Im amazed at how openly camp Larry Grayson was, given the prejudice of the 70's. I was only a kid back then, and never thought anything of it at the time, but I have to say, what a legend the guy was for being who he was and not giving a damn. I'm a straight bloke myself, but I admire anyone who dares to just be themselves in a calm inoffensive way. Absolute class.
Two wonderful Englishmen and STARS together - what a treat to see this rare gem of an encounter between such much loved, legendary performers. And national treasures both - who make me proud to be British!
Michael Crawford starred in the title role of the musical 'Billy' (based on the book and film 'Billy Liar'), which opened at the Palace Theatre Manchester before moving to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 1st May 1974, where this interview took place. 'Billy' ran for 904 performances, with Roy Castle taking over from Michael Crawford late in the run. 'Billy' got rave reviews, with most tipping Michael Crawford as a megastar in the making. The Daily Mail wrote: "There's no magic quite like being right there when a star is born", while the Sunday People enthused: "The brightest British musical for years... It's going to hoist brilliant Michael Crawford into the ranks of the superstars'. Larry Grayson certainly knew a star when he saw one - It takes one to know one!
So very sincere and such a rapport from Larry AND Michael. Remember when we had REAL entertainers that were interesting, smart and funny? In 2021 we have Jack Whitehall.... God help us all....
@@LadyPercy. Agreed - Larry Grayson and Michael Crawford, two incredibly talented men, true stars who never let fame change them, and always remained kind and compassionate.
@@kevinmassey7675 Plenty were doing it onscreen well before Larry appeared on television, such as Noël Coward, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Frankie Howard etc.
@@RussEdgar445y7tlfj Thanks so much. The Wikipedia entry for writer Ian La Frenais says he and Dick Clement wrote the script for stage musical 'Billy' with Michael Crawford in the early sixties - but it seems that's ten years out and 'Billy' was actually early seventies. Fancy Wikipedia being inaccurate - Lol!
Yes, it had to have been before 'Some Mothers' as there was no mention whatsoever of Frank Spencer - which is unimaginable, because that show (and character) was so huge! It is a measure of Michael Crawford's talent that he was ever able to shake the character off and not be typecast - his career after it, especially with 'Phantom', was massive and very impressive.
