The Professionals Event - 23 September 2018

[Del Boy]

What a good event, shame I couldn't make it but after doing GH40 I couldn't squeeze it in.

Its interesting to listen to guests of that calibre in a small venue and even better to chat to them in person.

Enjoyed the write up Gel ,thanks for putting us in the picture 

[Peter Picard]

A very good report Gerry on a really enjoyable and interesting afternoon.

Here's a few photos of the people taking part.

First up was Esta Charkham, the casting director on the later series, talking with Linda Regan.

Next, from the left, Lucy Hornak, Sally Harrison, Anni Domingo, Felicity Dean and Carol Royle.

From the left, Judy Matheson and Frances Low.

Again from the left, Ahmed El Shenawi, Gary Shail, Robert Gillespie and Prentis Hancock.

Finally from the left, Chris Bunn, Terence Mountain and Dave Cooper.

[Arthur Pringle]

'Gypsy' Dave Cooper is unrecognisable without his distinctive curly hair & mustache. He was a stripper & blue movie performer prior to his mainstream acting work. 

[Vienna]

Thanks to Gerry for his detailed report... and to Peter for his photos 

Well, what a fab afternoon Peter Picard, DC Burtonshaw, Get Carter and I had at the wonderful Cinema Museum in London on Sunday for 'The Professionals Revisited' event.

It all got underway after meeting up with Gerry and GC in the lift at Kennington tube station. We then headed over to the venue, which was just a 10 minute walk in the rain. Whilst waiting to get inside the building we had a quick word with author Bob Rocca and Tinkerbell from the episode 'Blind Run' played by Egyptian actor El Shenawi. As we entered the venue Peter Picard joined us and after showing staff our tickets we headed upstairs for the main event. 

There was a decent turnout and the actors and actresses were all seated at various tables, signing photos and talking to fans who had the courage to speak to them first! Those fans who had pre-ordered the new updated tome by Rocca and Julian Vogt could now purchase their copy - unfortunately, none of us lot had done so as it was rather pricey at £36   Before we sat down to listen to the guests assembled (one or two didn't get involved) GC and I had a nice little chat with the lovely Carol Royle. She appeared in two Pro's episodes: 'A Stirring of Dust' and 'Dead Reckoning'. She was one of the reasons I went in the first place and kindly posed for a photo and signed one herself 

It wasn't too long before Misty Moon's superb MC Linda Regan (Minder, On the Buses, Hi-de-Hi etc) called us all over and, after a few rather odd jokes about Teresa May and Brexit, she began the Q&A sessions with the guests. However, before proceedings got under way there was a short tribute to the recently departed Dudley Sutton by the events organisers and a short film was shown. Linda also mentioned the recent deaths of Liz Fraser and Fenella Fielding.

First up on stage was casting director Esta Charkham. She talked about casting actors on the series and also about her work in TV and film. Then it was the turn of the ladies from the series: Carol Royal, Felicity Dean, Sally Harrison, Lucy Hornak, Anni Domingo, Judy Matheson and Frances Low. All of them talked about their experience of working on various episodes of the show and also about their experiences with Martin Shaw, Lewis Collins and Gordon Jackson. Lucy Hornak even mentioned her first onscreen snog with Lewis back in 1977 During the conversation members of the audience were invited to ask questions and were given the microphone, though it didn't always go to plan!

The gentlemen were then invited onto the stage by Linda Regan. Robert Gillespie, Prentis Hancock, Gary Shail and Ahmed El Shenawi discussed their experiences in the acting profession and their own parts in various episodes of The Professionals. Gary talked about knowing Lewis Collins well and going down the pub with him as they lived near each other in north London. He also did a quick auction for dedicated fans, with items including a dressing gown from 'The Female Factor' episode on offer for £200. Last to talk were the various stuntmen. Dave Cooper mentioned how dangerous some stunts could be and how he fell badly on some concrete during one and damaged his neck!

The event overran a tiny bit but Linda Regan thanked everyone for coming and asked people to support the museum and its volunteers; it's sadly under threat of closure. Hopefully this won't happen as it was a fantastic event that myself and the other lads really enjoyed!

It was then all over but Peter and I decided to go for a few jars before the train left Euston 

Vi   

BTW, some photos tomorrow, hopefully! 

[Del Boy]

Thanks Vi and to Pete for the reports and smudges

[The Saint]

Some great reports, looks like you all had an enjoyable day!

The Saint

[Dirty Epic]

Some great write ups and photos there Gerry and Vi.

Seems like a good event and one I sadly couldn't attend and from the sounds of it seems you got close up with the guests who seemed happy to chat to you about their work on the show and other things too.

Thanks again for posting lads.

[Vienna]

OK, I do have a few smudges from the event. Apologies for the quality on one or two images as it's a bit tricky for us moggies to hold cameras, especially indoors   




The lovely Carol Royle...




Misty Moon's MC Linda Regan




Judy Matheson with Linda Regan




Lucy Hornak, Sally Harrison and Anni Domingo



Felicity Dean and Carol Royle




Robert Gillespie and Prentis Hancock




Terence Mountain and Dave Cooper




Gary Shail and Sally Harrison at the auction

Vi

[Arthur Pringle]

Carol Royle has aged very well, remember her from an episode of Hammer House Of Mystery & Suspense. She is married to the son of Bernard Spear, the actor who repairs Tim Cook's flash coat in 'Taste Of Fear'.

[Gene Hunt]

I think I'll get in touch with Robert Gillespie to see if he can join us for the Meet next weekend. We are covering Farrel & Flynn's used furniture shop from The Sweeney episode "Nightmare" and Robert could play a good Tony Hay these days....



Yes Finbar, No Finbar.

Gene.