On last week’s gallery I talked about how proud I was of my mum and mentioned that she had sung an aria from Carmen on the first night of Tyne Tees Television in January 1959. Some of you asked to see the video so I managed to get a recording onto my camera and have uploaded it. If you watch the video you will hear a fabulous, strong voice and see a young, vibrant, beautiful woman aged 24. I get tingles every time I watch it.
My mum, who sang as Eileen Brennan, has written the following for you, describing the events of that memorable day:
“Resurrecting the video of Tyne Tees opening night live show, The Big Show, has brought back many amazing memories for me and I am delighted to share them with you.
Tyne Tees Television, a regional commercial station for the North East of England, began broadcasting in January 1959, from a converted warehouse in Newcastle near to the River Tyne.
A live show for the opening night was planned months before when famous impresarios George and Alfred Black, who produced shows in London and Blackpool, held local auditions. I was chosen to perform the Habanera from Carmen: I think I was the only Geordie to appear. Other famous faces on the show were Bill Travers, Virginia McKenna and Bill Maynard plus countless performers and comedians who were famous names in the 1950s.
The atmosphere backstage was exciting yet rather stressful for the producers at times. I found the rehearsals fascinating, getting the chance to sing with a big orchestra when I was more familiar with a piano accompaniment. I remember there was a big fuss concerning hair and make-up: they had a great deal of trouble trying to get my hair to set, constantly washing and re-setting the curls until someone noticed they had been using hand cream instead of setting lotion.
I thoroughly enjoyed my song, supported by the wonderful Malcolm Goddard Dancers. I wasn’t at all nervous though I remember developing a massive headache after the performance.
We had rehearsed a grand finale with all the performers walking down to take their bows but this was a live show, it over-ran and the curtain came down rather too promptly before the show had finished.
I saw this video for the first time in 1989, 30 years after the show was aired, when someone from Tyne Tees gave me a copy. I shed a few tears looking back at myself as a young woman of 25 but I was immensely proud and felt very fortunate that I had a memento of one very special night.
I hope you enjoy watching it.”
Eileen
Ah, so that's where you get your talent from. That's some performance, combined with considerable stage presence. Thanks so much for sharing it!
@The Dotterel – I don't think I come anywhere close to her singing voice but yes, I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! It's great sharing it: she was so talented.
That's amazing. She has a wonderful voice. Can see where you get your talent from. How great for her (and us) to be able to watch it – what a memory to have.
@Deer baby – thanks Alison. Mum and I have done such a lot of reminiscing lately and I think she's tickled pink that she's on YouTube now!
I was 4 years old and vaguely remember all the talk about this Tyne Tees opening night – I may even have seen your Mum perform as we probably all sat round the little Bakelite tv in great excitement! We were lucky enough to have a tv then, to be honest. Your Mum is beautiful and has a fantastic voice and stage presence. It must be wonderful for you both to have this film – and it's on YouTube too?? Brilliant!
@Diney – I'm glad I hunted the video aout now: it was you and others who said you'd like to see it. And you were a wee baby then!
Wow, your mum has quite the voice! And that's a great momento for anyone to have. She looks perfect.
So do you sing opera yourself?
Oh wow! No wonder you are so proud of her!! What a beautiful memory to have.
@The Vegetable Assassin – She'll be chuffed to bits with your comments.
I sing musical theatre stuff mostly. Having a break this year but normally sing in a local Amateur Dramatic group.
@Fiona – I am very proud: her voice has always been beautiful and strong, her personality is still as vivacious as it is on the video.
what a fabulous piece of not only personal history but also national!
@Steve – you're right, we were saying this weekend what an incredible opportunity for Mum to have been part of this.
My mum just sent me the You Tube version. Obviously we weren't born then but I hope the family appreciated what a big deal this was. She was brilliant.
I also remember her on Opportunity Knocks singing "Blow the Wind Southerly" (I think) as we all gathered round to watch her.
@Expat Mum – Ah Opportunity Knocks! 1971. That was really exciting for me. I should have kept it a secret but wrote it in 'My News' at school. She wanted to strut around and do something operatic for that but they wanted her to sing a Northumbrian folk song instead, which was nice but didn't show her personality. But she did get 84 on the clap-o-meter!
That is absolutely brilliant! You are both so lucky that the video tape has survived as so much tape from that period was reused later with the original recordings lost forever. A true family heirloom.
I particularly like your mother's phrase "OTHER famous faces on the show were…"
@Troy – I don't think my mum ever thought she would see the show for herself. It was quite amazing that the tapes had survived.
I have to take the blame for the Freudian slip. Mum emailed me her words and didn't use the word 'other' at all. When I typed it up I put the word in without thinking….I must have always seen her as famous!
Wow fabulous stuff! How nice to have it on film! Emma 🙂
@Emma – glad you like it! It is fabulous, isn't it!!
Wow your mother is not only stunningly beautiful she moves amazingly well and is very emotional. Some of the singers today could take a leaf out her book. Her curls look lovely too – had to laugh about the handcream. What a great post Trish – LOVE IT!
Sorry Jackson above was me. My 11 did not sign out. (sigh…)I also love that sum-up at the end from the posh chap, noone speaks like that any more do they? Tell you mother that she was a true star – and still is!
@About last weekend – Hi Jody (I was wondering who Jackson was, thought he was another reader!). My mum has been reading my blog today so she will be overwhelmed by your comments.
Isn't the announcer at the end rather something: I kept that bit in the recording as it made me chuckle so much!
Oh gosh, that is just fantastic. Fancy handcream, honestly! Thank you to your mum for sharing it with us. Wonderful. The announcer wasn't very well rehearsed! Your mum is clearly more the professional despite being a 'local lass' and not from Covent Garden 😀
@kelloggsville – Mum told me this afternoon that the announcer was quite a famous chap called Jack Payne who did a lot of radio presenting. If he were doing it now he'd have an autocue!!
No wonder you get tingles when you watch it! she is fab and how lovely that you can see your mom as the young woman she was.
@Libby – Since Dad died we have looked at lots of old photos from when they were both young: it has helped us remember that they had an exciting, happy life – an important thing to do when dealing with grief.
That was fantastic! AND my favourite bit from Carmen – which is my favourite opera. (Well actually it's the only opera I like – I have tried but just don't 'get' opera – apart from Carmen which I lap up.) I want one of those flamenco dresses.
Your mum's on YouTube!!!!! How cool is that? How cool is she?
AND she writes just like you! Or you write just like her….. ?
@Madame SG – I love Carmen too: I think it's because the main character is female and feisty. For me watching the movie version, Carmen Jones, helped to make it more accessible.
Yes, she's one cool mamma!
I got goosebumps listening to the song… What a fantastic performance! And a wonderful memory for all of you to share with your Mum.