Sixtyplusurfers Interview
Dee Anderson
Interview by Jenny Itzcovitz
Dee Anderson has an impressive and extensive acting and singing career, appearing on the stage, television and also singing jazz in many top venues.
The daughter of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, creators of Thunderbirds, she presents the chat show, The Wonderbirds and has her own website, GloTIMEtv.
We caught up with Dee to find out more about her career and accomplishments. And to get her words of wisdom about feeling youthful, happy and fulfilled.
Can you tell us about yourself and where you come from?
“I am a mother, grandmother, singer, presenter, producer and actress. I was born in Mississippi, USA, but brought up in the UK.”
Your parents, Gerry and Sylvia Anderson were the creators of the Thunderbirds TV series in 1965. I very much enjoyed it as a child, and it must have been exciting for you as well. Did you ever get a chance to visit the set and watch the puppets in action? And did you have any involvement?
“I visited the set and the studio in Slough on the trading estate many times, it was quite fascinating although I probably didn’t appreciate it fully at the time. But looking back, it was ground-breaking and quite incredible.
“I put the creative aspect of all of my parents’ programmes down to my mum mainly, although both Gerry and Sylvia together made magic. They also had an awesome team.”
The character of Lady Penelope with her FAB-1 pink car and beautiful outfits was very charismatic. I particularly admired how strong and independent she seemed and how the other characters warmed to her. How was she created? And what are your thoughts on her popularity in the show?
“My mother created the character and directed Mary Turner who sculpted her. The resemblance between Lady Penelope and my mother was remarkable, and she told me that she based the shape of her eyes on mine when I was young.”
What inspired you to go to acting school and become an actress?
“I was always encouraged to sing and perform as a child, particularly by my grandparents.
“It seemed the only way to go really, but I did have to win a scholarship to Drama School as my parents were sceptical about me entering such a precarious profession.”
You have appeared in many iconic television shows such as The Bill, London’s Burning, Midsomer Murders and many more. What do you enjoy most about acting in TV drama and can you share any special moments?
“My credits extend as far back as the seventies, when I appeared in TV dramas and BBC Playhouse productions. I worked with legendary actors and directors and enjoyed every moment.
“I also toured in theatre productions and appeared in the West End in the Elvis show and Oh Boy, a fifties revival show in the eighties which transferred to TV.
“I have also performed with bands and in musicals, having a strong singing voice.”
You were in the ground-breaking 1970’s drama ‘Within These Walls’, set in a women’s prison, with Googie Withers. Can you tell us more about the programme and the part that you played? And what it meant to you to play such a powerful role?
“It was based on a true story about a middle-class girl who got involved with a revolutionary group of protestors who activated a bomb. She was innocent but made a scapegoat and sentenced to life imprisonment. She then committed suicide, or that is how it seemed.
“I had to dig deep to try to get in touch with the character, and it seemed she was heavily drugged by the authorities to sedate her as she was highly strung. It covered a lot of controversial issues.”
You are also an accomplished theatre actress and have appeared in many top shows and plays. What have been your favourites?
“The best part I played on stage ended up as a TV drama, and was based on the comic Rob Wilton, played by Ken MacDonald. I was his sidekick and was on stage with him for around an hour and a half.
“We toured it up and down the country before it was picked up. It was intensive but I learned a lot about timing and how to deliver comedy.”
You are a talented singer songwriter and have toured and appeared in key jazz venues. What do you enjoy most about singing and performing?
“My most favourite experiences have been in jazz venues such as Pizza Express and Pizza on the Park. I write a lot of my own songs and get great satisfaction from singing. It really is my favourite thing.
“I was voted best newcomer in 2007 but had already been singing all my life. But it was lovely to be recognised, and I recently rekindled my career and have been mentored and coached by the iconic David Grant, who has encouraged me to get out there as he feels I have a lot to offer.
“It was wonderful coming from him and Carrie, his wife who has also been a tower of strength. David has told me to do a five year goal, culminating at a very large venue like the Albert Hall. So watch this space!”
What has been your favourite venue and performance? And why was it special to you?
“Pizza on the Park was an amazing venue for me because I had a special night when the place lit up and became alive. Perhaps the moon was in the right place or there was some sort of magic around because it was electric, and the audience were cheering and standing up to applause.
“I think sometimes there are special occasions when everything falls into place and the zeitgeist is in full flow. I can’t take full responsibility for it, because I feel I am just a conduit for music sometimes, but it is certainly my soul project.”
You created The Wonderbirds Show in 2020 with your friends Debbie Arnold, Sherrie Hewson and Harriet Thorpe. Can you tell us about the show, its format, and some of the guests who have appeared?
“It is a celebrity chat show, and we have had some superb guests, icons such as Suzi Quatro, Bonnie Tyler, Chris de Burgh, Brenda Blethyn, the late Paul O’Grady, Gok Wan, Sanjeev Bhaskar, and all the soap stars.
“We are just about to launch a Beauty Show with Debbie McGee on the same platform and have been offered our own channel.”
I understand you are involved with fund raising for numerous charities including GOSH, Barnardos and CLIC. You host the annual Silver Screen Ball at Pinewood Studios for Great Ormond Street Hospital. And have your own charity, Music Across the World. Can you tell us a bit about this and what you have achieved?
“I host a lot of fund-raising events. Mainly for Great Ormond Street Hospital as my granddaughter has suffered with leukaemia for many years. Without such charities, the research would not exist, and we are extremely grateful for their dedication.”
You have your own online lifestyle magazine www.glotime.tv which was launched in 2014 and includes articles, videos, interviews, holistic and alternative health advice, and treatments. How did you create it, and what do you enjoy most about running it?
“I get a chance to exercise my writing skills and enjoy giving new writers and creatives a platform, as well as making a difference with advice and guidance.”
Over the years you must have met and performed with some wonderful people. What has meant the most to you? And what are you most proud of?
“I loved working with Lulu and enjoyed being her backing singer for a couple of years. I also worked with the late great Peter Skellern and performed with him for a TV series he had written.
“I appeared opposite Adam Faith in Alfie, a revival in the eighties, and loved working with the legendary, Alan Parker who was a superb Director.”
Have you collected any interesting souvenirs from the Thunderbirds or as part of your acting career? What is the story behind them?
“I have a Lady Penelope made from the original mould and some wonderful books and pictures signed and written by my mother.
“I also have an original Blue Peter badge as I appeared on the show when playing Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
What are your hobbies and interests aside from work and acting?
“I have a fabulous family with a daughter and four grandchildren, so my most enjoyable interests revolve around them.
“They all have such huge talents, and one is an avid creator of animated characters. I wonder who he takes after. I love playing with them, we all write scripts together as I want them to feel anything is possible.”
What are your secrets for staying youthful and keeping happy and fulfilled?
“Helping other people keeps you young and is the best medicine. I always feel that if I help others, I am actually giving to myself too without doing it for that reason.
“I believe in Karma and know that it may take the scenic route but gets there in the end.”
Do you have a special message for Sixtyplusurfers readers?
“Life is for living and continue to take risks, as it keeps you active and remember to stay in touch with family and make new friends.
“Yes, age is just a number, embrace it as every year is a gift. It is never too late to learn an instrument or to start painting or write a novel.
“Live in the present, as that is what it is.”
Visit The Wonderbirds at www.amazingwonderbirds.com
Lucy Porter Tour
Lucy Porter Tours
with No Regrets
Lucy Porter is set to embark on a national tour from this September, with her brand new show – all about regrets.
Frank Sinatra had too few regrets to mention, but Lucy’s got hundreds, and she’s prepared to go into graphic detail about all of them. Disastrous dates, professional calamities, ruined friendships and parenting fails. ‘No Regrets’ sees Lucy reveal all the mistakes she’s made, works out why they happened, and ponders how her life would have turned out if she’d acted differently.
Lucy will also look at the thoughts and actions we might all collectively regret – not sticking to the work-life balance we strove for during lockdown, not realising that clapping for the NHS wouldn’t be enough to save it, allowing people we thought were quite fun on TV to become politicians.
How does regret tie in with guilt and shame? As a middle-aged, middle-class, left-leaning ex-Catholic, guilt is one of Lucy’s top five hobbies (along with going to the garden centre, doing jigsaws, making bread and watching subtitled foreign dramas on Netflix. She’s also ashamed of all these hobbies.)
It’s not all negative though. If you regret something, you can use it to change your ways: see the thing you regret as your rock bottom, and let it spur you on to become a better person. Lucy looks at how she can use shameful or annoying elements from her past to change her future.
Lucy regrets volunteering at the school fete when her kids were younger, because now she’s committed to being the Hook a Duck Lady twice a year for the rest of her life. So maybe this is a life lesson – and maybe she could learn to say “no” a bit more? And maybe 2024 could be the year where she finally, genuinely has No Regrets.
Lucy Porter is an established comedian, actress, writer, voiceover artist and podcaster. She is a regular face on our television screens, both with her acting work and many appearances on some of the UK’s most beloved panel shows. She’s appeared on QI with both Sandi and Stephen hosting, she’s been on Mock The Week, Have I Got News for You, and Would I Lie to You.
Lucy’s acting work includes a stint in BBC1’s Eastenders as well as the stage version of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest in Edinburgh and London.
Lucy’s big passion is quizzing – she hosts the successful Podcast ‘Fingers on Buzzers’ alongside Jenny Ryan AKA The Chase’s Vixen, they have also recently released their debut quiz book. Lucy has achieved some personal quizzing goals by bringing home a Pointless trophy and becoming the Celebrity Mastermind ‘Champion of Champions’.
Lucy’s dulcet tones are regularly heard on BBC Radio 4. She’s starred in her own series “In the Family Way” and is a regular voice on The News Quiz, The Now Show, The Unbelievable Truth and Just a Minute. Lucy is a keen student of comedy history and is on the board of Bristol’s annual Slapstick Festival.
For further information and tickets visit www.boundandgaggedcomedy.com
Easter at Kentwell Hall
Easter at Kentwell Hall
The Easter weekend is one of our most popular weekends of the year at Kentwell Hall in Long Melford, Suffolk with family-friendly Eastertide activities in the manor house and acres of gardens and woodland to explore outside between 29th March and 1st April (11am-5pm).
Around the manor, you will encounter the recreated Tudor living history characters who can tell you about their daily life and how they spent Easter. You will also be able to ‘meet Victorians’ in the stable yard at Cratchit’s Cottage.
Families can join the Egghead’s Challenge. An egg-hunt for all ages to enjoy together searching for huge wooden eggs (and others), older children may set to work using the letters on the eggs to crack the code and resolve the challenge; the winner will receive the huge Kentwell Egg to take home.
There’s also a variety of games with eggs including egg rolling, egg and spoon races and egg throwing, while there is an I-Spy Tail for younger children and a Storybook Trail in varied settings in the gardens.
Amongst the many things to see around the manor will be the new born lambs out enjoying spring’s fresh grass along with the swathes of golden daffodils and spring flowers. It’s a lovely time to see the gardens as their winter starkness is being banished. The tearoom will also be open all day for lunch and afternoon tea.
Take advantage of the reduced online pre-booking rate and arrive any time from opening at 11am until last entry at 2.30pm. Tickets will also be sold at the gate on the day at a small price increase.
Online tickets are priced at adults £20.80, seniors over 65 £19.95; children 8-15 £15.90; 4-7 years £7.15; family £64.65 (2+2) under 3s free.
For details visit www.kentwell.co.uk
Raby Castle in Spring
Raby Castle in Spring
Opening in spring 2024, Raby Castle brings a new visitor experience to the home of Lord and Lady Barnard in captivating County Durham in the North of England. Known as The Rising it will be the largest development in generations at this 14th century family home and the next chapter in the fascinating history of Raby Castle.
Historic and iconic buildings have been renovated and repurposed to create elegant retail space, a stylish restaurant and magnificent exhibition spaces all intertwined with beautifully landscaped meandering walkways to create the perfect day out.
The historic 18th century Walled Garden has been remodelled by world renowned designer Luciano Giubbilei alongside Lady Barnard. They have created a stunning five-acre romantic scheme to celebrate the Walled Garden’s existing features, including the famous sculptural yew hedges.
Visitors will receive a warm welcome at The Round House, a newly constructed building that will be a ticketing and information reception where visitors can discover all that can be enjoyed at Raby Park, Gardens and Castle as well as the wider Estate including High Force Waterfall.
For details click on www.raby.co.uk
Marty Wilde Birthday Tour
Marty Wilde 85th Birthday Tour
Exactly 65 years since he first topped the pop charts, Marty Wilde releases new music for his 85th Birthday, alongside a 20-Date Greatest Hits UK Tour
National treasure, and recently celebrated by the Official Chart Company as the first ever artist to have had chart success over 8-decades, the original pop-icon and heart-throb, Marty Wilde, announces the release of his new single ‘Two Eyes Streaming’ on 19th April, as he celebrates his 85th birthday in that very same week.
Marty releases this single from his new EP of the same name ‘Two Eyes Streaming; the EP is released simultaneously on the same day. Marty will also be hitting the road for a string of 20 live dates in his Greatest Hits Tour 2024, including a special homecoming gig, as the boy from Blackheath returns to The Blackheath Halls, for one night only.
“What a career I’ve had,” smiles Marty, “Bounding into those early UK pop charts when I was just a kid at the age of 19, with chart toppers such as ‘Sea of Love’, ‘Teenager In Love’ and ‘Bad Boy’, who’d have known that I’d still be here making music and touring 65 years on.
“It’s been an incredible journey, especially as I’ve had my wonderful wife Joyce alongside me, and of course the success my kids Kim and Ricky had in the industry too, as well as my youngest daughter, Roxanne, who also has her own music career. It feels as if we’re the Waltons of music – and it’s amazing.”
The EP is Marty’s love letter to the world, touching on poignant moments of love across his 85 years. A divine, gentle down-tempo ballad, the single, ‘Two Eyes Streaming’, showcases Marty Wilde’s distinct vocals, that fast became the trade mark of his success, and paints the emotion of love from the perspective of a young 5 year old Marty, who’s missing his dad.
Other moments of love across the EP include ‘Elvis’ – Marty’s heart-felt tribute to the star he desperately misses, and live versions of ‘Danny’, the omitted King Creole track from Elvis and ‘Running Together’, the family song Marty recorded with his daughters Kim & Roxy Wilde, and released during lockdown.
“My 85th year, so it was important to me that this EP reflected back on my life – my poignant moments of love. The title track ‘Two Eyes Streaming’ is about memories of missing my dad when he had to go away, when I was a nipper.
“When I became a dad myself, I realised just how much my dad would have hated leaving the family too. That’s why I chose a personal family photo of me, mum and dad for the cover artwork,” says Marty.
“It’s a sad emotion, but it comes from a place of extreme love. That’s what I wanted everyone to feel when they hear this song.”
From his teen heart-throb chart days of the 50s and 60s, and his song-writing success for the likes of Status Quo, Lulu, Snowpatrol, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones, right through to his pennings for Brit Award winning daughter, Kim Wilde throughout the 80s, and his own chart success as his ‘Dreamboats & Petticoats Presents: The Very Best of Marty Wilde’ shot to No7 in the UK album chart in 2019 – Marty Wilde has proven that he’s a stalwart within the industry.
Marty has remained strong from the start of the teen pop revolution, right through to the present day. The release of his latest album ‘Running Together’ in 2020 took him into a new decade and scooped him the record-breaking crown of officially becoming the first of his pop peers to have chart success across x8 decades.
Now Marty Wilde proves that he’s still going strong with the release of his new single, ‘Two Eyes Streaming’, which is the lead track from his new EP of fresh original of the same name.
The single ‘Two Eyes Streaming’ is released on Pushka Records/Right Track/Universal on 19th April 2024. The new EP ‘Two Eyes Streaming’ is released on the same day.
For more information about Marty Wilde visit www.martywilde.com
Clive Anderson Tour
Clive Anderson Seven Wonders Tour
If you could choose your own personal Seven Wonders of the World, what would they be? the host of Whose Line Is It Anyway, Talks Back and Loose Ends, Clive Anderson, is set to embark on a tour with the live version of his hit podcast My Seven Wonders.
The show is a live version of his hit podcast format, in which he invites different guests daily to choose their own personal wonders of the world – his previous guests have included Shaparak Khorsandi, Stephen Fry and Dara O’Brian.
Nothing is off-limits, with interviewees able to choose anything and everything – from unbelievable culinary delights to spectacular spots around the world, to people they admire. Each guest guides us through the why, the how and when of their seven passions.
An award-winning and versatile broadcaster and comedy writer, Anderson found success with stand-up comedy and script writing (even during his 15-year legal career!), before rising to fame as the host of Whose Line Is It Anyway? on radio and then television, earning him the 1991 British Comedy Award. Anderson spearheaded through ten series of Clive Anderson Talks Back (Channel 4) and four series of Clive Anderson All Talk (BBC 1).
Far from being a stranger to our TV screens, he made many guest appearances on shows such as Have I Got News For You, QI, Mock the Week, Countdown and Fighting Talk, as well as presenting several other TV and radio programmes.
Clive Anderson has also hosted a range of other top programmes covering current affairs, sport, science, history, music, art, and literature, including two seasons of Mystic Britain in 2019.
He currently presents Loose Ends and Unreliable Evidence (both BBC Radio 4). Clive has presented a number of live events and award ceremonies for BAFTA, LondonEvening Standard, Chortle, and the Olivier Awards in London and overseas. Clive Anderson’s much acclaimed performance in Whose Line Is It Anyway? won him a BAFTA award in 1990.
And then a year later, he won both the Top Entertainment Presenter and Top Radio Comedy Personality awards at the British Comedy Awards.
For tickets to see Clive Anderson Seven Wonders visit www.socomedy.co.uk
Sixtyplusurfers Competition
Win Wingspan and Ticket to Ride Europe
Sixtyplusurfers has teamed up with Asmodee to offer one lucky reader the chance to win Wingspan and Ticket to Ride Europe.
Wingspan is the cult hit strategy game from Stonemaier games, one of the only board games to be designed by a woman, Elizabeth Hargrave and winner of the card game of the year award 2020.
Gaming meets nature as players seek to attract the best birds to their network of wildlife preserves. Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations to one of a players habitats.
Players must win points by drafting cards and crafting combinations of bird abilities to get ahead, whilst also growing their habitats with each round.
Gain food tokens, lay eggs with egg miniatures, or play cards from the draw of hundreds of unique bird cards to grow and shape your habitat. The player with the most points at the end of the four rounds, wins.
A flyaway success, Wingspan has been hailed for its blend of strategy, educational value and stunning visuals. The game features 170 cards all with unique artwork, illustrated by Beth Sobel, Natalia Rojas, and Ana Maria Martinez.
Whether you are a nature enthusiast, seasoned gamer or looking for a new way to connect with friends and family, Wingspan offers a unique experience that will leave you chirping with delight.
Wingspan is suitable for ages 10+ for 2-5 players. RRP is £59.00.
Ticket to Ride Europe takes you on a new train adventure across Europe. From Edinburgh to Constantinople and from Lisbon to Moscow, you’ll visit great cities of turn-of-the-century Europe.
Like the original Ticket to Ride, the game remains elegantly simple, can be learned in 5 minutes, and appeals to both families and experienced gamers. Ticket to Ride: Europe is a complete, new game and does not require the original version.
More than just a new map, Ticket to Ride: Europe features brand new gameplay elements. Tunnels may require you to pay extra cards to build on them, Ferries require locomotive cards in order to claim them, and Stations allow you to sacrifice a few points in order to use an opponent’s route to connect yours. The game also includes larger format cards and Train Station game pieces.
The overall goal remains the same. Collect and play train cards in order to place your pieces on the board, attempting to connect cities on your ticket cards. Points are earned both from placing trains and completing tickets, but uncompleted tickets lose you points. The player who has the most points at the end of the game wins.
Ticket to Ride Europe is suitable for ages 8+ for 2-5 players. RRP is £44.99.
For more information about Asmodee visit www.asmodee.co.uk
For Your Chance to Win
Tell us which animals are players aiming to attract
to their network of wildlife preserves in Wingspan?
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d) Butterflies
To Enter the Competition
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UK Tour of Cluedo 2
Ellie Leach Stars
as Miss Scarlet
Ellie Leach debuts as Miss Scarlet
Ellie Leach, the reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing, will make her stage acting debut as Miss Scarlett in the world premiere UK tour of Cluedo 2. Ellie won the hearts of the nation as she waltzed her way to victory (with dance partner Vito) to win the Glitterball Trophy in December.
She is also known to millions of viewers as Faye Windass in Coronation Street. During her 13 years on the soap, Ellie was involved in various memorable storylines and nominated for numerous acting awards.
Based on the classic Hasbro boardgame, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the five month UK tour marks the world premiere of Cluedo 2, which has just opened at Richmond Theatre and visits theatres across the UK until July.
Jason Durr stars as Colonel Mustard
Starring alongside Ellie will be leading West End actor and TV favourite Jason Durr, who stars as Colonel Mustard. Most recently seen as David Hide in BBC One’s Casualty, (a role he played for seven years from 2016), audiences will also recognise Jason from his numerous other roles, including the motorbike riding policeman Mike Bradley from ITV’s hugely popular series, Heartbeat.
Ellie Leach says, “After an incredible year I’m so excited to join the cast of Cluedo 2. I am delighted to make my stage acting debut as Miss Scarlett and I can’t wait to work with Jason and the talented cast.”
Jason Durr adds, “I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of Cluedo 2 as Colonel Mustard. I was a huge fan of the Cluedo board game as a child and the Colonel is such a great character. I am looking forward to bringing laughter and this ultimate whodunnit to audiences across the UK in its 75th anniversary year.”
The cast is completed by Jack Bennett (Wadsworth), Hannah Boyce (Mrs Peacock), Dawn Buckland (Mrs White), Liam Horrigan (Mr Black), Edward Howells (Professor Plum), Tiwai Muza (PC Silver) and Gabriel Paul (Reverend Green) with Kara Alberts-Turner, Audrey Anderson and Henry Lawes. Helen Flanagan has been advised to withdraw for medical reasons and the company of Cluedo 2 wish her well.
Writing duo, Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran by John Hytch
Following the huge success of the critically acclaimed original play, Cluedo is back on stage with a brand new, original comedy mystery, set in the swinging 60’s. It’s written by one of the UK’s most successful TV and stage writing duos, BAFTA Award winning writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, (Birds of a Feather, Goodnight Sweetheart and Dreamboats and Petticoats) and will be directed by Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong, A Comedy About a Bank Robbery), who will bring the action of this hilarious whodunnit to life.
Set and Costume Design is by David Farley, Lighting by Jason Taylor, Sound by Jon Fiber and Movement Direction by Anna Healey.
As the bodies pile up, our colourful characters – The Honourable Mrs Emerald Peacock, Colonel Eugene Mustard, ‘Professor’ Alex Plum, Miss Annabel Scarlett, ‘The Reverend’ Hal Green and the housekeeper Mrs White – move from room to room trying to escape the murderer and survive the night. Cluedo 2, will keep audiences guessing right up to the final moments, and budding detectives of all ages, from 8 to 80 and beyond, can watch for the clues and unravel the secrets, as they try to work out whodunnit… with what… and where!
Cluedo 2 is produced by JAS Theatricals, Gabriel Creative Partners, The Araca Group and Lively McCabe Entertainment. Cluedo on stage is based on the Hasbro board game and the Paramount Pictures motion picture, Clue.
For more information about Cluedo 2 visit www.cluedostageplay.com
u3a in Vindication Swim
u3a Extras in Vindication Swim
The film tells the story of Mercedes Gleitze, played by Kirsten Callaghan
The u3a’s from Brighton, Worthing and Sussex have been tripping the light fantastic donned in their vintage costumes as extras in the upcoming new film ‘Vindication Swim’.
The film tells the true story of swimmer Mercedes Gleitze, played by Kirsten Callaghan, who in 1927 became the first British woman to swim the English Channel.
Written and directed by Elliott Hasler at the tender age of 18, this biographical drama tells of the bravery and determination of one woman to succeed against all odds. And because of this, the film will be released on International Women’s Day 2024 on March 8th.
To see which cinemas will be showing the film and to book your tickets click on Vindication Swim
Relsah Films, the independent production company run by Elliott and his father Simon, wanted the u3a to be involved in some way. So after contacting the various u3a groups in the region, asked members to come along and have a taste of Hollywood glamour by acting as extras in the movie.
Simon Hasler says, “The u3a members who came along to join us in making this film were so valuable to Elliott. We hope they had as much fun as we did! And we think the amazing results speak for themselves!”
Suzanne Bystry of Brighton u3a commented, “We spent the time happily chatting with other extras many of whom were from the Henfield Amateur Dramatic Society or local areas.
“We spent the day walking up and down a road, in crowd scenes and best of all, interacting with a beautiful old 1920s bus with outside stairs, open top deck and being issued with authentic 20s tickets by a very smart 20s-dressed conductor.
“We got on and off many times, and were driven along the museum’s roads for numerous takes, both downstairs and upstairs with a little black car of the period following us. It really was an extremely interesting and enjoyable day and furthermore, 2 of my 3 friends are now members of the U3A!”
Suzanne and her friends from u3a (left to right – Chris Gill, Nikki Green, Suzanne Bystry and Fay Rubython)
Another u3a member stated, “It was a really great experience working for Elliott. What impressed me most was his calm and quiet manner on set. He had a very good way of getting the cast and extras to give their best. He was both the Director and the Cameraman. He would quickly explain to us what each scene was trying to depict, and then it was, “Action!”
“We would do just 3 or 4 takes perhaps, and when he thought he’d captured the scene, he’d quickly watch it back and say, “That’s a Wrap!” He seemed to know instinctively when he had each scene in the can. Then we’d move straight onto the next one. A very talented young man who I’m convinced we’ll hear much more of.”
Lee Spicer Howard kindly gave us use of these fabulous pictures which show the members from Worthing u3a having a ball as extras in the film!
She says, “Several members answered the call for extras on the movie and spent the day at Worthing Town Hall filming. We are thrilled to announce that the film is being released on International Women’s Day Friday March 8th!”
This is just another example of the amazing opportunities which can be found if you join as a member of u3a. Founded in 1982, u3a now has around 1,000 u3as, with more than 40,000 activity groups meeting every week throughout the United Kingdom, of which there are 400,000 members.
The aim is simple, to encourage those who now have more time on their hands and looking to forge new friendships to come together and enjoy a whole host of subjects, skills and activities.
u3a is a national learning organisation for those who have time to spare to come together to develop their interests, make new friends and have fun. There are more than 1,000 u3a’s spread right across the UK, with interest groups run and chosen by the members for the members.
Whatever subject you can think of, a u3a will be doing it somewhere – from Walking to Talking, Geology to Genealogy, Yachting to Yoga. For a modest annual fee, you can join your local u3a giving you access to interest groups and national initiatives.
If you are interested in joining the u3a, visit their website at www.u3a.org.uk to see what groups are in your area.
Watch the Trailer for
‘Vindication Swim’
Click on arrow to watch