Ever been given a second opportunity of a lifetime?

Dawn and Jimmi in the audience (Tuesday April 8th, 2014)

Ever been given a second opportunity of a lifetime?

It occurred last Tuesday at the Nova Scotia Westin, in the Commonwealth Room thanks to the Downeast Streeters Society. 


The society secured Jimmi Harkishin, an actor who has portrayed Dev Alahan for 15 years on the incredibly popular UK Soap Coronation Street and had asked me if I would like to host the evening.  Was I excited to meet another member of Corrie?  You Bet!

Last Autumn I received a call asking if I would like to host the Streeters upcoming "An Evening with Marc Baylis" event and accepted immediately.  Really,  how many opportunities in a lifetime would a Corrie Fan have to meet and interview these iconic tv personalities?

Thank you to my BF George

So where do you start?  How do you prepare to entertain the masses and be witty?  I began with watching all the great interviewers of my generation and  hoped for a miracle to happen!  Should I try to channel their style, energy, and ability to have that quite essential bond with their guest or be low key?  Was my research is correct?   

Will miss you and your shows My BF @strombo

My favourite interviewer and satirical  "Boyfriend" on Twitter and Facebook page George Stroumboulopoulos was my inspiration during the lead up to the events. His wit, ability to put his guests at ease even with a video "throwback" of their career inspired me to not a boring host.  George has always been able to connect with his guests and to bring out that other side of the guest that many of us has always wanted to know about bout would never have the opportunity to find out on our own. Thank you George. I am going to miss your show on the Nation's Mother Station.  Sniff...  back on topic....

Marc Baylis 
I began by doing my due diligence with regards to researching the actor, his acting career, the dish on him in the tabloids (which I discounted from the interview), compiling photos, thinking up questions & activities for the show. From the feedback from the first show's audience, I achieved my goal!

Dawn  cracking up after Marc does his impression of Steve (November 2013)

"An Evening with Marc Baylis" was a hit although Marc and I confessed minutes before taking the stage that we were both very nervous as all heck.  It was his first time performing at such an event and when I revealed to him it was my first time hosting, we vowed to have fun on stage and hugged on it.  Marc is an awesome hugger by the way.

Marc was clearly nervous when we hit the stage...  I was too, but when we started conversing about his career and a few of the roles he played prior to Corrie, we both fell into a relaxed groove.

Jimmi Harkishin
With Jimmy, it was like history was repeating itself.  He too was nervous and really not sure what to expect when we hit the stage to a packed house.  After a little banter, audience interaction....  Jimmi and I were able to relax and enjoy the evening of video throwbacks, interesting life stories, and audience participation.  

Dawn and Jimmi on Stage Tuesday (April 8th, 2014)

Pssst ....  Jimmi is a great hugger as well!


Thank you to Downeast Streeters Society for asking me to host both of these events, their support and, trust in me is stellar!  You have made this Corrie Fan a very happy camper!

Would I host another?  Hells YES!