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Perhaps you'll learn more about me as you read my blog. For anyone who translates my blog using the translator facility, don't forget if you wish to read the comments in your own language to click on the title of the post down the left hand side otherwise they will remain in english. Also I assume that the translation is accurate but I don't know, so please allow for errors.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Oh No It Isn't, Oh Yes It Is...

I'm not saying that all that is available on the World Wide Web can be trusted and that errors do not exist but generally it is possible to check out what is fact or fiction.

Therefore if you have access to the net, you can often find answer quickly to something that has puzzled for years or just "popped into your head"

I came across an advertiseent for a pantomime taking place in a town called Consett situated in the North East of England. Forgive me if I admit I have never really thought about it much or whether it has a thriving arts set up.

So when I saw that Cinderella is being staged at the Empire Theatre that surprised me especially when I then went on to read that the three main "Stars" in this production are Mike Sarne, Billie Davis and Alistair Divall.

Who?

Well, what do I know...though I class myself as pretty up on my knowledge of entertainment even I get caught out. I found myself saying these are in a pantomime and what a come down from their careers when they were at their peak. What have they been doing since then?

Its wrong to think this because many performers do keep working and manage to make a living.

Just because they are not on tv does not mean that they are no longer in the business or died.

But I think what set me off on the above thoughts was that Alistair's credit above his name is "From ITV's Keynotes"

That was one of those quiz shows that used to be on ITV around 9.30am weekdays following TV-am along with Lucky Ladders, Chain Letters, Crosswits, Win, Lose or Draw, Runway and others. But this goes back to 1991.

As far as I know I have never ever seen him on television since, well that was until maybe a month ago when I found him doing one of those satellite commercials. So to be living off a reputation of a quiz show few saw or probably remember, I thought how sad.

Well, of course we usually think of success in the terms of national exposure but often some have a great career and a reasonable living working in a particular region.

His biography says that he presented a four hour weekly talk show for LBC Radio, and hosted a live independent Radio road show to audiences of 1000 plus with on air links, phone-ins and competitions.

Alistair is also in great demand in the corporate market - having fronted videos for blue chip clients like, BT, British Airways, Microsoft, Vauxhall, Boots, Peugeot and Littlewoods. Hosting live events, road shows and pantomime appearances.

He has also presented Weekend plus, Anglia's weekly magazine programme.

What's on for HTV.

Of course this does not say how long ago we are talking of. However you can hire him and a site that arranges this is quoting a price range from £ 2000 - £4000.
Mike Sarne, I admit to knowing that he did some acting in the 1960's and for singing Come Outside a hit of the 60's with Wendy Richard. That's the end of my knowledge but again I discover that...he is described as a film director.

He has directed a number of films. Most notably Myra Breckinridge(1970)starring Raquel Welch, Rex Reed and Mae West. I have never seen it and yet seem to remember it was not a hit though talked about.

In the mid 1960s he introduced the ITV children's quiz series, Junior Criss Cross Quiz. That I certainly did not know.

Billie Davis is the pop star once known for songs such as Angel In The Morning and she has her own website and fanclub. Has been touring successfully and appearing with Jet Harris(an original member of The Shadows who backed Cliff Richard)and she is busy writing her autobiography.

So from such small things its amazing what you find yourself suddenly researching and discover about people you had forgotten.

And why shouldn't Consett have a pantomime, it will probably very good and after all if Billingham can have one...

3 Comments:

Blogger ja said...

Excellent article Gildy, liked your description of the web at the start.

p.s. a link to my blog is below. Feel free to comment as little or as much you like (message to all). Gildy, can I add a link to your blog on mine. Thanks in advance. http://cyber-hangout.blogspot.com

11 November 2006 at 17:21  
Blogger The Great Gildersleeve said...

Ja,
I'd been honoured to be linked to your blog.

I really could do with perhaps rearranging my links etc...

There must be a way I can tidy things up perhaps that could mean choosing another template?

I will add your blog's link to Rupe's as I am sure she'd like to have access to your blog too.

Thanks...

G

11 November 2006 at 17:42  
Blogger ja said...

Gildy, thanks. Feel free to add the link elsewhere as you see fit. Yes, its possible to change the template and also customise it. If you need any assistance, leave a message on my blog at anytime.

11 November 2006 at 18:55  

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