The National Theatre, London 2006

What an honour to be asked to perform at such a prestigious event at an equally prestigious venue!

The National Theatre hosted the 75th anniversary of the legendary artists union, Equity. Naturally, we were the only band with the necessary class for an occasion as regal as this, so were delighted to accept the engagement.

We left the previous night to avoid traffic and stayed in a hotel which at best could be described as functional! Still, the cigarette burns in the sheets provided excellent ventilation and with the undoubted vermin problem we were never lonely!

The name of this famous hotel chain will not be mentioned, and neither will the band member who organised it!





We left the hotel nice and early the next morning, relieved to have avoided any long-term infection, and embarked along the A13 into central London. This proved to be slow-going and at one point we were worried we might be late, however once in the congestion zone we made good time, £8.00 well spent. We arrived 5 minutes early so enjoyed the views of the Thames.





Allison James of the National greeted us and showed us where to set up. Thankfully there was a lift, so major injury was reduced and moral kept high.

The suite we were in was adorned with balloons and posters depicting the achievements of Equity over the last 75 years.

A large birthday cake dominated one part of the room; it induced hunger in the chaps as breakfast had been rather meagre.




We had been booked on behalf of Equity by the very charming and efficient Louisa Granger.

'Will there be many celebs?' I enquired, she replied in the affirmative, mentioning the main speaker was none other than the great George Baker, legendary in the history of British cinema and also in the guise of Inspector Wexford.

As well as Café Society, there were clowns and balloon artists adding another quality to an already exciting atmosphere and the guests hadn't even arrived yet.





As the guests arrived, it was impossible to concentrate on the music as the room filled with famous faces; "there's so and so" we kept saying to each other and it was frustrating to see people you recognise but were not sure of their names.




After about an hour of playing, the crowd was hushed and George Baker took the microphone. He began a very interesting speech outlining the great achievements Equity had made. This culminated in him cutting the cake.




He then popped over to the band and asked if we could play a rousing version of happy birthday. We obliged and a myriad of stars sang along to us. What a thrill!




After this there was a little break so George seized his chance and dashed over to George Baker to ask if he could have his photo taken with him; he graciously agreed and George was speechless! A real rarity!




The London Eye was in view as we played so it seemed essential to have a snap. John agreed to star in this particular instance.




Well, star spotting became the sport of the day. Here is George with Prunella Scales (though she wasn't exactly aware of it).




Anthony and Moray Watson, one of Anthony's heroes as the mild mannered barrister George Frobisher in Rumpole of the Bailey.




Towards the end, many of the guests came over to say how much they had enjoyed the band; in particular, Frank Thornton, known for his role as Captain Peacock from the famous sitcom Are You Being Served, Grace and Favour, and currently in Last of the Summer Wine. He enthused animatedly saying he was delighted we were there!





Well after we had finished playing we had a glorious time chatting with various people. They fascinated us with tales from their careers in the theatre and TV and film.

Willy was enthralled by Roy Evans, not only for the tales he told but also by his warmth and genuineness.




Well then back to reality... packing up the gear and loading up, just as we were about to go, a voice shouted, "lovely music gentlemen." Anthony instantly thought, 'I know that voice' and he said, "Nicholas Courtney?"

He seemed surprised that Anthony recognised him. Anthony suddenly became a typical fan asking for a photo. You will all know him as the Brigadier in Dr Who, and what with Anthony being a life-long fan, was thrilled to meet him.

What a day!!