Carry On Adventures

It is remarkable that it has been over 20 years now that I have been collecting all things 'Carry On'. Like many hobbies you need deep pockets at times but equally there is a lot of fun to be had and rewards to reap if you can put in the time, dedication and miles! My first trip to Pinewood Studios must have been around 15 years ago now (I honestly cannot remember as I have been to so many events associated with the series) and I fondly remember sitting behind Leslie Phillips, Jack Douglas, Lance Percival, Fenella Fielding and a host of Carry On stars in the private cinema at Pinewood watching the films where they were born with some of the cast...a very special experience.

Since then many hundreds of miles have been covered attending special, public and private events, meeting the stars of the series and many Sharpies exhausted. One thing you can be sure of though, a new Carry On adventure is never far away! Here are a few to be going on with...

That's Carry On in Ealing September 2019

So on 1st September 2019 the brilliant chaps at 'The Whippit Inn' held another fantastic event in Ealing, London. We were treated to the usual fabulous line up of special guests, anecdotes and celebration of all things 'Carry On'! These events are really special. This is because they are run and arranged by true fans and the dedication and hard work they put into these events really shows. Another triumph with some great memories!

I was freshly back from a trip to Deal, Kent where I carried out my usual pilgrimage to dear old Charlie Hawtrey's cottage. It was nice to see that it's windows and door had been freshly painted in 'Heinz Blue' and his blue plaque still stood out firmly on the white washed cottage...God bless dear boy!

As well as the usual bawdy romp the event paid tribute to the dear cast we had sadly lost over the past year, including Fenella Fielding OBE, Dame June Whitfield & Carole Shelley.

Above (Clockwise from top left): Sally Kemp (Carry On Camping), Rosalind Knight (Carry On Nurse & Carry On Teacher), Larry Dann (Various Carry On's) & Richard Olley (Carry On England).

I had the pleasure of spending some time with Richard Olley, from 'Carry On England'. He was a wonderfully charming man with some great stories and a very wicked, naughty and camp sense of humour! (Right up my street!).

I agreed to hold the fort on his table when the call of nature came. Reappearing some time later he announced to me "Ooh, my jaw is aching". I shot him a cheeky glance and said "I thought you had been a while!". Feigning shock he retorted "I meant from all the talking and laughing!". Giving a cheeky wink and a naughty laugh he said "You are wicked! I LOVE it! Now, where is my pot of tea?"...

Above (Left to Right): Myself with Sally Geeson, David Kernan & Rosalind Knight - That's Carry On in Ealing 2019

In September 2019 I had the pleasure of seeing Tony's show, 'Unrehearsable', in Halifax.

Tony's 'Carry On' connection was playing 'Baba the Messenger' in 'Carry On Columbus' (1992).

It is no secret that in recent years Tony has been unwell and, like many, has battled the demons of depression and mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. It is clear to see that this has really taken a toll on him but this has not stopped him touring again in 2019 with a series of shows to help raise awareness of mental health issues.

A very frank and raw show that, whilst being a little uncomfortable at times, really tells his story in his own words and his own style. He believes, as I do, that is is important to get it out there and to talk about it to help remove the sigma of mental health and raise awareness. I was fortunate to catch up with the dear man between sets in the Green Room and we had a chat about the show, his health and the importance of his plight to raise awareness. He explained how the shows were all part of his recovery and how they really helped him deal with his problems. I didn't spend long with him as he was between sets and was clearly having to really focus and 'get in the zone' but I reminded him how much he was loved by his fans and how much I admired his courage and bravery in undertaking these shows, I couldn't do it.

He kindly signed a couple of items for me from 'Carry On Columbus' and whilst giving a groan and acknowledging that nobody enjoyed making it accepts that it is still part of the Carry On Canon! Reflecting on the meeting on the way home what really resonated with me was not only how common these conditions are becoming but also that mental health conditions are not fussy who they grab, or when they do it.

I am sure that the shows will not only help Tony but others who can identify with his experiences, I certainly hope so. If it only helps one person then it has been totally worth it.

Above (left & right): Tony kindly signed me a couple of items from 'Carry On Columbus'. Center: I get a hug and an inquisitive "God, you smell really nice!".

Waddesdon Manor Carry On Don't Lose Your Head

Carry On Don't Lose Your Head Waddesdon Manor 2020

In September 2020 I had the great pleasure of visiting a location that features in one of my favourite 'Carry On' films...'Carry On Don't Lose Your Head' (1966).

Waddesdon Manor in Aylesbury was used in the film as the 'Chateau Neuf', the fictitious country home of 'Citizen Camembert'...the 'Big Cheese' himself!

It was built in the 1880s as a country retreat, in the style of a Loire château, for French-born banker Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. In the 1950s, the house was bequeathed to the National Trust and it’s now open to the public.

The reason for the visit was not just to see the great location itself but to actually attend an open air screening of Elton John's 'Rocketman', one of a number of films being screened at the huge open air cinema at Waddesdon Manor by The Luna Cinema over a few days in September.

Alas, there was no sign of 'Sir Rodney FFing' (with two F's) but it was still a dream to actually attend the location which formed part of a film that first thrust me into the brilliant world of 'Carry On' and my subsequent interest in the series ever since.

Waddesdon Manor Carry On Don't Lose Your Head (1966)

Above: (left) Waddesdon Manor circa 1966 with the coach dropping off Citizen Camembert & Désirée at the 'Chateau Neuf'; (middle & right) Waddesdon Manor September 2020.

Of course I could not let the opportunity of visiting this place pass without some due creativity! So there I was, recreating props to as close to the film as I could in the car en route! Is this the first appearance of the elusive 'Black Fingernail' since the film was made in 1966?...

Above (left & right): Recreating the legend of 'The Black Fingernail'. I also took the opportunity to ensure the film was 'featured' on the big screen in front of the house!

I am told that fans have previously suggested to the current management of the property that they consider actually showing the film there at some stage...never say never!

All together now..."Beautiful things ruined, ruined...gone forever!"

Did you know... Speaking of Elton John he is apparently a huge fan of the 'Carry On' films! Barbara Windsor once told me this in person as she had sent him the boxset! He's a fan of Sid James!

Above (left & right): Two stills from 'Carry On Don't Lose Your Head' signed for me by 'Lord Darcy Pue' himself, the wonderful Jim Dale!

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