What a Carry On in Ealing
June 26th 2022
Drayton Court Hotel, Ealing
Special guests: Madeline Smith, Richard Olley, Alexandra Dane, Anne Scott, Danny Peacock, Margot Maxine, Virginia Tyler, Marc Sinden, Graham V Hartstone and Otto Snel.
With Carry On biographer Robert Ross, and author Caroline Frost.
Event organised by Dean Barker
On Sunday 26th June, we were back at the Drayton Court once again to celebrate the Carry On films. We were lucky enough to be joined by 10 guests associated with the films, 7 of whom made their Whippit Inn debut. The Carry On quiz was of course on hand for attendees to scratch their heads over before the event started., ‘The Helping Hands’ were named the winners with an impressive score of 38 out of 40. If anyone would like to have a bash, a link to the quiz is at the bottom this page. |
After we welcomed our panel of star guests, Carry On biographer Robert Ross took to the stage to pay tribute to his friend, the comedy writer Barry Cryer, who passed away earlier this year. Amongst Barry’s extensive writing credits were two Carry On productions – an episode of Carry On Laughing entitled ‘Orgy and Bess’ and the 1992 theatre revue ‘Wot a Carry On in Blackpool’, both scripted with his writing partner Dick Vosburgh.
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Barry Cryer 1935 - 2022
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Robert was then joined by author Caroline Frost, who chatted about her recently published book. Entitled ‘Carry On Regardless – getting to the bottom of Britain’s Favourite Comedy Films’. It is a fascinating insight into the films and analyses if the films are really as sexist and bigoted as some critics suggest. Robert and Caroline were on hand during the afternoon to sell and sign copies of their books.
Before the chat with our star guests commenced, we took a moment to remember those Carry On faces who had sadly left us since our last event in November 2021. Along with Barry Cryer, the Carry On actors Anna Karen, Bernard Holley, Lynda Baron, Nicholas Donnelly and Jack Smethurst all sadly passed away, as well as camera operator James (Jimmy) Devis.
Gone, but never forgotten
Actress Madeline Smith made a return visit to join us, having last attended one of our events in 2010. Maddy played Mrs Pullitt in Carry On Matron, appearing in the memorable scene with Hattie Jacques, Barbara Windsor and Joan Sims with her bent sausage. Maddy was a delight to listen to sharing stories of her time on the film and other comedy productions she has worked on including Steptoe and Son, Casanova 73 and two films with the great Frankie Howerd. |
Madeline Smith as Mrs Pullitt in Carry On Matron
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Marc Sinden as Captain Perez
Danny Peacock as Tonto the Torch
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To celebrate the 30th year of its release, we were joined by two stars of the last Carry On film, Carry On Columbus – Marc Sinden and Danny Peacock. Both coming from theatrical backgrounds with famous fathers (Marc is the son of Sir Donald and Danny is the son of comedy actor Trevor), they were both on fine form sharing recollections of their lives, careers and, of course, working on Carry On Columbus. Both gents were a joy to listen to and had the audience captivated with their engaging personalities. |
Making her first appearance at such an event was the actress Virginia Tyler. Virginia joined the gang playing Fatima the Funhouse Girl in Carry On Spying, who Renee Houston described as ‘a lovely wee singer’. Virginia returned for the next film in the series, Carry On Cleo, playing one of Cleopatra’s handmaidens. It was wonderful to listen to Virginia and learn more about her and hear her Carry On memories. |
Virginia Tyler as Fatima in Carry On Spying
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Richard Olley as Gunner Parkes in Carry On England
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Returning for a second visit was the actor Richard Olley. Richard is a dear friend to the Inn and it’s always a pleasure to spend time with him. Richard has a charming personality and an infectious smile. Every time we listen to Richard, he wows us with another anecdote from his life and career.
We keep badgering Richard to write his memoirs. Fingers crossed that he does, as we know we’d be in for a treat! |
Alexandra Dane, with Ronnie Brody as Henry and Emily in Carry On Loving
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Alexandra Dane joined us once again, having last visited us at the Drayton Court in 2014. As well as appearing in the stage show Carry On London, Alexandra appeared in 5 Carry On films, most notably as Busti in Carry On Up the Khyber and Emily in Carry On Loving. Clips of both of these roles were played in our compilation video on the day, both resulting in much laughter from the floor.
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Margot Maxine and Anne Scott in Follow that Camel
It was a real treat to be joined by two of Sheikh Abdul Abulbul’s Harem Girls from Follow That Camel: Margot Maxine and Anne Scott.
Little is known about both ladies but it was enchanting to finally meet them and spend time with them in the afternoon. Anne joined the team again as one of the Khasi’s wives in Carry On Up the Khyber and Margot appeared regularly on International Cabaret with Kenneth Williams. Both of their careers took different paths away from the world of performing. Anne recently published a novel, Sex Drugs and Rock & Roll, which is a semi-autobiographical story set in the world of a modelling agency.
Little is known about both ladies but it was enchanting to finally meet them and spend time with them in the afternoon. Anne joined the team again as one of the Khasi’s wives in Carry On Up the Khyber and Margot appeared regularly on International Cabaret with Kenneth Williams. Both of their careers took different paths away from the world of performing. Anne recently published a novel, Sex Drugs and Rock & Roll, which is a semi-autobiographical story set in the world of a modelling agency.
And lastly, acclaimed crew members Otto Snel and Graham V. Hartstone completed our panel. With nearly 40 Carry On credits between them, their resumés boast such films as Aliens, Superman and several James Bond titles. Crew members from productions are often overlooked but are just as essential to a film as the on-screen talent. Both gents shared stories of their Pinewood days and provided an insight into their roles on the films.
Otto and Graham generously donated all the money from their autograph sales to the charity Mercy Ships, which provides surgical care and wellbeing to those in need in African nations. A worthy cause, the donation of £170 was a much appreciated gesture.
Otto and Graham generously donated all the money from their autograph sales to the charity Mercy Ships, which provides surgical care and wellbeing to those in need in African nations. A worthy cause, the donation of £170 was a much appreciated gesture.
Otto Snel and Graham V Hartstone
Event Photographs by Andrew Ruff and Steve Cowgill