I hope you’re all keeping well during these strange continuing times.
Last year I was in a play called The Sylvia Swing, a touching piece about loss and loneliness. Playwright Melanie Hopkinshas adapted the stage version to be performed online, and it went live Friday night.
Take a look at the results below. A lovely piece – and feels apt for these times.
The Lockdown Log…
So, Lockdown 2 is over and we are now in Tier 3 (again) – or T3.2 as I think of it.
I passed the days of Lockdown 2 doing a daily log update with a max running time 2:20, so I could post to Twitter.
I’m keeping up with the Log now we’re in T3.2, hopefully through to Christmas at least. Link below is for the YouTube Playlist for the Nov/Dec videos… Take a look, I walk the dogs, eat breakfast, drink coffee and spend time at the computer…. Exciting times.
During this last lockdown we’ve recorded it, made a video, and now released it just in time for the Festive Season. And we’re using it to raise funds for Yorkshire Children’s Trust. 100% of the funds raised will go straight those who need it and what’s more, it’s serving families in this region! – To donate, click here – https://bit.ly/36plAaE
The Video is below – The single can also be downloaded on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music!
Here’s the Blurb for it..
The U.K’s favourite Singing Plumber, Paul BALLO Ballington always has an annual Christmas song available… But this year it’s something a bit special.
As the nation struggled through the Covid Pandemic, Paul joined up with his mates from “The Yorkshire Teabaggers,” John Atherley and Dave McClelland, to reassure families that Santa would still be calling on them this Christmas.
Recording a song, and shooting a video, isn’t easy when you can’t be in the same room as your bandmates, but the team used technology to put it all together remotely, and the final video is like joining a Zoom call with a bunch of Yorkshire mates. And even Santa himself joins in the call!
And it became a family affair with Paul’s daughter Lana, and John’s wife Maria joining in, along with a cameo from actor Andy Whitaker who plays Policeman PC Swirling on ITV Soap Emmerdale (as Andy Moore) .
The lads wanted to help families who are struggling through the Covid Crisis – and the Yorkshire Children’s Trust seemed like the perfect partner to raise funds for. 100% of the funds raised will go straight those who need it and what’s more, it’s serving families in this region! – To donate, click here – https://bit.ly/36plAaE
The single can also be downloaded on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music!
Andria Hill-Lehr is a freelance writer and author of two non-fiction books: Mona Parsons: From Privilege to Prison, from Nova Scotia to Nazi Europe (Nimbus Publishing, 2017) and A Mother’s Road to Kandahar (Pottersfield Press, 2008).
She is also a Registered Counselling Therapist and entertaining public speaker offering informative workshops on a variety of topics, including mental wellness in the workplace, pre-retirement preparation (not a finance workshop), humour, conflict, change, and stress.
Had my first special Mockdown Confidential show on Tuesday.
A spinoff from my Mockdown! Show, this is a more intimate one-to-one chat with a special guest…
This week, Canadian Actor, Writer, Theatre Guru, and family guy, Charlie Rhindress joined me to talk about Lockdown, The Canadian Bubble, his books on Canadian Musical Icons, his Lockdown Streaming show (The Charlie & Heather Show), his acting role in an upcoming TV series based on a Stephen King short story, and all the fun acting stuff we did together over many years.
I hope you’ve all survived another week of this Pandemic and you’re ready for a bit of entertainment.
Last night’s MOCKDOWN! show was Film themed…. and I had three super guests…
LINDSAY BENNETT-THOMPSON, Actor/Writer/Artist & Filmmaker on her latest project Enter Nirvana, and her recent appearance on Coronation Street…
Harry Potter Movie Death Eater, Actor/Model/Photographer, and mo-cap artist King Regis in Final Fantasy XV video-game, JON CAMPLING…
And, finally, Film Director MATT ROUTLEDGE, his new movie Tribal-Get Out Alivepremieres online on Monday…
We chat about the impact Lockdown has had on their lives and work, and what they’re up to now.
[Full Guest info below video]
GUEST INFO
Lindsay Bennett-Thompson
Lindsay is an Actress, Writer and Artist based in the North-West. Her expressive, idiosyncratic look and fearless approach has gained her recognition as a contemporary and bold actress. She began her career early and in her twenties joined and toured with a rock band for a number of years. Following the bands eventual breakup, Lindsay explored her interest in puppetry before returning to study; graduating in 2014 with First Class Honours in Contemporary Theatre and Performance from the University of Central Lancashire. 2019 was a major turning point for Lindsay, after a near death experience and life saving surgery the experience propelled her to continue to push to make her own work and develop her career as a filmmaker an she currently has 2 films PUPPY and ENTER NIRVANA in the festival circuit with ambition to release them online next year. Having gained positive reviews from PUPPY Lindsay is currently developing a feature length screenplay. Guest Links Enter Nirvana Trailer Puppy Trailer Actor Showreel Twitter Web
Jon Campling
Jon was born in Hull and gave up a job for Life with British aerospace to go to drama school in Brum for 3yrs in 89. He now has 97 IMDb acting credits, stopped the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter, and created the character KING REGIS in the global smash game Final Fantasy XV. As well as acting, Jon is also a model, photographer, wand maker, a runner & fitness freak and is currently training to be a singer. His latest film release is ‘Adventure Boyz’ available on all the usual platforms. Guest Links Adventure Boyz Twitter Instagram Twitch Facebook Web
Matt Routledge
Matt has been actively acting, directing and producing Martial Arts Media since his first ‘Nunchaku Instructional Video’ back in 1992. In 1997 he completed a three year degree course which saw him make two half hour martial arts films ‘Net Chaser’ and ‘Rush Hour’. After working in the industry for well-known companies such as ‘Mersey Television’, ‘Granada Television’ and ‘Sony Entertainment’, he returned to making martial arts films. These include the internationally acclaimed short film “The Car Wash” in 2000 and two TV movies, ‘Fist of Justice’ (2005) and ‘Crazy in Love’ (2004). By now an experienced stuntman/ choreographer and action director, Matt relocated to Thailand where he worked with Jackie Chan on ‘The Medallion’ and action director on Menahem Golan’s last ever martial arts film ‘Final Combat.’ Primarily working as a ‘Director of Photography’ since then, Matt has now moved back into the Director’s chair for the award winning martial arts short film ‘Fixer’ (2016) and most recently the multi-award winning crime caper drama ‘Manipulation’ (2018). A short film that has bagged over 17 awards globally so far in film festivals from Melbourne to Los Angeles.
He’s now releasing the action horror feature film ‘Tribal,’ starring Zara Phythian (Doctor Strange) and Ross O’Hennessey (Game of Thrones). Guest Links Tribal – Get Out Alive Premiere Twitter Instagram
I hope you’re all staying safe and well, despite the best efforts of our government…
Had another fun MOCKDOWN! show last night.
This week’s guests…. Brothers from Other Mothers – and a Sister-in-Law too….
The wonderful trio, STEVE GARTI, JOHN & MARIA ATHERLEY… [Guest details below the video…]
We chat about how Lockdown has impacted on them, and what they’re up to now.
MY GUESTS
STEVE GARTI, actor, musician – Acting Credits include The full monty, The Cops, Ashes to Ashes, all the soaps, Brassic. And Broken with me and Sean Bean! Did years on the club circuit with various bands and was Billy Pierce’s drummer during the late 80’s. A professional cook. Proud dad to his son James who with his partner has recently gifted him a grandson. https://twitter.com/SteveGarti • http://limemanagement.tv/talent/steve-garti/
And John’s partner, MARIA ATHERLEY, an Army brat apparently, studied hospitality management and worked in hospitality and HR, but in recent years has embraced her spiritual side and co-founded The Karma Hub, offering a variety of Yoga, meditation and sound therapies…. http://www.karmahub.co.uk/ • https://www.facebook.com/thekarmahub/
MOCKDOWN! streams live Sunday evenings at 8pm (UK) on my Actor Facebook Page.
Past show are on my Actor page, and are also available as a Playlist on YouTube
Christmas is almost here!
We’ve had the first dusting of snow on the Sheffield hills, my cards are sent, presents mostly bought, now I’m making lists for food shopping for the big day.
I’ve also been busy on the business side, getting new actor headshot pics and making a new video to share with you, so lots to tell you about in this update….
I usually record a video each Christmas of me reading A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS (‘Twas the night…). I used to read it to my children on Christmas eve in the pre-divorce days, but I never see them to read it now, so I started recording it for them.
This year I decided to record an audio version for them and put a bit more into the production side, with sound effects and such. I’m very pleased with the results.
I’ve put it on YouTube with some family photos and videos under the audio, here it is….
If you’d like the original audio version in it’s full glory, it’s here to listen or download…. or buy if you wish to send me money.
I’m going to be in your house in January!
Earlier this year I recorded a lovely episode of GIRLFRIENDS, Kay Mellor’s new drama for ITV. A couple of nice scenes with Miranda Richardson and Zoë Wanamaker. The series begins Weds January 3rd. I’m in Episode 3. It’s a lovely cast, please watch.
Here’s some of the new pics of the new slimmer me (over 80lbs lost now) – and with new glasses too. I’m hoping the new slimmer look leads to more TV work as directors move me from the obese to hunky casting category 😁
And here’s a final Christmassy treat for you, the firstYorkshire Teabaggersvideo. Our parody take on one of the most popular of Christmas songs.
What a lot of Christmas goodies eh?
So, now I’ve unloaded my sack on you, I will bid you a Very Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year.
Stay warm, stay safe, help others, spread the love and be good to yourself.
I know, I’ve been going on about BROKEN for months, but your chance to see it is very close. BBC has announced the 6-part series starts May 23rd.
I’ve seen the first episode… I went to a screening in Liverpool on Monday, lovely to catch up with everyone.
It’s excellent. Amazing performances all round, very real, very moving, it’s must see TV. Here’s the BBC trailer…
A few pics below from the screening in Liverpool…
Myself, Steve Garti, Naomi Radcliffe and director Noreen Kershaw (eps 4&5)Director Noreen Kershaw and write Jimmy McGovern doing post-screening Q&Athe screening screen….
And a few more from during production and wrap party…
Sean and myselfBex & SeanKerrigan Brothers… myself, Steve Garti & Paul CopleyWorking in Hollywood (Bowling Alley) with Sean Bean!Kerrigan Family – Sean Bean, Steve Garti, myself, our mother Aine Ni Mhuiri, Vanessa Earl and Paul CopleyMy Brothers, Paul Copley, Sean Bean, Steve GartiSean signed a pic for my son, Benjamin
I’m sure to nag about this again, so please forgive me, but I want everyone to see this series.
I did some tree pruning in the garden a couple of weeks ago, did something to my back and I’m now in agony with Sciatica.
Visits to the doctor have given me pain relief that’s not really touching it. I’ve not slept properly in days, moving from bed to floor to chair to find a comfortable position. My TENS machine goes everywhere, along with a tennis ball to press into the painful area.
Had some relief Wednesday from The Chinese Doctor. Massage and Acupuncture seems to have helped. I’m back today for more. Wish me well!
The pain has made sitting at the computer for editing difficult. A few minutes at the desk, on the floor for a while to relieve the pain, back for more editing and the cycle continues….
First up in the edit suite was a short doc with my hairdresser, Martin Strong, retiring after 45 years. I started seeing him from age 15 or so, and returned to him when I moved back to Sheffield. A lovely chap and I wish him well for the future.
I went for my final trim last week. Here’s his story…..
Next up is a new video of The Yorkshire Teabaggers in rehearsal. We met Monday and I sat when I needed to, used the mic stand for support whilst standing and managed to get through it. Follow us on Facebook for the latest gigs and videos!
Enjoy it!!!
Hoping to return to full back health very soon!!!!
I trust Christmas was good to you and that 2017 has been a happy one for you so far. Look at this, almost Valentine’s Day and it’s my first update of the year… naughty Dave.
Dave’s birthday 2017
Things are good here, I had a most enjoyable Christmas with family and friends and then another birthday rolled around a couple of weeks ago…
My birthday was quickly followed by my son Benjamin reaching his 15th… He’s a pretty amazing young man and makes me very proud.
Benjamin’s 15th birthday
Glad to say BBC is showing trailers for upcoming drama series and Jimmy McGovern’s BROKEN, starring Sean Bean (and me as one of his brothers), is in the list. As soon as I have dates I will post it here.
In the meantime, The Yorkshire Teabaggershave been busy in the rehearsal studio with a few gigs recently and more to come.
Dave and Bex at Teabaggers gig
We made this video during our rehearsal this week, consider it our Valetine to the women of Yorkshire….
Follow us on Facebook.
And I’m very happy to share that I have a new pair of Doc’s…. picked up at a decent price on eBay, lightly used. Love ’em!
Doc Martens
So, that’s it for now. Wishing you as much love as you can handle for Feb 14th!
