In the Spotlight with.. Sarah

[Ome]

Up in the spotlight, this week is

@Sarah

Telly Talk Member 6​

Sarah joined the forums back in 1998 and has been a favourite of many for probably 22 years.

Sarah is no stranger to members of the community, those still with us and those sadly gone. For over 20 years Sarah often posts interesting and diverse discussions in the Lounge area.

What else do we know about Sarah and what don’t we know?

Please take this week to ask as many questions as possible you have for Sarah including any follow-up questions that might arise during the week.

Sarah is our last entry into the SPOTLIGHT, so let’s see if we can go out with a bang and possibly encourage other members to volunteer when we revisit this idea in the future.


Enjoy your week in the spotlight.

I will start with one question that intrigues me with everyone.
Sarah if you were to take part in Mastermind (a quiz show) what would be your specialist subject, outside of DALLAS the TV show and its actors?

 

[Englishboy]

A few questions for you @Sarah if I may.

1) What is your occupation (is it something to do with the BBC)?

2) What is your favourite ever British soap opera and why?

3) Other than Southfork ranch, have you ever visited the sets or settings of any other tv soaps? If so, which ones and what did you make of them?

4) Which tellytalk.net members do you know / have you met in person?

5) Do you post on any forums outside of tellytalk.net?

 

[Angela Channing]

Hey @Sarah, I hope you're well and that you'll enjoy your week in the spotlight.

I have a few questions for you:

1. What has been your favourite role that you have played either on stage or screen?
2. If you could play any role on stage or screen which one would you choose?
3. Which actor or actress would you most like to work with and why (excluding anyone who worked on Dallas)?

Thanks

 

[Sarah]

Thank you @Ome for the lovely introduction and I will answer the questions as best I can.

Thank you @Santa Englishboy for the great questions. I've posted my answers below:

1) What is your occupation (is it something to do with the BBC)? I am a Studio Audience Manager, meaning I have responsiblity for our N.Ireland audiences who come in to see shows being filmed in our BBC Studios. Things have changed a little since the virus as we aren't allowed to have audiences in, but we are working with them virtually. I get to see a lot of great stuff, including Mastermind, although I'm grateful there were no Dallas questions this time as someone would have had to put something in my mouth! I'm also an actress although work there is thin on the ground too thanks to the virus!

2) What is your favourite ever British soap opera and why? Definitely Coronation Street although I liked Brookside a lot too. Corrie because it has that good balance of sad and happy and for the most part I have really enjoyed the mix of characters - ages, backgrounds etc (not so much lately though). I just find EastEnders too dark and depressing - there is something about Corrie that has always been and 'looked' a little bit lighter if that makes sense. The storylines are mostly exciting although I have been critical of it during the virus and some of the writing/execution of storylines have been poor.

3) Other than Southfork ranch, have you ever visited the sets or settings of any other tv soaps? If so, which ones and what did you make of them?
Thanks for acknowledging my love of Southfork I haven't been to any other soap sets, although I have been outside ITV studios where Corrie is filmed as I was working in BBC Salford a couple of years ago. I've been on lots of tv sets, but mostly local ones that we film here and through my work. I'm lucky that in both lines of work I get to see some very exciting things and places. I did dance on the ballroom floor in Blackpool with Strictly but I know that isn't a soap!!

4) Which tellytalk.net members do you know / have you met in person? I'm lucky to have met lots of them through travelling to Dallas events. Sadly many aren't here anymore - Bobby's Angel, KarinSchill, Angela Channing, BarbaraFan, Colin (site owner), Rays Lady, Kassidy Katherine, Ceara - many more at the 30th and 40th reunions, too many to mention! I'm very lucky to have met many firm friends through this site and through Dallas in general. I'm blessed to have had the experiences I've had through this site and with so many brilliant people.

5) Do you post on any forums outside of tellytalk.net? Other than here, the only one I would regularly visit is Fan Fiction.net. I love to write and I love to read many of the JR and Sue Ellen (my lobsters!) stories on there. Some of them are so well written they should have been considered for the show.

Thanks again so much for the questions!

 

[Sarah]

Thanks @Ome for Christmas !

Sarah if you were to take part in Mastermind (a quiz show) what would be your specialist subject, outside of DALLAS the TV show and its actors?

Wow, outside of Dallas?? Do I know anything outside of Dallas?! I'm not sure I do!!

OK...there are a few.... I'm obsessed with Cluedo (the characters, rooms, weapons etc), The British Royal Family (history) is another one I'm good at. I absolutely love cats and have a lot of experience there...horror movies....but I think I'm going to go with.....

STAR WARS (the original trilogy)

Thanks @Ome for Christmas !

 

[Ome]

I've just realised that not only are you the final SPOTLIGHT, you're also the Telly Talk member that's going to take us into 2021.


I would dedicate this to you as we leave 2020 behind, but I'm sure you've probably been serenaded with this many, many times.

 

[Sarah]

Thanks @Angela Christmas !

1. What has been your favourite role that you have played either on stage or screen? My favorite role has been the role of Lorraine on stage at The Lyric Theatre in a play called 'Marching On'. I was the daughter of a family living through the Troubles (who falls in love with my good friend Ian Beattie, the most handsome man in the universe apart from Larry Hagman.) My favourite screen role would be as Mary in Eureka Street or the Seamstress in The Frankenstein Chronicles.

2. If you could play any role on stage or screen which one would you choose? I would cut off a limb to play Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs. Love that movie and love that character. I'm too old now, but Princess Leia is another one - I like meaty roles where women get to use guns and fight the bad guys! On stage, it would be Lady Macbeth or in a musical, Velma Kelly. I also have a fantasy about running about in The Lion King as a big cat and think it would be something else to be Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar.

3. Which actor or actress would you most like to work with and why (excluding anyone who worked on Dallas)?

Other than the obvious, Linda, (and let's face it I would probably not be able to speak anyway!), I, as probably most actors would, love to work with Robert De Niro or Dustin Hoffman in film. I appreciate 'real' actors and have a huge issue with the label being put on to reality stars, as most actors will. These are all fantasies for now, but I am a huge fan of Tim Curry and closer to home, John Nettles probably has the best English voice I've ever heard. I would have loved to have worked on Midsomer Murders with him. I love gritty dramas with actors like Ken Stott and Dominic West. I'm always going to be excited if there is an audition for dramas like 'Appropriate Adult' or 'Messiah'.

Anyway, to answer your actual question, if I had to choose it would be John Nettles. I'd also have loved to have worked with Beatrice Arthur, who is a complete icon to me. That's a 'real actress'. There's something hugely delicious and slightly intimidating about those who have come to tv through a huge career in theatre. There's a line of respect there you must adhere to, even if it isn't spoken.

Thanks so much @Angela Christmas !

 

[Sarah]

Oh @Ome for Christmas that actually means so much to know that, and that's honestly one of my favourite songs!!!!

She is the Belle of Belfast City! Yeoooooowwwww!

Thanks so much! I love it!

 

[Pammy P]

@Sarah, couple of questions for you?
It is clear to see you have a unique rapport with the wonderful Ms Linda Gray (who looks absolutely fab for 80!); I had the pleasure of meeting her back when I think it was 2006 when she did a tour of the UK on stage, she was gracious, friendly and most of all beautiful back then, so kind to me and my other half!

Apart from the wonderful Ms Gray and Mr Hagman, which secondary Dallas character(s) do you respect and have time for?
If Miss Principal did more of the Dallas get togethers would you be first in line to interview her? I would be on the first plane out!?
What is your favourite other TV/Film that the wonderful Ms Gray has been in?

Thank you!

 

[Angela Channing]

My favourite screen role would be as Mary in Eureka Street

I didn't realise you were in that. I just took a quick look at a scene from that show and there you were!

my good friend Ian Beattie, the most handsome man in the universe apart from Larry Hagman.

And me, surely!

On stage, it would be Lady Macbeth

I could see you as Lady Macbeth, it's such as great role.

I appreciate 'real' actors and have a huge issue with the label being put on to reality stars, as most actors will.

I always like to differentiate between actors/actresses and stars. Linda Gray is an actress and Linda Evans is a star. Actors can be stars but not all stars can act.

 

[Barbara Fan]

Hello Sarah, happy Xmas and all that

A few questions not Dallas related

1. What is your favourite theme park that you have ever visted
2. What is your favourite ride there
3. Who/what are/is your favourite bands/musicians
4. Whats your fav type of restaurant / food

thanks, BF xx

PS why do i get logged out every time i click on link, it happens with everyone Ive asked a ?? too?

 

[Sarah]

Thanks @Pammy's Christmas Cracker !

Apart from the wonderful Ms Gray and Mr Hagman, which secondary Dallas character(s) do you respect and have time for?

Yes I do love Linda very much and am lucky to have a special rapport with her which has grown through the years. As you say she is a wonderful lady, kind, gracious and so beautiful - and very very funny.

Her and Larry are just my dream couple. Like when I die I will hopefully get to Heaven, spend some time with the family, then skipping off - my Mum said she’d know where to find me if I got lost!

Aside from Linda and Larry wow... who would I be most fond of and have most respect for?

She isn’t a secondary character, but it would have to be the great Barbara Bel Geddes. I’d have loved the opportunity to chat to her about her theatre background and she seemed really down to Earth and great fun. From the pictures I’ve seen and the video footage of her carrying on on set, she reminds me of one of the great theatrical thespians I’ve mentioned above - like I imagine when she walked in the room people would shut up. She wants tea? You get her tea! Not that I believe she was in any way demanding, just an example of theatre from my own experience. Next to Sue Ellen and JR, Miss Ellie is my favourite, although I have a soft spot for Bobby and Cliff.

I do respect all of the Dallas cast for their individual input, but let’s see, if it is a secondary character, it would be wee George O'Petrie (Harv Smithfield). I love that man. He doesn't have to do very much, but I'm in absolute awe of him. It really is hard to pick just one though, as there are so many of the supporting cast that I love, like John Ross and Christopher. And - shock, horror! - I love Fern Fitzgerald who for those of you who don't know, I met in an airport toilet in Ohio in 2006. Here's me following Marilee Stone around the loo until she's finished and then pouncing on her while she washes her hands. If she'd been mean, I was just going to call her a tramp and leave, but she was so nice and giving of her time - and yes I did tell her off for sleeping with JR!

If Miss Principal did more of the Dallas get togethers would you be first in line to interview her? I would be on the first plane out!?

No, I wouldn't be first (think you'd beat me to it!), but it would be nice to meet her. I do respect all the work she does for the environment and for animals especially, being such a huge animal lover myself. I admit I am curious about some things and would like questions to be asked - so you can do that!

What is your favourite other TV/Film that the wonderful Ms Gray has been in?

I love 'Not In Front of The Children' as it was the first film I saw Linda in outside of Dallas. However I would urge everyone to watch her in 'Wally's Will' which I was lucky to see in Dallas and also 'Expecting Mary'. Both really showcase her acting talent. On stage as you know I've seen her in everything UK based from The Graduate to Cinderella. My one regret is that before the internet age, she and Larry appeared together in Love Letters in Hungary. I wouldn't have cared that I was only 14. Fek permission! I'd have been away! Loose in Eastern Europe!

Thanks so much @Pammy's Christmas Cracker !

 

[Sarah]

I didn't realise you were in that. I just took a quick look at a scene from that show and there you were!


And me, surely!


I could see you as Lady Macbeth, it's such as great role.


I always like to differentiate between actors/actresses and stars. Linda Gray is an actress and Linda Evans is a star. Actors can be stars but not all stars can act.

Yes, having sex on a bed from the POV of a cat. Tasteful.

And of course - you!! I mean that's an obvious!!!! My forum husband!

 

[Sarah]

Thanks @Barbara Belle Of The Ball !


1. What is your favourite theme park that you have ever visted

Great question @Barbara Belle Of The Ball - love it. I am a theme park addict. Universal Studios and Disneyworld Florida are way up there for excitement and variety and for going with some very special people. But my heart belongs to Disneyland Paris. It's my little escape from my crazy (and quite heartbreaking) at times life. It's so easy to access from Ireland and it just allows me to be a child for a while, which I think exists in all of us. I love it there. I can't wait until it's opened again. Go away Covid!


2. What is your favourite ride there

Yay! My favourite ride is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which in one day I rode 8 times in a row. It is amazing. Thrilling and just so much fun. Hands in the air, screaming, laughing. I think it is ranked as the best BTMR in all the Disney parks. Close second is Phantom Manor because I LOVE spooky stuff!!! The only rides I'm really bad at are ones that I can see are very high or straight up and down things although I've become really brave recently. There's a great theme park in Germany called Phantasialand and the scariest ride there is Taron. Managed it 3 times, although the first time I was so scared I just sat there in shock!

1. Who/what are/is your favourite bands/musicians

My favourite singer is and always will be Whitney Houston. I'm so sad she is no longer here. I also love Tom Jones, Michael Bolton, Pink, The Corrs, U2, Anastasia, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Westlife and Take That. I'm into pop and all the crooners, big voices!!! There's also a really cool quartet called Bond, who are made up of string instruments and do some really cool, eclectic stuff. They also did the Dallas theme. They are fab.

1. Whats your fav type of restaurant / food

Pizza pizza pizza!!! My favourite is magherita and yes I will put pineapple on it!! I love Chinese food and have recently became interested in Indian, although all the dishes I pick from both are mild. I couldn't eat anything very hot. Although I don't eat meat, I do eat fish so have a pescatarian diet. I love most seafood, but wouldn't eat a wee octopus or anything! There is a local restaurant here called Corrs Corner which is a family favourite and has been around for generations. They do the best bar food - their chips and carrots/cauliflower cheese is amazing!

Thanks so much @Barbara Belle Of The Ball !

 

[Karin Schill]

Hi @Sarah

I hope you'll enjoy your week in the spotlight.

You have been fortunate enough to meet the Dallas cast several times, so I was wondering which time is most memorable to you?

Also since you love going to Disneyland, which is your favorite Disney character?

What's the best vacation you've ever taken?

Then finally three questions about your writing, as I love reading your JR/SE fanfics, so I am wondering if you've got any new stories in the works?

How many JR/SE stories have you written so far?

Also how did you become interested in writing?

That's all for now,

Take care,
Love:
Karin
x

 

[Sarah]

Thanks @Karin Schill !

You have been fortunate enough to meet the Dallas cast several times, so I was wondering which time is most memorable to you?

Although I've met a lot of the cast members, I don't think it's any secret that Linda Gray is my favourite. I've been lucky to meet her and spend time with her on quite a few occasions now, but my favourite has to have been the time when we were at the 30th Birthday Reunion at Southfork. Remember when some people started to go up on the stage with the cast (even though I don't think we were supposed to!) ? Well I made my way up there and of course found Linda. I was just overcome with the emotion of seeing her, and at Southfork and just burst into tears. I took the opportunity to tell her exactly what she meant to me and she hugged me so tightly. More tears! Then she held my face in her hands and hugged me even closer and tighter! I didn't want to let go! Me and Sue Ellen at Southfork! It was one of the happiest moments of my whole life. It felt like it was just me and her, I literally don't remember anyone else around. Luckily Tiani was close by and took some super photos which I framed. Linda then signed my programme with the most beautiful message inside. It's a moment I will always treasure. And thanks to Colin for inviting me as his guest. One of many Dallas adventures!

Also since you love going to Disneyland, which is your favorite Disney character?

My favourite character is Tinkerbell, because she's not a princess (despite them trying to brand her as one!). She's feisty, cheeky and extremely loyal. Bit like me. And she is magic and spreads pixie dust which everyone needs. 'Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust'...

What's the best vacation you've ever taken?

In 2004, my friend and I took a big vacation to the States and did an East coast tour lasting nearly 6 weeks. It was phenomenal and we visited everywhere from New York to Maine, New Hampshire, Washington DC, Florida - oh and we went to Texas too because I made her (and Southfork where she was told she was on holy sacred ground!). It was the best, most carefree time. We nearly got into trouble though outside The Pentagon because I didn't know that photos of federal buildings weren't permitted. So I'm snapping away at the building when this 7 foot tall security guard comes over and asks me what I'm doing, and asks for my camera. It was a film loaded camera so I lied about what I was doing for fear of arrest, then pretended I thought The Pentagon was a shopping mall (which we were actually on our way to). I think he bought my dumb tourist guise and I escaped. The thing that struck me most about the area was how close everything was to the road - how open. Like The Whitehouse is really 'open' , I thought it would be more isolated. Anyway, that was an adventure. We also went to NASA, had lots and lots and LOTS of seafood between Maine and New Hampshire and got upgraded to a SUITE in The Waldorf Astoria Hotel. George W Bush was actually in my hotel on his campaign trail in Boston. We saw the security but not him and my friend panicked becuase I was sure going to tell him what I thought of him back then if I'd had the chance!! Ground Zero was still just 'the pit' at that time too and it amazed me how many people were smiling outside it and taking photos. America is my favourite place in the world and this was just one of many adventures.

Then finally three questions about your writing, as I love reading your JR/SE fanfics, so I am wondering if you've got any new stories in the works?

Thanks so much Karin. I enjoy writing but some of the brilliant work here, including yours, puts me to shame. JR and Sue Ellen take up about 90% of my brain on most days, so there is always something going on. It's just finding the motivation to write at the moment as you know things haven't been easy with losing my Mum. They are a great escape for me though and a solace, so hopefully I will get round over the next few weeks to writing some of this stuff down. Northern Ireland is back on a 6 week lockdown so it's not as if there is anything else to do really!

How many JR/SE stories have you written so far?

Goodness. I'd have to go back and count, but over the years, I've started at least 10 (?) full stories and never been able to continue for various reasons, usually health related. I really want to be able to finish my latest one (The Long Road) and then perhaps go back and tie up ones that I only half finished.

Also how did you become interested in writing?

It's something I've always enjoyed. I always came first in my English class and have always had a flair for the arts, writing and expression. I have a vivid imagination. I think that's why I have an artistic background and a flair for the dramatic! I find it much easier to express myself by writing things down, rather than by spoken word and much prefer a good old fashioned hand written letter, than anything typed. I think I would have hated school now because there isn't the opportunity to do that anymore. I think writing is so much more personal. I've been writing since I was in my teens, just fiction stories usually set around myself and school friends, but I was over the moon when the forum started and there were similar ideas regarding JR and Sue Ellen. It felt like I had a new place to express myself and my thoughts, ideas for them. They deserved a much better ending than the one they were given (in original Dallas) and so many like minded fans of theirs feel the same as I do. Regardless of what people think of them, they help me and are my comfort when I really haven't had much hope. I think that's important. Everyone needs that sort of escape. And thank God for Linda and Larry who have given me that.

Thanks so much @Karin Schill !

 

[Angela Channing]

Hi @Sarah, thanks for answering my questions so far, I have a few more for you today, if I may:

1. As 2020 comes to an end, what would you say has been the best thing that has happened for you this year?
2. What are you looking forward to most when the Covid-19 crisis is over?
3. When was the last time you laughed and what made it happen?

 

[Sarah]

Hi @Angela Christmas thanks for these!

As 2020 comes to an end, what would you say has been the best thing that has happened for you this year?

I hope you don't mind if I'm very honest here and will leave myself a little vulnerable, but.... I can honestly say that the best thing that has happened to me this year is surviving it. As you know, and as maybe some others don't, I lost my dear Mum at the beginning of December 2019. When she died, and having already lost my Dad at the beginning of my time on this forum, I felt like my life was over. After her passing, we had Covid and lockdowns to deal with a few months later so a large amount of grieving time has been spent alone. I didn't want to be here without my parents and hoped on several occasions just to die so I could be with them. I didn't think I was going to make it or get beyond that pain. Twelve months on from Mum, it is still very painful and not a minute goes by where I don't think of them both. I get reminders constantly that I'm sort of an orphan now. But for some reason I have survived it so far, as has my younger brother. Thank goodness we still have each other. I am also so grateful that my two beloved cats are with me still at the grand old ages of 15 and 16. They need me and they are my purpose for being here. So the best thing has been knowing that I maybe have a strength (although I don't feel strong), that I didn't know I had.

What are you looking forward to most when the Covid-19 crisis is over?

Travelling!! I miss Disneyland Paris so much so that is top of my list. I really hope to be able to take a proper holiday once Covid is under control. I have a bucket list of things I want to do. I'm an explorer by nature and beach holidays are not my thing at all, I'm too restless. I really want to go to places I haven't been like Hungary and different parts of Europe that are less travelled by. Like I think I posted a while ago about wanting to go to Chernobyl. Oh yes. I'd also like to visit Russia, although I'm cautious about that one. And of course, getting back to my beloved America has to happen at some point. Seattle WA is high on my list of cities I haven't been to, as are the states of Oregon, Colorado, Utah and believe it or not, Alaska. This will no doubt climax in going home to Texas and then to Florida before I'm forced to leave the country. Jesus I wonder who is paying for all this. (And I'll maybe see my Linda along the way).

When was the last time you laughed and what made it happen?

I honestly haven't heartily laughed in a long time but I did have a good giggle the other night at Irish comedian Dara O'Briain. I like to watch You Tube clips and found one about burglars. It was really funny and did make me laugh:

Thanks so much for these great questions!

 

[Angela Channing]

As 2020 comes to an end, what would you say has been the best thing that has happened for you this year?

I hope you don't mind if I'm very honest here and will leave myself a little vulnerable, but.... I can honestly say that the best thing that has happened to me this year is surviving it. As you know, and as maybe some others don't, I lost my dear Mum at the beginning of December 2019. When she died, and having already lost my Dad at the beginning of my time on this forum, I felt like my life was over. After her passing, we had Covid and lockdowns to deal with a few months later so a large amount of grieving time has been spent alone. I didn't want to be here without my parents and hoped on several occasions just to die so I could be with them. I didn't think I was going to make it or get beyond that pain. Twelve months on from Mum, it is still very painful and not a minute goes by where I don't think of them both. I get reminders constantly that I'm sort of an orphan now. But for some reason I have survived it so far, as has my younger brother. Thank goodness we still have each other. I am also so grateful that my two beloved cats are with me still at the grand old ages of 15 and 16. They need me and they are my purpose for being here. So the best thing has been knowing that I maybe have a strength (although I don't feel strong), that I didn't know I had.

I've asked over 200 questions since this In The Spotlight feature began, including this question which I've used a few times before with other forum members, and of all the replies I've had to my questions, your answer here is the one that will stay with me the longest. The grief associated with losing someone close to you can be immense and I'm so proud of you that you have found your inner strength to deal with it and yes, YOU ARE STRONG! The grief will never go, nor would you want it to, but you will continue to become better at dealing with it as time progresses.

Travelling!! I miss Disneyland Paris so much so that is top of my list.

I've never been to Disneyland but for many years I've wanted to run the Disney Marathon in Florida and take the Goofy challenge (run a half marathon on the first day and the full marathon on the following day).

I hope you get the chance to go to Disneyland Paris and give Minnie Mouse a special hug when social distancing is over.

 

[Sarah]

That means the world to me @Angela Christmas - thank you so much for saying that as it wasn’t easy to post but I wanted to be honest. Hearing that someone is proud of me after the worst time is just the best thing for me to hear. Thank you my friend. I will most certainly give Minnie a hug from you and sprinkle some pixie dust that you find the inspiration to run that Disney marathon. Maybe if I can get fitter I can do it with you. You’re a good friend xxx