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The only tenuous connections betwixt The Shadows and "Telstar" - 1) They recorded a version of the 60s classic 2) Bruce remains close friends with Clem Cattini to this very day and still bemoans the fact that "Telstar" was given to the Tornados (not so very surprising, seeing as how the Tornados were Joe Meek's creation!) and not the Shadows. Mind you, had it not been for the fact that both The Shadows and The Fentones had recorded "The Breeze & I" (thereby potentially wiping out the - as - then - unknown Tornados own version) then "Telstar" would very likely never have been written.

That's all by the by. The small Tower Theatre Company (at the Bridewell Theatre - just off Fleet Street) are staging a mini -revival of Nick Moran's stage play of Joe Meek's turbulent life / career. Yes, "Telstar" (the play) is on tonight, tomorrow night and Saturday night. It's only a small theatre (100 or so seats). If you live in / around / near London...why not go along? Although historically flawed - the play is a great piece of theatre. I was lucky enough to attend a rehearsal (& I'm doing a Q & A after tonight's show) and, believe me, it's a cracking little production. The set is excellent and they've also added a fabulous live band to perform a handful of Meek / RGM classics (including "Telstar", of course) -something which Nick Moran did consider when he put the original play on in the West End 9 years ago. Highly recommended for any theatre / music lovers within striking distance.

See you there? I'm also going on Saturday evening (no Q & A that night!!!)

http://www.towertheatre.org.uk/telstar.htm

Went to see the show last night. First rate production. Actor Con O' Neill (currently starring in "Uncle") was in attendance. I spoke to him briefly and he opined that the Tower Theatre Company had done the production proud. As he was heavily involved with both Nick Moran and the original production, he didn't personally approve of the addition of a live band playing some RGM classics (viz: Nick Moran had considered the idea back in 2005 - but decided against it). For myself.... I thought thst it worked a treat. Excellent band. Tracks performed: " The Traitors", " Johnny Remember Me", "Jack The Ripper", "Just Like Eddie", "Have I The Right" and, of course, "Telstar". Drumming legend Clem Cattini will be in attendance on Saturday. Seriously, do go along if you get the chance - either tonight or Saturday. The Bridewell Theatre is just off New Bridge St near the junction with Fleet St and Ludgate Hill. 7.30pm start. Rob