Dean Park

Interview Summary:

Track 1 [0:33:32] [9^th September 2018]

Dean Park [DP] born in Glasgow.  Mention of family, growing up and attending school.  Mention of attending the ‘Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama’ on a scholarship, where he was taught by the opera singer, David Kelly.  Detailed description of early career progression with mention of singing in Glasgow and joining a band in 1973 and appearances on TV.  Story about how DP got the opportunity to perform in his first panto, ‘Mother Goose’, at the ‘Gaiety’ theatre in 1978 starring alongside Johnnie Beattie, Anne Fields, Russel Lane and Ronnie Christie.  Description of further shows DP performed in at the Gaiety during the 1980s, including with Ken Dodd and in pantos.  Remarks on working in Ayr ‘Butlins’ in summer 1984 and 1985, whilst doing pantos at the Gaiety during the winter.

[09:07] Mention of doing pantos in Glasgow during beginning of 1990s at ‘The Pavillion Theatre’ and then going back to perform at the ‘Gaiety’ in pantos and summer shows during the 1990s.  Anecdote about the Summer Show of 1998 with accordionist Iain Muir (IM) and an Andrew Lloyd Webber song that they covered called ‘Wee Andy Webber’s Scottish Medley’ which was featured in show.  Story of this song becoming a top 20 hit and recording a live album at the ‘Gaiety’.  Comments of the ‘Gaiety’ allowing DP to develop creativity and great memories of that time.

[18:52] Anecdote about people walking in off the streets at the back door of the ‘Gaiety’ during performances.  Description of working life whilst performing at pantos.

[21:09] Description of early life as a performer and career trajectory.  Mention of people who guided DP, including Johnny Kildare, agent and producer.  Description of career in 1980s where DP performed in England with other acts such as the ‘Four Tops’, ‘The Temptations’, and ‘The Grumbleweeds’.

[24:55] Comments on what DP thinks makes the ‘Gaiety’ theatre special.  Description of architecture and geographical area of the theatre.  Discussion on future of the ‘Gaiety’ theatre.

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