John Cooper Clark @Margate Theatre Royal
Must confess that this is the first time I have ever been to the Theatre Royal. What a brilliant place! Its like a Georgian time-capsule. I hope that they will put on some more shows that will drag me in. John Cooper Clarke, even though he had a bout of flu, was tremendous. I haven't seen him live since the first time around - 77ish if I remember and some of you around at that time will correct me if I am wrong but he used to be backed by 2 musicians - the Invisible Girls - I believe - one of whom was the late and great Martin Hannet.
The audience was exactly what I expected. Lots of people around mine and Mrs D's age who were into punk when if first kicked off and who still have an interest in this phenomena and lots of their kids who mum and dad had quite rightly brought up to appreciate the incredibly creativity of punk and post-punk - possibly event a smattering of grand-kids.
Cooper Clarke treated us to old and new material, was incredibly funny with it and, apart from the odd Council meeting or two, I haven't laughed as much in ages
Surprised you have only just discovered this treasure, Ian, because apart from many fine productions and pantomimes, it is often used by Thanet's schools for their own shows. Once saw a musical extravaganza there put on by Clarendon House to mark their 100th anniversary and two modern dance spectaculars by Ursuline College. You should get yourself on the mailing list for their programme of forthcoming events. Real escape from the depressing world of Thanet politics.
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