Click here to read a special Summer Wine Online interview with Tom Owen!   

Tom Owen's one-man show at Cragrats Theatre, Holmfirth was truly a memorable experience and much enjoyed by the audience. 

I was lucky to attend on the night (21 June, 2002) when this talented performer dedicated his show to the memory of Gordon Wharmby and I was part of a packed audience consisting of cast, crew and LOSW Society members not to mention local fans. I think I was the only person to have driven 300 miles to be there though.

In Tom's words, it was "fitting that he was performing "14 by 3" in Holmfirth, the town that Bill Owen loved so much and also in the thirtieth year of this world's longest ever running TV comedy". Ably accompanied by pianist Susan Ogden, Tom displayed his obvious talent by not only telling the story of his father's amazing career but also his own career so far up to and including the time when he became part of the LOSW cast. 

He performed many of Bill's favourite songs from the wide variety of shows in which Bill had appeared or indeed written and, with touching honesty and pathos, described some of the Own family's downs as well as ups. Anyone who is a fan of LOSW and who is interested in the talented Owen family should be sure to see this show which is written by Tom Owen, Shaun Curry & Ken Roack and directed by Shaun Curry. 

I hope that it will tour the country once the current series has been completed so that others may enjoy the experience. 14 by 3 really WAS a truly moving tribute by a great man of a great man. I am only sorry that I never found out what 14 by 3 meant or was unable to enquire wther a further generation of Owens was likely to carry on such a fine acting tradition. 

I was, however, lucky to have a few words with the man who made this incredible series (and so many others) possible, author and writer Roy Clarke, who told me that in addition to the current series which is being filmed to be shown later this year, another series IS planned for next year!! So maybe the BBC can get something right after all................

Gerald D Hayne 22 June 2002

Editor's Note: Many thanks Gerald for submitting your interesting review on the performance - it is much appreciated. 

READ THE PRESS RELEASES ABOUT 14 X 3 ISSUED PRIOR TO THE PERFORMANCE


Press Release TCB 0070 24th May 2002 For immediate release

DOUBLE TRIBUTE for Compo and Wesley of "Last of the Summer Wine"

"Last of the Summer Wine" star Tom Owen comes to CragRats Theatre, Holmfirth on 20th, 21st and 22nd June to deliver his one-man show "14 by 3" A Father and his Son. The show itself, is a tribute to Tom's father, Bill Owen (the loveable rogue "Compo") and following the very recent death of colleague Gordon Wharmby ( Wesley Pegden in the series), Tom is dedicating one of the three shows to his memory.

Although all three shows are expected to be a sell-out when Tom Owen delivers a unique anecdotal performance about his father's life and works, with particular reference to "The Last of the Summer Wine", Friday night's special tribute is bound to draw the most attention. At least twenty members of the cast and crew from the country's longest running comedy series will be joining Tom for the performance he has dedicated to the memory of the late Gordon Wharmby.

Another well known figure from the long running series, Gordon who played Thora Hird's screen husband, died this month.

Tom gives us an insight into the type of man that he was,

"Any spare minutes between shots, Gordon and I could be found playing cards. Needless to say, Gordon won usually by fair means or foul ! So nifty was he at cards, I christened him 'fingers' Wharmby! He was a mate and I miss him."

"14 by 3" tells the story of the "Last of the Summer Wine" and is as much an intimate portrait of the versatile actor, playwright and song writer, Bill Owen as it is an anecdotal tale of the most successful British series to date.

"A truly moving, memorable and fascinating evening." Audience comment from the Grand Theatre Studio Performance, Blackpool, 2001

Local pianist Sue Ogden will also accompany Tom.

Don't miss out on this wonderful show! Tickets are £7.50 adults and £6.50 concessions and are available from the CragRats Hotline: 01484 686451, the Holmfirth Tourist Information Centre: 01484 222444 or as part of an overnight package at the Old Bridge Hotel: 01484 681212. Starts at 8.00pm.

Press Release TCB 0068 22nd May 2002

My Dad, Me and Compo

"Last of the Summer Wine" star Tom Owen comes to CragRats Theatre, Holmfirth on 20th, 21st and 22nd June to deliver his one man show "14 by 3" based on the life and career of his father, Bill Owen and himself. It also tells the story of how the world's longest running television comedy series was to keep them together even after Bill's death.

Performing until the end of his life Bill Owen was most famous for his role as Compo Simmonite whom he played for 27 years. He was also a well known and popular member of the Holmfirth community. When Tom was asked to join the company of "Last of the Summer Wine", television history was made. Never before had a real life son of an actor gone into the same series playing his father's fictional son.

"It was the most daunting situation that I have ever had to face" says Tom. "But now things have settled down and I hope that our viewers accept me as part of the team and a character in my own right. The cast and crew have been wonderful and Compo remains with us if only in spirit".

Set in the idyllic Holme Valley area, "Last of the Summer Wine" is an international success with fans travelling from all over the world to visit the sites and countryside depicted in the stories.

"14 by 3" is a brilliant, sensitive and intimate portrayal of two actors and the show with which they are synonymous. Most people will remember Bill Owen for his portrayal of Compo but there was so much more to him than that geriatric Just William! His career spanned over sixty years on stage, film and television. Did you know that he once wrote a number one single for Ken Dodd? Tom will be reviving some of Bill's songs as well as paying tribute to "Last of the Summer Wine".

Now a familiar face in the popular BBC comedy series it is especially poignant that Tom returns to CragRats in Holmfirth to remember the good times and share his memories. Tom is accompanied by local pianist Sue Ogden from Brockholes.

"A truly moving tribute by a great man of a great man"

Don't miss out on this wonderful show! Tickets are £7.50 adults and £6.50 concessions and are available from the CragRats Hotline: 01484 686451, the HolmfirthTourist Information Centre: 01484 222444 or as part of an overnight package at the Old Bridge Hotel: 01484 681212. Starts at 8.00pm. The Friday 21st June show will be dedicated to the memory of actor Gordon Wharmby who played Wesley Pegden in the series.

Photographs and further information available. Enquiries about this press release should be addressed to: Alex Howe, CragRats Theatre, Dunford Road, Holmfirth, HD9 2AR. Telephone: 01484 686451. E-mail: alexhowe@cragrats.com