Robin Askwith Returns To Elstree

Robin Askwith returned to Elstree Studios for one night only earlier this month. Askwith became a big screen star at the Studios some 40 years ago, starring in the 1970s Confessions films, as well as ITV sitcom Benidorm.

All four Confessions films were made at Elstree Studios and in his one-man show, Robin Askwith Bares All at Elstree Studios... And Not for the First Time!!!, the actor candidly and humorously talked about working on the series.

In the Confessions adult comedies – often seen as rivals to the Carry On films – Askwith starred alongside famous British actors including John Le Mesurier, Anthony Booth, Bill Maynard, Irene Handl, Lynda Bellingham and Windsor Davies. The first film of the series, Confessions of a Window Cleaner, became the highest grossing film in the UK in 1974.

As well as the Confessions films, Askwith's career has encompassed both writing and stage work as well as numerous film and television roles. He made an early screen appearance in Lindsay Anderson's 'If...' in 1968; several sitcoms of the 70s including Father Dear Father and Bless This House; Leslie Thomas' wartime comedy film Stand Up Virgin Soldiers; as well as soap appearances in EastEnders, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, Casualty and hit sitcom Benidorm.

Commenting on his return to Elstree Studios, Robin Askwith said: "Elstree Studios was my home for nearly six years. I offered Harrison Ford – then unknown – career advice. I lunched with Gregory Peck and discussed Clint Eastwood! I sneaked on the set of Star Wars and watched robots fall apart and wondered if Darth Vader should really have a Bristolian accent."

Morris Bright, Chairman, Elstree Studios, added: "Robin Askwith is a great entertainer. Ninety minutes of stories from the Studios back in the 1970s just whizzed by. It was great to hear first-hand how the film industry was run back then and how it has changed over the decades from someone at the centre of it all."

Roger Morris, Managing Director, Elstree Studios, commented: "We were delighted to welcome Robin Askwith back to Elstree Studios after all these years. Elstree has been making film and television now for nine decades. It was enlightening to hear first-hand all the behind the scenes stories about Robin's time here 40 years ago."

The evening was held in association with the Misty Moon Film Society.

Image: Robin Askwith. Image credit: John Gaffen, Misty Moon Film Society.

www.elstreestudios.co.uk

(JP/LM)