User:Adrian J Andrews
Adrian was born in Twickenham, Middlesex and was working as a Freelance Cartoonist, Illustrator and Graphic Designer when THE TRIPODS first aired.
He was immediately drawn to the series by the BBC trailers alone and once the first episodes started going out he decided that he wanted some kind of involvement.
He began by designing a commemorative t-shirt, and once completed he took some samples to BBC Enterprises, (the then marketing arm of the BBC). The design was immediately rejected by them as, despite being very representative of the show, they explained that as the three principal Actors were included, Royalties would have to be paid to each of them if the shirts went commercial.
Prior to THE TRIPODS, Adrian had assisted in the running of various Science Fiction Fan Clubs and decided that this was the next logical step, so he wrote a letter to the Producer of the show, Richard Bates.
Within the week, Adrian received a phone call from Richard's secretary inviting him along to Shepherds Bush to meet the man himself.
Richard showed great enthusiasm for all the things Adrian had planned for the club, should it get the go-ahead and immediately granted THE LEAGUE OF FREEMEN "Official" status.
The club launched just in time for the airing of Season Two and published a quarterly fanzine entitled "Gazette du Mont Blanc."
Members received an introductory pack once their fees had been processed which included the latest copy of the Gazette, a button badge with the club's logo on it and a plastic membership card.
It was an interview that Adrian chaired in front of the members that triggered a simple remark from Robin Hayter (Fritz Eger) which was to make Adrian change his life's direction for ever. Robin simply complimented him on his professional approach and asked if he had ever considered doing it professionally.
Within a very short while, Adrian had signed up for two years at Richmond Drama School.
When the two years were up, he and two of his fellow students staged a traveling revue called "Laughtrois" in order to get their Equity Cards (British Actor's Union). The final version of the show was actually Directed by John Shackley (Will Parker).
On the day of their very last performance together, the three members of Laughtrois each recieved their Equity cards.
Adrian is now once again in the 'Driving Seat' of THE LEAGUE OF FREEMEN, assisted by Graham (Graz) Richards, and thanks (he says) to his involvement with THE TRIPODS is still working as a professional Actor, Playwrite, Producer and Director as well as a Cartoonist and designer.
Adrian now works and resides in Brighton, East Sussex.
