It’s been some time since Jacques Renay has been to Tasmania. It was in the early 90’s that Jacques visited the Wrest Point Casino were he did a mammoth 3 month winter run. Jacques is a bit of a jacques of all trades (pardon the pun) and included in his act some comedy, singing, acting and was accompanied by dancing girls.
Jacques never really considered being a Tom Jones tribute artist. It was only due to serendipity that a Sydney agent was looking for a ‘Tom Jones’ and Jacques name was suggested. On consultation it was enquired of him what he would need to create a viable Tom Jones tribute act and Jacques said a 12 piece band which he got , a band which included Danielle Spencer!
Since those early days Jacques has seen the man himself in action at Newcastle and has gained an appreciation for his amazing voice and talent. Of course having a career that celebrates Tom has helped in that appreciation! Now Jacques is a firm fan of his doppelganger!
The similarities between Jacques and Tom are uncanny, not only do they look alike and sing alike, but Jacques in spite of his French sounding moniker was born in Cardiff like Tom Jones or Tom Woodward as he was known then.
Not only that but Jacques the Welsh immigrant can also claim a kinship with Prime Minister Julia Gillard having been born, like she, in Barry, Cardiff. He remarks on Julia’s lack of Welsh accent which he by the way, still has in abundance, so much so, you occasionally think you are talking to Mr Jones.!
Tom Woodward’s rise to fame was just as serendipitous as the discovery of Jacques Renay. Tom was part of the band ‘Tommy Scott and the senators’ One evening when the band leader was engrossed in a game of cards he beckoned young Tommy Woodward to take his place. Tommy Jones was spotted by his soon to be manager Gordon Mills, also from South Wales. It was he that chose the name Tom Jones to capitalise on the movie with the same name, doing a great trade at that time. Tom began to mirror the fictional Tom in more ways than one to the extent of wearing some of the frilly shirts that the film made popular.
Jacques has occasionally found people that do not approve of his tribute show such as a person in Sri Lanka who questioned his making a living on his physical likeness to Tom Jones. Jacques explained it like this, that the man himself would not be able to tour everywhere, so he is fulfilling a need in bringing his interpretation of Tom to a wider audience so they at least can sample live, some of the magic of a Tom Jones live performance.
Jacques will be performing alongside Sheena Crouch’s Dusty Springfield, as the real Tom and Dusty did during their career and shared similarities such as their love of big bands and soul music . This partnership in pop promises to be an amazing evening. As well as duets together Jacques will be performing all of Toms great hits.
Jacques hopes his appearance in Tasmania after a long absence might see him return with his full Tom Jones experience concept show in the not too distant future.
Sheena and Jacques as Dusty and Tom will be performing at the Theatre Royal on Saturday, 2nd March at 8:00pm and will be returning in April to tour Launceston and Burnie.
Paula Xiberras
