The Best Guide for the Portsmouth Area

The Legacy Of Compo Swings Into The Sixties

Author: annahowelll

Published: 3rd October 2012 14:16

To the public he was the loveable rogue; to Tom Owen he was simply ‘Dad'.

As part of the Over 60's Festival, star of stage and screen, Tom Owen is visiting Portsmouth this week, to speak about his acting career and about growing up in the shadow of his father.

For twenty seven years, Bill Owen entertained and charmed audiences of all ages in his role as Compo in the world's longest running television comedy series, ‘Last of the Summer Wine.'

The parallel story of father and son in show business will be told later this month at Groundlings Theatre. Treading the Boards is the story of two men who happen to be in the same, strange business and also happen to be father and son. Through narrative, film, photograph and song, it tells of the careers of both men, the highs and the lows, the laughter and the tears.

How Bill almost gave up show business to become a University Lecturer and how Tom went from working with Kirk Douglas one day to signing on at the dole the next! Friday October 26^th, dinner theatre available. Show only tickets from £12, (£22 including a two-course dinner).

As a prelude to the show, Tom will be answering questions about his life and living in the shadow of his fathers. Groundlings Theatre said, ‘We are thrilled that Tom is bringing not one but two shows to our theatre at the end of the month and it's great that he has agreed to come along and celebrate the Over 60's Festival with us, sharing his memories and maybe adding a few more along the way.'

This free, annual festival is held for two weeks throughout the city and offers a host of activities for people to sample. From dancing to computing, arts and crafts and bowling, there is something for everyone.

As well as the talk, Groundlings are also offering theatre tours, drama classes and a stitch and bitch session in the wardrobe department.

Tom will also be preforming in his highly acclaimed show of Krapp's Last Tape.

It is 69 year old Krapp's birthday. He sits in his ‘den' preparing for his yearly ritual of recording his reflections on a tape recorder. This one man show deals with growing old and the process of reflecting on those significant discussions that shape our lives.

Krapp's Last Tape is the most autobiographical of Samuel Beckett's works and Tom admits it is the most challenging role of his theatrical career. Saturday 27^th October at 8 pm. Tickets from £12

There are just a few spaces remaining for the talk on Friday October 5^th, 10am - 12 noon. Interested? Contact 023 9283 4698.

For enquiries about the Over 60's Festival events at Groundlings or the shows, contact the box office on 023 9273 7370. Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Street, Portsmouth. PO1 3BS

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