Chinese New Year, Knickerbockers and Discovering a Lost Video!

Today I have been out and about performing for Chinese New Year. A bit of a difficult one on the face of it but nothing I couldn't handle. So I put on my oriental dress and went all party with the 50s and 60s. I had hoped it might be the year of the Chicken or Rabbit as I have songs to cover both from my Easter Bonnet show but being the year of the Horse the closest I could get to it was the line "hold your horses" in the Frank Sinatra song "Nice and Easy".
While I was having my nails done this morning I was asked by one of the girls if I would be dressing up as a dragon? It did make me laugh rather. My reply was "Only George finds me so - regardless of weather I wear my costume or not - ha ha"!
My diary is filling up with more and more requests for WW1 shows and after today it did make me think that perhaps I ought to look at the number "Chinatown my Chinatown". Written in 1910 it's a great opening number and if you have ever been to see the Panto Aladdin it's usually the number they use to open the show. I always feel it's good to have a song for every occasion and to be honest I don't know many other Chinese songs which would work - so perhaps I ought to invest in it. Mind you after this morning maybe I ought to do "Puff the Magic Dragon" - now there's and idea. I could spin it over for St Georges Day too!
When it comes to WW1 I'm finding the interest is really growing which is making me think I could do with another costume which I can wear and work in during the day. The hobble skirt looks great but not easy to drive in. I'm always dashing from show to show and I often like to turn up for my day time shows already dressed to perform which saves me time. The problem with WW1 is there are two distinctive looks. The hobble skirt and what they call the War crinoline. The War crinoline has a bell shaped skirt and is usually worn with a drooped waist and looks dreadful. It does nothing for anyone so I don't really want to go there although it does give greater movement. I'm thinking I might wear knickerbockers with button or lace up boots but knickerbockers at that time were really only ever worn by women on the farm or for cycaling. What I need is something smart and stylish so I shall keep with it and get my thinking cap on.
For those of you who have been following me on face book you will have come across my new forgotten video which was hidden in my computer. It's me performing with the Milton Keynes City Orchestra Big Band and was taken a few years ago. I'm singing my War Time sing along medley which has been a real main stay of my 1940s act. I had the medley written in 1995 for 4 piece and then it was made into a backing track not long after. In 1998 I had the parts written out for Big Band which is what you can hear on the video and last year my friend Bill wrote the parts out for me for concert band. I also had the backing track re-done last year too so it's been a great medley. If you haven't seen the film yet just click onto my you tube button in the top left hand corner and you can view the film on my channel.
Tomorrow I'm in London and then on Sunday I will be up at the Stoneleigh Militaria show so looking forward to that very much. I shall then be away for a few days as I've planned to have a bit of a break in Stratford Upon Avon and the Cotswold's as I like the area very much and I want to play the tourist! So something else to look forward to.
When I get back I will tell you all my news. Well that's everything for now keep watching and Toodle Pip!

Salute to the 40s on film, GI Jive and Scotish Snaps!

My GI Jive WAC Show!

Firstly I'd like to thank David Boyle for putting together a wonderful show reel of my performances at Chatham's "Salute to the 40s" from last Septembers show. It's great to have a record of events and what better way of capturing the moment than to have a film made. In fact I hope to invest quite a bit in film over the next few years so keep watching and I shall keep you posted!
If you haven't yet seen my show reel then just click onto the You Tube button in the top left hand corner of my web-site and it's the first film you come to. As soon as my sight goes mobile we will be including a video and show reel page which will make viewing a great deal easier so something to look forward to!

Me in my Tartan at Bella's Burns Night!

Yesterday I was performing in Harrow at the Middlesex New Synagogue my "GI Jive" show which I have to say went down really well. Trudy the lady who booked me very kindly invited me to lunch before hand and I had a really interesting chat with a gentleman about musical arrangements. Many of the arrangements I use have a Jewish influence and when I think about it my favourite composers and lyricists are Jewish too. I use alot of Andrew Sisters style arrangements in my act which are very Jewish in their construction so needless to say my "GI Jive" show was a real hit with Monday's audience!
For those of you who follow me on face book you will have probably have seen my photos from Bella's Burns Night. Today I was e-mailed a couple thanks to photographer Paul Watkins and here you can see me in traditional dress. It's traditional in Scotland for ladies to wear a white dress with a tartan sash when attending a ball and for those of you who know me will know I have an outfit for every occasion.
Well it's getting late and I want to be up and out early to the gym tomorrow as I'm having lunch with my friend Betty Page. When ever I dine out I always like to have a good work-out first. I'm just getting back into the swing of things after twisting my ankle and it was my first time back to the gym today after my accident.
That's about all my news for now. I've shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday before going away to Stoneleigh for the Militaria fair. There are one or two things I need and I always enjoy catching up with friends. Time for bed now I think. Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

Rembering Gerald Tyack and Going Scotish!

Me at Bella's Burns Night!

I know it's late but I just wanted to do my blog quickly for you tonight so I would have a free day tomorrow. It's been a busy couple of days and I'm pleased to say it wont be long now before you will be able to see my web-site in mobile format. I looked over the designs with Rachel on Thursday so I'm looking forward to when it's all done and moving on into the modern world.
I'm not long back from Bella's Burns Night Ball as I was booked to sing for the drinks reception songs from the 1940s and 50s. I'm pleased I had my big rig with me as it was held in a large marque in Bella's garden at West Park. When I left, the Charity auction was just getting under way and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Tonight I was able to include Loch Lomond from my back catalogue. I had this track done when I toured in the 1940s stage musical "How HOVIS Won the War". In it I played a Wren by the name of HOVIS who defeats a Beastly U-Boat plot to over run the Highland Park Whisky distillery. The show was set in Orkney and I sung Loch Lomond with a 1940s swing feel so it was lovely to bring it out again and sing it tonight for Bella!

Singing at Gerry's Wake!

Friday was a very busy day as I left at 8am to be in Chipping Campden for Gerald Tyacks funeral. Gerald had made a very special request that I should sing Lilli Marlene at his funeral which was held at St James's Church. I was asked to sing at his Wake too which was held at the Fire Service Collage in Moreton-in- the- Mash and I included all his favourites from the 1940s being ex RAF. The family had arranged a fly over which was a very fitting tribute to a great man. They had also requested that I should wear my WAAF uniform as it was Gerald who sold it to me when I visited his Wellington Aviation Museum 8 years ago. So although a sad occasion I felt very honoured!
If you are ever in Moreton-in-Marsh do visit Gerald's museum it's a wonderful place and Gerry will be sadly missed www.wellingtonaviation.org/docs/
Tomorrow I'm taking my friend Bill out for lunch to say thank you for helping me when I twisted my ankle. I'm getting stronger with everyday although it's still a little week and I'm only just getting use to heels. On Monday I will be performing my new "GI Jive" show at the Middlesex New Synagogue so looking forward to that very much. Oh I almost forgot - Rachel has just down loaded my Chatham Show Reel taken at "Salute to the 40s" last September by a David Boyle. So if you get the chance do take a look by clicking onto my You Tube button on my web-site.It's the first video you come too and I think David has done a wonderful job as it really shows off my many costumes and a real variety of songs. www.fionaharrison.biz
Time for bed now I think Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip!

Cracking On!

It's just a quick blog tonight as I have a busy day planned tomorrow. I shall be meeting up with Rachel my web-designer tomorrow morning and looking over the new mobile web designs for my site. I can't quite get my head around it all so it will be exciting to see my original designs move and change shape to suit the different mobile technologies.
We shall also be up loading David's video he took of me at Chatham's "Salute to the 40" last September so do look out for that and I shall keep you posted.
I'm performing in Aylesbury tomorrow afternoon my "We'll Meet Again" ATS show and then on Friday I'm booked to sing at a funeral in Chipping Campden. In some ways I'm rather pleased I didn't get the TV job for Thursday as it would have been a bit of a squeeze fitting in "The One Show" as well so I guess somethings work out for the best!
I must dash as I'm looking forward to an early night!
Toodle Pip!

Getting Ship Shape, The Musketeers and Pack up Your Troubles!

Hello every-one I'm just back from my weekend away from getting my accounts up to date and ship shape and already I have a pile of e-mails and phone messages to answer. It looks like you've missed me! So here I am working late once more doing my best to answer you all!
Despite being away, these last few days haven't been uneventful. I purposely stayed close to home which was just as well as I had a late show in on the Friday which was just around the corner from my hotel. My diabetic blood pricker broke. Please don't ask me how as these things are indestructible - so I had to go home and get my spare. But all in all it's been a good couple of days away and I'm really pleased I've caught up with my accounts. I've also been able to start running again and although I wasn't able to run fully on Saturday by Sunday my ankle was much stronger and I'm now getting my stride back even though I still have bruises.

Caldecotte Lake Milton Keynes

I've been staying this weekend in Milton Keynes at the Premier Inn Windmill on Caldecotte Lake. It's a good run round although many of the path ways are still flooded from all the rain. Mind you the Swans and ducks didn't seem to mind as the lake is full of wild life.
I've been working really hard these last few days to get my accounts in order although I did allow myself some TV time on Sunday to see "Call the Midwife" and "The Three Musketeers". It was a bit of a toss up between "Mr Selfridge" and "The Musketeers" but the Musketeers won and after watching the first episode I have a feeling I may well have stayed in that Inn.The landlady looked familiar! Less said about that the better!

That's showbiz and life on the road for you!
I look forward to catching up with Mr Selfridge this week. Mind you I have a very busy week planed. I'm in Buldock tomorrow, then Chipping Campden on Friday, Bella's Burns Night Ball on Saturday and as for Thursday I may well be in London singing "Pack up Your Troubles" for a TV show. I wont know until tomorrow weather I've got the job or not so we will just have to see what fate has in store for me.
Well it's late and I must get to bed.
Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip!

Bella's Burns Night, My New Show Reel and Going Mobile!

It's been a really busy week what with one thing and another and I'm pleased to report I have caught up with all my contracts and e-mails - Phew! I'm all set to go away tomorrow for my annual "get on with my accounts weekend" with-out the distractions of home. So I'm booked into my hotel and looking forward to getting started!
My ankle is so much better and I hope next week I will be able to wear heels again. Today I was able to dance and Charleston during my show although my ankle is still feeling a little week. I hope it wont be long before I can go out running again although I may have to satisfy myself with that very fast walking. The sort of fast walking which everyone laughs at and makes you look ever-so camp!
Oh well needs must -  in fact the more I think about it the more I fancy camping it up! Mmmm I'm such a ham - watch out world Fiona's going jogging!
This week I've had shows every day and next week is just as busy. I've stepped in at short notice to do a show tomorrow on my way to the hotel and then next week I've been asked to sing at Bella's Burns Night Ball. I shall be singing at the drinks reception songs from the 1940s so if you would like to go it would be lovely to see you there. All the proceeds are going to The Hospice of St Francis as part of  Bella's Vietnam trekking expedition and ticket details can be found on the flyer.
Next Thursday I shall be seeing my web-designer Rachel and looking over the new designs of my "going mobile" web-site. It's all very exciting and I'm very interested in seeing how it will all click together from PC to tablet to mobile phone ect. Once we get this new technology in place I have lots of plans for new pages. My site is screaming out for a Video and Show Reel page which will make viewing easier and I shall also be adding in sound bites which will speed things up considerably. The world is moving so fast and it will be great to be one of the first entertainers to use this technology making up-dates to my site so much easier.
We shall also be up loading my Chatham show reel next week too which was taken last September by David Boyle at "Salute to the 40s". It really shows off all my costumes and is a great record of the day so keep watching and I shall keep you posted.
I think that is about all my news for now other than I have my first dress fitting for my bustle next Tuesday. I've always wanted one and I shall be wearing it this August at the Isle of Wight Steam Railways Victorian event. I have some new arrangements too so I'm looking forward to singing them and wearing a bustle this summer!
Time for bed now I think! Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

Out and About and Burning the Midnight Oil!

Me Out and about in Olney!

I'm pleased to say my ankle is getting stronger with every-day and I was able to do Saturday's show with out a stick. So I'm really pleased I'm on the mend! I hope it wont be too long before I will be able to go out running again although I have been doing my sit ups despite not being strong enough to get in the press up position with my ankle!
This weekend I took some time out to visit the town of Olney as it has some lovely tea rooms and shops. I've also got to the point where I need to exercises my ankle with some gentle walking so my new boots have been just the ticket as they hold and support my ankle. The great thing is I don't need my stick any more although I'm still having to wear flat shoes and trousers on stage as the bandage isn't a good look with a dress!
I'm rather burning the midnight oil blogging tonight as I've been at my desk all day catching up on paper work and the phone has been red hot. I've had loads of e-mails to do today and just when I think I have caught up on contracts I sell some more dates - which is really good!
I guess I had better get to bed I've just noticed it's 1.24am and I've shows all this week before heading off for the weekend. That's when I go away to somewhere quiet to work on my accounts with out the distractions of home. I do it every year and I always come back feeling refreshed and feeling good about myself having accomplished something important.
Well I must get to bed now thank-you for following and I shall catch up with you all soon!
Toodle Pip!

The Show Must Go On!

It's been good to get back to work this week despite having a twisted ankle but like the saying says "The Show Must Go On" and thanks to my friend Bill that has been made possible. Bill has very kindly been driving me this week as I'm still finding it hard to slip the clutch but I am feeling alot better and today I was able to do my show standing up. My ankle is getting stronger even if it is very fragile and I'm still standing up with a stick!
Today I was performing in my home town of Leighton Buzzard for the Friday Club at the Foster Institute, a hall I know very well as I use to dance there as a child. It was lovely to perform for my home crowd as I recognised so many of the faces as most of the audience knew me from a child and have watched my career with great interest over the years. I was booked to do my Swinging 50s and 60s show although I'm having to wear a trouser suite and flat shoes as a badged ankle isn't a very good look with a skirt! So no dresses and heels for me at the mo but I hope it wont be too long before I get back to my usual dressy self!
I've also been catching up with my paper work and phone calls and I've almost caught up now so really pleased. I only have another 3 contracts to do and then everything will be ship shape and up to date. Tomorrow I have a show in Marlow and I had hoped to go down to Hammersmith for the Vintage Fashion fair on Sunday but after twisting my ankle I think I will rest it instead as I have a busy week next week!
Time for Bed I think - Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!