and funk, before March draws to an end with a performance by one of the most influential heavy bands of the 70s, Judas Priest.
The spring programme continues with music from Lemar, Peter Andre, Geri Halliwell and Girls Aloud. Power ballad soloist Michael Bolton will perform on October 12, while former Westlife star Brian McFadden will be bringing his first UK tour to Plymouth on May 30.
Stars of the BBC comedy Little Britain will be in Plymouth for three nights in November, for a show that sold out within hours. Fans needn't despair because the show will return for a further two dates next February.
"As is always the case, there are plenty of new shows waiting in the wings to confirm that will miss the season launch, "Mr Hargreaves said. To make sure you don't miss out visit
Don't we just know Joe is coming to town, the adverts are on all the time on Plymouth Sound radio, and on the adverts. Think I might give this one a miss though, unless there's any free tickets involved.