Comedian and musician Bill Bailey has expressed his wish that his late mother could have witnessed his BBC Proms debut at the Last Night of the Proms. The 60-year-old will perform Leroy Anderson's The Typewriter at London's Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, using the historic office equipment as a musical instrument.
Bailey told the PA news agency: 'I just wish my mum was around for her to see it, I think that would be just a wonderful moment to see those early times when she inspired me to listen to music, and then there I am at the Proms.' He added that his 93-year-old father will attend the show.
The Bath-born star, who regularly incorporates music into his comedy, previously recorded a BBC special at the Royal Albert Hall. He credited his mother for inspiring his love of music, saying it left a 'very deep impression on me'. Bailey described the Proms as having a 'unique atmosphere' and called it an 'honour' to be part of the British institution.
Bailey will be joined by Sir Brian May, Roger Taylor and rising West End star Sam Oladeinde, marking the 50th anniversary of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. Live coverage of the Last Night of the Proms begins at 7pm on BBC Radio 3, with TV broadcasts on BBC Two and BBC One.
