WC December 12 and 19
It was going to be rather a manic week and so it proved. I went to the First Act production of Snow White and the 7 Miners on both Monday and Tuesday nights at Shanklin Theatre. Carol Laidler now has two performances with a slightly different cast each night to give all their clients a chance. As ever, they were both emotional nights with the adults with learning difficulties excelling themselves. Quite remarkable.
On Tuesday morning I was at the Theatre Royal, Portsmouth, to see their production of Santa Claus – The Musical. It was a superb show but there were very few in. It was a schools performance and the company were quite brilliant. It was the quietest house they were likely have over the Christmas period.
On Wednesday I was a guest on Radio Solent’s Alex Dyke Show at 2pm. He was in good form and it was a most enjoyable experience. Lots of good plugs for my new book.
On Thursday lunchtime it was so nice to meet up with one of my long term friends, Jim Yeates, who was best man at my wedding back in 1963. I like the Woodman’s Arms in Wootton and a good time was had by all.
On Saturday I spent several hours at Busy Bee, Ryde, signing copies of my book. They were very hospitable and I sold more books than I expected. They want me back next year with my next book which is due out next October.
On Tuesday December 20 I visited the Robin Hood pantomime at the Mayflower, Southampton. Shane Richie was in fine form and I was also very impressed with Peter Piper as Friar Tuck. Sadly, not enough from Jeffery Holland as the Nurse. He was worth a much bigger part but Robin Hood is not a panto to give those opportunities.
The following morning I was interviewed on Radio Leeds which was most enjoyable.