Graham Cole comes to Crown Carnival Queen 2002
In 2002 Graham arrived at Sheringham via the North Norfolk Steam Railway. He thoroughly enjoyed his trip on the footplate of a Steam Engine. He was greeted on the platform by members of the Carnival Committee. He signed autographs for members of the public before being whisked away for lunch at The Burlington.
Graham was born in Willesden, West London and entered the industry in 1974 as a red-coat entertainer. One audition later that year gave him the first sixteen pantomime roles from Jack and Aladdin to Princes, Kings and Emperors. Having then turned his attention to characters like ‘Flesh Creep’, he has now become one of the best baddies on stage.
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“he really does get the kids into a complete state”
A season with the famous FOL-DE-ROLS was the start of his musical theatre training, which in turn, led to his becoming in his early 20’s, comic ‘feed’ to some of the most greatly loved comics in British Theatre. This gave a unique start to what was to become a wonderful and varied career.
Graham then spent the next 15 years learning his craft in repertory theatre. Weekly and fortnightly ‘rep’ have given him hundreds of roles to play, varying from Tony in ‘Abigail’s Party’ through Pilate and Caiaphus (Jesus Christ Superstar); Ernst Ludwig (Cabaret); many Neil Simon plays and just about every villain created by Agatha Christie. On television, there have been many different roles, appearances on panel shows and guest appearances. Of particular note were Graham’s appearance on ‘The Kenny Everett Show’ and his frequent entrances on ‘Noels House Party’ which brought a whole new meaning to “I’ll have ships with mine”. In another vein, Graham created the role of ‘Melkur’, Marsh Man and Cyberman in Dr Who. But, it is as PC Tony Stamp, a role he has played in ‘The Bill’ since 1986, that Graham is probably best known. What is less known is that his stunt work on ‘The Bill’. This has included all of PC Stamp’s own stunts and every car stunt from day one!!! Away from the set, Graham hosts ‘Bill’ theme nights and after dinner question and answer sessions, which have created a unique entertainment enjoyed by both corporate clients and the Police themselves, both here and in Australia.
