Worcestershire | Archive | 2004 | September | 08
From the archive, first published Wednesday 8th Sep 2004.
HE has performed with some of the best-known faces and toured the country - but for this Headless Cross actor, Redditch's Palace Theatre is closest to his heart.
Mervyn Francis was born and brought up in Redditch, the son of stage star Margaret Troth.
The actor, whose colourful career has also seen him acting and directing, said he was destined to become a performer and took to the stage at the tender age of 12.
"Acting and singing was in my blood, so I never really considered doing anything else," he said.
Mr Francis' career began with amateur shows at the Palace Theatre and the Abbey Hotel on Birmingham Road and said one of his greatest influences was Redditch comedian Don Hughes, who "gave me my first summer season" in 1969 on the Isle of Wight.
He enjoyed a successful stint performing in the Black and White Minstrels in the 70s, a "rewarding but gruelling experience", after which he returned to the Palace Theatre to produce his own show.
Mr Francis said he felt the role of theatre had changed dramatically compared to performances in the late 1960s and 70s.
He said: "Theatre and pop music used to be one and the same but now showbusiness and the pop world are two very different things."
The actor said theatres in seaside resorts such as Blackpool had lost the huge popularity that they held in the 70s and felt this was due to the declining interest in the English seaside resort.
"The shows then were spectacular, with dancers and choruses - it was a real occasion to visit the theatre," he said.
But he added pantomimes were still as popular today with the public and said he enjoyed playing the role of the villain.
"The more of a `baddie' you are, the greater the reaction you get from the audience, which is an incredible feeling," he said.
However, Mr Francis said the life of an actor was not always as glamorous as it seemed and said he felt certain areas of his life had suffered as a result of his lifestyle.
"My career has involved moving around a lot, which means that long-lasting relationships are almost impossible."
But he added: "I have friends scattered all over the country and I'm never short of somewhere to stay."
The actor said while he enjoyed touring the country, his roots were in Redditch and he returned to the town whenever he could.
He said: "The Palace in particular has always meant a lot to me and I think Redditch is very lucky to have such a theatre.
"Many of the theatres I've worked in are just multi-purpose buildings with no atmosphere but the Palace is a real gem and Redditch people should be very proud of it".
Mervyn Francis will be performing in We'll Meet Again...Hits from the Blitz at the Palace Theatre on November 3.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008