IT’S not just cricket when one of the sport’s favourite broadcasters brings his one-man show to Bishop’s Stortford.
Henry Blofeld is promising a show packed full of laughter and jokes at the Rhodes Arts Complex next month.
The 70-year-old, who started broadcasting on Test Match Special in 1972, is bringing his quaint, irreverent manner to
Caught Short and Grumpy at the South Road venue.
An old Etonian, like the late former broadcaster Brian Johnson, he is known for his plummy tones and catchphrase “Oh, my dear old thing”, and for his description of the scenery at cricket games.
Buses often get a mention when he commentates at Old Trafford (in Manchester) as do birds.
Blofeld was good enough to have skippered Eton and played Minor Counties cricket for Norfolk.
The refreshingly old-school Blofeld is aware of life beyond bat and ball and is not afraid to poke fun at himself.
He said: “I hope people will enjoy the evening. It is not just a cricket evening and will appeal to all ages.
“The women should like it too.”
Blofeld, whose name was taken by Ian Fleming for the character of Ernest Stavro Blofeld in his James Bond novels and is also a devotee of author PG Wodehouse, added: “The second half will have time for the questions and for stories and there will be some laughs and stories about the characters I have met. It is not just for older people."
The 90-minute show will also cover his broadcasting career and writing as well as his links with the likes of celebrities such as Noel Coward, Fleming and actor Clive Dunn.
He will also share his no-nonsense views on the European Union.
The 20-minute interval will give people the chance to write down questions which he will answer in the second half - but they will
not be just on cricket.
Blofeld’s tour around the UK will run until November - with a two-month break when he
will be commentating on Test matches in July and
August!
An Evening with Blowers: Caught Short and Grumpy is on at the Rhodes Arts Complex in Bishop’s Stortford on Thursday, February 11 at 8pm. Tickets are £16.50/£13.50 concessions on (01279) 651746 or online at
www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk