Eyes And Teeth

Andrew is an encyclopaedia of showbusiness anecdotes and true history of Magic & Circus. Today you will hear a cavalcade of names that will make you smile and reminisce along with us. From his days on famous TV and movie sets as a kid to performing on countless TV shows and working with the best in the business Andrew has done it all and is still doing it all.

He grew up surrounded by entertainment, its in his DNA but he has made it his own identity and he is modest and passionate about his work and also about keeping the memories and people knew alive with his stories. We speak of ventriloquists Neville King, Albert Saveen and Ray Alan. Andrew talks of the night he made Peter Kay appear on stage as well as comedians such as Arthur Askey, Norman Collier to destroying plates with Sherrie Hewson on the generation game.

We talk about Re-Educating Archie and our collaboration over the years as well as Andrew’s incredible Phillip Astley project 

 His story along with his extremely talented parents Connie & Fred Van Buren is one special journey and I welcome you aboard to the story within Eyes & Teeth when I talk to Andrew Van Buren 

Ian Richards and I have 456 mutual friends on Facebook, we know a lot of the same people but that must just be down to the decades of experience and seasons between us. Of course he’s 10 years ahead of me after his work as a DJ, After dinner and sportsman's speaker and comedian and tells us today of the night he hosted a night with Tommy Cooper, we talk about ventriloquists Roger De Courcey, Neville King and Jimmy Tamley, Bob Monkhouse, Rick Wakeman and Bobby Charlton. He also talks fondly of the immaculate Frankie Vaughan and the free fry ups on a dual carriageway because he was mistaken for a famous face.

We talk a lot about Comedy and showbusiness especially in these difficult times but one thing I did get from today was comfort and laughs talking with a mate, its one thing that has got me through these times hearing familiar voices so welcome to Eyes and Teeth the wonderful Ian Richards.

Melvyn has one of the most recognisable faces and voices in British Showbusiness history. He is a childhood hero of mine in Children's TV.  We talk about Superted and his part as Skeleton, to his cameos in the Cliff Richard movies, the Carry On classics and TV appearances in many Top Sitcoms. Melvyn talks about being ripped off on his first entertainment contracts to why he turned down the Real Marigold Hotel. He talks of Live TV back in the day and working with Jess Conrad and Eric Sykes and playing Peter Cushing in a Hammer Horror movie to Leeds City Varieties good old days.

It was such a joy chatting to this legend from his Isle of Wight home, welcome to Eyes & Teeth Melvyn Hayes

Neil Crossland is a well respected Water Rat and Showbusiness would be naked without him.  He has designed within his company Stagewear Unlimited suits for the Grumbleweeds to Russ Abbot, The Thursford Spectacular to Strictly Come Dancing, Gerry & the Pacemakers to Britain's Got Talent and jackets for Jess Conrad to Janet & Michael Jackson which led to a national scandal in the papers.
Neil is probably the only man in history to scare Freddie Starr or stop a ventriloquist act from working. Neil has also given his time to the business and its people becoming a great friend to many and I have just put my order in to be a part of his list...
Welcome to Eyes & Teeth Neil Crossland.

Neil Crossland - Stagewear Designer | Living North

Johnny Mans is responsible for the success and return to the stage of Norman Wisdom, it was Mr Mans who kick started the knighthood which resulted in Norman deservedly becoming a Sir.
Johnny started out as a comedian and a brilliantly well respected one at that and his natural ability and ease in booking top artistes of the day sealed his name in the industry as a Top Promoter and Producer and his days as a comedian slowed down.
His passion was putting things together and he has always known what works.

Welcome to Eyes & Teeth Johnny Mans

The night I became a Water Rat I was so proud to see a large attendance including a few ventriloquists including Roger De Courcey, John Bouchier & Alan Simmons.
Alan is a comedy performer who started in this business of show recording pop records, joining a very successful comedy duo with his brother Keith who performed on record TV shows and pantomimes and summer seasons for decades. They are known by and have worked with the best in the business and they would have had their TV Success after an offer of a series but Alan explains what happened when that was taken away.

Alan's brother Dennis was a ventriloquist but was taken far too young and after deciding to leave The Simmons Brothers he took up that vent act that he started years before the double act. Alan has wonderful stories to share including when he met his lovely Julia also a performer.
Welcome to Eyes & Teeth Alan Simmons

Ian Irving, won talent competitions which took him to New Faces which led to Opportunity Knocks. He warmed up sitcom audiences and supported the greatest names in the business and went on to have his own TV Special.
Earning his crown on the Sporting Dinner circuit he is respected and admired throughout our business and Brothers in the Grand Order of Water Rats.

Welcome to Eyes And Teeth Ian Irving

Chris Emmett is a Legend in the World of Stage, Radio & TV Comedy. A successful writer for TV Shows, Radio Shows and Pantomime and a recognisable face from many of our TV favourites. HIs voices on Spitting Image his collaboration on 3,2,1 and many more variety Specials.
With his 50 years in Showbusiness you can imagine the stories he can tell, well today you don't have to use your imagination as we are treated to anecdotes and behind the scenes of a Radio performer. I knew of his talents before I became a member of the Water Rats, of course I knew about the Hudd Lines, I had met Roy Hudd, and June Whitfield and Chris made it the hat trick for me.
This is a fun insight so relax and enjoy the World of Prince Rat, Chris Emmett.

Sean Rollason known as ROLLO to many was my first dressing room and digs buddy in Pantomime, it was during my first panto and days after it ending we flew off to Benidorm to open in a Nightclub performing our acts to stag and hen parties amongst Blue comics and strippers. If you think that was a contrast then you'll love the next hour or so.

Sean got the circus bug and his knowledge and talent outshine many as he talks us through his experiences in the business from Death defying elephant stunts to performing Pantomime in a Pandemic. His relationship with his son and daughter Tommy J & Lucy is a wonderful thing, he is the supportive father as Michelle is the supportive mother but they are all clearly best friends too. They are great great people.

We laugh and get serious about showbusiness as well as talk of our passion as members of www.gowr.net.
Welcome to Eyes & Teeth ROLLO

Bob Bevan MBE has earned a reputation on the after dinner speakers circuit for decades being the one to book whether you are the late HRH Prince Phillip, Ronnie Corbett, Sir Bobby Robson or Sir Ian Botham, they all have experienced "The Cat" at some time.
His anecdotes are normally saved for the Top Table at many prestigious world wide events but I am extremely blessed to have Bob share some great stories with us on Eyes & Teeth and he also talks about his early start in the business. It wasn't easy but he worked hard and made his name a success. Enjoy my conversation with Bob "The Cat" Bevan