Carry On Blogging!: Christine Ozanne

Showing posts with label Christine Ozanne. Show all posts

Saturday, 30 December 2017

Carry On Blogging Review of 2017!

It's not normally very British to blow your own trumpet (Matron!) however I wanted to do a little blog post as a round up of Carry On Blogging highlights so far. It's been quite a journey since I started blogging back in 2015 and I've loved every minute of it!

I'm thrilled that the blog has now received nearly 750,000 page visits since I set it up in March 2015! December this year was the most visited month so far with over 50,000 views!

The blog Twitter account now has nearly 13,00 followers and nearly 700 of your have "liked" my Facebook page. Thank you to everyone who tweets, follows, likes and comments - it's always great to hear from you!

In January this year I interviewed the lovely actress and author Josephine Bailey about her time as a child actor, studying at the Corona Academy and of making Carry On Teacher. You can read that here

I also had the great pleasure of interviewing the glorious Amanda Barrie about her long and successful career which of course has included two Carry Ons and Coronation Street. You can read that here

In February I spoke to the delightful Judy Buxton about her career as an actress, her time with the Royal Shakespeare Company and of meeting and working witht he great Joan Sims on the series On The Up. You can read that here

In March I celebrated Frankie Howerd's centenary by interview his agent and long-time friend Tessa Le Bars. You can read that interview here

I also spoke to the actor Mark Farrelly about his love of Frankie and his plans for a new one man show telling Howerd's story. Read this here.

Paul Taylor-Greaves told me all about his love of blogging and podcasting and that can be found here

Carry On Nurse actress Christine Ozanne spoke to me earlier this month about her long and varied career and her new memoir, The Tome of the Unknown Actor. Find out what Christine had to say here

And more recently I interviewed Jennie Linden on her long stage and screen career, finding out what it was like to work with Kenneth Williams on the play My Fat Friend. Read more from Jennie here

To celebrate my second anniversary, on 29 March this year I interviewed my blogging colleague and Coronation Street Blog Editor Glenda Young about blogging, Corrie and of course, Carry On. You can check that out here.

Having written about all of Joan and Hattie's Carry On adventures, I have also started blogging about Barbara Windsor's nine Carry On roles as part of the run up to Barbara's 80th birthday in August. You can read the first of those blogs here

I'm also now beginning a new series of blogs looking back at all of Kenneth Connor's Carry On performances in the lead up to his centenary next June. You can read the first of these blogs here.

Earlier this summer saw comedy historian Robert Ross embark on a special Carry On Cruise with some very familiar faces. Robert very kindly answered some questions on his European jaunt with Valerie Leon, Jacki Piper, Anita Harris and Richard O'Callaghan. You can find that article here

Having interviewed the fabulous Madeline Smith last year it was a thrill to finally meet her in person in June. I attended "From Biba to Bond: An Evening with Madeline Smith" at the Stow Roses Women's Institute in North London. You can read about my encounter with the lovely Maddie here

Another great moment in June was interviewing the writer Mark O'Connell on his long association with Pinewood Studios and his love of all things James Bond. You can read that interview (and find out more about Mark's book Catching Bullets) here

Also, something I have been blogging about and calling for since I started Carry On Blogging actually happened in June (an apt month). Yes, June Whitfield was finally made a Dame. You can read my thoughts on this wonderful news here

I was thrilled to receive an exclusive chance to review Network's newly released The Complete Sykes on DVD (many thanks again to Blue Dolphin). You can read that review here.

I was absolutely delighted to be contacted recently by Patrick Purcell, son of the late great Irish actor Noel Purcell. We had a smashing interview and you can read all about that here

In the summer I interviewed actor and writer Jack Lane about his passion for the work of Sir Norman Wisdom and Jack's one man show, Wisdom of a Fool. You can read that interview here

In July published my interview with the lovely Georgy Jamieson, passionate comedy fan, BBC Suffolk presenter and Director of the British Comedy Society. You can read our interview here

Also that month I enjoyed a hysterical hour on the phone with British film legend Robin Askwith. You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here

I celebrated Carry On legend Barbara Windsor's 80th birthday with a series of blogs at the beginning of August - you can read the main one here

I started a new series of blogs in August asking some of my favourite people to write in about the five greatest influences on their careers. You can read Judy Matheson's blog here, Sarah Miller Walters' blog is here, Stuart Ball's blog is here and you can read the blog from Jason Figgis here

Also in August I had the great pleasure of chatting with television legend Derek Griffiths and you can read my blog interview with him here

In September I travelled to Elstree Studios for a celebration of the very best of 1960s and 70s British television. Hosted by Morris Bright and featuring classic clips and interviews with Dame Diana Rigg and Carry On actors Angela Douglas and Valerie Leon, you can read my review of the evening here.

In October I went to see Robin Askwith's superb one man show at the Phoenix Artist club and you can read my review here: Carry On Blogging Review: Robin Askwith Live!

In November I interviewed the super lovely actress Jayne Bickerton and we chatted about her time in Coronation Street, classic comedy and how she got to know the legendary Bob Monkhouse. You can read that interview here

Also in November I interviewed my friend, the actress and singer Kathy Jones about her love of Carry On, her time in Coronation Street in the 1970s, life at Granada Studios and even what it was like to record an album at Abbey Road. That interview can be found here

I also brought you an exclusive peak at Fenella Fielding's diary ahead of the publication of her wonderful memoirs. You can check that out here

I also interviewed Ty Jeffries, the fabulously talented son of the late actor Lionel Jeffries. You can read that interview here

December has brought an excellent guest blog from the lovely David Powell on Frankie Howerd's classic comic horror, The House in Nightmare Park, which you can read here

My last interview of the year was with actor, writer and director Andrew Lynford who talked to me about his diverse career and friendships with the likes of Wendy Richard, Barbara Windsor, Anita Harris and Dilys Laye. You can read this here.

Since I started the blog over two years ago I've managed to clock up 44 different interviews with a wide range of fans, authors and actors from the films and it's been an absolute pleasure.

A huge thanks to everyone who's kindly taken the time to answer all my questions - it has brightened many a day and been completely and utterly enjoyable.

Finally, a massive thank you to everyone who reads my blog. I only do this as a hobby and your kind comments and observations keep me going even when the chips are down and I think I'm too tired to Carry On!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan on Facebook and on Instagram

Thursday, 5 October 2017

An Afternoon with the Carry On Girls!

Misty Moon Events are hosting an event at the Cinema Museum this Autumn with a strong Carry On theme. Focussing on the actresses who appeared in the classic film franchise, their Carry On Girls event will bring together some of our favourite Carry On ladies for an afternoon of fabulous film memories.

The Carry On films (1958–92) are one of the most popular franchises in film history. There have been 31 films and four Christmas specials, a TV series, and three stage plays. We are celebrating the films with the ladies of Carry On.

Misty Moon’s MC for the afternoon is Linda Regan who starred in Carry On England in 1976. Linda played A.T.S Private Taylor. She also made an uncredited appearance in the TV movie Carry On Again Christmas (1970). Linda played Yellowcoat April in the popular holiday camp sitcom Hi-de-Hi! (1984-1988).

Sally Geeson starred in two Carry On films Carry On Abroad (1972) as Lily, and then in Carry On Girls (1973) playing a domineering television production assistant. She also had an early uncredited role in Carry On Regardless (1961). Sally is probably best known for playing Sid James’s daughter in the TV series Bless This House (1971–1976).

Christine Ozanne was in Carry On Nurse (1959) as the cleaner. She is the author of The Tome of the Unknown Actor.

Laura Collins appeared in Carry On Matron (1972).

Patricia Franklin appeared in in Carry On Camping (1969), Carry On Loving (1970), Carry On Girls (1973), Carry On Behind (1975) and Carry On England (1976), and more recently in all three of Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg’s Cornetto Trilogy, Shaun of the Dead (2004), Hot Fuzz (2007) and The World’s End (2013).

Georgina Moon appeared in Carry On Camping (1969) and Carry On Behind (1975), as well as the film of Bless This House (1972). Her television roles include Lt. Sylvia Howell in UFO (1970-73), Erotica in Up Pompeii (1969-70), Rose Bivaque in Clochemerle (1972), Miss Finch in You’re Only Young Twice (1977-81), and Christine Cropper in How’s Your Father? (1974-75).

After the Q&A the girls will meet and greet the audience and take part in a paid signing.

Doors open at 14.00, for a 14.30 start. Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets in advance £14 (£13 concessions). On the door £15 (£14 concessions).
Advance tickets may be purchased from Billetto, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan on Facebook and on Instagram

Monday, 18 September 2017

An Afternoon with the Carry On Girls

Christine Ozanne was in Carry On Nurse (1959) as the cleaner. She is the author of The Tome of the Unknown Actor.

Laura Collins appeared in Carry On Matron (1972).

After the Q&A the girls will meet and greet the audience and take part in a paid signing.

More guests to be announced soon.

Doors open at 14.00, for a 14.30 start. Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Sunday, 23 July 2017

An Afternoon with the Carry On Girls

More guests to be announced soon.

Doors open at 14.00, for a 14.30 start. Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Sunday, 28 May 2017

Christine Ozanne's New Memoir

Christine Ozanne is an actress who has enjoyed a diverse and varied career across stage and screen. She is probably best known to Carry On fans for her role as the cleaner in the second film in the series, Carry On Nurse, made in late 1958 and released the following year.

Christine has a vast experience of the working life of an actress and these stories have formed the basis for her newly released memoir, The Tome of the Unknown Actor:

With a message from the esteemed actor, David Jason, on the cover, this newly published book, written by a show-biz veteran, pays homage to the jobbing actor, and is a perfect antidote to the current cult of celebrity.

Sit back and enjoy rollicking through Christine Ozanne's career in theatre, television, radio and film. This largely anecdotal memoir exposes the ups and downs of an actor’s life, working with many of our best loved household names, and written with a gentle humour and admiration for fellow thespians. The book could also be described as a learning curve for young actors challenged by the pitfalls of today’s industry, with an insight into Shakespeare’s text, and performing at the Globe.

From the author’s wartime childhood in Leicester to her worldwide travels, Christine Ozanne has chronicled many hair-raising experiences, none more hilarious than times spent in theatrical digs. For anyone intrigued by the revelations of a professional actor's life, this is a thoroughly entertaining read.

You can buy Christine's fascinating memoir via Amazon Alternatively you can find it on Christine's website

And I'll be blogging an interview with Christine very soon, so stay tuned for that!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

Saturday, 1 April 2017

Christine Ozanne's New Memoir

You can buy Christine's fascinating memoir via Amazon Alternatively you can find it on Christine's website

And I'll be blogging an interview with Christine very soon, so stay tuned for that!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

Sunday, 12 March 2017

Carry On Blogging Interview: Christine Ozanne

I have recently interviewed the actor Christine Ozanne about her lengthy, diverse acting career, her brief but memorable Carry On association and her new memoir, The Tome of the Unknown Actor.

So please Carry On Reading for more on Christine's experience of making the classic Carry On Nurse, her favourite roles on stage and screen and her memories of working with the likes of Joan Hickson, Joan Sims, John Inman and Ronnie Barker...

First of all, I'd love to know why and how you became an actor in the first place?

I never really became an actor, I believe I always was one. I possess the entertainment gene which manifested itself in early childhood and developed through amateur dramatics at the Leicester Drama Society. Then, it was suggested that I try for RADA ~ I got in and left two years later with an Honours Diploma and three comedy prizes.

Back in late 1958 you appeared in a film which would become a classic – Carry On Nurse. What are your memories of that time?

Within three months of leaving RADA, I was contracted for four days work on Carry On Nurse, with a guaranteed fortune of £15 a day. Imagine a dank early autumnal morning, walking a mile from the nearest bus stop to the entrance of Pinewood Studios, knowing no-one, and being entirely new to film work. Gradually meeting this already well-known group of comedy actors, and delivering my one line “Do you mind?” on the first morning, this was to be a major learning curve. The film was made in three weeks, so there was always an element of ‘let’s get on with it’ in the air. My ‘close-up’ for the line was done in one ‘take’, and I was scrutinized closely by Kenneth Williams, who was actually in the bed behind the camera, and he made an ungracious remark about me as we moved on to the next shot. At lunchtime I went to the canteen with other ‘small part’ players, but discovered the beautiful oak-panelled restaurant when I was invited to dine there on my last day. After lunch I went to watch the previous day’s rushes. This was quite a thrill as I could learn how they filmed the two-handed scene between Irene Handl and Bill Owen, the one with his leg in plaster and she is trying to fill in some forms. This experience made me feel I had arrived, and belonged, in the film making world.

At the end of the first day, Joan Sims offered me a lift in her chauffer-driven limousine. She was appearing in a West End show in the evenings, and I was in the process of rehearsing a provincial pantomime at the time, so she asked her driver to take me on to wherever I wanted to go. I was tempted to say Northampton, but had to settle for Euston.

Carry On Nurse featured two of my favourite actors in Joan Hickson and Hattie Jacques. What were they like to work with?

Joan Hickson as like a mother to me. A real woman of the theatre and understood my situation. We travelled on the tube together and chatted away like old friends. She told me that she was always extremely nervous before each ‘take’, almost to the point of sickness, which astonished me. I had been an admirer of hers from watching all those wonderful black & white movies of the 40s and 50s. Mostly small cameos, but I always hoped I could do exactly those sort of parts one day. How on earth she coped with Miss Marple I will never know.

Sadly, I saw very little of Hattie Jacques, except in the ‘make-up’ room. I remember someone asking her how John was, (John Le Mesurier, of course), and she said “Oh, he’s lovely”. What a great performance she gave as ‘Matron’ ~ a very interesting woman altogether, I believe.

You have worked with Ronnie Barker in both The Two Ronnies and his series Six Dates with Barker. What was he like to work with?

Ronnie was a delight to work with. Not only as a person but, as an actor he was extremely generous. In my first job with him, a sketch called How to Get Married he would often place me in a more favourable position for the camera. This kind of unselfishness was borne out in his casting, where he would use the same group of actors several times. They were like a friendly family. He came from the repertory system of theatre troupes, and loved all the camaraderie. Some years later, we re- made the same sketch, this time in colour, for inclusion in The Two Ronnies. We filmed it at Woodstock, using the grounds of Blenheim Palace, and stayed at The Bear Hotel, a magnificent lodging, I must say ~ a four-poster bed, no less. Ronnie, who wrote many of his scripts as Gerald Wiley, said that all you had to do was write ‘they are seen punting on the river with Magdalen College Tower in the background, and you were guaranteed a week of luxury in Oxford.

I was chosen by Ronnie again to appear in one of his Six Dates With Barker series, this time in three different roles. The episode was called 1899: The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town, written by Spike Milligan. The raspberries were blown (off screen) by David Jason. David, again was one of the ‘team’, before he rose to fame in Only Fools and Horses. This half-hour show was re-written as an episodic feature in The Two Ronnies, without me this time, but Ronnie did ask for me again when casting a ‘Post Mistress’ (girl-friend for Granville) in Open All Hours. My scenes were shot on film in Yorkshire and were shown during the studio recording. Unfortunately, the episode was over-running, so my scenes had to go, being considered not important to the main story-line. Shame ~ I thought I might become a ‘semi-regular’ character. That’s show business!

In 1981 you worked on the series Take a Letter Mr Jones with John Inman and Rula Lenska. What were they like to work with?

John Inman was hilarious, and a total joy to work with. He was a personal friend of mine, however, which helped, but he was the same with everyone. Even if he had to put his foot down about something, he would be utterly charming about it, and always produce a pay-off that would make us all raw with laughter.

I first met John in Rep at Chester in 1962. He was the Stage Manager and small part player. We toured together with Charlie Chester in a dreadful play call Done in Oils, and we did some plays and music hall at Chelmsford, all before he became famous as ‘Mr Humphries’ in Are You Being Served. John could turn his had to almost anything and would go out of his way to make me laugh. He would set up a gag ~ like a trap for me to fall into. I really miss him.

Rula Lenska was fun, too ~ and was one of those people who could look beautiful in sackcloth, but didn’t involve herself too much with the company; I think there were personal reasons at the time. My chums, Miriam Margoyles and Joan Blackham were in this series, which made it all the more enjoyable, especially with Miriam’s particular brand of humour!

I understand you have developed and delivered Shakespeare workshops and masterclasses for some years now? Can you tell me a little more about that?

I learnt much of what I teach about Shakespeare from my partner, Patrick Tucker, but found my own way of developing and promoting this knowledge.

‘Uncle Bill’ was a genius. He put everything the actor needed to know into their lines. Actors were not able to read the whole play, they had no rehearsals (like we have today), and no director, so the acting guide lines were all in their own ‘cue script’. They were not able to see or hear the other character’s lines until the performance. All I do is point out what these instructions are, how to find them and ways of theatricalising the clues. I go back to the source material ~ The First Folio ~ which holds these ‘messages’ for the actor, because modern editors have removed many of them in the name of ‘literature’. Anyone curious enough can go to the website friendlyfolio.com where all will be revealed.

You obviously have a passion for Shakespeare, having formed the Original Shakespeare Company in 1991. What was the idea behind the OSC?

Having trained lots of actors in finding the clues in the text, the idea behind the OSC was to mount a performance of a full length play, recreating the same conditions enjoyed by the ‘original’ Elizabethan actors. This we did, most successfully, at the Globe in London for three years running in the late 1990s, plus twice in Germany, four times in Jordan, twice with local actors in Canada and once in Australia.

In order to give the productions the spontaneity required ~ that is, the actors not knowing the arc of the play ~ we would change the casts around if more than one performance was requested. In Australia, for example, we did A Midsummer Night’s Dream three nights running, changing almost every actor round. We had enormous support in this from Greta Scacchi who, not only rounded up a goodly group of professionals for us, but volunteered to play ‘Helena’ in the first and third shows, and ‘Titania’ in the second. Greta’s film experience meant that she was no stranger to private study and speedy line learning.

The Globe experience, of course, was a huge benefit to us because we had a replica of the ‘original’ building to work in. Academics were sceptical since they assumed that “everybody knows the plays these days.” So, after As You Like It, we chose King John and Cymbeline, on the grounds that they were far less well-known. All three plays were amazingly entertaining and gave us much additional knowledge of the building and Shakespeare’s wonderfully helpful text.

Of all the roles you have played on stage, which has been your favourite and why?

Three parts spring instantly to mind. ‘Miss Prism’ in The Importance of Being Earnest, an eccentric character in a period piece; and ‘Mary Featherstone’ in How the Other Half Loves, an ‘innocent’ in a modern, sophisticated world. Both suit my particular acting talents (and looks) perfectly. Alan Ayckbourn could have written this second part just for me, as he could with ‘Kate’ in Bedroom Farce. In all three I found it extremely difficult not to laugh (or ‘corpse’ myself) during the performance, especially the scene where ‘Kate’ is shown the lop-sided table her husband has cobbled together. The audience laughter went on and on, almost the actor’s nightmare of agony and ecstasy combined, where you have to judge the right moment to top the laughter and move on. It’s called ‘a belter’ and it is bliss!

I set up my blog as a tribute to the Carry On films and my heroine, the late Joan Sims. Why do you think those films and actors like Joan have remained so popular for so long?

The popularity of the Carry On films, in a way, replaced the local repertory theatres where the same group of actors appeared regularly in different roles. Both these genres have now run out of time. The Reps theatres died when television took their place, and the Carry On film troupe simply grew old. However, the films can live on and find completely new audiences who weren’t even born when they were originated. These comic films were well made and had a lasting humour which has stood the test of time, as have the regular actors who each attracted their own following.

Joan Sims was a total original, she had funny bones. A natural comedienne, with a huge talent and a master of screen craft. Her great virtue was that she looked like the girl next door with a warm and friendly touch. This never let her down, and is probably the reason for her eternal popularity. After Carry On Nurse and her kindness to me, we worked together again on a BBC Children’s television play called Fowl Pest. She remembered me, although it was some years later, and lunch-times were a highlight of the day as we exchanged show-biz anecdotes galore. Evidently, Joan’s jovial personality and comic performances were, hiding a more sombre private life.

You have recently written your memoir. What was it like to go through the writing process and relive your life and career to date?

Extremely therapeutic. Because of one particular job, I was inspired to write dozens of anecdotes, which involved lots of research through records and diaries. I then developed it into an investigation as to how my career began and who else was involved. A book began to emerge and I thoroughly enjoyed the writing process. I loved it, actually, and to reach 85,000 words felt like a mighty achievement. Getting the book published was another matter. Most companies were not willing to risk publishing a book by an unknown actress. Fair enough, although I did point out that being ‘unknown’ was the whole point of the book ~ the clue is in the title.

Finally, being persuaded to self-publish, I need to rely on social media and ‘word of mouth’ to promote my memoir, but my main wish is that it reaches all those wonderful actors whose careers parallel mine. They are heroes and deserve a gong.

If you had to choose between theatre, television and film, which would be your favourite medium and why?

Theatre is the most satisfying by far. Having an effect on a ‘live’ audience is what acting is all about. However, now in my eighties, I would not relish the physical challenge. I love the completely different craft involved in screen acting, and I would welcome more opportunities to exercise those skills.

Your memoir is called “The Tome of the Unknown Actor”. What should people expect from your book?

My memoir is an account of a professional acting career, with a broad variety of anecdotes, poignant, hilarious and everything in between ~ many stories involve famous and celebrated actors. There is mention of Shakespeare, in a fresh and novel way, and many extraordinary tales of my world-wide travels. Some of my answers in this questionnaire are chronicled more fully in the Tome.

What roles would you still like to play and why?

Anything which has an effect on the audience and, these days, not so many lines to learn.

Finally, what's next for you?

My next project is to study My Facebook for Seniors a gift from Patrick, and come to terms with social media in general. I need help. Acting-wise, I was recently being considered for a feature film playing the Mother Superior in a horror movie to be made in Latvia. I didn’t get it, but hope springs eternal.

I'd like to thank Christine for such a warm, engaging and entertaining interview. It was the greatest of pleasures. I encourage you all to check out Christine's memoir, it's a wonderful read!

You can buy Christine's fascinating memoir via Amazon Alternatively you can find it on Christine's website

You can read more about Christine's memoir, The Tome of the Unknown Actor, in my blog here

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook