Writer and presenter Rodney Dale is the author of 30 or more non-fiction books; some on the history of technology, others on topics of particular interest to him, such as jazz, cats in art, urban myths and vintage motoring.

He has given many talks about such interests over the years and, in 1996, he devised an entertainment combining a number of short pieces into a varied programme of general interest, presented as Hello, Mrs Fish (a name derived from James Hilton’s well-known novel), Welcome Back, Mrs Fish, Mrs Fish Swims Again and now Mrs Fish on Tour.

 
Shows are built from half a dozen segments, each lasting 10–15 minutes, with an interval. The possible segments are listed below, although new material is continually added. Segments marked * are based on RD’s published books (with publication date). The presentation is supported by artefacts; projected photographs, drawings and diagrams; and RD at the keyboard.
 

Booking enquiries

If you are interested in an entertainment based on any of the segments, or a whole Mrs Fish programme, please contact Rodney Dale on MrsFish@fernhouse.com. or 01353 740 222.
 

The Choice
Opening segment: Nagasaki
Whatever segments are to follow, this warm-up relates the adventures of the mythical character Nagasaki, so called because he’s both a bit of a nagger, and somewhat sarky.
 
*Halcyon Days (1999)
A nostalgic segment telling some of the stories of RD’s teenage association with post-war vintage motoring, beginning when his father bought a 41/2-litre Bentley chassis.
 
*The Tumour in the Whale (1978)
RD wrote the world’s first collection of what are now called urban legends – in those days they were described as ‘whale-tumour stories’. This segment discusses the urban legend, and presents some of the stories, including examples of life imitating art.
 
*Curious Inventions
Based on Edwardian Inventions 1901–1905 (1978), this segment looks at the British Patent system and some of the odder inventions of the period. The climax is a demonstration of a machine for throwing a circus elephant into a grand piano.
 
*Louis Wain – the man who drew cats (1968, 1991, 2000)
RD wrote the first full-length biography of the Victorian cat artist Louis Wain (1960–1939), which helped to repopularise his subject. This segment tells some of the stories about the research that went into the book.
 
*The Famous Series
This segment focuses on the series of eight Louis Wain pictures often presented as an example of how an artist’s mental state is reflected in his work.
 
*The Anatomy of the Blues
This segment draws on RD’s Teach Yourself Jazz (1997), and presents a simple account of the musical structure of music in general and the Blues in particular, with examples at the keyboard.
 
*The Anatomy of Ragtime
This segment draws on RD’s Teach Yourself Jazz (1997), and presents an account of the musical structure of music in general and Ragtime in particular, with examples at the keyboard.
 
*Puss in Boots (2001)
RD’s epic poem recounting the old fairy tale in 54 stanzas, written for National Poetry Day 2001 and first declaimed in Ely Library on that day.
 
*The Manna-Machine (1978)
A description of some ancient texts which appear to contain a design for an advanced biochemical plant for synthesising a nutritious foodstuff.
 
A selection of poetry
Drawn from RD’s poems, as a segment, or as programme links.

Pedal Power
Based on an after-dinner speech RD gave to the Annual Dinner of Haddenham Easy Riders International (1997), this segment looks at a variety of improbable pedalled vehicles from the 15th Century to modern times.
 
A Review of Likely Trends
With some help from members of the audience, this segment shows how to compile and deliver an all-purpose address to a learned (?) society.
 
Closing segment: The Pre-Emptied Dustbin
Whatever has come before, this rounds off the programme with a commentary on objects ‘found’ in a dustbin.
 

The Support
Before hitting the big time with Rodney Dale Technical Director Roger Fentiman
served his apprenticeship generating visual effects for bands such as Black Sabbath and The Who. For many years he devised special effects for the Haddenham and Stretham pantomimes.
He was Technical Director for the Community Play for East Cambridgeshire Fen Fever, its successor The Chestnut Box, and the original Hello Mrs Fish.

Dan Everard: Sound Engineer
Dan is an electrical engineer and designer who has long been associated with theatre sound, both in the professional and amateur worlds. His design of a specialist theatre sound desk in the 70s was among the first in the field.

’Lottie Fentiman: Lighting Designer
Has been involved with lighting many local productions and performances, including The Chestnut Box and The Girl, and several Stretham pantomimes.

On Mrs Fish . . .
 
‘Rodney is one of those rare, enviable creatures who bridge the Two Cultures ... A sense of fantasy and absurdity ...’ – George Melly
 
 
'One-man show found a plaice in my heart'...
 
"Welcome back, Mrs Fish Aldreth Village Centre
RODNEY Dale presented a heart-warming glimpse of his uniquely absorbing character in his one-man show.
It was packed with humour and detail which left no doubt that he is one of those rare individuals who has been able to follow a special interest from the age of six when he wrote his first work entitled How To Write A Book.
Rodney's interests have since developed and extended. In his show, details of these varied interest combined well with his considerable talent to provide moments of heightened comedy, intrigue and intellectual stimulus that made the evening a special event.
Rodney spoke clearly, warmly and beguilingly on subjects that ranged from in-depth knowledge of vintage cars, and language to the lives of eccentric characters.
There were many highlights. His poetic narration of The Tale of Puss in Boots was delightful with the words flowing with rhythmical charm. The wry sense of humour that pervaded the poem was remniscient of Roald Dahl - without the menace.
Rodney's pun-packed tale of his 'friend' Nagasaki opened his show in a lively and entertaining way and this was followed appropriately with a more serious and engaging series of urban myths in The Tumour in the Whale.
Rodney's years of research into Louis Wain - the man who drew cats - also provided some very sympathetic and thought-provoking items.
As if this was not sufficient to prove his talent, Rodney also displayed an impressive ability to perform jazz, specifically Ragtime.
The evening was well worth attending with technical director Roger Fentiman providing invaluable illustrations on a screen as Rodney spoke. Script advisor John Shippey also played a supportive role.
It is good news that Rodney plans to take his one-man show to other venues in the locality next year."

– Rosemary Westwell
Ely Standard - Thursday, Novemeber 21, 2002