Embarking on entertainment

Published Tuesday 30 September 2008 at 11:45

Reading the review of You Lucky People by Patrick Newley (page 18, September 18) reminded me of my close encounters with Tommy Trinder.

I was in London on embarkation leave in October 1944 and the number one Forces show to see was Tommy at the Palladium. I booked my seat for the evening but then discovered the Queensbury All Services Club (now the Prince Edward) and saw that Glenn Miller and the Band of the AEF was there. I managed to get a ticket and my Palladium one went to a passing soldier.

The next night I was on my way to the famous music hall when I went by the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, where they were queuing for the first night of John Gielgud’s Hamlet. Again, I was seduced and another soldier went to the Palladium on my behalf.

It was not until about six years later that I caught up with the cockney comedian, at the Newport Pavilion. Was he worth waiting for? Every bit as good as Miller and Gielgud.

Tudor Williams

Brymore Close

Prestbury

Cheltenham