The Stage and Television Today
'Parrot-face' turns comedy promoter
Copyright Free Rewrite Of The Original Article
Freddie “Parrot Face” Davies is moving into independent promotion after completing a two‑year apprenticeship with producer Lisa Baron.
On 5 April 1982 he moves to the Regent Palace Hotel in London’s West End to start up the Freddie Davies Entertainments office.
Davies moved into his first management role at BJB at the end of 1979 following the death of the agency’s founder, Bunny Baron. Paying tribute this week to the vital support provided by Baron’s widow, Lisa, during his first two years, Davies said that her encouragement had been absolutely indispensable.
Davies is bringing along his own roster of performers, including Cheese and Onion, Ken Wood, Stu Francis, and specialist act Van Dyke, while also searching for fresh comedic acts to serve as the foundation of his new venture. Although he does not currently intend to step away from performing, Davies noted that he would willingly retire from the stage if his management responsibilities required his full attention.
Davies will continue his professional partnership with Lisa Baron, including his heavy involvement in one of her summer productions at Hastings' White Rock Pavilion featuring Lena Zavaroni. At the same time, BJB will proceed with its usual operations, with the only modification being a move from its central London location to new offices on Finchley Road in Hampstead once phone lines are connected.
Lisa Baron mentioned that while she might eventually look for a replacement for Davies, she has no immediate plans to do so during a recession when the industry is so unstable. She is anticipating a successful season with three summer productions, including Jack Tripp’s appearance in "Take a Tripp" at Eastbourne’s Royal Hippodrome Theatre starting May 7, and "Holiday Showtime" featuring Ken Goodwin and Edmund Hockridge at the Floral Hall Theatre in Scarborough from 3 July 1982.
Moira Petty notes that discussions regarding the complete cast for the Lena Zavaroni show in Hastings, scheduled for 3 August 1982, are currently underway. Additionally, Freddie Davies stepped in with only a day's notice this week after Bernard Cribbins withdrew from the Hiss and Boo production at the Hammersmith Lyric Theatre due to an ear infection. That show concludes its run this Saturday before embarking on a two-month tour.