Rawlinson End
In 2009, Michael began to put together his one-man show based on Vivian Stanshall's 1978 album Sir Henry at Rawlinson End, with Musical Director Bill Leach and Stage Director Paul Carmichael. Due to the fact that the album is considered sacred by Stanshall afficionados, the show was a big gamble. Happily, the show went on to tour for 9 years and gain the approval of not only Stephen Fry, but also Viv's Bonzos' bandmate, the late, great Neil Innes, as well as Adrian Edmondson, Rick Wakeman, Robin Ince, Kevin Eldon, Stuart Maconie and, most notably, Viv's son, Rupert. With Rupert, Michael produced an event at the Bloomsbury Theatre in 2013, to mark what would have been Viv's 70th Birthday.
In 2015, Michael recorded an album of the show, featuring Rick Wakeman, Neil Innes, Rodney Slater and Susie Honeyman, which you can hear extracts from on his Voice Artist page. Michael's final full performance of the show was in 2018 and, after a 5-year absence, Michael thought his association with Viv was over. However, in 2023, working with AGMP Concerts, and with the help of Viv's son Rupert, he staged 2 shows to mark Viv's 80th. One at the Union Chapel in London, and one at the Philharmonic in Liverpool. These shows also served to mark the release of Viv's 2 'new' albums - Dog Howl in Tune and Rawlinson's End - which Michael produced with Andy Frizell. Both albums topped the Top Ten Independent Albums Chart in 2023.
The finale from Viv's 70th, Bloomsbury Theatre, London, 2013
'Wheelbarrow' - Liverpool Epstein Theatre, 2012
The Story of the Show
2009 - 2023
First Rehearsals (2009)
Rehearsals began in Liverpool in 2009. The task of transferring a 41 year-old vinyl record to stage show begins.
Liverpool Premiere (2010)
On June 20th, 2010. The show was premiered at Liverpool's Unity Theatre. The reviews and reception were critical in laying the foundation of the show's longevity.
London Premiere (2011)
On October 11th 2011, Michael took the show to London. Although the performance was held in the tiny 40-seat Lion & Unicorn 'Theatre Pub' in Kentish Town, amongst those in the audience were Adrian Edmondson, Neil Innes and Paul 'Nigel from Eastenders' Bradley. Despite the modest setting, this was the night which changed everything.
Viv's 70th Birthday Party (2013)
With the help and support of Viv's son, Rupert, 2013 saw a special celebratory performance at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London, to celebrate what would have been Viv's 70th Birthday. The show featured original Bonzos Neil Innes, Rodney Slater, "Legs" Larry Smith, Sam Spoons and Vernon Dudley Bohay Nowell plus Rick Wakeman, Danny Thompson and John Otway.
Bristol Old Vic
with Stephen Fry (2015)
In 2015, at the request of Stephen Fry, Michael performed the show at the Bristol Old Vic as part of an evening entitled Ginger Geezer, a celebration of Viv's work as part of the Bristol Slapstick Festival. The show was also introduced by Stephen.
Recording the album with Rick Wakeman (2015)
In 2015, fan of the show, Rick Wakeman, persuaded Michael to record an album of the production. The album, featuring Rick, Neil Innes, Rodney Slater and Susie Honeyman was the first release on Rick's new label RRAW.
Viv's 80th Birthday Party (2023)
On March 23rd 2023, Michael 'got the band back together' at London's famous Union Chapel to celebrate Viv's 80th Birthday. The show featured original Bonzos Rodney Slater and "Legs" Larry Smith plus Susie Honeyman, comedian Kevin Eldon and Viv's son Rupert.
Producing Viv's 'new' albums (2023)
In 2022-23, Michael and Andy Frizell produced 2 'new' albums of Viv's material, recovered from his long-hidden archive, for Madfish Music. 'Dog Howl in Tune' and 'Rawlinson's End' both reached the number 1 and number 2 spots in the Top Ten of the Independent Album Charts 2023.
