FOR the fourth successive year, Talking Pictures TV hosted a weekend of film and television related events at Monmouth’s historic Savoy Theatre.

Mike Read and Noel Cronin were the master of ceremonies and were joined on stage by Stefan Pejic who as Tommy Cooper was previewing the forthcoming Cooper! The Musical, singer Kiki Dee, who performed a number of her hits; actress Liza Goddard and Welsh comedian, musician and broadcaster Owen Money.

For film and TV buffs, the whole weekend featured a variety archive film and films shorts including lost footage of a Tom Jones concert and a public information film involving characters from Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds.

Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe brought his tales of the paranormal to life while West End star, Rosemary Ashe talked about the life and times of Dora Bryan as part of her show ‘Adorable Dora’.

Anthony Stuart Lloyd performed his tribute to Howard Keel while comedy historian, Andre Vincent presented the packed Savoy audience with amazing facts.

Other acts included award-winning magician, Mark Shortland and Lola Lamour, who transported the theatre back to a different era with her renditions of classic songs over the decades.

Chris Ryde, director of the Savoy Theatre Trust said: “It’s good to see the festival return for its fourth year. The event has attracted several acts that we wouldn’t normally be able to feature at this theatre.

“The festival has also been a great benefit to the town as it brings in film and television buffs from all over the country, as well as being of interest to local people, as it swells local hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation and boosts the trade for local pubs and restaurants, many of which are still suffering from the effects of the flooding.

“And best of all it’s great to see the Savoy Theatre full to its capacity over the whole weekend.”