On April 18th 2013 there will be the first reunion of performers, crew, musicians and foh members of the original Talk of the Town. The Talk of the Town, now the Hippodrome Casino, was a dinner and show event that ran from September 1958 to June 1982, making it one of the longest running shows in London. During its time it was a by-word for quality entertainment and attracted stars such as Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Sammy Davis Jr and Bruce Forsyth (who holds the record for the highest number of appearances).
Audiences, up to 700 at a time, sat at tables around the stage area and included members of Royalty and Heads of State – one particular evening played host to 32 crowned heads and state leaders. The sophistication of the moving stages, rising lifts and staircases that appeared from nowhere made it more like Las Vegas than anything else and caused a sensation in its day.
The event is being organised by Rosalyn Wilder, who worked as assistant to the late Robert Nesbitt, whose directorial vision created one of the West End’s most successful entertainment venues ever. Said Mrs Wilder: "The Talk of the Town was quite simply the most famous long-running entertainment event London has ever seen and 30 years on we felt it was high time we saw each other again. We're expecting more than 150 performers and crew in what will surely be a landmark event in the history of London's theatreland. The Talk of the Town brought together performers and creative talents at the very top of their game."
Stars attending including Barbara Windsor, Vince Hill, Lionel Blair, Don Black and Laurie Holloway. Also present will be singer/dancer Valerie Walsh, who performed in the very first show.
