Blog post

WC DECEMBER 14.

We went to the press night of Aladdin at the Mayflower, Southampton, on Tuesday night. A top class pantomime with so many dazzling special effects plus the great comedy of Joe Pasquale. I am certain he does something different every night – and his cast are never quite sure of just what is going to happen. This makes it even more entertaining. Duncan James, from Blue, sings well and is getting used to Joe’s wanderings from the script. Of the supporting cast, Cavin Cornwall is the biggest hit, as Abanazar. What a voice!!

On Wednesday I met a guy called Alan Taylor – once of East Cowes. I was recommended this guy and he turned out to have one of the most amazing local stories I have heard in 25 years of John Hannam Meets. Listen out for him on the very last John Hannam Meets, that can be heard on the radio, on January 3, before it becomes a weekly podcast that can be listened to at any time.

I was saddened to hear that my good friend David Gurd, featured last year on JH Meets and in The Beacon, was dangerously ill in Dorset. Sadly, later in the week, I was so sorry to hear of his death. He was such fun to be with.

I enjoyed my Sunday evening visit to the St Faith’s Church in Cowes for their Philly in the Field special nativity evening arranged by the Apex Church. The host for the evening was my good friend Mike Cox, who fronted his own TV live chat show about the Christmas Story. Most enjoyable and a lot of hard work was put in by members. Some clever ideas were seen on two screens. I love singing carols and there were a few to join in with. I quietly slipped in at the back and Mike did not know I was in the audience – but I did sit with his lovely wife Sue.