An All Time Low?

[Dave]

Try any Stoke nighter or any of the busiest soul nights in the country, don't know where you come from but if you really believe oldies orientated nights arn't by far the busiest then you need to take a closer look!

The clue to where I come from is on the LHS, where it says From:

There's a slight difference between "Stoke and most oldies nights", and events featuring cabaret or those where you pay to have a piccy taken with DJ'S who were big in the 70s but have seldom been seen since?

PS. Are you the Eccles from The Goon Show?

[Pete Eccles]

Now to be honest re Pauls Play, In my defence, not that I need one but it was a birthday treat from my family and a complete surprise to me that I went, but have to say I did enjoy it, and it gave good insight through sympathetic adaption. But whereas when we look at that as an example and a cafe.... theres no comparison really a few glass cases with some patches, clothing and the like with some nice artwork, mixed in with the smell of chipfat, just does not do it for me, that really is moving the goalposts, surely to goodnes the smell of brut, urine and a tinge of green in the air would have been far better

Yep all bases covered there, tied up, kidnapped, but had a jolly good time. but dare anyboy else enjoy the same treatment at a similar event, and it is very similar, the theme that is, but obviously not or is it? like i said i won't be going nor did i watch the play, not for me, but hey if it's my birhday who knows? then it will be for me,

[Pete Eccles]

The clue to where I come from is on the LHS, where it says From:

There's a slight difference between "Stoke and most oldies nights", and events featuring cabaret or those where you pay to have a piccy taken with DJ'S who were big in the 70s but have seldom been seen since?

PS. Are you the Eccles from The Goon Show?

Please remind me, did you ask where these people go regularly or not?

I'm the Eccles from Bolton and i'm only expressing my take on things, but hey if you are so serious about things you want to reduce things to insults whats your name?

[sister dawn]

Yep all bases covered there, tied up, kidnapped, but had a jolly good time. but dare anyboy else enjoy the same treatment at a similar event, and it is very similar, the theme that is, but obviously not or is it? like i said i won't be going nor did i watch the play, not for me, but hey if it's my birhday who knows? then it will be for me,

and I will personally sing happy birthday to you poppet x

[Mark Bicknell]

All I basically said was go where you want to, collect what you want to, select all the best bits jell it together, discover, learn, share it, have a good time but don't keep constantly milking certain cows of yesteryear if your not prepared to contribute to the scene as it is now! sure have an oldies event but promote it as a current event rather than on the back of the good old days, it easy to ride those heady days without any real commitment or passion for the music, old, new or otherwise? there again if 1200 people show up to a retro/nostalgia bash then thinking about it who's wrong and who's right? as I said I don't go to certain events for my own reasons but whatever floats your boat and all that and in no way was I suggesting don't go, we all have choices and our own ideas and views on what makes a good soul night out, as Mr Moore said soak it up and enjoy it whatever your tipple as long as it's authentic and is true to yourself I guess.

I'm waiting on three new records this week and I can't wait to get the buggers in my sticky palm, that is a buzz that I'm sure we all share and keeps it alive and real for me the point being there are many aspects to the scene which people get off on so again really we can not judge others on how they enjoy this wonderful scene just be happy that we have a scene to still be part of and enjoy, like it's been said if you feel something is naff or not for you then simply don't subscribe to it, it's all about choice at the end of the day, I still stick by you should only get something out of all this if you put in and contribute to it and I'm not just talking about money here, more to do with the bigger picture, promoting, DJ'ing, collecting, running a fanzine, dancing and just turning up and paying your money to get in, Northern Soul in some cases/events has become a little commercial again and I think that upsets some people, making it no longer special and underground a little like the boom period of 1976/77 when it was massive, a bit like Northern Soul by numbers or based on numbers through the door and the content sometimes suffered, so I guess if you are running a huge nostalgia based event then you are still infact making a contribution as it would seem that 1200 plus people attending these type of events can't really be wrong can they?

It would be nice to see however 1200 people at say the monthly current Northern events which are running now on a regular basis rather than the every so often or once a year blast from the past events but we all know that those days are gone for one reason or another.

Lastly, I have some very happy memories of Wigan, Yate, St Ives, Stafford etc. etc. but from my own point of view they are just that memories which yes you can't get over to quote a certain tune by 'John And The Weirdest' but trying to go over old ground is not for me and again I'm not talking about the music or the records played I'm talking about doing this Soul thing at what ever level now in the present rather than in the past. My point is Sam Williams, George Blackwell, Ronnie McNeir, Duke Browner etc. etc. etc. sounded good then and guess what they sound as good now, so is it not the music that should be the real celebration rather than although very important where it was played? please I'm not dishing the memory of past venues I'm simply trying to put into perspective that the music is King rather than the venues, for me you could play them in a field and they would still hold that magic.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Pete Eccles]

and I will personally sing happy birthday to you poppet x

Well thankyou and i won't stop ya

Will let you know nearer the time, a while off yet thankfully,

[Dave]

Please remind me, did you ask where these people go regularly or not?

I'm the Eccles from Bolton and i'm only expressing my take on things, but hey if you are so serious about things you want to reduce things to insults whats your name?

1. No, I alluded to how often they go out.

2. It was a joke.. the opposite of serious FFS!

3. Neddy Seagoon's the name.

[Pete Eccles]

1. No, I alluded to how often they go out.

2. It was a joke.. the opposite of serious FFS!

3. Neddy Seagoon's the name.

Well in my experience they go out as often as anybody

Leave the funnies as a comedian you are not

Pete Eccles the name but you already know that

[sister dawn]

1. No, I alluded to how often they go out.

2. It was a joke.. the opposite of serious FFS!

3. Neddy Seagoon's the name.

Goodnight Pete, Dave and Mark, thanks for the banter, just realised am on early shift tomorrow and up at 5.30am , no doubt this thread will go on somewhat over the next few days, and will long continue after the last photograph has been signed and the last scone buttered xxx

[Dave Moore]

please I'm not dishing the memory of past venues I'm simply trying to put into perspective that the music is King rather than the venues, for me you could play them in a field and they would still hold that magic.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Exactly as I feel. Get to bed, you loonie!

[Pete Eccles]

Goodnight Pete, Dave and Mark, thanks for the banter, just realised am on early shift tomorrow and up at 5.30am , no doubt this thread will go on somewhat over the next few days, and will long continue after the last photograph has been signed and the last scone buttered xxx

Goodnight can't believe the time myself, all good fun and won't change a thing

[Mark Bicknell]

Exactly as I feel. Get to bed, you loonie!

I know Dave way past my bedtime...lol still had a certain 'David Greet' here a few hours ago and just about come down from the delights in his 50 box....oh my soul!!!!

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Edited August 21, 2007 by Mark Bicknell

[Dave]

Well in my experience they go out as often as anybody

Leave the funnies as a comedian you are not

Pete Eccles the name but you already know that

1. Not in mine

2. Don't bother giving me advice on how to conbtruct a post.

3. I do know. I meant my name. Again, it was a joke.

[Dave Moore]

I know Dave way past my bedtime...lol stil had a certain 'David Greet' here a few hours ago and just about come down from the delights in his 50 box....oh my soul!!!!

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Hope he's got a few 'bits and bobs' pulled for his upcoming trip out here? I'm sure he has.

[Pete Eccles]

1. Not in mine

2. Don't bother giving me advice on how to conbtruct a post.

3. I do know. I meant my name. Again, it was a joke.

Arn't jokes funny?

Goodnight Dave, lol

Edited August 21, 2007 by pete60

[Dave]

Arn't jokes funny?

Goodnight Dave, lol

Steve?

Good use of the edit button

[Pete Eccles]

Steve?

Good use of the edit button

Correct but a cheap shot we don't really know what your name is, well i don't, so goodnight Dave

[Guest]

Yes, heard about this, apparently there are superplus VIP tickets where you get to have passionate sex all weekend with with John and Russ, the price is 23 pence.

SHEEP

Would that be in a menage a trois , and will they wear risque otfits and sport those dashing moustaches they had ? ........

Malc Burton

Edited August 21, 2007 by Malc Burton

[Pauldonnelly]

I wanna tell ya a story..

at recent soul night I stood near a chap who must have been late 40's, he had the outfit on, baggies, white socks, beer mat, vest with a Casino Badge in the middle, wrist wrap.

Now I'd had a few so I thought in for a penny in for a pound...

"scuse me mate why do you dress like that"

"LIKE WHAT?"

"Like i did 30 odd years ago"

"coz its part of going out to a Northern doo en it, I mean you wouldn't go to a Mods doo dressed like punk would ya"

"UmmmmI guess not mate, but why"

"you think I'm a sad bastard don't ya, I tell you something the sad bastards are those idiots who spend a weeks wages on one piece of vinyl, its those that wanna get a life, gotta go Dana Valery is on, woosh!!!"

The ole boy was off and spinning arround to Dana Valery, singing and clapping along without a care ine the world, I just wonderd around allnight trying to get Smudge to part with his Stanley Mitchell promo for £300.

I guess ignorance CAN be bliss sometimes.

[Steve G]

Funny thing is I distinctly remember a couple of years ago Vincent coming on here and mercilessly slagging Russ off. He was going on about how Russ only had 25 records now, refused to allow filiming of himself DJing - on the premise that he only had reissues and pressings in his box and didn't want anyone to see that......was rude etc etc....Vincent had a right old 'pop'.

Now they're buddies again and I can go to Wigan to get my photo taken with them both? WOW!

If people want to dance in a shopping centre to those old Wigan memories etc fine, that's up to them, but spare me the "Soul Brothers" photo shoot please!

[Hold Tight]

I wanna tell ya a story..

at recent soul night I stood near a chap who must have been late 40's, he had the outfit on, baggies, white socks, beer mat, vest with a Casino Badge in the middle, wrist wrap.

Now I'd had a few so I thought in for a penny in for a pound...

"scuse me mate why do you dress like that"

"LIKE WHAT?"

"Like i did 30 odd years ago"

"coz its part of going out to a Northern doo en it, I mean you wouldn't go to a Mods doo dressed like punk would ya"

"UmmmmI guess not mate, but why"

"you think I'm a sad bastard don't ya, I tell you something the sad bastards are those idiots who spend a weeks wages on one piece of vinyl, its those that wanna get a life, gotta go Dana Valery is on, woosh!!!"

The ole boy was off and spinning arround to Dana Valery, singing and clapping along without a care ine the world, I just wonderd around allnight trying to get Smudge to part with his Stanley Mitchell promo for £300.

I guess ignorance CAN be bliss sometimes.

That made me laugh this morning. You can almost see it as a cartoon drawing in one of the sunday papers, with you standing with a single in your hand. Top stuff, just goes to show peoples views are dependant on where they stand. But I bet you both had a good night though. Mark.

[Bazza]

I wanna tell ya a story..

at recent soul night I stood near a chap who must have been late 40's, he had the outfit on, baggies, white socks, beer mat, vest with a Casino Badge in the middle, wrist wrap.

Now I'd had a few so I thought in for a penny in for a pound...

"scuse me mate why do you dress like that"

"LIKE WHAT?"

"Like i did 30 odd years ago"

"coz its part of going out to a Northern doo en it, I mean you wouldn't go to a Mods doo dressed like punk would ya"

"UmmmmI guess not mate, but why"

"you think I'm a sad bastard don't ya, I tell you something the sad bastards are those idiots who spend a weeks wages on one piece of vinyl, its those that wanna get a life, gotta go Dana Valery is on, woosh!!!"

The ole boy was off and spinning arround to Dana Valery, singing and clapping along without a care ine the world, I just wonderd around allnight trying to get Smudge to part with his Stanley Mitchell promo for £300.

I guess ignorance CAN be bliss sometimes.

Great post,had a little chuckle at it....but Im a little confused as to who's side your on , the chap out to enjoy his self in his own way , or your self doing the chin stroking collecting bit....no offence meant

Bazza

P/S

just adding to this...I think you'r both right ,both doing what you enjoy ,that really is all that matters

Edited August 21, 2007 by bazza

[Mick Reed]

I wanna tell ya a story..

at recent soul night I stood near a chap who must have been late 40's, he had the outfit on, baggies, white socks, beer mat, vest with a Casino Badge in the middle, wrist wrap.

Now I'd had a few so I thought in for a penny in for a pound...

"scuse me mate why do you dress like that"

"LIKE WHAT?"

"Like i did 30 odd years ago"

"coz its part of going out to a Northern doo en it, I mean you wouldn't go to a Mods doo dressed like punk would ya"

"UmmmmI guess not mate, but why"

"you think I'm a sad bastard don't ya, I tell you something the sad bastards are those idiots who spend a weeks wages on one piece of vinyl, its those that wanna get a life, gotta go Dana Valery is on, woosh!!!"

The ole boy was off and spinning arround to Dana Valery, singing and clapping along without a care ine the world, I just wonderd around allnight trying to get Smudge to part with his Stanley Mitchell promo for £300.

I guess ignorance CAN be bliss sometimes.

nice one

[Paul-s]

All started going down hill when they made a fukcin` play about Wigan casino.

Jealousy is such a terrible symptom of life for some my overweight friend!

[Paul-s]

Ah yes , selective memory at work here i think Paul. Don't get cheesier than a stage play.

Derek

Well if you actually saw it mate...fair enough! thats an opinion. Guess if were talking arts, you disagree with ALL the books, pictures, photos and films aswell. And documentaries. Thats your way of perceiving the world. Dont get me wrong, black and white works for some people! obviously floats your boat! There were record companies etc that tried to commandere the play and change it and I resisted that , as all I wanted to do was pay tribute to a period that changed my life and the face of music in the U.K. FULL STOP. I could have the play out now and have been asked to. It could make a lot of money...BUT, I dont want that. I told the truth in the play, warts and all. If you read some of Mr W books, theres not even a mention of drugs etc...its been cleaned up as a commercial and sanitized enterprise. Cheesy...well, thanks for your very informed opinion of theatre.....the words cheese and theatre dont actually go together. You obviously frequent with Ken (is that Russell?) the great West End plays...'Cats'...'Les Miserable' etc...and, whilst appreciating you penchant for these plays, I dont feel it fair to compare 'Once Upon A Time In Wigan' to these . A neanderthol appreciation of the arts , is no reason to feel you can articulate regarding something you probably have'nt even seen! I look forward to your learned contributions to this great scene of ours in the future.

[Paul-s]

Can you just remind us about the stage play you were involved in, forget what it was called now...

It was called 'Once Upon A Time In Wigan'. I got some of your B--tl-g dvd's to use in some of the documentary footage. Did you actually see the play? Or is this just a dogmatic, couch Bigot having a rant?

[Pete S]

It was called 'Once Upon A Time In Wigan'. I got some of your B--tl-g dvd's to use in some of the documentary footage. Did you actually see the play? Or is this just a dogmatic, couch Bigot having a rant?

You ought to read the whole thread before shouting your big mouth off Paul

[Paul-s]

nothing cheesy about a play.

how can you knock a well thought out, well acted production on here and let people turn allnighters into something akin to an evenings events on a cruise liner?

caberet acts, salad bars & signed photos of russ winstanley?

come on get real for fcuks sake

shane

Thanks Shane....there just a bit jealous and sad....I forgive them. Thing is, its all the ones who didnt actually see it! Opinions based on their own limited or non-existant experience of theatre.

[Pete S]

Here you go Paul, this is what I actually said:

I really regret never seeing it and I only heard good things about it so I'm not slagging off the play for a minute

[Paul-s]

Arse likcer,play as to be ultimate cheese i mean how many nighters include a play.

Lack of education is no excuse, if your going to have an opinion Ken, at least articulate it. Why is a play bad...is the Brechtian concept of agitprop you disagree with or do YOU wish I had made it more Stanislavkian in its method? I mean , what is your great critical claim based on. Perhaps, you would like to compare it to some of the may other productions you have seen?

[Paul-s]

Ah yes , selective memory at work here i think Paul. Don't get cheesier than a stage play.

Derek

Perhaps you could tell us which bits you did'nt like. Elaborate on a few scenes etc?

[Pete S]

Thanks Shane....there just a bit jealous and sad....I forgive them. Thing is, its all the ones who didnt actually see it! Opinions based on their own limited or non-existant experience of theatre.

I'm jealous alright - of the people who actually got to see it.

[45cellar]

I compare listening to our music, to listening to The Classics.

Because they are Classics, we discovered them earlier than other people,

and that's it really.

In years to come, others, somewhere will be doing the same.

As it is with the classics, Whichever way you enjoy them is a personal thing.

Some go to listen to the music others listen at home or in the car

Some put on the wig and pretend conduct the orchestra with the baton.

Each in their own way love the music, the scene, Our Scene.

[Guest]

Jealousy is such a terrible symptom of life for some my overweight friend!

,nowt to be jealous of........i dance better than you,dont write plays about Wigan......and i`m much better looking,and i`m only slightly overweight

[Paul-s]

Here you go Paul, this is what I actually said:

I really regret never seeing it and I only heard good things about it so I'm not slagging off the play for a minute

....ok Pete, had'nt been on for a day, so was responding chronologically to peoples opinions. My mistake! The fact is I lost LOADS of money on the play. FINE. I did'nt do it as a financial enterprise....just something I wanted to do from my 'soul' and for the 100,000 people that saw it, I did'nt get any bad feedback! I also let in loads of people free. I was approached to do shirts, badges , all sorts of sh__t, BUT, I had and have no interest in that. A major soul label screwed me over on the soundtrack. When I had no money to go in to rehearsal, I did'nt see Wigan council, Russ or Anyone coming to help. That was my choice. But, im not going to let a few miserable, uninformed and bitter peolple slag of ALL that work, when they did'nt even see it! Paul-s

[Pete S]

....ok Pete, had'nt been on for a day, so was responding chronologically to peoples opinions. My mistake! The fact is I lost LOADS of money on the play. FINE. I did'nt do it as a financial enterprise....just something I wanted to do from my 'soul' and for the 100,000 people that saw it, I did'nt get any bad feedback! I also let in loads of people free. I was approached to do shirts, badges , all sorts of sh__t, BUT, I had and have no interest in that. A major soul label screwed me over on the soundtrack. When I had no money to go in to rehearsal, I did'nt see Wigan council, Russ or Anyone coming to help. That was my choice. But, im not going to let a few miserable, uninformed and bitter peolple slag of ALL that work, when they did'nt even see it! Paul-s

Good, granted I do slag of stuff because I'm an armchair bigot but in this case I did no such thing and would never do...it was just the use of the word Wigan that I was mentioning

[Paul-s]

,nowt to be jealous of........i dance better than you,dont write plays about Wigan......and i`m much better looking,and i`m only slightly overweight

...could of stopped at "dont write". Still waiting for that theatre critique my slimfast friend!

[Mark Bicknell]

When Paul's play first opened in Manchester both Jacqui and myself went with a very open mind as we thought it may turn out to be a joke, how wrong we were, we sat there totally gob smacked from start to finish, it was a work of fiction based on 'The Casino', it was well written, well produced by someone who was actually there, it was well crafted, well acted and the sound track, story etc. were bang on, well it made us cry in places, without question this paly was by far the closest to actually document that very important time in the scenes history than anything before or since, Paul could have milked this for all it's worth with an anual production around September 23rd but he chose not to.

I wrote in several publications at the time that the play was superb and will stick by my comments and observations, it was an entertaining piece of art..bugger me it was that authentic you could taste it, I think Paul used my review in a sound track CD which came out at the time.

Cheers Paul - Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest Black Gold of the Sun]

What about modern? That's cool and upfront.

[Guest in town Mikey]

When Paul's play first opened in Manchester both Jacqui and myself went with a very open mind as we thought it may turn out to be a joke, how wrong we were, we sat there totally gob smacked from start to finish, it was a work of fiction based on 'The Casino', it was well written, well produced by someone who was actually there, it was well crafted, well acted and the sound track, story etc. were bang on, well it made us cry in places, without question this paly was by far the closest to actually document that very important time in the scenes history than anything before or since, Paul could have milked this for all it's worth with an anual production around September 23rd but he chose not to.

I wrote in several publications at the time that the play was superb and will stick by my comments and observations, it was an entertaining piece of art..bugger me it was that authentic you could taste it, I think Paul used my review in a sound track CD which came out at the time.

Cheers Paul - Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Agreed. The play is better than anything I've seen on TV. Whether its the tunes being played out loud, or the audience bobbing along, there is something about the play that captures the adrenelin rush you get walking into any soul event.

I said at the time, the girls dancing like they did in the 70s was just the kind of attention to detail that made the play so good. I'd love to see it again.

Paul, I read the posts, and dont think Pete was having a dig. Its just a misunderstanding.

Comparing the Wigan play to this Russ and JV exercise is like comparing scout camp with Glastonbury.

[Paul-s]

When Paul's play first opened in Manchester both Jacqui and myself went with a very open mind as we thought it may turn out to be a joke, how wrong we were, we sat there totally gob smacked from start to finish, it was a work of fiction based on 'The Casino', it was well written, well produced by someone who was actually there, it was well crafted, well acted and the sound track, story etc. were bang on, well it made us cry in places, without question this paly was by far the closest to actually document that very important time in the scenes history than anything before or since, Paul could have milked this for all it's worth with an anual production around September 23rd but he chose not to.

I wrote in several publications at the time that the play was superb and will stick by my comments and observations, it was an entertaining piece of art..bugger me it was that authentic you could taste it, I think Paul used my review in a sound track CD which came out at the time.

Cheers Paul - Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Thanks Mark....as you know, it was a labour of love. Not, a commercial venture. I wont be reviving it in 10 years, if I have no career. !! Talking of which, im going to log off, to give our theatre critics Ken and Derek a chance to prepare their 'informed' critique of the play. Should be an articulate, informed, soulful and riviting read! Bit like the 'Chas and Dave' of the arts world. Gertcha! Later....

Edited August 21, 2007 by paul-s

[Paul-s]

Paul, I read the posts, and dont think Pete was having a dig. Its just a misunderstanding.

point taken mate...

[Guest]

Lack of education is no excuse, if your going to have an opinion Ken, at least articulate it. Why is a play bad...is the Brechtian concept of agitprop you disagree with or do YOU wish I had made it more Stanislavkian in its method? I mean , what is your great critical claim based on. Perhaps, you would like to compare it to some of the may other productions you have seen?

I never went to see it,allthough i had planned to see it..........but from what i can make out...it attracted loads of wannabe Wigeners,part timers...........the play itself might be the bees-knees i dont know.And my education as fukc all to do with you or this thread...........if you wanna`talk Brechtin etc;leave it for all your acting lovies.

[Pauldonnelly]

Great post,had a little chuckle at it....but Im a little confused as to who's side your on , the chap out to enjoy his self in his own way , or your self doing the chin stroking collecting bit....no offence meant

Bazza

P/S

just adding to this...I think you'r both right ,both doing what you enjoy ,that really is all that matters

I actually believe he enjoyed the night more than I did Bazza and that was my point. If folk want to stand in a cafe enjoy an expresso whilst listening to Paul Humpreys, Cochise going dadadadadadada then clapping twice in the correct place, fair play to em. I reckon it'll be a wonderful night for those that enjoy the nostalgia thing. Me I'll be trawling through ebay looking for stuff that might end up with a knock on the door via the postman some two weeks later, a play on the turntable and file away under "never to be played ever again" bizarre.

[Modernsoulsucks]

I don't think anyone is slagging off the play as such Paul. I think it's more a matter of one's interests. I have no desire to go to a theatre to see something I lived through anyway.In fact the theatre doesn't appeal to me at all ,a fact I put down to being forced to see "A Midsummer's Night's Dream" and "Macbeth" when I was at school. I may be wrong but I can't see it being educational or informative to me personally and if I want entertainment,then there's music, fishing and sci-fi.

My wife went,as did her friends and they all enjoyed it and I got a bit of stick for not going with them. However, it's me who has the decent Northern 45 collection and not them. £10 ticket or £10 45, I'd take the latter everytime.

I see my mate Mark enjoyed it a lot but I hope he doesn't mind me saying this but due to his tender years and geographical location he didn't get to go up to Wigan on a regular basis like myself, where it was just 30 minutes up the road.

Whether the things Shane mentions are naff or cheesy is neither here nor there as we all have personal choice.

ROD

[BrianB]

Thanks Mark....as you know, it was a labour of love. Not, a commercial venture. I wont be reviving it in 10 years, if I have no career. !! Talking of which, im going to log off, to give our theatre critics Ken and Derek a chance to prepare their 'informed' critique of the play. Should be an articulate, informed, soulful and riviting read! Bit like the 'Chas and Dave' of the arts world. Gertcha! Later....

Hi Paul,

Saw the play twice, once in Manchester and once in Blackpool. Absolutely loved it, and it is a credit to you and your obvious talent. What's more, I would go and see it again if you revived it.

However, this is a forum, and I think a couple of your replies to Ken and Derek were condescending, and not really worthy of someone of your intellect. (Remember it is a forum!)

Going back to Shane's original point, that I have to say puzzled me, why does a Casino Cafe make your stomach twist?

[Mark Bicknell]

Hi Paul,

Saw the play twice, once in Manchester and once in Blackpool. Absolutely loved it, and it is a credit to you and your obvious talent. What's more, I would go and see it again if you revived it.

However, this is a forum, and I think a couple of your replies to Ken and Derek were condescending, and not really worthy of someone of your intellect. (Remember it is a forum!)

Going back to Shane's original point, that I have to say puzzled me, why does a Casino Cafe make your stomach twist?

Perhaps the cakes are stale??? lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest ShaneH]

Hi Paul,

Saw the play twice, once in Manchester and once in Blackpool. Absolutely loved it, and it is a credit to you and your obvious talent. What's more, I would go and see it again if you revived it.

However, this is a forum, and I think a couple of your replies to Ken and Derek were condescending, and not really worthy of someone of your intellect. (Remember it is a forum!)

Going back to Shane's original point, that I have to say puzzled me, why does a Casino Cafe make your stomach twist?

i just find it all really cringeworthy brian. same with the motown cafe, hard rock cafe etc. i hate all the americanised, disney commercialism. the thought of people choosing a place to eat cos there is a jacket once worn by sly stallone upon the wall baffles me.

that cafe will be full of old dears, single mums and the like. why do you think its a good idea to have the scene connected with a cafe in a shopping centre? i thought we were the alternative to a normal life?

brian, it is not my kind of thing at all. you are welcome to enjoy it mate.

shane

[Modernsoulsucks]

i thought we were the alternative to a normal life?

Im not sure where you've got that from. I'd guess most of us are leading very normal lives apart from the abiding interest in soul music but that can be said of any person or group with an over-riding passion or interest.

Disappointments do arise when things don't fit in with how we see things. I know I was completely underwhelmed by the Motown tour in Detroit where my mother could have done a better job than the guy showing me around, but that doesn't mean that the roof is falling in on everything that we hold dear.

ROD

[Guest ShaneH]

the sherlock holmes cafe on baker street has a drama student dressed up as a copper from the old days on the door.

perhaps we could have a gaunt looking 17 year old in a vest covered in sweat and eyes like dinner plates stood on the door of this cafe?

why do we have to turn our scene into a tourist attraction? there are still 1000s people attending events at weekends. its not a thing of the past to a lot of us.

shane