Wow! eBook
It's All Going Terribly Wrong: The Accidental Showman
Author(s): Michael Parker (Author)
- Publisher: Bene Factum Publishing Ltd
- Publication Date: 30 Oct. 2012
- Language: English
- Print length: 320 pages
- ISBN-10: 1903071658
- ISBN-13: 9781903071656
Book Description
Who would have guessed in the 1960s that Michael Parker, a typical young Army officer, would turn into one of the most remarkable showmen of his generation? Michael Parker’s creativity and originality – all too often achieved in the face of stifling bureaucracy – along with an ability to organise down to the last detail – meant he was in continuous demand to mastermind all kinds of events such as most of the British royal jubilees and birthday celebrations for The Queen, the Queen Mother. Other events included London’s G7 conference, royal weddings in countries such as Jordan, victory commemorations, charity events and some of the world’s largest military tattoos – Berlin, Edinburgh and the London Tournament. He records his triumphs and disasters and the inside story of some spectacular c**k-ups – although to the spectators and television audiences all might have seemed fine. The pundits thought The Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 would be a non-event – “Who would come?” they said. But Michael Parker had no doubt that he could lay on a show that was worthy of the Queen – and of Great Britain. He was right and proved the critics wrong – 2 million people flocked down the Mall to Buckingham Palace to enjoy the celebrations he had helped organise. Some 25 years earlier his complex plans for the Queen’s 1977 Silver Jubilee bonfires definitely did not go to plan – much to the Queen’s amusement – and as for those fireworks in Hyde Park to celebrate Prince Charles and Diana’s wedding – that’s another story …as is the escaping python at the Berlin Tattoo.
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘Dear Sir Michael Parker. It seems to sum up the story of his wonderful, glittering career: pomp, parades, spectacle; then the inevitable – and heartwarming – descent into hilarity and farce.’ –Daily Mail
‘An appropriately bracing, candid and funny account…is recollections are a joy to read.’ –Alexandra Henton, The Field
About the Author
After Michael Parker left the the Army the author became a successful antique dealer. However he found that running events increasingly took over his life, and despite the title of his autobiography, Sir Michael Parker cannot have got it all wrong – he was knighted by the Queen and also awarded the CBE. Although now retired, he remains a much sought after lecturer. he lives in Hampshire with his wife Emma.
