Tony Hatch: Radio 2

[Mike of CAS]

I know Maria spoke of this in the Ads You Like Thread, but I thought you might like to read the Press Release for Episode 3: REG WATSON SPEAKS!


Colour My World Ep 3/3
Friday 3 July
7.00-7.30pm BBC RADIO 2

Bill Kenwright presents the third and final part of Colour My World – The Tony Hatch Story, looking at the life and work of this influential singer and songwriter.

In 1964, Tony was commissioned by Reg Watson to write his first television theme, for Crossroads. Reg talks about how, 20 years later, he heard Tony's composition for Neighbours and knew that the song was perfect for the show. Barry Crocker, who provided the vocals on the original version, talks about the day that he recorded it with Tony.

Tony was soon in huge demand, penning the theme tunes for Sportsnight, Man Alive and Emmerdale, among many others. He also earned himself a fearsome reputation as "The Hatchet Man" on talent show New Faces. He and his wife, Jackie, then moved into musical theatre, providing the music and lyrics for stage musical The Card.

Theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh talks about his work with Tony on The Card and American producer Victoria Laing explains why she included nine of Tony's songs in her current stage show, Shout – The Mod Musical.

[Maria No. 1.]

It will be interesting to hear what Reg has to say.  No doubt interesting stuff !

The series is already looking good, and that is before we have even heard Part 1 !

[Mike of CAS]

Full programme listing: http://www.atvnewsnetwork.co.uk/today/index.php/tv-news/1227-hatchetman

Also note they're repeating a concert of Hatch music after episode one.

[Maria No. 1.]

Mike, Thanks for the providing the link of the full programme listing.

Episode 2 looks very good also, for those who like Petula Clark, which I am one.

I listened to the concert of Tony Hatch's music earlier in the year, when it was on first time round, but I can recommend it for those who haven't heard it.  When Crossroads is played by the orchestra, lots of clapping and cheering noises are heard from the audience when the theme tune starts.  ,

[Shughie]

Paul O'Grady has just hummed a bit of the Crossroads theme when plugging the show.

No Emmerdale, no Neighbours... just Crossroads. 

[Maria No. 1.]

I think almost likely that Paul O'Grady is a Crossroads fan.

In his autobiography he says he once worked in a hotel, and that he had visions before he started work that it was going to be like Crossroads.  He was so disappointed, when it was the exact opposite !

Also, I remember Jane Rossington & Kathy Staff being guests on the Paul O'Grady Show when he was still at ITV in 2005.  They were on to publicise the first Crossroads DVD Volume 1.

Paul, being Paul, I think wouldn't have guests on his show he didn't like, because he is also the Executive Producer of his show.

[Mike of CAS]

He also spoke of Vera Downend the other week and ended the series with Born With A Smile On My Face.

I wonder if one of us writes to him at Radio 2, noting its the 45th anniversary whether he'll play the theme...

[Maria No. 1.]

He also spoke of Vera Downend the other week and ended the series with Born With A Smile On My Face.

I wonder if one of us writes to him at Radio 2, noting its the 45th anniversary whether he'll play the theme...

I too saw Paul say Vera Downend by mistake, he was getting confused with another Vera, and corrected himself.  I also saw his final series show with all his best clips of the series played to Born With A Smile on My Face.  Yes, Paul must be a Crossroads fan.

I have written to Paul 3 times on his TV show,over the years, but never been mentioned.  Once I even sent Buster & Olga a doggy toy as a "bribe" but didn't work.  Instead I received standard letters each time saying due to volume of post not all letters can be read out, along with photo prints of Paul with Buster. 

I know his TV show is back in September, plenty of time for Crossroads anniversary.  But I think it is more likely that he would read any letter out on his Radio Show.  Worth a try if anybody is game !

[Mike of CAS]

Yes I think its easier to reach him via Radio 2, not lots of production team sifting through, so a general request about the theme, note the show still has fans and a club, then maybe point out that it might be nice for him to do something on the telly in November.. hmmm we don't ask for much do we.

I suppose if a few people did it, over the next few weeks, it could work...

[DJB]

I've heard Paul mention Vera and Zeph Gladstone on the radio a couple of times.Michael Ball also mentions it regularly on his Radio Two Show.He made some comment this morning(Ididn't quite catch it)in reference to the Tony Hatch programme.I've heard him say in the past that Sue Hanson was his first autograph.

[Mike of CAS]

Oh Michael Ball too. And Elaine Paige always says nice things about it - I have her talking to Shona Lindsey and she brings up Crossroads, Shona doesn't seem so keen....!

[Maria No. 1.]

Yes I think its easier to reach him via Radio 2, not lots of production team sifting through, so a general request about the theme, note the show still has fans and a club, then maybe point out that it might be nice for him to do something on the telly in November.. hmmm we don't ask for much do we.

I suppose if a few people did it, over the next few weeks, it could work...

Yes, what a good idea !  

I'll write one of the letters shortly, and yes, if more than one person did write a letter, just sticking to the simple facts, then maybe, just maybe he might play the tune on Radio 2 and do something for his TV show in November.

[Maria No. 1.]

Oh Michael Ball too. And Elaine Paige always says nice things about it - I have her talking to Shona Lindsey and she brings up Crossroads, Shona doesn't seem so keen....!

I heard Elaine Paige interview Shona Lindsay on her show,too it was a while back.  Elaine told the listeners that they were both in Crossroads, and that not many people knew that.  Elaine said that the part of Caroline Winthrop was her first acting job after leaving drama school.  And yes, Shona didn't seem keen when Elaine mentioned Crossroads.  Possibly she thinks she has outgrown Crossroads, and it was in the past.

[Mike of CAS]

And later on she doesn't say the soaps name, just "I was in a soap then moved onto..."

But at least Elaine likes to talk about it. She said something about it on This Morning once, but I don't think she can recall much other than being one of Sandy's love interests...

[Maria No. 1.]

I don't think Elaine can recall hardly anything about Caroline Winthrop, because her autobiography mainly consisting of pictures, does not contain one picture of her time in Crossroads.  The book is mainly about her acting parts in musicals.  I was flicking through it in Waterstones, just to have a look to see if she was pictured with any of the Crossroads cast, but none.  If there was a picture I would have bought the book.