Warman and Carrott – what can possibly go wrong!
It was a sell-out within 40 minutes of being announced – and the show (a special charity spectacular honouring a television ‘great” from the Midlands) doesn’t take place until Tuesday 9 May.
The “Night of Stars” is a Jasper Carrott and Friends compilation marking Birmingham Press Club president Bob Warman’s 50 years in front of the cameras as ITV Central News frontman. It is being held at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and will raise funds for The Journalist’s Charity, of which Bob is a Life Vice-President and Acorns Children’s Hospice, of which he is a patron.
Bob, who started his journalistic career in Walsall, retired last summer after serving as one of ITV’s longest-serving news anchors and having presented regional news in the Central region since 1973.
Jasper, himself a show business legend and an Honorary Life Member of Birmingham Press Club, said: I think Bob is a little nervous but I keep repeating that it will be all right on the night. The aim will be to ensure everyone in the auditorium leaves having laughed so much their ribs are aching.”
He added: “Bob is a pal. Urbane, cuddly, immaculately tailored, generations of viewers have admired his calm demeanour, authoritative presence and impeccable manners. Very much a gentleman.
“We are going to have a lot of fun, no doubt plenty at Bob’s expense. Of course, all in the best possible taste! For example, it is not well known that he originally trained as a civil engineer for two years – fingers crossed he brings the house down in a good way. He once had a second-hand china shop – a Bob in a china shop is sure to produce some smashing recollections.”
The event will feature tributes, anecdotes, music and laughter, iconic moments, embarrassing escapades, the best and worst of big personalities, a trawl through all our yesterdays, and a reflection on news stories that created national and international headlines.
Bob, who was also a journalist on the Birmingham Evening Mail, entered television in the days of Central's predecessor ATV, the same year that saw the end of the American war in Vietnam and Britain joining the Common Market. He subsequently covered every kind of story – from the Birmingham pub bombings to the closure of the Longbridge car works as well as fronting up charity marathons. Along the way, there was a two-year spell on Yorkshire Television, and being co-presenter of the very first breakfast television programme, a three-month pilot that led to the establishment of TV-AM.
“It has been quite a journey and I l have loved every minute of it,” said Bob, who was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting as part of the final Queen’s Birthday Honours List. “The show is a chance for me to reminisce with friends, give something back and make a bit of cash for those who need a helping hand.”
