We commence the article with our specially-chosen
instrumental music – the beautiful theme from
“The Adventurer” by John Barry (ITC, 1972) –
click the sound wave icon below:
“It was my best-kept secret for many, many years. This was due in part to a lack of self-esteem and an abundance of self-loathing. No way was I going to tell anybody about the ‘secret’; I was too apprehensive of negative reactions. But, eventually, I gave part of my life to the character of ‘Jimmy Maclaine jr.’ for 3 years (2007 – 2010). However, the concept for which he became the main character was first conceived 2 decades before in 1988. Later, I drew from my Scottish ‘background’ of 12 years to give him his partial accent and partial culture. In 1991, whilst I was employed as a Butlins Redcoat at Ayr, his concept was still in development. He hadn’t even been born into the concept at that point even though he originally existed as a child in Lord Puttnam’s films (“That’ll be the Day” (1973) & “Stardust” (1974)). However, what had transpired as a challenging time consequently had proven to be beneficial in furthering the young Maclaine’s development. With the character having to deal with his own mental health issues this arose in tandem with what was recurring with my own issues from a very young age. Later, my characterization of him was somewhat cathartic. It has been a lifetime of discovery and of rediscovery already. Furthermore, I now understand how my second season at the former Butlins Wonderwest World played an integral part in the one thing I was always searching for: the realization of having to move on. It was necessary and important. Subsequently, I undertook several creative endeavours after then which also included study and development as a writer. Then, the fateful time of April/May of 2007 at the age of 39 years old, appeared on my life’s calendar. That was the realization of a creatively special time in my life: the adult ‘Jimmy Maclaine jr.’ was born, only this time he had a voice!”
– Tony G. Marshall
(Voice Actor, Writer, Poet,
Mental Health Awareness Supporter, Carer)
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“I first worked with Tony in 2007/08 on his radio play “That’ll be the Stardust!” and have collaborated with him several times since. He is the most dedicated and creative individual who is very passionate about the industry, as well as being a talented voice actor, he is an excellent writer. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend working with him as it has always been a pleasure for me.”
– Madeleine Havell
(Actor, Model)
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“It is very commendable of Tony to highlight aspects of his mental health issues. In this article of the project, he has given the gift of awareness to people who struggle with similar conditions. Tony also reflects upon individual times in his life within a 30-year period which had proven to be considerably challenging. Alternatively, the article provides members of the cast of his radio drama, like myself, further insights into the early makings of the production. Tony continues to inspire with his creative talent as a writer and poet along with caring for his Mum at the seaside. My friend’s life is an inspiring story and we hope you enjoy reading and interacting with “The Winds of Resurrection.””
– Holly Macdonald
(Actor, Model,
“When September Falls”
Project Collaborator).
- “”WHEN SEPTEMBER FALLS” is a series of essays with accompanying interviews that highlight the life and times of voice-over artist and writer, Tony G. Marshall. It also raises mental health and mental distress awareness through its depiction of Tony’s struggle with Depression, Anxiety, Rumination, and Self-Harming, and the consequential diagnosis. “When September Falls” portrays an inspiring story-serial based on factual information over several years, and defines the life experiences of a talented individual within the Arts & Entertainment industry.” – Callum Gee, 2021.
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From the Lancashire coast of present-day back to the Ayrshire coast of the early ’90s, and beyond! It’s a 30-year creative odyssey of connected events and challenges – with musical links that include The Mamas & The Papas, Neil Diamond, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, 10cc, Alison Moyet, David Essex, Jon & Vangelis, Scorpions, and Júníus Meyvant…
These are –
“THE WINDS OF RESURRECTION”
– Part 1 –
by Tony G. Marshall
Home, BLACKPOOL
– September 2021…
The last thing I remember was listening to The Mamas & The Papas on the radio at around 12:30am singing what else, but “Twelve Thirty“…yes, I know, how ironically ‘cheesy’ of the DJ to play this at the exact time. However, this was probably ‘old hat’ and had been done many times before by a variety of ‘voice’ and music pioneers…
Struggling with emotions and trying to decipher last night’s dream which was more of a nightmare of sorts: all ironic with iconic images such as the Statue of Liberty and its changing female faces. It would appear that ever since the ‘Stalker’ had stuck her nose in my working life exactly two and a half years ago when I was residing in Yorkshire, my dreams had taken on a nightmarish vividness. But looking back I am relieved that I hadn’t resorted to any form of self-harm (I am sensitive to certain energies, particularly those belonging to ‘people’ (especially negative bordering on ‘psychotic’)). I am proud of myself for undertaking meditational and breathing practices rather than hurting myself. Nevertheless, the ‘stalker’ situation had certainly taken a further toll on my mental health. Christ, I thought you could only encounter such people with fixating obsessions if you actually held an envious role in the public eye, like at those Holiday Entertainment Centres – places I had worked, both home and abroad, a ‘lifetime’ ago.
I had decided to leave my position in Stalker’s former workplace (former = she got fired) soon after my manager had to consider police intervention because of her actions within the community. Time and fate took care of me though and months later I moved back home to Blackpool. I refer to Blackpool as home because I not only holidayed here frequently as a boy but also lived here as a teenager. In June 2020 I moved my mother up from the London area and became her live-in carer here at our Dormer Bungalow. It is most definitely home again now, albeit in a somewhat different capacity.
Today, looking in my bathroom suite mirror, I try to make myself look a wee bit more ‘morning’ presentable before I show my face downstairs. I both comb and ‘arrange’ my now longer hair and thin beard (sometimes just stubble) – this is my ‘disguise’ for coping with the ‘Millennial’ life, you see I’m not a big fan of these times therefore I rebel by adopting a kind of ‘hippie’ image (!!). The assorted bandanas arranged on the hooks on the bathroom closet door are more of a ‘blanket’ for the mind as opposed to a stylistic way of keeping the hair out of my eyes; the solution to warm my thoughts, aid my creative thinking, and assist in the crafting of my writing. I only wear these in the household environment whenever the mood/moment grabs me. I first got the idea during my attendance at such Mind UK workshops as “Managing Depression”, “Coping with Anxiety”…and “Coping with Self-Harming”. Therefore, my bandanas take on the form of psychological aids more than anything.
My thoughts turn their pages to the time just after the ‘Stalker‘ situation…
Italy, France, and Germany: the 3 countries that were potentially offering me voice-over work on a variety of projects (A British voice required, no languages to learn!). For a while, I was feeling like a washed-up has-been voice-over artist version of a Rick Dalton (see Tarantino’s “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood“) and having to resort to working abroad (again!) to try and stay in the game. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 put pay to that. But I am very grateful that I possess the skills to write. My creative psyche suddenly feels very ‘rich.’ I smile at the thought of my previous “washed-up has-been” comment. My writing is the one creative outlet that is a constant and suddenly the thought of being “washed-up” has its bubble burst…I smile again…
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I reflect upon some of my previous voice-over gigs through the years: “My Father’s Well-Known Gun“ (Drama – the voice of Orry Main), “Let All The Children Boogie!“ (Sci-fi Drama – the voice of Talbot Ryder), “Rich Man’s Weather” (Drama – the voice of French thug), The lost Dr. Who episode “Mission To The Unknown“ (Sci-fi Drama – the voice of Gordon Lowery) and various voice work for schools’ projects e.g. Plays, poetry and educational recordings. Oh, and not forgetting voiceovers for BBC Radio Kent and the Radio ads for a variety of stations (which I never talk about outside of a professional capacity or environment, simply because I like to retain a certain amount of ‘mystique’ for my voice and presentation…but you may have heard me!)
Well, that’s my ego ‘preened’ for the morning. But, I am still struggling to shake this negative rumination mood which feels as though it’s about to totally kick in. The Diagnosis of my Mental Health issues occurred back in 2016 when I was 48 years old. The Self-Harming occurred sometime later. However, the latter, apparently, is not identified as a Mental Health issue. It is merely “Mental Distress“….apparently. Either way, I feel it is still connected with a negative disposition of the Mind…
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Marton Mere … and Blackpool Tower
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Terry Robinson – geograph.org.uk/p/1004482
We are currently in the midst of some restrictions being lifted during lockdown from the ‘World War III of pandemics’…
Vaccinations done = check…
Booster appointments scheduled for October & November = check…
Face masks at the ready = check.
Mother doesn’t always need her mask for a basic runabout in the car because she is chauffered by me to most places in which she doesn’t have to venture out of the car…check!
The latter “check” prompts me to think about our wee venturing in the car: only 7 minutes drive to the Prom (Westbound) and less than 2 minutes away from the countryside (Southbound). Best of both worlds. However, we don’t have any plans to venture out into these worlds today – it is relatively overcast out there.
I exit the bathroom onto the landing and stairway which is flanked with framed photos and artwork of Woodstock ’69, The Beatles‘ “Yellow Submarine” cartoon, and a painted collage of other legendary ’60s musicians and bands (most of whom performed at the Monterey International Pop Festival during the Summer of Love). Closing the bathroom door behind me reveals the cast-autographed framed movie poster of “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood” which hangs upon the wall opposite the door to my bedroom suite. This frame provides a déjà vu moment as I enter the bedroom when Neil Diamond‘s “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show” begins to finish off Side 3 of the aforementioned movie’s double vinyl album soundtrack…
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Looking around my bedroom with Mr. Diamond singing, a sudden flash of pride encapsulates the moment. The mood now lifting. A fine salute to both music and movies surrounds me. Among the framed galleries are Kubrick faves “A Clockwork Orange” and “Barry Lyndon“…Robin’s “Good Morning Vietnam” and “Cadillac Man”…another Tarantino classic, “Pulp Fiction”…even Bolan’s “Born To Boogie” film is honoured. Then, of course, there’s the obligatory framed Elvis Presley movie poster gallery sequenced around the alcove area. A bronze statuette of Stan & Ollie sits next to a mini replica of Jimmy Page’s EDS-1275 double-neck Gibson (with stand) atop one of the CD and cassette library units. Sitting next to the units on its stand is my own amethyst acoustic Lindo guitar and on top of the other unit is the obligatory Vinyl record player.
I have already decided that meditation and mindfulness will be the order of the day. And if today is going to be a day of battling with Rumination issues then I am going to push myself to achieve some sort of balance throughout. I so much want to be surrounded by the things that make me tick and feel good. It is necessary. The meditational practice is usually undertaken in the actual ‘Cosmic Dwellings’ room – the converted conservatory that looks as though you’re about to step into a psychedelic den from the ’60s or ’70s, equipped with its Buddha fountain, palm tree, and tall plant, diffuser, lava lamp, etc…
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I walk over to the record player to take off Record 2 (Sides 3 & 4) of the “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood” soundtrack and place it back in its cover. I have to limit myself with the amount of music I choose to listen to on a daily basis due to the fact that certain lyrical triggers can play havoc with the rumination issues I struggle with, taking me back to places in my mind I don’t wish to be. Consequently, in such ‘dark’ circumstances, I am left with a hollowness that infests the stomach with what I further describe as a grey mist around the heart; nausea is the final denouement of such ruminative moments.
Upon placing the double vinyl album back into one of the several record cases I own, the word“Hollywood” on the album cover triggers a time from the late ’90s. I suddenly remember how there is also a ‘Hollywood’ in South Florida too. But that one is a far cry from the one that makes the movies. Elvis played at the former Sportatorium there in February of 1977 on one of his final tours. However, I have other memories of it: I landed at its airport over 23 years ago in 1998 en route to Fort Lauderdale for a few months’ stay and a few gigs. A project in which I was utilising my voice once again, this time as a Host & Compere/Music Presenter (as the title went!). I only did a handful of gigs, but I guess it was somewhat more than many could achieve. However, it was a far cry from my first summer season in Blackpool exactly ten years before (see “Masquerade” interview in the “When September Falls” project.) – the Blackpool gig is my preferred choice of remembrance over this one, believe it or not!
I switch on the CD/Cassette player and my thoughts of the previous ‘Hollywood’ encounter trigger a host of other encounters from the past…
I reach down into the drawer underneath my bed and pull out a folder along with two photo albums. I sit on the bed and decide to open one of the albums and the first piece of nostalgia that uncovers itself is the autographed programme of the Tom Jones concert at Florida Atlantic University Auditorium in Boca Raton, South Florida – March 16th, 1998. This was the evening I drove up there from Fort Lauderdale after I collected my Monday washing from the local laundromat! But there was no way anyone could predict what was about to happen approximately 35 minutes later – this ‘meeting’ of the evening I’ve decided will feature in the article “The Last of the Romantics” as part of the “When September Falls” project (please tune in to this site for this at a later date!).
Further turning of the pages reveals another two events which will also be featured in “The Last of the Romantics” segment: this time from the year 2003, it was the year I visited the mansions of two ‘Kings’ – The King of Rock n’ Roll and The King of Romance – with the latter playing an instrumental part in my Arts/Entertainment endeavours of later years including one project which was made possible by The King of Romance’s lovely daughter, Louise Dorsey…
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The ‘Long version’ of Alison Moyet‘s “Love Resurrection“ is now the oozing ambiance in my bedroom suite. This song was one of the classic hits which inspired the crafting of a scene or two from a piece of drama-writing from my past: the controversial “That’ll be the Stardust!” (2008) – my independent radio drama spin-off to the classic film, “That’ll be the Day“ (1973) and its compelling sequel, “Stardust“ (1974)…
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Nostalgia continues to flow as I delve into the folder which houses the promotional material for “That’ll be the Stardust!”. It had been 20 years in the making. The concept originated here in Blackpool back in 1988 and finally achieved fruition in London in 2008. It was my 41st birthday when I voiced the adult ‘Jimmy Maclaine jr.’ – the character originally portrayed as a baby in “That’ll be the Day” and subsequently as a 6-year-old in “Stardust“. ‘Jimmy’ was the son of the wayward anti-hero turned rock star, Jim Maclaine – portrayed by David Essex in both films.
I begin to turn the pages of the promo material; memories of a very special and productive 3 years of my life come flowing out: the making of the production, screen grabs from the Documentary, Cast Meet & Greet near Heathrow, the actual day of recording at Resident Studios, the Hospital Radio promo shows, and so on. I then peruse the letter addressed to me from Lord David Puttnam (the original producer of “That’ll be the Day” and “Stardust“), along with the copies of the frequent email correspondence from the films’ award-winning screenwriter, Ray Connolly. Although such acknowledgements were more in line with the statement: “Watch out, Marshall – there may be a lawyer or three knocking on your door!” – just in case any copyright infringement found its way into lining my empty pockets. However, no fear, that never happened – it was never my intention. My correspondence with the helpful Mr. Connolly was an inspiring experience filled with wonderful tidbits of information during the making of the 2 films in the ’70s. Furthermore, all these documents and materials in front of me are still an important testament to my hard work throughout that 2-year period of the actual production of the drama.
I slip out the A4 promo of The Cast housed in a clear plastic sleeve. This is one of the promos we all signed during summer of 2009. During this time the production had been uploaded to its own web domain and we had been in the process of embarking upon a series of Hospital Radio promotions. Each member of The Cast triggers affectionate memories as I reminisce about their fabulous contributions to the production…
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A combination of Moyet’s “Love Resurrection”, playing in the background, and the promo pics prompt me to dig out a CD copy of the production. I switch the CDs in the player and I sit down in the chair in the corner of the room. I haven’t listened to this in quite a while. The opening narrative begins and soon the haunting ‘heartbeats’ of the intro to the song “Stardust” gradually creates tension for the start of the audio journey ahead…
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Soon, my very own opening voice-over introduces the production and cast. I continue to listen and then smile the same winning smile I conveyed at 40 years old in early 2008 after I’d just completed the script. I settle back to further enjoy the remaining 1 hour and 25 minutes of the life of Jimmy Maclaine jr. who is trying to come to terms with his father’s legacy along with trying to cope with his own mental health issues…
There are some very good highs and lows, some over-written segments, and some under-developed sequences…however, it still flows into place with what I’d always wanted to portray – a piece of grounded drama that unfolded over a number of years. And, in turn, it still is a very entertaining production with a whole host of very good characterisations and narratives. Consequently, it was voice-acting ‘heaven’ for those of The Cast who specialised in a variety of accents and languages. But what strikes me most of all to this day is the chemistry between all concerned that makes it what it is. I feel a resurrection of love, and passion, for everything that has just ebbed and flowed all around me. A river of life gushing with nostalgia.
My thoughts meander…
In 1988, when I was 20 years old, I purchased a used copy of the 2-LP vinyl soundtrack of “Stardust“ from the former record stall inside the Beach Market on Station Road in Blackpool. This soundtrack became my main source of inspiration for a new idea. During one of my listening sessions, one evening at my flat on Lytham Road (near the Farmer’s Arms pub) my creative thinking had concocted some type of scene or scenes in relation to the “Stardust” movie and in particular the character of Jim Maclaine. These scenes also involved his manager Mike Menary (played by Adam Faith in the film). At first, I only briefly wrote a short paragraph about the concept which evolved around Maclaine’s latter days as a Rock Opera ‘God’, so to speak. Then my thoughts were transported back to the first time I watched “Stardust” – three years earlier, in 1985, when I was still living in Royton, Oldham in Greater Manchester. At that point in time, I had already viewed “That’ll be the Day” on TV back in 1979 (the night before I started Secondary School!) but I wasn’t aware that a sequel existed…until that March night in 1985…
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I continue to reflect upon my note-taking for the idea which continued for many years but was still a great source of frustration because I could never get past the first base of writing development. I was undecided about the type of format, or genre, my idea was going to take. It never had a title back then either (that didn’t occur until 2003!). However, I continued with the arduous task of scribing any other ideas relating to it on loose pieces of paper, most of which were no more than a few short sentences long. Such scribblings and doodlings continued on into my 20s at different stages of my life which involved a variety of abodes and locations. However, little did I realise that some of these locations, including some aspects of my own life experiences, subconsciously laid the foundations of what became “That’ll be the Stardust!”
Years later, in 2007, whilst residing in Nottingham, I turned professional as a voice-over artist. This was parallel to my developing skills as a writer and on a few occasions, the writing aided the voice-overs. In April/May of that year, I was listening to Jon & Vangelis‘ “I’ll Find My Way Home“ and my creative thinking tuned in. For whatever reason, maybe something in the lyrics, I married the song with a scene that had prompted my imagination to concoct: a young man at a graveside saying goodbye with his mother in the background. Consequently, “That’ll be the Stardust!” was re-born with a new sense of purpose…
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I once again peruse the promotional material. In a section inside the folder is listed some of the places I had lived, and holidayed, through the years – the places where my note-taking was present for further ideas for the development of the production: Blackpool, Mallorca, Salford, London, Winchester, Basingstoke, Scarborough, Llandudno, Ayr, Glasgow, Fort Lauderdale, Nottingham and various places along the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Juan-Les-Pins, Villefranche, and Beaulieu).
I place the open folder back on the bed and then turn my attention to the first photo album which depicts my time in the Arts & Entertainment industry. I turn to the pages that highlight my third attempt at being a Butlins Redcoat: Wonderwest World, Ayr (now deceased). I was employed there in 1990 & ’91. Prior to that, I was employed at two of the Butlins Grand Hotels namely Scarborough, North Yorkshire, and Llandudno, North Wales. However, Butlins Ayr (now Haven Holidays’ Craig Tara), on the Southwest coast of Scotland was the first Holiday World in which I worked.
All the images in front of me evoke memories of simpler times, but personally, they weren’t necessarily easier times to navigate. But I suppose those times lay testament to my years of growth and development and in turn bear the emotional scars of such things as lost and found love, family challenges, and a ‘generous helping’ of bigotry. I remember the old cassette storage case I had during this period. It stored a batch of my production notes in its inside lid pocket. However, I soon discover that nothing had been recorded for the year 1990 (my first season at Wonderwest World). Strange. I thought being in that Entertainment establishment would have triggered, or even inspired, further ideas. But no.
After that first season, my notes were transferred into the sleeves of certain LP covers (the “Stardust” soundtrack being one of them!) which were stored in vinyl record cases. Furthermore, I had also sellotaped some to the inside of a few blank VHS videotape slipcases for safekeeping. I then rediscover that at least 4 scenes in the completed audio drama had been originally developed because of the basic note-taking that I had made during my 2nd season at Wonderwest World:
The ‘Ayr’ Scenes…
I turn once again to the signed A4 promo of The Cast of “That’ll be the Stardust!”. There are 3 of the voice actors who trigger my thoughts back to my original notes. I refer to these as the ‘Ayr’ scenes because they were devised during my time there in 1991. However, I must stress that the concept doesn’t have anything to do with the seaside town (or Butlins Ayr for that matter!). The 3 voice actors now become my focus:
MADELEINE HAVELL – 1st row, centre on the promo. My Leading Lady simply because she was the first recruit and she voiced many characters – including Jimmy’s girlfriend, Julie Coleman, and her interpretation of his father’s French girlfriend, Danielle (originally played by Ines Des Longchamps in “Stardust”) is spellbinding. Maddie is also featured in “The Making of…” Documentary and we later did a promotional show together at CityBeat Radio in London. She is a talented lady whom I enjoyed working with very much, and the chemistry created for our characters was a major highlight of the eventual audio drama recording. The original notes for the following scene featured Jim and Danielle – it was some form of reunion between the characters. I actually wrote the notes for this in the DJ booth in the venue formerly known as Harlequinns at Wonderwest World and immediately placed the notes inside the cover of the 2-LP “Stardust” soundtrack in my record case. However, 16 years later, in 2007, the concept shifted focus to the life of Jim’s son and this was developed especially for Jimmy’s reunion with his girlfriend, Julie. It is one of my favourite Maddie-Tony scenes in the production. I am so proud of our work together on this one (click image below):
“Our performance has several layers to it which define the
scene beautifully.” – Madeleine Havell.
Incidentally, you can check out Madeleine’s fabulous showreel at the following link:
HOLLY MACDONALD (née Magrath) – 2nd row, 1st pic on the promo. A most welcome addition to The Cast. Her opening scene of the audio drama with Alma Simpson sets the bar high. Holly and I shared creative chemistry in our approaches to production and characterisations. We continue that same approach with the “When September Falls” project today. Holly is a very supportive and approachable individual who also proves to be versatile with any aspect of creativity. I love our ‘brotherly-sisterly’ friendship which has continued through the years. Her support of my mental health issues has been reassuring. We have another voice recording project on the ‘back burner’ which will also feature Holly’s young son, Hudson. Now, for your ears only, here’s the aforementioned flashback scene – the original notes of which were made during an individual train journey from Ayr to Glasgow sometime in September/October ’91. The scene features Alma as Mrs Maclaine (Jim’s mother/Jimmy’s Grandmother) and Holly as Jean (Terry Sutcliffe’s girlfriend/future wife who had a fling with Jim the night before his wedding to Jeanette (Terry’s sister)) – click image below:
Next up, it’s a chalet-scribed concoction from ’91 which eventually developed into Holly and I as Cathy Menary and Jimmy, respectively, in a scene in which Holly’s performance comes across as very Tarantino-esque. But she confirms: “That’s down to your writing!”. Here we are (click image below):
DOMINIC CONNOLLY – the ‘man in the middle’ in the promo and a last-minute addition to the production. Dominic is the eldest son of screenwriter Ray Connolly. He portrayed the young Jimmy Maclaine jr. as a 6-year-old in “Stardust” back in 1974. In “That’ll be the Stardust!” he voices the part of Jim Maclaine (father of Jimmy, originally portrayed by David Essex in both films) in flashback sequences. When I first viewed “Stardust” in 1985 and observed the scene in which young Jimmy is attending his grandmother’s funeral while the chaos and disturbance caused by the girl fans of his rockstar father unfolded around him, it prompted me to ask myself the following questions:
How would this bedlam involving fan worship affect a child like Jimmy? Would it become a psychological trauma? And just what kind of effect would his father’s presence have on him in that situation?
I considered the possibility that Jimmy’s mother (Jeanette) may not have explained to him who his father was – especially knowing what kind of effect his father’s presence would have on such an occasion. I also considered what Jimmy’s future may have held in store for him while coping with his childhood experience of this situation. Therefore, this became my approach to writing and producing “That’ll be the Stardust!”.
The following scene which came to be known as the “Jim Maclaine Fantasy Sequence” is a special flashback that I originally concocted for the beginning of the production. Its origins were in Blackpool in 1988. A section of this was devised in note form at Wonderwest World three years later. Only a one-sentence summary outlined this sequence. However, I can’t remember for the life of me where I was within Wonderwest World at the time of writing it. When developed especially for the radio drama it took on a beauty all its own due to the performances of six of the cast (myself included). It’s set to Alice Cooper’s classic “Only Women Bleed” and the structure of the piece was inspired by the backing vocal ambiance of Fleetwood Mac’s “Mystified” from their “Tango In The Night” album and 10cc’s classic No. 1 “I’m Not In Love”. The segment features Dominic as Jim in a scene that depicts Jim’s final drug-addled decline. The opening of the scene also features Richard Ward as the DJ/Presenter on the audio reel. I voice Maclaine’s poetically guilty conscience. The ladies are in full harmonious flight here with their respective handling of the provocative text and vocalisation. It’s both coarse and sexy but rather beautiful in its execution. Here’s the “Jim Maclaine Fantasy Sequence” – click image below:
After listening to all of the production today, I confirm to myself that it was yet another enjoyable listening experience. It’s a resurrection of the love and passion that went into creating and recording a production I became known for in some small section of the Arts & Entertainment industry. I should be very proud…I am reminded of a song from the “Stardust” soundtrack: the ironically titled “Make Me Good”…a song that my cast and I liked…sung in the film by Essex as Jim Maclaine, but on the actual soundtrack album it is sung by Dave Edmunds…
I always got the impression that the song was written in the film for Maclaine’s french girlfriend, Danielle…
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I pull out more promotional material from the folder pertaining to all things connected to our radio drama production. And then it appears: “Dea Sancta et Gloria”…
Back in 2008, after the completion of the second draft of “That’ll be the Stardust!”, the song “Make Me Good” led me to contemplate the rock opera within a movie set-up which was “Dea Sancta et Gloria” as featured in “Stardust” – this was Maclaine’s musical ode to the ‘glory of woman’ and Danielle had played a part in its publicity in the movie. However, we only saw a segment of that rock opera via the performance of its title song. Therefore, a wave of creativity continued to wash over me as I crafted the lyrics of nine more songs to make up the rest of the fictionalised production within the film. During its creation I suddenly realised this was more closer to the original idea that was born in Blackpool 20 years before, only this time with a musical connection. In 2009, Madeleine and I recited the lyrics to several of these song structures during our radio promo show at London’s CityBeat. That was the last time they were individually promoted. However, I reflect upon my recent announcement that Jim Maclaine’s “Dea Sancta et Gloria” will be a recited voice-over project set to background instrumental music in the near future. Furthermore, it will be Holly and her son, Hudson assisting me in the recording of it.
I flick through the rest of the material and then peruse the photo album that stores the Butlins’ photographs. The rumination process is about to begin, not really knowing what it will lead me to. I look down at the insides of my bare arms. They have been mark-free for several months; I haven’t felt the need to hurt myself. Although, I still have frequent anxiety pangs, but they’ve been manageable in recent times. I just need to keep any ‘thought trains’ from calling at the ‘rumination station’.
Mum shouts up the stairs: “Post has arrived!”
I am thankful for postie’s appearance. My mind comes back into focus.
“I’ll be right down,” I reply to Mum.
I begin to pack all the material and photos away. It’s time to maintain a healthy and mindful focus on the day ahead. I think we’ll go for that drive after all…
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Butlins Wonderwest World
AYR – September 1991…
(Inspired by, and adapted from, diarised notes by Tony G. Marshall)
“The times continued to change at great length, at great knots. My mental health issues had decided to travel the same distance, at the same rate…”
– Tony G. Marshall.
Alan Rough
– the former Partick Thistle and Scotland international goalkeeper and now manager of a local junior football club, Glenafton Athletic, has just finished his soccer coaching with the kids. The group of them are walking toward the skate hut at the other end of the field. I reflect on how grateful I am to Mr. Rough because it was he who always referred to me as The Goalkeeper or The ‘Keeper whenever the Entertainments team played a match (he played outfield for us). I am also thankful that due to experiencing severe Sciatica problems of recent times, Alan had been taking most of the goal kicks – I had to resort to throwing the ball out to the nearest team player. I began my tenure as a goalkeeper last year during my first season here. I’ve enjoyed playing many a game especially a couple of weeks ago when we beat the Marines; it had been such a competitive match, even one of our Redcoat players ended up on crutches! Thereafter, we were back to playing the guest teams once again and for some reason, the competitiveness seemed to spill over into these so-called ‘friendly’ holiday matches. It just isn’t any fun anymore; consequently, I quit playing just last week. Nevertheless, I am not employed by Butlins for my goalkeeping skills…I am first, and foremost, a Redcoat…and Compere…
*** To Be Continued – Don’t miss Part 2 of
“THE WINDS OF RESURRECTION”…
Coming Soon… ***
A little like the flowers of debate
stood by me in trials
of moving into place,
stood by me in trials
from gloom to grace
– Color Decay by Júníus Meyvant.
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“Despite his own recurring illness, my son is the best Carer I could ever wish for – he is my lovely lifeline.”
– Sheila Ann Marshall, 2021.
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The author wishes to thank Holly Macdonald for her continued support in “helping to balance perspectives within “When September Falls” and for that first phone call that blended our voices together for “That’ll be the Stardust!” 15 years earlier. Peace on the Elstree(t).” – T.
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The author also wishes to Thank former Scotland International Goalkeeper Alan Roderick Rough MBE for “being instrumental in allowing me to shine between the sticks for the Entertainment’s football team at Wonderwest World in 1990 and ’91. The role of Goalkeeper always passed me by during my schooldays in England. So, here’s a big Thank you to Roughie!”
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And to Mum – “Thank you for your love and support, and for our new
lease of life at the seaside.” XXXXXX
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Tony G. Marshall was diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety, Rumination, and Self-Harming issues in 2016. Later, Tony became a Mental Health Facilitator for the Mind UK network. Today, along with being a writer and poet for several potential projects for publishing, he is the live-in Carer for his mother in Blackpool, Lancashire. Tony continues to raise mental health awareness via social media networks and the “When September Falls” project.
TONY G. & HOLLY…
TONY G. MARSHALL and HOLLY MACDONALD have known each other for 15 years and originally voice-acted together in the independent audio drama, “That’ll be the Stardust!” (2008). They have now teamed up once more to collaborate on the mental health awareness project entitled “When September Falls”:
♫ COSMIC DWELLINGS ♫ 