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Norman Wisdom and Melvyn Hayes
Norman Wisdom has celebrated his 90th birthday with the Grand Order of Water Rats at a special lunch at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
The event attracted figures from the worlds of light entertainment, music and literature, including Water Rats curator Jimmy Perry, Prince Rat Joe Pasquale, Ken Dodd, Rick Wakeman, Roy Hudd, Dame Vera Lynn and Sir Tim Rice. King Rat Melvyn Hayes provided a tribute as a spoof ambassador of Albania, a country where Wisdom achieved, and still enjoys, huge fame.
Among those paying tribute to Wisdom was Terry Seabrooke, who toured with him on several occasions. He told guests: “I can honestly say that he was only person we ever worked with for whom we witnessed so much love and affection from every audience that turned up and filled the theatres.”
Highlights of the day included Wisdom taking to the stage for a rendition of his self-penned signature song Don’t Laugh At Me, which received a standing ovation. A prize raffle of memorabilia signed by the performer raised more than £3,000 to help aid the Water Rats in their work supporting less fortunate ex-performers.
• Photographer and GOWR Chief Trap Guard Doug McKenzie, who took the pictures for The Stage’s 125th anniversary party, was on hand again with his camera at this event.
Tuesday 22 February 2005 02:55 :
The Stage
