Tag Archives: john player tops

How things changed from the early days of Tops – the 1995 rules booklet is one of the last sets of rules published as the competition was well in decline at that point. Click on the image below to have a browse.

Here is Denny Corcoran & Company in full flow during the Western Comedy in the 1989 Tramore Tops production that reached the national quarter finals.

It is hard to believe it is almost 30 years since Tramore took to the stage against An Post in the National Quarter Finals of the John Player Tops. Here is the programme from that particular performance. Click Below to have a read of the programme. 1992 – Tramore vs Dunnes Stores – National Quarter Final – Topshttps://waterfordtheatrearchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1992-National-Quarter-Finals-Tramore-An-Post.pdf

Here is one of the comedy scenes from the Ray Ban 1992 Tops Show featuring Konor Halpin, Terry ‘Scol’ Grant and Will Motherway.

Here is a great star turn from Noel Hayes and Ann McGee from the 1992 Port And Docks Tops show. The song was originally performed by Placido Domingo – but Noel does it great justice in this video.

Featuring a legendary line up here is a hilarious vintage comedy scene from the Waterford Glass 1983 Tops production.

Here is a vintage Tops of the Town programme from the local final of 1973 where Waterford Crystal with “Cheaper by the Dozen and a Half’ took on the Teachers with ‘Here Today – Gone Tonight’. Click below for a browse. 1973 – Tops Local Final Programme – Waterford Glass Vs Teachers

Back to the day when Waterford Glass took on Henry Ford Ltd from Cork in the national quarter finals of the Tops. Click below to browse the Show Programme. 1979 – National Quarter Finals – Waterford Glass Vs Ford – Show Programme

Here is a great little scene from the 1980 Tops of The Town Banks & Finance show featuring the legendary Des Manahan on guitar with a host of performers singing and playing with him.

Here is another blast back forty odd years to the 1979 local final of Tops with Waterford Glass taking on Banks & Finance. Click below for a browse. 1979 – Tops Local Final Programme – Waterford Glass vs Banks & Finance

Here is the show programme from the 1992 Tops – Tramore vs the Port And Docks 1992 – Tramore vs Port And Docks – Show Programme

Here is the Tops Of The Town Local Rounds programme from 1990. Click below to have a read 1990 – Tops Of The Town Local Rounds Show Programme

Here is the 1994 National Final Programme from the last time that Waterford won the national Tops title. It was of course Waterford Crystal vs Woodville. Click below for a read! 1994 – Tops Of The Town – National Final Programme

Ever wonder what the casts and crew were treated to after a national Tops of the Town final by John Player? Here you are – from 1994, the menu from the Burlington for the banquet immediately after the show. Click below for a look ! 1994 – John Player Tops Final banquet menu

Here is the show stopping Skid Row / American Dream from the 1993 Tramore Tops produced by Bryan Flynn. This one is fronted by Liam Butler.

The legendary Dermot Power with a showstopper from the 1990 Waterford Crystal Tops – ‘The Spirit Of Man’ – mixed in with some War Of The Worlds for good measure.

Here is the finale from the 1983 Waterford Glass Tops show fronted by a host of familiar faces…

The controversial but brilliant Peace Scene from the 1980 Banks and Finance Tops Of the Town Show produced by the legendary Dermot Graham.

From the Ray Ban Tops in 1993 here is ‘Tell me Its Not True’ featuring a fine chorus!

Another one from the Nokia 1989 show from our recent stream – this time it’s the finale.

Here is the finale from the 1989 Tramore Tops of the Town entry that we showed recently on our stream.

For today it’s back to 1989 again and it’s the ‘Paint Your Wagon’ scene from the 1989 Tramore Tops .

Huge interest in seeing this one again as it seemed half of Lisduggan was in it.. here is the full ‘Ballroom Of Romance’ scene including the dancing at the start. Taken from the St. Pauls Tops 1989.

Here is the final to the 1983 Raytex Tops of the Town show. Conducted by Patsy Sheridan the scene starts with him singing ‘In The Navy’ from the pit and goes on to feature Paddy Galvin as a soloist.

Here is the gorgeous 5 part harmony group from the 1993 Ray Ban Tops with the classic ‘Is You Is’.

More Tops goodies today – the brilliant opening from the 1994 Waterford Crystal Tops show fronted by Raymond Collins.

Another classic Tops scene – this time the ‘Big Deal’ dance from the 1987 Tops from the Gaiety Theatre.

Some more Tops memories – this time from 1990 and the Nokia ‘A Scoop for NTV’ show. Here is the ‘Wishing and Hoping’ scene.

Here is another classic from the 1989 St. Pauls Tops – the 42nd street scene.

Here is the Java Jive quartet from the 1984 Clover Meats Tops show.

Time for a bit of comedy today… it’s ‘The Ballroom Of Romance’ from the 1989 St. Pauls Tops show. A lot of St. Pauls on display this week!

Fronted by Hazel Kelly (Tebay) here is the Blood Brothers scene from the 1993 Ray Ban Tops, produced by Michael Grant – also featuring Damien Squell Walshe, Paul Greene and Brenda Giles.

Here is the opening scene from the St. Pauls Tops , 1989 – the Viking Scene.

Here is the finale to the St. Pauls Tops Of The Town 1989 show. It features Brian ‘Mod’ Kennedy on lead vocals.

Here is Skid Row from Ray Bans 1992 show featuring the ‘Voice of Waterford’ himself the late great Billy McCarthy.

Here is the Irish scene from the 1990 Waterford Crystal Tops fronted by Liam Molumby.

Here is the opening to the Ray Ban Tops show from 1993 that made it to the national quarter finals in Wexford.

Here is the Nokia version of ‘Les Miserables’ from the John Player Tops competition, 1987.

Here is the finale from the Waterford Crystal Tops 1990 – ‘You Are The Light’ from Metropolis. This version is recorded in Athlone and not the Theatre Royal.

Here is the programme from the 1989 Tops show when Tramore travelled to Dundalk for the national quarter finals. Click below to have a read. 1989 – National Tops Quarter Final – Tramore vs Clara

A classic moment from the past with Petey, Leo and Nicky in fine form – from the Raytext 1981 Tops of the Town show.

From the opening of the 1989 Tramore Tops Of The Town Show.

Here is the ‘Trial’ scene from the 1986 Glass show featuring ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’ fronted by Gary Power.

Here is the slideshow from our June Bank Holiday weekend Stream – I’ve had a lot of requests to see this one again.

Well… ‘Ladies’ is the polite way of putting it… some comedy from St. Pauls 1989 – enjoy…

This from the final of the 1987 Nokia ‘Tops’ show produced by Denny Corcoran featuring Enda Jackman and John Corcoran.

Did you ever wonder what the letter looked like telling groups details of what comes next when they got through the Tops preliminary rounds? Wonder no more – have a click below. This is 1981 and the letter to Waterford Crystal (Group leader Dando Kelly) 1981 – Tops Letter Sent to Qualifying Groups

Happy Bank Holiday Weekend! Heres another one of the lovely vintage videos taken backstage and around the Theatre during the John Player Tops. I’m not 100% on it’s origin, but there’s loads of familiar young faces in there. Have a look!

Featuring the legendary Ritchie Collins leading the troops is the 1984 Clover Tops opening which started with “No Business Like Show Business’.

To round off the weekend 25th Anniversary here is a special episode I put together with the help of Bill Stafford, Paul Browne, Karen Hearne, Ben Hennessy, Richie Hayes and Seneiva Magill , with thanks to David Flynn for a special appearance. Enjoy!

Continuing our Tops Anniversary weekend – here is the Irish Scene from the John Player Tops national award winning show from 1994.

Some more comedy from the 1994 Tops of the Town national winning show. This time from Davy Sutton and Nicky Cummins as Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton.

A huge part of any Tops show was the comedy team. Here is the ‘Flintstones’ sketch from the 1994 national award-winning show. Enjoy!

For the weekend that was in it back in 1994 the RTE Guide ran a feature for ‘Tops’. Here it is to peruse. 1994 – Tops Feature – RTE Guide

A throwback today and a first appearance from the Ray Ban 1992 Tops of the Town show – featuring ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ scene. Produced by Pat McEvoy

I love these old Tops Magazines – this one from 1985. The other 2 in the archive are here and here. As usual, there are loads of photos from around the country as well as Waterford and interesting articles including a Waterford section. Enjoy! 1985 – Tops Magazine

In 1986 Waterford Glass reached the televised final of the Tops only to finish as runners-up. Here is the show programme from the quarter-final performance in Limerick vs the ESB group. 1986 – National Quarter Finals – Waterford Glass vs ESB – Show Programme

Featuring such songs as ‘Kisses of Fire Burning Burning’ and ‘Come on Baby Light My Fire’ – it’s easy to see the common theme in the opening to this particular ‘Glass’ show. The video quality isn’t great, but you can still sense the energy from the stage and make out some familiar faces! Enjoy.

In the 1970’s the ACEC dominated Tops both locally and nationally. 1978 saw the company present a 2 hour special show in the Theatre Royal to celebrate this success. Here is the show programme and on it’s pages is a who’s who of Waterford Tops in the ’70’s. 1977 – ACEC Celebration Show – Show Programme

Today it’s back to the classic 1987 televised final and the opening from the Waterford Glass show which featured heavily ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’. Some familiar faces and names in this video. Enjoy

This scene features the legendary Gary Power as Dr. Dolittle from the 1990’s Nokia Tops of the Town entry, produced by Michael Grant. It also has some familiar faces popping up along the way including Davy Sutton on his Ostrich! Enjoy.

To add to our collection of handwritten original adjudications we have this Waterford Glass one from the 1981 national quarter finals. Have a read to see what the adjudicator rated this production which did not progress beyond this point! 1981 – National Quarter Finals Handwritten adjudication

Some more Tops nostalgia here – the opening to the 1982 Waterford Glass Show.

Back 40 years to 1978 today and a programme from the first local rounds of the Tops Competition that year. It’s the turn of Slieverue and Waterford Crystal. 1978 – Tops Local Rounds – Slieverue v Waterford Crystal

From the ‘Tip Tops’ series live from the Gaiety stage here is the ‘Silent Mikes’ comedy mime routine from the 1987 Nokia production. Spearheaded by the legendary Eddie Cody the Silent Mikes had a cult following back in the late 80’s / early 90’s.

Normally all 4 shows in a year wouldn’t be put into the one programme- but 1989 was an exception to the rule. Have a browse of St. Paul’s, Tramore, Nokia and Clashmore and their cast and crews. 1989 – Local Rounds Programme

More than one or two legends in this one – taken from the RTE Tip Tops Programme in 1987 which was filmed live on the Gaiety Stage. Enjoy as it starts with Denny Corcoran and Anne McGrath and goes into a mad musical ensemble …..

The opening of the 1986 John Player Tops National Final. Waterford Crystal – produced by Michael Grant.

Here is the 1990 programme from Wexford when Nokia reached the national semi final stage 1990 – National Quarter Finals – Nokia – Programme

A show programme today from the 1980 Local Rounds – Waterford Shopping Centre vs Waterford Glass. 1980 Local Rounds – Waterford SC Vs Waterford Glass

Today it’s back to 1990 and Nokia’s ‘We’re In The Money’ finale from their 1990 Tops show directed by Michael Grant.

Here is the show programme from the 1979 Tops local competition – this time it’s Banks and Finance Vs St. Pauls . Have a browse. 1979 – Tops Of The Town Local – Banks and Finance vs St. Pauls

Another classic video from 1992 and the Tramore Tops entry that reached the national quarter finals. Featuring ‘Ain’t it Good’ – from Children of Eden.

Back to 1987 today and a show programme from the National Tops competition where Waterford Crystal marched to the National Final. Produced by Michael Grant it featured an epic Les Miserables scene. Have a look. 1987 – Waterford Crystal Vs Cork Teachers & Students – Show Programme

It’s time for another Tops video and we are back to 1986 and Nokia, produced by Denny Corcoran. This time Denny chose a ‘Swing’ opening with a song from A Chorusline added in for good measure.

1975 was the famous year of the ‘Joseph’ Tops presented by Dermot Grahams Waterford Glass team. Here is the programme from that famous production – in this round taking on the Foundry team who were headed up by  Denny Corcoran and Nancy Parker. 1975 – Waterford Glass vs The Foundry – Show Programme

No – I’m not going to reproduce a Tramore phone directory don’t worry… but … there were some great pages at the start of the directory dedicated to Tops in Tramore and a bit of history, plus loads of photos. Well worth a look. 1994 – Players Anonymous Tramore Phone Directory

Back to 1985 and Gee Officer Krupke featuring Davy Sutton and a host of legends was one of the key scenes. It’s a bit dark – but it’s great – enjoy!

This is the first time the epic song ‘You Are The Light’ from the ill fated musical ‘Metropolis’ was heard in Waterford. A huge choral gospel piece, it provided the finale for the 1990 Waterford Crystal show which reached the national quarter finals in Athlone – which is where this video was shot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQNBvNejQsI&feature=youtu.be  

One of the great scenes from the Tramore Tops show that made the final in 1993 – a medley of songs from West End and Broadway musicals. Soloists are Liam Butler, Karen Steenson, Liam Molumby and Seneiva Magill. Hard to believe it’s 25 years ago now!

Way back 52 years to the early days of Tops today and the show programme from the 1966 local rounds of the Builders vs Snowcream. 1966 – Tops Local Rounds – Builders vs Snowcream

1975 and the ACEC were presenting ‘The Colour Cast Show’ against CIE’s ‘Railroad to Rhythm’. Here is the show programme from that years second round meeting. 1975 – Second Round – ACEC vs CIE – Show Programme

I love these old bits of memorabilia – once again a hand written adjudicators report, this time for the 1980 Waterford Glass Show. Worth having and preserving! Have a look. 1980 – Waterford Glass Tops – Adjudicators Report

Back to Tops today and a video from 1990 featuring the opening of the Nokia show and an extract from ‘Anything Goes’, produced by Michael Grant.

Here is the centrepiece scene from the 1994 Waterford Crystal Tops show – Aladdin – which at the time was just a brand new Disney Film. Enjoy!

These are great to see – although over 40 years old you can still make out some familiar faces in these colour photos from the hey day of Tops in Waterford. See if you can spot familiar faces in there and tag them or their family! Many thanks to Joanne Walshe for giving us these from her families private collection. …

Another stroll down Tops memory lane today. 1987 was the year of Les Mis in Tops shows and Michael Grant’s Crystal show marched to the national final. In this clip you’ll see too many familiar faces to mention – best to just sit back and enjoy it – it’s a great bit of nostalgia.

Waterford Crystal got to the national final in two successive years in the 1980’s – ’86 and ’87, both produced by Michael Grant. Unfortunately neither resulted in a win for Waterford, but it was very very close! Here is the programme from the 1986 national final, courtesy of Aidan McGrath. Enjoy! 1986 – National Final Programme – Waterford Crystal

Today’s video is a right trip back memory lane in Tops land. This scene was pure nostalgia when it went on in 1983, so 34 years later it’s even more nostalgic! Denny and Boola take us through a Flanaghan and Allen routine centering around ‘Underneath the Arches’ – they are joined by a full chorus and later by Ken Barry …

I like adding in bits of memorabilia now and again. This time it’s back to 1975 and the adjudicators report from Jack Cruise on The Foundry show. He also gives the breakdown of points for all the teams competing in the final stage of the local rounds that year. Worth a look for Tops fans. 1975 – Adjudicators Report – …

Delighted to get a copy of this 1993 feature programme that RTE ran coming up to the national final. Its an hour long feature with familiar faces including a song from Liam Butler and an interview panel that featured Bryan Flynn. There are a host of other national faces such as Pat McGann and Niall O’Flynn there as well, performances …

This is a clip from the 1989 Tramore Tops production – the ‘Lullaby of Broadway’ scene featuring some Tramore legends.

I’m doing my weekly Tops video on a Monday this week as I missed last Thursday somehow! This is the finale to the 1986 Nokia tops of the Town produced by Denny Corcoran. Featuring ‘Big Time’ from Mack and Mabel, ‘I Am what I Am’ from La Cage Aux Folles and ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ amongst other …

Another legend from Tops days and Waterford Theatre in general is one Patsy Sheridan. Here he is from the 1992 Port And Docks tops show with his team of tap dancers performing ‘Song and Dance Man’. This scene was notable because Patsy was conducting the show in the pit and every night in the blackout climbed up onto the stage …

Here’s another treat from the past – the finale from the 1985 Waterford Crystal Tops show produced by Michael Grant with a host of Waterford Legends featuring on the vocals. It is ‘of it’s time’ so the video quality isn’t the best, but it’s good enough to give an idea of the vibe of the show. It’s a classic !

From the 1985 Waterford Crystal show produced by Michael Grant comes this vintage piece of comedy – ‘The Military Fairy’. It’s only a short video – worth a look to see some Waterford Legends threading the boards. Straight out of Monty Python’s back catalogue, it’s a classic!

This is a great little slideshow that was originally put together by Michael Grant for the Variety Club of Waterford’s Tops dinner back in 2008. It has quite a lot of personalities in it (not just Dee Lanigan!), crossing between quite a number of the Tops shows over the years.  Well worth a watch to find all the heads you …

An absolute rarity today – Sean Cotter’s handwritten ACEC Tops adjudication from 43 years ago – 1974. The show was the famous ACEC final show featuring Jesus Christ Superstar. Have a read… its great to look back on! 1974 – Tops Adjudication ACEC

Today we have the finale from the 1984 Clover Meats Tops of the Town show produced by Michael Grant. It’s a great clip because it features another Waterford Legend of days gone by – Richie Collins singing Alexanders Ragtime Band. This 1984 show upset the odds by beating the much fancied Banks and Finance show produced by Dermot Graham in …

The brilliant finale from the 1994 Waterford Crystal winning show featuring a huge finale version of ‘I Got Rhythm’. Produced by Bryan Flynn it swept to victory in the televised final against Woodville community group.