My life backstage
Sandgrounder Radio presenter Derek Webster recalls his encounters with famous names at Southpoort Theatre - and reveals why he turned down Marvin Gaye...
ONE of the questions I often get asked about the many years I worked in radio is have I met anyone famous?
Sadly, many of the people I interviewed have since passed away, including Marvin Gaye, who I almost got to interview but turned him down – more about that later.
Most of the famous stars I encountered passed through the stageentrance at the side of the Southport Theatre.
I walked past it recently and, although the theatre itself has undergone a transformation over the years, the wooden door hasn’t changed a bit, since I loitered there with my roving microphone in the early 1980s.
Backstage was ruled by a kind and helpful man named John Sutton, trusted by Southport’s legendary tourism chief Phil King to manage the area and make sure only the right people got in. I was lucky because, after interviewing Mr King I was introduced to John who gave me full access to the visiting stars.
In those days I was a volunteer in hospital radio so John would simply ask the performers if they wouldn’t mind sparing a few minutes to chat to fans listening in their sick-beds. Sometimes the informal approach didn’t work but often it did, giving me endless opportunities to meet some of the biggest names in entertainment.
There were embarrassing moments too, like the time I was welcomed at the door by a scruffy young Scottish girl. I told her I had come to interview Sheena Easton – one of the big pop stars of the day. The girl looked at me strangely and announced: “I am Sheena Easton”.
Naturally I felt a bit silly not recognising her, but it was a good reminder that these are just ordinary folk, before make-up is slapped on and the spotlight catches them.
On another occasion I was inside the dressing room area and heard a banging on the outside stage door. Seeing that no one was around I unlocked the entrance and came face to face with comedy legend, Tommy Cooper. He looked just like he did on the telly except he was in a hurry and asked for directions in that unforgettable voice slurring: “Whish way? Whish way.”
Before he went on stage to give a brilliant performance I taped an interview with him, during which he seemed a little worse for wear for drink. But, under the circumstances, it was good of him to spare the time and I was very grateful.
I remember being asked if I happened to have any braces on me – apparently Tommy had forgotten to bring this prop required for the act. If only I had been wearing braces that would have been a true claim to fame.
In complete contrast, the atmosphere surrounding the appearance of Irish comedian Dave Allen was much calmer. I was used to arriving, finding the place a whirl of activity with hangers-on and worried looking managers, but there was no one there. The star had gone out for a walk along the sea wall to get some fresh air.
I waited for Dave, listening to the wind howling around the silent theatre. And when he came back I recorded a relaxed, conversational interview. I felt as if I had known him for years. One of those famous people you meet who do not disappoint.
I was very impressed with the way big name stars found time to talk to such a small hospital radio audience. There was no real gain for their efforts, just a handful of listeners and of course, me, a star struck interviewer.
Sometimes it became difficult to separate real life from show business. During an interview with ventriloquist Keith Harris I was disappointed to find that instead of actually meeting Orville the Duck, the puppet was left in a large hat box as the interview progressed.
At least this avoided the embarrassing dilemma of where to point the microphone when the puppet was supposed to be speaking.
Sooty, however, once appeared in full fur to me and, with a bit of help