Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
A dancer and choreographer who played an enormous part in the development of ballet in the UK.
On the island
Eight records
I heard Talbot when he first came to this country in the Land of Smile to Drury Lane. I was with very dear friends. And it's a marvellous memory for me. Then I heard him when he came to New York. when he sang the famous song that he's going to sing to day for me.
One of the loveliest voices I ever heard in my life. Josie Collins, Maid of the Mountains, singing that wonderful song, Farewell.
London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Pierre Monteux
I've chosen the solo that I danced, which was choreographed, re choreographed for me by Nizhinska, Nizhinski's sister, because the original choreography, a lot of it, had been forgotten.
Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence
It brings me back the memories of two most beloved people, Gertrude Lawrence, and Noel Card, and I think Noel Card taught me a great deal about the theatre. He was a brilliant wit, he was never unkind.
I think she did more. to raise the standard of opera than any female opera singer has ever done is Maria Callas. I nearly chose Norma, but I'm choosing one of the lovely songs from Traviata.
They Don't Make Them Like That AnymoreFavourite
I went principally for two reasons. I didn't go to see Stanley Baxter, who was the first star of the show, shall we say. I went to see Evelyn Lay, who I've adored for years... She did this song, They Don't Make Them Like That Anymore.
the other singer that I admired tremendously was Ella Fitzgerald.
Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
I'm choosing Paul McCartley's latest record. Ebony and Ivory. It's sung by Stevie Wonder. I've got a reason for it.
In conversation
Presenter asks
0:40Have you technical knowledge? Can you read music? Can you play an instrument?
No, I I I wanted to play the piano. As a very small boy I was learning, but I afraid I didn't have the patience to with all those scales, etcetera. I I regret it now very much. No, I can more or less read a score. Yes. I wouldn't say a hundred per cent. But I know the crotchets and the quavers.
Presenter asks
3:08Where did the inspiration to perform come from? Were you taken to the theatre a lot as a child?
Yep, my mother loved the theatre. There's no question that my mother loved the theatre not only dancing, but the theatre in general... I really think that in one way that the Danish dancer was my first inspiration of want to become a dancer... the most important thing to me was the theatre. Whether it was acting, singing or dancing, I didn't mind as long as I was on that stage showing myself. I loved showing myself.
Presenter asks
5:26Why did you change [your name] to the Russian-sounding Anton Dolin? Was that because dancers had to be Russian?
No. My teacher, wonderful teacher now, was a Russian, Astafyeva... I chose the name Anton. I wanted to hoodwink the press. I wanted to become Russian. I wanted to sort of say, Well, you don't think anything of an English dancer. Now you're going to hear Russian... The man who put on the performance was a man called Shagin. He was Russian. He chose Dahlin... But Anthon Darlin, I chose the name really.
The keepsakes
The book
Anton Dolin
There's only one book I take with me, Dollyn, Friends and Memories, because it's a lovely book, and I have a chance to look at all those people for all the time I'm there.
The luxury
If I ever saw a ship or a boat coming to rescue me, I would remember Noel Coward's words: 'Always, my dear, look your best when you come out of the stage door.'
Presenter asks
12:48What was the magic that Diaghilev had?
No, Diaglif was brilliant intelligence, very cultured. And he had the most tremendous charm... he had that charm that could literally charm a diamond out of a lump of coal. And when he wanted to use that charm, there was very little he couldn't get.
Presenter asks
26:24Could you build a hut [on the island]?
No, God, no. I'm no good at anything like that. I've no mechanical mind at all. I'd hope there'd be a nice palm tree that would cover me.
“the most important thing to me was the theatre. Whether it was acting, singing or dancing, I didn't mind as long as I was on that stage showing myself. I loved showing myself.”
“I chose the name Anton. I wanted to hoodwink the press. I wanted to become Russian. I wanted to sort of say, Well, you don't think anything of an English dancer. Now you're going to hear Russian.”
“I began to feel I'm no longer young enough to be a fairy prince. I like the other roles, Petrushka and Swan Lake and Albrecht and Giselle.”
“I don't think I would want to escape into the world as it is at this moment.”