WC December 1
Went to London on Tuesday for two interviews. The first was in London’s West End with GARY CHILTON, a serving soldier who has just made a single for Help the Heroes. He was a former member of THE SOLDIERS pop group. He’s got a fascinating story.
Later I went to Covent Garden to interview OLIVER DARLEY a singer with a brilliant voice. I first saw him in Dance Til Dawn, the show he is currently in at the Aldwych Theatre, London. A former NME singer of the year he has worked with Ray Charles, Tom Jones, BB King and Joan Armatrading.
My panto season has begun – oh yes it has!! I went to Totland on Friday night to see a very different version of Jack and the Beanstalk written by local man Michael Grist. A most enjoyable evening and some good performances on stage.
On Saturday night I wrapped up warm to go to St Mary’s Church, Cowes, to see the Isle of Wight Shakespeare Company’s The Winter’s Tale. Sadly, there were just a handful in to see this brilliant production which showcased some exciting young Island talent -and Kevin Wilson. It was not as cold as feared and those who stayed at home to see Strictly missed a real treat.
Obviously I was not welcome at the Savoyards production of White Christmas. I was not invited to one of their shows for the first time ever. Did they just forget to invite me or were there too many professionals involved?
I was sad to hear of the death of the West Wight’s Barry Brooke whom I had seen in many shows at both the Memorial Hall and Totland Village Hall. He always performed with such enthusiasm and had a very pleasant singing voice. He was often described as the West Wight’s Matt Monro. A very popular guy and he will be so missed by his friends and fellow performers.