Martin Wimbrush was sitting in a pub in Rye on a cold November evening in 2019 with Francis Harper when their conversation turned towards Martin’s next show. The seed was sown and Martin got in touch with his dear friends Michel Duvoisin and Sally Bayly. Musical items were discussed and the show was born. However, the pandemic got in the way and it was put on ice. What had been planned was exciting.
In February 2020 Michel died unexpectedly. “He was such a beautiful human being and had a great talent. So, this new show will be dedicated in his memory,” said Martin
Martin was born in London and trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has worked extensively with most of the UK’s leading repertory companies. He is also a familiar face on television.
The show began to take place with the help of Malcolm Newton who has been Martin’s colleague and friend for over 30 years. He has worked as a musician and musical director on a wide variety of musicals and plays on tour and in the UK and the US.
Next add into the mix, Sally Bayly, Michel’s partner in crime, on and off stage. Sally was the band’s lead singer in the show Shakespeare and me. She was thrilled that the show was to be dedicated to Michel. “Michel was supposed to be a big part of this show. He was a truly gifted musician and composer, and a light in my life’s musical journey.”
The harmony and togetherness that was in evidence at the rehearsal when I took photographs was palpable. Nuri Koseoglu, who played on the sound tracks of Michel’s films, accompanied the show on the violin. He is a renowned East Sussex violinist.
“My first recollection of being inspired by music was at the age of four when I heard an orchestra from London play locally in Hastings at the White Rock Theatre. From that moment I set my ambition of pursuing a career as a violinist.”
Image Credits: Kt Bruce .