Mark Weeks Photojournal

Kathy Burke phoning Maurice

I am a die hard fan of Kathy Burke. My friend Maurice Suyderyhoud introduced me to her show Gimme, Gimme, Gimme when I was living in Amsterdam. The show is as camp as Christmas and has endless lines that have become ingrained in my mind and in general part of my overall lexicon. My favorite lines of all time remain “I chew corn for gummy parrots” (when asked what she does) and “36-double-D, what size is YOUR inseam” (perfect way to answer any incoming telephone call).

So…tonight Stuart of Terrence Higgins Trust asked me to photograph a dinner party for the THT Supperclub. The party, hosted by Antony Cotton, was held at the Park Lane Hilton and  included a handful of who’s-who of British television, most significantly (for me) was Kathy Burke.

I arrived early and after informal introductions, we walked to the table. One our way there, I casually mentioned to Kathy that two of my favorite lines were from her show, and that my friend Maurice and I continued this banter (after what…seven years???). She chuckled and offered to call him. After I’d shot a few photos, the group invited me to have a cocktail with them. After a few sips, Kathy asked for my phone to call Maurice. When he answered she asked if it was Maurice and then said the famed line “36DD” to which he replied (as if on cue) “I chew corn for gummy parrots.” It truly was a true giggle. She lived up to any expectation I could have wished for. So kind and lovely. Thanks for making my night!