MIKE MARAN, A TRIBUTE

Some of you may remember the unique talent that was writer and performer Mike Maran. A regular solo act at the Mumford Theatre, the old Drama Centre and latterly Stapleford Granary, he was ‘once seen, never forgotten’. He was the writer and performer in his own shows such as ‘Captain Correli’s Mandolin’, ‘Dante’s Inferno’ and the unforgettable ‘A Funny Valentine’, based on the life of troubled jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. Maran glowed with warmth, and stage presence: not quite an actor, but very much a dramatic storyteller, his works were infused with is own passion for the subject whether it was Gustav Mahler or Platero the donkey. Many of his beautiful theatre creations had an Italian theme. Maran was the child of Italians who settled in Edinburgh. Though living in Cambridge, Mike’s deeply rich Scots voice was one of his many charms. Others included his precise musical timing, fitting his words perfectly with the rhythm of the musical accompaniment. His delivery had a gorgeous poetry about them, almost like song lyrics.

Mike Maran once rode a scooter to Rome to raise funds for Addenbrookes which had saved his life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He succumbed several years later and died at the Arthur Rank Hospice in 2024. The tribute to Mike’s work will include live jazz, clips from his shows, and readings from his novel, ‘The Baton’. A joyous epicurean, no evening with Mike Maran would be complete without Italian food and drink. The event will take place from 4pm on Saturday 14 March, Little Shelford Village Hall.

email christajostock@hotmail.com if you wish to join in the fun.

From ‘A FUNNY VALENTINE’