80s Mania, Tyne Journal Theatre, Newcastle
Considering the 1980s was the decade that “fashion forgot” it was clearly remembered with fondness by those that lived through it and were alive and kicking in this grand and (very) old theatre tonight.
From Duran Duran to Culture Club, Wham! to Adam Ant, throw in Cyndi Lauper, Aneka and Toni Basil among many others and we have a tribute show to end all others.
This was Super Karaoke as each and every member of the audience sang with gusto to those well known 80s classics that will stand the test of time far longer than today’s manufactured offerings from supposed “stars”
We felt a little underdressed as many of those sat around us donned a variety of (mostly forgettable) 80s fashions – leg warmers, headbands and big hair. All fluorescent.
At least they will be safe crossing the road.
Parties of ladies danced, sang and screamed to crank up the atmosphere that, by the fourth song in (Relax), had infectiously spread around the stalls and into the upper circle as men, women and even children bopped along.
“Elaine from Hebburn” even managed to get caught up in the dancing girls as they made their way from the back of the theatre and up onto the stage. Unperturbed, she was allowed to steal the show while Cyndi Lauper looked on as Elaine grabbed her three minutes of fame with her fingerless gloves to completely kill “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”
Well, it was her birthday according to the huge badge dangling from her Day-Glo necklace.
A brilliant night that will definitely be getting a re-visit when it returns to the area.
About Craig Marsden
Having blogged a number of times in recent years, I suppose I must be something of a veteran. From musicals to museums, stand-up to Salsa, Ive certainly covered the region in the name of art and culture (Oh dear did I really say that?)
Ive been married to Tricia for 20 years and been a big Middlesbrough FC fan for even longer (Its the pies)
I have two children, Alex 13 and Becky 17. (OK then offspring as "children" is pushing it a bit) Ive lived in the Stockton-on-Tees area for the majority of my (nearly) 50 years except for a time in the late 60's when we upped sticks (our furniture was in a poor condition back then) and moved to South Africa with my dads job.
A housing officer for 16 years with a local housing company - a job I thoroughly enjoyed thanks to the variety of issues such a position entails and I've been an active Freemason (funny handshake n all) for nearly 20 years. Being an avid reader (non-fiction) life is certainly busy when it also includes a lively Golden Retriever called Oscar, being largely involved with my sons football team - Stockton Rangers - and writer for the 'Boro fanzine - Fly Me To The Moon -the worlds longest running apparently.
I enjoy all types of music genres from Gilbert O'Sullivan to The Undertones, Squeeze to The Beatles, Peter Skellern to Aztec Camera. And while I wasnt a great lover of English Literature at school (ok then, i'll admit i hated it) I have done a total u-turn, attending poetry slams and readings from poets as diverse as Roger McGough, John Hegley and Pam Ayres (dont scoff - shes been around the world and has never worn a pair of overalls)
My favourites films include The Life of Brian, Its a Wonderful Life and Who Will Love My Children (yes, I do cry like a baby but who doesn't?)
Im a huge Lee Mack and Arthur Smith fan, while my favourite TV shows are Early Doors and The Wonder Years (how cute was Winnie?)
I hope you enjoy reading my blogs - if you do tell your friends, if you dont, shut up! No, really, please feel free to add a comment - good or bad (not too bad though. My artistic bent is far too fragile and insecure to handle negative critisism)
Enjoy....
Up The Boro!
