Blog post

WC July 6.

What a start to the week! On Monday night I saw a stunning Ryde School production of Beauty and the Beast. A full house, a standing ovation, superb performances and, on many occasions, you forgot this was a school production. It was in a very hot hall – but the show was even hotter.

The following night I went to the Shakespeare Revue at the Apollo Theatre. It was a different view on the life of The Bard and there were plenty of surprises. I would like to say it all worked – but for me, it didn’t. There were a few gems, one or two outstanding performances but a few moments when I lost interest. I’m still laughing when I recall some wonderful comedy moments.

Went to Brighton on Wednesday to interview a great guy – RAY QUINN. He came second to Leona Lewis in the 2006 X-Factor and went on to have a number one album. He also won Dancing on Ice on two occasions and more recently Get Your Act Together. He is coming here for a Cowes Week gig.

On Thursday I did a kind of where are they now search for former Islanders GRAHAM and ROSE DAISH. Graham was probably the most successful local football manager of all time and Rose was a much respected local nurse. I caught up with them at their Wiltshire home and helped to celebrate their recent golden wedding. Listen out for them soon on IW Radio’s John Hannam Meets.

The week ended at Bembridge Windmill with an outdoor production of Criminal Intent – and, as ever, it got very cold during the second half. The interval queue for the one toilet and the hot drinks delayed the second half. It really was great fun and I congratulate all the cast from the Newchurch Drama Group on a really funny and entertaining production. Several outstanding performances. It was just a pity we didn’t know who the actors were. There were no programmes available.