The last few weeks have been such a wonderful whirlwind of activity that it is a miracle I still have not had Covid.
Last Saturday, accompanied by InterTalent’s MD Alex Segal (the best agent I have ever met), we were guests in the directors’ box of West Ham supremo, The Apprentice’s Karren Brady one of the most incredible people I know. Always fun, and the post-match pie with lashings of gravy was delicious.
The aftercare for youngsters whose dreams of sporting stardom are dashed early on has long been a concern of mine. So, talking to Paul Peschisolido, former successful pro footballer who is married to Karren, I was reassured to learn this is something being addressed seriously by leading clubs. Paul cited as exemplary the care and well-being scheme for players who don’t make the grade run by Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parrish.
With Newcastle being the visitors, Amanda Staveley, Newcastle’s co-owner and her husband Mehrad Ghodoussi were present. Such is the love for Amanda on Tyneside that a local singer has rerecorded Barry Manilow’s Mandy, in her honour, renaming it “Amanda”. Unexpectedly our conversation jumped to nostalgia from the 80s and 90s when we reminisced about Pucci Pizza on the King’s Road in Chelsea where I first met Rod Stewart. This was followed by partying all night at the club, once the epicentre of disco-loving 70s London, L’Equipe Anglaise.
From football to Hollywood, Katrina and I were invited to celebrate Dame Joan Collins’ 20th wedding anniversary with her husband, Percy at Claridge’s. White Tie & Decorations was the dress code so I was proud to wear my OBE “decoration” as were many of the other guests. Joan and Percy were as ever charming, delightful and the perfect hosts.
Along with InterTalent Agent to the stars Ashley Vallance Katrina and I were in prime position, vice-president Karen Sugarman, along with Simon Cowell and his fiancée Lauren Silverman, and Joan’s Dynasty co-star Emma Samms and her husband Simon McCoy.
Thirty years ago, I started the company that became InterTalent above a sandwich shop in Covent Garden. Never did I imagine where my long, winding and wonderful road would lead me. To celebrate our thirtieth anniversary, we are hosting a series of celebrations at the newly refurbished BAFTA on Piccadilly, the first of which was a non-scripted Breakfast. What thrills me most has been the visible fulfillment of our motto “transforming careers for exceptional talent”.
Three weeks ago found me Riyadh-bound for the One Giant LEAP Tech Conference. Some may find it surprising, but I had the most thrilling four days in Saudi Arabia. I interviewed Nelson Mandela’s oldest daughter, Dr Maki Mandela in front of 1000 people. We spoke about her passionate campaign work for diversity and inclusion, social justice and education. I had met her father three times — most memorably when we sat and spoke intimately in 2005.
Also this month, I hosted a VIP box at The Brit Awards with my music business partner Alistair Goldsmith where our Chosen Music business celebrated two BRIT nominations. Alistair leads a company coming out of Covid with over ten billion streams and hits all over the world.
Our great friends Lewis and Mandy Smith celebrated his 60th birthday at Boris and Carrie Johnson’s date night spot Oswald’s. Lewis is one of the world’s leading rare art dealers specialising in antique silver, gold boxes and objects de vertu. So as you can imagine a suitable birthday gift was a challenge. Katrina chose Vilebrequin luxury swimwear.
Naturally, I love seeclients perform on stage. In Frozen, Anna is performed by Stephanie McKeon and when she is off her alternate is agent Sam Day’s fiancée the brilliant Sarah O’Connor. Frustratingly, the night we went, both were off, but the show was still every bit as magical as the animation.
My friend Adam Kenwright is now chair of the Donmar Warehouse to which he kindly invited me to watch Force Majeure. Rory Kinnear is brilliant in this audaciously theatrical stage version of Ruben Östlund’s 2014 black comedy film.
My charity shout-out this month is Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, of which Dame Joan is patron after an association of nearly 20 years. Never has the need for funding of their care for babies, children, and young people with life-limiting conditions, been so great. Just 11 percent of the £8.8 million a year needed to maintain current level of care comes from central government funding. Please visit shootingstar.org.uk and donate.

Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE is chairman of InterTalent Rights Group