''Coming Home"

WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAY

Oh mighty "Evil One" - aka - Christopher Monger - LA Screenwriter to the Stars,
Not happy with our "Tragic Weight Loss of One Pound" last week- were we?  How about a
"Staggering Weight Loss of 5lbs for this week!" Yes, oh Yes - milestones obliterated all over
the place - a total weight loss of 46lbs since January the 8th (Just 4lbs shy of a
Weight-Watchers "Certificate of Achievement" for 50lbs Loss!) And Yes! we've finally hit a
Weight Loss of 3 Stone! So put that in your Hollywood Crack Pipe Baby and smoke them onions!!

Eurovision 2014: 

Conchita Wurst wins for Austria with 'Rise Like a Phoenix'

For those of you who missed this:

The Winner this year was an Austrian bearded Drag Artist called Conchita Wurst. The

The singer received praise for her James Bond-esque ballad “Rise Like A Phoenix”, which she sang in a golden dress surrounded by dry ice. The voting was paused before the end of the contest to announce that Wurst had become the outright winner with so many points she could not be caught by runners up, The Netherlands.

On accepting the trophy, she said: "This is for all those who believe in the future of peace and freedom – you know who you are. You are unity and you are unstoppable.”

Wurst, real name Tom Neuwirth, had received negative comments from a minority of eastern Europeans calling for the Austrian entry to be withdrawn from Eurovision.

Russian politician Vitaly Milonov, one of the architects of the country’s gay propaganda law, called Wurst a “pervert” and labelled the competition a “hotbed of sodomy”.

Sadly the UK entry from Molly Smitten Downes, which I thought had a good chance of wining,

came a disappointing 17th place.

For those of you that missed this fabulous evening, never fear,  to watch & hear their performances, Cut & Paste to your hearts content! 

For Conchita Wurst:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnqyNXJFkQU

For Molly Smitten Downes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIM5P3UNxnI

Thank God for the Eurovision Song Contest - it just gets
more bizarre by the minute.....

MY SUNDAY OUTING
(This section is dedicated to Peter Mishcon)

Something that I've been meaning to do for a while is to take a river trip along the

Thames from Kew Bridge Pier to Hampton Court Palace. The Weather looked

dodgy on Sunday, but I was determined to set forth. I took a couple of buses to Kew Green and

then walked back towards the river. I arrived nice an early - the boat left at 12:30

so I turned up with half an hour to go. As I bought my Senior Ticket (serious

reduction!) the woman behind the counter squealed with delight - "It's Bert from

Doc Martin!" As ever - I signed a postcard "Bert Photo" for her & as I had a little

time to wait in the cold I cheekily asked for a cup of tea. 

Janice was only too happy to oblige. If you look very carefully you will see my

breakfast in the picture - a piece of crisp bread with marmite (19 Calories) which

I'd brought with me!

Kew Pier

Route Map to Hampton Court Palace from Kew Pier

(Via Brentford Marina, Syon House, Richmond Park, Marble Hill House,

Ham House, Teddington Lock and finally Hampton Court Pier)

Length of Journey: One hour and a half.

When my Boat turned up it was THE PRINCESS FREDA built on the Isle of

Wight in 1927. The following info is specifically for my friend Peter Mishcon

who is a total Boat Fanatic and will welcome these details:

Boat Name: 

 Princess Freda

Boat Type: 

 Thames Passenger Vessel

Boat Length: 

 63ft

Boat Beam: 

 13ft

Boat Draft: 

 3ft 9ins

Boat Displacement: 

 38 tons

Boat Engine: 

 Leyland/Thornycroft 402

Boat Construction: 

 Steel

Boat Builder: 

 Letchers, Cowes, IoW

Boat Year: 

 1926

When I got on board I found this plinth:

It turned out that the Princess Freda was one of the little ships that operated

off the Dunkirk beaches and the harbour between the 28th May and the 4th June 1940,

no less than 338,000 British and French troops were evacuated. Approximately

one third of these were taken off the beaches, and within this number, around 

100,000 Frenchmen returned from England to fight again. This made my

voyage on her this Sunday Morning even more special.

The Wheelhouse

The Engine

The Bar!

When we got to Richmond Pier we came across the "MV Spirit of Chartwell"

which was the Royal Barge that the Queen had used for her Diamond

Jubilee Pageant held on the Thames on the 3rd of June 2012. When a

flotilla of 670 boats escorted her up the River (or is it down!!). Help me Peter?

We went through the Lock at Teddington.

This is the End of the tidal reach of the River Thames stretch.

One of my favourite sights along the River

Are these charming Boat Houses - I'd love to

live in one of them!

Finally arriving at Hampton Court Pier.

Hampton Court Palace

Built in 1515 by Cardinal Wolesley. For me it felt very much like

"Coming Home" - I played Cardinal Wolesley in "Henry V111"

at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in May 2010

Shakespeare's Globe

Cardinal Wolesley

My favourite Review appeared in the Daily Telegraph:

"Best of all is Ian McNeice’s grotesque Cardinal Wolsey, who hisses out his lines like a poisonous snake and slithers across the stage like a disgustingly plump slug. When he’s on stage, this often inert play comes alive."

(There's nothing like being called a "disgustingly plump Slug" to keep me on my Diet folks!)

Like with all these rather Grand Venues - I think it's best to check out the TEA ROOMS straight away.

Now don't you worry - there was not a Cream Tea or a piece of Victoria Sponge

Cake anywhere on my table - I had packed my own lunch in my Rucksack before 

I set off. This consisted of more Crisp-bread with extra thin M & S Ham Slices, Fruit,

Yogurt and a flask full of a hot Bouillon (14 Calories) The only thing I purchased

from the Tea Rooms was an actual cup of tea! Then it was time to explore:

The first rooms I came upon were The HENRY V111 Kitchens:

The first time I saw the fire in this inglenook fireplace I thought it was a 

very clever gas reproduction but on closer inspection I found out it was a

real log fire and that chap's job in the picture was to keep it going through out the day!

They must get through a ton of logs. This was the fireplace where all the

joints of meat were roasted.

Next up were the Apartments of Henry V111

The Great Hall or Dining Room.

Amazing Original Tapestries on the Walls

The Chapel

It soon became apparent I had only just scratched the surface and 

they were about to close.

I promised myself I would come back - for the 

whole day and have a serious explore - and this time with the head-set

audio guides. 

But for now it was time to catch the Bus back to Brentford!

TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Angus & Maisie's First London Flat: 17 Buchanan Gardens

During the week I had to go for an Audition for an American Mini-Series.

. I had to go to an address in Kensal Rise - this was the area that Angus and

Maisie shared their first London Flat together. I also know the Mishcon kids have links with

this borough too. I went to a flat owned by one of the Assistants working for Hubbards Casting.

I have a long association with Hubbards Casting not least "Sharpes Rifles"

 which we shot in the Crimea. The show I was now going to be seen for - was going to be produced by the History Channel and was preparing to shoot in Romania.

The History Channel have only recently started making Dramas and had a huge success with a Cowboy Mini Series  called "Hatfield and McCoys" with Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton. 

I loved this show - not least because it had my "Son" - Joe Absolom from "Doc Martin" in it

You can just make him out in this photo - centre at the back!

Along with Bill Paxton and Mare Winningham. He had a great

American Accent and was an excellent Cowboy!  

When I arrived at the flat in Harvist Road, Kensal Rise,  I was ushered into a Summer House

in the back garden. I was told that it had a couple of nick names - first was

"The Chalet of Expectations" and second was "The Chalet of Shattered Dreams"!

I know which I'm hoping for! These Auditions are rather quant affairs - you are given "Sides"

(which are scenes from the production that contain dialogue that the Character you are "up for"

has to say.)

In this case - the Character I was reading for - was Lord North - who was the Prime Minister 

from 1752 until 1790. He led Great Britain through most of the American War of Independence.

And this was what the Mini Series,  called "Son's of Liberty",  was all about - especially the

Boston Tea Party in 1773. My job now, sitting in the Summer House,  was to read the scene

with the Assistant reading the other part - whilst a video camera recorded it for posterity or

until the Director, who was probably scouting Locations in Romania, could get a chance to

view it. Funnily enough, I've just had a "re-call" for this part - where this time,  I actually met the 

Lady Director - called Kari Scogland - Watch this space....

COMPETITION TIME 

This is for all you Budding Artists - a great many of which read my Blog every week. I am

rapidly approaching a serious milestone:  50lbs Weight Loss. When I was attending

Weight-Watchers, in Brentford,  I got this Certificate of Achievement when I reached this goal.

It would be great if some one could come up with a similar certificate for me this time

around - which should hopefully come in a few weeks time!

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT:

For Emily and Jimmy's Son JACK ROBERTS

Who became a Teenager this week!

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!"

AN ADDENDUM

Well another week - another Blog - Please leave your Comments - I do love

reading them and for those of you who live abroad - it brings us a little closer together.

And remember - if you have problems - just email me the comment and I

will post it for you - it's that simple. xxxx

"SPRING is in the AIR!"

WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAY

Well, after two rather cracking weight-loss weeks of 3lbs off a piece - I come

crashing back to reality with a some what modest one pound off. Still in the words of:

IVANA TRUMP

"It is what it is or it is vot it is!"

BOB HOSKINS

1942-2014

I had the good fortune to work with the wonderful Bob Hoskins on three

separate occasions. The first was in a Hand Made Film (The Company

owned by George Harrison.) It was my first big movie and apart from Bob I

was lucky enough to work with another legend, Maggie Smith.

The year was 1987 and the movie was called "The Lonely Passion of Judith

Hearne". It was directed by a Hollywood Director - Jack Clayton. He had made

his version of "The Great Gatsby" (1974) with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. He had also

worked with Kate and her sister Phoebe Nicholls when they were children

with the movie "The Pumpkin Eater".  For "The Lonely Passion" I not only 

had to dye my hair blond but I also had to dye all my body hair as well. The reason being -

I had to appear naked in a bed scene!

I was obviously very nervous working with two such accomplished Stars but Bob

put me at ease very early on. He was so down to earth and friendly. The thing I

remember most about us working together, was standing nearby with him,

waiting for our cue to enter the dining room set - he was just as terrified as me!!

The next time I worked with him was a year later when he asked me to appear in a

movie that he was going to direct as well as act in. Again it was for Handmade Films

and was called "The Raggedy Rawney". 

 Bob had also written the Script which was about a band of Gypsies - set in a fictitious 

European Country during a time of war. I played a farmer that the Gypsies came

upon and settled with for a while.

We shot this in Prague before the Berlin Wall came down. We had Western Caterers

whilst we were filming and they flew in all our food from West Germany. I always

remember being in the make-up room when bowls of fruit were brought in and the

local Czech make-up girls just stared in amazement. When they were told to help

themselves they put the fruit in their pockets to take it home for their children.

My fondest memory of Bob on this movie - was hanging out in his trailer on a 

Night Shoot drinking a little Czech Apple Brandy - waiting for the Lighting to

be completed. Suddenly there was a knock on his trailer door and the

First Assistant Director announced they were ready for Bob - to which Bob

yelled "Hang on Sonny, I'm not in this f-ing Scene" The First Assistant Director

replied "No Bob, but you are the Director!"

The final time I worked with Bob was on a wonderful adaptation of "David

Copperfield" for the BBC. I also got to work with the formidable Maggie Smith again.

She had been a little brittle on "The Lonely Passion" but this time she had

mellowed a lot and was a delight to work with.

The year was 1999 and the show had a very young actor making his first

professional debut as the young David Copperfield. His name was Daniel Radcliffe. I

remember him being very confident and assured and it was no surprise to me

that he went on to such heady heights as "Harry Potter".

I got to play a wonderful wacky character called Mr Dick! It was a very happy production -

with charming performances from Bob as Micawber and Maggie as Betsey Trotwood.

I bumped into Bob on a few further occasions - in restaurants or at screenings. He

was always delighted to see me and was very warm. I count myself extremely

fortunate to have known such a talented, delightful individual.

THE OLYMPIC CINEMA and RESTAURANT

117 Church Rd, Barnes, London, SW13 9HL

During the week I had a lovely evening with my friends Robert and Susie Dickson.

We had a meal in the restaurant of the recently refurbished Olympic Studios and then

watched a film in the luxurious cinema. Up until October 2013 it had been a noted

recording studio:

Featuring in its heyday such groups as the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles and

Jimi Hendrix. I had the pleasure of working there myself when we recorded songs for

the TV programme for C4 of the Royal Shakespeare production of "The Life and Times of

Nicholas Nickleby" in 1982.

Robert, Susie and I had a lovely meal in the new Bistro style Restaurant:

Before going upstairs to the luxurious new Cinema

The Foyer

Rob & Susie in Extreme Comfort.

The Founder Members have their very own

Private Bar complete with spectacular chandelier. 

THE DOWNSIDE

The only downside of the evening was the actual film we all saw:

"Calvary" with Brendon Gleeson. I had been looking forward to seeing this

movie, as it had received a 4-Star Rating from a number of reviewers. In

the end all three of us gave it the "Thumbs Down"! - as a pretentious load of old

twaddle! But please don't let me stop you from seeing it - you may absolutely 

love it. I have it on good authority from my neighbours sitting next to me that

I may have nodded off for a couple of zzz - here and there. Something that my

own children accuse me of doing from time to time!

THE DEPOT RESTAURANT

Tideway Yard, 125 Mortlake High St, Barnes, SW14 8SN

I also met Robert for a lunch this week at the charming Depot Restaurant overlooking the Thames

in Barnes. This is something we do every now and again to catch up on what he has been

up to with his Property Company - City Innovations. 

Robert Dickson 

This time we were joined by two of the younger members of his Company:

Finance and Developement Manager - Olivia Goulden

Developement Executive - Elliot Newton

I have known Robert since we were 18 and along with my friend Christopher Monger in

Los Angeles I look on them both as my best friends. Robert and I share many of the

same interests - we both have the same sense of humour - we both were incredibly gifted

sportsmen at school - Robert excelled as a Rugby Scrum-half - I excelled at bringing the

beautifully cut oranges on at half time for the players refreshment. Robert is the type of 

friend who would have no trouble in showing you how to wear a Jock-Strap:

These are tricky things at the best of times - and if you have to run on to the field at half

time with beautifully cut oranges you need to feel properly supported. Thank you Robert.

As you might have gathered these lunches are an light hearted affair,  made all the

more enjoyable by having Olivia and Elliot join us - the youth of today - 

something that Robert has always championed. 

www.cityinnovations.co.uk

MY GARDEN ALLOTMENT

Spring is in the air and with that came a visit to the Garden Centre at Syon Park:

Having started to cook more and more - thanks to the Hairy Bikers Light Cook Book,  I decided

to create a little Herb Garden on the Balcony of my Flat here in Brentford.

What you see here is:

Mint.

Bay Leaves

Thyme, Chives & Parsley.

I'm not sure how long they are going to last as they need to be watered everyday in 

the good weather - some times twice a day! As the novelty has already started to 

wear off - don't be surprised if you see plastic flowers appearing soon!

WALK ABOUT CONTINUED

This time I took the 267 Bus from Brentford to Kew Bridge and then walked back along the Thames 

Path by the River. This was approx one and a half to two miles. A decent little saunter.

I stopped on the way for a cup of tea at the Waterman's Art Centre before 

going on to Tallow Road:

On my way I saw my fair share of colourful barges:

I think this one inspired me to create my Herb Garden! 

And Finally:

A Shout-Out for Kate! After 40 years BBC2 is repeating "THE PALLISERS"

Series of 1974. All 26 Episodes will be screened on weekdays at 2:15pm.

Kate, who plays LADY MARY in the series appears in the Final Six Episodes.

So there is plenty of time for you all to set your DVD Recorders!

Kate as Lady Mary.

By my reckoning - with the Pro Rata Repeat Fees from the BBC that Kate can

expect to receive - she will probably make enough money to take her family out for a 

meal Pizza Express - so get your Glad Rags Ready!

ANOTHER WEEK- ANOTHER BLOG!

Once more thank you all for reading it and thank you all for you comments.

I say it a lot - but they really do mean a great deal - so keep them coming!!