The Showbiz Pops Orchestra is greatly honoured to be supported by Honorary Patrons, Edmund Hockridge and Jackie ( Jefferson ) Hockridge.



Edmund Hockridge as "Billy Bigelow" in the 1950 Production of Carousel at The Drury Lane Theatre, London.

Edmund Hockridge first came to the UK with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War working with Robert Farnon and with the Glenn Miller Band.
After a brief return to Canada and leading roles in Don Giovanni, La Boheme and Peter Grimes, a big break came with the chance to play Billy Bigelow (Carousel) at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane. After (what surely must be a record) nearly 1300 performances in that role, he joined the American Cast in the London Production of Guys & Dolls as Skye Masterson. He went on to star in Can Can and Pajama Game from which his hit recording of "Hey There" ensured that his name was known throughout the UK. These years of Musicals were followed by concerts, pantomimes, Royal Command Performances, Palladium Seasons, television appearances and topping the bill on the maiden voyage of the QE2 and regular performances with the Hockridge Family Singers.




Jackie Jefferson made her professional debut in Pantomime with Max Wall. Her first Musical was Bless The Bride followed by The Theatre Royal Drury Lane Production of Carousel, starring in the lead role of Carrie. Next came Wedding In Paris where she understudied Evelyn Laye in the Lead role. The Pajama Game and  Bells Are Ringing followed before she partnered Terry Donovan ( now Mrs Barry Cryer ) in a highly successful Song & Dance Team called "The Taylor Maids".
In their early days The Taylor Maids appeared on television shows such as The Tommy Trinder Show, The Billy Cotton Show and with The Joe Loss Band. After a successful career in London Cabaret both here and abroad came a temporary show-biz farewell as she became Mrs Edmund Hockridge.
After raising their two sons, Jackie's return to show business was inevitable as she joined Edmund on the concert platform in The Musical World of Edmund Hockridge.