Lonnie D: The musical- latest

Subject: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 09:25 AM

Some dates may have changed (the website is down so I can't check) but the Camberley, Surrey show is now 29th April not 29th May.
B there or B an equal sided quadrilateral.

RtS

Subject: RE: Loone D: The musical- latest
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 09:30 AM

DAMN! I thought I'd corrected the typo in the heading!
I'm the loonie!

RtS

Subject: RE: Loone D: The musical- latest
From: John Routledge
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 09:51 AM

A musical about Lorna Doone ?

Subject: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 09:54 AM

The site's back up, here are the dates:
2004

November
Fri
5
Newark
Palace Theatre
01636 655755

Tues
9
Chesterfield
The Winding Wheel
01246 345334

Sun
14
New Brighton
Floral Pavilion theatre
0151 639 4360

Mon
15
Hayes
Beck Theatre
020 8561 8371

Tues
16
Croydon
Fairfield Hall
020 8688 9291

Tues
23
South Shields
The Customs House
0191 454 1234



2005

February
Wed
9
Northampton
Derngate
01604 624811

Sat
26
Ilfracombe
Landmark Theatre
01271 324242

March
Fri
4
Hartlepool
Town Hall Theatre
01429 890000

Sat
5
East Retford
Majestic Theatre
01777 706866

Tue
8
Norwich
Theatre Royal
01603 630000

Thu
10
Buxton
Opera House
0845 12 72190

Fri
11
Redditch
Palace Theatre
01527 65203

Sat
19
York
Grand Opera House
01904 671818

Fri
25
Westcliffe
Palace Theatre Centre
01702 342564

Sat
26
Hanley, Stoke on Trent
Victoria Hall
01782 213800

Sun
27
Blackpool
Grand Theatre
01253 290190

April
Fri
1
Rhyl
Pavilion Theatre
01745 330000

Sat
2
Winsford
Civic Hall
01606 867539

Thu
7
Swindon
Wyvern Theatre
01793 524481

Sun
10
Leeds
Leeds Grand Theatre
0113 222 6222

Sat
16
Bedworth
Civic Hall
024 7637 6707

Sun
17
Maidstone
Hazlitt Theatre
01622 758611

Fri
22
Bedford
Corn Exchange
01234 269519

Sat
23
Frome
Memorial Theatre
01373 462795

Thu
28
Worthing
Worthing Pavilion Theatre
01903 206206

Fri
29
Camberley
The Camberley Theatre
01276 707600

Sat
30
Yeovil
Octagon Theatre
01935 422884

May
Sat
7
Lochgelly
Lochgelly Centre Theatre
01592 418141

Sun
8
Mansfield
Palace Theatre
01623 633133

Sat
21
Consett
Empire Theatre
01207 218171

Mon
30
Epsom
Epsom Playhouse
01372 742555

June
Sat
4
Glenrothes
Rothes Halls
01592 611101

Sun
18
Malvern
Malvern Theatre
01684 892277

Wed
22
Truro
Hall For Cornwall
01872 262466

July
Tue
26
Scarborough
Futurist Theatre
01723 374500

August
Tue
9
Scarborough
Futurist Theatre
01723 374500

Tue
16
Scarborough
Futurist Theatre
01723 374500

Tue
23
Scarborough
Futurist Theatre
01723 374500

Tue
30
Scarborough
Futurist Theatre
01723 374500

September
Tue
6
Scarborough
Futurist Theatre
01723 374500

Thu
8
Stirling
Albert Halls
01786 437544

Sat
10
Dunfermline
Carnegie Hall
01383 314000

Thu
29
Cromer
Pavilion Theatre
01263 512495

Fri
30
Cromer
Pavilion Theatre
01263 512495

October
Sat
1
Cromer
Pavilion Theatre
01263 512495

Sat
15
Stevenage
Gordon Craig Theatre
08700 131030

November
Sat
12
Tewkesbury
Roses Theatre
01684 295074

Wed
30
Leamington Spa
Royal Spa Centre
01926 334418

There's also a review posted from one of the October dates.

RtS

Subject: RE: Loone D: The musical- latest
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 09:58 AM

Full details:HERE: Lonnie Donegan Official Web Site

RtS
(I'll skiffle off now...)

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 03:42 AM

Refresh now Joeclone has corrected my typo in heading!
RtS

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 02:35 PM

Caught it in Newark. the show splits unevenly into two halves - with some singers and dancer setting the scene of the 1950's in a coffee bar. The performances ares are fine.

Probably of more interest to mudcatters is the original Donegan band who come on and off in first half and then occupy the stage most of the second half. they are still absolutely bloody sensational. this the band the Notting Hillbillies would like to be when they grow up. The reading of Over on the new Burying Ground nothing less than magisterial.

Star of the show is of course Peter Donegan, who smiles at the audience in a way so reminiscent of his Dad, and has inherited much of his talent for song, dance and musicianship.

Everybody who went with me enjoyed this show and I didn't hear any adverse comments amongst the other theatregoers. I would imagine its going to get slicker and better as the run continues but go and see it.

Also being sold at the gig is a great album of Lonnie with an audience at the Beeb - reminiscing and singing the favourites. A must for all us completists and LD fans still in shock.

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 09:55 AM

Hope it coming to the States - and it's time for the next Jug Band revival!!
Do they do the Grand Coulee Dam or other Woody stuff?

Chris in Wheaton

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 12:12 PM

Thanks for the review, wee(etc), I've sent for our tickets to the Camberley "do".

RtS

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: PoppaGator
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 06:59 PM

Not holding my breath for this musical to cross the ocean. Unfortunately, I doubt that there is enough mass-public awareness in the States that someone named Lonnie Donegan ever even existed.

I'd love to see it myself -- not out of nostalgia, because I was unaware of Lonnie at the time he was entertaining everyone in Britain. I've only come to learn about him as a historical figure, and I'm sure I would have loved his act. I know he was a huge influence on those youngsters in Liverpool, among many others.

While I'm wishing for stuff, you can add me to the waiting list for that next big Jug Band Revival, too. While Roger is dusting off his washboard, I'll rig up a new washtub bass for myself; let's go for it!

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 09:45 PM

I saw Lonnies last performance and he did The grand Coulee Dam then and Dead or Alive. He was awe inspiring. People were coming away saying it was the best gig they had ever seen aywhere. I'm trying to think if there were any of Woody's songs in the new show. there was certainly some American traditional material in there - Bring a little Water Sylvie springs to mind.
I'm sorry I can't remember

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 04:06 AM

Mudfriensds will remember my abortive search for an announced but, asi t turned out, never published autobiography of Lonnie. I have now found details of this biography which I've asked Santa for:
BRAND NEW - THE FIRST- EVER BOOK ON LONNIE DONEGAN - BUY NOW AT A DISCOUNT RATE BY CLICKING ON THE PHOTO OF LONNIE ABOVE


PUTTIN' ON THE STYLE
by Spencer Leigh
Illustrations by John Firminger


Astonishingly, PUTTIN' ON THE STYLE is the first biography of one of Britain's greatest musicians and innovators, Lonnie Donegan. The book bounds along with the same energy as Lonnie himself as it recounts his days in Chris Barber's Jazz Band, his years as the King of Skiffle and the many different things he tried when the bubble burst. Lonnie's extraordinary, larger than life personality bursts off every page and, like him or loathe him, you will be captivated by the way he takes control of every situation. The book ends with an hilarious account of his creative but tetchy relationship with Van Morrison.

The well-known music writer, Spencer Leigh, has spoken to scores of musicians and backroom people about Lonnie including Kenny Ball, Chris Barber, Dickie Bishop, Oscar Brand, Joe Brown, Jack Bruce, Diz Disley, Adam Faith, Arlo Guthrie, Doug Kershaw, Finbar Furey, Chas McDevitt, George Melly, Gerry Rafferty, Monty Sunshine, Josh White Jr, Marty Wilde and many of his band members. Spencer also draws on several interviews he had with Lonnie over the years.

PUTTIN' ON THE STYLE - The Lonnie Donegan Story is frank, funny and perceptive and abounds with the same good humour that made HALFWAY TO PARADISE, Britpop 1955 - 1962 and BABY, THAT IS ROCK AND ROLL, American Pop, 1954 -1963 so successful. As with those two books, there are pages of contemporary cuttings from the remarkable collection of John Firminger.

"Lonnie was singing black music before we even knew it existed."
Adam Faith

"I was always a shouter and a screamer and a thumper and banger and I have never been accused of over-finesse."
Lonnie Donegan

"Lonnie Donegan's version of 'Frankie And Johnnie' is the best blues singing I have ever heard in this country from any white singer, it's great."
Marty Wilde

"Lonnie's skilful enough and he certainly found a formula, but I wasn't potty about him."
George Melly

"Nobody on the stage is well-adjusted. We are all searching desperately for attention and affection."
Lonnie Donegan

"Many people would cringe in England when they heard Lonnie sing 'The Battle Of New Orleans' as it was about a British defeat, but they loved the record in Germany and Ireland. It was as popular as any of the rebel songs in Ireland!"
Finbar Furey

PUTTIN' ON THE STYLE - THE LONNIE DONEGAN STORY
by Spencer Leigh with illustrations by John Firminger
Finbarr International (Available June 2003)
ISBN 0 9529500 2 2
Price £10 (Special price of £7 through this website)(http://www.spencerleigh.demon.co.uk/ldonegan.htm)
Post and packing: £1 (UK), £2 (Europe), £3 (Elsewhere).

RtS
(obsessive? ME? Surely not!!!)

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 04:16 AM

Yeh I bought this one last year when I visited the Beatles Exhibition at the docks in Liverpool. Its a great read for lunatics like you and me Rog.

I've been a fan of Lonnie for ever. My parents took me to see him when I was about eight in Great Yarmouth at the theatre called the aquarium.

I was disappointed that george melly and he felt the need to be nasty about each other. I have loved and respected them both and bought their records.

We must meet up sometime - theres not too many of us around!

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 09:18 AM

"I was always a shouter and a screamer and a thumper and banger and I have never been accused of over-finesse."

Could be me!
RtS

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 08:17 PM

From my recollection, Finbar Furey's remark there about how people in England cringing at "The Battle of New Orleans" because it was a British defeat wasn't actually the general picture. The British have a lot of faults, but that kind of thing generally isn't one of them.

I know the record company got Lonnie to put ourt a revcised version with "the rebels kept a-coming" and getting mowed down, but the original Lonnie version with the British getting shot was the one everyone played and sang.

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 04:37 AM

that's the trouble with being famous, you say something daft and people remember. God knows where us lot would be if every daft remark made on mudcat went into some sort of filing system......oh shit, it does!

On the question of Woody Guthrie songs in the show, I racked my brains and the only one I could really remeber was Sally don't you grieve after me. But I expect these guys vary the programme occasionally.

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: GUEST,Roger Rettig
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 09:24 AM

I've stumbled on this site through 'Google' - is it a 'Lonnie chatroom'?
I'm at [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: GUEST,Roger Rettig
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 09:30 AM

A PS:

In case anyone is in doubt, I am Donegan's biggest fan!

What's happened to the new biography (supposed to have been published September, '04) - does anyone know?

Lastly - does anyone have any copies of Lonnie's old fan club magazines? There were about 14 published from '58 or '59. I'm anxious to find them to complete my Lonnibilia collection!

Thanksd,

Roger (British guitar player - ex-Eden Kane, Billy Fury, Joe Brown -now exiled to FL)

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: GUEST,Roger the cookieless Skiffler
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 10:00 AM

Namesake:
1)Only a Lonnie chatroom when I drone on...!
2)Book: see my post above of 25th November
3)No fan club mags, sorry.

Join the Mudcat, they're a bunch of loonies (I'm comparatively sane): mostly folkies, but a few of us of a blues bent, and even fewer of us interested in jug/skiffle/spasm music.

RtS

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 30 Apr 05 - 07:30 AM

Well, Sheila and I went to see the show last night at Camberley.
There were at least half a dozen of the full audience under 50 years of age, probably dragged along by parents or grandparents to show them where the whole "music aimed at the young" era started! The spotlights reflected off the bald heads and bifocals of the audience and back to those of the band!
I thought it was strange to hear applause as people sat down but realised it was knee joints clicking!
The first half was a thin narrative that could have been dispensed with: the humour was dire and it was underwritten and overacted (think holiday camp redcoats!). I would have just stuck to the anecdotes and music.
The singers and dancers were very good, the two female singers were underused but the dancers made the most of limited room.
As well as the stalwarts from Lonnie's last backing group, his two sons, Anthony Jr. (guitar, banjo, percussion, vocals) and Peter ( dance, vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica) were excellent as were the male vocal trio. Both sons have the Lonnie sound to their voices and Peter has the family look, but sometimes, worryingly, looks like the young Liberace!
We old farts sang and clapped along, and gave them a sitting ovation at the end, a few threw away their sticks and zimmer frames and managed to stand up. The second half (and the music in the first) was excellent. For me the standout song was Peter's version of my favourite "two Lonnies" song: Rocks in my bed accompanied by his own acoustic blues guitar and Paul Henry's excellent electric slide guitar (looks like Jack Haig, plays like Clapton!). Cast gave it all they've got in the Lonnie mode to every number, even a "Somp" style Dustman.
A great evening. If you're nostalgic for 1950s & skiffle music,see it!

RtS
(Lady behind me said to hubby just before it started "I didn't know i was going to be a musical" "Lonnie D: The Musical" - DOH! Was she expecting a Whodunnit?)

Subject: RE: Lonnie D: The musical- latest
From: GUEST,Thimbles O'Hooligan
Date: 03 May 05 - 08:18 AM

(That's me via the backdoor!)
Just refreshing this for any old skifflers who weren't Mudcatting over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The day after the concert we went to Windsor to see Salad Days, another, very different, slice of 1954 which I hadn't seen since 1962!

RtS
("I'm looking for a pia-ia-no")