In the Spotlight with.. pete lashmar

[pete lashmar]

Hi @pete lashmar

I hope you will enjoy your week in the spotlight.

So 5,6,7,8 is an actual dance routine abroad too. I didn't know that. But I remember we used to dance to that way back when it first came out.

I understand you are from the UK originally so I am wondering.

1) What was it that made you move abroad?
2) How many places have you lived at? (which ones)

3) I also think it's cool you've seen MJ in concert. Which is your favorite song with him?

4) What are your interests?

5) Have you ever visited Southfork?

That's all for now.

Hi @Karin Schill, hope you're well and thank you for the questions.
When I was 18 I went to Holland to work in the bulb fields and loved living somewhere other than the UK. It was basic work but we lived on a holiday village and had such a great time and when I returned home I knew I wanted to travel even though I loved living in London. The following year I joined the Royal Navy and after 4 years I was still in the UK and had never gone on a ship or overseas, so I left. I then worked for a low cost airline in the UK called "Go" as a call centre op but travelled every weekend as we could go anywhere for 25 pounds and had 3 years of working and travelling. They had a hostile takeover and I went to work at the stage door of Phantom of the Opera and after 5 amazing years decided to try and travel again. I got a job with TUI-UK the largest travel company in the UK and after 18 months there I applied for an overseas rep's job and they sent me to Gran Canaria and I was there for 10 years - then moved somewhere different, just for a change and ended up in Portugal with the man of my dreams (Called Pete too & yes very confusing) and 2 gorgeous dogs. I think we'll be here for good now, but I do miss some aspects of London and of course my family.

So Holland, Gran Canaria, Portugal and then London, Portmouth, Plymouth, Weymouth and Luton in the UK.

I am so lucky as a DJ as I get to play what I want and MJ gets played a fair bit. My personal favourite is The Way You Make Me Fell. I just love the drum intro and the beat of the track and it always goes down well. I also love Smooth Criminal, but to be fair as a fan each and every song offers something, but those are my top 2.

When I'm not working the last thing I want to do is listen to music, in fact over the winter season it's almost banned from the house. We have 2 dogs, both rescue and we love walking them, especially on the beach. I have also become heavily addicted to world war 2 and cannot watch enough documentaries about it. One of them- Auschwitz: The Nazis & the final solution I have watched a number of times, my brain simply cannot comprehend what happened or why. I've found, as I've got older that my interests have changed dramatically and I have a real passion for learning about things that a few years ago I didn't even think about.

I used to love reading but a few years ago I started to relax too much and would yawn and would get very sore eyes, so I stopped. I tried audio books but they literally sent me to sleep, so I went with documentaries of all kinds really, WWII held my attention more than others, but I try to watch as many different docs as I can.

We have a lot of friends here and meet up a lot for quiz nights and games nights, I do like to laugh - a lot - and always try to be positive about things. I was talking to my mum during lockdown she paused over the phone with a sigh and just said, "you really have lived the life haven't you" and I guess I have. I've always been fiercely independent and if I like the idea of doing something I'll give it a go.

The one thing I cannot bear is fitness, I find it so boring so I would love to find a way of keeping fit over winter, In the summer I'm dancing every night but during winter the cakes and biscuits and cookies all make their way to my plate - maybe I should buy a running machine!

I have never visited Southfork, but when we went to Florida last December I did think about popping over and looked at connecting flights. However, once again, as a non driver it would have been a very tricky trip and Pete, my partner doesn't have the same love for the show as I do. But one day Karin, one day!!!

 

[Willie Oleson]

the bulb fields

I had to look it up as I didn't expect Philips to grow their light bulbs in fields.

I joined the Royal Navy and after 4 years I was still in the UK and had never gone on a ship or overseas

Ugh! The Village People lied to us!

They had a hostile takeover and I went to work at the stage door of Phantom of the Opera and after 5 amazing years decided to try and travel again.

I'm afraid my spotlight week is going to be the epitome of boringness.

(Called Pete too & yes very confusing)

That's a funny coincidence. I assume he's not Portugese? (as in: Peto)

I have also become heavily addicted to world war 2

In case you haven't watched it yet...maybe it offers an interesting alternative perspective.

 

[pete lashmar]

@Willie Oleson - Pete is also from London lol. Not heard of the boxset, any good?

 

[Willie Oleson]

any good?

I only recommend the good stuff, Pete

 

[Angela Channing]

@pete lashmar, a few more questions if I may.

1. Who has been the most famous person you have met, either from your time at the theatre or in everyday life, and what did you think of them?
2. Who would you chose to play you in a film?
3. What period of your life would make the most interesting film? (All of it sounds fascinating to me).
4. Which famous person would you most like to meet and what would you like to talk about with them or what question would you ask?

 

[pete lashmar]

@pete lashmar, a few more questions if I may.

1. Who has been the most famous person you have met, either from your time at the theatre or in everyday life, and what did you think of them?
2. Who would you chose to play you in a film?
3. What period of your life would make the most interesting film? (All of it sounds fascinating to me).
4. Which famous person would you most like to meet and what would you like to talk about with them or what question would you ask?

I've been exceptionally lucky in meeting so many people from my days in the west end theatres. On my 18th birthday we had Lisa Minnelli at The London Palladium. Madonna arrived with Sean Penn as they were in the UK filming their smash (s)hit movie Shanghai Surprise and there was a huge paparazzi entourage so he left early. I was then invited out with them as it was my birthday and we went out, had a great meal, a great laugh and I remember very very little of it - but it's a story I love to tell. Liza was on top form for 2 weeks at the theatre and Madonna, from what I remember was very funny and chatty.

I also met Ken Kercheval when he came to see La Cage Aux Folles. I did approach him as a huge Dallas fan and he was wonderful - so much bigger than I expected, height wise.

Freddie Mercury is probably the one I remember most - arrving at La Cage in a huge fur coast that completely swamped him but he was so gracious and it was probably my only OMG moment. I still cry now when I see him on TV, such a sad sad time in our lives, when we lost so many special people.

Who would play me in a film, probably the late, great Rick Mayall, lots of people say we looked and acted similar - ugly and childish.

The best part of my life that would make a film is probably when I was a rep - lots of big characters, lots of alcohol and so many funny moments and dare I say hangover comedy. It was a time when life was carefree and fun with the odd drama popping up once in a while. Oh but those stories still turn in my head and it just makes me smile so much.

Who would I like most to meet...probably Freddie, the man just astounds me with his talent. But if it were someone alive I would have to go with Neil Tennent from Pet Shop Boys - their music has changed my life in so many ways, I would adore to meet him (and Chris Lowe) just to have a brilliantly long chat and get to know him/them.

 

[Barbara Fan]

Freddie Mercury is probably the one I remember most - arrving at La Cage in a huge fur coast that completely swamped him but he was so gracious and it was probably my only OMG moment. I still cry now when I see him on TV,

He was a showman and an entertainer and in a league of his own, I still regret I never got to see Queen Live in concert - No one really comes close

 

[Angela Channing]

On my 18th birthday we had Lisa Minnelli at The London Palladium. Madonna arrived with Sean Penn as they were in the UK filming their smash (s)hit movie Shanghai Surprise and there was a huge paparazzi entourage so he left early. I was then invited out with them as it was my birthday and we went out, had a great meal, a great laugh and I remember very very little of it - but it's a story I love to tell. Liza was on top form for 2 weeks at the theatre and Madonna, from what I remember was very funny and chatty.

Great story and what an amazing way to spend your 18th birthday.

 

[pete lashmar]

Great story and what an amazing way to spend your 18th birthday.

It was, but I so wish I could remember more of the night and conversations etc x

 

[Alexis]

Hi pete, you've mentioned before about being a Steps fan. Can you say how that came to be and have you been following them since the reunion in 2017? What are your thoughts on the 3 released songs from WTFH? Also we have a new song coming on Friday too...

 

[Angela Channing]

Thanks for answering my previous questions, I have a few more today:

1. You clearly like music but do you ever do karaoke and if you do, what is your favourite song to sing?
2. What’s your favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink?
3. What’s the best thing that has happened to you this year?
4. If you could give everyone just one piece of advice, what would it be?

 

[Long Lashes]

Hi Pete,

I’ve enjoyed reading all your replies and am fascinated by the work you do

You’ve mentioned a quite a few music artists, who would you list as your current top five?

Can you speak and/or understand Portuguese?

What is the main nationality of the holiday makers who visit you?

Do you get the chance to and do you enjoy swimming in the sea?

Thanks

 

[pete lashmar]

Hi pete, you've mentioned before about being a Steps fan. Can you say how that came to be and have you been following them since the reunion in 2017? What are your thoughts on the 3 released songs from WTFH? Also we have a new song coming on Friday too...

Hi @Alexis I am a huge Steps fan and have followed them from the beginning with 5,6,7,8. They get a lot of stick for just being pop trash but my feeling is that they are fun, vibrant and make me happy.
I saw them live a few times in London bars when they performed and then went to Wembley for the Gold tour. I was so sad when they split up that year but always had hope they'd be back.
The reunion series was quite a shock (according to Lisa ) and I thought Light up the world was a nice album.
When they returned 3 years ago with Scared of the dark I absolutely loved it, in fact that whole album is just brilliant, there's not one dud track on there.

Unfortunately we couldn't get over for the tour, but they did a one off weekend at Butlins so we went to that, got right at the front of the stage and now, having watched the DVD of the tour, can say they pretty much did the same show. They are amazing live and hope to see them again, like yourself, with a meet and greet next year. I haven't booked tickets yet though as I still feel unsure it will go ahead.
As for the new album, I can't wait to listen to it - What The Future Holds is an absolute banger and the 1st track I immediately learnt the dance moves to haha - I LOVE IT!
Something in your eye grew on me, I knew the original version from Eurovision and it's very similar to the original but with added Steps magic.

 

[pete lashmar]

Thanks for answering my previous questions, I have a few more today:

1. You clearly like music but do you ever do karaoke and if you do, what is your favourite song to sing?
2. What’s your favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink?
3. What’s the best thing that has happened to you this year?
4. If you could give everyone just one piece of advice, what would it be?

Hi @Angela Channing
1. Yes, I love Karaoke. We don't do it in our bar but we are always out and about in other bars that do. My favourite song to sing is probably Beautiful Noise by Neil Diamond.It used to be Gold by Spandau Ballet, but it tended to rip my voice box apart after a few years.

2. Non alcoholic is milk, I've always loved milk and tend to drink it much more than water at home. I'm not a fan of fizzy drinks but if I'm out I'll have a fanta if I'm not drinking. As for alcoholic drinks I love a Vodka and orange or a Bloody Mary. Alas as I've got older I can't drink as much as I used to, I just get tired and fall asleep lol.

3. The best thing that's happened to me this year is that a relative of my partner Pete died (he hadn't seen them for many years) and he was left £10,000 in the will. He was absolutely gobsmacked but it saved us hugely from going under because of not being able to work. We've paid the rent and bills all year but we were getting very near to an empty bank account, so that really was a life saver.

4. Many years ago I was feeling down and depressed and one of the elderly dressers at Phantom said to me - when you get up tomorrow, have a long shower, a proper shave and put on your best clothes to come to work in. I did and my mood changed immediately so I always pass that advice on - dress up, look smart and feel smart.

 

[pete lashmar]

Hi Pete,

I’ve enjoyed reading all your replies and am fascinated by the work you do

You’ve mentioned a quite a few music artists, who would you list as your current top five?

Can you speak and/or understand Portuguese?

What is the main nationality of the holiday makers who visit you?

Do you get the chance to and do you enjoy swimming in the sea?

Thanks

Hi @Long Lashes , thanks for your questions.

1. My music tastes are so varied, but top 5 would be 1. Steps 2. Pet Shop Boys 3. Queen 4. Neil Diamond 5.The Sweet. As much as I love pop I also like a bit of rock too. Steps and Pet Shop Boys are the only artists I have every album of though and probably listen to the most.

2. I left Gran Canaria to come to Portugal as I thought the language would be very similar - it's not. I speak very little Portuguese as it's a very tough language to learn, and where I live and work everyone speaks English very well. To learn the language well I think I'd need to go to a remote part of the country and be in a position where I had to learn it. I was getting good at Spanish, but Portuguese is so hugely difficult in comparison.

3. The main nationalities that visit us are the Brits, however we get a lot of young Dutch kids coming over and then at the height of summer we get the Portuguese coming down from the north and the Spanish coming from over the border.

4. We are very near the beach and walk the dogs there a lot during winter, but yes we love a day down on the beach and a good swim if the waves aren't too high.

 

[Angela Channing]

4. Many years ago I was feeling down and depressed and one of the elderly dressers at Phantom said to me - when you get up tomorrow, have a long shower, a proper shave and put on your best clothes to come to work in. I did and my mood changed immediately so I always pass that advice on - dress up, look smart and feel smart.

This is great advice: act happy to be happy .

 

[Emelee]

Hi pete
I wonder if you prefer radio, cds, vinyl or podcasts?
What do you prefer to read?
Also, if you could go back in time and take 1 photograph, what or who would you take a photo of?

 

[bmasters9]

I couldn't agree more and what's really hit me is watching TV with live shows news etc and it's bad news after bad news and no one can console anyone, no one can touch or cuddle or hug - it's so upsetting. Also a man won the million on who wants to be a millionaire and no one could even shake his hand!

Heck, even The Price Is Right here in my country w/Drew Carey is under COVID protocols-- the studio has had its seats removed, and everyone stands at taller podiums (before COVID hit, they still stood behind podiums, but they came up on stage; the COVID redesign eliminates the stairs to the stage). Also, you might not have noticed it, but Drew Carey has a beard now.

 

[pete lashmar]

Hi pete
I wonder if you prefer radio, cds, vinyl or podcasts?
What do you prefer to read?
Also, if you could go back in time and take 1 photograph, what or who would you take a photo of?

Hi @Emelee , thanks for your questions.

1. I miss the glorious days of vinyl albums, there was something magical about them and their sleeves, especially if it was a double album.But I go with the times and am absolutely fine with digital music, and it's certainly easier to listen to on multiple devices. I have never really listened to podcasts but am very aware of them, and the variety. I used to listen to talk radio when I was in the UK, but honestly couldn't tell you the last time I listened to a radio station.

2. I used to read a lot but had varied tastes. I remember buying Jurassic Park when it was released and loved it, it was far darker than the film that came a few years later and although I enjoyed it, it really wasn't the dark story that Michael Creighton had written. He was one of my favourite authors. I also remember reading a book about Mike Tyson, it was fascinating and although not an official autobiography I found it a very sad story but was gripped by it.

I loved all the Harry Potter books but I stopped reading about 10 years ago, I found that I relaxed too much and was always yawning, then my eyes atarted to water and got sore, so eventually I stopped.

3. If I could go back in time to take 1 picture it would have to be back to 1991 when I passed out of the Royal Navy. I have maybe 3 photos of my whole time there and would love to have a proper photo in full number 1 uniform on that parade ground. It was a freezing cold day in December OMG it was cold, but I was so so proud to have completed basic training and would love a photo to remember it by.

 

[Barbara Fan]

I also met Ken Kercheval when he came to see La Cage Aux Folles. I did approach him as a huge Dallas fan and he was wonderful - so much bigger than I expected, height wise.

LOL I always thought he was quite small Great stories there and lots of memories, must have been fun back in the 80s doing your job x