Out and About in Dartmouth!

Shopping for Vintage Fashion at “Revival”

Hello every-one and what a busy week it’s been too. I’m working flat-out to make all my dead lines for this week which is why I’m a day late with my blog. If you have been following me on Facebook you will know I’ve only just got back from performing down in Devon. I was booked to sing for a 100th birthday party at a restaurant called “Eat that Frog” in Paignton on Monday and I got back yesterday evening. Today I have been out and about performing in Romford in Essex for the WI’s special centenary celebration so I have much to tell you all of my last few days away!

I’ve been on the road enjoying Devon. I drove down straight after my Pearly Queen show on Friday evening and it was lovely to have a couple of days off from singing, sight-seeing in Totnes and Dartmouth. Paul met me down in Totnes as he knows the area very well and there is so much to see. We only had two days away clear from shows but when it comes to tea shops bakerys and cafes Totnes doesn’t disappoint. I was determined to have a home cooked local pasty which I did for lunch on the Tuesday before driving home. I do rather

Me Trying on That Norfolk Suit!

enjoy going out for tea and there is nothing I enjoy more than pottering about looking in shop windows and visiting antique and retro fashion shops. When it comes to retro fashion Totnes has a fantastic shop called “Revival” which is simply crammed full of vintage clothes. I came across the most wonderful Norfolk suit complete with plus 4s which I just had to have! It’s very Mr Toad of Toad Hall but it’s one of those things I just know will come in useful. After all when was the last time you saw one which was cut to fit a woman’s figure! I kind of feel I want to learn to ride a Pennyfarthing or play golf or something as it’s just the thing for that! I was also able to pick up a wonderful pair of  white stain 1920s style shoes which will be perfect to wear with my Gatsby gown. Perhaps my best buy was a WI brooch which I picked up in a charity shop for £5. I’m not sure the date as it’s blue and white enamel and I would have thought the early WI pins would have been in the

My 1920s Satin Shoes!

WI colours green and purple the same as the Surrigettes. The WI and the Surrigettes are quite closely related and I felt very proud wearing my brooch today on my WW1 costume. It suits very well although I’m thinking the brooch might be 1940s. So I wonder if any of you reading this might know the answer to please let me know!

That Very Special WI Brooch!

The Sloping Deck at Dartmouth!

On Sunday Paul and I went to Dartmouth and we had lunch at The Sloping Deck Restaurant and yes the building really does slope – which is not surprising as it was built-in 1635 by two wealthy merchants on reclaimed land from the river. You really do feel a bit at sea although the food was excellent and we enjoyed our lunch so much we decided to go back for afternoon tea. The restaurant has a famous mantle which depicts the Pentecost with Mosses and David. Down stairs the restaurant is built on a colonnade called The Butter Walk which back in the day was used by farmers wives to sell butter, cheese and eggs ect hence its name. The Sloping Deck is always busy as it has a bakery down stairs with a wonderful selection of cakes pasties and qeuies  – Yummy!

Paul and I at “Eat That Frog” in Paignton!

Mondays show went really well at “Eat that Frog” as I was booked to perform the music of the 1920s 30s and to present a sing along Music Hall show in my Pearly Queen costume. I now have a very busy May a head with the 70th anniversary of VE Day. In fact I’ve been getting about 3 enquiries a day for VE weekend so it’s going to be a very busy month. On Friday I’m down in London and then you can catch me at the Abingdon Air show on Sunday 3rd at the Abingdon Airfield, Dalton Barracks, Oxon OX13 6JQ. I will be on stage at 10.30am 1.pm and at 4.15pm so see you there.

Must dash as I have so much to do. keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Paul Posing in Dartmouth!

All Set for St Georges Day!

Once again I’m posting a little earlier than usual this week as I have much to do with St Georges day tomorrow and then a run of shows which will be taking me down to Devon. So it’s all go making sure I have everything packed and planned for these next few days. I’ve been working in my office today making sure I have all my paper work up to date, costumes packed and shows properly prepared. No sooner do I get back from Devon on Tuesday and I’m over to Romford in Essex performing for the WI as it’s their Centenary. I’ve been booked to perform my WW1 show “Pack Up Your Troubles” and I have quite a few WI engagements booked in the diary for this year. Next month I shall be returning from Chichester only to be heading straight up to the Cotswolds for a WI event which is being held at Morton in the Marsh – so it’s all go on the Western Front as they say!

Stepping Out 1920s Style!

Tomorrow I have a very full day with 3 costume shows booked in. My first two shows are “The Good Old Days” Music Hall ones and my last is a Pearly Queen show so I have lots of changes to do and I know I will be very tired when I get home. Friday I have a Pearly Queen show in the afternoon for a private party before driving down to Totnes in Devon. I expect it will take me about 4 hours but I’m looking forward to going very much. I love to travel and I like to think of myself as a Gypsy at heart, but then most entertainers are! I’ve never been to Totnes before only rather disappointingly I’ve heard there’s going to be a change in the weather and it’s likely to rain. How very inconsiderate of it – so I shall make sure I pack my mac! Once I’m down in Devon I’m booked to do two shows one Pearly Queen and the other 1920s for a private party in Paignton.

That’s all my news on the show front for the moment although I have been working on some new designs for my web-site as the Media Page is long over due and I have lots of ideas. I want to make my media page ever changeable a little like my blog page and I have an appointment with Rachel my web designer  next week. I’m looking forward to discussing what might be possible as technology is ever-changing and it’s important a web-site is kept up to date and engaging.

Well must dash. I wont be back from Devon until Tuesday by which time I hope I will have lots of news and great photos to share with you all.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Behind the Scenes & Getting Ready to go on Stage

May I start by saying a big thank-you to every-one who came along to my show on Saturday night at Ollie Vees Vintage Emporium as I presented “Life on the Wicked Stage”. It was wonderful to see you all and I just loved the intermit setting of the Tiki Lounge. I think this is the smallest venue I’ve ever played. We had a packed house as the venue can only hold 25 people but saying that we were able to squeeze in an extra 2 with standing room only while a few of my groupies sat on the stairs! How cool is that!  Up to now I have only ever done engagements as I’ve never felt myself to be cool enough to warrant the term “Gig” so this is my very first. I’ve never worked a venue where people stand around with drinks so I’ve come away feeling very cool indeed like I’ve just walked out of “Happy Days playing the Fonz”!

I’m a Picture Post Card – On stage in the Tiki Lounge!

There’s something wonderful about playing a small venue because it allows you to be a little more experimental and to try out new material. Billy and Adrian who run Ollie Vees like their entertainment nights to offer something different from the norm and I made a point to include a real variety of music. On this occasion I presented a show about my life in show biz and I was able to include some of my favourite poems and sketches I use to perform when I first started out all those years ago. I’m a big Joyce Grenfell fan and I included one of her Shirley’s Girlfriend sketches, the songs “Picture Postcard” and “Statley as a Galleon” which reminds me of my Red Coating days when I had to dance bust to bust with all the old ladies. For act two I

My friend Kim Enjoying her Cocktail – It was a Very Good Night!

opened my set with the Jungle Book and my take on “I Want To Be Like You” closing with “Nessum Dorma” as you can’t beat a good aria. I’d been rehursing all week in particularly Nole Cowards “The Stately Homes of England”. Boy what a lot of words but sheer writing genus and it’s one of those songs which work so well in an intermit setting. Ollie Vees are famous for their wonderful cocktails only I’m glad I never had one as I might have ended up doing an Eric Morecombe. That is to say singing all the right words but not necessarily in the right order.

Having my Hair Done for the Show!

Now I’m back at my desk it’s all go for next week with 3 shows to do on St Georges Day and then after my show on Friday I’m heading straight down to Devon and onto Totnes. I’m booked to sing for a private function in Paignton so I’m making the most of it and enjoying a few days away. No sooner do I return and I’m engaged to sing in Romford in Essex with the Abbingdon Air and Country show booked in for the 3rd May. Busy Busy!

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip for Now!

All Set for “Life on the Wicked Stage!

I’ve decided to  write my blog a little earlier this week as I’m keen to leave a few days clear to rehearse my new show for Saturday. You may have seen details about it on my Facebook pages and for those of you who come from Leighton Buzzard Tuesday’s article in the Leighton Buzzard Observer about my “Life on the Wicked Stage”. I’m presenting a show in 2 x 45 minute sets about my professional life in show business which has spanned over 23 years. interspersed with poems, songs and sketches in the Joyce Grenfell style with lots of anecdotes about my stage experiences. To many of you this may come across as something quite different from the norm and what you are used to seeing me do. Belive it or not

I started my professional carer doing my own stand up one woman show performing Joyce Grenfell and Pam Ayres style sketches and poems only because I couldn’t afford to engage a pianist in the beginning. I then went on to develop the show with a pianist so in a way this is a little like me coming home. I’m going to be performing a few of my favourite sketches and I’m still deciding on which ones I will be including.

Ollie Vees Tiki Lounge and Venue!

Saturdays show will be taking place at Ollie Vees Vintage Emporium, 33 Market Square, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1EU down stairs in the intimate surroundings of the Tiki Lounge. It’s a wonderful venue and I’m going to be standing next to the Tiki God so I hope he watches over me in a good way. The Tiki Lounge can only seat 25 people so if you would like tickets it’s important to ring up Ollie Vees and to book your seat on 01525 851726. There is seating up stairs and although you will be able to hear me you wont be able to see me. I don’t want any-one to be disappointed who might turn up on the door  – so do ring and make sure you book your seat!

That’s about all my news for now and I hope you can all make it along to my show on Saturday. I’ve already been booked to perform “Life on the Wicked Stage” in 2016 for a private party so it’s time to get rehearsing and to go over my lines.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Monday Morning and Off Home After the 40s Experience!

Out & About Doing the Lambeth Walk Pearly Queen Style!

I’m just back from performing at the 1940s Family Experience weekend at Bushey and what a wonderful weekend it’s been too. I always feel that this event marks the start of the season and thank-you to every-one who came along and supported us.  We even had sunny weather so we couldn’t have asked for better than that! The 40s Family Experience takes place at the Lincolnsfields Children Centre which was once the sight of Bushey Hall and the home of the 8th Army Air Force fighter Command  during the second World War. Sadly the old manor house  was demolished in 1955 which is a real shame as it had great character. Built in 1865 at the staggering cost of £150.000 it bankrupted the owner and later was sold and became a Victorian Hydrotherapy Hotel. Looking at some of the old photographs it reminds me architecturally a little of Bletchley Park and I wish so much it was still standing. The American 8th Army Air Force established their headquarters in 1942 and Bushey Hall became station number 341.

Brian the Friendly German from Mansfield!

This weekend I have been staying on site performing 3 x 45 minute shows daily and this year I was joined on stage with my proterzay and World Famous Unknown Bathroom Singer Mr Paul Marsden. Paul has a wonderful voice and sings in the Frank Sinatra syle although I keep telling him to wear his hat and to use his diaphragm.  Paul was a real hit this weekend and I feel very proud of what he was able to achieve. He dazzled every-one with “I’ve Got the World on a String” and he will be joining me on stage in Normandy on the 6th June and at Longhope when we perform the music of the 1950s and 60s. So for all you Paul Marsden fans out there don’t worry because you are going to be seeing a lot more of him in the future.

Paul and I Lindy Hopping!

It’s very important when performing at events that you ring the changes and have something new to offer. I spend a great deal of time thinking out my show plans and it’s necessary to have something fresh every time. This year I included a Pearly Queen and an Easter Bonnet show. Both went down really well especially the Pearly Queen one as 40s events do tend to get swamped with American Music so I enjoyed doing something British which the audience really enjoyed.  On the Saturday night I was engaged to perform at the  Evening Dance and there in contrast I wore my American WAC uniform and performed lots of swing tunes. On Sunday after my 11.30am Pearly Queen show I did a US WAVES show only to find shock horror I had only picked up 6 suit carriers instead of the seven and I had left my WAVES Uniform behind. Forchatly I always carry a spare out fit just incase. I had my WAVES cap so I was able to style an outfit together and give it a Hollywood glamour twist. In some ways I think this outfit worked out even better than having the uniform. My WAVES show has a lot of Hollywood Musical content which again makes a contrast from Swing.

All Set for My Easter Bonnet Show in the 40s House!

Now I’m back home it’s time to crack on with my latest show “Life on the Wicked Stage” which will be taking place this Saturday at 8pm in Ollie Vees Tiki Lounge in my home town of Leighton Buzzard. This will be a show about my life in show business as I perform related songs poems and sketches in the Joyce Grenfell style.  Tickets are £10 each and available from Ollie Vees on Tel 01525 851726

On Stage at Bushey 1940s Style!

Time for Bed Now I think enjoy the photos. Toodle Pip and thank-you for following! 😉

Paul Marsden The World Famous Unknown Bathroom Singer!

Off To Bushey in My A2 Flying Jacket!

This week has been non-stop and as ever I’m burning the candle at both ends to make sure I have everything I need for The 40s Family Experience weekend at The Lincolnsfield children’s Centre. Bushey, Herts WD23 2ES. My telephone has been red-hot this week and it’s been a balancing act to try to keep up to date with answering all my e-mails and performing.  I’ve been out every day this week performing Easter Bonnet shows and I’m straight off after my show tomorrow over to Bushey for the 40s weekend. For those of you who have booked me this week I’m afraid I wont be able to start on your contracts untill Monday – so please don’t worry I do have every-thing in hand.

Tonight I have been planning my shows and play lists and I always try to do something different every time I return to a venue. I have 11 1940s shows and I always like to offer a good variation with something new in the costume line for visitors to see. This often means taking more costumes than I need just in case the weather changes which it usually does. This year I have decided to include my Spring Easter Bonnet show which I’ve never performed at a 1940s event before. The weather has been so lovely of late that I just thought it would capture the mood so I’ve decided to include it into Saturday’s run of shows. I’m booked to perform 3 x 45 minute shows daily which will run as follows:-

Saturday 11th 11.30am “The Fleets in Port Again” – WRNS show, 1.30pm “In My Easter Bonnet” – Spring show, 3.30pm “Sing Sing Sing”-  Lindy Hop Show, Sunday 12th  11.30am “Underneith the Atches”- Pearly Queen Show, 1.30pm Anchors Aweigh – US WAVES Show, 3.30pm “Those Magnificent Men” – WAAF show. I’m also booked to perform a 60 minute set at the Saturday night dance where you can see me on stage as an American WAC performing my “GI Jive show.

I’d like to write and tell you so much more about my week just gone but I’ve so much to do that I really must leave it here tonight. I hope you can all join us for what promises to be a fantastic 1940s weekend. I always feel that the 1940s Experience is the event to open the season and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this lovely weather continues. If it does turn nasty I do have a plan B where I can slip in a “Hooray for Hollywood” in stead of “In My Easter Bonnet”. For more details about the event check out the Lincolnsfields  web-site  on www.lincolnsfields.co.uk and details about the event on www.fortiesexperience.co.uk

Don’t forget my one woman show “Life on the Wicked Stage” at Ollie Vees on the 18th April. More on that in my next blog

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip

Lunch at The Cafe in the Attic, Home and Colonial

Today has been the most perfect Easter Monday and in truth I can’t remember the last time we have enjoyed such fine weather for Easter. I’ve just got back from performing two Easter Bonnet shows back to back and I wanted to make a point of writing my blog a little earlier than usual. I spend far too long at my computer screen and I just thought it would be nice to have a little time off tonight from the usual paper work which goes with being on the stage.

Today I was performing in Berkhamsted and Aylesbury. I had a morning and afternoon show and broke for lunch at “Home and Colonial” which is a wonderful antiques emporium which sits on Berkhamsted high street just past the Church. “Home and Colonial” was once the old tea stores back in the day and up stairs on the 3rd floor is a wonderful cafe called “Cafe in the Attic”. I often like to pop in when I’m between shows and down stairs they have lots of vintage clothes – so for me it’s like home from home! My Easter Bonnet show has been proving very popular this year with performances running through to the 15th. It’s one of my favourite shows as it has some great musical content. The new numbers a “Tisket a Tasket” and “There’s a Small Hotel” have been going down very well along with the old favourites and not forgetting “There ain’t nobody Here but us Chickens”. I couldn’t really leave that one out with it being Easter and all!

This year is taking shape nicely and I’m so pleased so many of you have been enjoying my article in the Best of British magazine this month. The 1940s scene is changing and it’s important not to get stuck and to be stale which is why I’m always looking at how I can make my shows new and exciting. Next weekend you can catch me on the 11th and 12th at The 1940s Family Experience at The Lincolnsfields Centre www.fortiesexperience.co.uk   I will be performing 3 x 45 minute shows daily at 11.30am 1.30pm and 3.30pm plus a 60 minute set at the Saturday night dance. I’m currently working on my show plans and this year I will be joined on stage with Sinatra style singer Paul Marsden. I’m planning on adding in a few different shows  just to keep things fresh and if the fine weather continues I may well perform my Easter Bonnet show and possibly a London Pearly Queen one. Check out my blog on Thursday when I will be publishing my show choices for the weekend. In the mean time I have lots of shows in the pipe line covering all sorts of periods. I’ve been sent some posters which I’ve pined in. Some of my public events include my one woman show at Ollie Vees on the 18th April, Abbingdon Air and Country Show 3rd May, Longhope does the 1950s and 60s 16th May, Norfest 24th May, Ste Marie du Mont, Normandy, France 6th June and lots more. So keep following my blog and I will keep you posted.

Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip for now!

In My Easter Bonnet!

It’s just a quick blog tonight as I’m between shows and I want to get an early night. I’ve been stepping out all week in my Easter Bonnet performing my Easter Show only to find in perfect tradition that the weather decided to change from lovely sun to rain today which makes the song “April Showers” especially appropriate! I have 15 shows to do over the next 9 days so it’s a very busy time and I really must make sure I get to bed not too late tonight.

This week I have been opening my show with Irving Berlin’s song Easter Parade and I’ve been doing a bit of research into it’s origins. I’m a huge Irving Berlin fan and there is nothing I enjoy more than singing his music. I always thought that Irving wrote Easter Parade as the tital song to the 1948 musical which stared Fred Astair and Judy Garland but this is in fact not the case. The refrain was based on Berlin’s 1917 song “Smile and Show Your Dimple”. I can’t say I have ever seen the sheet music for that one so I guess “Smile and Show Your Dimple” got lost and re-worked into something better with “Easter Parade” over the passage of time. Introduced in the 1933 Broadway revue “As Thousands Cheer” by Marilyn Miller and Clifton Webb. It was subsequently used in the films “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” (another of my favourite songs) in 1938, “Holiday Inn” in 1942 and the one we recognise it for “Easter Parade” in 48. A song with quite a history!

Check out my Article in the Best of British!

For those of you who follow me on facebook will have seen my article has just come out in the Best of British magazine this week. If you haven’t picked up your copy yet do nip down to WH Smiths and you can find me on page 40 in the Forties Post and my advert on page 47. This month I have witan about the changing musical trends on the 1940s scene and what we can expect in the next few years. My tip is an increased interest in the 1920s and I’m looking forward very much to singing in Bexhill on the 19th  July for the Bexhill Roaring 20s event which will be held out-side the De la War Pavilion. – A beautiful Art Decco theatre I know very well and which sits right on the sea front. Last year this event atracted over 1500 visiers and this year they are expecting over 2500. In the mean time don’t forget you can catch me at the Lincolnsfield children’s Centre, Bushey Hall Drive, Bushey, Herts WD23 2ES for the “40s Family Experience Weekend” on the 11th 12th April. I will be performing 3 shows daily plus at the Saturday night dance. More details on that will be found in my next blog along with my “Life on the Wicked Stage” show which will be taking place in Leighton Buzzard at Ollie Vees in the Tiki Lounge on the 18th April so Keep Watching.

Time for Bed now as I need my rest for a very busy week ahead Toodle Pip and Bye for Now! 😉