Last Sunday – 17th November – I was one of four pianists accompanying silent films from or based on WW1. I found myself with a particularly challenging set of short films where narrative wasn’t always clear. But Chaplin’s short about war bonds (his attempt to spur the US into joining the Allies, as he did again in ‘The Great Dictator’ in 1940) was a fine piece, wittily constructed and fun to play for.
This Saturday – 24th – I’m in Worcester, accompanying Chaplin’s 1916 film-within-film spoof ‘Behind the Screen’ and Keaton’s feature-length ‘Steamboat Bill Jr’. The latter I’ve played for twice before, and very funny it is too. It’s a full evening, as I’ll talk a bit about silent film music and musicians, and the effect that the introduction of sound had. I’ll also mention the effect the arrival of sound didn’t always have, as many cinemas both in Europe and America couldn’t afford to install sound equipment, which meant continuing work for the local musicians! The occasion (and venue) in Worcester is the St Martin’s Piano Appeal: a new grand piano has been installed and this event will help pay for it. Shirley and David Scott got me involved: we used to work together on BBC Radio recordings at the Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street when I was first involved in ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue’ and radio drama scores. The Paris has long since gone, sadly. It had great atmosphere and a wonderful, star-studded history of radio comedy.
On Monday – 26th – I’m in Llandudno to record ‘Clue’. We’re joined by Rob Brydon (splendid singing voice in the Tom Jones vein: he really should do musical theatre) and Susan Calman (wonderful and uncontrollable giggler). Both are always excellent value on the show. We’re at the Venue Cymru.
And Tuesday morning I’m on an early train back to London to rehearse Cert HE students on the Italia Conti Acting Course in a musical theatre extravaganza. So life isn’t dull…
Colin Sell 