Ever-so Brown!

Today I have been busy getting myself organised for my photos shoot on Friday, so if you had been hoping for a snap shot photo of me showing off my new tan then I'm afraid I'm going to be very disapointing. But it is true that today I went through the experance of being spay taned in prep for the shoot and if I'm honest I've never looked so brown. I'm the sort of girl who never goes brown. If I sit in the sun at all then I just go lobster pink and peal which is why I never do - so this is all very new to me. Brown Fiona, I'm as white as a sheet normally but as I'm doing some vintage swim suit shots it's important I look right for the camera. I've got to keep this tan on over night and then shower off in the morning so at the moment I feel very scruffy wondering about in a track suit which isn't like me at all. Although it has been a very liberating exsperance wondering about with-out ones bra The things I do for my art!
I've just had a quick look and the tan is starting to take but I have a feeling when I go before the cameras I will need to put on some body make-up as well as I'm just so white and aborb all the colour. Some years ago I was doing a Latin American dance number in a show and wore a mid drift top. I spent ages making up my middle only to be told afterwards that I should have made up my mid-drift. So here's hoping! I've just had another look and I have a feeling that by morning I will look normal rather than tanned but then that's me! The translation for my name Fiona means White Woman or Fair!
Well must dash as I've lots to plan and I have a show tomorrow plus a dress fitting to squeeze in before the shoot. Keep Watching and Toodle Pip! 

Out Filming!

 If you have been following me on face book you will know I've been out filming this weekend. It was all very touch and go because I was all set for Friday and then the weather turned nasty and we had to reshedale to Sunday with a venue change! But all is well that ends well and sometimes a twist of fate can be a good thing. A big thank-you to Kim and Lilly for helping me with sound, hair and make-up and to Mr and Mrs Oddie for the loan of their beautiful garden. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I look OK on camera as high definition is very un forgiving when you are a woman. There are times when I really wish I was a man. They don't go to any-where nere the same amount of trouble and men seem to get away with so much hum! I shall be working on the edit after I come back from Great Central Railways 1940s weekend so Keep Watching and I shall keep you posted about how I get on! 

Today I have been out performing the "Magic of the Musicals" and I'm all set for another busy weekend this comming Friday the 31st.  I'm booked to do a 4 hour photo shoot so I've lots of costumes to sort out and props too. I've borrowed an old type writer and camera from Bushy Hall and a movie camera plus a few others props from some friends so it should make for an intresting shoot. I'm having to get a spray tan on Wednesday in prep as I'm doing some swim suit shots. My swim suit is from the late 1940s early 50s so I don't want to spoil it by getting make-up on it. My skin is very white and when I go before the cameras I usely have to wear lots of make-up so hence the tan!

Well I feel like I could do with an early night so I shall say Toodle Pip one and all. Thanks for following and Bye for Now!                          

Ever-so Cheeky!

Since returning from France I've been working towards this WW1 film shoot which many of you will know I've been planing for ages. Of course with it being England and a Bank holiday weekend and all - the heavens opened and any hope I might have had of stepping before the cameras were dashed! How typically is that! But, I'm a Harrison and very resourceful so I've reshuffled everything to Sunday. The down side of Sunday was I lost my rather grand venue as the family would be in residence and entertaining guests so today I have been out and about trying to find a garden which would work for 1916 and 1926. Needless to say my mother said try the village of Aspley Guise and with a bit of phoneing around and my mothers net work of friends I stumbled upon the most beautiful garden by chance. I drove into the village and down a lane. Found a house knocked on the door, spoke to the gentleman and to my surpise he said yes. How cheeky am I!
I think I must have had my Spivette head on as I'm learning it's amazing what can be achived with a wink and a smile! I hope his wife wont mind when I, compleate with film crew desend on his home come Sunday morning. I wonder how he's going to explaine that one to his wife. I mean it's not every day you get a knock at the door from a compleate stranger asking to use your garden for a WW1 music and 1920s video with "The Sound of Music" thrown in!
So here's to Sunday as the weather looks perfect, over cast but warm. I'm then in the photographic studio next Friday as I need some new photos for my web-site so it's all happening.
Oh before I forget I have posted up some photos which were sent to me by Jakob Totrup from Denmark on Facebook. I met Jakob last week when I was performing at Utah Beach so thank-you Jakob for sending them to me.
Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Fiona Harrison is a Edwardian Singer and Edwardian Entertainer. For more information about Fiona and how to book please visit her website www.fionaharrison.biz

Back from Normandy and Utah!

Me at Utah Beach!

Thank-you every-one for your many e-mails and phone calls. As you can see I'm not long back from Normandy and I promise to answer you all in the next day or two. Dispite getting back to the UK on Monday night it's been pritty much non stop. I had a morning show today and I'm booked to do shows the rest of this week but then I do like to be busy!
Well it's been a fantastic weekend as I've been singing at the Utah Beach Museum. It was the first time I had been out to France on my own as I usaly have a sound engineer and driver with me. I confess I was a little scared about driving on the right but I have rather enjoyed the challange of it all!

Me at Utah Beach Museum

The diving was the easy part compered to the crossing as I was very unwell. I made the mistake of thinking I could eat on broard ship. Wong! I couldn't keep anything down which then effected my sugar levels which made me really ill. It wasn't until we pulled into port that I was able to eat something and I then had to wait for my sugar to rise before it was safe for me to drive again. It can be such a pain being a diabetic sometimes - needless to say I was the last one to leave the ship!
This weekend I was booked to sing 20 mins on and 20mins off. Saturday was a bit of a special day as it's where museums throw open their doors in the evening and the public can come in for free.

Me with the B26

 I was entertaining at The Utah Beach Museum next to their B26 aircraft from 11am to 11pm. Although quiet in the morning come the evening we became quite busy. But if you know anything about the French way of life you will know everything stops for lunch. Lunch always takes at least two hours so I went over to the Le Roosevelt Resturant which is decked out in 1940s memribila. I was really thrilled to meet up with my friends Adrian and Karen who had driven over from Arromanches to see me espesicaly. It was lovely to see you both and fingers crossed for the 70th! This year I wont be in Arromanches on the 6th June as I'm booked to sing on the Themes. But I am open to offers for next year. The first person to my door with a sensible offer for the 6th June gets me so if there is any-one outh there intrested in booking me do check out my web-site and it would be wonderful to hear from you.
www.fionaharrison.biz

 Le Roosevelt Resturant

Ofcourse once I had finnished working at Utah I spent Monday morning doing alittle sight seeing in Sainte Marie Eglise. I have posted up some of my snap shots on my face book page so do take a look http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiona-Harrison-A-Voice-in-a-Million/143965822288531
While I was there I went into a wonderful militaria shop called Andrew Butler Insignia at 16 Bis Rue Gal De Gaulle. Andrew has some fantastic WW2 items and I rather treated myself to a new 1940s US uniform. WAC this time as I already have WAVES so I'm very pleased with my buy. I shall be keeping my eyes pealed for the other bits to go with it but then its the looking and finding the items which makes it all such fun. Do check out Andrew's web-site www.6thjune1944.com His shop is great so if you happen to be in Sainte Marie Eglise this season do call in and take a look.
Well it's late and I must get to bed as I have an early show tomorrow. Before I forget I must thank Carol at Aces High for all her help at the Utah Beach Museum and to all the staff too for making me feel so welcome. Heres to the next time! Thank-you every-one Toodle Pip!

Off to Normandy!

Hello every-one it's just another quick blog to keep you all up to date and to let you know I'm all set for Normandy this weekend. I've had Connie servised sorted out my AA cover for Europe up - graded my phone for France, got my day glow jackets and Triangle, GB sticker + the bits for the lights so yes I think I'm all set! I confess I'm a little nervous about driving on the right as I don't want to make any mistakes but I'm looking forward to the challenge. Sometimes I think it's good to face your fears head on so a deep breath and off we go!
This time I'm sailing into Cherbourg and driving down to Sainte-Mere-Eglise. I've been booked to play at Utah Beach Museum all through the day with 20mins on and 20mins off but I have a feeling it will be one of those jobs where I make it up as I go along. So if you happen to be in Normandy this weekend it would be lovely to see you. I shall be playing Saturday and Sunday the 18th and 19th May from 10.30am - 6pm ish but as with anything French the trick is to go with the flow - See you there!
A little closer to home the womens group I belong to are having a special "Don't Turn Back Time Day" at The Green Room Tea Room, High Street, Leighton Buzzard this Friday 17th May. I should have been there to sing but I was unable to turn down this offer for France as I had to travel out on the Friday. It's a chance to sign a pertition and to stand up for women's equality. The government's approach to cutting the deficit is by cutting back on many womens services so the idea of a Tea party is to encourage people to come along and sign a pertition which will be present to David Cameron. It's come about through the Fawcett Society and more info can be found by looking at their web site. The Fawcett Society are a feminist organisation which have been standing up for womens rights since 1866. So do check out the link as their sight is very intresting www.fawcettsociety.org.uk 
The Don't turn Back Time Tea Party will be taking place from 10am -5pm so I hope you can make it along!
This will be my last blog before France and I still have much I need to sort out for my trip. When I come back I shall tell you all my news so do keep watching and thank-you every-one for your great feed back on Aces High and The Dambusters weekend. It was lovely to sing for you all.
Time for bed and I hope to be back blogging on Tuesday Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

Flying High!

On Satge at Aces High!

It's been all go this weekend and what a fantastic couple of days it's been too. If you have been following my blogs you will know I've been singing for Aces High Art Gallery in Wendover for their special Dambusters weekend. Doors opened at 11am both days but the public were queing from 7am. Aces High had arranged for a special signing where it was posible to get art work, books and just about anything signed by the surviving veterans of 617 Squadron. I even met up with Curtis bear named after Curtis Pitts who invented the Pit Special. He came along with his owner Lorraine Hitchings to have his paws signed by Johny Johnson and Les Munro. Check out the link as I think Curtis bear has writain a bit of a blog about his visit and it's a wonderful web-site to view if you like Teddy Bears! www.ginosbears.co.uk
This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting Sqn Ldr Les Munro, Sqn Ldr Johny Johnson, Fg Off Basil Ambrose, Flt Lt Ken Trent, Flt Sgt Charles Avey, and Sqn Ldr Benny Goodman. They had also arranged for Mary Stopes-Roe to be there too. She was the daughter of Sir Barnes Wallis who as a child helped inspire her father to invent the Bouncing Bomb while skipping stones across the water. I excpect like me you can remember that famous scene in the film. So as you can imagine it's been a fantastic weekend and I've met some really intresting bears and people whos company I've really enjoyed!

Me with Ann and Ft Ken Trent

I was booked to sing both days from 10.45am through to 3.30pm 20 mins on and 20mins off but it was one of those jobs where I sort of made it up as I went along. I ended up doing a straight through 2 hour set in the morning and then pritty much straight through in the afternoon after lunch. I was rather enjoying myself and time does seem to fly when you are having fun. I also had the pleaure of making friends with Ann Trent wife of Ken who got everyone singing along and I think we can say a jolly good time was had by all so thumbs up to Aces High! It was so lovely to see so many faces I remembered from last November when I sang for Aces High before. I can see there are some really serous autograph hunters out there. I was also pleased to see my friend Joe who came to the event although it seems strange to see you Joe with-out your Jeep and not in Army Greens! Maybe you need to look into getting some Air Force Blues!

Me with Curtis Bear!

Dispite being an action packed weekend at Aces High Sunday night I had to make my way over to the recording studio to lay down a few tracks. As some of you may already know I'm going to be filming the end of May my WW1 video, a 1920s video and depending on the weather The Sound of Music too. I've been able to secure the venue but as with anything filmed out side you have to have a master track!
To record your voice after such a heavy weekend of singing is never a good idea but this was the only window available. Quite how I did it I don't know but then I guess this is where my classical training really pays off.  All the music I use I have taylor made for me by Richard Whennell of Bracknell. I first started working with Richard back in 1999 and together we have covered it all. From Opera to Rock and Roll from Music Hall to Musical Theater. Richard is the best in the busness and when I find talented people I hold onto them. Perhaps not surpisingly Richard is incredably busy and I'm now the only client he will do backing tracks for. His knowlage of music is incredable. As I have a talent for fashion and  putting the right outfit together for the period I'm portraying Richard can do that with musical line ups.

Me recording The Sound of Music!

When I gave Richard the dots to "If I were the only Boy in the World and you were the only girl" I have to be honest it was one of those songs I wasn't mad about. However after hearing his arrangement  I now love it and it's a perfect marriage with my voice. He's used a muted trombone which works beautifuly so look out for the video due to be relised the end of June. I just hope we will be lucky with the weather as you can never tell when you are out side. Fingers crossed I will be able to film "The Sound of Music" too as I love that song!
Well must dash as I have loads of e-mails to answer and next Friday I'm heading out to France so much to organise. Thank-you for following and do Keep Watching Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!

Dambusters Weekend!

It's just a very quick blog tonight! I'm all set to sing at Aces High Art Gallery for their Dambusters Weekend taking place at Vine Tree House, Buck Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6EB. A weekend where you can meet and have art work signed by serviving Veterans of the legendary 617 squadron. I shall be on stage from 10.45- 11.30pm and then from 12.30pm -3.30pm so I hope you can make it along.
Check out their web-site for details www.aceshighgallery.co.uk
It's going to be a busy weekend because after I come off stage on Sunday I will be heading over to the recording studio to pick up my new track of "If you were the only girl in the world (and I were the only boy)". So I hope I wont be too tired.
Today I have been able to tie up lots of lose ends and I was able to sercure the venue for the film shoot. It's something I've been saving up for and I'm all set to film the end of this month. It's a rather grand venue where the family don't like to court publicity so I'm not alowed to say where it is. The family like to keep their home very private but I'm being alowed special permision to shoot in the grounds so I'm really thrilled to be given this oppertunity! Fingers crossed we get good weather as it's the ideal setting for a WW1 music video and for my 1920s film too!
Well must dash as bed beckons!
Thanks for following Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Fiona Harrison is a 1940s Singer and 1940s Entertainer. For more information about Fiona and how to book please visit her website www.fionaharrison.biz

VE Day and So Much More!

So sorry I've not blogged for a few days but it's been all go and I have so much to tell you all!
Yesterday I was down in Surry working with film maker Clive Ardagh. Last March I met Clive by chance when I was singing at The Chiltern Open Air Museum for Hednas and I asked him if he would make a show reel for me. So yesterday I recorded the introduction and worked on the edit. I always like my show reels to have plenty of cut away shots and I don't really like them to play for anymore than 3 or 4 minutes. There is nothing worse than a boring You Tube video that drags on! I find it amazing the number of people who think long videos work. They don't and if the video has been shot from one angle it doesn't keep the concentration span and you inverably switch off or move onto something eles! So I hope you like my new show reel as I had real fun making it. I'm haveing it up loaded to You Tube in the next few weeks so I will keep you posted.
Today is VE Day and fate is such a funny thing. I should have been heading out to Jersey but the entertainment bussness can be such a roller coaster at times. Sadly my booking fell through so I found myself performing my "We'll Meet Again" ATS show in Peterborough instead. I'm already booked to return for VJ Day this comming August with my American Swing show "Don't Sit Under the Appletree" so it's all go! Tomorrow I have a private Birthday Party and then you can see me in Wendover at The Aces High Art Gallery for their "Dambusters Weekend" taking place this Saturday and Sunday. It's a chance to meet serviving Veterans of the legendary 617 Squadron and have art worked signed. So do come along if you can as entry is free. More info can be found by clicking onto their web-site www.aceshighgallery.co.uk
I'm also heading out to France the following weekend and you can catch me singing at the Utah Beach Museum on the 18th and 19th May all through the day. I'm staying in St Mere Eglise so it will be fun to do the American end for a change! It's the first time I've driven abroad on my own and I must remember to drive on the right. I confess I'm a little scared but kind of excited as well as I've always had a sound engineer and driver with me before. I'm looking forward to the chanllenge and doing something like this on my own!So I'll make sure I'll take my camera.
Oh for all you shoe lovers out there you will be pleased to know I got my Russell and Bromley shoes back today and the repairs are perfect. How they were able to match the leather to my 40s ones I will never know although it would be rather nice to think the leather they used was from that line in the 40s. My black one's look good too and I'm looking forward to taking them for a walk to check the squeek has gone.
We'll that's about it from me for tonight Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip!

Oh What a Night!

It's bank holiday and it's been pritty non-stop! Last night I was performing in Baldock with the wonderful Paul Casper - George Formby and 60s act Al for "Roll Back the Years" and what a great night we had too. It was wonderful to see Paul again and meet his lovely girl friend Cheri from OZ. The last time I had the pleasure of working with Paul was a year ago when we played together at Bassingbourne so it was great to catch up!
I have to be honnest I'm not really a great fan of George Formby but when Paul does it I am! That's the mark of a truly great entertainer wouldn't you say! Last night I was the sandwich, and did my 1950s and 60s act in the middle. Then we all danced the night away to Al who closed the night with a wonderful 60s set. Oh What a Night! George Formby was dirty dancing with Cheri - I blew Georges whistle, Al played on and I ended up going home with James Dean! - Such Fun!
Now I come to think about it - how did I end up with James Dean and what am I going to do with him now I've got him? I'm sure something will surgest it'self although he does stands very tall!
A big thank-you to Tony and Marie who booked us all and to my friend Maud who came too so lets hope we can do it all again soon I had a really great time!

Today I have been out and about singing for a Tea Dance in Wendover. Next week I shall be singing for a Dambusters Weekend taking place at Aces High Art Gallery which is also in Wendover. It will be a chance to meet serviving Veterans from the legendary 617 Squadron and to have art work signed so do come along if you can as entry is free and it would be lovely to see you there.
Oh before I forget just to fill you in with the latist about my Russell and Bromley shoes I got a call and they have been able to fix both pairs. So no more squeek and they were able to repair my 1940s ones for which there was no charge. It just goes to show it pays to buy quality. I exspect the reason there was no charge for my 1940s ones was because they were thrilled to see them and to know that shoes that old are still being worn and greatly loved! Sadly I'm too busy to drive down to Chichester this month so I'm having them sent. It's a shame as I do love Chichester and any excuse to visit but I'm really too busy this month to break away from work.
Well that's about it from me for tonight tomorrow I'm playing in Great Missenden and then I'm in Surry on Tuesday before heading off to Peterbough for VE Day.
Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!  

All Ready for the Baldock Festival!

 It's just a very quick blog tonight as today I have been out and about singing the 1950s and 60s for Scope and tomorrow I'm taking part in the Baldock Music festival. Today I have been in the hair dresses getting ready for tomorrows show thanks to Angela my wonderful hair dresser. So tonight I shall be doing my usal trick of going to bed with a pair of knickers on my head - I can usaly make a hair up hair style by Angela last the week! That's the wonderful thing about being single there's no anoying man to mess up your hair!
I hope you can all make it along tomorrow as I'm doing my 1950s and 60s show at The Knights Templar School Hall, Park Street, Baldock, SG7 6DZ. Doors open from 7.30pm show at 8pm. Tickets £10 available on the door. Bring your own drinks and nibbles! Food is also available at the Beer fastival just across the way!
I shall be on stage with Paul Casper who many of you already know does a wonderful Gorge Formby act + a local chap called Al so look forward to seeing you!
Must dash thanks for following and Toodle Pip for Now!

Me with my hairdresser Angela

Have I been Naughty Again?

Today I have been performing at a Synagogue for the Edgeware and
Harrow  Day Care Centre. You can't really go wrong when it comes to my "Hooray for Hollywood" show. There is something wonderful about movie show tunes of the 30s, 40s and 50s and needless to say my audiance loved every song I sung. I really enjoyed myself but then I just love singing that sort of music!
Afterwards I took a little time out to visit my favourite antique shop in Berkhamsted "Home and Colonial". I wanted to have a look at some of their vintage fashion again and they do have some lovely dresses in stock at the mo although nothing that is going to work for me at the present. It's funny but when I'm looking at fashion I can quite forget that my feet are hurting even though I'm wearing 3 inc heels and it wasn't until I was walking back to Connie that I even noticed. Not that a lady should ever admit to it - so I shan't!
Now I have a bit of a confession to make. I popped into Leighton Buzzard on the way home to do the bank and pick up my dry cleaning and there happened to be a sale on at Anns Bridal Room. I've bought some wonderful evening dresses from her in the past and well I was a bit naughty and treated myself to two new dresses. I know I shouldn't have. But with this photo shoot comming up I know they will look fantastic and the photos will work wonderfully with my new media pages I'm designing. One is a pale blue duchess satin full lengh evening gown and the other is a very pritty floral tea dress.  I'm such a naughty girl but I do adour beautiful dresses and fashion! Swish swish!
Don't forget you can see me this Saturday performing at The Knights Templar School Hall, Park Street, Baldock. Tickets £10 each and available on the door. I shall be singing the music of the 1950s and 60s. See you there and Toodle Pip for Now!