Having read the ageist comments of Valerie Jason, I feel I have to say something in defence of Susan Boyle (Stage talk, On the same Paige, March 11, page 9).
In all of this hoo-ha, she has never once uttered anything against another act, unlike some who see her as an easy target for comments. I seem to remember her saying her ambition was to sing with Elaine Paige. I don’t think she has any intention of doing three hour shows every week, but I would like to know, just what is a “proper professional”? I remember Miss Paige years ago, when she was in a TV show with other singers including Vince Hill and Danny Street. Do these people actually forget how they started, or have they become so big they forget all of the others who helped them to get where they are? Miss Boyle has paid some of her dues in the past, playing venues for some time as well as entering competitions. She has had a voice for some considerable time.
I don’t think she sees herself doing long runs in shows, her management seem to know her better than others. I have a great respect for Miss Paige as an act, and what she has achieved, but that does not give - either her and others - the right to cast aspersions on acts who are simply trying to do their best and make a living.
With regard to acts of a certain age, myself and a great many others do not see age as some kind of barrier, quite the reverse. My voice seems to have got better as I have become older, and I continue to work week in week out, sometimes four or five nights. I often drive long distances, set up all of my gear, play two or three hour shows, take my gear down, and drive home. I don’t want to enter TV competitions, I just like to keep working and doing a good show every time. That’s what I get paid for, why my bookings have always been there and why I know I am not over the hill.
Billy Bennett
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