As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to work in 'showbiz', so (having successfully destroyed any hope of an academic career!) in 1983 I ran away to Butlins, Minehead to be a Redcoat. I used to watch the comperes working their audience and think to myself, 'I wanna do that!' So I'd study their technique, listening to their patter, watching their every move, how they walked on stage, how they got laughs... & why they didn't!

In my next season I was given the chance to host my first competition. Despite my initial nerves (and perspiration) ...I loved it! Over the next couple of years I learned my craft hosting everything from It's A Knockouts & Donkey Derbys, beauty comps & kids' comps, to game shows & variety shows in the 2,000 capacity theatre (phew!)

In '87 I spent the first of four years as compere in the South West's leading adult cabaret venue, 'Barnums'. I had the pleasure of working with hundreds of artistes, including most of the people I'd grown up watching on TV (most of whom were very nice...)

What I'd always really loved most was hosting audience participation game shows so I set about writing my own. I produced an off-the-wall hour of fun and persuaded the 'suits upstairs' to let me present it. 'Mad For It' proved a hit and featured in the entertainment programme for the next two years.

An exciting new high street, live entertainment brand called 'Jumpin Jaks' was being rolled out across the UK and I was delighted to be offered the position of Entertainments Manager. Over six years I launched brand new venues in Swansea, Cardiff and Stevenage as thousands of revelers swarmed through the doors each week to let their hair down and boy, was it a fun time! I had the best job in the world, booking the acts, hosting the party and DJing to capacity crowds every night.

Wondering whether I really ought to settle down and get a proper job, I spent a year engaged as Corporate Projects Manager for booking agency giants Eminence Leisure. Among other things I co-produced the full West End production of ‘Grease Is The Word’ at Disneyland, Paris. All very nice on the cv, but coordinating logistics?.... Not really me.

So I had a look around, dipped a toe in the corporate events ocean, tested the waters and remembering what I loved doing most, came to the best decision I have ever made, I went back to my roots to operate freelance. I spent some serious cash on a PA system, worked hard at building a reputation (and a solid client base!) and now travel to high class venues all over the UK and abroad, supplying over twenty event companies as a host, compere and self-contained DJ.

And I still love it!

An updated list of engagements can be found at:
http://uk.entertainerspro.com/martin.coleman