Author Archives: Craig Marsden

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!

Squeeze Me Pleeze Me….

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Craig Marsden

Glenn Tilbrook Arc, Stockton on Tees While this wasnt the first time we’ve had seen Mr T – or his band Squeeze – in the flesh, it was a unique experience watching an idol of your youth looking more like … Continue reading →

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Gilbert’s Still Got It….

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Craig Marsden

Gilbert O’Sullivan Journal Tyne Theatre Nearly four decades on and Gilbert O’Sullivan hasn’t altered a bit - aesthetically or vocally. The thick locks and nasel-sounds remain though, thankfully, the jumpers and flat caps have long gone It was interesting too looking around the place … Continue reading →

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Its not grim up North……

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Craig Marsden

Justin Moorhouse, Darlington Arts Centre It was like buses…not one for a while then two together… First I was here for American song smith Dean Friedman and now for Manc jokester Justin Moorhouse.  Both shows being within weeks of each … Continue reading →

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Girls (and Boys) Really Had Fun…..

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Craig Marsden

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. … Continue reading →

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Its the heavy heavy monster sound….

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Craig Marsden

Brilliant! N’Dea Davenport was back with a bang and, true to form, she was amazing. The band dazzled in sequins (that was just the men) and funky 70′s vibe of the Brand New Heavies raised the roof in The Crypt … Continue reading →

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We’ve Been Framed…

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Craig Marsden

Back in the 80s, many bands came and went. Aztec Camera were one of them. Rather than being stadium fillers, they tended to attract a small but loyal following in suitably sized theatres. My brother included. It was he that … Continue reading →

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Lets Thank Our Lucky Stars…

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Craig Marsden

Dean Friedman, Darlington Arts Centre Mention the name Dean Friedman and there’s often a blank stare or raised eyebrow. But sing (or attempt to sing) the opening lines of “Lucky Stars” and there’s a marked shift in facial expression, accompanied … Continue reading →

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That’s Magic….

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Craig Marsden

Paul Daniels – Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow Darlington Civic Theatre Despite his decline from our screens in recent years, Paul Daniels – and his glamorous assistant/wife Debbie McGee- certainly know how to put on a show. Joining them on stage … Continue reading →

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How Does Bob Marley Like His Doughnuts?

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Craig Marsden

Wi’ Jammin……. ZION – A TRIBUTE TO BOB MARLEY, ARC Stockton on Tees While the usual tribute bands try to reproduce the exact look, sight and sound of their contemporaries, Leroy Peters and the other half dozen members of Zion … Continue reading →

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Not a patch on Dr. Hook…….

Posted on July 4, 2011 by Craig Marsden

DENNIS LOCORRIERE, JOURNAL TYNE THEATRE At 62 most men are begining that part of their existence pottering around in the garden, polishing the car or simply sitting in their favourite chair. Not Dennis. He looks, acts and sings much the … Continue reading →

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