Tributes to Sonny, the showman who shone for 50 years
FAMILY’S CABARET PERFORMANCES HELPED RAISE THOUSANDS OF POUNDS FOR CHARITY
HE entertained thousands across the north west in a career that spanned more than 50 years.
From hospitals and old people’s homes to packed out theatres, Sonny Warner and his cabaret act were watched and enjoyed by many.
Alongside wife Pamela and a revolving cast of young performers, the much-loved show helped to raise millions for charities.
Sonny called a halt on the show in 2009, but that did not stop him continuing to support causes until his death last month.
Tributes to the popular performer, who lived in Prestwich, have since flooded in.
Born to Polish immigrants in Cheetham Hill, Sonny started work as a machinist before becoming a commercial salesman.
His musical career began in his teens when he joined a male harmony group called The Four Nippers. He also played the ukelele and auditioned for a dance band where he would meet Pamela, who was playing piano.
They fell in love and formed a duo called Sonny Warner and Pam.
Their early success saw them asked to perform songs on BBC Radio in 1946. The couple married two years later and started a family soon after. Together with their three sons, Brian, Clive and Graeme, they would regularly play music at their Prestwich home, which led to them to creating their long-running cabaret – The Sonny Warner Show.
They would hold several performances a week featuring talented youngsters who could sing, dance and perform. Among famous names who cut their teeth with the show were 10cc’s Graham Gouldman and singer Deborah Myers. Sonny and Pamela took the show to venues across the north west including, for patients at Prestwich Hospital, helping to raise thousands of pounds for charities.
Their largest crowd came when they supported Freddie and the Dreamers at the Odeon cinema in Oxford Road, Manchester, in 1964.
Sonny was awarded the MBE in 1994 and presented with a lifetime achievement award at the Manchester Jewish Community Awards last November.
As well as his musical passions, Sonny was also a lifelong United supporter and avid Coronation Street fan.
He died on January 2 following a short illness.
He leaves his three sons, nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Pamela died in December 2011, aged 85.
Graeme said: “My dad was always laughing and joking. He got on with anyone and had a great sense of humour. He always wanted to help people and got a huge kick out of seeing the results. He and my mum were a great team together. He loved the limelight and making people happy.”