Maurice started dancing at a very early age, learning Ukrainian Cossack dancing from his Dad and Tap from his Mum. Through a local dancing school in Bedfordshire he entered many festivals, usually taking first place, one year there weren't enough shelves in the house for all the cups - including the Lord Mayor of Cambridge cup for the most outstanding performance, the Milton Keynes Development Corporation plate for the best solo dance at the all winners final and The Olga Webb trophy for the highest marks - 97 in fact.
At 13, Maurice was invited to dance on Blue Peter. See VIDEOS page He performed his Ukrainian Cossack sabre dance, was interviewed by Leslie Judd and ended up teaching her some of his steps under the watchful eyes of John Noakes and Peter Purves - not forgetting the animals. This then led to two more appearances on TV - Spot On for BBC Look East and About Anglia's Christmas Show. Many years later when Blue Peter celebrated its 30th birthday, he was invited to be part of the celebratory documentary which traced people who were either working as or still doing what they did on the programme when they were young, 'Here's One I Made Earlier' aired on BBC2 in the late 90's. See VIDEOS page As an actor Maurice appeared in many TV walk on and small part roles in favourites such as Allo Allo, Bergerac and Marjorie and Men to name but a few. He regularly turns up on UK Gold looking much younger!!
After leaving school, he attended classes at London's Pineapple Studios and Danceworks, gaining knowledge in Tap and Modern dance styles.
Maurice has been dancing for over 50 years, performing all over the world. He started as a singer and dancer in a summer show in Jersey. Other summer season variety shows have been in Scarborough, Whitby, Bridlington, Blackpool, Weymouth and the Isle of Wight. He was also one of the regulars appearing at London’s Brick Lane Music Hall and in The Good Old Days at the City Varieties in Leeds.
In addition to summer season, Maurice has appeared in pantomimes in many theatres around the country playing a variety of roles from Chinese Policeman to Brokers Man and even the back end of a tap dancing cow! His favourites have been Wishee Washee in Aladdin, Buttons in Cinderella and Simple Simon in Jack and the Beanstalk. These days he produces his own pantos in Bedfordshire playing Dame and he regularly takes his shows for short runs at the Leicester Square Theatre in London.
He worked in four summer seasons at The Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne and was delighted to be asked to appear in the 25th celebratory production of Seaside Special at the famous end of the pier theatre in Cromer. See VIDEOS page He was also featured in the BBC’s fly on the wall documentary, which showed a behind the scenes look at the making of this successful show. So popular was his act with the Norfolk audiences he was asked to return the following year.
During a season in Whitby in the 80’s, Maurice met Millicent Simmonds, a well-known dancer and teacher, who introduced him to Cynthia Haslam and Eileen Meacock. This started a long and happy friendship and an introduction to The National Association of Teachers of Dancing. In between seasons, Maurice attended classes at The Richmond Academy of Dancing and soon gained his first teaching qualifications with Eileen Meacock. Further training through Sharon Potter and Annette Hufton meant Maurice was almost at the top of the dance tree.
He taught Ballet, Tap and Modern theatre dance at his studio in Ampthill for over 30 years, making his school one of the most established dance schools in the county. Many of his students have followed him into show business enjoying work in London’s west end, tours and variety.
In 2016, Maurice was thrilled to be asked to direct, choreograph and play Don Lockwood in WAOS production of Singin' in the Rain at the Castle Theatre, Wellingborough. The production was nominated for the NODA best musical award. He returned to choreograph and direct their 2017 production of Anything Goes. He returned to direct and choreograph their 2017 production of Anything Goes and Half A Sixpence in 2019.
In his home town of Ampthill in July 2018 Maurice was thrilled to present a production of the Fred and Ginger musical Top Hat. Not only did he produce, direct and choreograph it, but he also played the Astaire role Gerry Travers.
In June 2021, Maurice decided that it was time for a change and he is now entertaining a new audience overseas - on the Isle of Wight, where he now lives. He is enjoying busking, entertaining the locals, teaching a couple of tap classes, reading the talking news for the island charity Sight for Wight and officiating at funerals, weddings etc, as a civil celebrant, a new role he took on during the first lockdown. See www.celebrant-iow.co.uk.
He is thoroughly enjoying life 'beside the seaside'.