Shropshire Star

REVIEW: Cricket legend reminisces sell out show

REVIEW: DAVID GOWER - Theatre Severn

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David Gower

He’s the father of Sky Sports’ coverage of English Cricket and is one of the most loved faces in the game.

Unlike some other outspoken and opinionated commentators, David Gower always manages to find the middle ground in his broadcasting.

His professional nature shines through, as it did during his career and illustrious time with England.

And it came through at Theatre Severn on Wednesday, in front of a packed out crowd in the Walker Theatre.

One of the most stylish left-handed batsmen of his day, Gower captained his country for most of the 90s.

But a lot of his talk on Wednesday was about his early life, and a very interesting tale it was.

Born in Tunbridge Wells, Gower moved to Tanganyika, part of Tanzania, at an early age with his father who was in the military.

His talk meandered from his early life, to his rise in cricket, and his infamous flight over a cricket ground when England were playing and he was out.

Like many cricketers who do the circuit now, he gave the funny anecdotes of Ian Botham, Mike Gatting and the like.

In his two hour show he did it with a charm and a wit about it, alongside that professional and classy nature cricket fans have become accustomed to over the years.

These days he’s known more for his broadcasting with the younger generation, and he touched on it and paid tribute to the late Richard Benaud for the help and guidance he gave him.

He also touched on topical issues, such as the hot water fellow broadcaster Jonathan Agnew currently finds himself in over his spat with journalist Jonathan Liew.

Classy, witty and entertaining. Gower is another in a line of speakers doing the rounds that is well worth the money for any cricket fan.