Carry On at 65
June 25th 2023
Drayton Court Hotel, Ealing
Special guests: Gail Grainger, Melvyn Hayes, Philip Herbert, Pauline Peart, Eva Rueber-Staier and Julian Essex-Spurrier.
With Carry On biographer Morris Bright MBE.
Event organised by Dean Barker and Callum Phoenix
An illustrious panel of guests joined in the fun at ‘Carry On at 65’ in June 2023. After the obligatory Carry On quiz (link at the bottom of the page), which was won by the team Wine & Gits, we got the ball rolling on yet another fabulous Whippit Inn event, this time in collaboration with Retroboy. Since our last meeting, 8 months earlier, we had sadly lost a number of those who helped make the Carry On legend what we love today. We raised a glass to a couple of gentlemen who had previously joined us in Ealing, at Carry On events. |
Sound recordist / mixer and dubbing editor on many Carry On films, Otto Snell, and from Carry On Sergeant, Ian Whittaker.
Otto joined us last June, just a few months before he sadly passed away.
Actor turned set decorator Ian Whittaker joined in the fun at the Grange in Ealing, in 2012. Ian won an Oscar for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration in 1993, for Howard's End, and he kindly brought it along to our event in 2012, and passed it around for us all to see.
Otto joined us last June, just a few months before he sadly passed away.
Actor turned set decorator Ian Whittaker joined in the fun at the Grange in Ealing, in 2012. Ian won an Oscar for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration in 1993, for Howard's End, and he kindly brought it along to our event in 2012, and passed it around for us all to see.
As well as those wonderful actors and technicians who worked on the Carry On films, The Whippit Inn also lost a very important and much loved member of our team.
Rob Milburn created the Whippit Inn website, which in turn spawned the Facebook page, and it is without doubt that the group and the events would not have been the huge success that they are today without his love and dedication to the films and fans alike. On the day before this event, a few of the original members of the Whippit Inn group went on a small locations tour of Windsor, thoughtfully arranged by Rob's dear friend and fellow Channel Islander, Paul Stephen. The tour was an exact copy of one that Rob organised for us in 2007, including the fire station from Girls, which is no longer there. It was quite a moving experience, but a lovely way to remember such a lovely man. This event is dedicated to his memory. Rest in peace Rob. |
The Long Walk, from the 2007 tour
Rob Milburn
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Some original Whippits outside the police station from Carry On Screaming
Morris Bright MBE
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After we welcomed our panel of star guests, and watched a specially edited compilation of classic Carry On clips featuring our panel, Carry On biographer Morris Bright took to the stage. After reading a letter of apology and well-wishes from Carry On legend Jim Dale, Morris introduced some rare footage of the 40th anniversary event which he co-organised at Pinewood Studios, in 1998.
This footage hadn’t been seen before and was a real treat indeed. Liz Fraser, Shirley Eaton, Barbara Windsor, Bernard Cribbins, June Whitfield, Jack Douglas and producer Peter Rogers provided some reminisces of their time making the films. We’d like to thank Morris for joining us and for presenting this special footage. |
Actor James Pertwee, who appeared as an Inquisitor in Carry On Columbus was unable to accept our invitation this time, but kindly sent a message to read out to the room.
Excerpt of the letter from James Pertwee. To read the full letter, please follow this LINK
I'm sorry I can't make today but I was really chuffed and honoured to be asked to join you all for today's get together and celebration of 65 years of Carry On.
It's crazy to think my tiny appearance in Carry On Columbus WAS over 30 years ago. How amazing though to be alongside the other sons of greats, filming with Toby Dale, Jonathan Tafler and also writer Dave Freeman. My name is Jonathan Pertwee but quite rightly, equity ruled there can’t be two Jons. So James Pertwee it is. I doubt whether I need to say this, but dad, Bill and Jon were cousins. But these two wonderful performers were of course in GIRLS, LOVING, CLEO, SCREAMING, COWBOY and COLUMBUS.
In late 1991, I got a call from my agent who offered me the audition for Carry On Columbus. I couldn't believe it - yearh not alf !!!!!!
I was born in 1966 and growing up I can't ever remember NOT watching a Carry On film. My wife loves them and particularly adores the onscreen relationship of Sid and Joan in more moments than she can remember. Strangely enough I met her about the same time I heard of the audition. To this day, perhaps it was just kind foresight that a few people got together and plucked out us sons. Seems rather a coincidence to me. Either way it was a nice touch and great result for us boys to be inquisitors. An absolute honour to have a credit on a CARRY ON movie.....how often does that happen !!!!
I must mention my dad, Bill Pertwee, the greatest dad and someone I miss every single day since his passing ten years ago. I was so lucky growing up that Bill and my dear mum Marion were so loved and introduced me to such great friends of theirs. Thanks for the memories dad. x
Salute to CARRY ON.
ENJOY YOUR DAY
and thank you for putting up with this rather long reminisce.!! Next time hope to be with you.
With gratitude and ham sandwiches,,
All the best ...... Jon / James. Xx
It's crazy to think my tiny appearance in Carry On Columbus WAS over 30 years ago. How amazing though to be alongside the other sons of greats, filming with Toby Dale, Jonathan Tafler and also writer Dave Freeman. My name is Jonathan Pertwee but quite rightly, equity ruled there can’t be two Jons. So James Pertwee it is. I doubt whether I need to say this, but dad, Bill and Jon were cousins. But these two wonderful performers were of course in GIRLS, LOVING, CLEO, SCREAMING, COWBOY and COLUMBUS.
In late 1991, I got a call from my agent who offered me the audition for Carry On Columbus. I couldn't believe it - yearh not alf !!!!!!
I was born in 1966 and growing up I can't ever remember NOT watching a Carry On film. My wife loves them and particularly adores the onscreen relationship of Sid and Joan in more moments than she can remember. Strangely enough I met her about the same time I heard of the audition. To this day, perhaps it was just kind foresight that a few people got together and plucked out us sons. Seems rather a coincidence to me. Either way it was a nice touch and great result for us boys to be inquisitors. An absolute honour to have a credit on a CARRY ON movie.....how often does that happen !!!!
I must mention my dad, Bill Pertwee, the greatest dad and someone I miss every single day since his passing ten years ago. I was so lucky growing up that Bill and my dear mum Marion were so loved and introduced me to such great friends of theirs. Thanks for the memories dad. x
Salute to CARRY ON.
ENJOY YOUR DAY
and thank you for putting up with this rather long reminisce.!! Next time hope to be with you.
With gratitude and ham sandwiches,,
All the best ...... Jon / James. Xx
Comedy legend Melvyn Hayes joined us and delighted everyone with his memories of his career. As well as appearing in Carry On England and an episode of Carry On Laughing, Melvyn has graced many film and television show with his presence. From sitcoms It Ain’t Half Hot Mum and Not Going Out, to films such as Summer Holiday and The Curse of Frankenstein, Melvyn was a joy to listen to.
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Melvyn Hayes as Gunner Shorthouse in Carry On England and Charwallah Charlie / The Mysore Chopper Thrower in Carry On Laughing: The Case of the Screaming Winkles
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"Thanks Callum, I had a lovely day! It seemed like a great success!".
- Melvyn Hayes
- Melvyn Hayes
It was a privilege to be joined by one of Madame Desiree’s Birds of Paradise, Eva Rueber- Staier. Like all the other guests present, Eva appeared in just the one Carry On film but was more than happy to share her memories of making the film and, in particular, working with Kenneth Williams and putting up with his infamous antics!
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Eva Rueber-Staier as a Bird of Paradise in Carry On Dick
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"I really enjoyed the 'Carry On At 65!' event. Thank you for looking after me so well! Thanks again and all the best to you and the team".
- Eva Rueber-Staier
- Eva Rueber-Staier
Pauline Peart as Gloria Winch in Carry On Girls, with the gorgeous Bernard Bresslaw
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We were pleased to be joined by the actress Pauline Peart. Pauline joined the gang playing Gloria Winch, a beauty contestant in Carry On Girls. Pauline was popular with everyone here, with many fans presenting her with items from her Hammer Horror days to be signed. It was wonderful to listen to Pauline and learn more about her, and hear her Carry On memories.
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Philip Herbert was on hand, complete with a stick of rhubarb, to provide recollections of his work as Ginger in the last Carry On film, Carry On Columbus. Philip was a mainstay of the comedy scene of the era, notably frequently playing Hugh Jelly opposite Julian Clary and had some wonderful tales of his work in showbusiness.
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Philip Herbert as "Ginger" in Carry On Columbus
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"Many thanks for a lovely event, I really enjoyed it! Wishing you all the best".
- Philip Herbert
- Philip Herbert
Julian Essex-Spurrier as a Jolly Juvenile in the 1992 stage show Wot a Carry On in Blackpool, starring Barbara Windsor and Bernard Bresslaw.
It was a rare occasion for the Whippit Inn for us to be joined on the panel by a Carry On performer who wasn’t actually in a Carry On film. Julian Essex-Spurrier played one of the Jolly Juveniles in the 1992 stage show Wot a Carry On in Blackpool. The summer season show was staged on the North Pier and starred Barbara Windsor and Bernard Bresslaw. Julian gave a great insight into the show, of which there is little information available. Fresh from the Italia Conti stage school, this was the start of Julian’s illustrious career in musical theatre. We were also joined on the day by Julian’s wife, the actress and singer Renee Montemayor, who he met when they were both appearing in the West End production of Miss Saigon.
As well as Renee, who many people recognise from her time on Grange Hill, a couple of other lovely actresses attended our event, and despite not being on today's panel, they were so gracious with the fans who approached them. Melvyn Hayes' daughter, Charlotte is well known to fans of the Doctor Who audio recordings, having featured in several of the Big Finish releases. In one of these she took on the role of Jenny, a part played on TV by Wendy Padbury, who acted alongside Charlotte in another of these audio dramas. In case you didn't know, Wendy is Charlotte's mum.
Also enjoying the day was background artiste and stand-in, Tina Simmons. Tina has worked on so many film and TV projects. Several Bond films, Return of the Jedi, The Sweeney, Superman III, On the Buses, Doctor Strange, even a handful of Carry On films... plus much much more. It was so lovely to see her there, chatting with the guests and fans alike.
As well as Renee, who many people recognise from her time on Grange Hill, a couple of other lovely actresses attended our event, and despite not being on today's panel, they were so gracious with the fans who approached them. Melvyn Hayes' daughter, Charlotte is well known to fans of the Doctor Who audio recordings, having featured in several of the Big Finish releases. In one of these she took on the role of Jenny, a part played on TV by Wendy Padbury, who acted alongside Charlotte in another of these audio dramas. In case you didn't know, Wendy is Charlotte's mum.
Also enjoying the day was background artiste and stand-in, Tina Simmons. Tina has worked on so many film and TV projects. Several Bond films, Return of the Jedi, The Sweeney, Superman III, On the Buses, Doctor Strange, even a handful of Carry On films... plus much much more. It was so lovely to see her there, chatting with the guests and fans alike.
Gail Grainger in Carry On Abroad, with Kenneth Williams
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And finally, it was a thrill to be able to welcome Gail Grainger. Gail memorably starred in Carry On Abroad as Moira Plunkett, the Wundatours courier. Gail left the acting profession not long after the film and very little was known about what had happened to her. The whereabouts of Gail had been something of a long running Carry On mystery earning her the affectionate nickname of The Holy Gail.
This was the first time Gail has made a public appearance and it was a pleasure to have been able to host her at a Carry On event. As with all our guests, it really means a lot to the organisers to bring our comedy heroes to meet their fans and to give us a chance to show them just how much they, and their work, mean to us. |
"What an amazing day! I was blown away with how lovely everyone was. A special thank you to you. You looked after me so well. Please say thank you to all who put the event together so professionally.
Please also say thank you to Paul who was such good company on my drive home. It was a great day. Very best wishes".
- Gail Grainger
Please also say thank you to Paul who was such good company on my drive home. It was a great day. Very best wishes".
- Gail Grainger