Stumpy Sanderson’s 1970s Jamboree Bag

A time capsule of 1970 memories, mischief and mirth is being unlocked in a show coming to Sheringham Little Theatre.

Stumpy Sanderson’s 1970s Jamboree Bag is a mix of stories and songs featuring a spikey-haired boy and his gang who are the creation of performer Andrew Brammer.

The North Walsham businessman and national award-winning public speaker is also a storyteller and guitarist who tours with his tales of a decade that gave us flared trousers, Findus crispy pancakes, Saturday afternoon wrestling on TV, and punk rock.

“The show follows the outrageous and extraordinary japes, scrapes and capers of a group of working-class boys growing up the 1970s, like I did,” he explained.

The adventures capture touchstones of the time with references to 70s food, like Vesta curries and Bar Six chocolate, fashion such as cheesecloth shirts and platform shoes, TV shows including On the Buses and Magpie, as well as the Raleigh Chopper bicycle, plus houses decorated with wood chip paper, brown and orange paint, polystyrene ceiling tiles, all with a veneer of nicotine yellow.

“Audiences love it, saying it not only made them laugh but brought back brilliant memories,” added Mr Brammer who is commercial director at PSS in North Walsham.

He has always written stories and played in bands, and coached public speaking through Toastmasters International where he was awarded its highest accolade as a Distinguished Toastmaster as well as being its UK and Ireland humorous speech champion in 2000.

Nowadays he performs by slipping into Stumpy’s skin for shows in live theatre as well as via podcasts and a weekly show on Poppyland Radio (Tuesdays 7pm).

The material is drawn from two unearthed time capsules buried in beer cans from the era, including an iconic Watneys Red Barrel Party Seven.

Andrew added that the adventures include encounters with Stumpy’s gang’s arch rivals, the Doc Martens boot-wearing Milton Sisters, Mandy and Melanie, who “back in 1974 crushed his and Stumpy’s clackers in a school woodwork vice.” 

The show is on Friday November 28 at 7.30pm. Tickets from £10.50 from www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or the box office 01263 822347.