Tea Break
A series where musicians and others stop by for an imaginary Tea Break to talk about their music and projects.
Verona Chard
It was the lull after the lunchtime rush at Café Le Rêve. A young couple were still sat in the window seat – empty coffee cups, talking, listening, eye-to-eye - early stages. Joe, the chef, was taking a well-deserved break at the back table by the kitchen door, scanning his ‘socials’.
He looked up: “Hi Ian”
“Hi Joe. You playing tonight?
“Yeah. Frankie’s Diner. Trio with Nick on bass and the Prof on drums, Rob said he might look in later but someone else wanted a good guitar player tonight. I hope Ferdinand will let me off on time later.”
Natalie appeared from the kitchen: “Don’t worry Joe, I’ll cover for you. Hey Ian, I’ve booked the booth for you. Who have you got coming in?”
I smiled: “Verona Chard, singer and actor. She’s lovely, you’ll like her.
Natalie thought for a moment, “That’s sounds interesting. Tell me about her?”
“I remember she told me that she first got the performance bug when she was in a school nativity play in Bristol or Bath. I think she was playing ‘Mary’. Anyway, later, she persuaded her parents to pay for her to have singing lessons. They must have paid off because she went to both the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London. She was a good jazz singer and in no time was singing at top clubs like Ronnie Scott’s and the 606 Club. Humphrey Lyttelton asked her to record the Jail Break track for his Sad Sweet Songs and Crazy Rhythms album.”
“I’ve heard of Humphrey Lyttelton,” Natalie said.”Didn’t he have a programme on the radio?”
“You’re thinking of when he chaired I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. But he was one of the UK’s top jazz trumpeters and bandleaders for many years. Jail Break is a really challenging Blues for a vocalist. Humph originally recorded it in 1953 with Iris Grimes and Verona captures the distressed feeling well – take a listen:”
“Wow!” said Natalie. “You can really feel the prisoner’s despair and wanting to escape!”
“Verona’s own album, Fever – In Love With Shakespeare came out in 2011. Here’s the CD. Can we play the title track to cheer up the mood please Natalie?”
“Good idea!”
“So, on the music front, Verona went on to set up the British and International Vocal (Jazz) Academy continuous workshop courses, and for young children, the Musical Balloon Band. That initiative for toddlers has really taken off and I want to ask her how it is going……”
At which point Verona arrived wearing her usual infectious smile. I introduced Natalie who showed us to the booth at the back of the café.
Natalie asked: “What can I get you both? Do you take sugar Verona?”
“Coffee for me please, but no sugar,”
“Same for me please, Natalie.”
With a short few words about the weather and our coffee served, I started to catch up with Verona:
You have been really busy on many fronts recently – acting, singing, and your work with children. I believe you have a musical play that has recently staged in Uppingham about the comedian Kenneth Williams. What is ‘Kenny’ is all about?
‘Kenny! The Kenneth Williams Centenary Musical’ is about the life of Kenneth Williams with references from his personal diaries. It is currently a three hander. Kenneth is played by Wink Taylor; Charlie Williams, his father, is played by Andrew Fettes, and I play Louisa Williams his mother. It is very funny as you'd expect but also highly emotional especially in scenes between Kenny and Louisa."
Was he really born a hundred years ago?! When you say that Kenny was played by the impressionist Wink Taylor – was that weird having someone on stage who seemed like Kenneth?
It was perfect for this type of show and the audience loved the interactive elements, the ad libs and references from Kenneth's working life.
What is the music like?
The book and lyrics were written by Henry Dawe with original music by Tom Neill who also founded the Windsor Jazz Club. The musical director was Christopher Peters and the play was directed by John Hewer. The music draws on Tom's jazz, musicals and theatre experience, I would say there is something for everyone to enjoy.
And how has it been received? Are the plans to take it on somewhere else?
There were two full houses in Uppingham! I can't give too much away at this stage, but we are now looking for a London theatre venue for the next stage of its development.
I think we have a poster for the show here. Two full houses and a great audience response sounds really positive. I hope those of us who missed it can get to see it somewhere – keep me posted!
You have also been busy with the Musical Balloon Band? What is that all about, and who is involved?
The Musical Balloon Band has turned out to be a real success. One aim is to share jazz in an interactive, fun and accessible way that appeals to a wide audience of all ages without simplifying or compromising the content. There is often a storyline featuring balloon animals as the 'stars' of the show. Our ‘sell out’ Edinburgh Fringe shows in 2021 featured 'Cecily' the balloon Donkey and her brother Cecil plus a flamingo, a monkey and various other characters. I know it may not sound like your typical jazz experience, to say the least!, but feedback has always been good about the jazz content, variety and integrity. Chris Neill is the Musical Balloon Band pianist and my co-writer of the original songs.
Bringing music to children is so worthwhile. What is their reaction to rhythm and the instruments involved? Do you notice any changes in the children being involved in the music? And do you bring a Jazz element into the events?
I find the reaction of children and adults inspiring and motivating - especially those with special educational needs and disabilities. My own good fortune of being involved in music from a young age has opened doors to exciting life experiences and I hope we highlight possibilities for others to experience that too. I'm working class and had a mandatory grant from Bath Council to study at music college in London. If I had not had that I would never have afforded to train. My music is pretty much all jazz in style with the odd classical or pop influence. Improvisation and listening are high on the list with interactive percussion, drums and optional balloon waving.
Where can people find out about upcoming Balloon Band shows?
I try to keep up with website updates but am a bit behind at the moment as I'm rehearsing a new show playing during the May half term. Usually you'll find the information at www.musicalballoonband.com or via the Facebook page here.
People can get a taste with this video, Verona. Everyone on stage and in the audience seems to be having a lot of fun!:
I know that the Covid pandemic disrupted the plans of many musicians. Did it have an effect on your singing?
My mum Betty died at the beginning of Covid and alongside the restrictions, total loss of gigs and work and everything else involved it was devastating. The album with John Horler that I mentioned the last time we met is still to be completed. I would say I'm just about ready to do it now, once I've found a studio that fits.
Have you been playing gigs with everything else you have on?
Yes, but not as many as when I was also self-promoting at the New Wimbledon Theatre, Monty's in Ealing and the like. Having said that, the spin off gigs under the banner of "Donkey Dots Music' keeps me in check vocally and happen at least once a fortnight.
How about another coffee/ tea, Verona, and they have some nice cakes here – can I talk you into something?
Yes, please, but I'll have decaf this time. Cake? Always! By the way I only drink decaf coffee when at home.
I try to do the same, but I’m not always successful. My step-daughter gave me a card for my last birthday. It had a badge saying “I’m here for the cake”. I think I actually need one saying “Take the cake away” – but not today, maybe tomorrow … People might remember your album ‘Fever – In Love With Shakespeare’. That really did bring together your singing and acting passions! What decided you to take Shakespeare as a theme?
I was inspired by the late great Cleo Laine and Johnny Dankworth's 1964 album 'Shakespeare and All That Jazz' collaboration – do you remember that? Then my husband Andrew Fettes is also an actor and that added to the passion to explore something Shakespeare themed. Sadly the album was licensed and that seems to have been a bad decision...bitter sweet and I'd put so much work into it. Musicians beware!
My favourite track has always been the title track – ‘Fever’. Where did the idea for that track come from?
With such great lyrics I wanted to include the song 'Fever' but as it already had enjoyed iconic versions it was important to find other original vocal colours and 'feel'.
You brought together some excellent jazz musicians for the album - Alan Barnes, Charlotte Glasson, Kevin Robinson, Ray Wordsworth, Dave Green, Mark Fletcher, and as you mention, Alex Stanford. Have you stayed in touch with them?
Thank you. With social media it's easy to see what everyone is doing and to stay in touch and hearing them play at gigs too.
You once told me that your favourite track is ‘Willow Weep For Me’. Is it still your favourite?
Yes, I think so... this was mum's favourite and we played it at her funeral at Greenacres, Chiltern. She always preferred my classical singing to jazz.
I love Kevin Robinson's trumpet playing on that track ...... and I use 'Ode to Bottom' on gigs as it's just so full of joy. It's based on the Spike Jones' Horsey Keep Your Tail Up which I used to sing with my late dad, Cecil (known as Ron).
So what is the plan for the coming year? More gigs; more acting? Any chance of another album?
The Musical Balloon Band are playing the Picnic in the Park for the Mayor's Charity in Hillingdon on Saturday the 11th July and the Accessival Festival on the 18th July at Thomley, Buckinghamshire HP18 9JZ. Contact me for specific set times. Otherwise, a bit of everything 'entertainment' as usual but mostly jazz and I'm always open to collaborations and ideas. That album with John Horler that I mentioned earlier is definitely on my list.
I've been invited to attend courses at Britten Pears Arts at Snape Maltings including 'Makaton for Singing' to add into the Musical Balloon Band and other gigs, and I keep talking about an idea I have to start a Doctorate but who knows?!
I have fond memories of Makaton sign language. I used to go to special educational needs schools for their Christmas shows where the children used Makaton for nativity plays or When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney – they were pure joy.
Thanks for dropping by Verona, I know you have a lot on but It has been really great to catch up.
Thank you Ian, and for the coffee and cake, my turn next time and it's always fabulous to see you.
It was time for Verona to go and as we made our way to the door, Joe appeared from the kitchen: “Hi Verona, I’ve been listening to your music in the kitchen and wondered if you would do a gig with my trio?”
I introduced them, then decided to leave them to their Archer Street Moment and quietly disappeared back into the booth.
Verona Chard's website, contact details and copies of her album Fever are here.
© Sandy Brown Jazz 2026.6