by Malcolm Pheby | Dec 15, 2018 | Liverpool, TV
Commuters catching the train from Southport to Manchester in the 1980s probably paid little attention to the TV star in the same carriage. After all, they saw her every day. For the neatly dressed woman doing the crossword was none other than Liverpool actress Jean...
by Malcolm Pheby | Dec 8, 2018 | Liverpool
It’s extraordinary to think that one of Britain’s greatest post-war writers was expelled from school for hiding a naughty rhyme in her gymslip pocket. But renowned Liverpool author Dame Beryl Bainbridge claims that’s precisely why she had to leave Merchant Taylor’s...
by Malcolm Pheby | Nov 16, 2018 | Celebrity, Liverpool
It was supposed to be a party – but tell that to Les Dawson. The comic was at his lugubrious best when he switched on Liverpool’s Christmas lights in December 1980. Famed for his dead-pan monologues and off-key piano-playing, Dawson delighted the crowds with his...
by Malcolm Pheby | Nov 10, 2018 | Liverpool, Theatre
Since way back in 1826, crowds have been entertained on the spot where the Royal Court Theatre proudly stands today. In the early 19th century it was John Cooke’s royal Amphitheatre of Arts – a home to circuses, operas, plays and concerts. One of the most popular acts...
by Malcolm Pheby | Nov 3, 2018 | Liverpool, Royals
Memories of Diana, Princess of Wales, hold a special place in people’s hearts. Everyone remembers the genuine interest she took in every place she visited – and the warmth she showed to all the well-wishers who greeted her. Liverpool was no exception. This week in...
by Malcolm Pheby | Oct 27, 2018 | 1960s, Industry, Liverpool
The sorry looking row of hostesses’ hats and pilots’ caps at Speke airport said it all. Liverpool airline British Eagle had gone into liquidation. All flights were grounded and the uniforms would never be worn again. Planes emblazoned with the proud British Eagle logo...
