@MBallardRadio
@mballardradio.bsky.social
Broadcaster/Actor/Compere. Former @BBCLeicester radio
presenter. Panto Dame. Podcast host @Imagine_theatre
& @CurveLeicester Announcer @LeicesterTigers My own views.
presenter. Panto Dame. Podcast host @Imagine_theatre
& @CurveLeicester Announcer @LeicesterTigers My own views.
This is the latest episode & 2nd part of our series from a 2025 holiday in the Algarve. This one concentrate on visits to Faro from our base in Olhao. In this series, we also visit Tavira & Loule, observe dolphins on a boat trip & walk in the Ria Formosa Nature Park.
youtu.be/rm0hWI9kmMc?...
youtu.be/rm0hWI9kmMc?...
Episode Fifty Seven - Olhao, The Algarve: Part 2 - Faro
YouTube video by Main Street Martin
youtu.be
July 16, 2025 at 12:21 PM
This is the latest episode & 2nd part of our series from a 2025 holiday in the Algarve. This one concentrate on visits to Faro from our base in Olhao. In this series, we also visit Tavira & Loule, observe dolphins on a boat trip & walk in the Ria Formosa Nature Park.
youtu.be/rm0hWI9kmMc?...
youtu.be/rm0hWI9kmMc?...
Today would've been the birthday of the musician, actor & former member of The Monkees, Peter Tork. The TV series The Monkees ran 1966–1968.
In this excerpt he is joined by James Lee Stanley & tells me about his roots and early musical influences.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbHm...
In this excerpt he is joined by James Lee Stanley & tells me about his roots and early musical influences.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbHm...
Peter Tork - February 13th 1942 – February 21st 2019
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
February 13, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Today would've been the birthday of the musician, actor & former member of The Monkees, Peter Tork. The TV series The Monkees ran 1966–1968.
In this excerpt he is joined by James Lee Stanley & tells me about his roots and early musical influences.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbHm...
In this excerpt he is joined by James Lee Stanley & tells me about his roots and early musical influences.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbHm...
On this day in 2019 we lost the legendary World Cup winning Leicester City, Stoke City & England goalkeeper. Gordon Banks OBE.
He's regarded as one of the greatest keepers of all time. He told me about that save from Pele, described as the greatest save ever made.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZSC...
He's regarded as one of the greatest keepers of all time. He told me about that save from Pele, described as the greatest save ever made.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZSC...
Gordon Banks
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
February 12, 2025 at 9:25 AM
On this day in 2019 we lost the legendary World Cup winning Leicester City, Stoke City & England goalkeeper. Gordon Banks OBE.
He's regarded as one of the greatest keepers of all time. He told me about that save from Pele, described as the greatest save ever made.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZSC...
He's regarded as one of the greatest keepers of all time. He told me about that save from Pele, described as the greatest save ever made.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZSC...
Today is the birthday of musician, singer, songwriter & producer Steve Hackett. He was the lead guitarist with Genesis from 1971 to 1977.
In this excerpt he begins by talking about his first guitar influences.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqPr...
In this excerpt he begins by talking about his first guitar influences.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqPr...
February 12, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Today is the birthday of musician, singer, songwriter & producer Steve Hackett. He was the lead guitarist with Genesis from 1971 to 1977.
In this excerpt he begins by talking about his first guitar influences.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqPr...
In this excerpt he begins by talking about his first guitar influences.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqPr...
On this day in 2021, we lost the Supremes co-founder and singer Mary Wilson at the age of 76. She was inducted along with Ross and Ballard (as members of the Supremes) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. This is part of my interview with the Motown legend.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iLF...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iLF...
Mary Wilson March 6th 1944 – February 8th 2021
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
February 8, 2025 at 10:23 AM
On this day in 2021, we lost the Supremes co-founder and singer Mary Wilson at the age of 76. She was inducted along with Ross and Ballard (as members of the Supremes) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. This is part of my interview with the Motown legend.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iLF...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iLF...
Today is the birthday of the musician who is the long-serving drummer for The Animals, John Steel. He has been with the Animals since 1963 & was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqXG...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqXG...
John Steel - born 4th February 1941
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
February 4, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Today is the birthday of the musician who is the long-serving drummer for The Animals, John Steel. He has been with the Animals since 1963 & was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqXG...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqXG...
The comedy legend, Sir Norman Wisdom was born on this day in 1915. Charlie Chaplin once referred to Wisdom as his "favourite clown". He told me about his time in the army, how he discovered comedy & later went on to collect a knighthood.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIb4...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIb4...
Sir Norman Wisdom OBE 4th February 1915 – 4th October 2010
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
February 4, 2025 at 10:31 AM
The comedy legend, Sir Norman Wisdom was born on this day in 1915. Charlie Chaplin once referred to Wisdom as his "favourite clown". He told me about his time in the army, how he discovered comedy & later went on to collect a knighthood.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIb4...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIb4...
Today would've been the birthday of the singer & actor, Frankie Vaughan CBE DL. He had two UK No.1 singles – "The Garden of Eden" & "Tower of Strength" & starred in films with the likes of Marilyn Monroe. He told me about his ambitions as a boy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEbt...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEbt...
Frankie Vaughan CBE DL - 3rd February 1928 – 17th September 1999
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
February 3, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Today would've been the birthday of the singer & actor, Frankie Vaughan CBE DL. He had two UK No.1 singles – "The Garden of Eden" & "Tower of Strength" & starred in films with the likes of Marilyn Monroe. He told me about his ambitions as a boy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEbt...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEbt...
Today would've been the 98th birthday of the Irish singer & TV presenter Val Doonican. He had five successive Top 10 albums & several hit singles. He told me about his family, his first success on the radio in the fifties, recording and his successful Tv series.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jFC...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jFC...
Val Doonican - 3rd February 1927 – 1st July 2015
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
February 3, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Today would've been the 98th birthday of the Irish singer & TV presenter Val Doonican. He had five successive Top 10 albums & several hit singles. He told me about his family, his first success on the radio in the fifties, recording and his successful Tv series.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jFC...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jFC...
On the latest episode we talk about Sleeping Beauty.
LISTEN NOW:
Imagine Website: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/just-imagine...
Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/EmXD50E35Fd
Spotify: ow.ly/kTQf50E35Fc
Google Podcasts: ow.ly/hqQI50E35Fe
www.buzzsprout.com/1728607/epis...
Or ask Alexa!
LISTEN NOW:
Imagine Website: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/just-imagine...
Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/EmXD50E35Fd
Spotify: ow.ly/kTQf50E35Fc
Google Podcasts: ow.ly/hqQI50E35Fe
www.buzzsprout.com/1728607/epis...
Or ask Alexa!
February 1, 2025 at 9:19 AM
On the latest episode we talk about Sleeping Beauty.
LISTEN NOW:
Imagine Website: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/just-imagine...
Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/EmXD50E35Fd
Spotify: ow.ly/kTQf50E35Fc
Google Podcasts: ow.ly/hqQI50E35Fe
www.buzzsprout.com/1728607/epis...
Or ask Alexa!
LISTEN NOW:
Imagine Website: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/just-imagine...
Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/EmXD50E35Fd
Spotify: ow.ly/kTQf50E35Fc
Google Podcasts: ow.ly/hqQI50E35Fe
www.buzzsprout.com/1728607/epis...
Or ask Alexa!
I go behind-the-scenes of three fantastic shows in the latest episode of @CurveLeicester In Conversation! I speak to ANIMAL FARM's Sam Black, & JULIET's @LaraDenning & Elle Ma-kinga N'zuzi who is Tina Turner in @tinamusicaltour
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/CurveInConversation
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/CurveInConversation
January 31, 2025 at 11:21 AM
I go behind-the-scenes of three fantastic shows in the latest episode of @CurveLeicester In Conversation! I speak to ANIMAL FARM's Sam Black, & JULIET's @LaraDenning & Elle Ma-kinga N'zuzi who is Tina Turner in @tinamusicaltour
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/CurveInConversation
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/CurveInConversation
On New Years Eve 2015 we lost singer, songwriter & actress Natalie Cole. The daughter of singer & jazz pianist Nat King Cole rose to success in the 1970s & sold over 30 million records globally. She told me about her first recording as a child on a Christmas album.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=26yx...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=26yx...
Natalie Cole February 6th 1950 – December 31st 2015
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
December 31, 2024 at 10:43 AM
On New Years Eve 2015 we lost singer, songwriter & actress Natalie Cole. The daughter of singer & jazz pianist Nat King Cole rose to success in the 1970s & sold over 30 million records globally. She told me about her first recording as a child on a Christmas album.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=26yx...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=26yx...
For the first time in 20 years of announcing @LeicesterTigers I'm gutted to say that I'll miss tomorrow's game against @BristolBears due to illness. There with you in spirit though. Best of luck boys. #COYT
December 20, 2024 at 6:31 PM
For the first time in 20 years of announcing @LeicesterTigers I'm gutted to say that I'll miss tomorrow's game against @BristolBears due to illness. There with you in spirit though. Best of luck boys. #COYT
The final episode of 2024 features @jenlion
LISTEN NOW:
Imagine Website: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/just-imagine...
Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/EmXD50E35Fd
Spotify: ow.ly/kTQf50E35Fc
Google Podcasts: ow.ly/hqQI50E35Fe
www.buzzsprout.com/.../16287970....
Or your smart speaker!
LISTEN NOW:
Imagine Website: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/just-imagine...
Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/EmXD50E35Fd
Spotify: ow.ly/kTQf50E35Fc
Google Podcasts: ow.ly/hqQI50E35Fe
www.buzzsprout.com/.../16287970....
Or your smart speaker!
December 20, 2024 at 6:23 PM
The final episode of 2024 features @jenlion
LISTEN NOW:
Imagine Website: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/just-imagine...
Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/EmXD50E35Fd
Spotify: ow.ly/kTQf50E35Fc
Google Podcasts: ow.ly/hqQI50E35Fe
www.buzzsprout.com/.../16287970....
Or your smart speaker!
LISTEN NOW:
Imagine Website: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/just-imagine...
Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/EmXD50E35Fd
Spotify: ow.ly/kTQf50E35Fc
Google Podcasts: ow.ly/hqQI50E35Fe
www.buzzsprout.com/.../16287970....
Or your smart speaker!
The final episode of Curve in Conversation of 2024 is here! I catch up with Leicester actor @KraigThornber of THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE & hear from KINKY BOOTS cast members @danpartridge1 & @_ScottPaige All this & more in December’s episode.
linktr.ee/CurveInConversation
linktr.ee/CurveInConversation
December 20, 2024 at 6:16 PM
The final episode of Curve in Conversation of 2024 is here! I catch up with Leicester actor @KraigThornber of THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE & hear from KINKY BOOTS cast members @danpartridge1 & @_ScottPaige All this & more in December’s episode.
linktr.ee/CurveInConversation
linktr.ee/CurveInConversation
In the next episode of @CurveLeicester In Conversation @KraigThornber previews @LionWitchStage I chat to @danpartridge1 & @_ScottPaige about Kinky Boots & Megan Ellis & Annabel Marlow (Muriel & Rhonda) about Muriel's Wedding. Podcast platforms or www.curveonline.co.uk
December 19, 2024 at 1:36 PM
In the next episode of @CurveLeicester In Conversation @KraigThornber previews @LionWitchStage I chat to @danpartridge1 & @_ScottPaige about Kinky Boots & Megan Ellis & Annabel Marlow (Muriel & Rhonda) about Muriel's Wedding. Podcast platforms or www.curveonline.co.uk
Today is the birthday of the singer, Limahl, frontman of the pop group Kajagoogoo, before embarking on a solo career, which included the 1984 hit "The NeverEnding Story", theme song for the film of the same name. He told me he loved music as a teenager.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg_a...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg_a...
www.youtube.com
December 19, 2024 at 9:57 AM
Today is the birthday of the singer, Limahl, frontman of the pop group Kajagoogoo, before embarking on a solo career, which included the 1984 hit "The NeverEnding Story", theme song for the film of the same name. He told me he loved music as a teenager.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg_a...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg_a...
On this day 30 years ago I opened in Cinderella at @demontforthall with @Globalgagster @strassen @MrJamesCrossley Wendy Craig, Steve McFadden, Liz May Brice & the late Peter Thorne. It was my 3rd Pantomime at the venue and was directed by the legendary Dougie Squires.
December 19, 2024 at 9:47 AM
On this day 30 years ago I opened in Cinderella at @demontforthall with @Globalgagster @strassen @MrJamesCrossley Wendy Craig, Steve McFadden, Liz May Brice & the late Peter Thorne. It was my 3rd Pantomime at the venue and was directed by the legendary Dougie Squires.
On this day in 2008 we lost the comedy actor Jack Douglas. He appeared regularly on TV from Crackerjack to The Goodies and The Benny Hill Show as well as may Carry On Films. He told me about the support he was given by Kenneth Williams.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxMg...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxMg...
Jack Douglas, 26th April 1927 – 18th December 2008
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
December 18, 2024 at 3:55 PM
On this day in 2008 we lost the comedy actor Jack Douglas. He appeared regularly on TV from Crackerjack to The Goodies and The Benny Hill Show as well as may Carry On Films. He told me about the support he was given by Kenneth Williams.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxMg...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxMg...
Today would've been the 90th birthday of the R&B singer with the Drifters, Johnny Moore. He had a string of hits with the group in the 1960s & 70's. He told me how the Drifters were first formed.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X78...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X78...
Johnny Moore (December 15th 1934 – December 30th 1998
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
December 15, 2024 at 5:07 AM
Today would've been the 90th birthday of the R&B singer with the Drifters, Johnny Moore. He had a string of hits with the group in the 1960s & 70's. He told me how the Drifters were first formed.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X78...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X78...
Today is the birthday of singer, songwriter, producer & entrepreneur, Dave Clark. He was the leader, drummer & manager of the 60s group, The Dave Clark Five, who followed the Beatles to the U.S in 1964.
He told me he originally wanted to be an actor.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8ZD...
He told me he originally wanted to be an actor.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8ZD...
David Clark - born 15th December 1939
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
December 15, 2024 at 4:52 AM
Today is the birthday of singer, songwriter, producer & entrepreneur, Dave Clark. He was the leader, drummer & manager of the 60s group, The Dave Clark Five, who followed the Beatles to the U.S in 1964.
He told me he originally wanted to be an actor.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8ZD...
He told me he originally wanted to be an actor.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8ZD...
The actress, comedian & impressionist Janet Brown was born on 14th December. She performed as Margaret Thatcher on TV's Mike Yarwood Show, on BBC Radio's The News Huddlines & in the James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only. She told me how she got started.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Nt...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Nt...
Janet Brown - 14th December 1923 – 27th May 2011
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
December 14, 2024 at 9:22 AM
The actress, comedian & impressionist Janet Brown was born on 14th December. She performed as Margaret Thatcher on TV's Mike Yarwood Show, on BBC Radio's The News Huddlines & in the James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only. She told me how she got started.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Nt...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Nt...
Today is the birthday of Frank Allen from The Searchers. He played rhythm guitar with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers in 1961. In 1964 he replaced original Searchers bass guitarist Tony Jackson.
He & John McNally told me how they were formed. www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDw9...
He & John McNally told me how they were formed. www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDw9...
Frank Allen - born14th December 1943
YouTube video by Martin Ballard
www.youtube.com
December 14, 2024 at 9:12 AM
Today is the birthday of Frank Allen from The Searchers. He played rhythm guitar with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers in 1961. In 1964 he replaced original Searchers bass guitarist Tony Jackson.
He & John McNally told me how they were formed. www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDw9...
He & John McNally told me how they were formed. www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDw9...
Happy Panto Day my Panto friends across the UK. For the year of the family, a special break-a-leg mention to our son Jack Ballard opening today in Snow White at De Montfort Hall. We will have played the same role in the same show for Imagine Theatre at the same venue 10 years apart! #PantoDay
December 13, 2024 at 3:27 PM
Happy Panto Day my Panto friends across the UK. For the year of the family, a special break-a-leg mention to our son Jack Ballard opening today in Snow White at De Montfort Hall. We will have played the same role in the same show for Imagine Theatre at the same venue 10 years apart! #PantoDay
Happy @panto_day to all my friends across the country. As it's year of the family, a special mention to my son @Jackk_Ballard
who opens today in Snow White @demontforthall Here is a picture of us playing the same role in the same show at the same venue 10 years apart! #PantoDay
who opens today in Snow White @demontforthall Here is a picture of us playing the same role in the same show at the same venue 10 years apart! #PantoDay
December 13, 2024 at 8:31 AM
Happy @panto_day to all my friends across the country. As it's year of the family, a special mention to my son @Jackk_Ballard
who opens today in Snow White @demontforthall Here is a picture of us playing the same role in the same show at the same venue 10 years apart! #PantoDay
who opens today in Snow White @demontforthall Here is a picture of us playing the same role in the same show at the same venue 10 years apart! #PantoDay