HMS Somerset shows Taranto how to Party!

The ships company of HMS Somerset had a whale of time at the recent CSE show in Taranto, Italy. Whilst it could be argued that Taranto is a slightly less salubrious part of Italy where mod cons like efficient air conditioning have yet to fully take on this did nothing to dampen the spirits of the ship's company.The girls and boys had gone to great efforts and all arrived looking fabulous - considering how many of you had to share bathrooms that really was no mean feat!

The show kicked off with comedy from Phil Butler and Andy Askins who had everyone doubled up with laughter. The CSE Dancers shook their thang and the boys all did the “I'm not staring at her bottom” face that we've come to know and love over the years. Those crazy boys from The Zoo kicked off the 2nd half in fine style and ensured that no one left the dance floor until they said so!

It wasn't the easiest tour we've ever done, it wasn't the nicest place we've ever visited but it was certainly a lot of fun and a night out the boys and girls will be talking about for a long time to come.

Here are a couple of quotes from the ship:

“I had a fantastic time, and honestly can't think of anything negative to say about the evening!! “

“As with the last CSE show I will treasure the memories for the rest of my navy career!”

"I though it was excellent. The performers interacted perfectly with the ship's company and you could tell from the reaction they got that the troops enjoyed the show.”

Tour Photos

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The boys and gals engage in the comedy.

Phil Butler gets some chewing gum removal assistance..

Ad IT, Played IT, Stormed IT!

Bandeoke Back By Popular Demand In Kosovo

We had laughs aplenty, a family re-union and some great performances from the guys and gals of NSE when the powers that be requested CSE bring back Bandeoke to Slim Lines for not one but two nights.

Comedians Barry Castagnola and Silky opened proceedings and we almost had tears when after a glimmer of recognition, Silky found his cousin in the audience…having not seen him for many years!

Armed with the trusty dressing up box and even more tunes on the song-list it was soon over to the audience who needed little persuasion to don their costumes, pick up their inflatable guitars and get groovy with the mic.

It soon became clear that there were several emerging stars in our midst, including Rat Boy, who really got the audience going and was chanted back onstage for an encore! He was so popular we invited him back to kick off the next night, where an initially shy Charlie soon found his voice and even did a Summer Nights duet with our very own Sakina.

The British Ambassador and his daughter came along to the second show (no ferrero rocher jokes please) and he delighted all by taking his turn with One Night Stand and singing a little ditty.

Thanks to those brave souls who got up and gave it their all! Big thanks also to the team who looked after us so well and made us feel so welcome on camp.

Tour Photos

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Charlie works the crowd.

Barry Castagnola entertains us all.

Getting up close and personal.

A family affair - Silky with his cousin Ritchie.

They Came, They Danced...And We Picked The Best Of The Bunch

1 advert in The Stage

1 dance studio in Elephant and castle

170+ Girls in leg warmers

….it can only be one thing – The CSE Dance Auditions

If CSE ever hear Madonna's "4 Minutes" again it'll be too soon, but 17 lucky girls learnt some intricate steps to this very song, danced their way through some tough auditions and will be appearing on a stage near you soon!

It was a great day, turnout was staggering and we had to split the auditions into 3 sessions. Each one started with Ruth and Julie from Underwraps teaching the group a routine which tested their dancing skills to the max.

Before long the mirrors were steamed up and the lovely ladies then strutted their stuff for us in sixes while we whittled them down.

Well done to those who got though and we look forward to seeing you on tour soon!

BRITISH FOOTBALL HERO MEETS SOME SPECIAL HEROES

Alan Hansen tackles Selly Oak Hospital

Liverpool legend and BBC's Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen offered a much deserved morale boost to staff, patients and families at Selly Oak Hospital on a recent CSE visit. Joined by his wife Janet, Alan brought smiles to the faces of the injured service personnel from locations including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Eager to pick the brain of one of the nation's leading authorities on football, patients happily chatted with Alan about their favourite teams and more importantly, Euro2008! Complementing staff on their excellent work, Alan posed for pictures, signed autographs and some sweet treats were provided by CSE.

Deeply touched by his experience, Alan stated, “These lads and their families have been through a really tough time, it was a pleasure to come and meet them”.

There was a great buzz throughout the building as people recognised the famous visitor walking through the halls of Selly Oak, lighting up everyone's faces.

Thanks to Alan for donating his time as his visit did wonders to lift the spirits of patients and staff!

ARE YOU A DANCER? THEN CSE NEEDS YOU!!!

CSE and Underwraps hold open audition to find new CSE dancing blood

On Wednesday, 18 th June, CSE (Combined Services Entertainment) in association with dance agency Underwraps will be holding auditions at Husky Studios in Elephant and Castle to find new recruits to the CSE Dancers Troupe.

There are around 20 girls who regularly work for CSE and they are all hugely enthusiastic and proud of what they do. They work hard during the shows performing several high energy commercial dance routines on their own and with the bands. In addition to this their work continues off stage posing for photos and chatting with troops keen to meet these talented and glamorous girls. Living conditions can vary wildly from 5 star hotels in Dubai to shared tents in Afghanistan. One thing is certain, the perfect CSE Dancer needs to have a sparkling personality, proven ability, a great image and a keen sense of adventure!

CSE will audition dancers on Wednesday, 18th June at 2PM at Husky Studios 29A Amelia Street, Elephant and Castle SE17 3PY. Please bring CV and photos and wear trainers.

JOIN THE CSE FACEBOOK GROUP

Are you a facebook user? Then join our group NOW!

We now have our very own group on popular social networking site facebook

Please join our group and post all your suggestions pictures, comments and memories of CSE here! We would love to hear from you and if you are in the forces world this is your chance to tell us what you want!

If you dont have your own facebook, get yourself signed up and come and find us!

ANOTHER GOLD FOR DU'AINE LADEJO

CSE sends this Predator of Gladiator proportions to Germany

He is already a superstar on the athletics field and now he has won first place in the hearts of the families of 4 th Mechanized Brigade whose loved ones are deployed on operations in Iraq.

Du'aine Ladejo, a two-time Olympic medallist and star of 'Gladiators', took time out of a busy schedule to visit the wives and children of forces families based in Osnabrück Germany. His morale boosting visit organised by CSE came at an important time for the families as they prepare to welcome home their loved ones after 6 months in Iraq.

Whilst the media focus on the soldiers and the role they undertake on operations Du'aine was taken aback by the way that the families cope with the separation and the stresses that they endure during a deployment.

As a keen promoter of sports in schools Du'aine was honoured to present the winning trophies to the teams who had taken part in a football tournament. It was clear that the children were in awe of this athlete and all that he has achieved.

This is my first CSE Tour and I have really enjoyed it”, explained Du'aine, “I have been going to schools for 14 years but I have not had any contact with the Army and after today I am really looking forward to working with CSE again!"

The excitement over the visit was fuelled by his recent appearance on the new hit TV series ‘Gladiators'. As ‘Predator' Du'aine Ladejo insists he is ‘one of the good ones' and whilst the younger children were in awe, one teenager threw down the gauntlet whilst a young toddler decided to try and stare him out.

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Gladiator ready... Contender ready...

Meeting and Greeting

The mums's all love Du'aine...

...and so do the kids!

CSE and the BFBS Big Salute Comedy Night in London

Waves of CSE Laughter Hit The Thames!

April saw the first ever CSE Comedy Club gig in London at the Tattershall Castle on the banks of the River Thames. CSE, usually more at home in the hangers and mess halls of Afghanistan and Iraq, brought comedy home to a very appreciative crowd all in aid of the BFBS Big Salute.

We rounded up a bevy of the best in UK comedy talent to perform for the audience of over 150 paying guests. Andy Askins, Phil Butler, Ricky Grover, Mark Walker and Paul Zerdin left everyone helpless with laughter - not a bad way to spend a very wet Monday night.

The audience was made up of MOD staff, serving and ex military personnel, members of the public, representatives from the 5 charities being supported by the Big Salute and many CSE performers who came down to show their support.

In total the night raised a whopping £1,990 through the sale of tickets, wristbands and t-shirts.

The Big Salute is a new annual Forces Fundraiser which will raise money for 5 forces charities - BLESMA (for limbless ex servicemen), Combat Stress (for sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress), St Dunstans (for visually impaired ex servicemen), Veterans Aid (for homeless ex servicemen) and Headley Court (the Military rehabilitation centre in Surrey).

CSE was very happy to be a part of the Big Salute and thanks to everyone to helped make this evening a great success.

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Andy Askins sings a comic tune.

Is that an Axe in your hand Phil?

Mark Walker keeps all onboard the Tattershall Castle laughing. .

Meet Paul Zerdin & the lovely Sam.

LOADED LINDSEY STRUTT'S HER STUFF IN GERMANY

This was possibly the best day to have been part of the Rear Party stationed in Osnabrük and Münster. British soldiers clamoured to meet Loaded magazine's latest glamour model Lindsey Strutt on her whistle stop tour of their bases.

Lindsey provided the boys in the Rear Party, who are guarding units in Germany while waiting to be deployed, a much deserved bit of fun away from home. Dressed as a sniper in a ghillie suit, Lindsey felt the weight of several weapons, got to grips with a warrior and was even up close and personal in a Challenger Tank!

Lindsey posed with soldiers she had previously met in Iraq, and others who had only days before returned from Afghanistan. One soldier even delayed going home so that he could meet her! After spending an afternoon on their best behaviour and not wanting to let Lindsey go, soldiers from 21 Royal Engineer Regiment seized the opportunity and locked her up in a cell in the guardroom!

The glamorous Doncaster native commented on how much she enjoyed the trip by saying, “I loved meeting and talking to the soldiers. I enjoy trying out the opportunities that I wouldn't get if I were not in this job. I get asked to do all sorts of things and I am ready to give anything a go; although it was a bit scary on the horse!”

Tour Photos

It looks like a bit of a squeeze in there.

All smile for a group shot.

I hope she's not been pulled over for a ticket!

When HMS ENDURANCE stopped off at MPC, CSE was there to give them some well-earned escapism. We had a fabulous Ship's visit and could not believe the amazing views from the wardroom aboard this icebreaker.

Yianni Agisilaou , Phil Walker, Electric Mayhem & the CSE Dancers had the chance to chat to most of the ship's company who happily shared the odd tale or too!

Later that evening 180 sailors were treated to an intimate yet interactive gig and despite the size of the venue the audience filled the space with enough noise and presence to start an avalanche. Huge thanks from all of us and we look forward to our paths crossing in the future.

Tour Photos - Thanks once more to the MPC Photo Section.

Doll - vocals, keyboard & guitar in Electric Mayhem

Phil Walker rises to the challenge.

We really did go there and the shades are necessity not accessory!

Falklands Fun at The Gull & Penguin

Did any body actually see a penguin?

What glorious weather met us when we (finally) arrived in the Falklands. Not a cloud in the blue sky and a panic to dig out the high factor sun creams before the ‘burn' set it.

The Electric Mayhem, Yianni Agisilaou , Phil Walker and the CSE dancers performed 3 outstanding shows to a packed audience at the Gull and Penguin. Personnel based at MPA and the ship's company from HMS CLYDE rocked the joint – truly awesome!

We were also treated to some amazing section visits and had the chance to meet some of you going about your day jobs. And you can't do a visit to the Falklands without coming back with hundreds of pictures of penguins! So a big thank you for making us feel so welcome and we can't wait to come back do it again.

Tour Photos- Many thanks to the FI photo section for the excellent photos:

Irvine 'the Turbine' on bass

Meg, Jess & Shereen

Sam on lead guitar and vocals

Couldn't not inlcude him could we?

Lucie Wows & James Rocks Out in Afghanistan

Troops in Afghanistan were treated to an entertainment extravaganza when CSE rolled into town last week.  Platinum selling solo artist Lucie Silvas was joined by CSE stalwart James Fox for 6 spectacular shows in Camp Bastion, Kabul and Kandahar.  Of course no CSE tour would be complete without a bevy of CSE Dancers. Jane Victory, Julie Chitty, Liane Everitt and Claudia Evans opened the show to roars and wolf whistles of approval from the crowd.  Two of the UK's comedy circuit's finest talents Mark Walker and Sean Collins providing laughs in between some very high energy dance routines. 

The tour was an endurance test with several flights across country via Hercules aircraft, some very early mornings and some pretty late nights too!  The cast were treated to every extreme including a sandstorm, ice and searing heat!  Well over 4000 troops managed to see a show - the biggest CSE shows for 5 years.  Lucie said "It's such a pleasure to come here and play for these guys, everyone has been so lovely and the response has been amazing!"  Lucie really wowed the audiences with her incredible voice and had some fantastic banter with them, they were eating out of her hand by the end of the night and roaring for more!  James Fox also rocked out and got everyone singing along.

This was not a gig for the faint hearted and although nervous everyone took things in their stride and coped well with the basic conditions.  James said "We're only here for a few days, these guys do this for 6 months in all weathers, you can only respect and admire that"

Click HERE to view footage of James Fox wowing the audience in Afghanistan!

Tour Photos

MC Sean Collins sets the Rythym

Lucie, James & the CSE Dancers

Can you see them?

An OZZY Suprise for Selly Oak.

There were more than a few double takes when CSE made a suprise visit to the RCDM at Selly Oak recently to try and spread a little cheer on the ward.

And who better than a member of the first family of celebrity royalty, fresh from the Brits two days before.

Ozzy Osbourne has been looking forward to showing his support for the troops for a number of years and this was an ideal opportunity for him to meet patients, families and staff face to face, while he was in the UK.

He spent more than two hours chatting, having his photo taken and giving out gifts to each of the forces patients and their visitors.

Here's hoping CSE will get to work more with Ozzy in the future, he was a real gent, completely down to earth and genuine in his support for what's happening in the forces world.

After the visit he headed straight back to LA to prepare for the next leg of his live world tour, in Australia and New Zealand.

Ozzy Osbourne...we salute you!

Sailors, singers and sexy ladies in Salalah.

When RFA ARGUS came alongside in Salalah, much to the surprise of the ships company, CSE pitched up as well!

The cast were treated to a ships visit making a great opportunity for our Comedians, Rudi and Colin, to get to know the key characters and create a personal touch to the evening's entertainment! X-Ray Lima's lead guitarist, Sen, was even given a master class by a budding new band member! We think it made all the difference!!

The production crew toiled all day at the venue and gave us the setting for a night to remember. With the buffet out of the way the show got underway. Colin Cole opened the evening, and woe betide any brave person venturing to the bar during his act!! The CSE Dancers high kicked, gyrated and threw off their (faux) furs – all in the best possible taste. Rudi Lickwood had us in stitches ‘init' and the night just got better with X-Ray Lima giving their all. Now we know not everyone likes to dance but RFA ARGUS you certainly made the band earn their keep; so they were mega-chuffed when at last you succumbed and boogied along at the end of the night.

We had a blast and hope you did too – after all CSE is your party.

We'd just like to send our love and best wishes to everyone on HMS ARGYLL – maybe our paths will cross before the end of the year.

More Photos - Click on the thumbnail images to view the larger image.

Sen gets a lesson in time for the show

Colin dominates the audience!

X-Ray Lima & the CSE Dancers.

Rudi does his thing. .

WHERE HAVE WE BEEN??

Don't you just hate looking at websites that are out of date and are quite obviously not being taken seriously? Well, CSE must confess to being guilty and we hold our hands up – but rest assured we're back and it won't happen again.

Our reasons for this ‘lapse' are entirely genuine! Firstly, Angie decided to have a baby. We now welcome Angie back to work and say hi to baby Joe, - he's already getting used to his mum being on tour. Then we said goodbye to Georgina who, after 4 very happy years, was offered a big gig which she'd have been daft to turn down. (Those of you have met George know she is many things - daft is not one of them). We miss her but we've moved on and we're delighted that Claire joined the team. Claire had previously worked in BFBS Radio during University terms; that was until we pinched her and introduced her to CSE.

The final and most valid reason was the sheer volume of CSE work. Please excuse the boasting but we're quite proud of our achievements. In the last 12 months CSE has doubled the number of shows it delivered and is set to double that again for 2008. That's quite impressive for a bunch of girls (even if we can multi-task).

On a serious note, we would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who comes the shows, to all those who get involved on and off the stage and behind the scenes. Without your participation CSE wouldn't be the success it is.

We are looking forward to meeting you when we're next in your location. If you haven't had the CSE experience check out some of the tour reports below and you'll get a feel for what's in store. If you're coming back from Iraq or Afghanistan we'll definately see you on your way home.

Promise this page will be different if you log on again in March.

CSE Team x

The CSE Comedy Club was back in Iraq in January.

Comedians Colin Cole, Rudi Lickwood, Tom Stade and Paul Tonkinson performed 7 shows in The COB and one show at Camp Beuhring in Kuwait.

The four funnymen endured daily “take cover” drills – this involves hearing a siren and hurling yourself under cover whilst donning a flak jacket and helmet. Colin Cole – who stands at an impressive 6ft 7” - proved that big fellas can jump (very quickly) when he dived over a wall in record time! Meanwhile Paul Tonkinson discovered that keeping your keys in the front pocket of your jeans was a serious error when a hard landing took him by surprise and nearly ended his hopes of having more children. There was even a drill 2 minutes before the start of a show. As they say in show business “the show must go on” and it only ended up starting ten minutes late. For troops in Basrah daily take cover drills are an unpleasant but regular fact of life. For the four comedians it was a chance to experience the harsh realities their audience face daily and still find some humour in it.

As if spending time face down in the dirt wasn't bad enough there was also a complete loss of running water for 24 hours which meant no showers and no flushing loos! It's amazing what can be achieved with a baby wipe and some Lynx although everyone was relieved to get a wash when it came back on!

Rudi Lickwood sumed it up for everyone:“It was full on but the shows were great and the audiences were brilliant. I really enjoyed it but was pleased to get home. I've total respect for the guys who spend 6 months doing that every day!” .

BANDEOKE - KOSOVO GETS IT FIRST.

What? Me sing? On stage? With my very own band?

Yep that's the brand new Bandeoke format that takes karaoke one-step further.

So CSE pitched up in Kosovo with a band, a dressing up box, over 250 songs with words then stood back and let the audience set the scene for an evening's fun.

OK people were a little bit shy to start off with but once the warm up acts Phil Butler and Phil Walker showed 'em how it's done the evening soon got underway. You don't even have to be able to sing as Angie and Claire were happy to prove.

So when Bandeoke comes to your location dig out your Elvis or ABBA costumes and mosh along to your fave raves!

Tour Photos

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Tee was definately not going to sing and 3 songs later...

"Can you put some more air in it?"

Goldilocks had a night off from the 3 bears

Tinker and Trousers do a duet - badly!

EAST MEETS WEST

Bollywood comes to Cyprus

Sofia Hayat is billed as Britain's leading Asian actress and it looks like she can add ‘Gurkha Sweetheart' to her list of credits following her visit to 10 Transport Regiment and Queens Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment at Ledra Palace in Cyprus.

With Sofia suited and booted in her loaned desert combat, the UN soldiers treated her to a display of their specialist skills and capabilities during the day. That evening Sofia reciprocated with a display of her own talents.

Out of the uniform and into a specially designed 'opaque' (that means tastefully see through) dress the evenings entertainment commenced with Sofia being piped in by the Regiment bagpiper and then treated to the famous Kukri dance. Sofia took the stage singing a couple of Asian numbers and a classic Christmas carol.

This was followed by a costume change and an impromptu Bollywood Dancing master class which the regiment threw themselves into enthusiastically.

Sofia had a fab time meeting everyone and said "I am genuinely delighted to have met the regiment and feel truly humbled by how hard they work and what dangerous and challenging jobs they do. I hope I can do more for them in the future".

We know we have a number of Ghurkha fans in the CSE audience and it's been great to identify an artiste, a talented one at that, who can cross the cultures bringing Hindi speaking, Bollywood dancing, FHM cover girl, actress and singer all in one very atrractive package.

Tour Photos

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This is what it's all about.

You can't help but notice the 'Help for Heroes' bracelet.

Think they've done this pose before.

It's true Ghurkas can cook.

LEE'S BACKYARD IN BASRAH

Lee Hurst understands how difficult life can be for the British Forces serving in Iraq, especially during the build up to Christmas. So Angie wasn't surprised when he was on the phone in November asking her to ‘make it happen'. Lee loves these gigs and freely gave his time to bring a smile and morale boost to the service personnel in Basra.

So - 1 man, no props, pots of energy and loadsa laughter was delivered twice nightly while the boys and girls had some well earned down time.

It's not easy in Iraq; there is some serious work going on but Lee was made to feel very welcome and during the day he was treated to a number of equipment demonstrations. He even got to practice a few operational drills and although this really brings home the reality of being deployed to Iraq, Lee brought much hilarity to routines.

Huge thanks to Lee and to everyone in Basra who made his visit all the more enjoyable. We know gigging in Iraq isn't everyone's cup of tea and it does take a special kind of person do this. Lee you are special! .

Tour Photos

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Lee goes solo.

Lee meet Lee - he loves it!

And I thought he did it without props?

Click here to watch BFBS Reports coverage - it's after the Sofia piece