The other side of that coin is that alongside these projects, over a period of about ten years, a team of us tried to
bring Jim's dream of a perfect pantomime to fruition. Panto may look like childs play but it's a serious business. Trying to
increase the production values - better sound - better lighting - better special effects - without going broke, was an uphill
battle. A battle that we eventually lost. I'd like to think that we set values that others aspire to, but my guess is, no-one does.
I also enjoyed the odd tour playing bass in Jim's band, so the work has been varied to say the least.
Most of Jim's Band
Top
row: Colin Reece - Steve Vintner - Jim.
Bottom Row: Yona Dunsford - Rick - Allan Rogers.
Smudger and Lisa are missing.
Jim has currently decamped to sunny Dubai, so we don't see him as much as we'd like, but we still do the odd gig together
and send each other daft emails. His current dates are on his site at www.jimdavidson.org.uk
The British Forces Foundation shows
are a real joy to be involved in. The Foundation was Jim's creation and is dedicated to entertaining our troops at home and abroad.
We've had many memorable nights with all calibre of artist, but one of the most moving for me was when Jim shared the bill with Katherine
Jenkins.
When I do sound checks it is my habit to walk the stage while the artists rehearse, just to make sure the monitors
are ok and so on. Sometimes I'll wander around during three or four songs just to get a feel for the stage.
Katherine
was about thirty seconds in to the first song when I felt myself filling up and had to leave the room. What an amazing voice
from a tiny little china doll of a girl. Needless to say, she had the same effect on the squaddies!
