Daily Archives: May 15, 2009

The Classical Brit Awards: the bagpipes bag a prize!

Posted by Wendy on May 15, 2009 2 comments

spiritoftheglenWhoever is in charge of programming at the BBC seriously needs a good kick up the jumper; the Classical Brit Awards is one of the few broadcasts I actually look forward to each year – the BBC cannot see fit to air the event ‘live’ so instead viewers have to wait a whole week to see it. The point of my gripe is that some ding-a-ling is responsible for deciding to broadcast this show at 11.30 pm on a Wednesday night rather than a more civilised hour.

Considering the rubbish you get offered for viewing between 7 and 10 pm during the week,  that  a show which highlights real talent should be relegated to a time suited to those with insomnia displays nothing short of ignorance on behalf of the BBC.

That said, the best news now is that the award for the NS&I Album of the Year was won by The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards for their recording ‘Spirit of the Glen’. This is the first time that a group of non-professional musicians have won at the Brit Awards - but not only that – these pipers are also serving members of the Armed Forces in Basra. The CD was recorded during their breaks from active service and it is a testament to their talent and spirit that they have produced a fine recording of music which is simply breathtaking. These men are not just pipers –  they are signals men, gunners, tank drivers…and they fully deserve this honour.

Have a listen to a clip from their CD and feel the hairs stand up on the back of your neck…

Well done guys and god speed.

Copyright © 2007-2012 Cultured Views. All rights reserved.

Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell: the passing of an Australian treasure.

Posted by Wendy on May 15, 2009 No comments

budtingwellI was very saddened today to read of the death of Australian actor Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell at the age of 86.

You cannot just call ‘Bud’ an actor; he was an icon of the Australian film and stage industry. A giant of a talent, a modest man of great humility and generosity.

He was there when the Australian film industry was in it’s infancy and it would be impossible to find any other individual who did more to promote and develop the medium that Australian film-making has become today.

Not only was he a great actor of radio, stage, television and screen Bud was a fighter pilot of great courage during WWII flying 76 missions over North Africa for the British Airforce.  In 1946 he returned to Australia and appeared in an uncredited role in the landmark film about Sir Charles Kingsford Smith – ‘Smithy’. 

Bud travelled to London where he established himself as an actor and is best remembered for his role as the Inspector in the ‘Miss Marple’ series of films starring opposite the great Margaret Rutherford. 

Loved and respected for his warmth and intelligence, he was a fond favourite of film crews and fellow actors and was generous with his time and advice for the younger actors he worked with.

My favourite memories of Bud are of his roles in Homocide, the Australian crime drama series from the early 70′s, and his wonderful portrayal of a retired QC who volunteers to help out Aussie battler Daryl Kerrigan save his home from corporate developers in the 1997 film ‘The Castle’.

Not only does Bud leave a huge gap in the hearts of Australians, he leaves a void in the Australian film and stage industry that will never be filled.

Copyright © 2007-2012 Cultured Views. All rights reserved.