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Brenda has always been involved in the world of
entertaining, even from an early age. As a child, she was part of the Chapel
Choir, Durham County Youth Choir and took part in School Opera
performances.
Her big step into the industry came while she was working in a solicitor's
office. One night, travelling home by bus, she was asked by a boy sat nearby
if she would like to join a group. That man would later become her husband.
She attended the practice sessions and enjoyed herself so much she took the
group up on their offer and joined.
Krack of Dorn was born, and began touring the club scene.
"I remember our first gig" said Brenda, "I think our fee was
£10!"
Not long after, they took a big risk and left their 'day jobs' behind in
a bid to turn professional. They travelled the country, working in a club
and then moving onto a nightclub, and were working every
night.
While the money came in, the constant singing took it's toll on Brenda's
voice and she was ordered to stop singing for two years because of damage
caused to her larynx. Brenda and John then stumbled upon the idea of launching
a mime act, and a show of 2 x 45minute sets were developed. Along with the
change of style came a slight change of name - to Krack and
Dorn.
John and Brenda have two sons, and always made a point of working at venues
where they could be home for the boys getting up for school in the morning,
and coming in from school in the evenings.
They began to work in clubs and army bases abroad, and it was there they
met an act called Clive Webb (the mad magician). They became great friends
and Clive asked Brenda to be his assistant while he appeared at the London
Palladium.
Krack and Dorn made several television appearances, featuring in the first
New Faces programme, Seaside Special, Game for a Laugh, and have worked with
some of the big names of the day including Russ Abbott, Frank Carson, Chubby
Brown, the late Bernard Manning and Bruce Forsyth.
But John was becoming tired of working in showbusiness, and he decided to
get a 'real job'. From that point on, Brenda Collins was
born.
Brenda said, "I enjoy every minute of working, and have just recently appeared
on local television for ITV Tyne Tees in their series "That's Entertainment"
and also "It's Funny Up North". I work in hotels, pubs, clubs, holiday parks
- basically anywhere that's got a stage!"
Brenda is now also working as an entertainer on board cruise liners for Thomsons
Cruises, travelling all over the world.
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