Tuesday 24 January 2012

The Stand Delivers

You know how in life you're always going to do something , visit somewhere , meet someone , well The Stand in Newcastle was getting like that with me . Anyway the catalysts for my eventual visit was that the brilliant John Scott was MCing a charity night in aid of Blood Red - a local Blood Cancer Charity.

I'd noticed the line up which turned out to be absolutely excellent , every act delivering a brilliant set.

The layout of the Stand is amazing , Restaurant / Bar area upstairs , with a huge outdoor area which is fine if you need a tab , but will be even better in summer. The stage is small , but comedians dont take up that much room since Bernard Manning passed away. Also there is a decent bar in the auditorium area.

We sat at the back , but my friends were horrified when I agreed to fill one of the empty front row tables. "They wont pick on you , I promise , they always go for the second row" the guy from The Stand promised . He lied. But it was an absolutely excellent night.

You sort of feel wrong saying one act is better than another, but Nick Cranston was a revelation , young , tall , be-hearing aided , bespectacled and bloody funny.

Simon Donald did a brilliant take on your street survey guy, Barry Twyford.

Nicola Mantalios-Lovett opened and harrased me much to everyones amusement , but she let me stroke her face before accusing me of being a pervert (cue huge guffaws).

Gavin Webster wrapped up proceedings with the longest set and much laughter. and all this book ended by John Scott!


There was an emotional presentation of a cheque for £12,704.27 , I think , which will help ne charity projects for Bright Red . The fundraisers have done an amazing job.

Anyway , The Stand should definitely be on your places to go list!!




Sunday 22 January 2012

Star and Shadow , Barbarella and Women In Revolt

Sometimes for a post you need to think about a headline , but my inauguration to the Star and Shadow an Friday night provided it's own .The Star and Shadow at Shieldfield is a setting for almost sixties style happening and fun nights . They may be film or bands or both . Seating includes tables , chairs , settees , the bar sells alcohol and chocolate and you are handily placed for The Tanners pub as well.

Friday night commenced with a showing of Barbarella , sixties Dino De Luarentis film with Jane Fonda's opening  outer space strip tease , a perfect curtain raiser for the night . Part of the fucn was wondering if the people in dresses were male or female , I reckon most were female and all looked the part.

The band were Women In Revolt , taking their name from the Paul Morrisey  1971 film  "Andy Warhol's Women In Revolt" featuring Candy Darling and Jackie Curtis . Essentially Wayne / Jayne County inspired garage rock fronted by a definite transvestite , and featuring a female guitarist who opened with and excellent brooding cover of Link Wray's  "Rumble" . Unfortunately I can't uncover any details of the band apart from they are playing Gateshead Central on 8th of February and curate a Susnday session at The Cumberland Arms. Anyway the songs I remember were "Are You A Girl or Are You A Boy?" and Wayne County's "Man Enought To Be A Woman" and "Fuck Off" plus a few others before reprising "Are You A Girl or Are You A Boy?" to close the set.

Will be back to the Star and Shadow soon and also checking out Women In Revolt , and next time will take my camera. A Wonderful Night!!