Star of stage and screen Kevin Pallister was kind enough to give up his Sunday afternoon to do a talk for the Friends Of The Devonshire Park Theatre at the Congress Suite (part of the Congress Theatre complex).
Kevin, who is a familiar face at the Devonshire Park Theatre having appeared there many times, gave an interesting interview lasting over an hour. Interviewed by Devonshire Park historian Edward Thomas he was asked about his career as an actor, including all the highs and lows of the profession.
Although he is probably best known as bad boy Graham Clark in Emmerdale (which he appeared in between 1998-2000) many may not be aware that Kevin has a long, varied and very interesting history in theatre having appeared in shows such as Private Lives , The Mousetrap and Buddy - The Buddy Holly story in which he played the late Buddy.
Those of us who were lucky enough to see Kevin star as 'Fleshcreep' in Jack and The Beanstalk last Christmas were already aware of Kevin's superb guitar playing skills. For those in the Friends who had missed the panto they were lucky enough to see Kevin in action this afternoon. The actor had brought along his trusty guitar and treated us to not one but two hits from Buddy Holly. This made a great interlude between sections of the interview and was extremely well received by all in attendance.
So thanks Kevin for allowing the photo, for a very interesting interview and for the great musical bonus.
The Winter Gardens Theatre in Eastbourne had probably never before seen an event on this scale.
In fact isn't the Winter Gardens usually used for sedate things like Tea Dances?
Tonight's event was anything but sedate. Not a tea in sight. But dances yes! (some decidedly better than others)
In aid of muscular dystrophy support Steve Crow and his Crew (of hospital radio Eastbourne) were the organizers behind 80's Live.
A real blast from the past as iconic 80's pop acts performed to raise money for a worthy cause.
Meanwhile, as the evening progressed attendees submitted their bids in a silent auction for various items of pop memorabilia (signed) , days out, meals and more. Pop memorabilia auction items included everything from a signed Status Quo Tour programme to a guitar signed by all the acts performing on the evening.
The line up included, amongst many more, Carol Decker of T'Pau, Ben (of Curiosity Killed The Cat), Musical Youth , the lovely Natasha England (probably best known for the song Iko Iko), Katrina (of Katrina and the Waves), Sonia, John Parr (St Elmo's Fire), Scarlet Fantastic and Stephen Singleton of ABC. I must also give a mention to Kovak, to be honest I'd never heard of them, they are a local band based in Brighton - I thought they were just as good as any of the well known names so well done to them!
I believe just about every act performed 3 hits making it a very worthwhile and entertaining night.
I haven't got a clue the total raised for muscular dystrophy on the evening, if I find the total I will post it here.
I have learned tonight though that a guitar signed by the Arctic Monkeys which was one of the silent auctions went for £750
From memory I believe there were around 30 lots in the auction so I am sure the auction total alone would be pretty impressive on its own without any attendance fees being included.
If I had to pick my own highlights for the evening my top one would be meeting and speaking a lot to Natasha England who I have to honestly say is one of the most genuine, down to earth, honest and friendly people my wife and myself are ever likely to meet. You are a star Natasha and that is before you even sing!
Meeting Musical Youth backstage was also something I won't forget. The lads are so friendly and their performances as entertaining as ever. I notice they are touring some holiday camps at the moment - seems a good reason for a holiday on it's own.
Despite Liz McDonald on the TV soap Coronation Street, just a few days earlier, describing her as "that loud mouthed cow from T'Pau" Carol Decker was more than willing to sign an autograph. As were Katrina and Sonia who is just as friendly and bubbly as she appears on-stage.
Congratulations to those members of the public who dusted off their 1980's wardrobe for this worthy cause. Very brave for many who had also left the 1980's body they once had still in the wardrobe.
All artists who gave up their time should be very proud of their performances.
To Steve Crow and the team behind this event I must say a huge well done. I know you are thinking of making this an annual event and I know that if this first event is anything to go by we'll be first in the queue for tickets!
A real blast from the past as iconic 80's pop acts performed to raise money for a worthy cause.