User talk:Markruss34
--Markruss34 22:27, 12 February 2006 (UTC)Mark Russell - Pianist
Mark was born in Blackpool, the home of British light entertainment, and into a family dominated by the musical expertise of his grandmother, a pianist of great local fame. From the age of four, he was taken under the wing of "Gran" to learn and possibly to establish if there was any potential for the future. The potential quickly became obvious, and at the age of six, Mark was enrolled to take lessons with Dr. Val George, the wife of Harry George, the eminent lead violinist with the "Halle" Orchestra. By the age of Fourteen his skills were well known throughout the local area, resulting in his invitation to be star guest with "The Lytham Light Orchestra" at their forthcoming performances. His success was outstanding, and he seduced his audiences with his unique style of playing. Following this success, Mark spent the next few years polishing his skills working in the hotels and clubs in Blackpool, and selected venues all over the north west of England. This dedication culminated in the invitation of residency in the prestigious French Restaurant in the Savoy Hotel. Here, in one of Blackpool's leading eating places he captivated diners with his winning style and personality.
Further challenges lay ahead, his interests were now spreading to amateur dramatics, and he secured musical directorships for various pantomimes, and the musical ;'Godspell", which after a long successful run all over the North of England, celebrated it; finale at the famous Winter gardens Theatre in Blackpool. His challenges were now becoming more varied, and at age only 20, he was invited to, and accepted , the position of Musical director with "Pantoworld Productions", and went on tour with their hit production of "Snow white and the Seven Dwarfs". During this very successful year, he established what was to become a long lasting professional relationship with “Stageworks”, the theatrical production unit of The Blackpool Pleasure Beach Company, Here he enjoyed the position of opening act in The Karen Casey Show. The following season as keyboard player in the "Six Piece Rock Show", at the “Star Venue”. And the last year, as pianist for "The Jonathon Wilkes Show" in the "U" Theatre. During this period, Mark was also the winter seasonal resident pianist at Mytton Fold Country Club Hotel, where he entertained diners at corporate events , and all the Yuletide and New Year banquets. Then followed a short 8 month contract as cocktail pianist with the "Royal Olympic Shipping Line" , entertaining guests on various ships on Mediterranean cruises.
In 1999, the Pleasure Beach Company persuaded Mark to take the position of resident pianist in the award winning "White Tower" restaurant, where he quickly became a firm favourite of Blackpool and the Fylde coasts most discerning diners. This position led to invitations from many leading local business men , to play all over the North West at charity functions of which they are patrons. The past three years has seen Mark as resident pianist on P&O ships all over the world. From the "Oceana" to the "Adonia", and finally to be invited to take the position of resident pianist aboard the "Arcadia", the ultimate cruise ship, and flagship of the P&O fleet. Here he has again captivated passengers with his music , and his C.D. collection becoming a most popular memento for many cruisers returning home.
Mark has now left the sea, and is re-establishing his career ashore, making his base in Brighton. He is in the position of accepting reservations for functions and private parties all over the United Kingdom . Most recently he has been playing at "Patshull Hall", for a series of private parties hosted by Mr. Timothy Reynolds. Celebrity hair stylists Royston Blythe, and Nik Malenko have also enjoyed his talents, with the comments. "Mark is the best pianist we have ever had, he is so entertaining and :an play anything , and he will be playing at all our events in the future". My wife and I have had the pleasure of being entertained by Mark, ashore, and aboard ship for many years, and have great confidence in calling him a really great pianist and a truly great performer.
