WC AUGUST 14.
I have made a start on my new book, due to be published late next year. This will be of particular interest to Islanders and I am enjoying getting down to it. In this one there are 100 chapters – so I only have 97 to go.
My 2017 book has been printed and will be launched in early October. As to be expected, there are on or two surprises.
Next February I have been asked to give a talk and sell copies of my new book at the Renown Pictures Film Festival in Rickmansworth. This is attended by several 100 people. At this event, organised by the brilliant Talking Pictures TV channel, which is 81 on Freeview HD and 343 on Sky. I will also be interviewing legendary stage, TV and movie actor Melvyn Hayes.
I had a text from my daughter, Caroline, on Friday, to tell me the sad news of the death of Bruce Forsyth. Another true British legend has left us. Sadly, there have been too many in recent years. The day I went to Bruce’s home, in 1998, was one of the greatest of my life. It was the second time I had met him and it was such an exciting drive up to Surrey knowing I was going to record an ‘at home’ with a real star. He was anything but that, indoors. We had some fun. I loved his story of going from a summer season performer to a Palladium star – and it took a few years to happen. He was a true one-off. His particular story could not happen now – there are no summer seasons anymore. I have been burning the midnight oil doing a special tribute to Bruce. This celebration of his life will soon be available online. Just click on the Radio page of this website for the next few days to check when it is available.
Saw a brilliant show at Shanklin Theatre on Sunday night. I did not quite know what to expect but the Saturday Night At The Movies Live show, starring Joe McElderry the 2009 X-Factor winner, was one of the best I have seen for a while. He has matured into a real classy performer and what a voice. He sang such a variety of songs with great skill. Beautifully choreographed routines and a fantastic band. Joe was supported by three very talented young performers who were such an asset to the success of the show. It turned out, one of them, Ben James-Ellis, had worked with my daughter on the West End production of Hairspray. Keith Jack, Lloyd Daniels and Ben all worked so hard and were each given solo opportunities which they all excelled in. They produced high energy throughout this production and, particularly, in the second half, as backing singers, they were so slick and vocally very effective. An unexpected evening of real quality entertainment. Eight young and very impressive performers, including the band, who brought a real freshness and quality to this type of show.