Carry On Interviewing: Highlights from 2018

The past year has seen me have the great pleasure of interviewing several really interesting people for the blog. I love interacting with fans, people I connect with via Twitter and of course figures connected with acting and the Carry Ons. I thought I would provide a run down of some of my highlights from 2018 for your festive delectation.

In February I interviewed the author Kaye Crawford about her wonderful biography of the late actress Beryl Reid. Kaye was a delight to be in touch with and I thoroughly recommend you check out her excellent book. You can read all about it right here.

Back in March I had the huge pleasure of spending an hour on the phone with the delightful Patricia Franklin. Patricia appeared in Carry On Camping, Carry On Loving, Carry On Girls, Carry On Behind and Carry On England and was wonderful to talk to. You can read Part 1 of our interview here and Part 2 right here. 

The very next day I went on to chat with the actor Hugh Futcher about his life, career and Carry On associations. Hugh worked with the very best in the Carry On team in such films as Carry On Spying, Don't Lose Your Head, Again Doctor, Girls and Behind. Part 1 of our chat is here with the follow up here.

In May I had a lovely chat on the phone with Carry On historian Robert Ross. I had interacted with Robert for several years but this was the first time we actually had a proper natter and it was a joy. You can read more on that here.

In July I had the great good fortune to secure an interview with German born Hollywood legend Elke Sommer. Elke was the very glamorous guest star of the 1975 film Carry On Behind and it was a thrill to feature her thoughts on making that film, working with Kenneth Williams and many other aspects of her life and career. You can read our interview here.

Also in July I was in touch with the multi-talented Julian Dutton. A big fan of the Carry Ons, Julian was about to take his one man show on the life of John Le Mesurier to the Edinburgh Festival. We had a fascinating interview which you can read again right here.

July also saw me interview another delightful Julian, the Carry Ons' very own Julian Holloway. Possibly the highlight of my blogging year, Julian was an absolute gentleman and we enjoyed a very pleasant chat indeed. Part 1 of our interview is here and part 2 can be read again here.

In September I interviewed the singer and actor David Kernan. David only made one Carry On appearance, as Nicholas in Carry On Abroad, but he has enjoyed a wonderful career, mainly on the stage, as well as friendships with the likes of Hattie Jacques and Joan Sims. You can read our interview here.

And finally, in a first for Carry On Blogging, earlier this month I featured my first every blog (that's a video blog to you and me). Produced by the lovely people at Rabbit and Snail films, 'Carry On Film Talk' saw contributors Morris Bright, Phil Campbell, Mark Priest and Judy Matheson talk about their favourite Carry Ons with Richard Edwards. It was an absolute pleasure to be in touch with Richard on this project and I hope you all enjoyed it. You can read about it (and of course watch the film) here.

I hope you have enjoyed my blogging interviews this year. Hopefully 2019 will promise some more special treats!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

When Carry On Came to Wales

BBC Radio Wales have a very special Christmas treat lined up for Carry On fans this Christmas Eve.

In 1968 the Carry On gang took a rare trip away from Pinewood to film the outside scenes for Carry On Up The Khyber. And in this special programme, Welsh actor Steve Speirs, who played Bernard Bresslaw in the TV film Cor Blimey tells the story of When Carry On Came to Wales.

The Watkin Path in Snowdonia became the Khyber Pass in India for the purposes of the Carry On antics which involved stars like Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Bernard Bresslaw, Roy Castle and Terry Scott descending on North Wales. The film, which pokes fun at British pomposity and excess in the days of Empire, also stars Sid James and Joan Sims.

The cast who came to Wales stayed at the Old Goat in Beddgelert and as part of the programme Carry On actors Angela Douglas and Valerie Leon return to Snowdonia to reminisce about the shoot and to meet those who took part in filming 50 years ago. We hear about locals who appeared as extras, from waiters and others - and Angela is reunited with the man assigned to drive her around at the time. Others remembering the film, one of the most successful in the Carry On cannon, include Robert Ross and Carry On actress Alexandra Dane, who played Busti in Khyber.

The programme is produced by Ashley Byrne and Iain Mackness and is an MIM Production for BBC Radio Wales. 

When Carry On Came to Wales will be broadcast this evening at 6.30pm on BBC Radio Wales. You can listen live online or catch up here afterwards.

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Forever Carrying On with Valerie Leon

 

Carry On legend Valerie Leon will be speaking about the wonderful Carry On films in London in November. Valerie, who starred in six classic Carry Ons, will be presenting an illustrated talk at The Crazy Coqs, Live at Zedel on Wednesday 7 November. 

The talk will provide an affection tribute to several leading members of the Carry On team. After the talk Valerie will continue the conversation and take questions from the audience. 

Valerie Leon is of course known to many for her iconic performances in six classic Carry Ons. Following small parts in the wonderful Carry On Up The Khyber and Camping, Valerie was promoted to more eye-catching supporting roles in Again Doctor and Up The Jungle the following year. After a gap of two years Valerie returned to Pinewood to film two further films with the team - Carry On Matron in 1971 and Girls, her final Carry On in 1973.

Away from the Carry On films, Valerie has also appeared in two James Bond films - The Spy Who Loved Me with Roger Moore in 1977 and Never Say Never Again with Sean Connery in 1983. She also took the leading role in the 1971 Hammer Horror classic, Blood From The Mummy's Tomb. During a long career Valerie has also starred alongside the likes of Peter Sellers, Ronnie Corbett and The Goodies. 

You can visit Valerie's website here  

Forever Carrying On with Valerie Leon will be at The Crazy Coqs, Live at Zedel on Wednesday 7 November from 7pm.

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan 

Jacki Piper: Still Carrying On

Comedy historian Robert Ross will be back at the Museum of Comedy in London later this year, hosting yet another special Carry On event, in this the 60th anniversary year of our beloved Carry On films.

Celebrate sixty glorious years of the Carry On films with the only actor producer Peter Rogers ever put under a three-year contract. In that time Jacki Piper starred in four Carry On films: cavorting with Terry Scott in Carry On Up the Jungle, enjoying the matrimonial mix-ups of Carry On Loving, playing the savvy daughter of Sid James in Carry On At Your Convenience, and, finally, giggling her way through the maternity ward madness of Carry On Matron.

Having made her film debut opposite Roger Moore in The Man Who Haunted Himself, Jacki has chalked up appearances opposite some of the best loved names in comedy including Eric Sykes, Leonard Rossiter, Leslie Phillips, and Ronnie Barker. 

Jacki will be at the Museum of Comedy in conversation with comedy historian Robert Ross on Sunday 25 November. The event kicks off at 4pm and you can buy tickets via Robert's website

And you can read my Carry On Blogging interview with Jacki here

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Jacki Piper: Still Carrying On

Comedy historian Robert Ross will be back at the Museum of Comedy in London later this year, hosting yet another special Carry On event, in this the 60th anniversary year of our beloved Carry On films.

Celebrate sixty glorious years of the Carry On films with the only actor producer Peter Rogers ever put under a three-year contract. In that time Jacki Piper starred in four Carry On films: cavorting with Terry Scott in Carry On Up the Jungle, enjoying the matrimonial mix-ups of Carry On Loving, playing the savvy daughter of Sid James in Carry On At Your Convenience, and, finally, giggling her way through the maternity ward madness of Carry On Matron.

Having made her film debut opposite Roger Moore in The Man Who Haunted Himself, Jacki has chalked up appearances opposite some of the best loved names in comedy including Eric Sykes, Leonard Rossiter, Leslie Phillips, and Ronnie Barker. 

Jacki will be at the Museum of Comedy in conversation with comedy historian Robert Ross on Sunday 25 November. The event kicks off at 4pm and you can buy tickets via Robert's website

And you can read my Carry On Blogging interview with Jacki here

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Carry On Blogging Review: Liz Fraser at the Museum of Comedy

On a rather hot and steamy night I made my way to the Museum of Comedy in Central London to see a legend of British comedy. I've long been a fan of Liz Fraser and her work on stage and screen and finally, after several attempts, I was getting a chance to hear from the lady herself on her long and illustrious career in some of the best loved comedy this country has ever produced.

The lovely Robert Ross, comedy historian and author of many books, most of which you'll find on my shelves, was interviewing his long-time friend and sparring partner Ms Fraser in the intimate surroundings of the Museum of Comedy, a delightful venue and a treasure trove for anyone who loves classic funny stuff. It's definitely worth checking out. Large gin and tonic in hand, I braced myself for the arrival of Liz, aware that quite possibly anything could happen!

Having heard Liz Fraser interviewed many times before, on radio, television and in various audio commentaries with Robert, I know her to be a rather formidable presence well known for speaking her mind. And she didn't disappoint on that score! A hugely talented actress who, as she's keen to point out herself, has worked with everyone (most of everyone now being dead), Liz's career dates back to the 1950s and is still going strong today. A recently filmed guest starring role in Midsomer Murders will be coming to a telly near you soon. 

It's clear that Liz and Robert go back a long way, indeed Liz points out they first met when young Robert approached her and asked for an autograph. They clearly know each other rather well and I think there's scope for a national tour as a double act as their interplay throughout the show kept the audience in stitches. Still sharp as a tack, Liz recounted tales of working with legends such as Peter Sellers, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Benny Hill and Jimmy Edwards. Some of the anecdotes were fairly colourful (you'd expect nothing less) but Liz showed great affection for most of her past colleagues, particularly Sid James and Tony Hancock.

I loved hearing tales of some of the theatrical tours Liz took part in during the 1960s and 70s, seemingly always involving the wonderful one off which was Irene Handl. What a double act they must have made. Another actress Liz seemed incredibly fond of was the late, great Dora Bryan. Again, what talent to see on stage. I was pleased to see Robert asking her about some of her later work too - the Confessions and Adventures of films were briefly mentioned as was Liz's slightly bizarre cameo in the Sex Pistols' 1980 film The Great Rock and Roll Swindle. No, I haven't seen it either, but it brought the likes of Liz, Irene Handl and Julian Holloway into contact with the infamous band and another equally infamous figure in the shape of the late Mary Millington. 

Also discussed was some of Liz's fine, if rarely seen work on the small screen with serious parts in the likes of Miss Marple and Eskimos Do It, opposite Jean Boht. This made me think, once again, just how much Liz had to give as an actress and how true that is to this very day.

Liz Fraser is, quite simply, a force of nature. She says a whole lot of things most of us would think but not dare to say aloud! And I kinda like that spirit in someone. Despite many pithy asides, I think deep down she's soft as butter and a bit of a pussycat. It was a privilege to meet both Robert and Liz at the end of the show. I've known Robert's work since I was a schoolboy and my original Carry On Companion is with me still. We've chatted over email and by phone but not met until now, which was lovely. And to shake the hand of the legendary Liz, well that's something very special indeed.

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram 

Oh What A Carry On with Robert Ross!

2018 marks a very special anniversary for the Carry On series. 60 years ago this year the very first film in the series went into production. In the March of 1958 cameras started rolling on a cheap and cheerful black and white comedy about the madcap exploits of a bunch of hapless National Service recruits. The film was Carry On Sergeant and its popularity kick-started British film’s most endearing franchise.

Nothing sums up the deliciously bawdy and raucous British sense of humour more than the Carry Ons. For sixty years, their heady mix of innuendo, pratfalls, and love of a damn good time has entertained millions around the world.

The flaring nostrils of Kenneth Williams, the crumpled leer of Sid James, the cheeky giggle of Barbara Windsor, and the bespectacled high camp of Charles Hawtrey remain a vital part of the national bloodstream.

Now comedy historian and author of The Carry On Companion Robert Ross takes you behind the scenes of a comedy institution. This is the Carry On story. Naughty but nice…

Britain’s foremost comedy historian, Robert Ross has written a library of books on the history of comedy, including The Carry On Story, The Goodies Rule OK, Sid James: Cockney Rebel, and Benny Hill: Merry Master of Mirth. His many television appearances range from Blue Peter to The One Show.

Robert will be presenting his special 60th anniversary show on the following dates:

Friday 6 July, 7.30pm - Quay Theatre, Sudbury

Saturday 7 July, 7.30pm - The Astor Theatre, Deal

Thursday 6 September, 7.30pm  - The Leatherhead Theatre

Thursday 20 September, 8pm - The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere

Sunday 18 November, 3pm - New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon 

You can book tickets for the shows here and you can find out more on Robert's website here

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Liz Fraser: Confessions of a Carry On Girl

In this, the 60th year of Carry On, one of the series best loved actresses, the fantastic Liz Fraser will be in conversation with comedy historian Robert Ross on Monday 16th July at the Museum of Comedy.

Liz is a British acting legend with a career spanning seven decades and the very best of theatre, film and telly. She has worked with them all, from Sid James and Kenneth Williams to Tony Hancock, Jimmy Edwards, Margaret Rutherford and Alastair Sim. We celebrate Liz regularly on this blog as a cherished part of early Carry On successes. She added real screen presence to three early Carry Ons - Regardless, Cruising and Cabby before returning for a role in Carry On Behind in 1975. 

Some of my own favourites of Liz's performances over the years have included stand out roles in the Miss Marple drama Nemesis, hilariously flirting with Martin Shaw's Ray Doyle in The Professionals and my favourite of all her films - opposite Sid James and Ian Carmichael in the classic and underestimated comedy Double Bunk. 

A lifelong friend to the late, great Joan Sims, Liz is always good value, speaks her mind and doesn't suffer fools! I can't wait to hear what she's got to say about her life, her illustrious career and her wonderful co-stars and friends.

Liz Fraser: Confessions of Carry On Girl will take place on Monday 16th July at the Museum of Comedy in London. It kicks off at 7pm and runs for 75 minutes. You can buy tickets here

 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Oh, What a Carry On with Robert Ross

2018 marks a very special anniversary for the Carry On series. 60 years ago this year the very first film in the series went into production. In the March of 1958 cameras started rolling on a cheap and cheerful black and white comedy about the madcap exploits of a bunch of hapless National Service recruits. The film was Carry On Sergeant and its popularity kick-started British film’s most endearing franchise.

Nothing sums up the deliciously bawdy and raucous British sense of humour more than the Carry Ons. For sixty years, their heady mix of innuendo, pratfalls, and love of a damn good time has entertained millions around the world.

The flaring nostrils of Kenneth Williams, the crumpled leer of Sid James, the cheeky giggle of Barbara Windsor, and the bespectacled high camp of Charles Hawtrey remain a vital part of the national bloodstream.

Now comedy historian and author of The Carry On Companion Robert Ross takes you behind the scenes of a comedy institution. This is the Carry On story. Naughty but nice…

Britain’s foremost comedy historian, Robert Ross has written a library of books on the history of comedy, including The Carry On Story, The Goodies Rule OK, Sid James: Cockney Rebel, and Benny Hill: Merry Master of Mirth. His many television appearances range from Blue Peter to The One Show.

Robert will be presenting his special 60th anniversary show on the following dates:

Thursday 14 June, 7.30pm - Quarry Theatre, Bedford

Friday 6 July, 7.30pm - Quay Theatre, Sudbury

Saturday 7 July, 7.30pm - The Astor Theatre, Deal

You can book tickets for the shows here and you can find out more on Robert's website here

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Carry On Blogging Interview: Robert Ross on Oh, What A Carry On!

On Friday I had the great pleasure of ringing up Carry On historian extraordinaire Robert Ross for a good old natter about all things Carry On. I've interviewed Robert for the blog before and he's even written something for me on a trip he took with some very familiar Carry On faces but this is the first time I've had a proper chat with him and it really was a joy. Both big self-confessed Carry On anoraks, the conversation flowed and I could've stayed on the phone all day.

Robert has been an influence on me since the mid 1990s when, as a teenager in Scotland, I bought my first ever Carry On book, his Carry On Companion. This wonderful, definitive guide to our favourite comedy films has been pride of place on my book shelf ever since and I still have the handwritten note inside from Robert when I wrote to tell him how much I loved his book. It was therefore a real highlight to talk to Robert about his upcoming projects in this, the 60th anniversary year of the Carry On films.

I wanted to start off by asking a bit about your work as a comedy historian over the past twenty years or so and what have been the highlights so far?

I think one of the best days ever was the day I signed the contract for my first book, the Carry On Companion. It had taken years to get the project off the ground and to find a publisher willing to come on board. As a fan that project brought me into contact with so many of my heroes. I remember writing to Jim Dale in New York and was thrilled when he sent over an old C90 cassette tape he'd used to record his answers to the questions I'd asked. I've still got the tape and it's one of my most treasured possessions. I wrote to him as a fan and I'm proud to say Jim is now one of my best mates. I also got to know Frankie Howerd before he died and years before I even met Kenneth Williams.

Another favourite moment was being able to visit the set of Carry On Columbus in 1992. This was even before I'd had my first book published and I can't believe now I got to go. Peter Rogers' lovely assistant Audrey Skinner rang up and asked if I wanted to have tea with Gerald Thomas on the set one day. It was brilliant to be there, meet Gerald and watch some of the filming. I also went to the premiere of the film at the Odeon Leicester Square on 4 October 1992.  I sat upstairs with Peter, Gerald and Jim Dale and I'll never forget it. The film got a very mixed response but there was still affection from the audience every time one of the old faces appeared. And I still have affection for Columbus and I think it looks beautiful. 

You have several projects on the go at the moment and one I've already written about is your "Oh, What A Carry On" stage tour to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Carry On. Can you tell me a bit more about that?

Well I'm describing myself as a stand up comedy historian with this little tour. There are three dates coming up in Bedford, Sudbury and Deal (more info below) and it will be a celebration of the Carry Ons. It won't be scripted and will change from venue to venue. The show in Deal will of course reference Charles Hawtrey quite a bit as that's where he lived for much of his life. There are people in the town who still remember him as I found out when I visited back in 2014 to mark his centenary. 

You don't need to be a massive Carry On fan to enjoy the show, it won't be too nerdy. It will look at the progression of the comedy in the films and I'll share some rare clips and interviews with some of the stars. One of the joys for me of doing this is the total freedom it will give me. Writing books doesn't give you the chance to talk to fellow fans and to a degree you are at the mercy of your editor. So there will be something for everyone!

You are also doing a show on 16 July at the Museum of Comedy with the legendary Liz Fraser…

Yes indeed. I did a show with Liz a couple of years ago and it went down very well so she wanted to do another one. The title of the show "Confessions of a Carry On Girl" was the original title of her memoir which I was involved with a few years back. I know Liz very well and I've interviewed her many times over the years so it will be a lot of fun. Again the joy of it will be that it won't be structured and we'll have the freedom to talk about whatever we want. I will be focussing on three of the big legends Liz worked a lot with over the years - Sid James, Tony Hancock and Peter Sellers. Liz is one of the few actors still around to have worked with and gotten to know all of them. One of the joys of the Museum of Comedy is that the theatre only seats about 80 people so it's always a pretty intimate gig. Everyone who buys a ticket will also have access to the museum on the day and they have some wonderful items from the best of British comedy there.

One of the things I really love about Liz is how loyal she always is to the memories of some of her co-stars, particularly Sid and Joan Sims, both of whom were very close friends…

Yes she is. Liz and Joan were very close. Sid in particular adored Liz, or Lizzle as he called her. He had a lot of time for her. 

Speaking of Joan, I know you got to spend a lot of time with her towards the end of her life. She's my absolute heroine so I'd love to hear your memories from that time. 

Joan was a sweetheart, a really lovely lady who was quite shy and timid really. I first met her during the recording of the What's A Carry On? documentary to celebrate 40 years of Carry On back in 1998. I remember Peter Rogers had a banner made saying "Welcome Home Joan" when she arrived back at Pinewood to film her interview. We had a drink afterwards in the bar and she mentioned she was thinking of writing her autobiography. I offered to help her record her memories for the book and then I spent many happy times at her flat in Kensington talking about her life and career while we ate cherry cake, drank cola and ordered in Chinese takeaways! 

Joan was very loyal to her friends and a genuinely lovely woman. We kept in touch over the phone and I remember how angry she was when the play "Cleo, Camping, Emmannuelle and Dick" came out. She didn't like the way Sid was being portrayed as it wasn't the man she knew and she wouldn't go and see it or give interviews about it. When the documentary was completed I took a copy round with a DVD player so she could see it and she loved it. She got very emotional towards the end when Eric Rogers' wonderful music played over the role call of all the team members who had left us by that point. She loved them all.

I was in Yorkshire doing Last of the Summer Wine when I heard she had died and I was really sad about it and she's still really missed by so many people.

Before we finish I wanted to quickly ask you about another event you are involved with to celebrate the life of Tony Hancock.

Yes, this is an event being organised by the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society to celebrate Tony's life 50 years on from his death. It will take place on 25 June at his old College in Reading. I'll be on the panel with Liz Fraser and the day will include discussions, screenings and lectures. The impressionist James Hurn will also be there to perform and in my opinion James gives the best, more accurate impression of Sid James I've ever seen. 

It was an absolute joy to speak to Robert and I'm pleased to say I'll be going along to the Museum of Comedy to see his show with Liz Fraser in July. 

Robert will be presenting his special 60th anniversary show on the following dates:

Thursday 14 June, 7.30pm - Quarry Theatre, Bedford
Friday 6 July, 7.30pm - Quay Theatre, Sudbury
Saturday 7 July, 7.30pm - The Astor Theatre, Deal

You can book tickets for the shows here 

Liz Fraser: Confessions of Carry On Girl will take place on Monday 16th July at the Museum of Comedy in London. It kicks off at 7pm and runs for 75 minutes. You can buy tickets here

You can find a lot more information on Robert and his various tour dates over on his website: http://www.robertross.co.uk and of course, Robert is on Twitter

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Liz Fraser: Confessions of a Carry On Girl

In this, the 60th year of Carry On, one of the series best loved actresses, the fantastic Liz Fraser will be in conversation with comedy historian Robert Ross on Monday 16th July at the Museum of Comedy.

Liz is a British acting legend with a career spanning seven decades and the very best of theatre, film and telly. She has worked with them all, from Sid James and Kenneth Williams to Tony Hancock, Jimmy Edwards, Margaret Rutherford and Alastair Sim. We celebrate Liz regularly on this blog as a cherished part of early Carry On successes. She added real screen presence to three early Carry Ons - Regardless, Cruising and Cabby before returning for a role in Carry On Behind in 1975. 

Some of my own favourites of Liz's performances over the years have included stand out roles in the Miss Marple drama Nemesis, hilariously flirting with Martin Shaw's Ray Doyle in The Professionals and my favourite of all her films - opposite Sid James and Ian Carmichael in the classic and underestimated comedy Double Bunk. 

A lifelong friend to the late, great Joan Sims, Liz is always good value, speaks her mind and doesn't suffer fools! I can't wait to hear what she's got to say about her life, her illustrious career and her wonderful co-stars and friends.

Liz Fraser: Confessions of Carry On Girl will take place on Monday 16th July at the Museum of Comedy in London. It kicks off at 7pm and runs for 75 minutes. You can buy tickets here

 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

Oh, What a Carry On with Robert Ross

2018 marks a very special anniversary for the Carry On series. 60 years ago this year the very first film in the series went into production. In the March of 1958 cameras started rolling on a cheap and cheerful black and white comedy about the madcap exploits of a bunch of hapless National Service recruits. The film was Carry On Sergeant and its popularity kick-started British film’s most endearing franchise.

Nothing sums up the deliciously bawdy and raucous British sense of humour more than the Carry Ons. For sixty years, their heady mix of innuendo, pratfalls, and love of a damn good time has entertained millions around the world.

The flaring nostrils of Kenneth Williams, the crumpled leer of Sid James, the cheeky giggle of Barbara Windsor, and the bespectacled high camp of Charles Hawtrey remain a vital part of the national bloodstream.

Now comedy historian and author of The Carry On Companion Robert Ross takes you behind the scenes of a comedy institution. This is the Carry On story. Naughty but nice…

Britain’s foremost comedy historian, Robert Ross has written a library of books on the history of comedy, including The Carry On Story, The Goodies Rule OK, Sid James: Cockney Rebel, and Benny Hill: Merry Master of Mirth. His many television appearances range from Blue Peter to The One Show.

Robert will be presenting his special 60th anniversary show on the following dates:

Thursday 14 June, 7.30pm - Quarry Theatre, Bedford

Friday 6 July, 7.30pm - Quay Theatre, Sudbury

Saturday 7 July, 7.30pm - The Astor Theatre, Deal

You can book tickets for the shows here and you can find out more on Robert's website here

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and on Instagram

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