Make New Friends, Play More Golf
Golfer, and long term friend of The Social Golfer, John, told us why he started playing golf, his funniest moments on a golf course and of course, how he got started as an ‘ac-tor!’ We’re calling it, the John Lyons interview.
In my twenties, while working in the Theatre at night, I would go out on my own and play. To my surprise, I slowly got the hang of it and began to think I might be quite good. Then, along came a family and, I’m glad to say, plenty of acting work, which meant Golf went out the window. Finally, my bag of clubs got stolen and that was that for the next sixty years.
Whenever I can, I would play with my dear friend Mark Crane. Most of the time at Cobtree Golf Club down in Kent. Although we do seem to move around a lot, mainly looking for clubs that have buggies in the Winter. My old legs won’t let me walk eighteen holes anymore.
That would be four years ago up at Gleneagles. It was a charity golf day and for only the second time in my golfing career, I got a birdie. In the evening, I was handed a Gleneagles badge to wear on my bag. Nobody ever mentions it though.
Without a doubt, the one and only Seve Ballesteros. Not only was he a skilful player, but a man of great personality. I did once have the great honour to meet him at a charity golf event in Surrey. We shook hands, and he patted me on the head. I was hoping something would rub off. Sadly, it didn’t.
Well, it wasn’t very funny to me, but the other three in our foursome had a good laugh. It was a cold wet winters day and I had forgotten my golf shoes.
The course itself had a few slopes on the journey which meant that with no spikes, every time I went down a slope, I finished on my bum, to the great delight of all.
I left Drama school in 1964 and went straight into a series called “Catch-hand” with Anthony Booth. This was followed by a tour of this country and Europe with the Musical, “Oh, What a Lovely War”, alongside my dear friend, Nigel Hawthorne, for just over two years.
That would have to be the great American actor “Spencer Tracy”. He made acting look so easy. Today, we have Anthony Hopkins – another actor who makes it look like he is not acting. Seems easy, but it’s very hard to do.
Most actors would always say “Theatre”. The audience brings a lot to it, especially Panto (for me this year, Baron Hardup in Lowestoft). Plus, you have more time to rehearse and the chance to do it again the next night. In the world of TV, it’s all over and done within a short time, and no chance of improving on it.
David is a very private man who doesn’t come to London that often nowadays. He lives way out in Buckinghamshire and I’m on the east side of London. It’s just over a year since we last met, so we are reduced to e-mails and cards.
I have no Idea where they get their Information. They have me appearing in “Blues Brothers”, “Spooks”, “Shameless”, “Action Jackson” and a few more. I have never been in any of those. I think there is an American actor with the same name and I get some of his credits.
I wonder if he gets some of mine. Would be funny if he was credited with some of my early ones. “On the Buses” or “George & Mildred”, among others!
Yes, “Not just George”. The part of the book I enjoyed writing most was my early childhood. It did bring back many memories, some good, some not so good. I had been asked to write it a few times in the past but didn’t think I had the patience. Then along came ‘lockdown’ and with the pushing of my agent, I sat myself down and began. Once I started, of course, I really began to enjoy the process. I’m glad to say quite a lot of people have also enjoyed reading it.
‘Not Just George’ is available on Kindle & Paperback at…
The John Lyons Interview – As mentioned above, John can be seen appearing in ‘Panto’ at Lowestoft Theatre from 14 Dec 2021, for more information visit www.marinatheatre.co.uk
