Tag Archives: Henley Regatta

River of Dreams

July 20, 2019 Neil

I hope you have somehow recovered from the excitement of England winning the Cricket World Cup at Lords last Sunday. What a match! I cannot remember ever seeing an ending to a game like it. The Drama and tension was almost unbearable. But we got the job done by the skin of our teeth. I am not a massive Cricket fan. But that was quality.

It does seem we like to win World Cups in all of the men’s sports at the death with a heart stopping moment. Take Geoff Hurst’s third goal right as the whistle blew in 1966 with that famous commentary accompanying it. To win our first and so far only football World Cup. Not to mention the late drop goal by Johnny Wilkinson to win us the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

In England we really do like doing things the hard way. It was a great moment and I was pleased to witness it live on the television. I still do hope that I will get to see the football team win another World Cup. In my life time. Having missed the last victory by a mere ten years. While we are talking sport, congratulations to the ace Lewis Hamilton. Who won the British Grand Prix for a record sixth time last weekend.

I have had another busy and fun couple of weeks. When I was about to make my stand-up comedy debut. I tweeted a few comedians for some advice. One of the ones who came back to me was Al Murray. I have been a fan of his for ages. I saw him live at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil. Around twelve years ago. I spotted that he was coming to the Wycombe Swan. I do still follow him on Twitter. So I knew that he normally runs a ticket competition via the social media site. On the day of the gig.

As it happened that day I was at home and free. Therefore, as I really wanted to see his latest show. I made sure I kept a very close eye on his Twitter. When he asked the question for the chance to win some tickets. I made sure I was the first person to reply with the correct answer. He then offered me some tickets for that evening. Which I gratefully accepted. My cunning plan had been a complete success.

Al Murray performs of course, as his alter ego The Pub Landlord. It is amazing how many people on his Twitter page fail miserably to make this distinction. They cannot seem to be able to see that he is playing a character on stage. I turned up at The Swan to collect my ticket left for me on the door. I got myself a pint of my favourite beer, Rebellion IPA. Which they now serve there. Then I took my seat.

Al starts the show as always pouring pints on stage, spilling them on the front row. Then hailing the ale and welcoming in the wine. It is a bit of fun, it gets the audience involved from the off. And sets up the pub feel to the gig. As basically the landlord is preaching with the bar as his lectern in his boozer. As ever, he is pretty brutal and does not pull any punches.

The first half was fantastic and very funny. At the interval I grabbed myself another pint. At the start of the second half. He gives you the chance to grab a quick picture of him on stage. He poses twice. The first is a wave and the second possibly a more Landlord like gesture. At this point he asked where the competition winners were. I put my hand up and suffered a bit of good-natured abuse for my trouble. All good fun! Totally accurate and completely deserved.

The second half was also brilliant. It is a topical show. This means Politics and Brexit feature. Al himself is a big fan of military history. This is a theme running through one of the routines. As he is such an expert. It was actually quite educational about many of the wars that the country has been involved in. It was also fairly amusing, how the “Landlord” dealt with having seen Bohemian Rhapsody. And what he may have learnt about Freddie Mercury from it.

He is a top quality, clever and funny comedian. I really enjoyed it. If your jaws ache on the way back from a comedy gig. You know, you have had a great time. As well as the intelligently written material. Al is also very good at interacting with and getting laughs from the audience. You cannot beat a night of live comedy. Laughter is good for the soul.

I went to one of the preview performances of the new version of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat” At the iconic London Palladium. It is a musical I have always loved. And I have seen it a few times in the past. The songs are all so catchy and so tempting to sing along to. There were also a couple of other reasons, why this production appealed to me. And why I wanted to see it.

Firstly it stars Sheridan Smith. Who I think is fantastic. I tried to see her in Funny Girl. When she was in that. But I managed to get tickets on a night. She was not on. I did manage to see her sing at Children in Need last year. But this was finally my chance to catch her on stage performing in a musical. Then there was also the chance to see Jason Donovan do his thing live to.

As I said it is a new version of the show. Obviously the songs and the story remain the same. But it is slightly re-imagined. Sheridan plays the Narrator. And is the star of the show. She is on the stage pretty much the entire time. And she really drives and leads the story. The set-up is that she is a teacher telling the story to her class. Who are there throughout, as the story unfolds. There are a few other twists and surprises to. But I do not want to give away any spoilers.

Jason Donovan makes a brilliant cameo appearance as the Pharaoh. His costume, make up, style and all round performance is excellent. Jac Yarrow makes his West End debut as Joseph. His voice is quality and his stage presence is good. So I suspect we will see him in plenty more shows over the years. I really liked the quirkiness and in many ways more light-hearted approach to this classic tale.

Something happened during it. That I had never witnessed before. At the end of one of the numbers. The stage managers started to call the actors off stage. Then they came on to tell the remaining ones to get off. At which point the safety curtain came down. The show had been stopped.

Then there was an announcement saying that the performance had been suspended. Due to a technical fault. At first they were hoping to resolve it within five minutes. The audience were asked to stay in our seats. Which we duly did. In the end we were waiting for about twenty minutes. With many different rumours starting to go round the theatre.

Eventually the curtain went up again. And standing there were the show’s Director and Producer. They explained what had happened. The sound desk had gone dead. It took a while, but they got it fixed. They apologised and then thanked us for our patience. Before the performance resumed. Just before the point at which they had to stop it.

The show then continued as planned. At the interval I had another glass of the very drinkable Rioja. They serve at this great venue. I thought Sheridan Smith was fantastic. I felt that you could not take your eyes off her. She really does know how to hold and captivate an audience. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. If you do fancy a fun and upbeat night out. Go and see this show. But be quick, as it is only on for a short time. Until the 8th September.

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Since I did some work with Regatta Radio. And got to watch rowing for the first time. Managing to meet a few rowers and learn a little bit about the sport. I do now try to get to the Henley Regatta, on at least one of the days, every year. I have over the years had a fun time there, seeing the racing from on the riverbank. And also from a boat going up and down the course. This year a friend of mine invited me to go along and enjoy it with him.

I was staying at his house. So I got the bus to Henley. And then just walked to his house. To drop off my stuff and get changed in to my suit. The traffic getting in and out of the place during Regatta week is a bit of a nightmare. But the queues were not too bad by the time I arrived. My mate Mike Sterling managed to get us tickets to enjoy all the action from Phyllis Court. This is a Private Members Club with grounds that back right on to the river.

We got there around two in the afternoon. We grabbed ourselves some meat and salad for lunch. And as luck would have it. They had Rebellion beer there. So I had a pint of that. We then made our way down to the river to watch the afternoon session of racing. We got a table to sit at and a jug of Pimms. To enjoy the rowing in the glorious sunshine. At that moment in time, I do not know if I could have been anymore English, if I had tried.

It is exciting and yet very relaxing watching the crews row past you. At the end of the session we headed back to the lawn of the club. To have a hog roast and a glass of Champagne. Both of which were ace. We then went for a drink in one of the pubs in Henley. On the way we stopped briefly to see the grave stone of the legendary English singer Dusty Springfield. Who had spent her final years living in the town.

We ended the night in a nice Restaurant. As Mike was performing in there. It was good fun. He is a top live performer. I do enjoy it when he sings. It was a very sociable night. In fact, as we were talking to the owners for ages after the gig. We did not get back to his place until about 4.30am. Proving that I am very much still Rock n Roll. Well at least I am occasionally. Another wonderful day and night spent having fun with friends.

My mum wanted to go and visit the Tower of London. My sister also expressed an interest in coming along. The other Wednesday I took them both there for the day. My mum had been to see the amazing Poppy display there a few years ago. But she had not actually been inside the walls of the famous landmark. Since she was just a little girl. Coincidentally the last and only time I had visited it. I was just eight years old. My sister however had been there within the last ten years, so she became our designated expert on the place.

We got off the tube at London Bridge Station. As my Mum had never walked across Tower Bridge. We ticked this off her list on the way to the Tower. I had sensibly pre-booked the tickets. So I picked them up from the group bookings window. Bypassing all the queues. As they say, you cannot buy experience. The guy on the ticket desk was very helpful as well, which was good. On entry we decided to go and see the Crown Jewels first. As at this point the queues were not too bad.

On the way in my sister stopped for a chat with the first ever female Yeoman Warder. Who she recognised from a documentary that she had seen. About five years ago. The jewels were stunning. The gold and precious stones within that building are exceptional.

Not to mention the history behind them. I was impressed by the fact that the current State Crown apparently contains Pearls, thought to be from Elizabeth I’s necklace. Just let that sink in for a second. How old they would be now. The security is rightly tight. You are basically viewing these items from within a vault. If you do go check out those doors on the way in and out. Thick does not even cover it.

After the Jewels we went to the White Tower. To see all the Armour. I am not saying that Henry VIII was may be trying to make some sort of statement about his inability to sire a son. But the size of the cod piece. On one of his sets of Armour on display is a thing of beauty. It also contains quite a few of the weapons from that era. And it is fair to say they were brutal. Everything from swords right up to muskets and very early pistols are there to see. In fact there is even an actual golden gun, near the end.

Next up, we just made a short talk on the Ravens. Delivered at their cages. That was interesting and reconfirmed the legend. That if the Raven’s leave the Tower, then London will fall. Although we are safe, as all of the birds are born there. They are very territorial creatures. And are very well looked after. So basically those birds are not going anywhere.

We stopped for some sandwiches, cake and a nice cup of tea in the Cafe. It turns out sight-seeing and reminding yourself about English history is hungry and thirsty work. Once we were totally refreshed. We went on one of the guided tours. Taken by the Yeoman Warders. To become one of them, by the way. You have to have served in the Military for at least twenty-two years. And have reached the rank of at least Sergeant Major. So what I am saying is, that it is not an easy gig to get.

The tour was really interesting and I learnt quite a bit about the Tower and its history. It has had so many different uses over the years. And of course many well-known visitors. I am very much pro the Royal Family. As of course was our guide. He did make a good point. Last year the Royal Family brought two hundred and sixty-nine million pounds in to the country. Which then in turn goes to our Government. They then give the Queen. The annual Sovereign Grant of forty-five million pounds.

The tour finishes outside the Chapel. Where Ann Boleyn is thought to be buried. Which is still an active church. Used by the people who live within the Tower walls. There is a small community that live in the Tower. It sounds fun, but the place is locked at 7pm every night. Meaning if you are in you cannot get out and if you are out. You will not be able to get back in. Until it is reopened the following morning. On the plus side the Yeoman Warders do have their own pub onsite. So I know where I would be most nights. If I lived there.

We walked around the walls overlooking what used to be the moat. And of course the Thames. At one point we noticed Tower Bridge was being raised. So we stopped to watch. Expecting it to be a big exciting boat coming through. Then up the river comes what is a small unimpressive vessel with a huge mask. I am not going to lie to you, it was slightly disappointing.

We then visited as many of the other Towers. That we could before the venue closed to the public. This included one, where one of the old kings lived. It was decorated how it was believed that he had it. We also looked around the Army Exhibition. Which contained a bust of both Hitler and Mussolini.

There were a couple of interactive bits. One of which was a Soldiers back pack. The challenge was, if you could lift it up or not. I could just about lift it up. Which I was quite pleased about. Until you read that it is only a quarter of the weight. That actual Royal Marines carry on their backs. Total respect to them there.

It was a lovely day with my Mum and Sister. I really enjoyed looking around the Tower of London. And seeing things I had not seen since I was a kid. We stopped off for a KFC on the way home. As I know how to treat ladies properly. Everybody had a good time. So it was a total success. Another well-known place. That is certainly worth a visit.

My sister has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Keira. She is a lovely dog but is twelve years old now. So she is starting to feel her age a bit. To keep her joints moving and strong. She has to do these regular Hydro-therapy sessions. I went along to one of these with my sister last week.

Basically they have a treadmill. You can fill with water. The dog gets in. Then they fill the water up to her belly. Then she has to do several sets walking on the running machine under water. It is quite funny to see. It looks like quite a tough work out, though.

The dog is not a natural exerciser. And requires someone at one end with treats to encourage her to walk at the required pace. I am half thinking about getting someone to do this with cakes and chocolate for me. The next time I go to a gym. As I think that might improve my performance.

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.

Roving Comedy

July 7, 2017 Neil

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a really good couple of weeks. Mine have been very busy with loads of fun stuff going on. I recently went to see one of the London heats of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 at the Up The Creek Comedy Club in Greenwich.

Former winners of this award include Marcus Brigstocke, Alan Carr, Nina Conti, Rhod Gilbert and Angela Barnes. Peter Kay was a finalist back in 1997 but was beaten to the award by Paul Foot. The night I saw was hosted by the great Kerry Godliman. Who if you think her name sounds familiar, played Hannah in Ricky Gervais’s Derek. She is a brilliant stand up in her own right. And did a top job.

There were Ten acts competing to get through to the semi-finals. I thought the quality and standard was exceptionally high. They were all really good and put in some very composed and professional performances. I was very impressed with everyone.

The judges on the night, who included the comedian Holly Walsh. Had to choose a winner and two runners’ up to send through to the next round. Personally I think they got it about right with their decision making. Whoever wins the overall competition gets a cash prize and a radio show commission for Radio 4. Which is pretty cool. The heat was recorded and put out on Radio 4. The Semi-finals this year will take place during the Edinburgh Festival.

Now having previously worked for Regatta Radio. I got to know a few people involved with Henley-on-Thames and a little bit about the rowing itself. So every year I do try and get to at least one day of the Henley Royal Regatta. This time I went on day one. I met up with my mate George Thomas.

We started off by having a quick drink in one of the pubs near the bridge. Then we headed off to the river bank to catch some of the big race action. If you have never been it is a fantastic occasion. As you walk down the river there are lots of enclosures where you can get a selection of food and drinks. Many of them have live music to. So as you watch the races go past, there is plenty to keep you entertained until the next one comes along.

We walked all the way down to the start and watched a few races from the grandstand there. Before then heading back up the river. While we were watching the rowing we did treat ourselves to a couple of pints of one of my favourite local ales. The IPA from the Rebellion Brewery in Marlow.

I think it is fair to say that the Regatta is very much a celebration of rowing. And there are certainly plenty of people getting right in to the spirit of things. I think it is something you should do at least once in your life. I would guess once you have been once, you will probably go back again and again. I fully intend to return for an afternoon there again next year.

We then left the river and George took me for a pint in his favourite pub in Henley. Which did not disappoint. It is fascinating walking through the town when this event is on. You obviously see lots of very tall, fit and strong athletes. As well as lots of very smartly dressed people.

Many of them in very bright jackets. Which show you the rowing club they belong to. And if they have previously rowed in the Regatta. Many people who rowed in school still come back to see the next generation of rowers compete and to enjoy the unique atmosphere for many decades after they originally raced.

"Gloriana" looking very regal at Henley Regatta — “Gloriana” looking very regal at Henley Regatta

Thanks to an invitation from my friend and former boss Steve Carpenter. I made a very late decision to go along with him to see the first British Summertime concert of the year at Hyde Park last Friday. There are several of these concerts taking place over the next month with lots of different headliners.

They have three stages there. The main one called the Great Oak Stage, the event’s sponsor Barclaycard have one and then there is a much smaller stage called the Summertime Stage.

The line up at the gig I was at was brilliant. On the main stage alone we had KC and the Sunshine Band, Mike and the Mechanics, Blondie and the headline act Phil Collins. So I did not really need to go and check out any of the other stages.

But I did have to pop along to see a few songs from Chas & Dave. Who were playing on the Summertime Stage. And as ever they were ace. I interviewed Chas several years ago. He was brilliant. Such an interesting and lovely bloke.

The set up in Hyde Park was very good. It was packed as you would expect but it was still pretty easy to get food and drink, as well as to get to the toilets. It is a bit like being at a mini festival except with the bonus that you can sleep in your own bed when it ends. So KC and the Sunshine Band kicked things off on the main stage.

I think the last time I had seen them would have been about fifteen years ago at the Birmingham NEC. As part of one of those seventies and eighties revival nights. They really are one of those bands who have had more decent hits than you think. And you will recognise more of their songs than you thought. They did a great job. And even though it was early evening and still sunny. They still got the crowd dancing.

Next up it was Mike and the Mechanics. I have to confess I am a fan of their work. I know and like a lot of their songs. The line up of the band has always been fairly loose and has changed lots over the years with Mike Rutherford whose band it is, as the constant. Andrew Roachford is now part of the line up. His voice really does lend itself to their songs. They played all their big hits and their brilliant new single. Closing their set with the fantastic “All I Need Is A Miracle”. Which is a quality tune.

It was at this point that I nipped off to see Chas & Dave for a bit. Before then returning to the main stage area to see Blondie. They are another band with an amazing back catalogue of songs. I am a huge fan of theirs and I was excited to see them play for the first time.

Debbie Harry is one of the best front women of all time, I would say. The band were sounding great. Though if I am honest Debbie seemed to struggle a bit on some of the vocals of the early big hits. But in her defence some of them were released nearly forty years ago. She sounded excellent on the newer stuff though. I thoroughly enjoyed them. It was a great afternoon/evening having a few drinks and listening to some top quality live music.

Then it was time for the headline act Phil Collins. He is struggling a bit nowadays. Several back operations have left him struggling to walk, so he needs a stick to get around and had to sit on a stool to perform. But that did not stop him from being absolutely sensational. His band which he had clearly assembled himself were quality, so together and tight.

Phil of course renowned as one of the best drummers of all time, had passed on the baton to his sixteen year old son Nicholas for this gig. He was exceptional, as let’s face it there are some big drumming parts in Phil’s songs. As he wrote these for himself when he was playing them on the records. He must have one of the coolest jobs of any teenager I know. Playing drums in front of sixty-thousand people on some of the biggest hits of all time with your dad.

Phil Collins was brilliant, his voice sounded better than ever. He was very chilled and chatty between the songs. And he performed a great set of his own songs with a few of the big Genesis hits thrown in for good measure.

I must admit hearing some of those songs performed live for the first time reminded me how good he is. He had the whole crowd up on their feet dancing and singing along. I am so pleased I decided to go along. I had a fantastic time catching up with a good friend, while enjoying some excellent live music.

Last Saturday I went to meet a mate for a birthday drink at a Summer Garden Party at The Shoulder of Mutton pub in Wendover. It was a family event. With plenty for the children to do, a mini beer festival and some live music. While I was there a young lad with a guitar was performing a mixture of covers and his own songs. He was ace and provided a nice back ground to chat and catch up with people to.

Then a very decent band rounded off the event. They featured a couple of people I knew from various other bands from the Aylesbury area from over the years. They were fronted by a father and daughter combination. They played a wide and varied range of cover songs. It was a nice way to spend the evening just in a pub beer garden listening once again to some live music.

Last Sunday it was The Tringe Festival Roving Comedy Night 2017. I first performed at this event five years ago after completing a course with the comedy guru that is Mr Logan Murray. So this time I was back with five minutes of new material to unleash on the good people of Tring.

As I arrived at the meeting place for our pre-show briefing I was actually feeling a little bit more nervous than I did the first time that I did it in 2012.

Everyone performing this year had done it before, so we were representing our original groups’ year at this year’s gig. It was nice to meet the people who I would be gigging with from the first time. We introduced ourselves to each other and then shared our own previous experiences from the first time we had done it. I was going to be touring around with Nick Mellors, Damian Hammond and Jake Cuddihy. The professional with us for our mini show was the great Paul B Edwards.

We would perform our show in four different pubs in Tring but we would each have to sit one out and so perform three times each through the night. The first pub was the Kings Arms, which was the one I was to sit out. So I got to watch all the other acts, while mentally preparing myself for my first gig at the next pub.

That pub was the Robin Hood. I went on first as I wanted to get my first one done. As this was all untried new material that had not been performed in front of an audience before. Happily it went well and I had a ball doing it. It was great to be back at the Tringe. You can’t beat that adrenaline rush when they announce your name and you walk to the stage to do your stuff.

The next pub was The Black Horse. Which was the first venue I performed in five years ago. The compere’ in there was my comedy dad Logan Murray, so it was great to see him again. Even though he scared the life out of me, as I was expecting to go on third at this venue. So I was just relaxing when he announced me as the second act, and I had to race to the stage to perform but it was all good though.

The final venue was The Anchor where I performed my new material for the third and final time that night. Therefore completing my second Roving Comedy Night. It was great fun once again. And I still think one of the best experiences you can have.

I think because I had done it before I could take it all in and actually enjoy it a bit more this time around. After the last gig it was back to The Kings Arms to catch up with everyone and have a couple of well deserved beers.

It was lovely to spend some more time catching up with Logan Murray. Nice to have a quick chat with Arthur Smith. Great to see and thank Ben Moorhouse, the man who makes the whole Tringe happen for organising such a great and enjoyable event. I got to meet and chat to the other former Rovers who had performed including the very funny Olaf Falafel. Who did the course the year before me and is really starting to make a bit of a name for himself in the world of comedy.

And lastly it was lovely to catch and and have a chat with Silky, who is a brilliant comedian and a great bloke. In fact he was one of the finalist’s in the very first BBC New Comedy Awards. And everyone in Comedy knows him and has probably worked with him at some point.

It was a wonderful evening going back to perform in Tring at an event so special to me. I loved every minute of being back there and doing my comedy. It has inspired me once again to try and do a bit more Stand Up.

It seems a shame not to get a bit more value out of the new material I have written. Plus I really do enjoy getting up on stage and doing it. It was great to be back!

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.

Task in Hand

July 9, 2016 Neil

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a really good couple of weeks. Mine have been busy as ever, with lots of fun things going on. Well for starters the episode of Task Master. That I went to watch being filmed was shown on Dave. It was the one that included them making their own videos for nursery rhymes. Which were mostly terrifying, I thought.

Now the eagle eyed amongst you. May have caught a quick glimpse of me on a couple of occasions. As they were going in to and out of the tasks on the big screen. It was a great evening. And the finished show was equally very funny.

The latest episode of Task Master. Which was on last Tuesday night featured the Mayor of Chesham in one of the task’s. Alex Horne who actually came up with the idea for the show and co-presents it with Greg Davies, lives near there.

So I guess he must of thought it would be nice to get the town and county on the show. And put Buckinghamshire on the map. So the task they devised was simply to entertain the Mayor Peter Hudson in his chambers.

It was interesting to see the different ways that the contestants on the show went about this. My favourite was Joe Wilkinson. Who simply went to the local shop and came back with forty-two Calypso Ice Lolly’s and six cans of strong lager. To give to the Mayor.

Although a special mention deserves to go to Richard Osman. Who wrote a special poem about the Mayor and town. Which he read to him while juggling. Personally I think this performance should mean that they make him the next Poet Laureate for Buckinghamshire.

I was talking about the show on Twitter, while I was watching it. And this led to a very quick online conversation with the man of the moment himself. None other than the Mayor of Chesham, Councillor Peter Hudson. Basically he said he had a lovely time recording it. And that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

He also said that each comedian actually spent thirty minutes with him doing their bits. He said they were all great people. I thought he was brilliant on it. And did an excellent job. I am very jealous that he got to spend half an hour with all those people, specially Kathryn Ryan.

I did watch a little bit of the Glastonbury Festival coverage on the BBC. I have been to it a couple of times myself. Once for the whole weekend. Which was an amazing experience. And the second time I just went for the Sunday afternoon.

Both times I had a back stage pass. So it was good for celebrity spotting and getting around the site easier. I am not a great fan of camping. But I would really like to go to the Festival again in the future. That is the only place. That could possibly get me back in a tent.

Although the camping there was not massive fun. The great acts, good times and memories created out weighed all of that. That is the part that makes me want to get involved with it again. It is crazy how a dairy farm in Pilton is totally transformed in to a temporary home. For one hundred and eighty thousand people and the who’s who of the music industry. But anyway I wasn’t there this year but I did watch a few of the performances on television.

The first one I caught was Madness on the Saturday afternoon. They were performing at an American Football game. That I was working at last year at Wembley Stadium. So I got to hear them sound checking with just a small handful of people. Which was brilliant. They sounded great. And they really do have that unique sound. So you instantly know it is them.

I thought they did a great job at Glastonbury. Suggs was in his element messing about on stage in front of that many people. And as any band should at a Festival. They banged out all the big hits. Top work from a top band. A couple of year’s ago and went and saw Suggs’s one man show at The Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury. That was also a really funny and very entertaining night.

The next performance I saw was from the Saturday night headliner Adele. I know many people felt that she was an odd choice to close the first day of the weekend. But she is an exceptionally talented and very popular singer. Who has won many many awards. She is renowned for putting on great live shows. She is a massive Glastonbury fan. Who has been going there since she was a young girl.

And lastly she is a Tottenham Hotspur fan. All of those things meant that she was an obvious and excellent choice for this slot. As far as I am concerned.

I thought that she was absolutely brilliant. For starters that singing voice of her’s is just sensational. She has a real presence, warmth, and connection with the audience. When she is on stage. Plus that back catalogue of songs. That she already has, is phenomenal. She is seemingly so down to earth to.

Her interaction with the crowd is just so relaxed. Not least her language. I think it is fair to say she swears a bit. In fact I think she may swear more on stage. Than any other artist I have ever seen. She got several people up from the crowd to have photos taken with her. She went down and chatted to the fans in between songs. She was so chilled and very happy to pose for photographs and selfies!

What I think I am saying is that I might be a little bit in love with her. I bet she is great fun on a night out. Not to mention a bit useful to have around for some Karaoke. The way she talks to the audience and then launches in to great songs.

She is a bit like a one women modern day version of the Rat Pack. I thought it was brilliant how she ended her performance. By finishing her last song, saying “see you later” as she picked up the pint of cider she was drinking and slowly headed of stage. Genius. Great gig by a super talented and lovely person.

Neil Quigley TV Radio & Live — Neil Quigley TV, Radio & Live

It has become a tradition to have a “legends” act on the Pyramid Stage on the Sunday Afternoon. The two times that I was there. This slot was filled by Shirley Bassey and Neil Diamond. Shirley came on stage in an evening gown and diamond covered wellingtons and belted out all her biggest hits.

And the American came on in normal stage attire and played all his biggest songs. As you can imagine “Sweet Caroline” was quite the sing-a-long that day. This year it was Jeff Lynne’s ELO who were playing. He is another cool cat who is pretty chilled and relaxed on stage between the songs it is fair to say.

As you would expect from a man of his calibre. There was nothing missing from his set at all. All the big hits brilliantly delivered. I think my favourite bit was when he played Mr Blue Sky. The whole of Glastonbury was singing and dancing along in the pouring rain. Which kind of sums up the festival for me. It is all about forgetting what is happening around you and just losing yourself in the music and in the moment. Then the last thing I saw was Coldplay, closing the whole thing.

Neil Quigley with The Beatles — Neil Quigley

I thought they put on a fantastic show. And you could tell that they were in the middle of a big stadium tour. By how slick and good their performance was. It sounded and looked great watching at home on the television. I like the way they got their kids on stage for one of the songs. Nice to share the amazing experience of playing to such a big crowd with the family. And it will certainly give them all something to remember.

The interaction with the organiser Michael Eavis was something different. Plus as I was watching I was saying that unusually there were not any real surprise guests this time. When they suddenly brought out Barry Gibb from the Bee Gees. To do a few songs with them.

And then just when you thought things could not get any weirder. They decide to bring out Michael Eavis to sing My Way. I have not seen any official announcement. But when that happened I was thinking that was his sign off from being the man in charge. And that the baton would now very much be passed to his daughter Emily. She has been getting more and more involved with things every year. So that would make sense. I enjoyed my little slice of Glastonbury. And who knows I may even find myself up to my knees in mud. While enjoying live music in a field in Somerset for the festival next year.

The less said about England’s exit from the Euro 2016 Football Championships the better I think. Let me just say that the performance against Iceland was disappointing, to say the least. Unfortunately none of the players involved in that game came out with any credit. We got what we deserved from the game.

Sad to see Roy Hodgson depart as England Manager. I have met him and I do really like him. But I think he has taken the team as far as he can. Trouble is there is no obvious replacement. But on wards and up wards. Let us look to the future and not to the past.

Well done to Wales for making it to the Semi-finals of their first tournament since nineteen fifty-eight. After England went out everyone was trying to find something that made them Welsh, so they still had a team to support.

The best I could do is the fact that I once spent a week on a caravan holiday in Tenby with my cousin. Which I believe qualified me to be Welsh for ninety minutes. To support them against Portugal. Sadly it did not happen for them on the night. But they can all be proud of what they achieved. Together we are stronger is possibly a mantra, we could all use currently.

Last Sunday it was the final day of this year’s Henley Royal Regatta. I have worked at a couple and had a great time there last year. So I went along to catch up with my mate and former Regatta Radio colleague George Thomas.

After stopping off at a well known supermarket to get some food we then headed down to the Thames to catch some of the action. Last year I watched some of the racing from the river. This year we found a nice spot on the river bank to eat our food and watch the competitors go by.

While we were there I got to witness the great Mahe Drysdale the current Olympic Champion fly past me. We then had a walk to the start of the course to have a look round. And while I was there. As I am always one to support local business’s. I did treat myself to a nice pint of beer from the Rebellion Brewery. Who are based in Marlow. It is fair to say I am a big fan of their work. I had a lovely afternoon.

There is something so very English about the Regatta. The atmosphere is great. It is all good fun. And I am already planning to go there for a bit longer next time.

Last night I went to the ITV London Studios on the South Bank to see an episode of Mr & Mrs being recorded. It is always great seeing the master Mr Phillip Schofield in action in a studio. He is just so good and so consistent. Despite the madness going on around him. He rarely makes any mistakes or has to do anything again. One take wonder. He is a legend. Although he did get the giggles at one point.

The couples on the show were, Emmerdale’s Adam Thomas and his wife Claire. From Strictly Come Dancing Kevin and Karen Clifton. Dad’s Army and Eastenders star Ian Lavender and his wife Michelle. It was a fun night. All the pairs were very entertaining. And all revealed way too much about their personal and home lives.

My favourite couple were Kevin and Karen. as I am a big fan of the show they appear on. They do seem perfectly suited. They are both a little bit crazy. But in a fun and a safe way.

Some of the expressions Karen pulled were amazing. Not sure when the series will be shown. But I suspect it will be some time in September. Keep an eye out for it. It is well worth a watch.

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.

Having A Laugh

July 11, 2015 Neil

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you have had a good couple of weeks. Mine have been great with lots of fun things going on. They have mostly, as ever it seems nowadays revolved around television and comedy. Which is always fine with me. My holiday now just seems like a distant memory. It is weird how soon you just settle back in to your normal routine and normal life after a nice break away. Luckily the weather here has been pretty good. So that has made the transition from being away in a hot country to being back at home in England a lot easier to deal with.

I was back at the ITV London Studios on the South Bank the other Monday to watch an episode of the new series of Mr & Mrs being filmed there. I am a big fan of the show. As it always makes me laugh and because sometimes you are more likely to find out a lot more about certain celebrities than you would on a chat show. Specially if their partners reveal something that may be they shouldn’t. Which does seem to happen quite a lot, I have noticed. I was delighted to finally get to see Phillip Schofield in person, working his magic in the studio. He is such a hugely talented presenter.

During the whole recording he did not stumble or trip over any words, while reading off the auto cue, the question cards or even just when talking to the contestants. At one point an old lady in the audience dropped her walking stick, while he was talking. He just paused, politely asked if she was all right. Then repeated the line perfectly just as he had the first time around. He is the ultimate professional and so good at what he does. He makes it look so easy and so effortless. And let us not forget that by this point in the day. He had already done two and an half hours of live TV on This Morning and also recorded another episode of Mr & Mrs earlier in the afternoon. The man is a legend.

The celebrities on the show I was watching were Carl Fogarty, Alex Brooker and Vernie Bennett from the band Eternal. I was supporting Carl Fogarty and his wife. As I have met him and interviewed him before and because he is a top bloke. Plus I know he is hugely competitive, so I figured he would be very keen to do well. I obviously can’t tell you what happened. You will have to wait until the show has been on television to find who won and how all the couples got on.

I will say it was very entertaining and you will certainly learn things about all of them. I guarantee that you will not have known before. It was all good fun and it was of course played in very good spirits. And remember that all the couples are playing for money for their respected charities. So we can enjoy watching it, while knowing some worthwhile causes are benefiting from our entertainment.

A couple of Sunday’s ago I went to the Family Fun Day at Windsor Race Course with my friends and their children. Before the day’s racing got started we went and visited the fairground area, so the kids could play on some of the rides and have a bit of fun. Although one of my mate’s, three year old son was actually a lot more interested in the racing itself rather than any of the rides or amusements on offer. I think he may take after his dad a little bit there. I just hope he grows up to be a better gambler.

It was a very enjoyable afternoon not least because I did manage to pick a couple of winners. In fact all of our party had at least one winner each. So we all came away happy. I am looking forward to going back there for the Irish Music Night on Monday 27th July. It is a lovely little course and always a good day or evening out.

The other Wednesday I was back at the Museum of Comedy seeing a couple of top shows. The first one was a preview of the brilliant James Acaster’s new Edinburgh Festival Show, which will also be the same one he will be touring later this year. He has been short listed for the best comedy show at the Fringe for his previous shows in 2012 and 2013. And having seen this year’s offering. I think he has to be in with a shout of achieving that status again this year.

It is very funny, very clever and extremely well put together. He is still at the stage where he is putting the finishing touches to it. So he was still trying out some new bits and playing with some of the material to see if he could get any more out of it at certain parts. He was great. And we are, I reckon going to continue to see more of him on our television screens over the next couple of years.

The Museum of Comedy has a small performance room called the Tommy Cooper Room. Which holds round about sixty people. A lot of comedians use it as a place to do quite low key gigs to try out new jokes or hone material for tours. In front of a fairly small and cosy audience. The second show that I saw I only found out about the day before. It was quite a last minute thing. And I was delighted to be able to get in and see it. In this small room. I got to witness the comedy giant that is Michael McIntyre do an hour’s work in progress gig. He is getting ready for the massive arena tour that he will be doing later in the year.

But there are still jokes that he has written. That he thinks might still be good enough to include in the tour. He has some new stuff he has written that he might want to add in. And also parts of the existing show, that he might like to expand by adding some more funny bits or lines to them. This was the aim of the show that I was watching.

If this was sixty minutes of the material that he was not totally sure about. The actual Arena shows will be amazing. As I do not think I stopped laughing the whole time that he was on stage. He was very honest and upfront about what he was doing. He was not wearing his now trademark very smart suit and bright shirt. In fact he was even wearing his glasses. Which made for a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the room.

Apart from that though he was everything you would expect him to be. Firstly very very funny. He just has that instant rapport with the audience. And was giving us, kind of directors notes as he was writing things down and telling us what he was doing and even what he was adding. I found watching this process totally fascinating. Seeing how a true professional does this and how hard he works to make sure everything is perfect and the best it can possibly be. If you have tickets to see his tour, trust me you are in for a brilliant time.

It is clear he is doing pretty well for himself though. I have seen a lot of comedians play at the Museum of Comedy. You normally see them come in the front door on the way in and leave the same way as the audience to get the tube on the way out. Michael McIntyre used the stage door behind the stage to get in and out. And he even had his own chauffeur driven car with blacked out back and side passenger windows waiting outside to take him home.

Another reason I really like him is because he like me is a Tottenham Hotspur fan. So I wish him all the best with the upcoming tour. Although he will not need it. It is going to be hilarious. He is just a machine for coming up with new and very clever day to day observational comedy.

While we are talking about comedy. The Tringe Festival is still on at the moment. With lots of brilliant performers coming down to Hertfordshire to play The Court Theatre in Tring. Most of these gigs will be previews for upcoming Edinburgh Festival or future Tour shows. But they will all be good fun and if you have never been to one of these shows. Do go along. The organisers and audiences are all great. Comedian’s who will be playing before the Tringe ends on Saturday 25th July include Josh Widdicome, Ed Byrne, Arthur Smith, Sara Pascoe and Patrick Kielty.

To find out more about this year’s gigs click the link here Tringe Festival. I made my comedy debut at the Roving Comedy Night at the Tringe three years ago. If you want to see my very first set recorded live at the Black Horse in Tring. You will find it on the videos page on here.

I went to the Pinewood Studios for the first time the other week. Not to appear in a new Star Wars film or to play a spy in a James Bond movie but to a recording of the Sky One programme Duck Quacks Don’t Echo. I have done some filming as part of an experiment for this series but it was not one of the ones used at the show I was at. So I still have not seen what that looks like yet. Lee Mack is the host and he was great, very funny and entertaining. Just as I had expected and hoped he would be. As I am a big fan of his work.

The panel for this episode included John Humphrys and Ed Byrne. Both were very amusing in their own ways. John seems to have an unexpected relationship with and view on animals. While Ed is just funny with his jokes and his observations. It was good fun. And while I was there I learned a few facts that I didn’t know. And also confirmed some that I did.

One thing I did find out through a test that they did in the studio. Is that I have the hearing range of a twenty four year old. Which as someone who has spent a lot of time wearing headphones usually with the volume up quite high. I was pretty surprised about, to be honest. The series should go out sometime in the autumn. So keep an eye out for it and of course for my small cameo appearance in it.

I did manage to get outside and enjoy the weather and enjoy a bit of sunshine last Thursday. Normally around this time of year I am working with the great team at Regatta Radio to bring the Henley Royal Regatta to the airwaves for the race goers and people unable to get to the riverbank to enjoy it. But this year the station has taken a year off.

It is fully expected to return next year and hopefully I will once again be involved with it. I am generally based in the studio, so do not get to see any of the action. But as I was not working this year when I attended Henley. I did for the very first time get to see some of the racing. I met up with some of the Regatta Radio team there.

Firstly for a couple drinks at one of the many bar areas along the side of the course. In doing this I managed to support a local brewery. One who I am shall we say familiar with their work. So I enjoyed a couple of pints of beer supplied by the Rebellion Brewery from Marlow. Then the evening got even better. As we then had a nice boat ride for about two hours up and down the side of the famous Thames rowing course.

So we got to see all the rowing action from the last session of the day from on the river. The sun was out, the sky was blue, Henley looked lovely and we were enjoying a picnic while watching the racing. I have certainly had worse ends to the day. It was really nice to catch up with everyone. I look forward to hopefully working with them again next year. I am so lucky sometimes with the things I get to do and enjoy.

Last Saturday at the ITV Studios in London I had an audition to be a contestant on a brand new ITV Game Show. That is going to be recorded shortly. I do not know if I will be selected to be on the show or not at the moment. Also I can’t say any more about it at this stage. What I can say is that I had a fun afternoon and it was nice meeting some of the producers behind it. I think I might be able to let you know if I do get on the show but even if I do I will not be able to say anything else about it until it has been shown on the television. But I will tell you when it will be on, I promise.

Have fun and we will catch up again in a couple of weeks. Cheers Neil.

Neil Quigley Presenter