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"It Won't be All Right on the Night"

During one of our lunches our members were entertained by Richard Ratcliffe, the established actor, singer, and all-round musical entertainer, who had previously entertained the club members and guests at its last Christmas Lunch. His presentation entitled “It Won’t be Alright On The Night”, covered a series of stories drawn from his wide experience of all forms of theatre activity, from Shakespeare productions to the musical theatre, and variety stage.  

He has worked as an Actor and Singer for 52 years in West End Theatre, Television, Radio and Films. Born in London he went to school very near to the Ealing Studios. There he met many famous actors and obtained their autographs at the studio gates, wondering if he could ever become a professional actor himself. Then his fate was sealed one night when he fell in love with the Leading Lady at the Chiswick Empire. 

His stories covered the many things that go wrong in theatre, was very light-hearted, with a few musical numbers included to illustrate a story. The anecdotes dealt with all versions of the West End theatre, the talents and nerves of some of those he had worked with, and recounted his own introduction to the acting profession and his attempts to secure key roles in many productions.

In particular, he told of how his attempts to secure a Season at The Old Vic Theatre in front of a famous Actor/Director went pear-shaped and later of his being stuck in a lift between floors of the Fairfield Hall, during a performance of a play accompanied by two famous wrestlers who were performing nearby. Richard recounted working with famous actors, singers and comedians who were frequently overcome by nerves and stage-fright!!!  Another story involved mishaps with West End shows when the sound equipment went completely awry. He demonstrated these problems with musical interludes.

More recently he has been combining all his skills as a writer, singer and raconteur to create his own one-man show 'Pure Gold.' He loves to sing romantic songs and brings you the best of the best - from the kings of swing such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jr, Bobby Darin, Perry Como and many others.

Overall, it was a most amusing and entertaining insight behind the scenes of theatre productions. The club hope to retain Richard for a future event.

About Richard Ratcliffe: Well established on the After-Dinner circuit, Richard shares some of his personal memories of his 52 years in West End Theatre, TV, Radio, Films, Cabaret and Repertory Theatre.  To book him for your own event, call 07870 848368 or email at: [email protected]   Details on his talks are available at: http://www.richardratcliffe.co.uk

Haywards Heath and District Probus Club "It Won't be All Right on the Night"