R2OK!

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6791

Really enjoyed seeing this particular repeat with Michael Crawford. His live rendition of Music of the Night was perfection.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0013xz5

It was Michael's 80th birthday last week so probably why this was on as well as his autobiography being repeated on Radio 4 Extra

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b019dh51

Going off on a bit of a tangent Michael was in Barnum and helped Torvill and Dean with their 1983 World Championship Barnum routine.
Last night they were doing a wonderful routine on Dancing on Ice.
Christopher is 63 - Jayne 64! Very Happy

FleetingEileenM · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 5747 Location: Hampshire

I have been sorting through the many audio cassettes belonging to my late musician friend who played saxophone, clarinet and flute. I found one marked "Michael Crawford" which were songs from stage and screen backed by the London Symphony Orchestra. I couldn't imaging why my friend would have had this cassette which was from an LP. I played it and found the reason - on just one song he had an alto sax solo behind Crawford's voice and at the end with a nice little flourish, so that is why he was booked for that session as the LSO doesn't have a sax section Very Happy

oldraver · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1170 Location: London

Loosely following from Michael and music...

Back in the late 70's. the ex-wife and I were a courting. She worked in the city, so used to buy all sorts of tickets for shows and one of the shows we went to, was starring Michael. He'd not long finished Billy, which I believe was his first musical, based on Billy Liar. Actually, looking online, we'd have been married for a few weeks!

Anyway, before he really hit the heights, he starred in his one and only flop. Which was the one I saw. It was a brilliant show, though. Alas, it lasted a matter of days. 29 performances, before they pulled the plug on it. Some may remember it, but most won't, I would think. It was...Flowers For Algernon. He even offered to work for nothing, to save the play.

https://overtures.org.uk/?p=21425
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life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans

FleetingEileenM · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 5747 Location: Hampshire

That is an interesting website, Oldraver. I had quite a browse.

oldraver · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1170 Location: London

It's pretty good, isn't it Eileen? Well worth a browse or three.
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life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6791

FleetingEileenM · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 5747 Location: Hampshire

I don't think he was a particular fan but even though he was rated as a jazz player, he loved melody and would have appreciated playing the session. However, he would have regarded it as just another job to be done well and then get ready for something else next day. He was a busy chap!