Starr wars put me in the picture

The recent passing of unconventional funny man Freddie starr reminded me of my scary confrontation with him. Many years ago, having just been employed as a photographer by a newspaper in Oldham, I was given an assignment to photograph Freddie at a local theatre. My instructions were to capture a selection of his different comic characters. I duly arrived at the Failsworth venue and set myself up in the side gangway. On came Freddie and his act began. Click, click, click, plenty of photos, jokes, antics, the whole audience laughing. I then moved to the centre aisle, walking up and down, getting closer to the stage. Click, click, click. All of a sudden, Freddie shouted at the top of his voice: ‘sTOP!’ The music stopped and a hush came over the audience.

Freddie pointed at me and shouted: ‘Who the hell are you and what are you doing?’ Three hundred people turned to look and a spotlight shone down on me. embarrassed, and getting hot under the collar, I retorted: ‘I’m taking photographs for the local newspaper.’ Freddie carried on in an even louder voice: ‘how much are you paying me? Who gave you permission?’ how could I dig myself out of the situation? Quick-thinking and inspired, I replied: ‘I am preparing a photo-report for a full page insertion in our newspaper that will give you more publicity and sell more seats.’ I wondered what verbal battering I was going to get next. shrugging his shoulders, Freddie winked at me and said ‘That’s OK then,’ before carrying on with his act. Phew! repartee saved the day and we did publish the pictures. Just another day as a photo-journalist!

Tom Clarke, Manchester.