‘Head to Head’ with Tony Crimlisk and Eric Midwinter

By | November 11, 2015

‘Head to Head’ conversation between Tony Crimlisk and Eric Midwinter, collaborators on the latest musical ‘Bob Cratchitt – retired’

This special event was held on Friday 11 December in the Ministry Centre, Christ Church, Aughton.

Tony had already written four musicals, That Terrible U3A; Up for It; Making Waves and Santa’s Secret Summer School. He reluctantly agreed to write another, but sought help with the words and lyrics by advertising in the National U3A publication, Third Age Matters. It was Eric Midwinter, one of the U3A founders, who responded and offered to write the lyrics. Together they produced a new show, “Bob Cratchitt – retired” performed by our Musical Theatre Group on 10, 11 and 12 December at Ormskirk Civic Hall.

Eric Midwinter and Tony had worked together at the Ethel Wormald College in Liverpool in the late 1960’s after which their career paths diverged. Eric had always been a prolific writer – with books on social and academic topics; his own personal interests – including cricket and George Formby, and various dramatic works.

musical-theatre-head-to-head-20151211-01

The ‘Head to Head’ event brought Tony and Eric together again after almost 50 years

Tony and Eric treated the audience to some entertaining recollections of their previous times together, how they met again, how Bob Cratchitt – retired  came to be written, and how they brought their specific skills to bear in its production? In reply to one question from the audience, Eric gave an insight into the founding of the Third Age Trust by Michael Young, Peter Laslett and himself.

After more questions from the audience, which included members of our neighbouring U3As, the Chairman of Third Age Trust, the North West Region Trustee and other members of the National Executive Committee, we were served tea and cake by Lily Bunner and her helpers in the Social Group.

Last Updated on February 9, 2022