Bernie and Red, one of Western Canada’s most popular live entertainment packages will be appearing in Mission next week as they kick off Seniors’ Week 2011.
With their special mixture of comedy and music, this couple has built a huge and faithful following both here in Canada and also in the U.K. and in the U.S., where they tour each year.
These annual tours have become much anticipated, and a lot of work goes into presenting a totally new show each year, both music and comedy.
“That can be quite a challenge,” says Bernie. “But if people are prepared to buy tickets for our show each year, then the very least that we can do is give them something new. And we also enjoy the challenge of coming up with fresh material.”
Originally from Liverpool, England, Bernie and Red moved to B.C. in the 1970s, and began performing in this province and Alberta, and then progressing to cruise ships where they performed for a score of years.
As well as being business partners, Bernie and Red are partners in marriage too, having recently celebrated their 45th anniversary, and their married status gives them no end of material for their comedy routines.
“A lot of people comment on the fact that we seem to be having such a good time when we’re on stage, well, who wouldn’t? Performers have the best job in the world, getting paid to do the very thing that they enjoy so much,” said Bernie. “One of the greatest quotations that I have come across is to ‘choose a job that you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ Or to put it another way, it’s only a job if there’s somewhere else that you’d rather be. For Red and myself, there’s nowhere we’d rather be than on stage.”
You can enjoy the show Sunday, June 5 at the Clarke Theatre. Showtime is 2 p.m. and admission is free.
For more information, and to hear recordings, visit www.bernieandred.com.