Meeting Up with the Suffragette’s in Priory Gardens!

On Stage with Syncopated Jazz!

Hello every-one what a week it’s been. So much has happened since my last blog I hardly know where to begin. Last week was V.E. week and I was out every day performing my “We’ll Meet Again” show often doubling for many of the days. On Saturday I was booked to sing for “Dunstable’s Journey through The Great War and Beyond” event.

The show took place at Priory House and Gardens in the center of Dunstable and was beautifully done. There were some wonderful exhibits including a replica of a WW1 tank and while I was there I met up with the Suffragettes, the Mayor of Dunstable and Syncopated Jazz, a traditional Jazz band who played all the popular 1920s classics. I had been booked to perform 3 shows daily and as this event was to commemorate the end of the Great War I was also asked to  perform a 1920s set which I did so in costume along with my Top Hat and tails and Music Hall set.

Burlington Burtie with a WW1 Tank!

I confess Paul and I had been a little worried about the weather and all through the day we had a steady flow of visitors. However by the end of my second set the heavens opened and then persisted to rain for the rest of the day. Syncopated Jazz and I played on regardless – The show must go on as they say and despite the rain we had a great time. Paul and I really enjoyed the event. Dunstable is only just down the road from me in Leighton Buzzard and I can’t think why I’ve never been to Priory house and gardens before especially as the park is lovely and the tea room is excellent. Maybe it was fate but after my performance on Saturday the organizers were so impressed with my singing that they have booked me back for Saturday 8th September for “Proms in the Park”. I will be supporting the BBC Concert orchestra so I can’t wait!

Getting Ready for my Final Set!

Of-course Saturday was a busy day for me as I had five shows to do. Three in Dunstable and then it was a quick dash over to Flackwell Heath where Paul and I had been booked to perform 2 x 45 minute sets, “Thank-you for the Music” songs from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. The show went extremely well although I have to confess by the end of the night I was very tired and I couldn’t wait to get into bed. I so needed my lay in the next morning. However come Sunday there was still work to be done as I made my way over to the recording studio. I currently have a “Grease” medley in production which will add a wonderful addition to my  1970s repertoire.

Today I performed the first of my “Happy and Glorious”shows to tie in with the Royal Wedding. For this year I have given the show an American twist and I can’t believe how time is racing by. I’ve been so busy in fact planning shows for May and June that 1940s radio have aired two of my radio shows and

Meeting up with the Mayor of Dunstable!

I completely missed both. Normally I would let you know though my blog and social media platforms. I only found out by chance when someone I met in the street said they had been listening and enjoying my shows. That just goes to show how busy I’ve been!

Speaking of busy another show has come in for Normandy and both Paul and I have been engaged to sing for the Mayors D-Day Dinner in Benouville, Pegasus Bridge. The town has also confirmed for next year as well which is very exciting. We’ve also been booked to perform in Leicestershire at Stonehurst Farm on the 18th

Paul and I after our show at Flackwell Heath!

19th August for the farm and Museum’s 1940s event. So a couple of more dates for your diary.

In the meantime This Friday I shall be down at The National Archives Museum in Kew, Richmond performing for the museum’s “Suffragette Event” from 6.30pm. Paul and I will be in Lavenham  on Sunday 20th May singing for the towns 1940s event . You will be able to see us at Munnings Tea Room, The Crooked House, Lavenham, Suffolk, performing 20 minutes on 20 minutes off all through the day. So we look forward to seeing you all.

That’s all my news for now but don’t forget we will be in Pembrokeshire on the 26th and 27th for Carew’s Milfest, but more on that in my next blog.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip! 😉

Paul and I at Shuttleworth House!

In my Bustle Dress at the Piano!

Hello every-one as ever I’m in a frightful dash with so much to do and not enough hours in the day to do everything in. This weekend has been glorious and I hope you have all been enjoying the fantastic bank holiday weather. How rare is it for us to have a decent bank holiday! As you might expect I have been out working and the little time I have had at home has been spent at my desk writing show plans programming and sorting out risk assessments. What a boar but it has to be done and now I’m rushing against the clock to get my shows and costumes organised for the weekend.

This Saturday 12th May you can catch me in Dunstable performing at The Priory House and Gardens for the towns WW1 event songs from the Music Hall and 1920s. I shall be performing on the croquet lawn thee shows daily 11am WW1 Glamour set, 1.00pm “Burling

Out and About in the Gardens!

ton Bertie” Top Hat and Tail set, 3pm “Putting on the Ritz”songs from the 1920s and 30s. From there it will be a mad dash over to Flackwell Heath Community Center where I have been booked to perform 2 x 45 minute sets songs from the 1950s, 60s & 70s. If you would like tickets here is more information.

“Thank-you for the Music” Songs from the 1950s, 60s, & 70s with Fiona Harrison Saturday 12th May 2018 at 7pm at Flackwell Heath Community Center, HP10 9LS, Tickets £12.50 each which includes a light supper available from the Day Center (01628 526113) or Mrs N Ross (01628 522600) Raffle and Cash Bar. S

See you there!

Today is V.E. Day and it wont come as any surprise to learn I’ve been out performing “We’ll Meet Again” shows and I shall continue to do so

In Victorian Costume!

for the rest of the week. I’m now on two shows daily although today I had to resign myself to the fact I wouldn’t be able to wear my ATS uniform. On Monday I practically keeled over due to the heat so today I performed in a 1940s summer dress which was much more comfortable.

For those of you who follow me on Facebook will know I’ve another date in the diary for my Normandy D-day tour and you will be able to catch Paul and I on stage in Ste Marie du Mont on Monday 4th June. I will keep you posted as other dates come in and don’t forget we will be performing in Arromanches on the 9th June too, songs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s so keep watching this space.

I shall leave you with a few of Angela Adams fantastic photos which arrived last week from our Victorian/ Edwardian photo shoot at Shuttleworth House.  It’s difficult to pick a favorite but I hope you enjoy looking at them as I enjoyed doing the shoot!

The Woman in White!

I must dash now and get on with my show programming.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

The British Raj!

On Stage at The Weatherley Centre!

Hello every-one, once again I’m in a bit of a dash tonight as I’m starting to feel the pressure. Time is rushing by and it’s not long now before Paul and I will be setting sail for Normandy. I’ve so much to prepare and so little time to do it all in as I’m out performing most days with the run up to VE Day and the Royal Wedding.

May should be a very interesting month as I’ve been booked to perform the music of the 1950s 60s and 70s at Flackwell Heath Community Center on the 12th. This will be as a 2 x 45 minute program and I have some new musical  arrangements to learn for the show. That afternoon I will also be in Dunstable singing for the towns WW1 event as it celebrates the end of the Great War. The Following week  I’m performing in Kew at the National Archives Museum for The Suffragettes Centenary event on the 18th, Lavenham’s 1940s event on the 20th and then it’s over to South Wales and Pembrokeshire for Carew’s 1940s Milfest at the Control Tower for the bank holiday weekend. So you could say it’s all go and I’ve a lot of shows to prep for.

I’d like to thank every-one who came and saw me last night in Biggleswade at the Weatherley Center. Yesterday was a busy day as I had an afternoon show in Wrestingworth and strangely enough both clients had booked the music of the 1950s and 60s. It was a wonderful opportunely to try out my new arrangement of “You’re My World” which went down very well with both audiences and it’s a song I really enjoy singing thanks to Richards fabulous arrangement.

Today I’ve been trying to rest my voice as I’ve come down with a slight cold. It’s nothing I can’t fight off but it has given me a sore throat which is annoying more than anything. My next show isn’t until Tuesday so today I’ve been cracking on with my paperwork and dress designs.

Heading Off to Normandy!

This week Arromanches came back and confirmed my show date for Saturday 9th June. I’ve been booked to perform a straight through two hour show from 9.30pm – 11.30pm (21.30h – 23.30h) just prior to the firework display which is going off all along the Normandy coast. This year I wont just be performing the music of the 1940s in Arromanches but including the 1950s and 60s too. It’s a major spot and I’m looking forward to adding in some new musical elements. Paul will be singing too and at this time we usually attract between 2000 to 3000 people, (weather dependent of-course!) Europeans aren’t quite as hardy as us British when it comes to rain! So let’s hope it doesn’t rain and we can rock Arromanches like never before!

A show like this takes a lot of preparation and I’ve learn’t from experience that turning up in an evening dress for the duration isn’t warm enough as the temperature very quickly drops. This year I’ve designed a special evening coat dress which will be lined in Wincyette and silk giving me the extra warmth I need.

That’s all my news for now and I will keep you posted as and when the rest of my tour dates come in.

Keep Following, Toodle Pip and Bye for Now! 😉

Out and About in Lavenham!

On stage with Robbie Gladwell and his Band!

Hello every-one it’s just a very quick blog tonight as I have a full week ahead performing Pearly Queen shows to tie in with St Georges Day. To-day I had two shows back to back and I’m out again tomorrow performing the same and then over to the recording studio. If you caught my Facebook pages you will know Paul and I were performing away last weekend in the charming Suffolk town of Lavenham.

For all you 1940s fans out there you may be interested to know we will be returning to Lavenham for the towns 1940s event on Sunday 20th May. While we were in town we had lunch at The Crooked House, Munnings Tea Room

Show in Full Swing Rocking the Night Away!

and when the lady found out what we did she booked us straight away to perform. So if you happen to be in Lavenham on the 20th May do pop along to see us. We will be singing all day out-side from 10.30am – 4.30pm 20 minutes on twenty minutes off.

I have to say Lavenham is one of my favorite towns. It’s so Shakespearean and on this occasion Paul and I stayed at The Angel Hotel. I know the hotel having stayed there before and we had been booked to sing for a special 80th birthday. One set Pearly Queen as many of the guests including the Birthday boy were from London originally and the other set songs from the 1950s 60s and 70s which really got the party rocking! On this occasion we had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Robbie Gladwell and his band which some of you may remember from his days with “The Cockney Rebels”.

The evening couldn’t have gone better as we all sang along and rocked the night away. A big thank-you to Carole for inviting Paul and I to sing and for hosting such a wonderful party.  I know Goff enjoyed his Birthday immensely!

Out-side The Crooked House at Munnings Tea Room!

This Saturday I will be hanging up my Pearly Queen costume in favor of my Chantilly lace petty coats as I sing the music of the 1950s and 60s at The Weatherly Centre in Biggleswade. Tickets are £10 each and you can find full details by clicking the photo.

That’s all my news for now Keep Watching and Toodle Pip! 

Shooting on Location!

This last week has been very full on as I’ve been concentrating on Wednesdays photo shoot at Shuttleworth House. As with all these things it’s all about the preparation and I wanted to make the most of the opportunity having engaged top photographer Angela Adams to work with me on this shoot.  Different photographers have different styles and Angela has a great understanding of location, space and how to use it to best advantage.  She looks at composition slightly differently to me so when I have an idea for a shoot she is then able to improve and refine my idea which is extremely inspiring  and refreshing.

Angela Setting Up the Perfect Shot!

On this occasion I wanted to record some of my Victorian and Edwardian costumes and thanks to Shuttleworth House they very kindly gave me permission to do so. Half the battle is finding the right location and although I often photograph in the studio to a white background when I need cut outs for my web-site these costumes needed splendor and location.

It’s very important to have good photos especially with social media. My instagram pages are growing and it’s lovely I can share with you all my love of costumes rather than just leaving them in the wardrobe. Some of these costumes are too

Getting into Costume!

fragile to wear for every Music Hall show I do depending on the conditions I’m having to perform in but through photographs you can still enjoy them.

For those of you who follow my facebook pages you may have already seen some of my behind the scenes shots. As with all these things there is a lot to do and I had 8 costumes to get through which doesn’t sound much but when you take into consideration all the foundation garments it’s quite a job. Fortunately Paul very kindly came along to help me and Angela brought along her assistant, another Paul to help with the lighting. When you work in stately homes it’s important to have the right lighting balance which is a skill in it’self. So often when you see a period drama on TV it’s easy to forget all the people behind the scenes who help to rig and light so it works for camera. It’s the same when it comes to still photography.

Creating the Perfect Lakme’ Shot!

We arrived at Shuttleworth for 10am and started shooting from 11am through to 5pm. It’s hard work as the first hour of the day is spent carrying the costumes into the venue and getting ready. I enjoy working with Angela as she directs me and sometimes I have to contort my body into shapes which at the time feel a bit odd but from the camera angle look perfectly natural. Angela said it will probably be about three weeks before I receive the finished shots so keep watching this space and I will share them with you as soon as I receive them.

Apart from photo shoots I also had a dress fitting with Judi this week as I plan and get my wardrobe ready for France and D-Day. I have a couple of new 1940s suits to wear this season as does Paul and this year we will be adding a couple of fresh musical elements into our show plans for June. So keep following and I will tell you more about that later a litter closer to the time.

Singing at the Piano!

Next weekend I will be performing for a private party at The Angel Hotel in Lavenham. Lavenham is a charming Suffolk village and every building looks like it was constructed at the time of William Shakespeare. It seems like ages since I was last at Lavenham so I’m looking forward to visiting  very much.

That’s all my news for now. Keep Watching , Toodle Pip and Bye for now! 😉

Back in the Studio!

Songs in Production!

Firstly thank-you every-one who caught my radio show on Easter Sunday on 1940s radio and for all your kind comments. It’s still early days for me as I work on developing my radio voice and mike technique. It’s a different technique required for singing as it is for radio and the spoken word, I’ve learn’t a lot from listening to my last two shows. I still have another two shows recorded in the can waiting to be aired so when I next record program five I hope you will be able to hear a great improvement.

It had been my intention to blog long before today but these last few weeks I have been burning the candle at both ends with far too many late nights and early mornings. I’ve been out every day performing Easter Bonnet shows and getting back in the evenings to a mountain of paper work which doesn’t do it’self. I was also with Richard in the recording studio until gone 1.00 am last Wednesday laying down some demos for a client who has engaged me to sing for her wedding. It was necessary for me to record some rehearsal tracks as my client has pacifically request “I’ll be with You in Apple Blossom Time” and “Long ago and Far Away” and she wants to

Working Late in the Studio with Richard!

Getting Ready for the Shoot!

practice walking down the isle to “Apple Blossom Time”. I’ve had to commission these tracks especially so we’ve changed the time signature to “Apple Blossom Time” from 3/4 to 4/4 which will work better for walking. Richard has also produced a wonderful arrangement of “Long ago and Far Away” which I hope the bride will love.

Apart from working on new songs from the 1940s Richard has also produced

On Stage in Japan!

a great arrangement of the Cilla Black number “You’ve My World” which I’ve been wanting to sing for a long time. We’ve taken the number up a key which suits my voice better and brought in a complete orchestra for the 1970s number “What I did for Love”. I’m really looking forward to performing both

numbers as I have a very full diary ahead of me and it’s important to do the preparation now so everything is in place for the season. Forward planning is the only way to succeed!

With April comes The Best of British Magazines 1940s issue. This year the magazine wanted to do something different. Where I usually write an article about something to do with the 40s scene two months ago I met up with the editor Simon Stabler for an interview. Simon wanted to write an article about my early career and use photos from before I started on the 40s circuit. (Crikey is that me!)  If you haven’t got your copy yet do pop down to WH Smiths and you can find me on page 46. To be honest I hardly recognise myself when I look back on my photographs especially the ones of me in Japan with the dances.  It makes me chuckle when I see a brown face and a white neck and shoulders. I would never let that “faux pas” pass today!

Getting Ready for the Shoot!

Speaking of which this Wednesday I’m going to be working at Shuttleworth House with photographer Angela Adams. This photo shoot has been months in the planning and we are going to be photographing my Victorian and Edwardian costumes. I’ve been able to gain special permission from the estate and it’s a real privilege to be working with Angela again in such a beautiful location. Tomorrow I will be having a very light spay tan just to even out my colour which might seem a bit strange when you are doing a Victorian photo shoot but when you are as white as I am it’s very necessary.  If anything the Japan photos prove that, and even with a spray tan on camera my skin looks normal and contestant from face to shoulders. Another trick I use is to always have my eye lashes dyed which gives the eye a natural definition and looks more natural.

Gosh I’ve just noticed the time and I must dash as I have lots to prepare for Wednesday. I’m also in the hair dress tomorrow getting ready for the shoot so much to do. Next week I will be heading off to Sufolk but more on that in my next blog.

Keep Following and Toodle Pip! 😉

Shopping at Hammersmith Vintage Fair!

Hello every-one I’ve been out every day this week performing Easter Bonnet Shows. Today I had a morning show so I was able to get back to the office in good time to finish my paperwork although it seems like every-one seems to be chasing the same dates which in many case I could have sold five times over. Tomorrow I have two shows back to back so it’s a busy time of year and it’s good to see my plans taking shape.

Oh before I forget – remember to tune into my radio show on 1940sradio .com on Sunday. I’ve produced an Easter Special and my program will be going out on air at 3am, 12pm and 7pm. I

The Perfect Buttons!

recorded the program a while ago so it will be good to hear it again and I hope you will enjoy my musical choices which all have a bit of an Easter theme so keep listening!

On Sunday I was in Hammersmith attending the Vintage Fashion fair at the Town Hall. It’s one of my favorite haunts as it’s the only place I know where I can buy vintage fashion and accessories all under one roof. Hammersmith always makes for a fabulous day out. On this occasion I had a list and I went with the sole intention to buy buttons and accessories. I’m currently having two 1940s dresses made and I was in need of some orange buttons. It’s great when a plan comes together and sure enough while I was there I was able to find just what I was looking for. However I had to be strict with myself and resist a few items I would have loved. In particular I came across the most beautiful 1940s blue tartan suit which would have been perfect for Scotland. I had to say no although

The Suit That Got Away!

I have a feeling this may be a decision I will regret as suits of this quality and condition don’t come up for sale that often. When I went back it had sold and now I really regret not buying it but I wanted to stick to my plan and buy accessories for the outfits I’m currently working on. While I was there I was able to buy a lapel dress clip for my new 1940s green suit plus a selection of flowers to make a corsage to tie in with a particular hat I wish to wear this season.

Last Monday after my show I visited Richard at his new recording studio in Bracknell. These last few years I’ve been concentrating on producing videos and showreels although I feel it’s high time to invest in some new musical arrangements.  You may recall in a couple of my past blogs I met up with Mike Morgan a few weeks ago who is producing a “Grease” medley for me which if everything goes to plan I will be able to start using in May. I have a wedding coming up in June where the bride has requested “Long Ago and Far Away”

In Apple Blossom Time!

along with “Apple Blossom Time” two numbers I need to add to my collection. I’m also keen to expand my 1960s and 70s repertoire and I’m commissioning an arrangement of “You’re My World” and “What I did for Love”. For “What I Did for Love” we will be using a full orchestra which is very exciting!

That’s all my news for now as I continue with the Easter Bonnet show season. When I get back I shall be getting ready for a Victorian photo shoot at Shuttleworth House. But more on that later.

Keep Following, Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!

Me in Last Year’s Easter Bonnet!

Hello every-one I don’t know how many of you caught me on 1940radio.com  last weekend but early indications show I got a good listenership which we only hope will grow over time. I’ve already recorded four shows although at the moment we will only be playing one show a month due to my singing commitments. It’s always good to have a few shows in loo so we don’t fall behind and I have lots of wonderful ideas I can’t wait to put into practice and share with you all on air!

Is it just me or has this winter been dragging on

A Simple Boater for Spring!

somewhat! I was so relived to see brighter weather these last few days. I’m board with wearing brown winter woollies all the time and I’m so looking forward to Spring. This week I’ve been out performing Easter Bonnet shows although I don’t really start the Easter season properly until next week when I will be running through to the 8th April. I’m raring to go as I have a new dress for the season (which always puts a spring in my step) you might have seen a picture of in my last blog. I’ve topped it off with a straw boater which I think looks very pretty, and well – I just wanted to make a fashion statement and bring straw boaters back for Spring. I can’t tell you how refreshing it feels to wear something pretty again after all this brown.

Electron Andy PATs Testing my Equipment for 2018!

My diary is starting to take shape and it’s important to have everything in place for the new up and coming season. On Tuesday I spent the morning having all my equipment PATs tested. It’s very important to keep up to date with these things and this year the labels are different. Each one has a bar code which means every piece of equipment can be traced and is properly documented. I was also able to give my van a good sweep out this week as it’s amazing just how much dust and dirt is accumulated when you are performing here there and every-where.

Paul is very pleased with his new tailored suit and he is looking forward to seeing Alex again so he can commission another one. I had a couple of fittings with Judi this week and she has already finished the alterations on one of my suits and nearly finished a dress which I shall be taking out to France for D-Day. On Sunday I hope to pop along to Hammersmith’s Vintage fashion fair. I’m really going for trimmings as it’s the only place I know where I can get genuine trimmings from the period and I’m keeping my eyes pealed for some Art Deco orange buttons to go with my new dress. The pattern is an original from the 40s and a couple of years ago I was fortunate enough to pick up a length of original Georgette Crape. I had a fitting tonight and the dress looks super. All it needs now are the right buttons and the combination will look amazing.

That’s all my news for now. Keep Watching and thank-you for following! 😉