WC APRIL 11.
The week got off to a great start with a visit to Shanklin Theatre to watch the First Act production of Mutiny on the Bounty. I have been watching their shows, performed by clients with learning difficulties, for around 20 years. For once, I thought I’d made it through without a tear in my eye – but I hadn’t. Congratulations to everyone involved both on and off stage. It was also a privilege to review it for the County Press.
I caught up with Josh Barry on Tuesday who suffers from cerebral palsy. He’s an amazing young man and a few of us are helping him put a special night together at Gurnard Pines Holiday Centre on Friday June 17. He loves the world of light entertainment and has no much knowledge and several pros like Jimmy Tarbuck have gone out of their way to be helpful. He’s lining up some fascinating guests for his special night.
Went to Chichester Festival Theatre on Thursday morning to interview two young actors from their forthcoming production of An Enemy of the People. Alice Orr-Ewing and Michael Fox are a real credit to their profession. For Alice, it was the first ever radio interview she had ever undertaken. Alice played one of the main characters in the brilliant Dominic Minghella and Sarah Beardsall movie The Scapegoat. Michael played Andy the illiterate footman in Downton Abbey.
Went to Freshwater on Saturday night to see the world premiere of Olly Fry’s The Story of Wendy and Jill. Loved their idea of playing on the floor of the hall and having seats around the perimeter for the public. It worked really well and you were almost in the action. Can’t say I quite understood it all – well I am old – but it was enjoyable and it was worth going just to see Michael Mullins playing one of the Lost Boys. He didn’t say much – but his visual antics were great. Superb music and excellent acting performances from a very enthusiastic cast. I have such a lot of time and respect for Olly Fry, who wrote the musical play, and performed as Captain Hook. A few surprises were expected – and they proved just that. A refreshing new look to the traditional story and beyond.