Jean Martyn & BGT
at Birmingham NIA
Sent in by readers Bert & Eva Absolom
Eden Park Music Club
Jean speaks out about her BGT tour
We’re lucky to catch her. “I’ve only got a minute, luv,” says Jean Martyn, star of Britain’s Got Talent. “I should be out of the door, I’m playing in Brighton tonight.”
Such is the life of the Brewood-based organist who shot to fame on the UK’s favourite talent show. Tonight Brighton, tomorrow the world.
Jean’s life has changed beyond all recognition since sweeping to success on BGT. And now she’s embarking on a live tour with the show – stopping off in Birmingham tomorrow night (Saturday June 25, 2011).
“It’s the most wonderful experience I’ve ever had in my life,” she says.
“We’re all like one big happy family, everybody gets on and it’s a wonderful atmosphere on the bus.
“I had a standing ovation in Wembley, which was wonderful because it was the eve of my birthday. We’ve been to Cardiff and fans were standing by the gate screaming ‘We love you Jean’, and asking for my photograph.
“I’ve just signed up to Twitter and I’ve already had 2,000 tweets – they are say ‘We love you Jean, you’re a legend’.”
The show reaches Birmingham’s NIA tomorrow and a number of Jean’s friends will be there.
“We’re allocated 10 tickets each and mine are already gone. I can’t believe it, it’s beyond my wildest dreams. It was all down to my Bob, my partner, he started it all off.
“I was on the computer and the logo came up for BGT and Bob encouraged me to have a go. I got the audition and we’ve never looked back.
“David, Amanda and Michael McIntyre are all very supportive. Simon keeps himself to himself, he’s a very, very nice chap and he’s very honest.
“He gave me a very, very good boost when he told me I played fish ‘n’ chips music – that’s the most desirable dish in the UK after all, after curry.”
Jean has been signed up by a London management agency, MRG, and we’lll be hearing more from her.
“There are a lot of exciting things ahead,” she said. “You haven’t seen the last of Jean Martin.
“I played as the organist at St Mary and St Chad’s Church, in Brewood and I do concerts for organ clubs.
“I play at the Wolverhampton Civic occasionally or at the Darlington Street Church, in the middle of Wolverhampton.
“I used to be a music teacher, head of music at Penkridge Middle School, and I didn’t imagine I’d become famous in my retirement. I’ve adapted to my new life, but I’m still me, I haven’t changed.”
Jean will be joined by youthful hometown hero MJ as well as other stars from Britain’s Got Talent during their gig at the NIA.
Around 15 million viewers watched the final of this year’s contest and the show will be hosted by Stephen Mulhern.
Details are available at www.thenia.co.uk
Andy Richardson
See GO COMPARE for how Jean Martyn changed her style of playing (and presentation) for the BGT television programme.
