By Press Release
Between 1992 and 2009 Big Al and The Doc (the IW Observer’s columnist David Holmes) were behind a daily lunchtime phone in on Isle of Wight Radio. Workshops, garages, homes and offices all tuned in midday to hear the duo wind up Islanders with their mischievous, outrageous and sometimes downright stupid shenanigans.
Memorable subjects ranged from banning all drivers over the age of 55 from Island roads (Big Al and The Doc are now in their 60s), holding a seance live on air and welcoming grey squirrels to the Isle of Wight. No wonder callers were furious!
Branded as the ‘social media of its day,’ regular guest-callers become recognised Island characters; English Pete, Pat the Builder, Lorraine Queen of Pan, DJ Geoff Peters, Andrew Voiceover, Ron Shepard – Britain’s most married man, Keith the Trucker, Post Vanessa, Meridian Dave and Lora with the Tiara (now council leader) to name but a few.
For one night in March the cheeky wind-up merchants are set to recreate their hi jinks, all in aid of charity. They’ll be taking over Medina Theatre in Newport on Saturday, March 11, to play newly discovered clips and videos with some of the most memorable guests and callers joining them live on stage.
Tickets are priced at £18, including theatre booking fee, with all profits going to Mountbatten. They are available from Medina Theatre box office on 823884 or from medinatheatre.co.uk/whatson. Doors open 6:30pm, show starts at 7:30pm.
