Just a brief announcement reporting that character actor Freddie Jones died yesterday aged 91. Why am I mentioning this beloved actor on a jazz blog? Well, back in the early '70s when the Newcastle Big Band was pulling the crowds into their lunchtime sessions at what was then the University Playhouse (now Northern Stage) one of their most fervent supporters when he was in town - usually playing the Theatre Royal - was Freddie Jones.
He was always keen to chat - he loved the band - and, in return, I always looked out for him when he was on tele.
Fond memories,
Lance.
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I remember watching Freddie Jones give a stunning performance of King Lear at the University Theatre on a Saturday night in the mid-70s. The following lunchtime, whilst playing in the Newcastle Big Band in the University Theatre bar, I spotted him amidst the huge crowd, drinking a pint of Exhibition. So, in the break, I went over to congratulate him on the previous evening’s performance. He said, ‘It’s a very punishing role to play,’ and we went on to have a nice, friendly conversation. He was a warm, affable man, as well as being a brilliant actor. RIP.
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