WC August 29.
Went to see my long term friend Joe Pasquale at Shanklin Theatre on Monday evening. Had a quick chat around teatime and went back for the show in the evening. Quite a crowd in. Joe bravely decided to do this tour without a support act, which meant he did the complete show himself, other than his road manager joining him on stage for a few minutes, as Reynard. There were many holidaymakers in the audience and they loved it. Seeing Joe and his old pal Crisco, from the Isle of Wight, meeting up again around teatime was a great moment. Crisco, Chris Cox, was such a favourite on the holiday camp circuit and his talents were much appreciated by Joe, Bradley Walsh and Shane Richie, who all admit to learning such a lot about comedy from him. Crisco should have been a big star himself.
It was not a good week with two funerals. Celebrated the lives of an old work mate at Gould, Hibberd and Randall, Roy(Ron)Taylor and Island cricket legend John Hilsum. Fond memories of them both and it was a pleasure to have known them.
I went to see the production of The 39 Steps at Shanklin Theatre on Tuesday night – and loved it. A great cast of proven local actors and some had a few parts each. A good response from the audience and not a weak link in the cast. They even tried to make Kevin Wilson look younger – and it worked. It must have been the lights or the rug!! Well directed by Kevin’s wife Lorna. I must mention Alan Johnson, who was in the cast. He’ll never know, anyway. Unless Heather reads it to him!! Computers and raffles are not Alan’s strong point.