Jim in Camden is 71-80 and is an actor and writer.
Jim grew up in a working class family of nine children with parents who believed strongly in the values of eduction. He began his career as an English teacher in comprehensive schools across London and has always been passionate about giving young people the opportunity to continue their learning outside the classroom. Jim is now a writer and actor With Spare Tyre Theatre and Old Vic New Voices as well as being a keen poet in his spare time.
From the very opening of the renewed Roundhouse in Camden, Jim has immersed himself in the venue’s cultural events. Having been a regular volunteer at the Roundhouse, Jim recollects seeing many notable performances over the years including Bob Dylan, the RSC Histories and the Royal Opera House‘s production of Orfeo.
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Film Maker: Roundhouse Summer Workshop Group 1
Questions & Answers
- What's your first memory of London? 1950 – coming to London to see the Festival of Britain and staying in Capham Deep which was where you could get a bunk bed for, I think, a shilling a night.
- What do you miss when you're away from London? I miss just being at home in familiar surroundings.
- What's your favourite neighbourhood? Primrose Hill.
- What's your favourite building? Art Deco. The Black Cat Cigarette Factory – now offices – at Mornington Crescent.
- What's your ideal day out in London? Visiting one of the art galleries.
- What's your ideal night out in London? On a perfect evening going to a play at The Open Air theatre.
- What's your most hated building? The Shard.
- What's the best view in London? View from the top of Primrose Hill.
- What's your favourite open space? Favourite open space – Hampstead Heath.
- What's your favourite bar, pub or restaurant? It used to be The Albert but that has closed. Now the Sir Richard Steele in Belsize Park.
- What's the most interesting shop? Not interested in shops.
- What's your favourite place to hang out? Primrose Hill.
- What's been your most memorable night out in London? Most memorable night out – the closing ceremony of The 2012 Olympics.
- How would you like to spend your ideal day off in London? Having a drink in a good pub with friends.
- Where would you take someone visiting from out of town? A walk round Hampstead old village.
- What's the worst journey you've had to make in London? 1963 driving from Twickenham to Wanstead as best man with the groom. The traffic was unbelievable and we were an hour late for the wedding.
- What's your personal London landmark? The Post Office tower.
- Who's your favourite fictional Londoner? Fagin.
- What's your favourite London film, book or documentary? A Clockwork Orange filmed in Thamesmead.
- If you could travel to any time period in London, past or future, where would you go? Shakespeare’s 17th century.
- For you, who is the ultimate Londoner? Samuel Pepys.