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A most important and entertaining part of every episode of Last of the Summer Wine is when we get to see the local police force in action – or more usually taking great steps to avoid any action.  Over the years the leading policeman has been played, with great success, by Ken Kitson (pictured left above) who, along with various colleagues, has kept us in stitches with their antics for over 23 years!

On one of my visits to Holmfirth last year I was able to visit the excellent hotel and hostelry the Old Bridge where, along with our own site maestro Patrick, I was fortunate indeed to meet and share refreshment with Ken (that’s Brit for having a quiet drink!)   I never fail to be impressed by just how good it is to meet these actors and, on researching their careers, just what an amazing record of achievements most of them have.  In Ken’s case he did 3 years in drama school, has been a professional actor for 30 years and has appeared in over 250 tv roles and 8 feature films not to mention numerous commercials and theatre work. He also runs a very successful drama workshop and has done so for over 5 years.

His first appearance in LOSW was in the episode Getting Sam Home; asked as to his favourite episode over the years he, like so many of his colleagues in the series, feels that there are so many different highlights in so many different episodes.  He is aware that the police in other countries are fascinated by his portrayal and indeed was told so once by a cop from Arkansas, USA!

His partnership with the late, and much lamented Tony Capstick (the   actor who played the other regular policeman) was  an especial period for which he has very fond memories (see photo of them both) over many years of working together with the Summer Wine team.  Like others he feels that the series is an enduring one which will continue as long as those concerned can take part.

As to the future, well this most amiable actor is hoping that the film he has written, FISTFUL OF DREAMS, which he describes as “the next Fully Monty” will secure the necessary funding and backing in order to follow the successes of other British film comedies such as Brassed Off, Four Weddings & a Funeral etc.

So if you happen to have some £2million going spare or wish to invest (with a group of others) to help finance the project then get in touch.  He has secured the potential services of many famous British actors and is determined that the film will be based in Yorkshire.  In my humble opinion Ken deserves to see this movie made as I am sure it will be a comedy masterpiece.  He describes the story as being “sensitive, humourously scripted with an uncomplicated storyline, set against the backdrop of the harsh realities of modern, northern English multicultural urban life and colloquialism”.  Oh and in addition to Geoffrey Hughes (Royle Family, Keeping Up Appearances etc) and Jean Alexander (Aunty Wainwright in LOSW, Coronation Street etc) and George Baker (too many tv series to even try to mention) and a score by Brian Bennett (The Shadows, and countless film and tv scores) Ken will play the lead Will Case.  For more information see Ken’s personal web site < kkpmovies.com >   or contact Ken c/o this site.

So all in all I have had the good fortune to meet yet another fascinating actor and character involved with our best comedy and I have to feel that the strength of character and quality of professionalism is the reason why the end product remains so good – but of course, as Truly would say, I could be lying! (Who wants to be completely PC anyhow……)

 

Gerald