Anders Says
- a testament of my life with Dame Julie Andrews
My Stories - 4
'Julie Andrews Changed My Life!', 2002
Broadcast on the 26th of March, 2002 for Channel 4. 'Film Fever' - a short film, in which 4 fans recall, when and how, the Hollywood song and dance star, first had a profound effect on their lives.
An Andy Kimpton-Nye production
The Fans: Anders, Jenny, Pamela and Ernesto
Finally, we managed to get a producer interested in making a programme 'just' about Julie Andrews. It was usually incorporated with programmes about 'The Sound of Music'.
It was a joyous experience and we would like to thank Andrew and the team (Alan - sound, Mark - camera)
from Illustra Studios for their hard work.
View the program here.
Jean, Anders and Andrew meet to discuss the programme.
'Shrek 2', London Premiere, 2004
Once again, we got to attend a major premiere. This time it was the London, UK for "Shrek 2" at the Empire. We had our walk on the green carpet (in honour of Shrek) and this time Julie did attend. Other stars that day were Antonio Banderas, John Cleese and Rupert Everett.
I've enjoyed all the 'Shrek' movies as they entertain you on so many levels.
Anders woos the Queen (in the cinema foyer)
Top: Jennifer Saunders, Rupert Everett, Julie Andrews and John Cleese up on the podium (Antonio arrived shortly afterwards) Bottom right: Kevin, Val and Stuart leaves the cinema.
Julie meets 'Mary Poppins' on stage!, London 2005
Top: Julie Andrews with Steve Sauer. Bottom: Kevin, Stuart Jean and Val - outside the Prince Edward Theatre.
Val, Andy and Nora - all at home in the bar area.
Top: Andy with his trademark 'glass of champagne' in a sea of glossy 'Julie' programmes. Bottom: Julie does 'sign language' for 'super..'
Top: Julie is enjoying herself at the after party, held at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Bottom right: Julie joins the cast of 'Mary Poppins'.
It was so exciting to see the stage show of 'Mary Poppins'. It worked well on stage, with 'Mary' flying and 'Bert' 'walking on the ceiling'. At the end, Julie got on stage and did 'sign language' for 'Supercali..' . Julie is such a trooper.
View the event here.
'The Sound of Stardom', 2005
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts and Sky Movies are delighted to be hosting a special evening, to hear Dame Julie Andrews in conversation about her career and to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of her most famous film - 'The Sound of Music'.
Of these two events, I personally only attended the 'National Film Theatre' - Questions & Answers with Julie. I spotted Sandy Toksvig in the audience.
Julie put on a brave face and answered all the questions that she had already heard a thousand times before.
View Julie Andrews On Camera here.
After the 'Q & A' section had finished, we were told that we would be able to take some photographs, but Julie immediately left the audiotorium.
'The Great American Mousical', 2006
The UK launch of her book 'The Great American Mousical' at Waterstone's bookstore, 311 Oxford Street, London. Julie later directed a musical version of the book at Goodspeed Opera House, USA.
Julie's first book signing in the UK. There were to be no photographs and no dedications. I bought two books - one for Bente in Denmark, who couldn't make it. Julie looked well. The only thing I got to ask her, was if (daughter) Emma was with her. The answer I got was 'No, she is back in the states looking after the children' - spit, spot.
So, this was the last time I saw Julie in person. Have our lifelong journey come to an end, or will I once again look into those beautiful blue eyes?
Top left and clockwise: Kevin and Val, Norma, Anita and Kevin, Andy (without his customary glass of champagne).
Top right and clockwise: Kevin with Heather and Jean, Heather, Jean and Jenny, Ernesto and Anders (and 'no', it's my natural hair).
Julie promoted the book on BBC's 'Breakfast Show' and on ITV's 'This Morning'.
'The Gift of Music', London 2010
I was full of excitement when I heard Julie was coming to London, for an evening of music. I was fully aware that Julie would do very little singing, but what singing she did was actually quite good and very moving.
My problem with this show was that it took place at the O2 arena - a too big and impersonal venue to my taste.
I had a fairly good seat in the middle of the groundfloor seating area, but Julie was still just a dot on the horizon. True, we did have a big screen to look at, but it just didn't feel intimate enough for me.
Julie had brought some first class Broadway singers to entertain us and they were good. The problem was that I'd come to see Julie - not them.
The nail in the coffin was the performance of 'Simeon's Gift', that took place in the second half of the show. Why was it there?!
I was bored, and so was my partner, so we decided to leave the show. Now, this will probably come as a shock to my closest 'Julie friends', but I don't regret leaving before the end.
Julie did perform some lovely songs and you can view the videos of them on YouTube.
Getting to Know You, My Funny Valentine, A Cockeyed Optimist, Edelweiss
'An Evening with Julie Andrews', UK Tour 2014
Birmingham, 24 May 2014
Liverpool, 27 May 2014
London, 30-31 May 2014
Bournemouth, 1 June 2014
Only saw 4 shows
(I couldn't face hearing the same stories and questions for the fifth time)
So, see you again when the wind changes...
...and change it did and brought me to Dublin!
-
Jameson Dublin International Film Festival 2015
In the 50th year of The Sound of Music release, Julie was to attend the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival for a red carpet moment and a screning of the film. Julie also agreed to be interviewed prior to the screening at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. I was lucky to attend both events.
Aedín Gormley at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre asks Julie about her career.
Sun 29th Mar 2015, 3:00PM
Julie arrives outside the Savoy Cinema and walks the Red Carpet, before entering the cinema and presenting a screening of "The Sound of Music".
On Monday the 30 March 2015, in a private ceremony, Julie was presented with the "Volta" by the Irish Republic's President Michael D Higgins.
Well deserved Julie!
'Home Work' - a memoir of my Hollywood years (2019)
Julie in conversation with actor Alex Jennings
It was a delight to once again be in the presence of Julie. Nearly 30 years earlier I had attended her Christmas Concert, also at The Festival Hall. Long may she reign!
Video from the event.
