|
Imbued with what we secretly believed to be a misplaced confidence after enticing Shaun Scott to the Shivilenco fold, attempts were made to boost the cameo count in the forthcoming Jimmy Wilde. Yet surely acting legend and comedy stalwart Sam Kelly was a step too far for our modest little company - and that probably would have been the case were it not for the fact that Sam (and his agent) transpired to be amongst the most generous and accommodating people we could have had the good fortune to approach.
With a television, theatre and radio C.V. spanning some four decades, Sam Kelly is an instantly recognisable face, having appeared as Bunny Warren in Porridge (1973-1977), Captain Hans Geering in 'Allo 'Allo (1982-1987, 1991), Sam Jones in On The Up (1990-1992) and Ted Liversidge in Barbara (1995-2003). He also supported The Two Ronnies in their worldwide theatre tour and has guest starred in dozens of the U.K.'s best known series. So what on earth attracted him to Shivilenco?
A locally-bred lad, Sam was more than willing to give up a rare day off and endure the round trip from London to Liverpool in the space of twelve hours, simply to give a boost to a film company which happened to be based in his old stomping ground - and what a boost [Paul T. was still floating days later]. The result was a hugely enjoyable day and an effective scene, both of which have given added impetus for the final push to complete Jimmy Wilde.
For Shivilenco, it was a pleasure and a privilege to watch a master at work, not to mention the fact that we now have a new claim to fame - Sam turned down a role in Shaun of The Dead, but signed up for Jimmy Wilde! | 
