The tour publicity announced: “To coincide with the release of her much-anticipated memoir ‘Behind the Shoulder Pads’, global superstar Dame Joan Collins is embarking on a brand new tour for 2023. With her husband, Percy Gibson by her side, they will field your questions, giving audiences the opportunity to have an intimate chat with the world famous actress.
Featuring seldom told tales, enchanting anecdotes, and rare and fascinating footage from her seven decades in showbusiness, the evening will be full of the usual wit, candour, and of course glamour that we have come to expect from this British born Hollywood legend. As an award-winning actress, author, producer, humanitarian and entrepreneur, Joan Collins’ career places her in the unrivalled ranks of an international icon.”
Well, I know it’s not rock ‘n’ roll but I couldn’t resist going to see Dame Joan, now 90 years young, in conversation with her husband at the grand old Tyne Theatre. So, I thought I would also report on the event here on my blog.
Photography was strictly prohibited; thank you Wikimedia Commons for the pictures of Dame Joan. The evening was in two parts the first half Joan discussing her life as an aspiring actress in Hollywood, moving forward to discussing more recent activity including of course Dynasty. Joan led us through her career, showing images of her many film partners and friends including Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, Gregory Peck, Marlon Brando, Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor and many others.
She revealed that she almost landed the part of Cleopatra in the film of the same name as Elizabeth Taylor took very ill . Joan said she was pleased that Elizabeth soon got better and she did not get the part as a result, as Elizabeth was a good friend The lady has certainly had an illustrious career and had the entire audience captivated throughout. She received a standing ovation as soon she came onstage, and quite rightly so.
After a short interval, the second half of the performance was a question and answer session. Unlike many other artists I have seen in a similar type of performance, Joan was not afraid to take questions directly from the audience. A spongy microphone was thrown about the crowd who then asked whatever they wished. Everyone was very nice and no one asked anything remotely cheeky or embarrassing. The picture of Joan in a chair, is from Wikimedia Commons and depicts her at a similar performance in Drury Lane Theatre, London. Practices There was a strong Scottish contingent in the crowd who had travelled down as, I assume, Joan is not venturing further north on this leg of the tour. This was apparently the 100th performance of the tour, and the first of the current UK shows. Questions I remember included “did you know Diana Dors?” “Yes, I did” replied Joan “and she had some very naughty parties!”, “Who awarded you your Damehood?”, “Prince Charles and he was very nice to me. The Queen awarded me my OBE, and she was lovely. I am a great supporter of the Royal family” and “who was the best on-screen kisser?” Unfortunately (honestly) I cannot remember the answer to that one!
A wonderful evening spent with a true icon. I bought a signed book and signed photograph (pictured).
Local paper, the Evening Chronicle reported: “Dame Joan Collins was sent a message of support from another star of stage and screen, Julian Clary, before she kicked off her tour in Newcastle on Sunday evening. Joan, who is now 90, arrived at the Tyne Theatre ready for her Behind The Shoulder Pads show at the famous venue, as a crowd of thrilled and expectant fans got ready to welcome her. And someone else delighted that Joan was on Tyneside, was comic, actor and ex-Celebrity Big Brother winner Julian, who has been at the nearby Theatre Royal in Jesus Christ Superstar.”
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Posted by treetopflier2009 on October 5, 2023 at 10:03 am
Nice one Peter. When I saw this was on I had a felling you would go. Sounds like an interesting night!
Posted by vintagerock on October 5, 2023 at 11:14 am
Hi yes it was great to see Dame Joan. I love to see interesting people speak. Happy days Peter