Introducing Andrew Alton-ReadChelmsford Community Radio

Continuing our series on our presenters, this month we introduce Andrew Alton-Read...

Hello I’m Andrew Alton-Read, I present The Music Capsule every Sunday between 7pm and 8pm every week. Each week I look at the history of an artist or band, how they began in the music business and broke into the industry. I play a selection of their music and talk about their life.

Past artists have included; Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Kylie, Tom Jones, Sam Smith and bands such as Queen, The Beach Boys, ABBA and Snow Patrol,

A little bit about me: I am a local Essex boy and I was born in St John’s Hospital in Chelmsford. From seeing my first pantomime at the Civic Theatre at 5 years old, I fell in love with theatre. I started singing in the local church choir in Galleywood, then later joined the local amateur dramatics society, Chelmsford Young Generation - a performing society for young people. I performed in many productions. Next, I studied at Southend Technical College in performing arts, then worked for Newpalm Productions, the local rep at the Civic Theatre.

I auditioned for drama school at 17 but was told I looked too young and to get some life experience. I then auditioned for Warner Holidays and Shearing’s Holidays and was successful, working around the country for the next seven years entertaining people. I then was given an opportunity to perform in pantomime and bid farewell to the holiday hotels and camps. I next took the plunge and started auditioning for drama schools again and was successful at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama gaining a Masters in Acting Musical Theatre.

An actors life is like a rollercoaster, or simply described as a marathon more than a sprint. I have been lucky enough to work in theatre, television, film, voiceover and radio.

I fell into radio presenting by accident after attending an open evening held by Chelmsford Community Radio. I decided to shadow a presenter as I did not have previous experience in radio. So, when I was offered to present my own show, I decided to jump at the chance and grab it with both hands!

The idea of The Music Capsule came as I enjoy listening to a variety of music and always wondered the history behind the artist. I thought why not put the two together, music and history and let listeners learn about their favourite stars.

Along with radio I have been lucky enough to produce, direct and write for theatre and film. My most recent project, The Long Walk, is a short film based on a true story about a young boy’s struggle with mental illness and how it affects both himself and those around him. We are thrilled to have in the film Michelle Collins from EastEnders and Coronation Street and Daniel Casey who was Sergeant Troy in Midsomer Murders. Through this film I hope to help others who have suffered and for others to understand more about how mental illness can affect anyone of us.

Tune into The Music Capsule every Sunday at 7pm on 104.4 fm or online at www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com. See you there!