Call Sign December 2011
Page 17
Every issue of Call Sign takes a look back at ODRTS history through the pages of the magazines of
the time with a flashback
DIAL-A-CAB FLASHBACK
Flash
back
1957
This month's Flashback returns
of Pye `Reporter' radios
into 12 Austin A55s that he
to Christmas 1957 and The Star,
is taking with him and
a London evening newspaper
which will be used as taxis
that was running a story about
in Bermuda.
His drive and initiative
ODRTS...
were recognised in 1953
when
ODRTS
was
founded and he was
From The Star, December 1957
made Chairman. He is
A Taxi Success Story
said to be largely
responsible for the
London cab company, the Owner Drivers
sound position of that
Radio Taxi Service, are based in a former
organisation and we
bakery situated on the Pentonville Road. Run
understand that many
by more than 250 drivers who take turns at
foreign visitors have vis-
answering any of the three telephones or
ited the London opera-
sending radio broadcast calls to drivers via a
tion and Bonnie has
Marconi two-way dispatch system, they have
been able to advise
grown year on year.
many prospective users.
Their elected Chairman is a Londoner from
Mr and Mrs Martyn
Edgware, Bonnie Martyn, and in the year's
leave for Bermuda via
most unlikely success story, he will be taking
New York on the Queen
leave from ODRTS for at least 12 months
Mary on December 28th
having been approached to go to the sun-
and the London cab trade
shine isle of Bermuda and introduce a taxi
will be turning out in force
company with two-way radio over there.
to wish them God-speed.
He has already organised the installation
theatre Review theatre Review
by Tom Whitbread
Rock of Ages
I was lucky enough to have acquired two tickets for the new musical Rock of Ages from
the Editor of this magazine who asked me to review what has been acclaimed as a surpris-
ing musical hit!
As we descended the stairs to the auditorium of the Shaftsbury Theatre, the loud rock
music that had taken over the 1980's music scene could be heard. Then as we entered the
auditorium to take our seats, there was a light show that would enliven even the most
weary office worker!
The scene was set on stage with Sunset Strip, the Bourbon bar and the Strip Club. This
was apart from other name boards that adorned the outside of the audience boxes. You
did not have to just sit looking at a bland curtain in semi-darkness waiting for the perfor-
mance to begin; from the moment you entered you were feeling the joy and music of
that era.
My wife and I took our seats waiting to be entertained by the advertised 31
Justin Lee Co
llins (long ha
songs and well-performed dance routines. We were not to be disappointed.
ir in centre) a
Rock of Ages
nd the
cast
As the first song hit us, the volume almost lifted me out of my seat and then pushed
me back with the force you get on a jet airliner take-off! This non-stop entertainment continued right
through to the interval, when we took a well-earned rest to regain our breath. God knows how the cast recuperated!
Unusually during the interval, you didn't even have to leave your seat to purchase a drink, as young ladies in very short cut-off denim jeans were
parading up and down the aisles with cool bags selling drinks - alcoholic or otherwise. I think there were also young men completing the same task,
but I didn't really notice!
The two stars, Justin Lee Collins and Shayne Ward handled their roles very entertainingly and professionally, but anyone who has read my past
theatre reviews will know that I also look out for the backing and up and coming stars of any show I see.
Simon Lipkin who plays Lonny put on a wonderful performance. He supplied a reason to join in and laugh at his comical additions to the show. To
me, making an audience laugh after they have spent what could have been a very boring day at work must be one of the hardest tasks you can ask a
performer to complete, yet Simon did this with expertise.
Amy Pemberton as the star struck Sherrie and Oliver Tompsett as Drew the wanabe rock singer, also gave commendable performances. They were
backed up by the very energetic dancers in eye catching costumes.
If you do put your hand in your pocket to extract money for tickets, you will not be disappointed if you love rock music as I do. Another singer who
gives a memorable performance is the black strip club owner, Rachel McFarlane, a lady whose gospel music voice is something to listen out for during
this fast and furious show. There are other talented performances but space is limited.
Rock of Ages has audience participation, arms doing a Mexican style wave, holding torches while silver and gold streamers rain down. As well as per-
formers in the audience area, I had Shayne Ward laying in the aisle next to me and I had to restrain my wife at this point although what she sees in
Shayne when she has me is something of a mystery!
If you want to take your loved one out for a meal and an enlivening show, this is the one for you!
