'When did you last see your pay-check?'




I was Stage Manager for a revival of 'Fiddler on the Roof' starring Topol and Sarah Kestlemen which was nearing the end of it's run at the London Palladium.



The rehearsal process had been difficult. The director, a chorus boy from the original Broadway production, was charged with re-creating the original Jerome Robbins choreography to the last step. A process which seemed to suck the creativity out of he whole process of creating a new production.
Tensions ran high between the director and the leading man, both having their opinion on 'how it was done before'. Sarah Kestleman, hot off her Oliver Award nominated portrayal of Fräulein Schneider at the Donmar Warehouse must have wondered how she had become involved in such a cynical commercial undertaking.Basically a techie at heart, this production marked the end of my Stage Management career and towards the end of the west-end run an opportunity presented it'self.

"When Did You Last See Your Trousers" was a farce in the Brian Rix tradition. A UK tour was being mounted by a fledgling producer and a co-director of the company who was working on the crew at the Palladium approached my self and Tarry the DSM from the show to join the tour as Company Manager and DSM repectiveley.

This show had everything that appealed to me. The subject matter was a throwback to the type of show that could have been in residence for a season that the Blackpool Grand and a cast that just smacked of variety / out-dated sitcoms & quite frankly barking mad people. With a tour itinerary that included The Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne and The Billingham Civic.



The Co-Producer was Arthur Bostrom, better know as the comedy policeman form the BBC sit-com 'Allo Allo'. He was joined by Linda Lusardi. A former page three model who had forged an acting career and is just the biggest sweetheart you will ever meet. Other members of the cast included the late Hillary Minster. Another 'Allo Allo' stalwart who I genuinely believe to be the one of the funniest men who ever lived. John D Collins, comedy RAF Pilot from 'Allo Allo', brought charm, humor and intelligence to the mix and then, the biggest star in my eyes, Anna Karen. Anna was best known for her role as 'Olive' in the much loved 1970's sit-com 'On the Buses'. She's barking.
Be honest. Given everything that I have just told you, would you not kill to join this tour?
x

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