Article from the Dundee 'Evening Telegraph' newspaper (21 October 2003) about Barbara's starring role in "Fame". The article is by Elaine Harrison.
TALKING FAME
It'll be another suitcase and another hall as Barbara Dickson goes on the road again and she couldn't be happier about it. For the Dunfermline-born singing star will be heading home, or back to Scotland anyway, for Christmas and New Year.
She is starring in Fame The Musical, based on the La Guardia School of Performing Arts in New York, at the Edinburgh Playhouse for four weeks. And judging by the her performance at the launch of the show recently, her army of fans are in for a real treat.
The clarity and haunting quality of her voice, which have been her trademark over the last 30 years, were still apparent. She remains one of the outstanding performers among British female vocalists, with a career full of accolades to her credit.
But there was no air of prima donna about this most down-to-earth superstar as she chatted to her audience.
Barbara started her career singing in the folk clubs of her native Fife, before moving to Edinburgh as a 17-year-old in 1966 to start work as a civil servant in the Registrar-General's office.
Encouraged by friends, she joined the vibrant Edinburgh folk scene and her undoubted talent led to her being offered a six-week tour of Denmark.
She recalls, "I asked my boss if I could have the time off to take up the Danish offer and I was told no. So I made the decision to leave and accept the Danish offer.
"My father was absolutely horrified at the thought of me chucking away the security of a civil service pension.
"I guess that made me take the plunge into being a professional singer quicker than I might otherwise have done."
A tad reckless it may have seemed at the time, but it paid off in spectacular fashion. For within a few years, having moved to England to further her career, she landed a part in Willy Russell's musical, John, Paul, George, Ringo and Bert
It played to rave reviews in Liverpool, before transferring to London's West End, and the Dickson bandwagon was well and truly off and running.
She enjoyed a string of smash hits, such as Answer Me and Caravan, and became one of the country's most in-demand performers.
It was another Willy Russell musical, Blood Brothers, which confirmed her ability, if such confirmation were needed, as an actress, and she won rave reviews, not to mention awards, for her portrayal of Mrs Johnstone.
It was whilst appearing in Blood Brothers that she met her husband Oliver and the couple now have three boys, Colm, Gabriel and Archie, who are 17, 15 and 13 respectively
They have inherited their mother's musical talent, playing guitar and drums, but they don't entertain thoughts or aspirations of a stage career. Despite being born and brought up in England, they are proud wearers of Scotland's dark blue and more than happy to spend time north of the Border.
Barbara was thrilled that they were able to accompany her to Buckingham Palace when she was awarded her OBE, with husband Oliver nobly allowing them to share the ceremony while he waited outside, the rule being that only three guests are allowed.
Barbara has sung all over the world, for large audiences, but she admitted one of her "most terrifying" experiences came before an audience of just 445.
It was a most select group, however, being headed by Her Majesty the Queen, and taking place at Windsor Castle. The Royal Command Performance went down very well, especially Ms Dickson's rendition of the Skye Boat Song.
She recalls, "At rehearsal, we were told where the Queen would be sitting, and it was very odd to be standing there trying to imagine her sitting a few feet away while I sang. But she was very warm and very genuine. She and her guests certainly seemed to enjoy the performance."
Enjoying Barbara Dickson performances is something audiences across the country, be it live in concert or on the small screen in such as Band of Gold, continue to do.
And the good news is that she has no plans to take a break. She has a new album due for release soon, as well as a number of concert dates planned.
Then, of course, it will be Fame, a show she opted for ahead of several other offers, after seeing it in London.
She says, "I wanted to play this grumpy old teacher who looks disapprovingly over her glasses at them all.
"But dance? No way. I don't do dancing."
She may leave that for the new kids on the block, including former Hear'say star Noel Williams, who are appearing with her.
But if they want to learn a thing or to about longevity in a notoriously fickle business, they would be well advised to watch every step Ms Dickson makes.
