What Another Carry On in Ealing!
September 25th 2016
The Grange, Ealing
Special guests: Angela Douglas, Jack Smethurst, Christine Ozanne and Angela Ellison.
With Patsy Rowlands' son, Alan Sircom, and biographer Andrew Ross.
Event organised by Paul Stephen and Dean Barker
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In 2016, we made a welcome return to the Grange in Ealing, this time in their exclusive Reading Room. The room lent itself perfectly to a low-key and intimate event. Four guests joined us on the panel, each making their Whippit Inn debut.
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Angela Douglas as Annie Oakley in Carry On Cowboy
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Carry On star Angela Douglas delighted us all with stories from both her professional and personal life. It was a rare treat to chat with Angela in a relaxed environment and a treat to hear her stories. Angela’s autobiography, about life with her husband, actor Kenneth More, ‘Swings and Roundabouts’ had recently been republished and we had the opportunity to buy signed copies from her on the day. |
Christine Ozanne, a familiar face in many British comedies, was full of chat and stories from her lengthy career. From classic comedy stars such as Jimmy Jewel and John Inman, to contemporary performers like Harry Hill and David Mitchell, Christine has worked with them all. Although it hadn’t quite been published at the time, Christine was promoting her autobiography ‘The Tome of the Unknown Actor’, which has since proved to be a fascinating read.
Christine Ozanne in Carry On Nurse
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Angela Ellison created a memorable gag in Carry On Spying, where she played the cloakroom attendant at Café Mozart. It was a pleasure to listen to Angela reminisce about her experience of filming such a classic Carry On scene. During the signing session, Angela was only too happy to recreate the pose for photograph opportunities, with a top hat and false beard on hand for those of us who wanted to pose.
Angela’s husband, television director and one-time Doctor Who actor, Timothy Combe was also in attendance. |
Angela Ellison in Carry On Spying
Timothy Combe
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Angela, as the Café Mozart hat-check girl, taking Kenneth Williams' hat and beard in Carry On Spying
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...and 52 years later, with Dean Barker in Ealing.
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Jack Smethurst in Carry On Sergeant
Our line-up was completed by comedy stalwart Jack Smethurst. Jack appeared in the very first Carry On film, Carry On Sergeant, and despite having no dialogue in the finished print, was full of stories and memories about his time making the film. It was Jack’s first feature film. Jack became a household name through his work in small screen classics such as Love Thy Neighbour and For the Love of Ada, and had plenty to say about both of these roles. Jack complimented the ladies on the panel perfectly and it was a pleasure for us to be joined by him. |
Yesterday was a really lovely happy day! The fans are extraordinary.
Jack is such an engaging character with so many fun experiences to share. We could have exchanged many more!! Wishing you well and thank you for including me in such a happy day. Love. Angela xx" Angela Douglas Although not appearing on the panel, we were delighted to be joined by Patsy Rowlands’ son, Alan Sircom. Patsy is a hugely popular and much-missed Carry On star and it was nice to let Alan see how much love and admiration we have for her.
Alan Sircom and his mum, the late, great Patsy Rowlands. Seen here as Miss Fosdick in Carry On Again Doctor. |
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