Friday, October 27, 2023

Dynamite Kid Returns To His Roots






Dynamite Kid Returns To His Roots



Veteran star of stage and screen , Brian Blessed , charmed a small but appreciative crowd , when he turned out in Mexborough to unveil a blue plaque on Friday 27th October.


“ I’m not going to say GORDON’S ALIVE “ he bellowed . The crowd responded with laughter and a round of applause. In a lower , more reverent key , he said he was here to tell us that “ Harry’s Alive “ as a prelude to a potted history of his former mentor’s career and importance to many generations of actors , including Keith Barron and himself.


Brian reminded us of Mexborough’s illustrious theatrical past , which included Mexborough Green Room and Mexborough Theatre Guild and other Dearne Valley groups which have both entertained us and nurtured talent over the years.


The crowd began to build at around 2.45pm for the three o’clock unveiling. There was lots of speculation as to whether Brian was already in the Montague Arms , although a number of people who had just left there denied it.


A lady alongside me, told me that she was a cleaner for “ The Mont” and that she had given a framed photo of Brian an extra polish , in case he did pop in.


Another bystander asked  “ What’s going on here , then ?” 

“ It’s that Brian Blessed…he’s uncovering a plaque at three…” his pal informed him.

“ It’s only ten to” the first man said   “ I’m not hangin’ on that long…  I’ll see thee on Monday night “ and off he went up Bank Street.  I think Brian would have liked that.




The Dynamite Kid is the title of the first volume of Brian’s hilarious autobiography.


He went on from the unveiling to front a sellout “ Evening With Brian Blessed” at Mexborough’s Empress Building.