Knowing when to quit

As an enthusiastic amateur singer I've performed in 60 shows over 30 years. Now I am rehearsing for Made in Dagenham with a company who, with only a few exceptions, are all probably half my age (I'm 75). It's a huge challenge which I find really beneficial - to keep fit enough for the choreography and alert enough to learn and remember lines and music. I dont think any of them would tell me I was a 'blot on the landscape' (to my face) so it's up to me to decide when it's time to quit. I love singing and performing so much that I will find it hard but I know the time is coming - although I hope I'll still be fit enough to stand and deliver good music for a long time even if the dance steps get too much for me.

Don't agree about Tom Jones. I was never a fan but saw him recently on TV and thought he was good. Rod Stewart has changed his act to reflect his age and is still physically fit and has loads of stamina. I think that is what they should all do, recognise that they have changed and act appropriately.

Some people should simply carry on if they are good at it, Dame Gillian Lynne is a great example www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/dance/10755516/Dame-Gillian-Lynne-88-releases-exercise-DVD-for-oldies.html

She is still working and recently recreated a 'lost' ballet which was well recieved.

A few years ago we went to see Andy Williams - he was about 78 at the time. He came on stage looking small and frail, and I was dreading how he might sound, but then he sang and it took my breath away - the power! Apart from the interval, he sang the whole time and even when they showed video footage of 'that car advert' he sang along to that, too! He was amazing! I should add that I was never a fan, so wasn't expecting to enjoy it at all!

When he did another tour a couple of years later we went to see him again. He was still amazing, but the difference in his voice was obvious compared with the previous concert. I don't think he toured again, he quit while he was ahead.

Nankate, Not Everyone is polite on these forums!
Not mentioning any names

love the Beatles and Hey Jude but Paul McCartney's rendering of it during the closing ceremony of the Olympics was eyewateringly dire.

Wanted to know what Mick Jagger had for breakfast the morning of the Glastonbury performance - and if I could have some. Rock on Mick, and Tom Jones, and Elton and Rod.

John Humphries is a joy, David Attenborough awesome.

Hated Bruce Forsyth since I was a child and very thankful he at last realised he was well past his sell by date. Strictly so much better without him

Oh Annie you have upset my morning. I can't bear the thought of John Humphreys giving up. No, it mustn't happen.

I think Bruce Forsyth must be the human form of Marmite, people either love him or hate him. I'm not saying.

Poor man probably needs the money.

Sorry, John Humphries should pack in asap.
Sadly he is just not as sharp as he once was - and is sometimes even embarrassing.
It isn't about making way for younger people I don't think... it's about, as someone else said, retiring gracefully rather than hanging on!

David Attenborough is still fine for those who like wildlife. () Agree about John Humphrys. Long may he continue both on Today and MAstermind.

I am utterly ashamed to say I can't get along with Nick Robinson on the Today Programme. My hearing is definitely going down and I can't always catch what he's saying. He is a lovely man though, so I hope they ignore the likes of me and keep him on.

I like Bruce Forsythe. Very much actually. I think he is a real people person. Strictly is not the same with just Jess and the daft cow other one.

As shown by the replies it's obviously all a matter of personal taste. I never did like Paul McCartney and still don't. He has no singing talent. Tom Jones still sounds OK. Rod Stewart has realised his limitations and mainly sings songs that match his gravelly voice. We saw Neil Sedaka last year and despite a more feeble body his voice was just the same. He was on stage with no accompaniment just him and a piano. Obviously the demand is there otherwise these shows would not sell out. The Stones can fill stadiums every night so good luck to them. Obviously there are no new groups which the older generation want to see or hear.

I have to disagree about Rod Stewart. I've seen him in concert a couple of times in recent years and not only did his voice still sound great ( I am a fan so probably slightly biased) but he did a full 2-3 hours on stage alone, dancing , singing talking . A great show each time.

I first saw him some 45 years ago and I think he's got better with age.

But I agree some singers just don't have it any more and for me Paul McCartney is one of those ! Also Elton John.

I also saw the Osmonds about 5 years ago and despite the facts that they don't dance about any more, they played their own instruments, sang and gave a thoroughly good concert. ( My DH actually commented during Crazy Horses == they're a bit loud aren't they !!)

I, too love Tom Jones now having never been a fan in the past. Changed his appearance [his son/manager told him to ditch the hair dye] and changed his music. He's revered by younger musicians these days. Ditto Rod Stewart, who I also never liked but I love his new music. The best of them all, though, must be Robert Plant who moved on to bluegrass with great success and now world music and is constantly innovating/changing/learning. David Attenborough to me is 'the voice of wildlife documentaries' and is too old to be 'on camera'. I tried to watch some of the Great Barrier reef programme but fell asleep although I don't think it was his fault entirely...it's just a plain boring programme .

Just want to say that 2 DSs love the Rolling Stones so not just the oldies. One has really been in mourning over the loss of Bowie.

Another example is Bob Dylan - except for a recent improvement in his voice, he should have given up years ago. I think he's still doing his "neverending tour."
Then there's Leonard Cohen, but he doesn't really sing.
As for women, the three ladies in Ripoff Britain are all in their 70s and looking good.

It says in the i today that Michael Caine wants to have a lead part when they make a film about the Hatton Garden robbery. Should be good.

I think.It can be distracting if someone is obviously old and passed it. It is distracting to think about how well they have survived rather than following the play / musical.

There comes a time for a dignified retirement.......mind you Shirley can still belt out the old songs.

I would like to have a word with Casting who thought this one up - stupid - Tommy Steele was never much good for anything really........

jingleBellsFrocks - How very dare you - Claudia Winkelman is lovely - it's the other one with the wonky eye that's the problem........!!!!!

Well I am 86 this year and I have to admit that I cant do what I used to do many years ago.
Having said that I broke my hip in three places in October last year and when I finished up in the recovery hospital my son brought me my laptop in for me to keep in touch with the outside world.
It was comical really because the head of the recovery hospital was doing the rounds and he saw me on the laptop. He came and asked me did I know how to work it??????????????
I looked at him in amazement and said YES I KNEW how to work it and whats more I had a big WW2 website that many folks had contacted me through and also many veterans had sent me their tales to put on my website.
It was him who seemed amazed and said that I was THE only one in the hospital with a laptop apart from the staff and then asked me for the website.
Just because one gets older doesn't mean to say that we are unable to do some things.

Well done Maywalk, I hope your hip's better now.
I'm interested in WW2 too and would like to see your website - can you send me a link to it? On a pm if you like.
I belong to a WW2 forum but it's very male dominated, mostly younger men too.

We'll done to you May keep at it.

Jing I am with you on the two dire birds from Strictly. Their inane chat has stopped me watching the programme. On the rare occasions I see a bit of it I anticipate the words of the blonde presenter as she repeats herself so much e.g. 'Come over her my lovely' bl**dy hell I could puke - do we have a puking emotion ? Rant over.

Judi Dench and Maggie Smith still in their acting prime IMO.

I've seen billy conelly and felt quite sad, he's gotton slower due to illness,also love tom Jones,rod Stewart and Elton, my fav of all time and she still cuts it is Tina Turner.saw her in her last show aged 70 dancing around on stage like a 20 yr old and sounding fantastic!!!!

I think the great Tina Turner is now married and lives in Switzerland in retirement.

Remember Frank Sinatra and all his "come-backs"? But Mary Berry I really admire. Where does she get her stamina?