Dragon Interview: Henry Blofeld – Legendary Cricket Commentator

Published on: 12 Jun, 2021
Updated on: 19 Jun, 2021

Our new sports editor Julian Cooper achieved a scoop this week, he secured an interview with cricket legend Henry Blofeld.

Listen to the two talking about Henry’s life, cricket at Guildford, some famous on-air japes and how “my dear old thing” started.

And below you can see how you can join Henry in his home for more of his incomparable recollections.

Henry Blofeld OBE, known amongst his many fans as Blowers and famed for his plummy tones and preoccupation with buses and pigeons on Test Match Special (TMS) invites you into his home to share some treasured moments from his life and career.

Blowers was due to be performing his two-hour, one-man show in theatres around the UK until Covid 19 restrictions stopped play. So instead, you are invited into his Norfolk cottage as he streams a much more up-close-and-personal show direct to your living room or online device wherever you may be. It really is the ultimate in safe and socially distanced shows!

Visit: https://simonfielder.com/productions/at-home-with-henry/

Blowers is a charmingly self-deprecating extrovert and apparently has equal interest in everyday off-the-field events as those on it. He is from the old school of radio commentators who painted the scene for the listener and allowed them, through his evocative descriptions, to feel present at the ground and at the heart of the action. He is loved and adored by cricket fans around the globe.

The show consists of three very special and intimate 60 – minute sessions spread over three evenings in July at 8pm. The three passages of play follow the sessions of a day’s cricket – part one – the morning, will be on Monday 12, part two – the afternoon will be on Tuesday 13 and part three – the evening will be Wednesday 14 and all three will be available to stream from the 14 until midnight on Friday 16 July.

Tickets are £14.99 plus booking fee for all three sessions available here.

Don’t miss these highly entertaining Through the Keyhole-style encounters as Henry tells tall tales and shares some treasured memorabilia and photographs from his early days as a Norfolk lad dreaming of test glory with England.

He covers his youthful playing career at Eton and Cambridge and a brief stint in the City before journalism and commentary saved him and gave us the redoubtable Blowers that we now know and love.

Henry will regale you with hilarious anecdotes from his incredible life, lifting the lid on the foibles of fellow commentators, sharing some hysterical moments in the box and on tour with England and bringing to life some of the game’s greatest personalities.

Henry says: “All these lockdowns have given me the chance to look back at my life and I have been amazed not only by all that I have managed to do, but also by the huge amount of fun I have had along the way. And I had to tell someone!

“As a result I have recorded three virtual theatre shows having a good look through my life and I hope they will give you a really entertaining, amusing – there are some great stories – and informative three sessions of viewing.

“And unlike live theatre, when you see it once and that’s it, you can watch these as many times as you like. Then you’ll be able to tell my best stories better than I can.

“But I bet you can’t do as good a John Arlott imitation as mine! Anyway, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.”

Producer Simon Fielder says: “Creating these films with Henry has been an absolute joy. It was a real privilege to visit him in his Norfolk cottage, sit in the chair opposite and be treated to fascinating and hilarious tales from this most treasured of national treasures.

“I would like to thank Henry for sharing his fantastic stories, for his unparalleled professionalism and quite extraordinary energy and Henry’s lovely wife Valeria for her hospitality, patience and her fabulous food!”

One of Henry’s greatest gifts has been to engage the cricket connoisseur and those who know nothing about the game alike with his enchanting personality, warmth and humour.

These programmes are only available for a limited time and will allow the viewer a very privileged and unique audience with Henry in the comfort of his charming country cottage.

You can follow Henry on twitter @blowersh, Simon Fielder Productions @simonFielderPr1 and find out more online at www.simonfielder.com .

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