This book by well-known Isle of Wight resident John Hannam begins with a foreword by the late Bob Monkhouse OBE. It continues with an insight into how the author acquired an interest in show-business from an early age. John recalls how his father allowed him to watch films on his 16mm sound projector at home, as well as the day trips to Portsmouth to watch variety and summer shows during the 1950s. As he says himself: “My love for showbiz people and live shows came from those day outings. Despite television, radio, movies, video, music and books, live theatre is still my greatest passion.”
John goes on to describe his teenage years towards his first proper media job on the local hospital radio. This helped him to overcome an almost crippling shyness, as did meeting his wife Heather. Latterly he realised that shyness was something he had to overcome in order to become a brilliant interviewer: “I quickly learnt that to be in awe of the stars I interviewed just didn’t work…To appear nervous, inhibited by their presence or clearly embarrassed by being in such esteemed company was detrimental to getting the best out of your guests”. He therefore assumed a different, more confident personality.
The rest of the book is packed with humorous anecdotes from the interviews of literally hundreds of celebrities. The majority are connected with the island in some way because John takes great delight in seeing Islanders succeed. He tells of the time he had to rescue world-renowned jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli from a vicious dog; his heart-to-hearts with Tommy Cooper backstage at Sandown theatre; and what St. Helens born Jeremy Irons really thinks of Bembridge!
