Following Me Feet

Have you heard the one about the dyslexic gay boy who loved to dance? No? Well, sit back and I’ll tell you his story…

Malcolm ‘Mick’ Hilbery was born to proud Cockney parents in the summer of 1935. His early childhood was overshadowed by the war and the tragedy of a family who had already lost children. Mick would pray by his bedside every night for older brother Les, who was serving in the Navy.

Mick’s dyslexia meant that school would always be a struggle. But he was dealt one decent card in life, a real ace: he could dance. Not only that, he had an instinct for performing. The system didn’t understand Mick and labelled him a dunce, but his true talents took him from a sleepy Essex village to the bright lights of television, and professional entertainment.

In a career spanning six decades Mick overcame his challenges and worked with some of the biggest stars of screen and stage, living the performer’s life, and in his own words ‘following me feet’.

This is his story.