Following our call-out yesterday for readers’ memories of the late Norman Wisdom, Suzie Sumpter was the first to come forward.
Fond memories of Norman on stage
“My parents used to take my grandparents, myself and my brother to all the shows at Shanklin Theatre and Sandown Pavilion. Would have been between six and ten, so 25/40 odd years ago now (heavens how time flies!).
“We always got ‘front row in the middle seats’.
“Will never forget Frankie Howerd commenting on my shiny shoes, and spitting all over me as he spoke, which disgusted me at the time, although my Grandmother, who had something of a crush, was squealing in delight.
“I remember being completely awe-struck by Norman Wisdom, used to love curling up on wet days and watching his films, he was a great favourite in our house. He actually had me up on the stage with him and gave me a cuddle, sure I have a pic somewhere. Ahhhhhh, the good old days, eh?”
He visited the Island often
VB Forum member, Lulu, told other readers that she’d met Norman many times on the Island.
“The actor who played Mr. Grimshaw was in a nursing home here, and Norman Wisdom used to visit him. I remember he once climbed in through a window and did a funny routine for everyone, falling about as he did his own falls and was a trained tumbler.”
If you have any memories of the great man who will be sorely missed, do feel free to share with VB readers.
Image: Jim Linwood under CC BY 2.0
