WC OCTOBER 11.
The week got off to a super start with a visit to the home of a popular 70s singer who almost won the Eurovision for Great Britain. She had many hits of her own and was forever in the gossip columns – and she makes a brilliant sandwich. Later in the afternoon I met up with Huey Lewis. It was a great double.
Interviews are still coming in daily and many more are likely around Christmas time with stars from the pantos in the area.
Went to Cardiff on Thursday and I love the train journey. Left on the 8-15 Red Jet and was in Cardiff by 11-40. Saw Larkrise to Candleford and the songs I knew off by heart, as I have been playing the CD of the original National Theatre production since 1979. Interviewed Eric Richard, best known for playing Sgt Bob Cryer in The Bill for 17 years, and Christopher Beeny, known by millions as Lennie Grove in the Grove Family, Edward the footman in Upstairs and Downstairs, Billy from In Loving Memory and, more recently, has been a regular in Last of the Summer Wine. This production opens at the Mayflower, Southampton, on November 1. Also in the show are Sarah Crowe, Jonathan Ansell and Blair Dunlop. The latter is the son of folk legend Ashley Hutchings and singer Judy Dunlop.
I enjoyed the Matt Monro Jnr concert at the Medina, Newport, on Saturday night. He got a great reception and young Matt was the best I had ever seen him. Loved his banter with his brilliant musical director – Colin Keyes – who still has that tight perm – lucky chap!! It was great to meet two old friends. I was pleased to see the first-ever book on his late father, written by Matt’s daughter Michele, sold a few copies on Saturday night. It’s a wonderful read and over 600 pages. Matt Jnr is always busy and has only found time to read the first three chapters.