GOGGLEBOX FAVOURITE SANDRA MARTIN SPEAKS AT MEDIA HUB

She was one of the most popular characters on Channel 4’s Gogglebox sofa until she quit the show in the summer, and now she is turning her hand to pantomime. TV celebrity Sandra Martin was the special guest at the Media Hub in Cookham on Tuesday, 21st November. The charismatic grandmother, who hails from Brixton in South London, was in conversation with Gemma Alexander, a Breakfast presenter from Marlow FM, who also co-runs the TV Training Academy at Pinewood. Sandra shared many anecdotes from her colourful life and career and gave the guests at the Hub an insider’s view on what it was like working on Gogglebox. Sandra will be playing the Spirit of the Ring in the pantomime Aladdin at the Pearce Suite Theatre, at the Magnet Leisure Centre, from December 9th until December 31st, alongside CBeebies presenter Nisha Anil, who will be Princess Jasmine. “I have no stage nerves, I love cameras!” says Sandra, who was a comedian before appearing on Gogglebox. “It’s only five years ago that I started doing stage work and, apparently, I’ve got a built-in talent. I love the crowds, I love entertaining – I’m an entertainer – a born entertainer!” The Media Hub is the south-east’s leading group of media professionals and includes producers, directors, writers, bloggers, actors, photographers, media trainers and consultants. Previous guest speakers have included Theresa May, Princess Esméralda of Belgium and film producer Charlotte Windle-Mikkelborg.

Founder Sarah Parfitt says: “When we had our first gathering back in June 2013, we had no idea how many freelance media professionals there were in the area, many of whom work remotely from home. Although we all very connected because of Social Media these days, there’s nothing like a face to face catch-up. I am incredibly grateful to the businesses which have made the Media Hub the success it is today – the Bel and the Dragon, Carillion Communications, The TV Training Academy and Mah Images.

"At the Hub last week, Sandra was incredibly funny and we had a fantastic evening. She has an innate ability to connect with people and make them feel better about life. She makes the ordinary seem extraordinary. She shared everyday anecdotes about her relationships, rings, tattoos and why she likes travelling by bus and posting bus-stop photos on Social Media – she had us all in stitches."

“I love how supportive all the members of the Media Hub are,” says Gemma Alexander. “There are always great speakers and you can learn from their success and everyone is always happy to share advice. I always come away from their events with new connections, ideas and opportunities.” If you work in the media and would like to join the Media Hub, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MediaHub/videos/ or email or phone Sarah Parfitt: sarah_parfitt@mail.com. Mob: 07900 4117 15.