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@MBallardRadio

@mballardradio.bsky.social

Broadcaster/Actor/Compere. Former @BBCLeicester radio presenter. Panto Dame. Podcast host @Imagine_theatre & @CurveLeicester Announcer @LeicesterTigers My own views.

76 Followers  |  69 Following  |  54 Posts  |  Joined: 13.11.2024  |  1.754

Latest posts by mballardradio.bsky.social on Bluesky

Episode Fifty Seven - Olhao, The Algarve: Part 2 - Faro
YouTube video by Main Street Martin Episode Fifty Seven - Olhao, The Algarve: Part 2 - Faro

This is the latest episode & 2nd part of our series from a 2025 holiday in the Algarve. This one concentrate on visits to Faro from our base in Olhao. In this series, we also visit Tavira & Loule, observe dolphins on a boat trip & walk in the Ria Formosa Nature Park.
youtu.be/rm0hWI9kmMc?...

16.07.2025 12:21 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Peter Tork - February 13th 1942 โ€“ February 21st 2019
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Peter Tork - February 13th 1942 โ€“ February 21st 2019

Today would've been the birthday of the musician, actor & former member of The Monkees, Peter Tork. The TV series The Monkees ran 1966โ€“1968.
In this excerpt he is joined by James Lee Stanley & tells me about his roots and early musical influences.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbHm...

13.02.2025 13:07 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Gordon Banks
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Gordon Banks

On this day in 2019 we lost the legendary World Cup winning Leicester City, Stoke City & England goalkeeper. Gordon Banks OBE.
He's regarded as one of the greatest keepers of all time. He told me about that save from Pele, described as the greatest save ever made.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZSC...

12.02.2025 09:24 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Today is the birthday of musician, singer, songwriter & producer Steve Hackett. He was the lead guitarist with Genesis from 1971 to 1977.
In this excerpt he begins by talking about his first guitar influences.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqPr...

12.02.2025 09:10 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Mary Wilson March 6th 1944 โ€“ February 8th 2021
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Mary Wilson March 6th 1944 โ€“ February 8th 2021

On this day in 2021, we lost the Supremes co-founder and singer Mary Wilson at the age of 76. She was inducted along with Ross and Ballard (as members of the Supremes) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. This is part of my interview with the Motown legend.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iLF...

08.02.2025 10:23 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
John Steel - born 4th February 1941
YouTube video by Martin Ballard John Steel - born 4th February 1941

Today is the birthday of the musician who is the long-serving drummer for The Animals, John Steel. He has been with the Animals since 1963 & was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqXG...

04.02.2025 10:45 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Sir Norman Wisdom OBE 4th February 1915 โ€“ 4th October 2010
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Sir Norman Wisdom OBE 4th February 1915 โ€“ 4th October 2010

The comedy legend, Sir Norman Wisdom was born on this day in 1915. Charlie Chaplin once referred to Wisdom as his "favourite clown". He told me about his time in the army, how he discovered comedy & later went on to collect a knighthood.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIb4...

04.02.2025 10:31 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Frankie Vaughan CBE DL - 3rd February 1928 โ€“ 17th September 1999
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Frankie Vaughan CBE DL - 3rd February 1928 โ€“ 17th September 1999

Today would've been the birthday of the singer & actor, Frankie Vaughan CBE DL. He had two UK No.1 singles โ€“ "The Garden of Eden" & "Tower of Strength" & starred in films with the likes of Marilyn Monroe. He told me about his ambitions as a boy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEbt...

03.02.2025 11:09 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Val Doonican -  3rd February 1927 โ€“ 1st July 2015
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Val Doonican - 3rd February 1927 โ€“ 1st July 2015

Today would've been the 98th birthday of the Irish singer & TV presenter Val Doonican. He had five successive Top 10 albums & several hit singles. He told me about his family, his first success on the radio in the fifties, recording and his successful Tv series.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jFC...

03.02.2025 10:48 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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On the latest episode we talk about Sleeping Beauty.
LISTEN NOW:
Imagine Website: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/just-imagine...
Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/EmXD50E35Fd
Spotify: ow.ly/kTQf50E35Fc
Google Podcasts: ow.ly/hqQI50E35Fe
www.buzzsprout.com/1728607/epis...
Or ask Alexa!

01.02.2025 09:19 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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I go behind-the-scenes of three fantastic shows in the latest episode of @CurveLeicester In Conversation! I speak to ANIMAL FARM's Sam Black, & JULIET's @LaraDenning & Elle Ma-kinga N'zuzi who is Tina Turner in @tinamusicaltour
Listen here ๐Ÿ‘‰ linktr.ee/CurveInConversation

31.01.2025 11:21 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Natalie Cole February 6th 1950 โ€“ December 31st 2015
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Natalie Cole February 6th 1950 โ€“ December 31st 2015

On New Years Eve 2015 we lost singer, songwriter & actress Natalie Cole. The daughter of singer & jazz pianist Nat King Cole rose to success in the 1970s & sold over 30 million records globally. She told me about her first recording as a child on a Christmas album.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=26yx...

31.12.2024 10:43 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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For the first time in 20 years of announcing @LeicesterTigers I'm gutted to say that I'll miss tomorrow's game against @BristolBears due to illness. There with you in spirit though. Best of luck boys. #COYT

20.12.2024 18:31 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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The final episode of 2024 features @jenlion
LISTEN NOW:
Imagine Website: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/just-imagine...
Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/EmXD50E35Fd
Spotify: ow.ly/kTQf50E35Fc
Google Podcasts: ow.ly/hqQI50E35Fe
www.buzzsprout.com/.../16287970....
Or your smart speaker!

20.12.2024 18:22 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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The final episode of Curve in Conversation of 2024 is here! I catch up with Leicester actor @KraigThornber of THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE & hear from KINKY BOOTS cast members @danpartridge1 & @_ScottPaige All this & more in Decemberโ€™s episode.
linktr.ee/CurveInConversation

20.12.2024 18:16 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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In the next episode of @CurveLeicester In Conversation @KraigThornber previews @LionWitchStage I chat to @danpartridge1 & @_ScottPaige about Kinky Boots & Megan Ellis & Annabel Marlow (Muriel & Rhonda) about Muriel's Wedding. Podcast platforms or www.curveonline.co.uk

19.12.2024 13:36 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Today is the birthday of the singer, Limahl, frontman of the pop group Kajagoogoo, before embarking on a solo career, which included the 1984 hit "The NeverEnding Story", theme song for the film of the same name. He told me he loved music as a teenager.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg_a...

19.12.2024 09:57 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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On this day 30 years ago I opened in Cinderella at @demontforthall with @Globalgagster @strassen @MrJamesCrossley Wendy Craig, Steve McFadden, Liz May Brice & the late Peter Thorne. It was my 3rd Pantomime at the venue and was directed by the legendary Dougie Squires.

19.12.2024 09:47 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Jack Douglas, 26th April 1927 โ€“ 18th December 2008
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Jack Douglas, 26th April 1927 โ€“ 18th December 2008

On this day in 2008 we lost the comedy actor Jack Douglas. He appeared regularly on TV from Crackerjack to The Goodies and The Benny Hill Show as well as may Carry On Films. He told me about the support he was given by Kenneth Williams.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxMg...

18.12.2024 15:55 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Johnny Moore (December 15th 1934 โ€“ December 30th 1998
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Johnny Moore (December 15th 1934 โ€“ December 30th 1998

Today would've been the 90th birthday of the R&B singer with the Drifters, Johnny Moore. He had a string of hits with the group in the 1960s & 70's. He told me how the Drifters were first formed.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X78...

15.12.2024 05:07 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
David Clark - born 15th December 1939
YouTube video by Martin Ballard David Clark - born 15th December 1939

Today is the birthday of singer, songwriter, producer & entrepreneur, Dave Clark. He was the leader, drummer & manager of the 60s group, The Dave Clark Five, who followed the Beatles to the U.S in 1964.
He told me he originally wanted to be an actor.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8ZD...

15.12.2024 04:52 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Janet Brown - 14th December 1923 โ€“ 27th May 2011
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Janet Brown - 14th December 1923 โ€“ 27th May 2011

The actress, comedian & impressionist Janet Brown was born on 14th December. She performed as Margaret Thatcher on TV's Mike Yarwood Show, on BBC Radio's The News Huddlines & in the James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only. She told me how she got started.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Nt...

14.12.2024 09:22 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Frank Allen - born14th December 1943
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Frank Allen - born14th December 1943

Today is the birthday of Frank Allen from The Searchers. He played rhythm guitar with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers in 1961. In 1964 he replaced original Searchers bass guitarist Tony Jackson.
He & John McNally told me how they were formed. www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDw9...

14.12.2024 09:12 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Happy Panto Day my Panto friends across the UK. For the year of the family, a special break-a-leg mention to our son Jack Ballard opening today in Snow White at De Montfort Hall. We will have played the same role in the same show for Imagine Theatre at the same venue 10 years apart! #PantoDay

13.12.2024 15:27 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Happy @panto_day to all my friends across the country. As it's year of the family, a special mention to my son @Jackk_Ballard
who opens today in Snow White @demontforthall Here is a picture of us playing the same role in the same show at the same venue 10 years apart! #PantoDay

13.12.2024 08:31 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Lionel Blair Tribute 5th November 2021
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Lionel Blair Tribute 5th November 2021

On this day in 1928, the singer, dancer, Give Us a Clue star & Celebrity Big Brother contestant, Lionel Blair was born. I interviewed him a few times. He told me about his career, admiration for Fred Astaire & reinventing himself to prolong his career.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDy2...

12.12.2024 08:31 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Daniel O'Donnell, MBE  - born 12th December 1961
YouTube video by Martin Ballard Daniel O'Donnell, MBE - born 12th December 1961

Today is the birthday of the Irish singer, television presenter & philanthropist, Daniel O'Donnell. He came to the public's attention in 1983 and his albums charted every year for 25 consecutive years. He told me how his singing career began.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-KE...

12.12.2024 08:28 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

I stand corrected if that's the case. Thanks

11.12.2024 05:43 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
David Bellamy OBE (18th January 1933 โ€“ 11th December 2019)
YouTube video by Martin Ballard David Bellamy OBE (18th January 1933 โ€“ 11th December 2019)

The botanist & broadcaster David Bellamy died on this day (11th December) in 2019 aged 86. The London-born naturalist became a household name on TV after working in a sweet factory & as a plumber. He told me how he first became fascinated by nature.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G6y...

11.12.2024 05:36 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
David Gates - born December 11th 1940
YouTube video by Martin Ballard David Gates - born December 11th 1940

Today is the birthday of the singer-songwriter, guitarist & producer, David Gates. He worked with Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, Duane Eddy & Brian Wilson, had countless solo hits & with Bread. He told me about leaving Tulsa, Oklahoma to try his luck in L.A. www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7ms...

11.12.2024 05:23 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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