There were always kids tv presenters you knew deep down were a bit "iffy" but there are a few decent ones that are totally trustworthy and honest and Derek Griffiths is one of them.
Thank god not all our childhood tv friends are like the odious one now facing the courts.
You're assuming a lot, about people who have not been convicted of anything as of yet.
I saw him on the stage at Stratford on Avon in Twelfth Night (RSC) about 1994.
I immediately recognised him from my childhood in the 70s in Playaway and it was a bit strange to see him in Shakespeare but he was very good, playing one of the comedy characters.
He was also in Taming of The Shrew with Josie Lawerence and Robin Nedwell.
I love the guy. Derek worked on a show called 'Hi Summer'. Don't really remember it but it was a variety show with a few big names for its era. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjXVtbgl3wc
I love the guy. Derek worked on a show called 'Hi Summer'. Don't really remember it but it was a variety show with a few big names for its era. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjXVtbgl3wc
Brian Tilsey(Chris Quintin) is the main dancing section.
Ahhh the days of good quality decent family entertainment.
Anybody remember this most famous face in the 1970s?
He was in Playaway but was also remembered at the Spanish waiter in the 'Don't Drink the Water' comedy series.
He was also in numerous plays and comedies. For a black actor in the 1970s when such work for such actors was not that forthcoming he seemed never to be off the screen.
Thank god for that he was a highly talented actor full of energy and very versatile and a joy to watch,. Some actors you know that you are going to enjoy their performance or the programme they appear in and Derek Griffiths was a rare one of those actors.
I have always thought that Derek Griffiths and floella Benjamin did more for our generations view of race and race relations than any amount of legislation
I also thought Derek Griffiths was wonderful from the first time I saw him on children's TV. So likeable! I saw him at The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester in 'Dick Whittington' in the 1970's and also remember him from a kids show called 'Film Fun' in the 80's where he played the cinema commisionaire, himself and the usherette, hilarious! If I recall he did the theme song for 'Bod.' Shame we see little of him these days!
Remember him in this old public information film?
For what it's worth he also played a cameo role as a slave pedalling the steam pumps of the roman baths in the 1970 movie Up Pompeii!
The bit where actor James Grout's charactor keeps demanding 'More steam, more steam' for anybody who remembers.
In 1997, Griffiths originated the role of Lumière in the original West End production of Beauty and the beast at the Dominion Theatre and played the role of The child catcher in the West End run of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium."
He was brilliant in that- saw him. Very, very talented but understated man. Good to see a thread about him.
For what it's worth he also played a cameo role as a slave pedalling the steam pumps of the roman baths in the 1970 movie Up Pompeii!
The bit where actor James Grout's charactor keeps demanding 'More steam, more steam' for anybody who remembers.
And a meatier part as a 'hep cat' style Saladin in the follow up Up The Chastity Belt.
I can remember watching Playschool with my younger sister, Derek Griffiths was sitting down and pretending to use a typewriter whilst a manic tune was playing. His facial expressions and body movements were hilarious, my sister was actually rolling around on the floor laughing. She must have been around 4 or 5 years old, she's now 40 and can still remember that sketch.
He's a genius and was one of the best things on kid's tv at the time, along with the legendary Brian Cant and Johnny Ball. Even my mum remembers Playschool fondly, despite having to watch it endlessly for years with all 3 of her kids. (She once told me that she always wanted to "rip bloody Hamble's head off")
I've always remembered him for a kids' series called Cabbages and Kings. It was about history but told through comedy sketches - a bit like a prototype for Horrible Histories. I thought it was amazing when I was 8 or 9.
Comments
I remember ragtime but only now that you mention it.
You're assuming a lot, about people who have not been convicted of anything as of yet.
He was also in Taming of The Shrew with Josie Lawerence and Robin Nedwell.
yes
You can still be odious in many ways and not be convicted of a crime even if you are not guilty in fact and in law.
Be dangerous to assume anything until the law takes its course!
Brian Tilsey(Chris Quintin) is the main dancing section.
Ahhh the days of good quality decent family entertainment.
No he wasnt , he did a few of the musical segments but only featured in a few episodes , Fred Harris was the presenter.
I'm sure DG sang this too
Cheers, thought I recognised his voice very well!
99.9999% certain he did: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym0lCDkVwig
Remember him in this old public information film?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UrX5XqWH4g
Does anyone have any ideas?
The bit where actor James Grout's charactor keeps demanding 'More steam, more steam' for anybody who remembers.
He was brilliant in that- saw him. Very, very talented but understated man. Good to see a thread about him.
Anyway, just wanted to say I liked Derek Griffiths and want a talented man he is.
And a meatier part as a 'hep cat' style Saladin in the follow up Up The Chastity Belt.
i know i shouldn't laugh but i did
He's a genius and was one of the best things on kid's tv at the time, along with the legendary Brian Cant and Johnny Ball. Even my mum remembers Playschool fondly, despite having to watch it endlessly for years with all 3 of her kids. (She once told me that she always wanted to "rip bloody Hamble's head off")