Jess Conrad is one of the most versatile of British artistes to emerge from the 1960s. From his early success as a pop star in the UK, Jess went on to become an accomplished actor, appearing in many films, on television and on stage, while still touring his own unique concerts and cabaret shows.

Born Gerald James in Brixton, Jess always had dreams of being on stage and could often be found sitting in the stalls of the London Palladium during the 1950s, watching the British and American ‘Top Of The Bill’ acts like Danny Kaye, Frankie Laine and Jo Stafford.

Jess started his showbiz life studying acting in an East London drama school, paying his way by working on his father’s flower stall in Marble Arch. He then got his Film Artistes Association union card and became a member of the now defunct Central Casting, where he was to learn much about studio technique in the process of making films as an extra and a bit part player in numerous British films during the 1950s.

As a young repertory actor with the famous Charles Danville Company, Jess also played seasons in Barnsley and Derby before being discovered by television producer Daphne Shadwell. She felt he was right for the part of ‘Barney Day’ in the TV play Rock A- Bye Barney. Jess landed the part and was seen by the now legendary TV and stage producer Jack Good. Because he “looked like a pop star” Jack immediately put Jess on television in the original Oh Boy! show.

He then went on to become a ‘teen idol’ and armed with a Decca recording contract hit Britain’s pop charts with ‘Cherry Pie’, ‘Mystery Girl’, ‘This Pullover’ and ‘Pretty Jenny’.

Voted Britain’s “Most Popular Male Singer” in the 1961 NME annual poll, Jess played the London Palladium, Wembley Pool and went on to tour around the globe with fellow British and American rock ‘n’ roll and pop stars of the day including Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Brenda Lee, Billy Fury, Marty Wilde, Joe Brown, Eden Kane and Johnny Kidd.

Jess continued to make records for Decca, Columbia, Pye, and President labels into the 1970s and appeared regularly on television in the UK in plays, soaps, celebrity quiz shows and the like.

He toured South Africa, played cabaret around Europe, and appeared in Christmas Season Pantomimes every year.

During the 1970’s Jess made the transition from pop to musicals, playing Jesus in Godspell and Joseph in Joseph & His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Jess continued to perform in various roles. He was a regular at the BBC making cameo appearances on The Generation Game; in Cabaret around the UK; on cruise ships; on national tours with comedian Jim Davidson in the adult ‘Sinderella’; and making personal appearances as an After Dinner speaker as well as his one man show.

Jess will be taking part in a Q&A hosted by Misty Moon’s Chris Collins.

After the Q&A there will be an opportunity for the audience to meet Jess as he will be taking part in a paid signing, along with Paul Stockman, who played the gorilla in Konga.

Before the main event there will be a screening of the cult classic Konga (1961). A separate ticket is required – details here.

Doors open at 19.00, for a 20.00 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets in advance £14 (£13 concessions). On the door £15 (£14 concessions).

Advance tickets may be purchased from Billetto, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours. Tickets also available from Frugl.