Florida Coalcracker Chronicles: Saturday Matinee at The Cilla Black Story in Wimbledon

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Saturday Matinee at The Cilla Black Story in Wimbledon

Characters husband Bobby Willis - Cilla -
Brian Epstein

Cilla singing Boys with the Beatles.
Little did we know in America - the song was written for her.
I had to be sneaky with the iPhone to get the video.

Cilla Black was the most popular female singer in the United Kingdom during the 1960s. She lived in Liverpool and met up and played with the Beatles at the Cavern. She was managed by Brian Epstein and was recorded at Abbey Road Studios by George Martin.

Cilla Black - whose real name was Cilla White - had 19 top forty singles. Many of her songs were written by the Beatles. They backed her up on several albums. She did come to America and was featured on the Ed Sullivan Show. Unfortunately - in America she was homesick - and she cancelled many touring events.

Cilla returned to Britain. When her pop music career waned - she became a television personality hosting variety shows. Right before Brian Epstein died of an accidental sleeping pill overdose - he signed her onto a longterm TV contract with the BBC. She remained a TV star and girl next door to all of Britain.

When she died in 2015 - she was beloved by the Britains. After her death - an album containing all her hits was produced. It rose to number 1 on the British charts - her only number 1 album.

She received the OBE Award from the Queen.

Lulu landed us some great tickets. We were in the front row - I had the middle seat. The New Wimbledon Theatre was packed. The show included a replica band of the Beatles playing many of the hits. Another Brian Epstein group - Gerry and the Pacemakers - appeared in replica.

I cannot believe Lulu got the tickets for 20 pounds. Lulu and Joan were shopping all day - I met them at the theatre at 2 PM. It was a long subway ride from our apartment to the theatre - about 30 minutes. It was already dark when we left the theatre.