Blog post

WC JULY 15.

The early part of the week has been spent editing some of the 13 interviews I have recently obtained in readiness for their inclusion in future John Hannam Meets. Other interviews are also in the planning stage. I am delighted that recent interviews with Martin Taylor and Georgia Mancio, both performing at the Newport Jazz Weekend from July 20 to 22 have now been included on the event’s website – thanks to Tim Marshall.

Went to Cheltenham On Thursday to interview my old friend Joe Pasquale, who is heading for Shanklin Theatre on Monday August 6. It was the second to last week of his Doctor In The House tour. The play, at the Everyman Theatre, was great fun and Joe really brings it to life. Also in the cast is Robert Powell. As ever, I had real fun chatting to Joe in between shows.

On Friday night I went to the Totland Village Hall to see a 60s show masterminded by Bob Everson. It was show postponed from earlier this year when Bob was taken seriously ill. It proved a fun evening and the mistakes in this charity show, expertly overcome in most instances, helped to make the evening such a success. People were turned away due to the full house. It was such a pleasure to see Bob on stage again – and as Billy Fury, with a dark black wig, he brought the house down. Other important contributions came from Barry Brook, Dorothy Green, Janet Haire and Mark Handel, who all did so well in solo and company numbers. Bertie Everson did well as the off stage compere and Bob’s lovely wife Pam did so much work to make the evening work. There were several generations of the Everson family present. It could now be repeated by public demand.