Celebrity Interviews

Celebrity Interview – Paul Chuckle

Celebrity Interviews

Celebrity Interview – Mark Benton

February 28, 2023 Alistair Plant

He’s one of the most recognisable faces on television, appearing in the comedies Shakespeare and Hathaway and Early Doors as well as strutting his stuff on Strictly Come Dancing. Now Mark Benton is returning to Nottingham in a new play which he describes as “one of the maddest things I’ve ever done”. He says some […]

Celebrity Interviews

Celebrity Interview – George Telfer

December 30, 2022 Alistair Plant

At the age of 61 many people may be starting to think about retirement. But not Derbyshire actor George Telfer. He’s working on one of the most exciting productions that’s been seen in the West End for many years and regards it as a “huge opportunity”. George is understudying four roles in the new version […]

Celebrity Interviews

Celebrity Interview – John Thomson

December 2, 2022 Alistair Plant

He’s known for playing one of the main characters in the ITV comedy drama Cold Feet and for being the voice of the Channel 5 show Bargain Loving Brits Under The Sun. Now John Thomson is perfecting his Derby accent to play Abanazar in Aladdin at Derby Arena. The jovial actor, comedian and narrator is […]

Celebrity Interviews

Celebrity Interview – Gareth Malone

October 25, 2022 Alistair Plant

He’s encouraged schoolchildren, the partners of military personnel and young offenders to sing. Now Gareth Malone, “the nation’s most loved choirmaster”, wants to get everyone exercising their vocal chords as he tours theatres with his new show Sing-Along-A-Gareth. It’s an idea that grew out of lockdown when Gareth was concerned that people weren’t allowed to […]

Oddsocks Oct 22 Generic Oddsocks in Performance

Celebrity Interviews

Celebrity Interview – Oddsocks

September 29, 2022 Alistair Plant

“Many people who struggled with Shakespeare at school must laugh when they see Oddsocks’ website. And that’s exactly what the Derbyshire theatre company wants its audiences to do.” A quote from a four-star review sits on the front page of the Oddsocks website proclaiming that it makes Shakespeare “such enormous fun”. There’s also the declaration […]

Celebrity Interviews

Celebrity Interview – Joe Absolom

September 2, 2022 Alistair Plant

By Steve Orme Reading an obituary of the award-winning thespian Sir Antony Sher was the start of an epiphany for Joe Absolom. The 43-year-old actor who came to prominence as Matthew Rose in the BBC soap EastEnders noted Sher’s success and thought that if anyone read Joe’s obituary, it would be really boring. “He did […]

Celebrity Interviews

Celebrity Interview – Adrian Scarborough

July 26, 2022 Alistair Plant

When an actor says this is a “very exciting time”, you have to think that there are some fascinating projects on the horizon. When that actor is Adrian Scarborough who you may know from Gavin And Stacey, Killing Eve and many other shows on the small screen, you’re inclined to take notice. Adrian will shortly […]

Celebrity Interviews

Celebrity Interview – Arthur Smith

June 29, 2022 Alistair Plant

There are some people you think you’re going to like even before you speak to them. Anyone who’s written a memoir called My Name Is Daphne Fairfax sounds a fascinating character and Arthur Smith lives up to expectations. When I rang Arthur to talk about his upcoming show in Derby, I didn’t interview him; we […]

Celebrity Interviews

Celebrity Interview – Andy Hamilton

June 1, 2022 Alistair Plant

Andy Hamilton is holed up in a hotel in Ireland. A week’s holiday with his wife Libby has turned into a fortnight because both have caught Covid. But he assures everyone he’ll be fine for the start of his new tour in Nottingham. He has managed to avoid the virus for two years and describes […]

Celebrity Interviews

Celebrity Interview – Patrick Kielty

April 26, 2022 Alistair Plant

The future of Britain after Brexit, national identity and political upheaval don’t appear to be subjects that would have you guffawing with mirth. But these are the themes that Northern Ireland comedian and television presenter Patrick Kielty has chosen for his new stand-up show Borderline which will visit Nottingham next month. While he’s primarily known […]