(Background notes for MC's and Organisers.)
Achieved the perfect start for an entertainer - born and brought up in a pub. First paid gig, singing to the customers (age 4). First fee, sixpence (old money).
Has a deep love of all things West Country, especially his native Bristol. (Even tolerates Bristol Rovers).
Acknowledged authority on the local dialect, but speaks English as well.
Keen on all sports. Comes from a famous footballing family (Father and Uncles played for Bristol City - Grandfather captained England).
Experimented with several careers, including teaching in the East End of London, but has managed without a proper job for over 25 years now.
His Act:
Jokes, Stories, Parodies and Comic Songs (mostly self penned). Plays useful guitar.
Venues:
These days increasingly Hotels, as an After-Dinner Speaker, but also plenty of Cabaret Clubs, Country Shows, Concerts, Festivals, Messes, Sports Clubs and Special Events.
Range:
All over the UK, but also USA, Bermuda, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, France, Portugal, Cyprus, Israel, Arab Emirates, Hong Kong.
Audiences:
Started as a folk singer, and became a cult figure on the College Circuit long before he was in the Charts. Still enjoys folk club audiences. Since specialising in the corporate field for over 10 years has played to a long and growing list of companies, from local to multi-national. Weaves product and personalities into his act, and does a "bespoke" show every time.
Recordings:
20 LP's and Singles, including - Oldest Swinger in Town (Silver), Chartbusters 81 (Gold). Over 60 songs published, and still generating royalties - some covered by the likes of Jasper Carrot and Little & Large. CD planned for near future. Video now available.
TV and Radio:
Thirty years of regular performing, presenting and writing. International includes BBC World Service, and Radio and TV stations in every country he's played.
National TV includes:
Tops Of The Pops, Pebble Mill, Tiswas, That's Life, Children In Need, MTV, Breakfast TV, Channel 4 Special ("Wholly Wedlock"), Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
Network Radio includes:
Noel Edmonds' Show, Angela Rippon Show, Steve Wright Show, Around Midnight, Press Gang, Ackers Away (with Acker Bilk).
Local:
Writes and presents documentaries and entertainment programmes for TV (eg. Wedlock's West and Entertaining Mr Wedlock). Presented a community action TV series - The Good Neighbour Show - which ran for 10 years and collected an International Award. May 97 - leading role in "Up the Feeder - Down the Mouth" at Bristol Old Vic. Four weeks of capacity audiences. July 97 - HTV series "On the Waterfront" - presented and performed music. Sept. 97 - HTV "Don't Forget Your Bucket And Spade" - entertainment documentary. Oct. 98 - Signature tune and theme song for HTV "Live and Local". August 99 - "On the Waterfront" repeat. Sept. 99 - HTV "Trade It" (Presenter).
Latest:
2000-"Trade It" HTV. Various TV repeats.
2001- May/June "Up The Feeder, Down The Mouth and Back Again" (Bristol Old Vic)-(Leading Role). "The Bargain Hunters" -HTV (Antiques programme - Presenter).
2002- Another series of "The Bargain Hunters" . Series extended and topped ratings.
2003- Yet another series of " The Bargain Hunters" proposed. Repeat of previous series on Sky.
2004- ITV “Love in the Afternoon” – Series. BBC TV News inserts and songs. ITV News inserts. Sky TV repeats.
2005- Sky TV repeats. ITV News inserts and songs. BBC Local Features.
2006- BBC Local News; BBC Documentary - Song and Performance.
Gig List:
Unfortunately most of Fred’s shows these days are private functions – after-dinner, clubs etc – but now and again he escapes to play Arts Centres, Folk Clubs, Village Halls and Festivals (to which the general public are admitted at their own risk), and these are listed below:
MARCH 28th - KEYNSHAM - Fry Club. Concert with Three Piece Suite. Contact Rita Wood, 0870 194 1239
MARCH 29th - POTTERNE Wilts. - Barge Inn. Adrian Potts 07710 784549
APRIL 5th - BISTERNE Hants - Village Hall. Jocelyn Gratwick 01425 476655
MAY 31st - TEMPLECOMBE Som - Mediaeval Fair - concert with Three Piece Suite. Helen James 01179 048957
JUNE 5th - MENDIP SPRINGS GOLF - Charity event for St John Ambulance. John Slater - 01179 535880
JULY 17th - SOMERTON FESTIVAL - The White Hart. Colleen Wolski 01458 273432
JULY 19th - MIDSOMER NORTON RUGBY CLUB - Compere and spot with local bands. Details to follow.
SEPT 6th - NORTH BRADLEY Village Hall - Concert with Three Piece Suite. Pauline Baxter 01225 765644
SEPT 13th - HIGHBRIDGE Community Hall. Janet Keen 01278 782909
SEPT 20th - BURNTWOOD FESTIVAL Evening concert with Marie Little. Barry Yeates 01543 271269
OCT 19th to NOV 10th - NEW ZEALAND (Confirmed dates so far :- Cardrona Festival Oct 24-27; Nov 7th Whangerei; Nov 9th Auckland. Other dates and contacts to follow.)
DEC 6th - BATH - Concert with Three Piece Suite. Helen 01779 048952