Island author Felicity Fair Thompson has launched her latest book ‘The Lights of Leicester Square’, at Carisbrooke Castle Museum.
The museum book launch was the chance to meet the author and hear about the secrets, the magic, and the golden years of cinema. Having been the manager of The Odeon Leicester Square, London, from 1967 until 1976, Felicity certainly knows the behind-the-scenes details of film premieres.
Whilst in her managerial position, she had the opportunity to meet royalty and international stars. She and her staff always had to be very discreet, and no one was encouraged to obtain autographs.
A part of her job she enjoyed was training small children to present the bouquets to both leading ladies as well as royalty.
On one occasion, Roger Moore returned to the cinema after the premiere with a request to meet all the cinema staff to thank them for hosting the premiere of his latest Bond film: Live and Let Die.
Felicity explained that she was particularly pleased to be able to use the original photographs of Harry Myers with the permission of his son and was delighted that Michael Grade had agreed to write the foreword for this book.
Felicity kindly donated some of the money received from book sales at this event to Carisbrooke Castle Museum.
In large format hardback edition and including more than 150 press photos of international stars, royalty, celebrities, and rock stars, the Lights of Leicester Square is published by Wight Diamond Press UK.
