WC MARCH 14.
Headed over to the Theatre Royal, Portsmouth, on Tuesday morning to interview one of my favourite young Island actors of the past ten years – Oliver Gully. I picked him out to have a real future as an actor when I first saw him at Ryde School in several brilliant shows. I nominated him on several occasions when I ran the Isle of Wight Amateur Theatre Awards. I had never seen give a bad performance. Now, as a professional actor, he is touring in the iconic thriller The Mousetrap. He gave me a great interview and it will soon be available worldwide on a podcast. Visiting the Theatre Royal took me back to the 50s when I saw my first-ever show. It was the start of my lifelong love for the theatre and its performers.
Had an amazing evening on Wednesday night when I gave a talk for the Ryde Heritage Society at Yelf’s Hotel. It was packed out, the company was great and they seemed to like my chat. As ever, met some old friends and made a few new ones. They also purchased many of my archive CDs, of which there are very few left. In fact, one has completely sold out. Apparently, I’m going to be asked back.
What a sad day on Thursday with the deaths of Paul Daniels and Cliff Michelmore. Two supreme professionals who reached the peak of their respective professional careers. I knew Paul better than I knew Cliff. I interviewed Paul on three separate occasions and the last was a dream day by the Thames, when my partner Roberta and myself visited the home of Paul and Debbie. They were such perfect hosts and it was a day of laughter. I had also been to the home of Cliff Michelmore to record an at home with the former Isle of Wight born television legend. So many of us were so proud of our local boy made good.
I enjoyed my Saturday night at the Totland Village Hall watching More Sounds of the 60s, featuring The Elderberries and Friends. This idea was set up a year or two back by Bob Everson – and he clearly loves every minute – and the chance to have a full head of hair for a couple of hours!! Loved the duet with son Bertie. It was nice to know virtually every song and the chance to sing-a-long. Some well sung songs and the backing singers, particularly the ladies, were quite superb. Bertie Everson sang a great song from the 1962 Broadway musical Golden Rainbow.