Misty Moon Presents: The Sweeney Reunion

Misty Moon will be hosting yet another fantastic event at London's Cinema Museum later this summer. Although not strictly Carry On related, although the series itself co-stars several Carry On actors, The Sweeney remains one of my favourite British television series of all time. The Sweeney Reunion promises an evening of nostalgia and a chance to hear from several actors and creatives involved with the original series. I'm giving it an extra special plug because the actress Judy Matheson, a great friend of this blog, will be in attendance having guest starred in an episode back in 1976. 

The Sweeney (1975-78) is a British TV drama focusing on two members of the Flying Squad, a branch of the Metropolitan Police specialising in tackling armed robbery and violent crime in London. It was made by Thames Television for broadcast on the ITV network. The programme’s title derives from ‘Sweeney Todd’, which is cockney rhyming slang for ‘Flying Squad’. It starred John Thaw as Detective Inspector Jack Regan and Dennis Waterman as his partner, Detective Sergeant George Carter. Such was its popularity that it spawned two feature film spin-offs, Sweeney! (1977) and Sweeney 2 (1978).

David Wickes is one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurial film and television producers. Best known for his lavish gothic TV movies, films and elegant period drama series, David is by contrast The Guv’nor when it comes to hard-hitting action-drama, as one of the original band of guerrilla filmmakers in the glory days of Euston Films making The Sweeney.

George Sweeney played the violent psychopath Tim Cook in the episodes “Taste of Fear” and “On The Run”. George’s other screen credits include Jack The Ripper (1988), Citizen Smith (1977-80), Minder(1980-93) and For Your Eyes Only (1981).

Dawn Perllman played Linda Rix in the episode “Messenger Of The Gods”. Dawn’s other credits include The Omen (1976), Boon (1988), The Bill(1990-94), The Gentle Touch (1980), Shine On Harvey Moon (1982) and Only Fools and Horses(1986).

Judy Matheson played Kibber’s Girlfriend in “Selected Target”. Judy’s other credits include The Professionals (1978), Citizen Smith (1979), Twins Of Evil (1971), Lust for a Vampire (1971) and The Flesh and Blood Show(1972).

After the Q&A there will be a meet and greet with the audience and the guests will take part in a paid signing.

More guests to be announced soon… Doors open at 17.30, for a 18.30 start.

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.

The Sweeney Reunion will take place on Saturday 13 July, at the Cinema Museum. 

And you can read more about the many Carry On links with The Sweeney in my blog post here: Carrying On with The Sweeney


You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

My Review: An Evening with Robin Askwith!

It's not often I spend my Tuesday evenings hearing stories about such diverse figures as Peter O'Toole, Frank Bruno, Charlotte Rampling and Sid James. Who could possibly link these people? Who else but Mr Robin Askwith.

I joined an audience of friends and fans to take in the splendour of Robin in full flight last night at the gorgeous Phoenix Artist Club at the Phoenix Theatre in London's Charing Cross Road. As an aside, if you get the chance do check this little club out - it's one of London's hidden gems and well worth a visit whether there's a show on or not. The Misty Moon Events team have an ongoing relationship with the club and I've visited several times in the past to see Fenella Fielding's mesmerising memoir shows.

Anyway, back to the man of the moment. I interviewed Robin Askwith back in August and spent a very entertaining hour on the telephone with him as we talked about his lengthy career and his views on anything and everything. A colourful character in every sense of the word, Robin is charming, down to earth, intelligent and shrewd about the business he's been a part of for nearly fifty years. One of the joys of Robin and his career is just how diverse it has been. He's never followed the usual path to stardom and that makes his story all the more fascinating. Despite being the typical larger than life character, Robin is also not shy at owning up to those films and telly shows which have been less than successful for him. He's open, honest, naturally funny and a pleasure to listen to. Our conversation on the phone months before was replicated in the Phoenix, only with a much bigger audience and it still felt unique and personal.

 

I won't give too much of the content away as you really do need to take in the show for yourself however it started with Robin's birth in Southport in 1950 and, well, it didn't get much further than that in the chronological order of things. And the evening was all the better for it. Mr Askwith had brought a pad of paper with notes to the stage but never actually got around to reading them or sharing them with the crowd. The completely random nature of the show meant that Robin was constantly going off at tangents and while that meant we never actually heard what happened when he accompanied Cheryl Hall to that audition for Pier Paolo Pasolini (read my blog interview to find out more) it didn't really matter as what he ended up telling us was just as riotous, as funny and as big a joy.

We heard stories from the joys of playing panto; films such as Bless This House, If, Horror Hospital, Carry On Girls and something called Queen Kong (ahem); and friendships with the likes of Alan Lake, Peter O'Toole, Linda Hayden and Lindsay Anderson. Robin took many questions from the audience and was really down to earth, open and friendly with us all. He may have told me on the phone that he's naturally nervous when performing up there all on his own and that it's not his natural habitat, but he took it all in his stride and seemed to relish the backchat with the audience. And despite exposing certain parts of his anatomy on a recent trip to Oxford, he remained, I'm glad to say, respectfully attired throughout his 90 minute gig.

I'm so glad I could attend this show, the last of the year. However Robin told us that there were plans under way for a proper tour of one man shows next year as he celebrates fifty years as an actor. Watch out for more information on that.

 

If you're a fan of the Confessions films and that's what Robin Askwith means to you, then make sure you check out one of his shows next year. And if you're not a fan of the Confessions films and think you know Robin, go anyway, because he's full of surprises and you'll get much more than you bargained for.

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

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

Robin Askwith Returns!

 

After a successful mini Summer tour earlier this year that saw Robin Askwith up and down the country thrilling audiences with his tales, everyone's favourite window cleaner is BACK at The Phoenix Artist Club for a one-off late night show.

This will be a showcase as we look forward to celebrating Robin's 50 year career next year. You can't have a Robin Askwith gig without Darth Vader,  Miriam Margolyes and Alan Lake getting a mention but there will much, much more. As always this isn't rehearsed and anything could happen! So come and celebrate the half century of Robin Askwith...

And after Robin's recent threat that if I didn't attend this gig, he'd never speak to me again, I can confirm that I already have my ticket booked and I can't wait to see him in the flesh (as it were). 

I had a terrific chat with Robin earlier this week when I asked him all about his early film appearances, his time making the films Carry On Girls and Bless This House and memories of co-stars such as Carol Hawkins, Sid James, June Whitfield and Judy Matheson. You can read Part 1 of the interview here and Part 2 here

 

Come and see Robin at The Phoenix Artist Club on Tuesday 10 October. Doors open at 8.45pm with the gig starting at 9.15pm. Tickets cost £15 and you can buy them here

I'll be there on the night and I'll be blogging a review of the show soon after so stay tuned for that!  

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

Misty Moon Presents: Robin Askwith - An Evening with ... Tables and Chairs!

 

After a successful mini Summer tour earlier this year that saw Robin Askwith up and down the country thrilling audiences with his tales, everyone's favourite window cleaner is BACK at The Phoenix Artist Club for a one-off late night show.

This will be a showcase as we look forward to celebrating Robin's 50 year career next year. You can't have a Robin Askwith gig without Darth Vader,  Miriam Margolyes and Alan Lake getting a mention but there will much, much more. As always this isn't rehearsed and anything could happen! So come and celebrate the half century of Robin Askwith...

And after Robin's recent threat that if I didn't attend this gig, he'd never speak to me again, I can confirm that I already have my ticket booked and I can't wait to see him in the flesh (as it were). 

I had a terrific chat with Robin earlier this week when I asked him all about his early film appearances, his time making the films Carry On Girls and Bless This House and memories of co-stars such as Carol Hawkins, Sid James, June Whitfield and Judy Matheson. You can read Part 1 of the interview here and Part 2 here

 

Come and see Robin at The Phoenix Artist Club on Tuesday 10 October. Doors open at 8.45pm with the gig starting at 9.15pm. Tickets cost £15 and you can buy them here

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

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).

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

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

Misty Moon Presents Robin Askwith An Evening With....... Tables and Chairs

 

After a successful mini Summer tour earlier this year that saw Robin Askwith up and down the country thrilling audiences with his tales, everyone's favourite window cleaner is BACK at The Phoenix Artist Club for a one-off late night show.

This will be a showcase as we look forward to celebrating Robin's 50 year career next year. You can't have a Robin Askwith gig without Darth Vader,  Miriam Margolyes and Alan Lake getting a mention but there will much, much more. As always this isn't rehearsed and anything could happen! So come and celebrate the half century of Robin Askwith...

And after Robin's recent threat that if I didn't attend this gig, he'd never speak to me again, I can confirm that I already have my ticket booked and I can't wait to see him in the flesh (as it were). 

I had a terrific chat with Robin earlier this week when I asked him all about his early film appearances, his time making the films Carry On Girls and Bless This House and memories of co-stars such as Carol Hawkins, Sid James, June Whitfield and Judy Matheson. You can read Part 1 of the interview here and Part 2 here

 

Come and see Robin at The Phoenix Artist Club on Tuesday 10 October. Doors open at 8.45pm with the gig starting at 9.15pm. Tickets cost £15 and you can buy them here

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

Carry On Blogging Interview: Robin Askwith (Part 2)

 

It's not every day you end up on the phone to Malta for an hour and a half with the actor Robin Askwith. Robin has been in my life for many years, thanks to his incredibly prolific and diverse acting career across film, television and theatre. Robin's career has come to be dominated by the legendary Confessions series of comedy films, however there is an awful lot more to the man than that. 

Yesterday I blogged Part 1 of our chat, which covered some of Robin's early film work and his time on Bless This House and Carry On Girls. Today we're continuing with a look back at the Confessions films as well as more recent work on the ITV soap opera Coronation Street and his blossoming association with the Misty Moon Film Society.

I have to ask about the phenomenon that was/is The Confessions Films. What's your favourite story from the making of those films?

It's virtually impossible to pick out just one story! Of course the most famous one of all is how busy the studios would get on the "sh*gging days". All manner of crew members would appear that you'd never see on the days I was doing scenes "at home" with Dandy Nichols. 

 

 
I remember doing a scene with an actress called Katya Wyeth. At the time such explicit scenes hadn't really been done in mainstream film comedies and that particular scene involved me going under the covers, as it were. The assistant director was a guy called Bert Batt, who had probably just come off a David Lean film or something and he really didn't understand what was happening. He had to be taken aside and have it explained to him and I don't think he came back on the set!

Here's a story I haven't told before. We used to do lots of filming out on location on Borehamwood High Street. There was a props man called Cyril who I'll never forget. He was a war veteran and he had a metal plate in his head. This used to fascinate me. Anyway, one day he mistakenly assumed a policeman out on the street was a member of the film crew and went up to him, insisting that he could have his walky-talky radio on him without a licence. No matter what the policeman said, Cyril wouldn't believe him and eventually grabbed his radio and pulled all the wires out! Nobody would believe he was actually a real policeman.

One of the joys of the Confessions films was the guest cast of instantly recognisable actors from British comedy. How important to the overall success of the films were the likes of Joan Hickson, Bill Maynard and John Le Mesurier?

Oh it was vital to have these actors in the films. At the time you've got to remember there weren't many other films being made in Britain so that's probably why we got all these actors. It was terrific to work with them. I had known Tony Booth for years before and having the likes of Dandy Nichols and Bill Maynard involved was just great. Linda Hayden, who I did a show with recent at the Cinema Museum, she was in two of the Confessions films, but before those she had done a lot of serious work and was a prolific actress. I was actually the last to be cast in that first Confessions film and it was mainly seeing the quality of the cast that made me sign on. 

 

Irene Handl was another one - I had such respect for her as I'd loved all the comedy films she'd made in the 1950s. She was in Confessions of a Driving Instructor and she always had this little dog with her. She used to keep a toilet roll in her pocket, just for the dog. She came up to me on the first day and told me how much she had wanted to do one of the films and how excited she was. She then whispered in my ear to warn me that "she was still a virgin" which made me wonder what kind of part in the film she thought she was getting! She was hilarious with a wicked sense of humour and knew exactly what she was doing! 

You have appeared twice in Coronation Street - once in a storyline filmed in Malta and more recently at Granada in Manchester. What was it like to join an established show like the Street?

Oh I loved it. The first part I did in the Street happened by accident. They were filming a storyline out in Malta, where I live. They couldn't find a suitable actor there to play this part of a slightly dodgy rep and the director Duncan Foster met me and said he wanted me for the part. I didn't have a lot to do and I remember they made me read for it before they confirmed I had the part. I do remember having a lot of fun working with Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald). He is a brilliant actor and a lovely bloke too. I remember we were getting ready to film a scene and he told me he was nervous about acting with me and I told him not to be as I had no idea what I was doing! 

And then in 2014 the role of the faded rock star Ritchie De Vries came along. At the time the casting director was Janet Hampson and I refused to come over from Malta to do an audition as I felt they knew what I could do. I did offer to send a tape though and filmed myself over here. I sent the tape over and they came back to say they wanted me to come over to Manchester anyway. They wanted me to do a screen test with Sue Johnston. I had to learn a six page scene for the test and I remember being really nervous when I got to the studios to do it. I hadn't had much sleep, I'd travelled a long way and I had always been such a fan of Sue Johnston's work. There was a lot of competition for the role but when I went in to do the reading, I absolutely nailed it. I have to thank Sue a great deal for that as she was excellent in the read through and really made it work well. Everyone at Granada was really encouraging when I went in that day.

I went back to Malta only to receive a call to say I had got the part and could I fly back the next day! To begin with Ritchie was meant to be a love interest for Sue's character however by that stage she had handed in her notice to go off and do other things, which was a shame, but my contract was only for three months anyway. People like Philip Lowrie (Dennis Tanner) and Barbara Knox (Rita Tanner) were so welcoming and kind and great to be with. I loved working with Philip, such a good actor and really good in the show. I really rated him and he was a lovely man too. Such a shame he's not in the show anymore. Barbara was great to work with and felt able to speak her mind on set! 

 

I did think it was a shame that my role became pretty comedic as originally it was meant to be a bit deeper than that. I think in the end they had me play it a bit like a Confessions actor with lots of humour whereas on my first appearance, when I came through the door the character was much more furtive. Ian Bevitt had me play it like that before turning on the big personality when Ritchie met Dennis. It was much more effective that way. I wish it had developed in more depth but I still loved it. I really got into it and was rewriting storylines in my head while I was there. I got on really well with Kym Marsh and thought it would have been great if Michelle had shown an interest in Ritchie - it would have got right up Steve's nose! People like Kate Ford (Tracy) and Ian Puleston-Davies (Owen) were really friendly and welcoming. Kate kept laughing every time she saw me! She seemed to find me quite funny! 

One of my favourite people was the late Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre. We didn't have any scenes together but she was such a lovely presence in the green room. Every time I went in there she'd throw her arms around me and give me a hug. Such a warm lady. I wish I'd got to work with her. I remember her asking if I was staying on and I said my contract was only for three months. She said "they've got to keep you Robin! It's only ink!" which was a lovely thing to say. 

Probably the most mischievious of all was Malcolm Hebden, who plays Norris. I remember just before we were due to shoot a scene he turned to me and told me that his testicles had gone black! He said, "if anyone knows about testicles, it's you Robin!" I loved my time in Coronation Street and would definitely have stayed on longer.

I understand you recently met up with the lovely Judy Matheson at a Misty Moon event. What was it like to catch up with her again after working on Confessions of a Window Cleaner?

Yes it was great to see Judy again at Elstree. She's quite involved with Misty Moon these days. We had known of each other before we met on the set of Confessions of a Window Cleaner so she knows that I was a serious actor before I got into those films. 

 

Judy often mentions this on Twitter you know...

Does she? I think she was a fan of some of my films before we did the Confessions.

I was in touch with her the other day and she mentioned another of your contemporaries, Richard O'Sullivan...

Oh Richard was a big, big star and a great friend to me. Richard was a good actor and very underrated. At one of the shows I did last year I mentioned him to see what kind of reaction it would get and the audience gave him a round of applause. 

You work regularly with Stuart Morriss from The Misty Moon Film Society. How did that working relationship develop?

First of all, Stuart doesn't have black testicles like Malcolm, he has nice juicy full ones. (Moving on...) I was first approached about doing some kind of stand up show around the time I was tested for Coronation Street but I wasn't keen. I've never enjoyed doing signing sessions or being up there on my own like that so I kept saying no. At an event, Stuart approached me and suggested doing something but I wasn't sure. I was eventually convinced and I did a one off thing at the pub in Ladywell and afterwards my friend Derren Litten (who writes Benidorm) said I should do a one man show. 

 

Stuart then arranged for me to do something similar at the Gatehouse in London as part of the Camden Fringe Festival. It was a huge success and very popular so the whole thing got on a roll from there. I always thought it would be a risk to go out on my own but my confidence has grown, thanks to Stuart and the reaction from the audiences. We've had some great reviews and people are starting to take notice of it all. Without Stuart, none of it would have happened and whatever happens with it, he'll always be a part of it.

At this point Robin plugs the fact that he has a late night gig scheduled for Tuesday 10 October at the Phoenix Artist Club. He adds that as I've never been to one of his gigs, if I don't attend this one, he'll never speak to me again. Should you wish to attend the gig (I'm obviously definitely going now) you can find out more and buy tickets here

And with that, the whirlwind that is Robin Askwith bade me farewell. It was an honour and a privilege to have a personal audience with the great Mr Askwith, who kept me entertained, answered my questions with thought and flair and was extremely open and approachable. After an hour and a half of unpredictable, fairly ribald chat my mother would once have disapproved of, I staggered off for a large gin. Let's just hope Robin follows through on his Twitter promise. I really do think he could break the internet.

Finally, a massive thank you to Stuart at Misty Moon for helping to set up the interview! 

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

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).

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

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

Robin Askwith is at it again!

 

Those lovely people at Misty Moon have lined up around round of wonderful Robin Askwirth gigs for later this month. Robin enjoys a great working relationship with Misty Moon and he's back for more in 2017. There are a couple of solo gigs coming up in the next two weeks followed by something a little different planned at the Cinema Museum in London for later in July...

Robin Askwith Comes Again...

Last year, Darlington Film Club and Misty Moon brought the legend that is Robin Askwith to The Forum for a screening and his own stand up show, telling us stories of his career, some of those stories were definitely not in his autobiography!

On 10th July, Film Club proudly presents Robin Askwith back again, this time with a screening of 'Horror Hospital' and the second chapter of Robin's show live on stage.

If you missed Robin's first visit, you don't want to miss him again! He is so funny and the stories he tells will keep you entertained for days after! 

Robin will be appearing at The Darlington Film club on Monday 10th July. Tickets: £10.00 / Doors: 7.00PM (7.30PM Start) Tickets available from the Forum Music Centre.
Contact: 01325 363135 / info@theforumonline.co.uk

An Evening with Robin Askwith...

Robin Askwith entered the film industry in 1968 making his debut in Lindsay Anderson's If... He then went onto work with the likes of Pier Paulo Pasolini, Franco Zeffirelli, Pete Walker, Franklin Schaffer, Clive Donner, Dick Clement and Antony Balch, before he made the controversially successful Confessions of... series of films.

At the height of his career Robin worked with the likes of Nigel Davenport, Pamela Stephenson, Rula Lenska, Leonard Rossiter, Alan Lake and Darth Vader! Come and hear the stories first hand by the cheeky chappie himself as he takes us on a history of his theatre, film and TV career. Dubbed the King of Elstree Studios in the 1970s, Robin was asked back there last year with his sell-out one man show, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the studios.

Recently he has been seen in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Benidorm and Casualty, but it is as Timmy Lea in the Confessions of... films that he is best remembered.

Robin will be appearing at The Hat Factory, Luton on Friday 14 July at 7.30pm, tickets cost £14.

 

An Evening with Linda Hayden and Robin Askwith...

Film historian Darrell Buxton introduces an evening of conversation with actors Linda Hayden and Robin Askwith, whose careers and friendship have crossed paths for 50 years.

They have notched up some 50 films between them, from Baby Love (1968) and Cool it Carol (1970) to an eclectic mix of sex comedy, art house, horror, musical and the downright insane (see 1976’s Queen Kong!).

Their television careers have been just as assorted, with appearances in most of the top sitcoms of the 1970s, as well as drama series and playhouse productions. In the theatre they have appeared all around the world, often sharing a stage. They were also (allegedly) in a relationship for seven years… this promises to be a unique and entertaining evening!

Misty Moon’s special guest MC is film historian and 70s specialist Darrell Buxton. Darrell has hosted interviews with many cinema and TV celebrities at festivals and special events all over the UK. Darrell has been a champion of ‘downmarket’ British cinema for many years, and is renowned for helping to raise the profile and reputation of our trashiest exploitation flicks, sex comedies and frothy pop music epics. His debut as a screenwriter (in tandem with Steve Hardy), Ouijageist, will be released on DVD during 2017.

An Evening with Linda Hayden and Robin Askwith will be at The Cinema Museum on Saturday 15 July. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets are £14 if bought in advance and £15 on the door.

You can buy tickets for either (or indeed all) of these events via the Misty Moon Website

 

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

Do You Mind if I Smoke? The Memoirs of Fenella Fielding

 

Following a series of extremely popular shows late last year, Fenella Fielding will be returning to the Phoenix Artist Club this June for more tales from her new audio book of memoirs. 

Fenella Fielding is best known for her film appearances in Carry On Screaming (1966), Doctor in Clover (1966) and Carry On Regardless (1961). She was the voice of the Blue Queen in Dougal and the Blue Cat (1970) and the telephone operator and loudspeaker voice in The Prisoner (1967). Her stage credits include the title roles in Hedda Gabler (1969) and Colette (1970). 

She’s fondly remembered for a number of appearances on the Morecambe & Wise Show (1969-1972) as well as playing The Vixen in Uncle Jack (early 1990s). Her most recent TV appearance was Skins (2012).

During her career, Fenella has worked with many of the greats and has known, or at least met, practically everybody else. She has amazing recall and can tell a story about most of the people who were special in the 60s or 70s… Kenneth Williams, Peter Cook, Tony Curtis, Francis Bacon, Joan Sims… the list is endless.

During a total of four Saturday matinee appearances Fenella will be reading a series of chapters from her forthcoming audio book ‘Do You Mind If I Smoke?’ Each show will be different. There are stories about innocence, her struggle to get started, family strife, professional jealousies and intriguingly a chapter about London tarts and gangsters. The stories are witty and beautifully observed scenes from her life and all told in that unmistakable and ever alluring Fenella Fielding voice.

Each performance will include a short Q&A about the book with Misty Moon's special guest MC Simon McKay, co-author of the book and a personal friend of Fenella.

There’s also an opportunity to pre-order the audio book with extra goodies included. 

Fenella will be appearing at the Phoenix Artist Club in London's West End for four shows, the first of which will be Saturday 3rd June at 2.30pm. More details are available  here

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

A Please Sir Reunion at the Misty Moon!

 

The Misty Moon Film Society is presenting yet another fantastic afternoon of fun for all lovers of classic British comedy.

Please Sir! was set in the fictional Fenn Street School, and starred John Alderton as Bernard Hedges, a young teacher fresh out of training college. The supporting cast included Deryck Guyler, Joan Sanderson and Richard Davies. Character actors and actresses formed the supporting cast, including Mollie Sugden as a parent of a student, Barbara Mitchell as Frankie Abbott's mother.

Like many situation comedies of this era, a film version was released in 1971. This was set in an outdoor pursuit centre, and starred most of the original TV cast. The part of Sharon was now played by Carol Hawkins instead of Penny Spencer.

Please Sir! ran for 55 episodes between 1968 and 1972.

On Saturday 22 April, Misty Moon is reuniting two of the original characters,Penny Spencer aka Sharon Eversleigh and David Barry aka Frankie Abbott for an intimate afternoon of chat.

There will also be a special screening of "FRANKULA" the comedy/horror spoof starring David Barry as Frankie Abbott, Emma Dark, Judy Matheson, Caroline Munro and introducing Martin Rudman as Doctor Spritzer.

 

After the Q&A Penny and David will meet the audience and sign autographs.

This event will take place on Saturday 22 April at The Phoenix Artist Club, 1 Phoenix Street, London WC2H 8BU.

Doors: 2pm

Gig: 2.30pm

Tickets £12

You can also read my interview with David Barry here

And you can book tickets here

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