Blog post

WC MAY 23

Headed for London on Tuesday to interview jazz singer Georgia Mancio in Crystal Palace. First time I’d been in that area since a football trip to Selhurst Park back in the 70s. Georgia is a lovely lady and is heading to the Quay Arts Centre, Newport, on Friday June 18. Later in the day I caught up with the TV winner of I’d Do Anything, Jodie Prenger, who ended up playing Nancy in the West End’s Oliver. What a great character and so full of fun! She was still over the moon (I sound like a typical footballer), about her home-town team, Blackpool, getting into the Premiership. By sheer fluke – I went dressed in an orange jacket, tie and socks and a black shirt and trousers. She was so impressed – and I had a few other kind comments during the day. For once, I think everything matched. That’s unlike me.

Met up with Island-based singer Derek Sandy on Wednesday, who is about to release a brand new album called A Brighter Day. I was the first person to interview him when he came to the Island and began singing here back in 2004. I wrote a feature in the County Press and had him on my radio show.A lot has happened since then. I love his album and he will be appearing on my show on Sunday May 30. My two favourite tracks will be played.

I have just had confirmation that I will be interviewing three soap stars next week. One has been a regular in Hollyoaks, another in Coronation Street and the third in EastEnders and The Bill.

The week ended with two shows in two nights. I did enjoy both Oliver, by the Ventnor Theatre Group, and Old World by the Ad Lib Theatre company. I have now seen 39 local amatuer productions for the County Press Awards since September 1.