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2nd 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

1st July 2009

Link From BBC Website - Obituary and TV Montage

 

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

1st June 2009 UPDATED 2nd June 2009

DANNY LA RUE OBE

1927-2009

 

We are sad to report the death of Danny La Rue. According to the BBC he died peacefully in his sleep just before midnight on the 31st May 2009.  All our thoughts here at IBY are with Anne Galbraith who had looked after Danny for the past 20 years, as well as his many friends. He will be dearly missed.

BBC NEWS STORY including tribute from Barbara Windsor

BBC NEWS - Further article

BBC - Danny La Rue in Pictures

The Stage Obituary

The Telegraph Obituary

The Independent Obituary

The Times Obituary

Article from The Times - Danny La Rue, Charmer in a Frock by Nicholas Parsons

Times Online Obituary

Guardian Obituary

Article from The Guardian - Danny La Rue Glittered, and was Gold by Michael Billington

Article from WhatsOnStage - Wotcher Mates: Danny Departs by Michael Coveney

 

 

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.

21st May 2009 UPDATED 3rd June 2009

The British Music Hall Society Exhibition: Extended until 5th June 2009

The BMHS is presenting a exhibition of programmes, posters, photographs, ephemera which would appeal to those interested in both Music Hall and Pantomime.

The Exhibition is at the SANDS FILM STUDIO in ROTHERHITHE, LONDON (Nearest tube is Bermondsey). 82 Saint Marychurch, Rotherhithe, London SE16 4HZ - South side Rotherhithe Tunnel nr. the Historic Mayflower Public House

Opening Hours: 11am-4.30pm Monday to Friday. There is also a café there for refreshments.

The BMHS Website says:

Do remember, if this is the kind of exhibition you are interested in, don't say "I'll wait until they have another one, or next time" the time is now, this is not the kind of event that can be put on every two to four years, so make the effort and visit this exhibition, and let us know how we have done by completing the visitors' book and include your comments.

A questionnaire pad will be available with our stewards, please use this, if you are looking for a relative who may have been a performer in the "Good Old Days" write as much as you know, and Max, our historian will do his best to answer your questions by post. If you have any questions relating to the exhibits the stewards are unable to answer, use the pad and we will do our best from the wealth of knowledge the Society has to answer your questions.

Open Weekdays from 11 a.m. until last entry at 4-30p.m. CLOSED AT 5 o'clock.
For weekday visits by groups (approximately 20 per group) please telephone to
make visiting time arrangements, to prevent overcrowding.
Open Weekends for Private Groups Only strictly by telephone appointment
For all enquires to do with exhibition please contact telephone numbers
Peter White 020 8467 8303 or John Perry 020 8244 3229

The Exhibition Report by Nigel Ellacott

The exhibition occupies one area of the Sands Film Studios housed in a couple of 19th Century warehouses overlooking the Thames, and acts as film studio, recording studio and costume workshop for film and television. It also contains the Rotherhithe Picture Research Library.

Amongst the British Music Hall’s treasures are several costumes- Max Miller’s floral suit greets you as you enter, along with G.H. Elliott’s distinctive white suit, Vesta Tilley’s frock coat, Hetty King’s pinstripe suit and Bud Flangan’s iconic fur coat and Jockey costume from “The Crazy Gang” shows at the Victoria Palace.

Good to see a large picture of Jan Hunt beaming down on us as we looked at the many posters and hanging cards. There was an engraved tray presented to Marie Lloyd- a star so huge that the streets were closed for her funeral to allow 50,000 people to line the streets. A display for Harry Champion, and one for “The Prime Minister Of Mirth”, George Robey, including several of his hand crafted pantomime dame wigs on display, as well as letters and photo albums.

Little Tich’s boots, Florrie Forde’s stage jewellery  and GH Chergwin’s banjo from 1908 featured as displays, as well as photographs of most of the variety and Music Hall stars from Gracie Fields to Sandy “Can you hear me, Mother” Powell, and the first president of the BMHS Don Ross with his wife Gertie Gitana. If you think you may not have heard of Gertie, just recall “There’s an old mill by the stream, Nelly Dean”, and you’ve recalled one of her hit songs!

Interesting to see so many pantomime posters- bills from Bristol Hippodrome with Billy Dainty, Stan Stennett, Edmund Hockeridge and Wyn Calvin in “Babes In The Wood”, next to “Puss In Boots” at Hull New Theatre starring Donald Peers and Tommy Fields (“Gracie’s Little Brother”) as Dame.

Barri Chatt and Terry Gardener are the Ugly Sisters at the Embassy Peterborough, while the Barbour Family are featured in Emile Littler’s “Mother Goose”, Empire Leeds with Roy Barbour and the Barbour Brothers appearing with Nat Mills.

John Inman and Barry Howard are on a bill, but not as Panto “Sisters” but in “Salad Days” the musical, presented by Audrey Lupton & Arthur Lane. They appear alongside Jill Fletcher at Bristol Hippodrome.

“Goldilocks” presented by Duggie Chapman has Eli Woods, Jackie Pallo and Jack Storey billed, while The Empire Sheffield “Babes In The Wood” has Roy Barbour again, alongside Billy Burden, Edna Savage and Lawri London.

A piece of Television nostalgia is Billy Dainty’s “Cameraman” brown coat with badges and appliqués from his appearances in “Emu Broadcasting Corporation” – Rod Hull & Emu’s television show. Billy is also featured in the 1980 Bournemouth Pavilion Panto finale picture with Jack Douglas and Arthur English.

An interesting variety bill from the Palladium stars Eddie Fisher (Carrie’s Dad) as top of the bill with the young impressionist Peter Sellers appearing lower  down with his act “Speaking For The Stars”. Roy Rolland appears on a bill as “Old Mother Kelly”- before he took over the Late Arthur Lucan’s title and role of “Old Mother Riley-just one of many fascinating bills in this compact exhibition.

30th October 2008 UPDATED 1st June 2009

Name That Dame!

 

Inspired by our message board, we have decided to try and compile a list of dames old and new - not character names, but actors who have played dames! No doubt there will be many more to add - so please email your submissions to info@its-behind-you.com and we will update this list as we go.

A

Ian Adams, Steve Ace, Andrew Agnew, Graham Aitkin, Richard Alan, Roy Alvis, Steve Arnott, Arthur Askey,

 

B

Michael James Bachelor, Paul Bacon, Colin Baker, Martin Ballard, Trevor Bannister, Kent Baker, Roy Barbour, Steve Barclay, Desmond Barrit, Roy Barraclough, Simon Bashford, Simon Barry, David Barry, Ken Barnes,  Stanley Baxter, Colin Bean, Norman Beaton, Johnny Beattie, David Beckford, Bobby Bennett, Steve Bennett, Peter Benson, Joe Black, Billy Boyle, Rodney Bewes, John Brenner,  Christopher Biggins, George Bolton,  Arthur Bostrom, Dame Hilda Bracket, (Patrick Fyffe), Alec Bregonzi, Roger Bremble, Bernard Bresslaw,  Richard Briers, Alexander Bridge, Tom Bright, Christopher Brooke, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Alan Brown, Ray C. Brown, Hal Bryan, Peter Butterworth,  Charles Burden, Bryan Burdon, Mike Burns, Douglas Byng,

 

C

Herbert Campbell, Wyn Calvin, Patrick Carghill, Walter Carr, Chris Casserly, Johnnie Casson, Michael Chance, Richard Chandler, Robin Charles, Barri Chatt, Mark Chatterton, Richard Cheshire, Duggie Clark, Norman Collier, Barry Collister, Kenneth Connor, Harry H Corbett, Ronnie Corbett, Michael Cotterill, Simon Coulthard, Ronnie Coyles, Leon Craig, Seb Craig, Bernard Cribbins,  Paul Critchlow, Bobby Crush, Barrie Cryer, Ronnie Cryer,

 

D

Billy Dainty, Johnny Dallas, Roger Darrock, Stephen David, Windsor Davies, Lex Daye,  Adam Daye, Geoffrey Davies, Tudor Davies, Les Dawson, Peter Dayson, Roger Dean, David Dell, Frankie Desmond, Colin Devereux, Tim Diggle, Reg Dixon, Mark Dugdale, Geoffrey Durham, Ceri Dupree,

 

E

Billy Eaves, Nigel Ellacott,  Michael Elphick, John Elkington, William Elliott, Dick Emery, Chris Emmett, Fred Evans, Norman Evans, Howell Evans,

 

F

Jackie Farrell, Tommy Fields, Brad Fitt, Cyril Fletcher, John Fleming, Chris Fox, Syd Francis, Vic Ford (Ford & Sheen), Michael Fordred, Rikki Fulton

 

G

Terri Gardner, Vince Gardner, Ted Gatty, Richard Gauntlet, Ken Gibson, Richard Gibson, Peter Glaze, Shaun Glenville,  Craig Glover, Brian Godfrey,  Ian Good, Barrie Gosney, Iain Gouck, Bob Grant, Russell Grant, Gary Grande, George Graves, Andy Gray,

 

H

Sonnie Hale, John Halstead, Lionel Hamilton, Chris Harris,  Phylip Harries, Melvyn Hayes, Alan Haynes, Glen Haynes, James Harman,  John Halstead,  Chris Hayward, Michael Harrison, Tony Heaton, Barry Hester, Dr Evadne Hinge, (George Logan), Anthony Stuart Hicks,  Tony Hilton, Graham Hoadly, Andy Hockley, Barry Howard, Phil Holden, Jeffrey Holland, Frankie Holmes, Keith Hopkins, James Horne, Roger Howard (with wife Gay), Stephen Howe, Russell Hunter, Keith Hutcheon,

 

I

Paul Imbusch, John Inman

 

J

Danny Jay, Gordon & Bunny Jay, Graham James, Martyn James, Nat Jackley, Tony Jackson, Mitch Jenkins, Peter John, Kevin Johns, Darren Johnson, Gwyn Jones, Ken Joy, John Judd,

 

K

Berwick Kaler,  Gordon Kaye, Roy Kean, Gerard Kelly, Matthew Kelly ,Bobbie Kent,  Des King, Roy Kinnear, Roger Kitter, Ian Krankie (Ian Tough)

 

L

Russell Labey, Paul Laidlaw, Iain Lauchlan, John & Jim Lavelle,  Roy Lance, Russel Lane, George Lacy, Ian Lavender, John Lenaghan (May Mc Fettridge), Dan Leno, Dave Lee, Barney Lee, Freddie Lees, Angus Lennie, Duncan Lewis, Christopher Lillicrap, Ian Liston, Hugh Lloyd, Jimmy Logan, Malcolm Lord, Jeffrey Longmore, Peter Lambert (Lambert & Ross), Arthur Lucan, Sean Luckham, Dave Lyn,

 

M

Ronald Magill, Christopher Marlowe, Stevie Marc, David Mars,  Eric Mason, Anthony Matheson, Michael Shavell Martin, May McFettridge (John Lenaghan), David McKechnie, Ian McKellen, Johnny McKnight, Alan McPherson, Don Maclean , Leslie Meadows, Royce Mills, Jack Milroy, Hilary Minster, Cedric Monarch, Owen Money, George Moon,  Ken Morley, Paul Morse, David Morton, Trevor Moreton, Maurice Moran, Eric Mortimer, Douglas Mounce, Richard Murdock, Derek Munn, Brian Murphy,

 

N

Paul Nivison, Max Norris (with sister Maisie)

 

O

Guido Omissi, Julian Orchard, Ivor Owen, Jonathan Owen, Tommy Osbourne, Danny O’Dell (Alvis & O’Dell), Kevin O'Keefe

 

P

Hugh Paddick, Jimmy & Brian Patton, Roger Lloyd Pack, Jackie Pallo, Dean Park, Simon Parkes, Nicholas Parsons, Robert Pearce, Dave Peters, Jon Pertwee, Eric Potts, Tony Peers, Gordon Peters, Aubrey Phillips, David Phipps-Davis, Richard Pocock, Andrew Pollard, Sandy Powell,  Frederick Pyne

 

R

John Ramage, Pablo Raybould, George Raymonde ,Leslie Randall,  Phil Randell, Martin Ramsdin, Alan Rebbeck, Don Reid, Graham Richards,  Billy Riddoch,  Innis Robertson, Roy Rolland,  Colin Robins, Peter Robbins, David Robbins, Clarkson Rose, Tommy Rose, Willie Ross, (Lambert & Ross), Clive Rowe, Derek Roy, Derek Royle, Andrew Ryan, Danny La Rue, David Rumelle,

 

S

Freddie Sales, Marc Seymour, Terry Scott, Tony Scott, Tony Selby, Paul Shane, Chris Shaw, Michael Sharvell-Martin, Dave Short, Scott St. Martyn, Bill Simpson, Mark Siney, Wayne Sleep, Jimmy Slater, Duggie Small,  Don Smoothey, Darren Southworth, Steve Spencer, Adam Stafford, Phil Starr, Jack Storey, Michael Fenton Stevens, Freddie Stevens, Jeff Stevenson, Allan Stewart, Fred Stone, Phil Strickland, Marty Swift, Chris Sheen (Ford & Sheen), Glynn Sweet

 

T

Paul Tate, Kenneth Alan Taylor,  Jimmy Thompson, Tommy Trafford,  Peter Thorne, Bob Todd, Paul Toothill, Roger Tolliday,  Ian Tough (Ian Krankie), Jack Tripp,

 

U

Tom Urie

 

V

Norman Vaughan, Alan Vickers,

 

W

Rodney Ward, Jonathan Watson, Billy Wells, Miles Western, Richard Westcott, Richard Weston, Billy Whittaker, Peter Wiggins, Frank Williams, Denny Willis, Gareth Wilde, Ken Wilson, Nick Wilton, Bernie Winters, Damian Williams, Keith Woodason, Jay Worthy, Chris Wortman, Tony Wright,

 

Y

Nicky Young, Paul Young, Simon Young

 

Ladies as Dame:

Dora Bryan, Bella Emberg, Julie Goodyear, Jessie Jewel, Mollie Sugden, Anna Karen, Sherrie Hewson, Julie Goodyear, Iris Sadler, Elaine C. Smith,  Dorothy Paul, Nelly Wallace, Kathy Staff, Sue Hodge, Karen Dunbar, Valerie Lush, Hilda Baker

Ladies as Uglies:

Yootha Joyce ,(with Brian Murphy) Revnell & West ,Kim & Aggie, Jaqueline Clark, (with Barrie Gosney), Patricia Kane, (With Howell Evans) Sue Hodge (With Arthur Bostrom), Gay Howard (with husband Roger), Maisie Norris (with brother Max), Nita Valerie (with Jimmy Slater), Barbara Rafferty, Barbara Windsor and Ann Emery, Jo Freer, Mimi Law

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!

1st April 2009

Panto in Venice

by Laurie Graham

Whatever they say about the influence of Commedia dell’Arte on Pantomime I can tell you that in 2002, when we staged our first panto in Venice, the Italians had never seen the like of it. The nuns of San Canossiano, where we took our first tentative panto steps, are still talking about Widow Twankey’s unusual baritone voice.

As readers of this website know, pantomime is addictive. You start off with a one hour show and costumes out of the rag bag. Next thing you know you have a two-performances-a-day habit and you’re sewing on sequins. The Pantalon Players now have to their credit three productions: Aladdin, Mother Goose and Dick Whittington.  And what began as an exclusively expatriate group has attracted a growing number of locals. In fact I’ve just cast a Venetian as one of the Ugly Sisters for Cinderella for January 2010.

We’ve also moved on from the days of performing in a convent. We now use the de-consecrated church of Santa Margherita, complete with frescoes and upholstered flip-up seats. There are no flies, traps or curtains, but what is panto if not a challenge? In a city where the price of everything brings a tear to the eye we can’t afford to rent rehearsal space and anyway, half the cast aren’t permanent residents here. Out of necessity we invented Panto Pronto. The cast get one script read-through in October then, in January, three days of intensive rehearsals followed by three days of performances. Fear concentrates the mind wonderfully.

Our pantomimes are performed as charity benefits but the venue regulations preclude the sale of tickets - kind of funny in a city where everything else is for sale -  so we just station the ugliest looking cast members at the exits and demand money with menaces. The venue stewards, who I suppose would prevent us from doing even that if we didn’t bribe them with gift-wrapped whisky, adore us. We are the highlight of their year. One January evening I slipped back to the venue early, to mix up a fresh batch of shaving foam pies. The auditorium was deserted, but up in the sound box Marilyn the Music was testing her tapes, and on stage, oblivious to the fact that he was being observed, Carlo the Caretaker performed the entire Mop Dance routine, step perfect.

As I remind my team every year before we begin, we bring pantomime to Venice for two reasons.

  1. It transforms people’s lives.
  2. We’re nuts.      

LAURIE GRAHAM, WRITER & DIRECTOR

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 26th 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.

4th February 2009

Birmingham Hippodrome Panto Party

29th January 2009 - Robin Hood

Had a great time seeing “Robin Hood” at the Hippodrome, Birmingham, and meeting up with some panto mates, like Ian Sandy who organised the Farewell Party. Ian is once again company manager for the panto which stars John Barrowman as the swashbuckling Robin Hood, Paul Zerdin and Sam as Will Scarlett, , Don Maclean as Friar Tuck with Helen Baker, Pete Gallagher, Malinda Parris and Natalia Pestova and Alexei Kislitsyn.

The Awards ceremony was the highlight of the night, with producer and director Paul Elliott winning the special category award- presented by myself, which was a bit of a shock as I knew nothing about presenting anything until I heard my named called out!

A great panto and a lovely party- thanks to Stuart Griffith for the use of the hall!

L to R - Ian Sandy, Amanda Millhouse, Robert Willis, Phil McCandlish, Paul Elliott

 

 

L to R - Ian Sandy with Natalia Pestova collecting her award

 

Ian Sandy with Paul Elliott receiving his award

 

Nigel, Toni & Don Maclean

 

Brick Lane Music Hall

31st January 2009 - Snow White and The Dwarf

Went to see Brick Lane Music Hall’s “Adult” pantomime, “Snow White And The Dwarf”- well, there is a credit crunch going on!- which runs until early March. Had a great time wining, dining and enjoying the show which features Chris Emmett as Nanny Fannakapan, Vincent Hayes as Jimmy The Jester, Rusty Goffe as “The Dwarf”, and Lowri Ann Richards as a wickedly evil Queen Anastasia. The Panto has a female Principal Boy played by Georgina Todd, with her sister Tiffany Todd in the title role. The Ensemble are John Dean, Louise Kimber, Tosh Wenogho and Jody Tostevin, with Laurence Payne Musical Director, and Bobby Cook on Percussion.

Brick Lane Music Hall is in Silvertown, near London’s City Airport, on the Docklands Light Railway.

4th February 2009

Kenneth More Theatre - Aladdin Party

The Kenneth More Theatre celebrated the end of this year’s “Aladdin” pantomime with their annual awards ceremony recently.

The pantomime is directed by Vivyan Ellacott, and written by  his brother, our very own, Nigel, who also designed the costumes.

This is the Kenneth More’s 34th panto- all them directed by Vivyan, and  played at the Ilford venue for a total of 51 performances.

Christopher Marlowe played Widow Twankey, with Isobel Hurll (Empress of China), Loraine Porter (The Slave Of The Ring), Robert Quarry (Inspector Lili Law) in his 34th pantomime at the venue, Hamilton Sargent ( Aladdin), Rikki Stone (Wishee Washee), Edward Thorpe (Abanazar), Hannah Chick (Princess Jasmine), Michael Skyers (Genie Of The Lamp) with Owen Smith, Tami Stone, Michelle Theunissen and Nathan Vaughan-Harris. The cast included children from the Palmerstone Stage School.

The production team includes Rob Mitchell-Gears, Dave Palmer, Pete Abery, Kate Smith, and Hayley Levinson. Ronnie Waller and Musical Director Stuart Rush.

L to R - Greg Bracken, Rob Mitchell-Gears, Ronnie Waller, Nigel Ellacott & Isobel Hurll

R to L - Sonja Lahiff, Councillor Joyce Ryan, Andrew Ryan, Rob Mitchell-Geares, Isobel Hurll

L to R - Michelle Theunissen, Pharic Scott and Nathan Vaughan-Harris

R to L - Owen Smith, Hannah Chick, Jason Kew, Tammi Stone

R to L - Christopher Marlowe, Rikki Stone, Edward Thorpe and Stuart Rush.

4th February 2009

Newcastle Pantomime Party

In December the casts of the Theatre Royal Newcastle Pantomime and the Sunderland Empire came together for a party. Along with representatives from Qdos, ATG and International Artists. We present, with their permission, a selection of photos from the event.

 

L – R Theatre Royal Newcastle panto ensemble Stephanie Velasco, Emily Luke Taylor with Kathryn Rooney, The Magical Mermaid in the Theatre Royal Newcastle pantomime, Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates, and other ensemble members Rosy Thompson, Amy Bruce.

 

L – R Danny Adams, Robinson Crusoe in the Theatre Royal Newcastle pantomime, Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates, Nick Thomas, Chairman of Qdos Entertainment Plc and Anthony Kavanagh, Aladdin in the Sunderland Empire pantomime, Aladdin.

 

L – R Danny Adams, Robinson Crusoe in the Theatre Royal Newcastle pantomime, Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates and Steve Walls, Wishee Washee in the Sunderland Empire pantomime, Aladdin.

 

L – R Danny Adams, Robinson Crusoe in the Theatre Royal Newcastle pantomime, Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates, Nick Thomas, Chairman of Qdos Entertainment Plc, Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Pantomimes Ltd, Kathryn Rooney, The Magical Mermaid in the Theatre Royal Newcastle pantomime, Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates and Philip Bernays, Chief Executive of Theatre Royal Newcastle

 

L – R Kathryn Rooney, The Magical Mermaid in the Theatre Royal Newcastle pantomime, Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates with Dale Meeks, Widow Twankey in the Sunderland Empire pantomime, Aladdin.

 

L – R Michael Lynas, Executive Director of ATG, Nick Thomas, Chairman of Qdos Entertainment Plc and Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Pantomimes Ltd.

 

L – R Phil Dale, Director at International Artists and Nick Thomas, Chairman of Qdos Entertainment Plc.

24th December 2008

Sisters! Unfrocked!

Andrew Ryan and Graham Hoadly are currently appearing at the New Wimbledon Theatre as Lavinia and Lucinda. These backstage photos are used with their permission and show them backstage preparing for the performance!

Click on Images to Enlarge

 

On a milestone note - these photos actually form the 1000th Gallery Page on IBY! The site, which started in 2000, opened with a total of about 20 pages - so you could say we've come a long way!

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

 

6th December 2008

Congratulations - King of The Jungle!

Congratulations to Joe Swash who last night was crowned King of the Jungle in the latest series of I'm a Celebrity..... He beat tennis ace Martina Navratilova to win the coveted crown and joins fellow pantomime performers Christopher Biggins and Joe Pasquale in being crowned King. He now has to hot foot it to Chatham where he is starring as Buttons in Cinderella from the 12th December!

26th November 2008

Cinderella: The Shoe Must Go On!

‘Cinderella: The Shoe Must Go On!’ is a unique one-night-only family pantomime, taking place this Christmas on Sunday 21st December at London’s famous Piccadilly Theatre.

With a little help from some well known faces (Jason Flemyng, gorgeous Hollywood actress Kate Mara and Stardust heartthrob Charlie Cox) and a group of Charlie’s friends with no previous on-stage experience are producing and starring in the pantomime to help raise funds for Starlight Children’s Foundation and on the night to help grant a very special wish…..

Chelsea-Louise (16) suffers from the incurable condition Cystic Fibrosis, the most common hereditary disorder in Western Europe . When she asked Starlight to grant her wish of a lifetime to perform on a West End stage, finding a production that could accommodate her seemed like a very tall order, even for the fairy godmothers at Starlight. Actor Charlie Cox who supports Starlight persuaded his XII slightly reluctant friends (almost all of whom last acted in their nursery school nativity play!!) to join him in writing, producing and staring in a one-off performance of their own version of the Cinderella story.

So that’s a handful of acting talent, XII extremely nervous friends and one very excited little girl: on stage at the Piccadilly Theatre this Christmas, with all proceeds going to Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Tickets are available now from the Piccadilly Theatre Box Office, tel no 08444 126666.

Prices are extremely reasonable adults are £20.00, £35.00, and children are £10.00. Best seats in house are £75.

 To refer a seriously ill child to Starlight or to make a donation, simply log on to www.starlight.org.uk or call 020 7262 2881.

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.

27th October 2008

Royal Mail Pantomime Stamps

The Royal Mail have just announced their Christmas 2008 Stamps and they will feature pantomime characters. Further details are available from the Royal Mail website - LINK

31st July 2008

ELEMENTARY MY DEAR SISTER!

 

Which way to the Prince's Castle? - oops, sorry, wrong show!

 

Time is running out to catch Peter Robbins, one half of The Uglies, as Sherlock Holmes in the Illyria Open Air Tour of Hound of the Baskervilles. Tour dates can be obtained from the website.

 

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 27th 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 17th 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

13th June 2008

Paul Elliott - 50 Years in Showbusiness!

 

Read our special report of Paul Elliott's celebration of 50 Years in Showbusiness.

 

30th May 2008

Brian Godfrey Surprise Party - 26th May 2008

Brian Godfrey, Panto Dame and Ugly Sister of long standing, celebrated his sixtieth birthday yesterday. Planning a quiet day he was suitably surprised when a group of his panto mates, fellow farceurs and friends threw a surprise party in Covent Garden.

 



Celebrating with Brian were Jody Crosier, Jeff Brady, John Crabtree, Nigel Ellacott, Anita Graham, Linda Hayden,  Patrick Jamieson, Jonathan Kiley, Mary and Amanda O'Toole, Mark Pollard, Tony Priestley, Andrew Ryan and Marc Seymour.

Brian will be appearing as Ugly Sister this season for Qdos in "Cinderella" at the Royal and Derngate Northampton.

 

 

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 13th  at 11am.

Nigel Ellacott

Funeral Service

The funeral service for Terry Duggan was held today- Tuesday 13th 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.

19th March 2008

THE ENCORE OSCARS - 2007/8 Season

Compiled by Jim Kennedy for Encore Magazine

BUTTONS/MUDDLES: Tucker (Regent Theatre, Ipswich)

DAME: Royce Mills (Yvonne Arnaud Guildford)

UGLY SISTERS: Nigel Ellacott & Peter Robbins (Wycombe Swan)

WICKED WITCH: Alison Fitzjohn (Princes Hall Aldershot)

ABANAZAR: Samuel Holmes (Royal Spa Theatre Leamington)

KING RAT: Colin Baker (Theatre Royal Norwich)

PRINCIPAL BOYS: Nicky Adams (Theatre Royal Norwich) & Tiffany Graves (Capitol Theatre Horsham)

GOOD FAIRY: Amanda Barrie (Gordon Craig, Stevenage)

HENCHMAN: Alex Poulter (Palace Theatre Newark)

SPIRIT OF THE LAMP: Hilary O’Neil (Marlowe Th. Canterbury

19th March 2008

What the sisters have been up to since High Wycombe! Part Two

THE MAYOR'S PANTOMIME

Each year, for the past ten years, The Kenneth More Theatre has staged The Annual London Mayors’ Pantomime. See our full report.

15th March 2008

What the sisters have been up to since High Wycombe! Part One

We apologise for the delay in bringing you this article! Where has the first part of this year gone!?

Hippodrome Revisited!

Had a great few days recently (Okay this email has been sitting in Simon's Inbox for sometime!) at the Birmingham Hippodrome, seeing “Aladdin”, and catching up with our mates there- the pantomime plays twice daily until Sunday 27th January. Ian Sandy- company manager-was, as ever a splendid host, and Peter, Andrew and myself would like to thank Ian and the company for a wonderful show and a very jolly company meal afterwards!

Having marvelled at the show- it’s always a joy to see a new pantomime- special effects include “Bogglevision” in 3D, and the Daleks (do they get their own dressing room I wonder?) and of course the cast, headed by John Barrowman, The Grumbleweeds, Don Maclean, Lila McConigley, Pete Gallagher, Masashi Fujimoto and Philip Andrew, we ran into Aaron Francis in the Ensemble. Aaron was with us when we played Darlington about seven years ago- good to see him again!

Caught up with the ladies of the wardrobe- Laura and Roanne, and wardrobe supervisor Rodney Worth who were with us last year at the “Hippo”, as was Bob Willis the Musical Director.

Really enjoyed this show- brought to you by Paul Elliott and Paul Robinson (who presented our show at Wycombe this season) and enjoyed a fun evening chatting to Don and his wife Toni, and to Graham and Robin- aka “The Grumbleweeds”.

Thanks everyone for a lovely night!

4th March 2008

The 2008/9 Diary! It's Never to Early to Start!

Now in it's full format

21st February 2008

Record Ticket Sales for 2007/8 Pantomime Season

http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/19882/qdos-and-ffe-sell-more-than-2m-tickets-in

17th February 2008

Pantomime isn't just for Christmas, it's for Easter as well!

 

Trio Entertainment present Aladdin at the Valley Community Theatre, Netherley, Liverpool. It runs from the 21st March to the 24th March. Performances 21st (7pm), 22nd (2pm & 7pm), 23rd (2pm & 7pm) and 24th (2pm & 7pm). The cast is still to be confirmed but contains Mr Reece Sibbald as Wishee Washee and Jennifer King as Princess. Trio Entertainment is a group formed from young professionals and young amateurs in Liverpool.

 

We hope to carry some stories on this production as the opening night approaches.
 

5th January 2008

The Pantomime Roadshow - 2007 Highlights

It's incredible to think that barely three months ago High Wycombe was in the future and Nigel, Peter and Andrew were touring the country with The Pantomime Roadshow promoting not only the many shows being produced up and down the country but also the history of pantomime. We thought we'd share with you some press cuttings, feedback letters and a video report, just to show you what the gang get up to before panto season.

 

w/c 29th October - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen

Two Newspaper Articles - The Times Educational Supplement and St Peter's Press/The Primary Times

click to enlarge

Click on letters to read some of the pupils feedback

 

w/c 5th November - Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton

See the Video Feedback from Wolverhampton

Opens in Express and Star Website

Nigel Ellacott, Peter Robbins and Andrew Ryan

27th December 2007

Pat Kirkwood (1921 - 2007)

Here at IBY we were saddened to hear of the death of one of the finest Principal Boys of all time - Pat Kirkwood.

She became one of the top Principal Boys in pantomime during the late 1930's and 1940's. "Humpty Dumpty" at The London Coliseum in 1943 brought her to the attention of Film magnates in the USA and began a successful film career in Hollywood and in Great Britain.

Patricia Kirkwood died on Christmas Day at a nursing home in Yorkshire aged 86.

 

Obituary - BBC

News Item - BBC
 

20th December 2007

APPEARING IN THE STAGE - 20th December Issue

 

Nigel helping Mark Ritchie with his pantomime preparations and an article about Mark's forthcoming pantomime debut.

 

 

6th December 2007

SPOT THE DAME

 

So who is this fresh faced Dame - Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine in Scotland. This actor has penned many scripts for FFE this year and not only is he also appearing in an FFE pantomime but he's also appeared in the nations favourite soap! Do you know who it is? Well click here to solve the mystery!

 

1st December 2007

BIGGINS - King of the Jungle!

 

 

Congratulations to Christopher Biggins on being crowned King of the Jungle in the latest series of I'm a Celebrity......he joins fellow pantomime star Joe Pasquale in being one of the winners of the Celebrity Reality Show. Biggins isn't appearing in Panto this year - he'll probably not have too much time now - but we hope to see him back amongst the fold next year!

26th November 2007

Pantomime Political Correctness!

Seems pantomime is a source of great discussion at the moment - this taken from The Sunday Telegraph.

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/11/25/nxmas225.xml

 

 

26th November 2007

Pantomime Countdown Continued!

Well, the clock on the Wycombe webpage now says 10 days until we open in “Cinderella”- and the clock is ticking! I’ll be starting the Wycombe Diary in earnest from Tuesday 27th November and, internet permitting, sending daily reports from the “Swan” about life backstage, life on stage and, oh- I guess “The Life Of Brian” while I’m at it- Conley that is!

Since the last Panto Update Peter & I have been travelling up and down the country with the Pantomime Roadshow- I think we clocked 1,400 miles this time, and played to about eight thousand children all in all! We visited Hull, Aberdeen and Wolverhampton, and send thanks to all concerned at the theatres there for all their help.

With less than a day to go before rehearsals begin, there’s still a lot of pre panto-ing to do, especially on my “other” panto- “Jack & The Beanstalk” at the Kenneth More, Ilford. Final fittings were scheduled for most of last week, and we had a poorly Giant to attend to. Sadly when Giant Blunderbore was retrieved from storage, he’d fallen asleep on one side, and damaged his framework, so off he goes, back to meet his maker, and hopefully returns in time for rehearsal.

In between fittings Peter arrived at the theatre to get our costumes ready for collection last Friday- that worked out to be two rails of costumes, and one rail of wigs- we’ve found that putting the wigs in bags and tying them to the rail means we can transport about sixteen on one rail. This takes up much less room than boxing them individually. The larger items (The deckchair, picnic basket and ice-cream costumes) are impossible to wrap, so they’ll travel swathed in sheets in the meantime!

Hopefully by December 5th our costumes should be winging their way to Wycombe, arriving with the set and the rest of the show’s wardrobe. Jack’s Giant should be having an operation, and all my flower fairies for Ilford will be fitted and kitted out with wings and wands..then it’s straight into rehearsal tomorrow, and the Wycombe Diary starts for real!

15th October 2007

Pantomime Countdown

Glancing at the website for High Wycombe I was greeted by their “countdown” clock, informing me that there are 58 days until we open in “Cinderella”!

Those of us who have visited the odd department stores recently will be left in no doubt that panto is just around the corner- about a month ago I saw my first Christmas tree in Debenhams's- I swear it was wilting in the heat of late Summer! It seems that decorations and cards are flooding into the shops earlier and earlier, and for those of us involved in putting on a panto, it makes us feel decidedly edgy!

This last week Peter and I (along with Andrew Ryan) were in Hull with the Pantomime Roadshow, visiting ten schools in the area to bring some of the flavour of panto- along with a bit of its history and tradition to the children. It was an eye-opener to us to witness those schools coping so well with some of the worst flooding in modern times. Many schools we visited had been flooded and were either undergoing restoration and repair, or awaiting the builders.

I play the piano as part of the Roadshow, and in three cases there WAS no piano. With water rising almost two feet in some cases, the school halls suffered, the piano was ruined and most of the electrical equipment followed suit. the New Theatre itself had been flooded, and the dressing room and orchestra pit area badly effected. The Schools, along with the Theatre have declared “Business as usual”, and it was extremely uplifting to see the “show going on” in both classroom and auditorium!

Before we set off for Aberdeen and Wolverhampton with the Roadshow there’s some frantic “finishing off” to be done on the Pantomime I’ve written and that I’m costuming. I won’t be alone- all over the country at this time of year the final preparations are underway for the pantomime season.

The costumes I’ve designed are now gradually making their way back to me for final fittings and alterations, just as they are in wardrobe departments all over the country. The children’s footwear and tights are on order (that’s 24 pairs of shoes in total- and what’s the betting that the children’s feet have grown since they were measured?) The late castings of Jack & Jill mean that some costumes may have to be made at this late stage, and my “Flower Fairy” opening is not yet completed- Fairy Daffodil has had five inches removed from the hem and Fairy Fuchsia is awaiting her petals!

Over the next fortnight I will be trying to fit in fittings frantically! With the chorus changing six times, and the juveniles changing five times, plus the Principals, there are a lot of costumes to be collated and sorted before early December. The Giant has yet to meet  the actor who will be staggering under the weight of Blunderbore, and the inflatable beanstalk (courtesy of Qdos) won’t be arriving for a few weeks yet.

The “Special effects”  for the show are underway, and the rig from Hi-Fly has been organised to fly Jack up to beanstalk-land, but as yet these are all to become reality.

All over the UK at this moment the wardrobe boxes and rails are starting to fill up. Wigs are being stewed and glued at the wig factory, the shoe factory is coping with the demands of a Dame Boot (Spanish heel, side zip, laced front. Pink) in Size 11 upwards, and someone somewhere has decided that Daisy the cow’s udders HAVE to be replaced, along with a set of new paws for Tommy The Cat.

Authors are hastily adding a character called “Rat-A-Two-EE” into Dick Whittington (By the way Mr Disney, I wrote a Rat-A-Two-Ee” into the Ilford Panto eight years ago- a cheque will be fine!) and  the producers are still waiting to see if there is a number for the Songsheet due out in the next few weeks!

Peter and I will be checking our costumes are ready to be collected, and packing our touring tea-set earlier this year, as we’ve still got to fit in two more Roadshows before we start rehearsals on November 26th..

Yes- it is the countdown to pantomime. It is starting to get busier with each passing day, and sometimes you feel it will never be ready on time- but then, it always is! Maybe THAT is the magic of panto?

Nigel Ellacott

1st October 2007

Pre-Pantomime Whereabouts!

 

So what do you do out of season? Where can you find some of our regular pantomime performers and associates! Well this little IBY handy guide to just a few of them might get you in the mood for a pre-pantomime theatre visit!

 

RUTH MADOC - Ruth can be seen as Miss Hannigan in the Chris Moreno's UK Tour of Annie. Tour dates up to the end of the year:- w/c 1st Oct Scarborough, w/c 8th Oct Halifax, w/c 15th Oct Nottingham, w/c 22nd Oct Sheffield, w/c 29th Oct Dartford, w/c 5th Nov St Albans. Then Ruth goes to Blackpool for SLEEPING BEAUTY with UK Productions.

 

BRITT EKLAND  is about to open in "Grumpy Old Women" alongside Dillie Keane and Denise Black. The National tour premiers in Basildon at the Towngate Theatre this Wednesday (September 26th) and continues around the country on a series of one night stands right up until December 3rd at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh. see www.grumpyoldwomenlive.com  for dates. Britt then heads directly for the Wyvern Theatre Swindon where she will be appearing as the Fairy Godmother in "Cinderella".

 

Talking of Cinderella, our very own webmaster Simon Curtis is just about to open in a production of La Cenerentola by Rossini. Produced by Welsh National Opera it opened in Cardiff last week and heads out on tour in a couple of weeks taking in Liverpool, Southampton, Oxford, Swansea, Bristol, Llandudno and Birmingham. More details can be found on www.wno.org.uk.

 

La Cenerentola - WNO Full Cast

Pictures © Bill Cooper - Simon is the one on the top level, furthest right!

 

GARY WILMOT is starring in "Half A Sixpence" on tour at the moment. Gary won't be making a pantomime appearance this year, but will be appearing at the Mayflower Theatre Southampton over Christmas in The Wizard of Oz. Details of Half a Sixpence can be found on the Bill Kenwright website. KATHRYN ROONEY is also appearing in Half a Sixpence as Flo Bates - she can be seen in Newcastle this coming season in Aladdin.

 

DAVID ESSEX is starring in 'Aspects of Love' on tour before he takes a break to head to Northampton to play Captain Hook for Qdos. This tour is co-produced by Michael Harrison - the new Qdos Pantomime Managing Director.

 

A busy man Michael, he is also producing, alongside panto producing legend Paul Elliot, the musical 'Hot Flush'. It stars SHEILA FERGUSON, SAM KANE, with panto veterans Rula Lenska and Marti Webb. It tours for the rest of the autumn w/c 1st Oct - High Wycombe, w/c 15th Oct - Manchester, w/c 29th Oct - Canterbury, w/c 5th Nov - Hull, w/c 12th Nov - Edinburgh, w/c 19th Nov - Llandudno and w/c 26th Nov - Richmond. Sheila then heads off to Chatham with Evolution Pantomimes and Sam heads to Wolverhampton with Qdos.

 

Bad Girls star HELEN FRASER is currently reviving her "Bodybag" role in "Bad GIrls The Musical" at the Garrick Theatre in London's West End, before appearing as Fairy Bodybag in "The Sleeping Beauty" at the Pavilion Bournemouth alongside Malandra Burrows, Christopher Pizzey and Andrew Ryan, for UK Productions.

 

It's still not too late to catch One For the Road at the Mill Theatre, Sonning. Husband and wife LYNETTE MCMORROUGH and NICK WILTON are spending some time together before the pantomime season sends them to different parts of the country. Nick is off to Hull with Qdos and Lynette is off to Richmond, Surrey with FFE. The play runs at Sonning until October 20th.

 

We're sure that these aren't the only ones, so if you have any more information please send it to us.

 

26th September 2007

The Magic of Pantomime Roadshow

 

 

Dates have been announced for the Autumn of 2007. The Roadshow will be visiting Hull, Aberdeen and Wolverhampton. Check out the Roadshow pages for more information.

25th August 2007

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE A HOME

Paul Elliott's comedy is back on the road and heading to a theatre near you in the run up to the pantomime season. Read the article for more information.

5th August 2007

PANTO ISN'T JUST FOR CHRISTMAS!

 

Beauty and the Beast

The New Empire Theatre, Southend On Sea

from Thursday 9th - Tuesday 14th August 2007 at 2pm & 7pm daily:

with Pete Hillier, Paul Ferguson, Paul Cattermole and Carly Hillman.

 

Dick Whittington

The Marina Centre, Great Yarmouth

or telephone 01493 851521

Every Friday night from 27th July to 31st August 2007

Danny Hanton & Gavin Dean are back for their third summer panto in Great Yarmouth. Packed full of traditional routines and madcap humour.

 

28th June 2007

REDBRIDGE LAUNCHES NEW INFORMATION SERVICE WITH PANTO FRIENDS

Jody Crosier, Brian Godfrey, Councillor Joyce Ryan, Kathryn Rooney, Clare Harvey

 

Redbridge Council launched its new information website today, and invited a few panto pals over to the Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford to help launch the event, along with the Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Joyce Ryan.
 

Clare Harvey, Jody Crosier, Kathryn Rooney & Brian Godfrey

 

Familiar faces from Pantoland seen here are Brian Godfrey in his role as Dame, (Brian will be appearing in Wolverhampton this season) Kathryn Rooney in her role as Snow White (Kathryn will forsake Snow White for Princess Jasmine at Newcastle this Christmas), Jody Crosier, seen here as Buttons (Jody joins Nigel & Peter at High Wycombe again this panto) and Clare Harvey as Cinderella (Clare will be choreographing at Broxbourne this pantomime season).
 

Nigel Ellacott


Nigel Ellacott took to the keyboard for this event, leaving the hosting of the launch to his panto pals. A good time was had by all!

p.s if you look very closely at the photograph of our panto stars with the Mayor, on the wall behind them you might spot webmaster Simon Curtis - in a photograph displayed at the theatre from a production of Albert Herring, the Opera! So even Simon got in on the act!
 

24th June 2007

NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR QDOS PANTOMIMES

Nick Thomas, Chairman of Qdos Entertainment, today announced that Michael Harrison, one of the country’s most successful young producers, has been appointed Managing Director of the company’s Pantomime Division.

“Michael brings to this new position a wealth of creative talent and production skills that will see the Division develop and grow in the future,” says Nick. “Michael and Qdos have enjoyed a fruitful relationship over the past few years and I am delighted that this new role will strengthen his association with the company,” he added.

Welcoming his new role within the Qdos Group of Companies, Michael Harrison said;

“I am absolutely delighted to extend and enhance my relationship with Qdos. I have very much enjoyed working with Nick and the team over the past few years and I am very excited to have the opportunity to help shape and direct the future of the company. It’s such a pleasure to be involved with an organisation that shares my passion for top quality family entertainment in the great British tradition of pantomime.”

Michael will continue to produce independently. His future shows include a national tour of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Aspects of Love, starring David Essex, and a 2008 tour of Hot Flush!, which is enjoying great success on its current UK travels.

Michael takes up his role as Managing Director of the Pantomimes Division with immediate effect.

Paul Elliott, who has enjoyed a long relationship with Qdos, will continue in his role as Creative Consultant along with Jonathan Kiley who will remain as Casting Director for the Pantomimes Division.

The company’s 2007/08 season will see 19 productions staged throughout the UK, with star names including John Barrowman, Wendi Peters, Brian Conley, Danni Harmer, Joe Pasquale and David Essex.

15th June 2007

Star Name for Sunderland!

 

FFE have announced this morning that Hollywood Legend MICKEY ROONEY will be appearing as the Baron in Sunderland Empire's Cinderella.

 

Mickey Rooney needs no real introduction, but for those of you who'd like to read more about this amazing performer - check out his website www.mickeyrooney.com

 

6th June 2007

Spot The Name

Cadbury Panto Launch - But What Year?!

Here at IBY we recently came across this photograph from a Panto Launch a few years back- an E&B or QDOS launch. I can’t recall the exact year, and there are a few faces I can’t make out in this star-studded line-up. Perhaps you can?

Those we can spot we’ve listed below. If you want to see if you can do better, peel your eyes to the photograph, and check the listing afterwards! Happy Star Spotting!

Buster Merryfield, Chloe Newsome, Britt Ekland, Toby Anstis, Vicki Michelle,

Alan Stewart, Lionel Blair, Su Pollard, Sophie Lawrence

Bob Carolgees (and Spit The Dog!), John Inman, Sam Kane, Linda Lusardi

Gareth Hunt, John Altman and Danny La Rue.

Editors Entry! Dairy Milk, Roses, Selection Box...................

26th May 2007

Turn Again Whittington!!

Although early days, as the pantomime subjects begin to trickle into our diary section (updated regularly- so watch this space- several announcements are expected at the end of this month!) one thing has been worrying me- the demise of “Dick Whittington”.

With each passing year some subjects remain at the top of the “wish” list for theatres, and others begin to lag behind in popularity. Going back a  good few years you might have enjoyed “Goody Two Shoes”, “Robinson Crusoe”, “Sindbad”, “Little Red Riding Hood” or even “Humpty Dumpty”.

Then the Golden Goose lost its lustre, and subjects like “Mother Goose” began to get rarer, as in recent times has “Robin Hood & or Babes In The Wood” “Goldilocks” has all but vanished- when did you last see a professional production of “Puss In Boots?”

I sincerely hope that my thoughts on the demise of Master Whittington are premature and exaggerated- but his name seems to be appearing less and less with each passing year.

Pantomime is all about topicality and popular entertainment- by adapting and adopting the “Now” and the “New” it has managed not only to survive, but to thrive- and I know that what fades one minute will indeed return one day- “Sleeping Beauty” for example. At one point it had all but dropped out of the panto pop list- however, within a few brief years “Sleeping Beauty” has returned, and judging by box office figures, is proving to be as popular as before.

Fifteen years or so ago you would not have gone to see “Peter Pan- the Pantomime”, as it did not exist. The fiercely protected J. M. Barrie copyright prevented his eternal tale from being turned into a pantomime. Now, if you take a look at our Diary, it is well up in the top of the panto charts, along with perennial favourites (and money spinners) Cinderella and Aladdin.

“Snow White” is heading right for the top- it may even overtake the two “Big Boys”- and yet “Snow White” is our “baby” of a pantomime- others were born over two hundred years ago, the newcomer appeared as a direct result of Walt  Disney’s film , and appears very slowly as a pantomime from the mid 1950’s.

The Disney Factor:

It cannot be denied that the magical hand of Disney helps to keep a pantomime’s popularity. Children everywhere know the Disney version of a fairy tale from watching (over and over again) DVD’s and reading the associated picture story books. If Disney have made an animated film of your pantomime, it has Box Office appeal throughout the board.

Poor Dick Whittington. Disney has yet to tell his story. How can they have overlooked the potential? Rags to riches, a cute pussy cat, an evil be-whiskered villain? Cut to a tudor style Olde London Town Square- merry Londoners singing “Wot Cher!” and a cast of cute mice and evil rats to create a sub plot. And what is more- unlike most Fairy Stories, this one IS BRITISH, and (a little bit of it anyway..) IS REAL!! There really WAS a Richard Whittington. He has more pedigree than Robin Hood, our other British panto hero!

While touring with our Pantomime Roadshow over many years, Peter & I get the opportunity to promote pantomime and (hopefully) educate children all over the UK in the tradition and magic of British Pantomime. We also get the opportunity in Primary Schools to engage in a lively Q&A session in the second half. It is here that the root of the problem lies. The story of Dick Whittington seems to be missing from the  minds of school children today. They very often don’t know the story- not the panto story, we wouldn’t expect that- but the folk tale of Richard Whittington. They don’t seem to recognise the phrase “The streets weren’t paved with gold”- they don’t know the arch villain King Rat- or the “Turn again Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London” part. I think possibly in this DVD and Disney inspired age, his story is not being told.

Teachers- Pantomime Producers-Parents… let’s try and stop Dick Whittington sailing off alone on the “Saucy Sally”, and become collectively Fairy Bow-Bells- let’s raise his profile and cry “Turn Again Whittington!” loudly from Highgate Hill. If we do not, I fear that in about five years time the bells won’t be summoning him back to theatres all over the country!

If you have any thoughts, perhaps you’d care to e-mail them to us at info@its-behind-you.com.. Or leave a message on the message board. Perhaps Simon will be able to feature a few here in the Green Room  section. Let us know your thoughts on the fate of “Dick Whittington”.

Thanks!

Nigel

May  2007

1st May 2007

Here's one of the latest items on our Trading Places page:

Hackney Empire Theatre’s CINDERELLA SET AND COSTUMES FOR SALE OR HIRE

This beautiful Art Deco set with stunning and witty costume are up for sale or hire.

What the critics said….

Costumes that make Vivian Westwood like the wallflower of fashion - As gutsy as it is glittery   Time Out *****

The transformation scene is among the enchanting best I’ve seen…A gorgeous looking … dream on Mare Street Daily Telegraph

Superbly witty costumes by Lotte Collett  Sunday Times ****

DVD gallery

COSTUMES (AVI File - 4MB)   -    SET (AVI File - 15.8MB)

 

Management Enquiries only to  brian.wren@hackneyempire.co.uk

Requires Windows Media Player

 

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 2nd 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

17th March 2007

8th March 2007

John Inman 1935 - 2007

 

John Inman star of pantomime and television sadly passed away today aged 71 (Thursday 8th 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

from Paul Brammer

So sad to see another great dame and a wonderful actor go to the big theatre in the sky. It was your dame that inspired me to be one, thank you for that may you rest now and always be free. from Michael

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

24th February 2007

The Dame Name Game!

Recently I was presented with a framed photograph from David Hartshorne, containing many Pantomime Dames. Identifying the face behind the make-up is never easy, especially on a photo containing over forty  faces!

 

I’d got to the point of recognising about a third, when, on closer inspection the back of the photo (hidden by the frame) contained quite a few names. However- these were obviously given to the photographer verbally, and a few names are “sound alikes”- i.e “Sandy Bridges”. (Alexander Bridge!) and “Pete Prayson” (for Peter Dayson!).

 

One thing that puzzled Peter and myself was our apparent presence there, dressed as Carmen Mirandas- right at the back (far right). Was it us? Had we both forgotten doing this shoot? Blowing the image up on the screen proved we hadn’t lost the marbles. It’s Jackie Clarke and Barry Gosney wearing the frocks we lent them for their debut as Ugly Sisters that year!

 

Here’s the photograph, taken in 1989. Here at IBY we’re wondering how many you can name- and indeed, were you one of the dames photographed on December 4th 1989 – probably at a Hotel in Victoria London?

 

Have fun. See how many you can identify!

 

 

THE NAMES: (Allegedly!)

 

Roy Alvis, Joey (?) Black, Alexander Bridge, Douglas (Bloomer?), Christopher Biggins, George Callender , Ronnie Corbett, Raymond Cleeve (?), Colin Deveraux (Dockyard Doris), Jackie Clarke, Seb Craig, Peter Dayson, Ceri Dupree, Vince Gardner, Kinny Gardner, Barry Gosney, Brian Godfrey, Kenny Gibson, Leon Green, Brian Gowell (?), Paul Harris, Bobbie Howie (?), Peter John, Roy Kean, Des King, Bobby Kent, Keith Morris (?),Rustie Lee,  Stevie Mark, Simon Parkes, Gordon Peters,  David Quinell, Iain Sanderson, Peter Thorne,  Earl Tobias, David Wareham, Richard Westcott,  Nikki Young.

 

Missing from the list but identified (I think) by myself are Paul Laidlaw (left 2nd row end)

And David Moreton (top balcony 5th from left) Dave Lynn ( on the top balcony I believe?) Ronnie Corbett is credited- is that him in red 3rd row centre with a target?

 

Enjoy the game!

 

*Nigel’s spots:

 Front Row Left to Right: Peter Thorne (Extreme Left). Seb Craig (3rd from left) Peter John (5th from left).

Second Row Left To Right: Paul Laidlaw (Extreme left) Alexander Bridge (leaning on Pillar) Rusty Lee (Centre) Christopher Biggins, Peter Dayson (2nd from right).

 

Fourth Row: Colin Deveraux Centre Right).

Staircase Left: Roy Kean (Top)

Staircase Right: Bobby Kent (Top)

Balcony Left To Right: Brian Godfrey (?) David Moreton (4th & 5th ) Kinny Garner, (6th) Dave Lynn (8th) Jackie Clarke & Barry Gosney (Extreme Right).

 

MORE INFORMATION

 

From Richard Frost

I can't find Ronnie Corbett unless he's top left of photo in polka dots and glasses. I do know that the dame in red with the target, in the centre of the photo, is JOE BLACK who for many years played Ugly Sister with Freddie Sales for Delfont's and was last seen as a member of the Crazy Gang in London in "Underneath the Arches" with Roy Hudd and Chris Timothy at the Prince of Wales.
 

10th February 2007

The Qdos Pantomime Party 2006/7 at THE IVY

On the day that most of the country suffered heavy snowfalls, despite train stoppages and disruption to the roads, a brave and intrepid gathering of people from Pantoland descended on the prestigious Ivy Restaurant  in London’s West End!

 

Hosted by Qdos, the party was to celebrate surviving yet another panto season- producers, Directors, theatre management and artistes alike!

 

Greeted at the door by Nick Thomas, Jonathan Kiley and Jon Conway, the guests were liberally plied with champagne and a selection of the Ivy’s dishes served as a buffet. No snow or freezing temperatures would stop actors from getting near free food and drink, and of all the pantomimes the Birmingham Hippodrome had the best cast turn-out!  Jody Crosier, Shobna Gulati, Sean Needham, and Michelle Potter joined Nigel and Peter at the bash - sadly Brian Conley was not able to come (he’d literally just arrived back from entertaining on the P&O liner in South America). Shobna had only just arrived back from Pakistan (She’s been filming a documentary) and Dawson Chance sent his apologies from his home in Spain.

 

We were joined by Paul Elliott and Michael Harrison, and a host of theatre managements from around the UK- including the bosses of Aberdeen, Bradford, High Wycombe, St.Albans, Hull and their representatives.

 

Great to meet up again with Sophie Lawrence, Kathryn Rooney and Maurice Thorougood, and delighted to run into Alan Stewart. Kathryn has literally just finished the long run at Wolverhampton. The rest of us have had a week or so to catch up on life outside of the dressing room!

Kathryn Rooney - Asleep until next year!

 

The champagne flowed, as did the conversation. It is such a rare event fr all of us in this world of panto to get together- generally we’re all working at the same time. Thanks to Qdos we were able to chat and compare runs, and catch up with old friends. Peter and I were there at “chucking out” time- around 5pm (we’d arrived at 12.30pm!) and everyone leaving was presented with a beautifully wrapped inscribed gift by Sharon Kiel.

 

Thanks Nick and Jon and everyone at Qdos- we had a great time, and  the party was very much appreciated by one and all!

 

(l to r) Michelle Potter, Nigel, Sean Needham, Jody Crosier / Michelle, Nigel, Peter, Sean / Peter, Allan Stewart, Nigel

 

The Executive Producers of Qdos Entertainment (Paul Elliot, Jonathan Kiley, with Michael Harrison and Jon Conway ) with Nick Thomas (middle), Charlotte Gooch (L) and Chris Stanton (R)

 

(l to r) Charlotte Gooch, Nick Thomas, Michelle Potter, Chairs Stanton / Lewis Griffiths, Kathryn Rooney, Allan Stewart / Qdos’ Nicole Dukeman and Sharon Harding with Sid Owen

Toy Theatres - it's never too early to buy Christmas Presents!!

The Toy Theatre is of 'The Palace Theatre' Leicester, built in 1901 and demolished 1960. It was designed by the eminent Victoria Theatre architect Frank Matcham for Sir Oswald Stoll and was of 'Moorish' design. I have drawn and hand painted it from actual auditorium photographs.

 

THE TOY THEATRE

is supplied all on one sheet, from which the purchaser cuts out and adheres to card and makes up into a toy theatre from Instruction supplied with the sheet. Also supplied is a brief history of the Palace Theatre Leicester detailing the famous artistes who appeared there.

SIZES

The sheet size is 70cms by 50cms

Contains the Proscenium - Eastern Act Drop Curtain- one set of curtain Border and wings.

The Theatre Proscenium size is 40cms by 50cms Proscenium Opening is 22cms wide by 18cms high.

PRICE DETAILS

The one sheet price is £5.00 Sterling

UK Postage and packing extra £2.00 Sterling Delivery Immediate ex stock.

PAYMENT

cheques payable to 'Mr D. Garratt'

 

ORDERS AND FURTHER INFORMATION email dgarratt41@hotmail.com and remember to mention the site!

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!

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