What a 60th Carry On
June 3rd 2018
Drayton Court Hotel, Ealing
Special guests: Fenella Fielding, Jacki Piper, Anita Harris, Zorenah Osborne, Billy Cornelius, Patricia Franklin, Richard O'Callaghan, Brian Osborne and Hugh Futcher.
With biographer Adam Endacott.
Event organised by Paul Stephen and Dean Barker
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2018 marked the 60th anniversary of the first Carry On film being released. What better way to celebrate it than a good old fashioned knees-up with like-minded fans and Carry On legends!
After a special introduction to the panel, we were able to watch a little tribute to some of the Carry On performers who have passed away. A short video was played featuring some familiar, and much-missed, Carry On faces, accompanied by a recording of Smile by Kenneth Connor. It was a touching moment for us all and there was hardly a dry eye in the house. |
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The magnificent Fenella Fielding was introduced first and read Carry On related excerpts from her autobiography ‘Do You Mind if I Smoke?’ Then aged 90, Fenella captivated the whole room with her unique style and performance, resulting in a standing ovation.
Sadly, this was to be Fenella’s final public appearance, as she passed away in September that year.
Sadly, this was to be Fenella’s final public appearance, as she passed away in September that year.
Fenella as Valeria in Carry On Screaming
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It was wonderful to see Carry On lovebirds Jacki Piper and Richard O’Callaghan reunited, allowing a rare photo opportunity with both greats together. It was Jacki’s third time with us at the Whippit Inn, and Richard’s first, and it was an absolute joy to have them with us.
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Jacki Piper
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Richard O'Callaghan
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Richard and Jacki, as Lewis and Myrtle in Carry On At Your Convenience
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"Just to say a big thank you for organising a wonderful 60th celebration of the Carry On’s! It went really well !
Everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves. Doug and I send heaps of love and thank you..... for a most memorable day. Jacki and Doug xxx" Jacki Piper, and husband Doug Barrell |
"Thank you... for last Sunday afternoon. It was such a happy event! Wonderful for me to catch up with Jacki & Doug & Anita & Mike and to meet all the new friends.
Best wishes..." Richard O'Callaghan |
We were beyond thrilled to welcome three Carry On event debutantes, each having their own unique Carry On careers.
Zorenah as a Harem girl in Follow That Camel
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Zorenah Osborne was a late, and very welcome, addition to the panel and the last minute confirmation created an extra buzz for all concerned. Zorenah appeared as one of the Harem girls in Follow That Camel and it was a delight to hear her Carry On memories. |
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With a whopping combined total of 16 Carry On film roles, and umpteen Carry On television appearances, it was sheer joy to welcome Brian Osborne and Billy Cornelius. Both actors have been long missing from the event circuit and to have them spend their time with us and share their stories was a rare insight into the films indeed. And with Carry On Screaming being such a fan favourite film, it was great to see Oddbod Jr reunited with his 'mistress', Valeria (Fenella Fielding). |
Brian as Bob in Carry On Behind
Billy as Oddbod Jr in Screaming, and PC Cookson in Carry On Girls
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"Many thanks from Elsie and myself for a really great time with you all last Sunday. The opportunity to meet so many of the Carry On fans was humbling.
A big thanks to... the team who worked so hard to make the event the success it clearly was."
A big thanks to... the team who worked so hard to make the event the success it clearly was."
Brian Osborne
"After a hectic 24 hours.... thank you for Sunday.
A really good event. Xx"
A really good event. Xx"
Hugh Futcher
Patricia Franklin was previously with us in Bloomsbury, 11 years ago, and we were delighted that she could join us once again, and Hugh Futcher returned for his third appearance with us, after having been there in 2006 in Brighton, and 2012 in Ealing. Both stalwarts of the Carry On series, it is always a delight to welcome them.
Patricia as Vera Bragg in Carry On Behind
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Hugh as the cabby in Again Doctor
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Anita as Nurse Clarke in Carry On Doctor
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And last but not least, the evergreen Anita Harris joined us on her birthday. It was humbling for us that she chose to spend her special day with The Whippit Inn, and after a sparkling rendition of ‘Happy Birthday to You’, some of those in attendance were lucky enough to have a slice of Anita’s birthday cake.
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During the day, Brian Osborne was collecting for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal, and donated all the money from the sale of his own photographs, which he brought especially to sign for the charity.
Here is a message from Anne at the RBL;
"I cannot thank you enough for your donation to the Poppy Appeal. We had a meeting of 'counters' and I am delighted to tell you that you raised £113.50 for the Appeal.
This will be banked into the Poppy Appeal account so that it will be used for the work that the RBL does with the injured ex-servicemen, the widows and families of those killed in conflict and those who served but have fallen on hard times.
Many, many thanks to all concerned."
Here is a message from Anne at the RBL;
"I cannot thank you enough for your donation to the Poppy Appeal. We had a meeting of 'counters' and I am delighted to tell you that you raised £113.50 for the Appeal.
This will be banked into the Poppy Appeal account so that it will be used for the work that the RBL does with the injured ex-servicemen, the widows and families of those killed in conflict and those who served but have fallen on hard times.
Many, many thanks to all concerned."
