“Music, Magic and Shameless Name-Dropping!!” – Review
An Evening with: David Bradley Saturday 25th January 2025
Our evening with David Bradley at Fritwell Village Hall (FVH), 25th January 2025 delivered much mirth & insights into his fascinating career.
Comfortably sat in an old armchairs on a raised stage, David & presenter and long term friend (& FVH Trustee) Ian Critchley took a post modernist “Eamon Andrews” (if you are old enough to remember him?!), “This is your Life” style guiding us through David’s life.
The sold out event, with 60+ in the audience were totally engaged by David’s (Tommy Cooper style) magic, ventriloquistic & comedic timing.
The 2 hour chat with a 30 minute comfort break in the middle format worked well.
David reminisced about his life and career, from his earliest days in theatre, his recruitment into the Shakespeare Company by Sir Laurence Olivier and of course his later film and television roles as Argus Filch (Harry Potter), Walder Frey (Game of Thrones), the First Doctor (Dr Who) amongst many others.
In a career spanning over 60 years we heard first hand, that David has worked with many of the biggest stars of his profession; and he did treat his Fritwell audience to some “shameless name-dropping” as he talked about his experiences.
His Filtch cat “Mrs Norris” made a welcome appearance but was quite candid of what he thought of David’s acting capabilities!!
David Bradley, personally signed posters were snapped up on the night.
In a surprise finale, David accompanied by Ian on guitar + David’s friend Pete on Cahon for his soulful renditions of “For the Good Times”, “Trail of the Lonesome Pine”, and “I’m My Own Grandpa” which was much appreciated by the attentive audience & showcased David’s versatility.
FVH has enjoyed a long association with David and we’re pleased and grateful that has again helped us raise funds towards building a new Hall. Early estimates suggest over £1,400 has been raised towards the new hall fund from the event.
A huge thanks go to Ian C for his organisation, extensive pre-planning & interviewing on the event; our busy volunteer Bar Staff Helen & Glynis; Mike S on the sound, Rob J’s button mics, Carl H/Karen H for their black curtains + the team setting up and tearing down after the event. Couldn’t do it without you.
Finally, FVH Trustees are also very grateful to the audience for such great support in coming to the event and we look forward to staging further presentations for your entertainment.
