PERFORMING/AMATEUR DRAMATICS
In 2014, I joined the Avalon Theatre Company (Mitcham/Carshalton/Surrey) and took on the title role of Tom Oakley in Goodnight Mr Tom - the musical. Follow this link for more details and photos from the production. It was my first time back on stage for several decades but hopefully the first of many. In the spring of 2015, I got a call from the Chase Theatre Company: one of the cast in their production of The Vicar of Dibley had been taken ill and they needed someone to fill the role of Frank Pickles at short notice. It wasn't especially demanding and quite good fun - and, since he was the parish secretary who took notes at all the meetings - I was able to cheat with crib-sheets on my notepad! Then it was back to Avalon for June 2015, playing Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz; another fun part. But I'm still on the look-out for roles in some bigger, brassier shows, so if you happen to be casting a non-dancing role any time, in a Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Lowe or even Andrew Lloyd-Webber/Tim Rice, well, you know where I am!
MUSIC
My musical tastes are pretty varied: from classical and opera to 'tuneful' pop and soul. Give me a Streisand or Buble CD and I'm happy! I also love singing and at least once a week you can probably find me with a karaoke crowd in London, backed by Kevin Walsh. My favourite genre - and the one that seems to go down best with an audience - is big band, jazz or blues.
PAINTING
Over the past few years, I've started to indulge in painting with watercolours. I find it very relaxing and enjoy being creative on paper and canvas. Over the next few months, I hope to upload a selection of my paintings: they're nothing special and they certainly won't make me rich; but they are another way in which I like to spend my time when I'm not working.
HOME AND GARDEN
I'm no Gordon Ramsey or Jamie Oliver but, yes, I enjoy cooking - from the basics like a roast to occasional more adventurous dishes. And I love my garden - especially sitting out in it! My ideal would be a "low maintentance garden", i.e. minimal work involved but lots of enjoyment. If only!