My West London Life

Harold Sanditen

Harold Sanditen

March
20

Singer and producer Harold Sanditen on being comfortable in your own skin and managing expectations

You were born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. What brought you to Notting Hill?

I moved here temporarily with my then partner, a Canadian theatre producer in 1987 and moved here permanently in 1999 with my current partner of 20 years. I first lived off Kensington High Street so I’ve always been west. I love it here.

What is the inspiration behind your new show, Shades of Blue?

I grew up with a lot of musical styles in Oklahoma such as gospel, blues and bluegrass. My parents listened to a lot of jazz and cha cha and I also listened to the popular music of the time. All that music somehow became a part of me. I wanted to work on a jazz show influenced by where I grew up and what I was exposed to. I also wanted to give those songs a new twist.

How did you make the leap from investment banker to the world of cabaret performance?

A woman I studied with during my MBA invited me to the first cabaret I attended. I joined a cabaret workshop in Tuscany during a summer and took two more workshops. A lot of people follow their dream first and then think about what they can fall back on.

How do you relax?

I take my Westie, Blanco for a walk in Hyde Park; I love travelling; I adore the sun and I enjoy singing.

Were you apprehensive about making the transition from producer to performer, or did it seem natural?

I followed a business career first, because I thought that I could at least make money and the career also gave me the opportunity to travel. I think that maturity and life experience has helped my cabaret career. It didn’t come completely naturally to me but I think you become more comfortable in your skin as you get older.

Tell us about the music room you have just added to the bottom of your garden…

We used to have a tree at the bottom of the garden which covered everything in a sticky sap. We got permission to fell the tree which left a gaping hole. I always felt too self conscious to practice on the piano at the front of the house with passers-by so the summer house is perfect.

What’s in your fridge at the moment?

Strawberries, blueberries, four mangoes, cheese, turkey breast and diet coke. There’s also some Champagne, but only because I can no longer drink it – I’m allergic to the sulphates in it, so I drink vodka now.

Have you formed any lifelong friendships with the stars of your productions? If so, can you tell us who?

Celia Imrie and I took the last play I produced to New York. I’m friends with Lesley Joseph, who was in the first play I ever produced and Kim Creswell.

Where did you last go on holiday?

I went to Cuba for three weeks. My partner and I drove around the island and were watching World’s Most Dangerous Roads on TV yesterday, which reminded us of the trip.

What could you not live without?

I’ve had a few tragedies in my life, which has taught me that there isn’t anything I can’t live without. Fortunately I don’t have any major vices.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

I want to take Shades of Blue to New York, make a live CD of Shades of Blue and my partner and I are going to Hawaii for three weeks to celebrate our 20th anniversary.

What is your life motto?

Live now. Do what you can now. Also, make sure you manage your expectations. You need to be clear when you are talking and working with other people so that everyone is on the same page.

Harold returns to The Pheasantry with his new show  Shades of Blue which he will be performing on Tuesday 10 April and Wednesday 11 April. It is a show of jazz, Latin and blues numbers and in his comic and soulful way, Harold will explore the various meanings of ‘blue’ using the words and music of Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Billy Joel, Dizzie Gillespie, Jon Hendricks, Neil Sedaka, Leon Russell, Johnny Mercer, Irving Berlin, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Noel Coward, among others.

Sarah Campus, founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS

March
19

We chat sleeping, eating, hydrating and moving with pre and post-natal fitness expert, Sarah Campus

Sarah Campus is a highly experienced women’s personal trainer, a nutrition coach, wellness expert and a busy mum of three. In 2016 she founded LDN MUMS FITNESS. She is a fitness and wellbeing panellist for Women’s Fitness Magazine and often appears on television as a holistic health specialist.… Read more →

Amy Nairn, Personal Chef

January
5

Personal Chef Amy Nairn on her favourite restaurants, high-profile clients, & cooking to impress!

Where do you live and why?

Having grown up between Islington and Scotland, I’ve lived in Parson’s Green most of my adult life. I love village atmosphere, the mix of ‘country’ pubs, young families, and its proximity to the King’s Road.

How did you get into cooking, is

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