Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2009 | Page 35

INTERVIEW

life

PHOTO: Earl Carpenter as the Phantom. Photo by Clive Barda

Most of all, I love the huge contrast to that of

their ‘Last Night of the Proms’, and have also

London’s West End, and to wake up looking out

been involved with a ‘songs from the shows’

to sea is nothing short of idyllic. The Island is

event called ‘Summer Showstoppers’. More

an eclectic place, we all know that, but for me

recently, I instigated the ‘Les Miserables’

it’s the scenery. Every time you venture off the

concert at Osborne House, presented by the

beaten track you find a few secret and hidden

West End cast, which was very exciting and

treasures, all so close to the water. I used to

great to play to a capacity audience.

live in Hertfordshire which, although a lovely

There aren't many producers from London

county, is very flat and at least a two hour drive

who see the Island as an ideal venue, but I

to the coast.

do, and I see my 'Three Phantoms' concert as

People are nicer here too and

more relaxed, which is a great and welcomed

an augural presentation for what I hope will

change to City life.

be a relationship of longevity. We'll see. It's

The commute into London is incredibly easy;

whether the Islanders want to see West End

the refreshing walk down the pier wakes me

quality shows on their doorstep... I think they

up, and the entire journey only takes a couple

do and I hope they'll enjoy what we have

of hours door to door, which allows me time on

planned. So - here's to a new adventure and

the train to work on the various projects I have

the Isle of Wight!”

on the boil. There's all sorts of opportunity
here, quietly simmering away, and that's pretty
exciting especially when the mainland seems
to be a tad swamped. Over the last year or
so the Island has been home to a number of
concerts I've worked on, either as a producer
or performer. The majority have been with the
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra - I hosted
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