Colin Edmonds

Behind the Scenes with Colin Edmonds

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After 50 years of writing comedy for most of the UK's highest-profile comics and performers, Colin now chats with those who work behind the scenes in television: from the camera operators, and sound supervisors to the directors and producers; and in show business: from the stars to the stagehands - who all share their never-before-heard memories and anecdotes. Support the podcast by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/BEHINDTHESCENESWITHCOLINEDMONDSFacebook: colin.edmonds.73Instagram: colinedmondsssmTwitter:@ColinEdmondsSSMWebsite: https://www.steamsmokeandmirrors.com/

Author

Colin Edmonds

Episodes

Mark Wells: Part 2 – The Prince’s Trust, The Royal Variety Performance plus stand-up comedy Monarchy: Bob Monkhouse, Les Dawson and Joan Rivers 02.07.2021 1:22:02

In this week’s episode, former L.E. Controller at I.T.V. Mark Wells picks up from where we left off: working with Princes Charles, Harry and William, getting a ‘put down’ from Prince Philip, and moving on to definitive documentaries featuring many of the best-loved stars in British comedy. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.e...

Cue the music – West End conductor and M.D. Mike Dixon on working with Dame Shirley Bassey, Queen’s Brian May, plus Lord Lloyd Webber and Ronnie Wood 25.06.2021 1:05:32

This week on the podcast, Colin’s on the dais with the Maestro, top Musical Director Mike Dixon, talking about “We Will Rock You” and “Aspects of Love”, playing Glastonbury, and rubbing shoulders with Patrick Stewart, Leslie Bricusse and Dame Julie Andrews. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmonds...

Life at the top in Light Entertainment – Mark Wells on The Brits, Bob Monkhouse and much else besides. 18.06.2021 1:08:17

In this week’s episode, former Controller of Entertainment at Carlton and ITV Mark Wells takes us on a Behind the Scenes tour of his remarkable 30-year television career. From his first role a researcher on Gloria Hunniford’s LWT series Sunday Sunday, to heading up the biggest entertainment department in TV, and prompting memories of the brilliant Paul O'Grady, Michael Parkinson, Des O’Connor, Jer...

Creating comedy from situations – a conversation with award winning sitcom writer Brian Leveson 12.06.2021 1:05:01

This week on the podcast, Colin chats with multi award-winning situation comedy creator Brian Leveson – for thirty years one of the leading laughter makers Behind the Scenes on British television. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmondsssm Twitter:@ColinEdmondsSSM Website: https://www.steamsmokea...

40 years in showbusiness - it’s the return of TV producer and entertainer Roger Edwards. 04.06.2021 1:31:47

In this week’s episode, Colin welcomes back Roger Edwards, with more hilarious anecdotes about his life and times, the showbiz characters he encountered - and how his work for charity took him to Her Majesty The Queen’s Buckingham Palace garden party. Sgt Pepper's Friends - https://www.sgtpeppersfriends.co.uk/ Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian Engl...

From Paul O' Grady & Peter Kay to Coronation Street & so much more – the very epitome of versatility Jayne Tunnicliffe. 22.05.2021 1:27:01

This week on the podcast, Colin chats with entertainer, stand-up comedian, poet, musician, painter, artist, designer, handicraft expert, actress – actually, it’s quicker just to say “the sassy, smart and super-talented Jayne Tunnicliffe”. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmondsssm Twitter:@ColinE...

Surviving Ozzy Osbourne & serenaded by Ronnie Kray – the extraordinary life of Garry Bushell 15.05.2021 1:10:01

In this week’s episode novelist, music historian and journalist Garry chats about his death-defying tours with Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden and The Specials along with his love of Ska, Reggae and Punk; his friendship with Dale Winton and his encounters with Ronnie Kray. And that’s not even the half of it! Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Fac...

The famous voice of Strictly Come Dancing and The National Lottery - a chat with Alan Dedicoat 08.05.2021 1:12:21

This week on the podcast I talk about Sir Tel, the wireless and reading the news with the famous voice of Strictly Come Dancing "The Judges have their scores!" and the National Lottery "Let's release those Big Money Balls!" - the vocal legend Alan Dedicoat. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmonds...

A Special Agent With A Royal Connection 30.04.2021 51:10

In this week’s episode, Colin talks about the Mob’s Las Vegas, TV’s Royal Variety Performance and the man involved with both, his friend and agent of 35 years, Peter Prichard O.B.E. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmondsssm Twitter:@ColinEdmondsSSM Website: https://www.steamsmokeandmirrors.com/...

International producer and game show guru - tales from TV around the world 24.04.2021 1:03:20

This week Colin chats with jet-setting TV producer and game show guru Howard Huntridge, talking about his career overseeing the best gameshows in the world, and making stars of Dale Winton and Paul Daniels. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmondsssm Twitter:@ColinEdmondsSSM Website: https://www.s...

A Legacy of Laughter – Talking Comedy With Rising Comic Talent Matt Bragg 17.04.2021 1:11:10

This week Colin chats with one of the brightest, new young performers on the stand-up circuit, Matt Bragg, and remembers the incredible career of his late Dad: much-loved comedian, entertainer and, behind the scenes, the doyen of TV warm-up artists Bobby Bragg. Check out Matt here: https://www.mattbraggcomedy.com/ https://twitter.com/mattbraggcomedy Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed...

From The Comedians in the 1970s to Britain’s Got Talent in 2020 10.04.2021 58:53

John Orchard is a pianist, composer and show business historian. In this week’s episode, he shares his remarkable experiences behind the scenes and on the screen via the stage of the London Palladium. Last year he earned 4 big green ticks from the judges on Britain’s Got Talent… Check out John here: https://www.singalongajohn.com/ http://www.britishmusichallsociety.com/ Steam, Smoke & Mirrors...

Gladiators versus Ice Warriors - from the hottest hit to a frozen waste. 03.04.2021 47:57

In this week’s episode Colin talks about rising to TV’s Ultimate Challenge – but skates over a desperate flop. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmondsssm Twitter:@ColinEdmondsSSM Website: https://www.steamsmokeandmirrors.com/ Buy Steam, Smoke and Mirrors Available at Caffeine Nights Available at...

An Interview with Les Dennis – the triumphs and trials of a lifetime on TV 27.03.2021 1:15:09

In this week’s episode, Colin enjoys an in-depth, insightful and inspiring conversation with one of Britain’s most enduring and endearing entertainers – Les Dennis. We go behind the scenes of his long career path from New Faces, via sketch comedy and Family Fortunes, to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebo...

Central TV – Fortunes made and a Bullseye hit, as witnessed by Roger Edwards 13.03.2021 48:43

In this week’s episode, Colin chats with one of entertainment’s most experienced and creative behind the scenes brains, Roger Edwards, who reveals what it was really like to work on Central TV’s cult hit favourites Family Fortunes and Bullseye. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmondsssm Twitter:@...

Des O'Connor - A Singing, Smiling, Shining Star 06.03.2021 49:59

In this week's episode, Colin shares his fond memories of working closely with British entertainer and television icon, the late Des O'Connor CBE. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmondsssm Twitter:@ColinEdmondsSSM Website: https://www.steamsmokeandmirrors.com/ Buy Steam, Smoke and Mirrors Availa...

An Interview with Joe Pasquale – The Voice Behind The Laughter 27.02.2021 1:00:14

In this week’s episode, Colin conducts a revealing, in-depth conversation with one of British entertainment’s most enduring and popular personalities: comedian, actor, artist, author - and a whole lot more. The fascinating Joe Pasquale.  The quickest way to get a signed edition of Joe’s latest book of horror short stories ‘Deadknobs & Doomsticks 2 - Tales from the Lockdown’ : https://caff...

Sir Terry Wogan - the Titan of Broadcasting 20.02.2021 47:39

In this week’s episode, Colin remembers his many happy times working with the British’s best-loved radio and TV personality – that broadcasting legend, Sir Terry Wogan. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English You can watch Michael Ball’s tribute to Sir Terry Wogan, which I penned for Proms in the Park 2016, by copying and pasting this link: https...

Ladies Night - the Great and the Glam of British Television 13.02.2021 37:35

In this week's episode, Colin talks about his time working with some of the nation's most high profile female performers and presenters. From Cilla Black to Davina McCall, via Ulrika Jonsson and Gloria Hunniford: who he got on with - and who he didn't.   Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmon...

Paul Daniels - More than just Magic 06.02.2021 37:25

In this week's episode, Colin talks about his life and times in the company of the great British entertainer, game show host, master magician and winner of the Golden Rose of Montreux - Paul Daniels. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmondsssm Twitter:@ColinEdmondsSSM Website: Steam Smoke & Mi...

Bob Monkhouse - A Life in Comedy 30.01.2021 47:14

In this week's episode, Colin talks about his long working association - and friendship - with British TV and comedy legend Bob Monkhouse OBE. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian English Facebook: colin.edmonds.73 Instagram: colinedmondsssm Twitter:@ColinEdmondsSSM Website: https://www.steamsmokeandmirrors.com/ Buy Steam, Smoke and Mirrors Available...

From Paddington to the Palladium 23.01.2021 32:46

How does a working-class boy from Paddington with no show business connections manage to become one of the UK's busiest and most successful television comedy writers? Colin chats about his career working with Sir Terry Wogan, Paul Daniels, Jimmy Tarbuck, Des O'Connor, Paul O'Grady and, of course, Bob Monkhouse. Steam, Smoke & Mirrors Theme music composed by John Orchard and arranged by Ian Eng...