Ray Meagher, veteran of over sixteen pantomimes in the United Kingdom, and friend of IBY, will not be appearing in panto this season- he'll be appearing in London's West End at the Palace theatre instead. Home and Away stalwart Ray Meagher will be taking a six month break from the show in order to star in London's West End production of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert.

Gold Logie nominee Ray, who's played Alf Stewart on the show for over 22 years, will be taking on the role of Bob, having previously had a short stint in the role in 2007. "I did two weeks in that role (as Bob) in Sydney when Michael Caton wanted to have a rest, and that is when the producers said, 'Do you want to do this in London?'" Ray told the Herald Sun.

"They (Home and Away) have very generously allowed me to do Priscilla in the West End from September 20 roughly until early March (next year). I think the funniest thing for me is a bloke from the bush, who cannot sing or dance, has been asked to do a musical in the West End. That appeals to my perverse sense of humour."

We can also announce that our next article 'The Aussie Invasion' will feature Ray and all his mates from 'down under' - watch this space!!

16th April 2010

Nigel is Trotting off to Dartford!

We are delighted to announce that Nigel will be returning to the Qdos family this panto season as Dame Trott opposite Bobby Davro at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford. This HQ Theatre will be hosting a brand new production of JACK AND THE BEANSTALK which opens on the 4th December. Nigel is really pleased to be near home again this coming season and is looking forward to the photo shoot next week!!

24th March 2010

Qdos Hire Division Website Launch

The Qdos Hire Division was launched in 2005 and has gone from strength to strength, this year they have bought details online with photos and videos of their scenery, costumes and technical equipment. Why not take a look at the website - www.qdoshiresdivision.com - Some exciting items for 2010/11 will be appearing on the website soon! More details as they become available.

Many of the sets are featured in our Scenery Gallery.

27th February 2010 Updated 15th March 2010

Danny La Rue Costume Auction

Sale of Costumes and Gowns worn by the late Danny La Rue

To be held by public auction

Brick Lane Music Hall

Friday, March 12^th, 2010

The sale will include iconic pantomime costumes; a suite of costumes worn in the West End stage version of “Hello Dolly”, sold with mounted and framed original design drawings; gowns worn for music hall and cabaret performances, featuring, rich sequin beading, acres of lame and yards of cascading feathers, as well as those famous head dresses; and “Danny’s ladies”, Zza Gabor, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton and Carmen Miranda, to name but a few.

Viewing and registration from 10am.  Sale starts at 12 midday.

For sale catalogue send name, address and cheque for £3.50 to:

Brick Lane Music Hall, 443 North Woolwich Road, London E16 2DA

please note the picture above is purely illustrative and is not an item from the sale catalogue

The Stage

BBC Website

UPDATED - Report and Photos from the Auction

3rd March 2010

The Art of the Pantomime Dame

In catching up with our inbox after a busy season, we have come across a link from Graham Hoadly of videos he has uploaded to YouTube in a series called The Art of the Pantomime Dame. Whilst we were putting them on our VideoMedia page we also thought that people might be really interested in seeing five great dames in interview, rehearsal and performance.

JACK TRIPP (1922 - 2005)

TERRY SCOTT (1927 - 1994)

BILLY DAINTY (1927 - 1986)

GEORGE LACY (1904 - 1989)

DOUGLAS BYNG (1893 - 1987)

We hope you enjoy them.

3rd March 2010

Seeking Memorabilia

20th February 2010

Brick Lane Music Hall's Robin Hood and The Bawdy Babes in the Wood

Brick Lane Music Hall must have the longest running panto at the moment- it runs through from December 5th until March 6^th- playing every day through the Christmas Holidays, and several times a week thereafter.

This year’s Adult Panto  has been written by Chris Emmett – his third at this venue- and he plays Dame Minnie, inebriated Nursemaid to the babes in huge traditional comic form.

Chris Emmett, national treasure! Veteran of BBC Radio’s “The News Huddlines”, Chris spent 26 years in that show alongside Roy Hudd and June Whitfield, as well as his television career including eight years in 3-2-1 with Ted Rogers- he certainly knows his comedy!

To watch his Dame is to step back into the world of true traditional Dame-the Dame  of Arthur Askey, Reg Dixon, and Billy Dainty- definitely a “Fella In A Frock” he brings huge joy to this tiny stage, joined by Brick Lane founder, Vincent Hayes as Vinnie, son of Minnie.

Chris and Vincent have several opportunities to team up for raucous routines, taking on the Wicked Sheriff of Nottingham played with every ounce of comic villainy by the wonderful Lowri-Ann Richards as the Cross Dressing Sheriff Shaun who wants to be Sharon!

The cast is bolstered by Pip Morgan as Will Scarlett, and a clever use of ensemble with The Merry Men engaging in every part of the show and the plot. Led by Andy Young (I had the pleasure of working with Andy at the Birmingham Hippodrome “Cinderella” a few years back) who also choreographs- he plays Little John, joined by Adam Coleman as Friar Tuck, Steven McMillan as Much, and Neil Canfer as Allan-a-Dale.

The Traditional Principal Boy is to be found at Brick Lane in the guise of Hannah Nichols as Robin Hood, and The Lady Marian is played by Natalie Moore-Williams.

The Brick Lane Orchestra consists of Laurence Payne, Musical Director and Keyboards and Bobby Cook on Percussion.

Directed by Chris Emmett this is a glorious night out a stones throw from City Airport. Yes- confusingly Brick Lane Music Hall isn’t in London’s Brick Lane. For that matter Selfridges don’t sell fridges either…No, this is Brick Lane Music Hall Number Three, situated in Silvertown. For location see www.bricklanemusichall.co.uk

Delighted to be there this evening to help celebrate the Music Hall’s Eighteenth Birthday! The original venue became a talking point after Danny La Rue, a great friend of Vincent’s appeared at the venue and, along with Barbara Windsor, Roy Hudd  and several Music Hall celebrity aficionados put the place on the map.

This venue is an amazing conversion- housed in what was St. Marks Church, nestling beside the Tate & Lyle Factory; it has been transformed by Vincent into a magnificent Victorian Music Hall – the only one of its kind left sadly- that produces shows throughout the year. - this year also sees Mothers Day Matinees, St. Patrick’s Irish Party Week, Appearances by The Bachelors, Roy Hudd’s “Best Of British” and “Give My Regards To Broadway”.

I’m a huge fan of the place, and there’s nothing like a jolly night out wining and dining, cabaret style as you watch the pantomime or the Music Hall.

The night I was in the audience included a group of the Lady Ratlings, King Rat Derek Martin (of East Enders Fame) and the legendary Jimmy Perry, creator of Dad’s Army and “Hi De Hi” to name but a few. What a smashing night out!

The Brick Lane Music Hall will be hosting the auction of costumes from the collection of the legendary Danny La Rue - this will take place on Friday 12th March 2010 and further details will be put on to IBY as soon as we have them.

Nigel Ellacott

25th January 2010

Surprise Surprise! SuBo in Edinburgh!

So what happens when the object of an impression turns out to be in the audience! Well Allan Stewart found out during Robinson Crusoe at the Kings in Edinburgh!

30th September 2009 UPDATED 22nd December 2009

Peter Denyer

20th August 1947 - 18th September 2009

A personal appreciation of the life of Peter Denyer by his friend Kevin Wood.

The death occurred on Friday 18^th September of Peter Denyer aged 62, one of Britain’s leading actors of his generation.  I never knew a better technical performer, nor a more sincere friend.  After training at Bristol Old Vic, Peter achieved instant national fame as Dennis in “Please Sir”, and went on to play leading roles in the iconic TV series “The Fenn Street Gang”, “Agony” and as the much loved Ralph in “Dear John”.

On stage he made his professional debut at the old Sheffield Rep, and in a forty year career appeared at virtually every theatre in the land, playing almost every role from Shakespeare to Ayckbourn, from the West End to Summer Seasons and Rep.  However, he ended his life as the country’s most performed playwright, by virtue of a canon of twelve pantomimes that found favour with amateur and professional companies alike, to the extent that since the mid-nineties more than two hundred productions of his work took place every year.

I first met Peter in 1985, when he was cast in the title role in my adaptation of “The History of Mr Polly”.  We became firm friends and within a short time business partners for a range of productions that spanned the next twenty-five years.  During the mid eighties he joined us to run Kevin Wood Pantomimes, helping to establish a reputation for bespoke quality Christmas productions that paved the way for the current style of high value presentations having more in common with musicals than variety shows.

The company prospered and in addition to countless pantomimes, Peter directed national tours of “An Inspector Calls” starring Alfred Marks, “Peter Pan” with Toyah Willcox and “The Wizard of Oz” with Brian Blessed and Peter Duncan.  In recent years Peter came to work with me at First Family directing “Jack and the Beanstalk” at Richmond, and “Snow White” and “Cinderella” at Wimbledon.

Peter’s was a sensitive, prodigious talent that endeared him to everyone he worked with.  His loss will be mourned by a whole generation of theatre folk lucky enough to have witnessed his skill and craftsmanship.  He was a great friend and will never be replaced.

A website has been set up by his friends, with memories and pictures - www.petespals.com

13th November 2009 - Updated 23rd November 2009

Johnny Dallas

Here at IBY we are saddened to hear the news that Johnny Dallas, Pantomime Dame, has passed away at his home in Leicester.

Johnny was one of the country’s longest working dames. One of his early appearances in pantomime was at the Pavilion Liverpool in 1957. It was memorable for being the very last appearance in pantomime of Dorothy Ward, legendary Principal Boy, approaching her 70^th birthday. Johnny’s last appearance in pantomime was in the the role of Dame Durden  in the 2007-08 season of “Jack and The Beanstalk” at the Grantham Guildhall and Arts Centre. The local press wrote:

“Johnny’s pedigree as an entertainer is unchallenged. He has pantomimes by the score under his belt, and has been seen on TV playing alongside household names during his long and illustrious career”.

Johnny appeared in his role as dame  more recently than in 2007. I had the great pleasure of seeing him in “Bless ‘Em All”, Stan Stennett’s touring revue at the Kenneth More Theatre in August of this year. Johnny was a regular performer in Stan’s troupe”, along with Johnny Tudor in theatres around the UK . It gave me the opportunity to catch up on his news when we met backstage. Johnny advised me to meet up in between shows as he would, in his words, be out of the building like a bat out of hell” to miss the traffic on his journey back to Leicester that evening. He was true to his word. In the time it took me to get around from front of house he had already left the building!

I had the privilege of working with Johnny in 1977 in a long summer season at the Gaiety Theatre in Rhyl, produced by Aubrey Phillips. Johnny performed a great number of his sketches, and did several singing spots during the different shows. Aubrey played Dame in the Summer Pantomime “Snow White”, with Johnny appearing as Huntsman. He did, however appear in Dame garb several times in sketches, as well as his celebrated “Chelsea Pensioner” role.

I learnt a great deal from appearing with Johnny- especially about timing, and about clarity- getting the right word in the punchline of a joke, and delivering it clearly. He had learnt his craft from his early years touring with Don Ross and his wife Gertie Gitana in Don’s “Thanks For The Memory” music hall and variety tours, as well as Don Ross pantomimes. He took on the Ross name as his early Stage name, appearing as John Ross, vocalist and entertainer.

Above all, Johnny was a superb entertainer. He became hugely popular in the North Wales resort that named him “Mr Rhyl”, and he appeared in many seasons at the Gaiety Theatre and across the road at the Queen’s where he enjoyed long residencies.

Johnny was a showman. Immaculately dressed on and off stage, he was the first person I had ever seen that had his very own radio mike. It was, admittedly very large, and was operated from a large suitcase in the wing, which most of us tripped over, but it was very impressive, as was his wardrobe of summer season suits and props. Sequins were to the fore in the Dallas summer season wardrobe, and  his Dame was as traditional as could be- Johnny was a stickler for tradition both as performer and as director of pantomimes. He once sent a blistering letter to stage when they reported that he retired, pointing out he only now wished to appear in traditional panto, and was extremely busy with his agency, promoting talent under the banner of “Basic/JD” agency.

The mark of Johnny Dallas was that on stage in August this year he was as spry and as dapper as he had ever been, and that on the day of his death he had several artistes under contract for various pantomimes around the country.

A great Dame and a great Showman. It was a pleasure to know you Johnny.

Nigel Ellacott

12^th November 2009

A few memories from Stan Stennett and Johnny Tudor.

"Stan Stennett and I have both known Johnny Dallas for more years than we care to remember.  I don’t know about Stan But I first met him back in 1966 when I was appearing at the Gaiety Theatre Rhyl with Lonnie Donigan and Hilda Baker.  Johnny was appearing at the Sporting club at the time and I always remember his melodramatic monologue ‘My Little Rosa’. Had this been done by a lesser artist it might have seemed corny but in Johnny’s case it brought tears to the audience’s eyes.  I’m sure had he followed an acting career he would have made a fine character actor.

I was to work with Johnny many years later, in Dick Whittington where he played Dame of course and he was brilliant, a true Panto Dame and not a drag queen which many are today. He could be a miserable  old sod at times, always complaining about the state of the The Business,  but his lugubrious manner always gave us a laugh and in retrospect he was probably right -  Johnny was a traditionalist and he will be sadly missed by the World of Panto.

 Latterly Stan and I have been working with him in Stan’s touring Revue 'Bless ‘Em All' in which he played Mrs. Piddlewick and Jack Pleasance and never failed to stop the show. Stan always had trouble remembering his intro because it had to change for every town we played.  It went something like this:

“Please welcome Jack Pleasance who has returned from a standing ovation at the Lisvane Haemorrhoid clinic.”

 To my mind Johnny was up there with other great Panto Dames like  Bartlett and Ross and Jack Tripp and will be sadly missed by his fellow artists."

Johnny Tudor.

16^th November 2009

6th October 2009

The Qdos / Churchill Photocall - Oh Yes It Is!

Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Monday October 5^th

A highly enjoyable day in the West End, when you might have said that Pantomime had gone to the dogs! While you Paws for thought on that very bad pre panto chestnut, Panto folk celebrated the arrival of a new star- Churchill the Dog!

Qdos Entertainment and Churchill held a press launch today to celebrate their new pantomime partnership. Churchill had pride of place in the West End, and indeed will do so in 22 of The Qdos Pantomimes this coming season. He may not have made it into “Cats”, but he proved today he could hold his own among a plethora of panto performers.

Attending the event today were Linda Lusardi, appearing in Northampton this season, Joe Pasquale, appearing at Birmingham Hippodrome, Shane Ritchie- High Wycombe and Paul Zerdin with Sam- Nottingham Theatre Royal.

Panto Glamour was provided by a gathering of Dames, Sisters and Baronessess, namely Steve Arnott (Newcastle), Chris Hayward (Newcastle), Ceri Dupree (Birmingham), Brian Godfrey (Southend), Andrew Ryan (Nottingham), Martin Ramsdin and David Robbins (Dartford) and our very own Nigel Ellacott.

Qdos Entertainment’s Nick Thomas, Michael Harrison, Jonathan Kiley, and Ian Wilson were joined by Sharon Harding and Lesley Downie at the Lyric Theatre

For more photos, see a special Churchill area in our new Pantomime Launch Section and more details about Churchill's theatrical debut can be found on www.churchill.com/panto or you can follow his exploits on Facebook.

Churchill and the Churchill Dog character are trademarks of Churchill Insurance Company Limited.

6th October 2009

Thank You Qdos

A huge thank you from all at IBY to all at Qdos for agreeing to continue its sponsorship of the site. As we enter our 10th year in cyberspace we are continuing to expand the site, which is only possible with its continued support and patronage! Thank you.

Here's to the next ten years!!

25th July 2009

The Royal Theatrical Fund's Summer Fair

July 12th 2009 - St Paul's Churchyard, Covent Garden

A very sunny July day for the annual Garden Party, presented by both the Royal Theatrical Fund and the Grand Order Of Water Rats, at St.Paul’s Covent Garden- appropriately “The Actor’s Church” in the heart of the West End of London.

The fair raises money on behalf of both charities, and helps both to provide financial assistance to members of the entertainment profession and their dependants.

See www.trtf.com and www.gowr.net forurther info

The Royal Theatrical Fund was begun in 1839 by Charles Dickens, and The GOWR began when a group of Music Hall stars in 1880 bought a trotting pony called “Magpie”, and used the winnings to help other performers who were in need.

Today the head of the Grand Order is known as King Rat, and was present in the shape of Graham Cole, known to millions of viewers as Tony Stamp of “The Bill”. Graham was introduced by Keith Simmons, veteran of many pantomimes, who compered the event. The proceedings were opened shortly after mid-day by Sir Donald Sinden, president of The Royal Theatrical Fund, who tirelessly signed autographs and sold theatrical greetings cards all afternoon, bellowing his wares in the manner of a Shakespearean street trader!

The grounds of St.Paul’s were full to bursting with stalls. One of the hugely popular attractions for the public being the Autograph Tent. During the day the tent was home to many celebrities signing autograph books purchased for a fiver. Among the signers were John Nettles, Jess Conrad, Wyn Calvin- veteran panto dame of The British Empire, Panto villains Victor Spinetti and Rula Lenska, along with Gorden Kaye, June Whitfield, Michael Howe (who also entertained the crowds accompanied by his guitar),  Jimmy Perry and Jeffrey Holland and Judy Buxton.

Jeff and Judy have just finished their tour of “Allo Allo” with Vicki Michelle, and it was great to meet up and catch up with their news. Both Jeff and Judy will be spending their panto in Beanstalk land at Reddich, with Jeff a Dame Trott and Judy as a very organic vegetable fairy!

Paul Holman , prolific panto producer was at the party, along with Barrie Stacey, Keith “’Appy” Hopkins and Chris Emmett. Chris will once again be giving his Dame (and indeed will be writing the panto) at The Brick Lane Music Hall in Silvertown this year. Since I’m giving my Dame Dolly Doughnut just up the road in Ilford, we made a date to see each other’s pantomimes in the New Year.

Chris spent a lot of time helping fellow “News Huddlines” star Roy Hudd run his theatrical ephemera stall. Each year Roy and his wife Debbie Flitcroft donate a part of Roy’s huge theatrical mementos to the Water Rats and Theatrical Fund. When joined by June Whitfield at the stall we had the full cast of Roy’s hugely successful radio show!

Roy of course has been in Coronation Street, along with John Savident who was one of the celebrity “signers” in the marquee.

I had attended with Isobel Hurll (who will be appearing with me in “Snow White” as a very Wicked Queen) along with Andrew Ryan (appearing as Dame Trott in Nottingham this season with Nigel Havers and Paul Zerdin) and my neighbour Anna Karen- known forever as “Olive” from “On The Buses” and of course Peggy Mitchell’s sister Sal in EastEnders. Anna signed autographs in the sunshine while the rest of us took a look around the many stalls, enjoying the music from The Bill Geldard Big Band. It was lovely to bump into several old friends including Joy Graham and to meet up with past Queen Rat Joanne Hall. Joanne told me of her annual trips to pantomimes each year- this season she will visit Bournemouth, Sunderland, Manchester and Newcastle. She tells me she first appeared in panto in Newcastle in 1937. What a glorious business we work in, eh?

Jimmy Perry tirelessly sold “Dad’s Army” DVD’s and books from his stall during the afternoon, the Pimms flowed, the band played on, and the crowds thronged, all raising money for an extremely important charity. Everyone worked so hard this afternoon, and for an extremely good cause. We certainly had a great afternoon. Thank you one and all!

25th July 2009

LYNETTE MCMORROUGH'S BIRTHDAY

at the Pantomime Horse Races

Sunday 14th June 2009

With apologies from Simon for the late posting!!

A very jolly day spent in Whitstable  celebrating Pantomime Fairy Lynette McMorrough’s birthday. By co-incidence, or perhaps with a little fairy magic it was also the day of the Whitstable Pantomime Horse Races at Tankerton Slopes- an annual event organised by the Rotary Club in aid of local and national charities.

Lynette’s party was organised by husband and panto dame Nick Wilton (at home as always in a pinny) and daughter Emily McMorrough. Among the guests cheering on both Lynette and a field of panto ponies were a collection of Dames, Villains, Princes and Heroines in a very theatrical affair beside the seaside.

The guests included:

Georgie Wood , Lee Dean, Freddie Pyne, Angela Webb, Colin Ridgewell , Su Douglas, Louise English, Bruce James and Rebecca Lee Morgan with their three month old son Logan, Andrew Ryan, Nigel Ellacott, Brian Godfrey, Sarah Whitlock, Paul Morse, Lewis Rae, Paul De Fer, Peter Benedict, Paul & Penny Trussel, Gina Webb and Joan.

A great time was had by all- thanks to Nick & Emily for organising and catering for the masses. A Very Happy Birthday Lynette!

2nd July 2009 Updated 9th July 2009

MOLLIE SUGDEN

1922-2009

Here at IBY we are very saddened to hear of the death of Mollie Sugden. She passed away this afternoon at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford, after a long illness. Her twin sons Robin and Simon were at her bedside.

Mollie was married to the late actor William Moore. They met while appearing in repertory at Swansea Grand Theatre in 1956 and married shortly after that. Bill Moore died nine years ago. Bill and Molly appeared in pantomime together as Baron and Fairy Godmother- I had the joy of seeing them both  in “Cinderella” at the King’s Theatre in Southsea while I was in “Cinderella” at the Mayflower in Southampton. Mollie was the epitome of flustered regalness as she bossed Cinderella about the stage to get her ready for the ball, and had a duet with husband Bill, who played a dotty and loveable Baron to Stephanie Lawrence’s Cinders.

Mollie was a rare breed of actress who could genuinely play Pantomime Dame- and she did this with huge success in the London Palladium production of “Dick Whittington” in 1979. She played Sarah The Cook to Jim Davidson’s Dick Whittington, alongside Victor Spinetti, Windsor Davies, Lionel Blair, Melvyn Hayes, Clive Dunn and Jacqueline Reddin and Derek Holt.

Mollie’s character in “Are You Being Served” was portrayed in full pantomime force- Mrs Slocombe was a panto dame in all but name! The frequent change of hair colour from cerise pink to vibrant mauve, the torrent of frills on her blouse, denoting her seniority over the junior Miss Brahms (played by the late Wendy Richard) and the novelty scenes played for full out pantomime fun , usually with John Inman, were the stuff that panto is made of. She appeared as a grotesque “Shirley Temple”, as a Greek Dancer, a yodelling Swiss Dancer and a ballroom dancer, only matched in outrageousness by John Inman. The fun of “Are You Being Served” continued briefly in 1992 when the cast reunited in “Grace and Favour”.

Nobody did Outrage like Mollie Sugden. Her face would contort with indignation and turn into seething rage when Mrs Slocombe was insulted, as she frequently was by the young Mr Lucas- played by Trevor Bannister. It is little wonder that Mollie’s character became the benchmark for many a pantomime Dame entering the business.

Mollie played someone’s Mum, or next door neighbour for most of her career. Born in Keighley. West Yorkshire, she attended Guildhall College, and went into repertory and touring theatre before making television her place of work. She was mother to Jimmy Clitheroe- not in his successful radio series, but on television in “Just Jimmy” and on stage, moving on to playing Mrs Crispin in “Hugh & I” with Hugh Lloyd and Terry Scott. She played Mother to John Alderton, Christopher Blake, Robin Nedwell, Terry Scott and, of course Nerys Hughes in the hugely successful comedy series “The Liver Birds”.

Mollie appeared from time to time in “Coronation Street” as the acid tongued rival to Annie Walker- from the Brewers association, and was to be seen dangling from a wire, or floating in space at any rate in “Come Back Mrs Noah”. She appeared in “Up Pompeii”, “Steptoe & Son”, “My Wife Next Door” and “Doctor In Charge” as well as countless stage tours in comedies such as Relatively Speaking” and “Find The Lady”, specially written for her.

Summer seasons and stage appearances, often with husband Bill, would take her all over the country, and to America where, as a result of “Are You Being Served” she had an enormous fan base. That in itself is a very Mrs Slocombe thought-“ you have an enormous fan base, Betty…!”. In fact it was Mollie who pointed out that the writers of “Are You Being Served” could never remember her first name. She always believed it was Betty, but in some episodes it became Rachel- and at one point her maiden name had become Rachel Yiddle- but to the huge army of fans she was, and always will be Mrs Slocombe, forever bemoaning the loss of her pussy which would later turn up, trapped in her drawers.

For the many great years of sheer comic delight and joy, we thank you most sincerely Mollie. A generous and immensely kind lady and a superb actress, you will be very sadly missed.

Nigel Ellacott

1^st July 2009

Link From BBC Website - Obituary and TV Montage

YouTube Tribute

Scenes from the Palladium Pantomime 'Dick Whittington' with Jim Davidson and Lionel Blair

1st June 2009 UPDATED 24th July 2009

DANNY LA RUE OBE

1927-2009

We recently, as part of our SPOTLIGHT series, catalogued the life and career of Danny in some detail and you can read all about his extraordinary career by following the link.

2nd June 2009

Pantomime in Scotland Exhibition

A new interactive exhibition celebrating pantomime in Scotland will open at Motherwell Theatre from Monday 23 November until Wednesday 2 December.  This free exhibition will be visiting three theatres in the west of Scotland this pantomime season and is suitable for audiences of all ages!

Drawing on work from a new research project, the exhibition covers all aspects of the past and present of Scottish pantomime – its stories, its stars, its humour, its magnificent sets and costumes and, above all, its special place in the hearts of audiences across Scotland.

In telling the story of Scottish pantomime, from its Victorian origins right up to the present day, the exhibition features pictures, photographs and playbills from a wide range of sources, including Glasgow University Library Scottish Theatre Archive and the collections of performers, producers and audience members themselves.

The exhibition includes rarely seen archive film footage from the National Library of Scotland: Scottish Screen Archive of pantomimes in theatres in Edinburgh and Glasgow in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.  Stars featured include Scottish pantomime favourites Jack Anthony, Dave Willis, George West, Harry Gordon and Will Fyffe.

Visitors to the exhibition can also listen to sound recordings featuring the memories of audience members and performers of the past and present, not least Stanley Baxter remembering his part in the legendry pantomime, The Tintock Cup (1949).

As part of the exhibition, visitors will be invited to contribute their own memories and experiences of seeing and making professional and amateur pantomime in Scotland. This is a unique opportunity to capture memories of a golden age of Scottish pantomime and to document the many community pantomimes that take place across the whole of Scotland. 

Stanley Baxter, pantomime legend and national treasure, says –

Lewis Casson was absolutely right – pantomime is the national theatre of Scotland. This exhibition celebrating Scottish pantomime is to be warmly welcomed.  Pantomime was always very close to my heart and I loved it from a very early age. I saw Tommy Lorne when I was almost too young to remember it – almost, but not quite!  It was a joy to be involved in pantomime for so much of my career and I wish this exhibition all possible success.

One of the team behind the exhibition, Adrienne Scullion, James Arnott Chair of Drama of the University of Glasgow, says:

This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Scotland’s favourite kind of theatre.  From recording the memories of pantomime audiences and performers, we know that pantomime has a special place in the lives of Scottish audiences and that it has always had an important role in Scotland’s theatre industry. This exhibition is a great way for us to acknowledge the significance of pantomime in Scotland, and to recognise and value its contribution to Scotland’s cultural life. 

 After opening in Motherwell, the exhibition will tour to  the King’s Theatre, Glasgow from Saturday 5 December to Saturday 19 December and Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling From Monday 21 December to Thursday 14 January.

Website Details including details and extract from the Pantomimes on Film Section

3rd May 2009

Home for the Holidays - An Announcement From Nigel

After much deliberation, and having received several offers from Qdos, I have finally come to a decision about future plans.

After nearly three decades of working opposite Peter Robbins as “The Ugly Sisters” I think, for the time being, that I would not wish to form a new “double”- I have to admit that playing “Sister” with another actor would just not be the same. It never could be- that experience was a “once in a lifetime” , and now it is time to move on to the next one.

So- having had a long chat with several of my colleagues, and spoken at great length to Qdos, in particular to Michael Harrison, I have decided to fly solo. It is time to play Dame! I think I might just be old enough now, and hopefully I won’t find it too hard to learn to walk in the heels!

Everyone in the Qdos Family have been wonderfully supportive to me, as they always have been to both Peter & myself over the many years. When we first decided to launch our “Sisters” back in 1981, we did so at the Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford. Each year since then I have written the pantomimes there, and designed the costumes. Peter used to describe the theatre as “My front room”, as I spend more time there than I do at home, and it is literally “around the corner”.

My brother Vivyan has been the General Manager and Artistic Director there since it opened in 1975, and after discussion with Michael at Qdos and Vivyan at the KMT, I am delighted to launch my Dame there, as I did my “Sister”.

This Christmas I will be appearing as Dame Dolly Dumpling in “Snow White” at the Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford. (Tickets on sale shortly. Watch this space!).

Being at home for Christmas, and having the facilities and the time to create my Debut Dame will make the world of difference. I look forward to my new role- and, to playing  Dame for Qdos next year- venue to be announced!

MICHAEL HARRISON SAID:

After talking at length to Nigel and with the blessing of Paul Elliott who was instrumental in the life of Nigel and Peter’s legendary partnership I am delighted that Nigel can move onto an exciting new chapter in his career and there is no better place for him to discover his Dame than at the KMT.

Paul and I agree that this is the best way for Nigel to spend the 2009/20010 Christmas season and look forward to welcoming “Dame Ellacott” back next year.

This year Nigel will also act as consultant on several Qdos projects.

25th April 2009

Kathy Staff - A Memorial Service

Friday 24th April 2009

A very lovely service held today at “The Actors Church”, St.Paul’s Covent Garden in memory of Kathy Staff who died in December of last year aged Eighty.

The church was packed with family and friends celebrating the life and career of one of this country’s best loved actresses- a lady who made the battleaxe Nora Batty in her wrinkled tights a national icon. She first appeared in 1973 and was in 243 episodes.

Nora Batty was not, of course the only character that Kathy was associated with in a long and varied career. She virtually monopolised the major “soaps” having appeared in Coronation Street, as Vera Hopkins, Crossroads, as Doris Luke, Emmerdale Farm as Winnie Purvis, and then the revived Crossroads, in addition to her appearances in “Open All Hours” as Mrs. Blewitt, with Ronnie Barker and Lynda Baron, and of course the long running “Last Of The Summer Wine” series.

Kathy’s family greeted everyone arriving at the church- her husband John and daughters Katherine and Susan for a service that was intended to be joyful and a celebration of life.

The service was conducted by St. Paul’s  Reverend Simon Grigg, and a magnificent choir, the Choir of St. John’s Wood Church  performed several items, with “God So Loved The World” from Stainer's Crucifixion among the most beautiful pieces. The Organist was Simon Gutteridge and Musical Director Michael Cayton.

Roy Barraclough began the service with a series of happy memories of his forty year friendship with Kathy. He related their first meeting when they both auditioned for a Yorkshire Television “Soap”, and were cast as Husband and Wife. He told how they would meet at the local North Of England station to travel up to the studios, meeting in the Buffet- “Like Brief Encounter, with Tripe..”, and of becoming a regular guest at John and Kathy’s home, resulting in Katherine and Susan calling Roy “Daddy Number Two! ”Roy and Kathy had also been teamed up with Les Dawson in the comedy series “Sez Les”.

From the  world of “Crossroads”, when Doris Luke would keep an eye on the lives of Adam Chance and Meg  Richardson/Mortimer, fellow actors Tony Adams and Paul Henry paid a fond tribute to Kathy’s memory. Tony Adams related the legend of performing a touching scene with Jill Rossington while Kathy, as Doris was to lurk in the background. He told of a terrible noise drowning them out. The Director was summoned. According to Tony the Sound Effects team had acted on a typing error. The dreadful noise was a result of reading “Doris Luke Hoovers” when it should have read “Hovers”!

Paul Henry (Known to Crossroads fans as Benny) also told of Kathy’s warmth and generosity and kindness both on and off the set.

From Kathy’s home in Cheshire the Reverend Alison Cox, Vicar of St. Mark’s Church Dukinfield gave the address. As a devout Christian, Kathy gave much of her time and energy into attending services (Susan Staff was one of the first women to be ordained in 1994) and assisting St Marks as well as Churches in general.

From “The Last Of The Summer Wine”  Producer/Director Alan JW Bell recalled Kathy’s humour and professionalism when filming the highly successful series. He related a scene where Nora had to be collected by Compo (played by Bill Owen) not by car, but by motorised bedstead. The bed was “driven” from below, with Bill and Kathy riding on top. When Director and Cameraman also got on board to film reaction shots Kathy had asked to be told “Action!” by Alan. However the bed got up speed, crew started running away from the now racing bed plummeting downhill- the brakes had failed. As the bed was grabbed by several burly crew and ground to a halt, Bill gazed ahead in complete shock, and Kathy leant forward and calmly enquired “Have you said Action yet?”

“Summer Wine” writer Roy Clarke (He also wrote “Open All Hours”) described how when he first wrote the small part of Nora Batty, a neighbour into the first episode, he had no idea how she would  look, and was not expecting the role to be anything other than a small part with a few lines. He told how Kathy had created Nora Batty for him, and that she had achieved the almost impossible task of making an unlikeable character- the dreaded Battleaxe – into one that the public took to their hearts. She breathed the life into his character, and Kathy’s skill turned it into a very major part of the series.

The service, which included several hearty hymns and  readings concluded with The blessing given by Rev’d Simon Grigg, and the congregation of Kathy’s friends and work mates went out into the bright sunshine to continue swapping stories and tales of their association with the lovely lady that was Kathy Staff.

Peter Robbins and I had worked with Kathy in two pantomimes- along with Bill Owen from “The Last Of The Summer Wine”- since Kathy was in both “Crossroads” AND “Summer Wine” at the same time, we would have fanfares of the “Crossroads” theme for Kathy as Queen, and the theme of “Summer Wine” for Bill as Baron Compo. The wrinkled stockings of Nora Batty were there, of course, under Kathy’s Royal Robes. She was a witty lovely lady, and I treasure those chats we’d have in “Kath’s Caff”, beneath the stage at the Bournemouth Pavilion between shows. Every Saturday evening John would arrive and He and Kathy would set off for Cheshire, and the service at church the next morning. A warm and witty lady. Kathy it was a pleasure to know you.

The church was packed, so I can only recall those who I  met up with afterwards and saw leaving the service. I hope those not mentioned will forgive the omission. Apart from Kathy’s family mentioned above  the congregation included:

Roy Barraclough and Mark Llewellyn, Tony Adams, Jill Rossington, Lynette and Emily McMorrough, Sarah Whitlock, Paul Henry, Janet Hargreaves, Alan JW Bell, Roy Clark, Peter Sallis, Jean Fergusson, Sarah Thomas, Frank Thornton, June Whitfield, Lynda Barron, Freddie Lees, Anita Graham, Linda Reagan and Brian Murphy, Pamela Cundell, Audrey Leybourne, Mathew Kelly, Brian Cant and Cherry Britton, Lorraine Chase, Meg Johnson, Anna Karen, Andrew Ryan, Frederick Pyne, Sue Devaney and Mark Curry.

3rd April 2009

54 Not Out! The Patton Brothers

This year Jimmy and Brian Patton celebrate 54 consecutive pantomimes in a career that has encompassed Panto, Variety and Television for over Sixty Years. Jimmy has been in the business for sixty-three years, and this year Brian reaches his sixtieth year in showbusiness– an amazing achievement! In all those years they have never missed a performance- something that must surely qualify them for a world record!

This Christmas, 2009, The Pattons and their real life brothers, The “Chuckles” will be touring Britain’s major theatres together in “A Christmas Chuckle”.

For further details on the Patton Brothers and The Chuckle Brothers, see our related articles.

1st April 2009

Theatre Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum - Theatre Galleries

The new Theatre Galleries have opened at the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington, and I’m happy to report that once again we have representation for the arts, even if it is in a much scaled down version of the original museum in Covent Garden.

The galleries contain a small collection of the vast theatrical collection that the V&A possesses. Obviously it would be impossible to display even a small percentage of this archive, and so there is a representation of items from the different areas of ballet, opera, musicals, drama and performance.

Pantomime is represented in a few examples- the costume display features Billy Dainty’s “Sarah The Cook” costumes (before and after the ship-wreck) designed by the late Paddy Dickie. Paddy, assisted by her Mother Mary created costumes for “her boys”- Terry Scott, Stanley Baxter  and Billy Dainty amongst others, often working to the designs of Terry Parsons. The twin Dame costumes on display here are from the Apollo Oxford pantomime of 1984-85. Paddy died in 2006 aged 58.

The collection of set designs includes one pantomime scene from 1903. The “City Of Coral” created by Henry Emden for the Drury Lane “Humpty Dumpty” with Dan Leno and Herbert Campbell. An amazing number of cut-cloths and borders give this set great depth, and it apparently made only a brief appearance at the end of the second act! There is also the make-up case belonging to Pantomime comedian Harry Randall , used in this Drury Lane production on display, along with photographs.

Panto Dame, the late Alan Vickers is represented by one of his headdresses from “Aladdin”, and an example of a “traditional” Pantomime Cow is displayed. Not from Pantomime, but on the same lines as the Panto Cow is the huge rhinoceros that greets you at the entrance to the gallery. It was designed to lumber across the stage (slowly) by two actors, with the tail and neck animated by a bicycle chain built into the structure!

Emile Littler, Pantomime King has his 1950’s board game “Show Business” in the collection (it was presented unused by Sir Emile himself) and like the trials of the “X Factor” today, the game involves the attempt to get from your Village Choir into the West End by means of a “Snakes & Ladders” type of game! Littler approached the manufacturers Chad Valley with the idea after the Second World War, and sold it at his theatres throughout the country.

Designers are represented- although not pantomime, the designer Cynthia Tingey has some examples of her work on display- designs for the opening production of Danny La Rue’s Nightclub in the 1960’s. Cynthia Tingey created many of the Palladium Pantomime costumes. There is one example of the Victorian designer “Wilhelm”- you might recall how, here at IBY we discovered his original designs for the Drury Lane and Crystal Palace pantomimes, and arranged for their subsequent sale to the V&A. The example in the V&A informed me that the designers true name was William John Charles Pitcher- so little wonder he shortened it to “Wilhelm”!.

Interesting to see that I have a double of a mask by the artist Jocelyn Herbert at the Kenneth More Theatre- I bought it at a sale twenty years ago, and now know that it was made for Harrison Birtwistle’s opera “The Mask Of Orpheus” from 1986. Mine has served very nicely as King Neptune in several productions of “Dick Whittington” at the Ilford Panto.

Panto Dame Jeffrey Longmore is depicted at the museum as Frank n Furter in the Oldham Coliseum’s “Rocky Horror Show”- there is a design for his costume dating from 1981.

I’m not sure whether Adam Ant’s costume from his video as “Prince Charming”, Elton John’s outfit or Mick Jaggers cat-suit are strictly theatre, but they are certainly not what you’d call “Street-Wear”! There is the “Transport Café” frock designed for Dame Edna Everage, together with “her” Sydney Harbour Bridge” hat, worn by the Dame at Royal Ascot, next to Variety strong lady Joan Rhodes’s sequinned dresses and Dame Margot’s tutu.

Sadly there are very few pantomime posters on display- the old museum had more wall space I suppose. There might be more, but I only counted three panto related posters in total- one of Rolf Harris and Lesley Joseph at Bath (a Paul Elliott production), one of Aubrey Phillip’s touring “Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs” with Charles Hawtrey and Bryan Johnson- I was in that show for a while in the 1970’s!- and one Cinderella dating from 1895. I have filing cabinets and portfolios stuffed with more, should the V&A ever need to put a few more up!

All in all a very enjoyable way to spend an hour and a half, but, in terms of a museum of the arts in Great Britain, it is extremely modest and very unassuming. Who knows, perhaps the displays will change regularly, or be extended? I do hope hope so. Call in, if you get the chance, and support the Arts!

4th February 2009

Connie Creighton BEM

Here at IBY we were very sad to hear of the death of Connie Creighton, aged 74.. Connie had been bravely battling dementia for the past six months, and sadly passed away last week at her home in Bournemouth, looked after to the end by her devoted partner John Seaton.

Connie was the brightest, bubbliest personality you could ever wish to meet or to work with. She presented “The Sooty Show” for over twenty-two years on stage, often with Mathew Corbett, or fronting the show herself, as well as making guest appearances on the television “Sooty” shows, and voicing the “Sooty” DVD’s.

In addition to her “Sooty” tours, often concluding with a season in London at the Mayfair Theatre, Connie was also the smiling face of Southport. As Southport’s Holiday Hostess she reigned supreme at the resort for a quarter of a century up until the mid 1990’s.

Connie often appeared there with Sooty, and annually hosted the “Search For A Star” competitions there, and was guest of honour each year for the “English Rose” Beauty Pageant.

If you care to look on the many website tributes to Connie you will find a great many from holiday makers and residents of Southport, as well as a huge number from those who remembered getting a Sooty Rosette from Connie when they were children, their first ever introduction to Theatre.

Connie’s work for charities was enormous and hugely time consuming, but she was a tireless fund raiser and active in a great many organisations. She was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work in this field.

It was at Southport, at the Floral Hall that Connie was first introduced to her (later to be) husband, John. The function was hosted by Connie and Les Dawson. Connie and John were together since 1976-together for thirty-two  years and married for fifteen. John worked with Connie on several of the “Sooty” tours, and has become a popular published author of fiction.

In the world of pantomime Connie was always the ideal Fairy Godmother. Her amazing rapport with children, and her total belief in her magical character made her a producer’s dream for casting Fairy roles. Connie was in one of the early pantomimes produced by Paul Elliott- at the Princess Theatre Torquay in “Cinderella” with Ted Rogers and Dawson Chance, in 1973.

On a personal note, Connie regularly presented the “Sooty” show each year at the Kenneth More Theatre. It was there that I first met Connie. The children totally believed in Sooty, and Connie held that trust sacred. She WAS Sooty- and in her hands he was as real as the children wanted him to be. She never once flagged at her post- her tireless energy zapping over the footlights, often doing two and quite often three shows on a Saturday on tour, then moving into the London venue for the annual Christmas Show. Connie was larger than life, and huge fun to know, and to be with. She was immensely proud of John’s literary career, and in love with life itself. This is a woman who, midway through Sooty at the Mayfair Theatre, returned to the dressing room to disturb a thief going through the rooms, and then pursued him through the labyrinths of corridors, onto the street, and only stopped when she remembered she had a cue coming up!

Connie- had lately carved out a busy career as a much sought after speaker at events. Every time you opened the “Encore” magazine there was a picture of her presenting an award, or photographed with her showbiz pals. Connie we will all miss you and the joy you brought to us all.

Connie Creighton’s funeral took place today, Monday 26^th January at St. Mark’s Church in her hometown of Bournemouth.

NE - January 2009

FROM PAUL MORSE

Thought you might like to have an up-date, went to Connie's funeral today in Bournemouth, a nice full church greeted her, so even to the last she played to a full house. The service was very nice, readings from Ed Stewart and Antony Bygraves and of course at graveside was a Sooty wreath! It was a real thanks giving for such a wonderful woman.  John her husband did very well.

15th December 2008

Kathy Staff (1928 - 2008)

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Kathy Staff. Famous to many as Nora Batty in 29 Series of the BBC Comedy Last of the Summer Wine, she also appeared in Crossroads and Open All Hours. Kathy had been battling against illness for some time and died on the 13th December. All of us here at IBY send our condolences to Kathy's husband John during this difficult time.

Nigel and Peter appeared with Kathy in 1985 at the Pavilion Theatre Bournemouth alongside her Summer Wine co-star Bill Owen and Rolf Harris. Nigel recalls what a lovely lady she was and that Kathy was also a deeply religious lady, and when the very first Sunday performances were introduced into pantomime, she was exempted- she travelled each and every Saturday night to Chester to attend Church there. Indeed her daughter was ordained there. So- we had Queen Nora the First from Tuesday to Saturday, and then, on a Sunday Betty Benfield (Our Fairy Godmother) would take on the role in addition to her own, and the sight of Betty running like the clappers exiting as Fairy and entering as Queen was a sight to behold!

Further reading

BBC News

Press Association

Telegraph

Manchester Evening News

The Independent

30th October 2008

The Mayflower Open Day - Saturday 6th September 2008

with apologies for the length of time it's taken to post this story!

Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre celebrated 21 years with a fun packed open day. When Andrew Ryan and I arrived early to get ready there was already a queue at the front doors an hour before the doors opened at 10am. By the time we limped back to the dressing room (six hours of Dame Shoes takes its toll!) at 4pm, the theatre had played host to over two and a half thousand visitors!

Among the most popular attractions (apart from us Panto Dames of course!) was the opportunity to tour the building. There were long queues to look around the dressing rooms, with some of them exihibiting costumes from the English National Ballet, The Welsh National Opera, and  costumes and props from the forthcoming “Cinderella” which stars Chris Biggins, Stephanie Powers, Mathew Kelly and his son Mathew Rixson and Craig McLachlan.

The visitors were able to walk about on the stage and view the vast 2,300 seater auditorium, take part onstage in workshops by the Welsh National Opera and English National Ballet companies, work the follow spots, tour the fly gallery, and operate the prompt corner, as well as enjoy face-painting, circus clowns performing, and bump into the odd celebrity as they toured the building.

Su Pollard and Claire Sweeney were there to take part in a public press call, and to take part in a Q&A session- and joined Andrew & I for a photo call on stage. It was great to catch up with their news. Su and Clare are about to open their new show “Shout!” at the Mayflower before taking it on tour. It’s a feel-good ‘Sixties show with hits made famous by Lulu, Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black and every pop icon you can think of!

Caught up with their panto news- Su will be in Swansea this Christmas, giving her Wicked Baroness in “Cinderella” at The Grand Theatre, while Claire will be at the Regent Theatre, Stoke starring alongside Jonathan Wilkes in “Snow White”.

We also met up with producers Michael Rose and David Morgan Young who along with Chris Moreno and The Mayflower will be presenting this year’s pantomime. Peter Robbins (not here today as he’s finishing his“ Hound Of The Baskervilles” tour) and I played panto here at the Mayflower twice, and at Bournemouth twice, and each time were delighted to join in with Michael Rose’s panto companies at Poole, for joint parties and charity events. Great to see them both again!

Dennis Hall, the Mayflower boss, and Robin Hancox looked after us all superbly, and it was an exhausting but very enjoyable day, made more enjoyable by the Mayflower staff who went out of their way to show off their theatre to the public. We were amazed that every part of this huge building was packed with activities and interest- the circle bar showed a film about the long history of the building, formerly opened as The Empire seventy-five years ago, playing host to the top variety names, then becoming The Gaumont in 1950, alternating shows, pop concerts and films, before finally becoming The Mayflower Theatre in 1987.

31st July 2008

Mimi Law (9th May 1917 - 27th June 2008)

We received the sad news that Mimi Law the comedienne passed away on Friday 27^th June at Brindsworth House. Mimi was 91 years old, and had been a resident at Brindsworth  in recent times.

A very spry and energetic lady, I last saw Mimi at a memorial service at St. Paul’s Covent Garden in February, and not having seen her in a good few years was delighted to find her as lively and as enthusiastic as ever. She retained this to the last - not surprising for an entertainer who, along with her comedian husband, Billy Whittaker had worked all over the world as a highly successful and popular double act.

Billy was a much sought after pantomime Dame, and ranked alongside the likes of George Lacy, Clarkson Rose and  Nat Jackley, and Mimi often appeared alongside him in pantoland. Mimi’s brother was Jerry Jerome. As children they began their joint theatrical careers as the “Bisto Kids”. Jerry was later to become an impresario producing pantomimes and Summer shows, while Mimi teamed up with Billy playing the major variety and panto circuits.

In turn, Billy’s father was the music hall ventriloquist Coram who, with his astonishing “Automaton”- or “Dummy” became the highest paid speciality of this kind . The dummy, named Jerry was capable of being operated whilst standing next to his creator.

Mimi’s drive and energy was an example to us all, and I enjoyed touring with her in “Pinocchio” in her later years, and appearing with her in a few variety shows .

Mimi's funeral took place on the 17th July in Twickenham

Nigel Ellacott

Mimi Law was a rare breed of stage performer- she was funny-really funny- a true born comic.

She was born into a theatrical family and as a child, together with her brother Jerry Jerome (who became a theatrical producer, with pantos and summer seasons all over the country from the ‘50’s to the ‘80’s). were the original Bisto Kids.

She worked all her performing life in the theatre. First as a solo artiste, then as a double act with her husband Billy Whittaker.

Billy and Mimi worked all over the country and abroad in reviews and summer seasons from the 1940’s to the 1980’s. Originally Mimi was the “feed” to Billy, and performed in the shows as soubrette in production items, but gradually Billy realised Mimi’s comic potential as a wonderful character performer, and by the 1970’s the roles had been reversed, and Bill was the straight foil to Mimi’s comedy characters- the most popular being “Daisy Stinks” (Some days I do, some days I don’t!)

Panto saw them going different ways as Billy played “Mum” to stars such as Norman Wisdom and Ken Dodd, and Mimi usually directed and performed for her brother Jerry Jerome.

I first met Mimi in 1974 when we (Phillip and I) had the contract to put the girls into the show that summer that Bill and Mimi were doing at Ryde, I.O.W. She loved our ideas, music and costumes, and we became lifelong friends. From 1977 they worked almost entirely for and with us in summer shows, pantos, tours, plays and one nighters. They both considered themselves as part of our “little firm” (Charles Haley Productions).

Mimi was wonderful in our 1940’s show “There’ll Always Be An England” where her “New Recruit” sketch stopped the show, and her comedy solo spot (Top of the bill, before the finale) sitting on a high stool (I’m not gonna do nothin’- she would say), was also a winner.

She was excellent in production with a fine singing voice, playing the uke or banjo, and dancing, always looking immaculate and glamorous.

Bobby Crush - Mimi Law as Puss

Her panto characters of “Cuddles” and “Puss In Boots” were also memorable, and she performed every year in panto, mostly for Charles Haley Productions up until 1994 - her last panto at the Medina Theatre, Newport I.O.W where she and Bill had lived since 1974.

Mimi Law as Cuddles

Mimi always looked wonderful, and was full of energy and attack. She had to leave the Isle Of Wight last year and was living (not quietly!) in Brindsworth House at Twickenham. She was out gadding most days, and had been on an outing to Brighton with a friend the day before she died. She was a great performer, a real “old ‘Pro” and a dear friend, and she will be much missed. She came to Phillip’s memorial concert in February at St. Paul’s Covent Garden, and the CAA (Concert Artistes Association) and saw many old friends there.

We were astounded to find out that she had reached the wonderful age of 91- she looked about 65! Farewell Meemow- it was lovely to know you.

Jennifer Haley - Toad Hall

Patrick Newley Obituary from The Stage

31st July 2008

Alan Haynes (1918 - 2008)

The entertainer Alan Haynes passed away on 17^th March 2008.

Alan was, during the 1950’s and  1960’s  along with his partner Danny La Rue, the top Ugly Sister duos in the country.

Alan had originally partnered the late  Terry Gardner in variety and clubs, and while Terry played Ugly Sister with his stage partner Barri Chat, Alan teamed up with the then unknown Danny La Rue to perform in clubs and establish themselves as Ugly Sisters in major pantomimes.

All in all Alan and Danny appeared in “Cinderella” as the sisters for a decade and a half before Danny’s commitments to his club in Hanover Square and his solo career took over, and Alan set up his own west End club in London.

Among the pantomimes they appeared in together were the 1964 “Cinderella” at the New Theatre Oxford with Des O’ Connor and Yana- Alan then was billed before Danny, and the 1965  “Cinderella” at the Golders Green Hippodrome with Dickie Henderson and Yana.

After Danny’s huge success  with his club and West End show “Come Spy With Me”, Alan and Danny appeared at Golders Green once again in “Sleeping Beauty,” with Danny top of the bill, and Alan as the Queen Mother.

Patrick Newley Obituary from The Stage

17th May 2008 - Updated

Terry Duggan (15th April 1932 - 1st May 2008)

We were sorry to hear the news last week that Terry Duggan, the comedian and actor has died, following a hard fought battle against illness.

Terry was married to the actress Anna Karen, and like Anna appeared in many television, film and stage roles, including pantomimes.

He wrote the Shaw Theatre’s “Aladdin” in 1986 which starred Anna, along with Norman Beaton, Debbie Bishop and Martin Chamberlain, and over the years has been instrumental in providing material, gags and very sound comic advice to pantomime artistes.

Terry’s career as a stage and club comedian allowed him to hone his comic timing, and no-one could rival him when it came to his comedic speciality- “The Drunk Act”.

Terry’s routine as a drunk, returning home from a long night on the tiles was astonishing in its truthfulness and in the number of sight gags he could wring out of a battered suitcase of props. In fact, when I worked with Terry during a Music Hall at the Kenneth More Theatre, so convincing was his act that he almost didn’t get the opportunity to perform it!

He would enter from the auditorium, rolling and staggering, engaging in banter with the audience before eventually making his way up on to the stage. An over zealous usherette spotted this trouble maker as he stumbled into the auditorium, and, enlisting help, attempted to eject him from the theatre!

Terry’s film and television work included parts in some of the  popular series. It gave fans of “On The Buses” a thrill to spot Terry appearing in various roles, often opposite Anna playing “Olive”, from an early appearance in 1969 and 1970 to playing “Nobby” in the 1971 series.

His film work included the Terence Stamp and Carol White film “Poor Cow” in 1967, a year in which he also appeared in the prestigious “Wednesday Play” on television- “An Officer Of The Court” and in “Profile Of A Gentleman”. In 1969 he made an appearance in “Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)., and in the film “A Nice Girl Like Me”.

In 1970 he appeared in the Hammer Film “The Horror Of Frankenstein”, followed in 1971 with the film “Family Life” . He also found time to appear in variety and clubs, as well as panto appearances.

He appeared in BBC’s “Dixon Of Dock Green” in 1972 and again in 1974, and appeared with Anna again in the 1976 film“A Place To Hide”  followed by appearing with his wife in the 1977 film “What’s Up Nurse?”,” and the horror film “Schizo”.

Terry  arrived at Grace Brothers’ store in 1977 to play a cameo in “Are You Being Served” opposite John Inman and Trevor Bannister, and  continued to appear in theatre throughout the eighties, along with appearances on television in “Poirot” and “A Class Act”, as well as “Murder By Decree”.

Terry was a member of the Grand Order Of Water Rats, and was a great support to Anna when, as a member of the Grand Order of Lady Ratlings” she was “Queen Ratling” for the year.

I am proud to have had Terry as a friend, and deeply indebted to him for all the “fine tuning” and practical advice he gave when it came to writing or performing in a routine or a “scena”- He could be relied on for the perfect joke or bit of comic business that was missing from a routine, and would go to great lengths to ensure every last piece of comic potential could be extracted from a gag or even a word.

Terry, it was a huge joy to have known you, and I know that there are a huge number of people in this business who would agree with me there.

Our sympathies to Anna.

Terry’s funeral will be held at Golders Green on Tuesday May 13^th  at 11am.

Nigel Ellacott

Funeral Service

The funeral service for Terry Duggan was held today- Tuesday 13^th May at the Golders Green Crematorium in North London at 11am.

 

The service was conducted by Canon Rodney Mathews, and as Terry was a “Past Trap Guard” for the Grand Order Of Water Rats, and Anna is a previous Queen Ratling of the Grand Order Of Lady Ratlings, there was a large attendance of fellow members of the GOWR at the service in addition to family members, friends and colleagues of Terry from the world of theatre, film and pantomime.

 

The Valediction of the Grand Order Of Water Rats was spoken by Keith Simmons, followed by hymns and prayers, and the song “The Mountains Of Mourne” sung by Isosceles. This was followed by a tribute from Roy Hudd, OBE.

 

Roy recalled first meeting Terry and Anna, and working on a film in the early days when Terry was employed as a stunt man in films. He recalled how Terry often played “The Tough Guy” roles in films and on television, and that he had begun his life in Hoxton, performing from the age of eight, and becoming an acrobat, which led him to stunt work, before becoming an actor and a comedian on the variety and club circuits.

 

Later in the service Sam Kane sang “The Wind Beneath My Wings” followed by the committal, accompanied by a piece of music called “In Paradisum” composed by Ben Robbins. Ben being the son of Michael Robbins who played Anna Karen’s long suffering husband “Arthur” in their series “On The Buses”.

 

The chapel was filled with Anna & Terry’s family and friends, including Gloria Gill Terry’s daughter,and Robyn Gill his Grand-daughter, and friends, colleagues and fellow Rats and Ratlings .

 

The world of show business was well represented, and among the large congregation were very many of Anna and Terry’s friends, only some of whom I’ve listed below- my apologies to those I have missed out, but with such a huge “Turn out” at the chapel, and later at the Queen’s Tavern in Primrose Hill (superb catering by Michelle- Anna & Terry’s long time friend, who proposed a toast to Terry’s memory ) means I wasn’t able to get everyone’s names. Some of those attending today include:

Barbara Windsor, Sophie Lawrence and Jon Conway, Roy Hudd, Keith Simmons, Barry Cryer and his wife Terry ,Penny Ramsey, Melvyn Hayes, Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane, Kate Williams and daughter Kelly, Philip Hedley CBE, Sue Douglas, Doreen Hermitage and Ivan, Michelle McCann, Marsha-Rae Ratcliff and John Ratcliff, Frederick Pyne, Sarah Whitlock, Bryan Burdon and his wife Andrea, Rosemarie, Julie Rogers and Michael Black, Chris Emmett, Vincent Hayes, Val Fontaine and Udo, Doreen Hermitage and Ivan, Maurice Thoroughgood and Pat Hayley, Vivyan Ellacott, Nigel Ellacott, Andrew Ryan, Barbara Hills, Stephen and Barbara Eke, Tane Larkin Te-Awe Awe, Philip Gould-Jones and Scott Howard, Costa, (Terry’s carer for some years), Len Howe and Audrey Maye, Billie and Rex Roper, Bobby and Moira Roberts, Sue Craig, John Adrian (secretary to the Trustees of the Water Rats, responsible for organising the Order of Service)

It was a truly beautiful service, and a fitting tribute to a very lovely man.

1st April 2008 - Updated

John Chilvers MBE (1920-2008)

It is with deep sadness we report the death of John Chilvers at the age of 88 – obituaries and full details of the funeral celebration are now contained in a dedicated page.

23rd March 2007

Frank Seton 1918 - 2007

Frank Seton died on the twenty eighth of February aged 89.

In his many years as an actor in the theatre, television, film and pantomime Frank’s most  unexpected role was at the Tivoli Theatre Hull in 1954. Frank was understudy to Arthur Lucan “Old Mother Riley” in the Gaston and Andre touring pantomime “Old Mother Riley In Paris”.

In the company were Ellis Ashton, Jimmy Grant, Barry Gnome and Janet Karel. As Arthur Lucan was waiting for his entrance cue in the wings, he collapsed and died. The thirty six year old Frank Seton had the grim task of donning Mother Riley’s costume, and  continuing with the show. The audience were unaware of the dramatic scenes backstage.

The revue the following day, when the news of Lucan’s death were released said “Frank Seton took over the part of Old Mother Riley and acquitted himself so well that one comment from an old theatregoer was “A miracle”.

Frank himself told the local press  that “you can’t really take over a part like Old Mother Riley. It is entirely his own characterisation. You can’t just mimic him” Frank attended Arthur Lucan’s funeral representing British Actor’s Equity. The tour eventually ended, and Lucan’s estranged wife, Kitty McShane continued to tour “Old Mother Riley” with Roy Rolland.

Frank was trained at RADA, and began his career in repertory in Southampton. Shortly afterwards he joined the Old Vic Company in London in 1937. He opened in “Richard III” on 2^nd November playing the role of Captain Brandon. The prestigious cast included Emlyn Williams, Angela Baddeley, Alec Clunes and Andrew Cruickshank. It was produced by Tyrone Guthrie.

The same year he appeared at the New Theatre London in “Macbeth” The play opened on Christmas Eve 1937.. The title role was played by Laurence Olivier, with Judith Anderson as Lady Macbeth. Michel Saint-Denis was the producer. At the Old Vic that same week Vivienne Leigh and Ralph Richardson opened in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

Frank appeared in “Coriolanus” at the Old Vic the following year. The cast included Sybil Thorndike and Laurence Olivier .

Frank’s first pantomime was in “Robinson Crusoe” in Cambridge, 1938. He appeared regularly in pantomime, and  forty two years after his pantomime debut I had the great pleasure of working alongside Frank in “Puss In Boots” at St. Albans. Frank played King  Cornelius, and Hilary O’Neil  was making her pantomime debut as “Colin”.

I spent many happy times in rehearsals, and backstage between shows talking to Frank about the pantomimes he had known, and  his career which moved effortlessly between classical theatre and Music Hall.

That year (1980) Frank had just appeared alongside Brian Murphy in “Soldier’s Fortune” at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith.

 A year or so later we were casting for “Dick Whittington” at the Kenneth More Theatre, and  knew that Frank would make a perfect Alderman Fitzwarren. Happily for us he accepted, and  played the part for our 1982 season.

That summer Frank appeared at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre productions of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Taming Of The Shrew”.

Over the years Frank Seton appeared in numerous television roles from” Dixon of Dock Green “, “No Hiding Place”, “A Tale Of Two Cities”, “Callan”, and several appearances in BBC’s “Dr.Who”. he played Falco in “The Chef’s Apprentice” in 1989.

A genuinely warm and witty man- a true gentleman, and an extremely talented and versatile artiste. It was a joy to have known you Frank.

Nigel Ellacott

17^th March 2007

8th March 2007

John Inman 1935 - 2007

John Inman star of pantomime and television sadly passed away today aged 71 (Thursday 8^th March ) at St. Mary’s hospital, Paddington after a long illness. John died shortly after 4am this morning. He had been ill for several years, and was unable to perform in pantomime in recent years.

John Inman was possibly the finest Pantomime Dame of the past few decades. His appearances whether at the London Palladium (as Nurse Wanda in “Babes In The Wood”) or at the Victoria Palace (as Mother Goose) or in the provinces were guaranteed to be sell-out runs. In his skilful hands the audiences were treated to the joy of pantomime led by a master of his trade.

His agent, Phil Dale said today “He was one of the best and finest pantomime dames working to capacity audiences throughout Britain”

Paul Elliott said this to IBY this morning:

I first worked with John Inman in 1960 when I was a stage manager. Through the years as I moved into the producing side of the theatre  I did many shows with him including seasons in Australia and Canada-.from "Pajama Tops " to "Why Not Stay For Breakfast"-.and of course many Pantomimes throughout the UK.

John was great fun to work with: a great pro who always knew how to deliver a funny line. I said to him once that every young actor should be made to come and see him work...it would teach them more about comedy and technique than 3 years in drama school!! He was a master of his craft

When I was writing my play "There's No Place Like A Home" I had finished the first Act and had written a leading part for John-I was quite pleased with it so sent him the first draft . He called me a few days later and said " Well love....I think you had better write Act 2 ...I think it's funny..." ...This I did and we talked about the play and it was  [and always will be ]  "John's part". He came to the reading at the Prince of Wales Theatre but unfortunately was never fit enough to do the play when we did it last year [with the wonderful Gorden Kaye playing 'John's part'

The play is being produced again this year and I have written in the title page "Dedicated to John Inman, a master of comedy and a lovely man"

John had been a stage and pantomime performer long before his rise to fame in “Are You Being Served”. For eight years he and his stage partner Barry Howard appeared as Ugly Sisters in panto across the country, and were acknowledged as the finest in the roles. They recreated a moment of their stage double act on an appearance for BBC Televisions “The Good Old Days” when they both appeared as buxom Principal Boys of the “Old School” in an hilarious spot.

Born in Blackpool (but raised in Preston) John began his stage career at the age of 13 playing the role of Tony in “Freda” on Blackpool’s South Pier. He received Five Pounds wages.

He made his West End Debut in “Ann Veronica” at the Cambridge Theatre , and toured (with Barry Howard) in “Salad Days”. Together with Barry he appeared in comedies such as “Boeing Boeing”, and continued his solo career with  a seventeen month run at The Windmill Theatre, at The Adelphi Theatre as Fancourt Babberley in “Charlie’s Aunt” and tours of “My Fat Friend” , “Bedside Manners”, “Pajama Tops” and Summer Seasons and of course, over forty pantomimes.

In 1972 John was asked by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft to join the “Are You Being Served” team at the BBC. The part created for him became an overnight success, not just in this country but in America and Australia. In fact, when Australian Television recreated the series with an Australian cast years later, John was asked to recreate his role as Mr Humphries. His Catch-phrase “I’m Free” was to remain with him forever.

In 69 episodes between 1972 and 1985 John appeared as Wilberforce Claybourne Humphries in the men’s department of Grace Brothers store, alongside Molly Sugden, Wendy Richard, frank Thornton and Trevor Bannister. Many times the plot would  be convoluted to allow John to appear in a more outrageous outfit than the week before, and often allowing him the opportunity to appear in disguise as a fur clad lady customer or  ever more outlandish costumic creations.

During this period John also appeared in several TV sit-coms. He played Neville Surdiffe in “Odd Man Out” in 1977, and appeared with Rula Lenska in “Take A Letter Please Mr. Jones” as Graham Jones in 1981.

The Success of “Are You Being Served” led to its follow up “Grace and Favour” in 1992, with the staff of “Grace Brothers” inheriting a farm and Hotel in the countryside.

In 1976 John was awarded the title of “Funniest Man on Television” by the readers of a TV Magazine, and the BBC Personality Of The Year, he was the subject of “This Is Your Life” in  the same year. He made several appearances in “The Good Old Days” recreating the act of his hero, Frank Randle in an uncanny impersonation.

He appeared in six Royal Variety shows, and was a dedicated worker for various charitable organisations. He was King Rat of the Grand Order of Water Rats, and in 2002 became President of the Heritage Foundation.

Above all in the world of Pantomime John will be remembered for the Dame roles he made his own. As Mother Goose he was able to bring tears of laughter to his audiences one moment, and then, in the pathos scenes with his beloved Goose- Barbara Newman- he would make them weep as he pretended to reject “Priscilla”  to ease her departure from his farm. He excelled as Nurse Wanda in “Babes In The Wood”, and created an unforgettable  Widow Twankey in “Aladdin”.

John’s amazing costumes and wigs were more often than not created by himself. It was John and Barry who introduced Peter and me to the world of “hard” wigs- John had worked as a window dresser in his early years, and was one of the first to realise the potential in “Mannequin” type wigs. He created headdresses that got larger and taller- chandeliers, birdcages and ships, and would supply them to the “wig Factory” to be set into the wigs for finales and transformation scenes. Above all he carried with him a strong sense of tradition- a respect for “what has gone before” in pantomime, and his dame was at all times truly believable and honest.

Pantoland is truly going to miss John Inman. From Simon, Peter and myself our sincere condolences to John’s partner Ron, and to John’s family and friends.

Nigel Ellacott - 8th March 2007

Our many readers and contributors, many of them pantomime professionals with memories of John, have been adding memories to our message board. A few examples of messages left are below - feel free to add your memories of John on the message board and we will try and compile a fuller listing here at a later date.

Another star taken from us
To shine down from above
Our thoughts and Prayers
go to John with Love

Another Panto dressing room is empty
Another Great Dame has gone
Thanks for all the memories John
Thanks for all the fun

Some where in heaven in eyelashes
Tripping around with Glee
Telling Cherubims and Angels
in no uncertain terms I'M FREE

God Bless John

A Dear Dear friend, and a wonderful mentor to me. One of the kindest and most unselfish performers ever. God Bless. from Malcolm Lord
 

30th December 2005

Last night Nigel and Peter appeared 'live' from Newcastle! Linking up with the studio in London, they answered questions about the history of pantomime and how it's survived through the ages. Peter even managed to pull his dress up to demonstrate why ladies didn't play dames. About half an hour after the boys left, Nick Higham did a short article on pantomime using loads of graphics from the site and even featuring the front page in the background. Very informative and nice once again to prove that we are 'the' source of pantomime on the internet!!

15th November 2005

Is panto cool? Oh yes it is!

A great article from www.whatsonstage.com

In Sir Ian McKellen’s wake, the traditional Christmas pantomime is now cool & credible for top-notch actors, writers, directors & producers. Roger Foss explains why.

http://www.whatsonstage.com/dl/page.php?page=greenroom&story=E8821131726372

14th April 2004

Charles Wilhelm Costume Designs - A treasure trove!

The full story - so far!! UPDATED

17th December 2003

THE Pantomime Source on the Internet!!

Whilst we don't like to blow our own trumpet, it's nice sometimes to at least prove that we have a trumpet to blow!! We are constantly providing information, interviews and pictures to Television companies, newspapers, magazines and the like - today we were being featured in the BBC programme 'Working Lunch'. If you want to read the article, check out the link below - it also has a video report from the BBC reporter Rob Pittam 'The business of panto can be as tough as any industry'.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/working_lunch/3327277.stm

7th December 2003

BBC Legacies

The BBC has a new website for local history, BBC Legacies. The site covers the whole of the UK, with features for each region on a different theme every two months. This month the theme is "Local Legends", and for London the article is about the truth behind the legend of Dick Whittington.

Here is a link to the pages: http://www.bbc.co.uk/legacies/myths_legends/england/london/index.shtml

14th December 2002

Collect It Magazine - January 2003 Issue - Panto Feature!

Available from all good newsagents - priced £3!!

7th December 2002

Newspaper Articles featuring Pantomime and www.its-behind-you.com

The Sun 3rd December 2002

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,5-2002560346,00.html

27th May 2002

Jack Stanley - Panto Pictures from a Scrapbook - Another Mystery!

Recently we acquired a collection of pantomime photographs, mostly dating from the mid 1930’s to the mid 1950’s.The origin of these are unknown, but they may possibly have been part of a scrapbook belonging to a Jack Stanley, pantomime artiste.

Please have a look at the article and if you know any further information - please contact us on info@its-behind-you.com

12th December 2001

Newspaper Articles featuring Pantomime and www.its-behind-you.com

The Guardian - 5th December 2001

http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/story/0,3604,612124,00.html

Oh no, it isn't. Oh yes, it is!

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,322-2001564225,00.html

Pantos bring a smile to glum theatreland

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,2-2001565400,00.html

11th January 2001

Read All About it ! More Pantomime Stories from the National Press

Reuters/Yahoo - http://uk.news.yahoo.com/010107/80/auvxd.html

The Times - http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,277-50809,00.html

 The Guardian - http://www.guardianunlimited.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4109972,00.html

The Independent - http://www.independent.co.uk/enjoyment/Theatre/Theatre/2000-12/panto101200.shtml

30th December 2000

CNN Europe - Article on Pantomime

Featuring an interview with Nigel Ellacott and Peter Robbins, plus many of the pictures from ITS BEHIND YOU DOT COM.

http://europe.cnn.com/2000/WORLD/europe/12/22/british.pantomime/

ANSWER TO SPOT THE DAME

Eric Potts of course!