Norman Balon
(Picture: Oliver Lim)A LEGENDARY Soho publican known as London’s rudest landlord is to have a play about him on in the West End next month. Norman Balon — It’s All True will run for one night at the Shaftesbury Theatre in January. It tells the story of Balon, right, who ran the Coach and Horses on Greek Street for decades and was known for his acerbic wit. Once asked to serve a snakebite lager and cider mix, he replied: “We don’t do cocktails in here. Get out.” His regulars included artist Francis Bacon and writer Jeffrey Bernard.
It is written by Balon’s successor, former Coach landlord Alastair Choat, who told us that as well as being a fun show about a “gruff man who survived”, it is a “love letter” to old Soho. Leslie Lewis, who has run nearby French House for many years, will act in the performance.
Balon started working at the pub at 16 in 1943 and retired in 2006. He’s still got his sense of humour, telling Choat: “I’ll stay alive for the show. After that I’ve had enough.” Choat has asked that any memories of Balon be sent to him for posterity.
A Case of festive blues
There’s not much Christmas cheer from Britain’s top civil servant, Simon Case, who has told colleagues he “can’t promise an easy year ahead” after 126 departments have voted to go on strike. “We can’t promise immediate solutions,” the Cabinet Secretary told them in a leaked memo. It’s feared government work might grind to a halt, just like he trains. Case also told Civil Service World his hardest moment of 2022 was telling PM Liz Truss that the Queen had died, calling it “very difficult”.
Raheem’s art with the kids
ENGLAND footballer Raheem Sterling has had a tough month: first he flew home from the World Cup after an armed robbery at his home, then played as the Three Lions lost to France. But Raheem isn’t letting it get him down. He’s announced a project with the National Portrait Gallery which will see a group of young people make artworks to be shown after a renovation. It’s good to stay positive.
TV reviewer who knew how to scrap
VICTOR Lewis-Smith, known for his opinionated Evening Standard TV column, has died aged 65. He once accused David Attenborough of having “a severe dose of cliches”, and had a punch-up with Jack Dee after one harsh verdict. Lewis-Smith became used to defending himself. “I’ve learnt that diplomacy is the art of saying ‘nice doggy’ until you can find a rock,” he said.
Paul and Ringo back in Abbey Road
Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Ringo Starr and Sir Elton John were at Abbey Road last night for the premiere of If These Walls Could Sing, a new Disney+ documentary about the music studio in St John’s Wood made famous by The Beatles. It is presented by Sir Paul’s daughter Mary and features recollection from the stars. Fellow interviewee Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the cellist who played at Harry and Meghan’s wedding, went as well, as did Mel C from the Spice Girls and another of Sir Paul’s daughters, fashion designer Stella, in a warm winter coat.
