What a Carry On at the London Film Convention!

The London Film Convention is now in its 45th year.  The Convention gives fans of classic film and television a chance to meet stars, have photos taken with them and go home with an autograph as a lovely memento.

The next Convention is due to take place on Saturday 16 September 2017 and there are some great Carry On names down to attend. Leading the field is the one and only Mr Bernard Cribbins. A true legend and veteran of every medium you could imagine, Bernard is best known for his association with Doctor Who, The Wombles, The Railway Children, Jackanory and of course, Carry On. He appeared as Albert Poopdecker in Carry On Jack in 1963, Harold Crump in Carry On Spying the following year and returned for Columbus in 1992. Bernard will be attending from 1-3pm.

Another familiar face from the early days of Carry On is Amanda Barrie. The star of Coronation Street, Bad Girls, The Real Marigold Hotel and of course, many many leading roles on the West End stage, Amanda made her Carry On debut as Glam Cab driver Anthea in Cabby in 1963 before grabbing the title role of Cleopatra in Carry On Cleo the following year.

  

Valerie Leon starred in six Carry Ons: Up The Khyber, Camping, Again Doctor, Up The Jungle, Matron and Girls. She also took the lead role in the classic horror film Blood From The Mummy's Tomb and appeared opposite two James Bonds - Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me and Sean Connery in Never Say Never Again. 

Also attending will be the original Carry On girl, Shirley Eaton. Bond girl Shirley starred in Sergeant, Nurse and Constable as well as appearing in the very first Doctor film and the likes of The Naked Truth, What A Carve Up and Dentist On The Job. Shirley will be attending between 10.30-4pm.

Joining Valerie and Shirley is another class act of British film comedy - Fenella Fielding. Fenella appeared in two Carry Ons, first of all as Penny Panting (!) opposite Kenneth Connor in Carry On Regardless and then several years later in her most iconic role as Valeria Watt in Carry On Screaming. I have been fortunate enough to meet Fenella before and she is an absolute delight.

Also flying the Carry On flag will be fan favourite Margaret Nolan. Margaret is well known for her many years in the best of British comedy and drama in both film and television. Margaret got her big break in films playing Dink opposite Sean Connery in Goldfinger, also appearing in the classic title sequence. She went on to star in six Carry Ons - Cowboy, Henry, At Your Convenience, Matron, Girls and Dick.

Also in attendance is the star of many of Hammer Horror film as well as James Bond (Live and Let Die) and Carry On (Matron), the gorgeous Madeline Smith. Maddie's other credits include the film of Up Pompeii with Frankie Howerd, Theatre of Blood with Vincent Price, The Two Ronnies and later, satirical work with the likes of John Bird and John Fortune.

 

And last but by no means least is the evergreen entertainer, Anita Harris. Anita has enjoyed a long career as a singer, dancer and star of musical theatre and is still wowing audiences around the country to this day. Early on in her career she made two Carry Ons - first of all as Cork Tip in Follow That Camel and then as Nurse Clark in Carry On Doctor, both made in 1967.

The London Film Convention will be taking place on Saturday 16 September between 10am-5pm at Central Hall, Westminster, in Central London. You can find out more by visiting their website here

If you attend this event please do get in touch and let me know how it went and who you met!

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