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James Whale was an English film director, theatre director and actor. He is best remembered for his four classic horror films: Frankenstein (1931), The Old Dark House (1932), The Invisible Man (1933) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935). He also directed films in other genres, including what is considered the definitive film version of the musical Show Boat (1936).

In 1931 Universal Pictures signed him to a five-year contract and his first project was Waterloo Bridge (1931). Based on the Broadway play by Robert E. Sherwood, the film starred Mae Clarke. That same year Universal chief Carl Laemmle Jr. offered Whale his choice of any property the studio owned. Whale chose Frankenstein (1931), mostly because none of Universal's other properties particularly interested him and he wanted to make something other than a war picture.

In 1933 Whale directed The Invisible Man (1933), based on the book by H.G. Wells. Shot from a script approved by Wells, the film blended horror with humor and confounding visual effects. It was critically acclaimed, with "The New York Times" listing it as one of the ten best films of the year, and it broke box-office records in cities across America. So highly regarded was the film that France, which restricted the number of theaters in which undubbed American films could play, granted it a special waiver because of its "extraordinary artistic merit". Also in 1933 Whale directed the romantic comedy By Candlelight (1933). He directed Bride of Frankenstein (1935), a sequel of sorts to "Frankenstein", which Whale was somewhat apprehensive about making because he feared being pigeonholed as a horror director. "Bride" hearkened back to an episode from Mary Shelley's original novel in which the Monster promises to leave Frankenstein and humanity alone if Frankenstein makes him a mate. He does, but the mate is repelled by the monster who then, setting Frankenstein and his wife free to live, chooses to destroy himself and his "bride." The film was a critical and box office success. However, his next major project, The Road Back (1937), was a critical and financial disaster, and contributed to his retiring from the film industry in 1941.

Beset by personal, health and professional problems, James Whale committed suicide by drowning himself in the swimming pool of his Pacific Palisades (CA) home on 29 May 1957 at the age of 67. He left a suicide note, which his longtime companion David Lewis withheld until shortly before his own death decades later. Because the note was suppressed, the death was initially ruled accidental.

Lenworth George Henry was born on August 29, 1958, in Dudley, West Midlands in England to a family of Jamaican immigrants. He made his TV debut on a talent show called "New Faces" in 1975 at the age of 16. He won and went on to things such as The Fosters (1976) and Tiswas (1974), which was when his career as a comedian took off. In 1989, Lenny Henry made the stand-up comedy movie Lenny Henry: Lenny Live and Unleashed (1989), which caught the eyes of the Walt Disney Company, which gave him the lead role in the American movie True Identity (1991) and a contract to do two other Disney films for about US$1 million. The movie flopped, bringing in less than US$5 million. The contract was canceled, and Lenny got half of what he would have if he had done the three films. Lenny is now becoming well-known in the United States for the role of Gareth Blackstock in the hit BBC show Chef! (1993).

Josie Lawrence was born on June 6, 1959 in Old Hill, Dudley, West Midlands, England as Wendy Lawrence. She is an actress, known for Enchanted April (1991), Outside Edge (1994) and Robin Hood (2006). She is also a voice actress for The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends episode The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends: The Tale of Pigling Bland (1994).

Charles McKeown was born in March 1946 in Dudley, Staffordshire, England, UK. He is an actor and writer, known for Brazil (1985), The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) and Spies Like Us (1985). He was previously married to Erika Langmuir.

Norman Pace was born on 17 February 1953 in Dudley, Worcestershire, England, UK. He is an actor and writer, known for Three of a Kind (1981), The Young Ones (1982) and Extras (2005). He has been married to Beverley since 27 December 1976. They have three children.

Daymon Britton is associated with many television appearances within the two hundred hours he has amassed over two decades. He is best known for his work on two long running television dramas in the UK, Dream Team (1997) and Byker Grove (1989).

With an interest in acting and directing from a very early age - watching classic movies like It's a Wonderful Life (1946) and North by Northwest (1959) - fascinated by the medium of film, Daymon fell in love with the character journey. Working with director Declan O'Dwyer in 2007 as an actor in Coastal Productions Wire in the Blood (2002), he was inspired to develop his own film ideas, and embark on the road to personal filmmaking.

Collaborating with an exciting UK based independent production company Hook Pictures with producers Richard Wylie and Ed Barratt, Daymon has a diverse slate of projects in development.

Simon W. Golding is a multi best-selling and award-winning novelist, screenwriter and producer. Simon started writing for national magazines (Reader's Digest, Cosmopolitan, FHM, The Great Outdoors etc.) and radio, including News Huddlines and Week Ending (BBC Radio 4 & 2). The publication of Manquito (Minerva Press) in 1995 launched Simon as a fictional novel writer. The Birth of Manquito will be released in late 2023 (DB Publishing). Other publications followed, including Tally (USA only)and Badged! A move into non-fiction saw the publication of the revised edition of the world best seller Killing Time (Lion publishing) - Foreword by Ludovic Kennedy. Simon's last book surrounds Ken Loach gritty northern classic Kes - Life After Kes (GET Publishing 2007) - Foreword by Michael Winner. The book has received national praise on TV and radio. Simon's next book, which will be launched in winter 2020, is an authorized account of the late Brian Glover, Wrestler, Actor, Writer (GET Publishing) - Foreword by Darren Day. Another new commission is a book surrounding all movies and TV projects made in the county of Shropshire - On Screen Shropshire (GET Publishing) - Foreword by John Challis Boycie from 'Only Fools and Horses'.

One of Simon's main productions at the moment is writing a big budget crime thriller screenplay, The Athena Syndrome, with filming taking place in 2023. It is being produced by Simon. Filming will take place in London, however, most of the location filming will be shot in Malta. The very talented and multi-award winning director, Jason Figgis, is directing and there are some very big names attached to the production. Confirmed names so far are Patrick Bergin, Rita Tushingham, Ian Ogilvy, Gabriella Wright and Jamie Foreman. The production offices are based at Elstree Studios.

Simon is working on a new project with actor/writer Norman Eshley. The screenplay, written by Norman, is called The Dreamtime of The Artful Dodger and the author will be representing him through his new literary agency; Scriptura UK. Another new works-in-progress production is a 10-part comedy series called Joan - working with his new writing partner - actress/writer/impressionist; Francine Lewis.

The author's latest project is a biography surrounding the French cinematic icon Jacques Tati called The Quiet Man.

In summer 2023 Golding will be translating, from Spanish to English, Icíar Bollaín best selling book (published by El Pais Aguilar in 1997), A Quixotic Observer (surrounds Ken Loach Carla's Song (1996), for the UK national market, but more importantly he is working on a volume which includes all of Loach's movies - Ken Loach - Real to Reel.

Golding is also working on a documentary surrounding his book, Life After Kes, with a filmed Screentalk included on a Kes Special Blu-Ray DVD together with Sony BMG. This will tie-in with the paperback addition of Life After Kes, - foreword by Melanie Sykes- the book is now available on Kindle (Amazon).

Simon is selling a comedy/drama script to a main-stream television company, co-written with his long-term writing partner; TV presenter Melanie Sykes. The writing pair are also working on a new fictional novel.

The author has been filmed, for the BBC Inside Out series, for a TV special celebrating 40 years since the release of Kes. Also appearing in the program will be Ken Loach, and Golding has also appeared in shows Saturday Night Live (with Lenny Henry, Tellystacks hosted by Paul Ross and The Time, The Place, presented by John Stapleton.

Simon's workload included two non-fiction novels. The first one, called Thursday's Child, is a true adventure novel surrounding entrepreneur extraordinaire and aviation record holder, Mike Kendrick. Mike's long term business partner and close friend, Richard Branson, has kindly written the foreword - and was launched with national media praise by DB Publishing in October 2014. The second is a controversial book surrounding the murder of 13-year-old newspaper boy Carl Bridgewater in 1978 - Scapegoat for Murder: The Truth About the Killing of Carl Bridgewater - and brings new evidence to the table. DB Publishing launched the book in June 2016 - the delay due to the book being adapted into a Channel 4 documentary - Interview With a Murderer (broadcast 12th June 2016) by ITN Productions - presented by top criminologist; Professor David Wilson. The author has appeared on national TV and written articles about the book for The Sunday Mercury, Birmingham Mail and Reader's Digest.The author was rewarded with a Broadcast Award in 2017 for the documentary, adapted from his book, Interview With a Murderer on Channel 4 - Best Documentary Programme. Interview With a Murder also won a Royal Television Award at the RTS Television Journalism Awards 2017. A three-hour series has been launched internationally and the extended documentary again includes the author - it has received excellent reviews in the USA and Canada. And updated edition of the novel, with new evidence, will be available in 2023 (DB Publishing)

Simon collaborated on a West End show with actress/comedienne Helen Lederer- called; Helen Lederer ask...WTF (Why The Fuss) - the show opened on 9th May this year at the St James Theatre, Westminster - to great reviews. The sell-out show also included special guest Kimberly J. Walsh from Girls Aloud.

Simon has written and co-producing a comedy pilot script called, For the Love of Ella, and a further 5 treatment episodes for a 6-part series for TV. Filming started on October 21st 2013. The comedy stars Ewen MacIntosh (Big Keith in The Office) with actress Lucy Drive playing the other lead, Ella. The film will also include ex-cage fighter and actor/presenter Alex Reid, actor 'Danny Peacock (I)' (Comic Strip, film and TV), Bobby Ball (Cannon and Ball & actor), actress Françoise Pascal (Mind your Language plus TV and film), Bruce Jones (Coronation Street, film and TV), Vicki Michelle Allo Allo!, film and TV), Valerie Leon (film and TV), Darren Day (You Bet, presenter & actor), TV presenter Melanie Sykes, comedian and entertainer Billy Pearce, actress/producer/writer Hazel D'Jan and actress Patricia Ryder. The project is being directed, edited and co-produced by James Farina. The cinematographer is the respected Simon Rowling.

The author launched his own production company - Plan B Media Productions. Simon will be Director of Productions, together with presenter Nikki Brown (Business & Finance Director) and John Harris (Technical, Audio & Visual Director). They are already working on a documentary about comedians called Standing Up!

Hopefully during the summer of 2023 the author will direct a world premiere of his comedic one act trilogy under the title of The Film Audition. This will included The Son (act 1), The Mother (act 2) and The Father (act 3).

Simon Golding is also a director and organizer of the established prestigious Bridgnorth Music and Arts Festival, which raises money for many local and national charities. Simon is also a presenter and chairman for the soon-to-be-launched radio station; The Valley Radio. Simon will present various art shows. The author is also a seasoned campaigner for miscarriages of justice and works for free for several campaigns.

Katherine Tokarz was born on 4 May 1982 in Dudley, Massachusetts, USA. She is an actress, known for K.R.A.P (2019), The Neighbors (2012) and Wiener & Wiener (2009). She was previously married to Bret Calvert.

Sue Lawley is a broadcaster, most well-known for presenting news bulletins on the BBC, and Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio. As one of the main presenters of Nationwide (1969) and later the main BBC news bulletins, Lawley's most famous incident as a newscaster was almost certainly her cool demeanour during a live broadcast in 1988 where two protesters invaded the studio, chaining themselves to a camera and Lawley's desk.

Throughout the late 80s, Lawley became the main person to guest host for Terry Wogan when he was on leave, leading almost fifty episodes of Wogan (1982). However, an attempt to give Lawley her own chat show, Saturday Matters (1989), was not a success, being cancelled after one series. Lawley occasionally played "herself" on television, such as in Special: Goodies Rule OK? (1975) and The Quality of Life (1981), and continues to work in BBC Radio.

Madeleine Newbury was born on 12 October 1930 in Dudley, West Midlands, England, UK. She was an actress, known for The Wednesday Play (1964), The Adventures of Don Quick (1970) and The Professionals (1977). She was married to Brian Spink, Llewellyn Rees and Keith Marsh. She died on 27 September 2020 in UK(undisclosed).

Geoffrey Lewis was born on 12 April 1913 in Dudley, West Midlands, England, UK. He was an actor, known for A for Andromeda (1961), The Andromeda Breakthrough (1962) and BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (1950). He was married to Lesley Saweard. He died on 22 July 1997 in Kensington, London, England, UK.

Stephanie Fay Gunning began acting and singing at the age of 8 with her older sister. Her first acting experience was at Dudley College Mons Hill for her school links. Her first performance was 'Save The Humans' in which she played four characters. Stephanie has began with voice-overs, including Final Fantasy VII: The Sacrifice Of Cloud, Dissidia 012 (Reports) Final Fantasy and so many more on YouTube, her new videos onto her channel is audio-books and song covers. In 9th Sept 2013 she started her course of BTEC Performing Arts Level 2 and at the end of June she passed her course and planning to go on Media Level 2 in September 1st 2014 because she loves doing voice-overs and animations. She completed Media Level 2 and grade a excellent grade, no only that she's been a Journey of Success and voted best advert 'Seasons' and runner up for horror trailer 'Hypno' at the Media Production Showreel Red Carpet at her college.

Billy Dainty was born on 22 February 1927 in Dudley, West Midlands, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Her Excellency (1949), That's Show Business (1967) and EBC1: Emu's Broadcasting Company (1975). He died on 19 November 1986 in Godalming, Surrey, England, UK.

Eric Messiter was born on 14 August 1892 in Dudley, West Midlands, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (1950) and Rebecca (1947). He was married to Daphne Riggs. He died on 13 September 1960 in Datchet, Berkshire, England, UK.

Ernest Dudley was born on 23 July 1908 in Dudley, Worcestershire, England, UK. He was a writer and actor, known for The Villiers Diamond (1938), The Harassed Hero (1954) and Concerning Mr. Martin (1937). He was married to Jane Grahame. He died on 1 February 2006 in London, England, UK.

Sam Allardyce was born on 19 October 1954 in Dudley, West Midlands, England, UK. He is an actor, known for 2004 defterolepta (2022), Middlesbrough FC vs Newcastle United (2007) and Match of the Day (1964).

Harry Pritchard-Jones was born on 17 February 1933 in Dudley, Worcestershire, England, UK. He was a writer, known for Late Night Theatre (1972) and Animated Tales of the World (2000). He was married to Lenna Harries. He died on 10 March 2015 in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, UK.

Duncan Edwards is an English footballer who played for Manchester United F.C. and the England National Football Team. He was one of The Busby Babes, the young United team formed under manager Matt Busby in the mid-1950s, playing 177 matches for the club. One of eight players who died as a result of the Munich air disaster, he survived initially but succumbed to his injuries in hospital two weeks later.

Born in Woodside, Dudley, Edwards signed for Manchester United F.C. as a teenager and went on to become the youngest player to play in the Football League First Division and at the time the youngest England player since the Second World War, going on to play 18 times for his country at top level. In a professional career of less than five years he helped United to win two Football League championships and two FA Charity Shields, and reach the semi-finals of the European Cup.

Ian Messiter was born on 2 April 1920 in Dudley, England, UK. He was a writer and actor, known for Just a Minute (1969), Mr Drake's Duck (1951) and Just a Minute (2012). He was married to Enid Messiter. He died on 22 November 1999 in London, England, UK.

Reanne Evans was born on 25 October 1985 in Dudley, West Midlands, England, UK.

Composer ("Moonlight And Roses", "Hold Me"), author, publisher, producer, music director of the Paramount Theatres in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, also others in San Francisco. He produced shows in New York and California. Joining ASCAP in 1926, his chief collaborators were Edwin Lemare and Neil Moret. Other songs to his credit are "Tears", You and I", and "Don't Sing Aloha When I Go".

Known for his podcast "Mentally Obsessed", the host openly talks about mental health, in relation to his current obsessions. Rhys has interviewed voice actors from franchises such as Halo, World of Warcraft, League of Legends, Resident Evil & more! Rhys has also been featured in the Express and Star newspaper, he spoke about the importance of the podcast which has helped improve his mental health.

John English was born on 13 January 1911 in Dudley, Worcestershire, England, UK. He was married to Mollie Randle and Doris Holt. He died on 20 December 1998 in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England, UK.

Sylvia Jukes Morris was born on 24 May 1935 in Dudley, Birmingham, England, UK. She was married to Edmund Morris. She died on 5 January 2020 in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, England, UK.

J.H. Wakefield was born on 18 May 1888 in Dudley, West Midlands, England, UK. He was an actor, known for The Road to Fortune (1930). He died on 23 February 1932 in Darlington, County Durham, England, UK.