Dear Friends,
I am back in the saddle again as a swordsman.
Today, 02/06/25 I am being interviewed by Three Counties Radio (3CR) lead journalist Holly Nichols about Fencing and Swordplay (Theatrical Combat on stage and film). Holly will has also requested a fencing lesson, which I am delighted to give.
I will keep you posted on where you will be able to read and or listen to the day's events!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0mrp4v9pexo
Sword fighting actor receives honorary degree
Image source,Wilkinson Productions Ltd
Image caption,Andy Wilkinson appeared in Henry V, a 1989 historical drama based on William Shakespeare's play
Tony Fisher
BBC News, Hertfordshire
Published
5 hours ago
A professional sword master who trains actors and appears in films has been recognised for his work in the arts.
Andy Wilkinson, who lives in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, has been made an honorary graduate of the Open University which is based in Milton Keynes.
He has performed in films including Henry V starring Kenneth Branagh, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves featuring Kevin Costner.
Wilkinson said the Master of University award was "humbling" and said: "This is the very first time in my career I have been acknowledged."
Wilkinson has used his skills in fencing and other weaponry to help him gain an Equity card.
The card serves as proof of membership in the trade union for actors and creative practitioners.
Image source,Open University
Image caption,Wilkinson said his best advice to graduating students was: "Be useful, be helpful, stay positive."
After discovering he was good at teaching, Wilkinson went on to gain a range of qualifications in coaching, eventually becoming head coach of his fencing club.
During 35 years in the business, he has featured in dozens of productions, as well as screenwriting, producing and directing.
He was a writer, choreographer and director for Golden Swords, a play first performed at London's Globe Theatre.
Wilkinson led the British Academy of Fencing team to victory in the World Artistic Fencing Championships. He is an honorary professor of theatrical fencing for the academy.
Wilkinson has also written books on his own life in the industry.
Image source,Wilkinson Productions Ltd
Image caption,Wilkinson has appeared in fighting sequences in front of the camera
Afraid of the Dark
May 14th is the deadline for the Long Propsaol to Radio 4 Commisioners. I can assure you, dear followers, that the entire Wilkinso Productions Audio team, Bruce Bigg (writer), Emily Reader (script development) Carl Prekopp (director) and Richard Shannon (producer) are working very hard to meet this deadline.
As for me, Andy, I have ensured that all the dots and the T's have been taken care of so the creatives can relax.
Things to watch out for in the coming months.
Wilkinson Productions Audio (WPA) has the oppotunity to explore the world of Podcasting, with a show which is already an award winning production called Rainbow Mums.
Rainbow Mums will shortly be joining our ever growing audio programme list.
I have been looking to expand the WPA team to add an experinced Producer/Podcaster to complement our exsisting fantastic talented family.
I promise to keep you fully updated when I have more details to give you.
I have the greatest pleasure in annoucing that Emily Reader has acceptated the role of Script Development Executive for all our Audion Productions.
This is such an exciting time for the Audio department of Wilkinson Productons Ltd.
Tell your friends and collegaures to keep checking back to these pages for more exciting updates!!
On the 29th March 2025, The Open University bestowed an Honorary Master of Arts for my services to the creative industries.
I thank all my colloegues and friends who have been part of my incredible adventures!
Thank you all so very much!
Andy
