REVIEW: AN EVENING WITH ERIC CANTONA

BOURNEMOUTH INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

Eric Cantona, the legendary ex-Manchester United footballer, is doing his first short UK tour. It did not begin well.

The first half consisted of a small screen showing grainy highlights of some of Cantona’s goals, an iffy comedian, and a seemingly endless auction of football memorabilia. This resulted in audience members booing, and many leaving early for the half-hour interval.

After the break, Eric Cantona walked on to a standing ovation, immediately capturing and charming the crowd with his intelligent lively personality and that smooth husky French accent.

During his brief career at Manchester United – winning four Premier League titles and two FA Cups in just five seasons – Cantona acknowledged his manager Alex Ferguson’s motivational skills, producing a key mix of love and respect from his players.

Playing for United with his back straight, chest puffed out, shirt collar up, Erik became King of Old Trafford.

Asked whether he missed playing football in packed stadiums, Cantona admitted missing the adrenaline rushes, but refused to be “a prisoner of the past” as “tomorrow is more important”.

During his subsequent career as a film actor, Cantona acknowledged director Ken Loach for his “talent, humanity and humility”.

Audience questions included a lady pleading “Will you marry me?” and another requesting Cantona’s famous quote about “seagulls, trawlers and sardines”.

Ooo-aah, what a star!

Brendan McCusker