By Nick Mabey. “Well if this is madness then I know I’m filled with gladness”. Sums it up really. The lyric from their eponymous first-album song may not have arrived until the encore but it was present throughout the evening. Madness have always been a reminder to not take...
Entertainment Reviews
Review: Tom Jones, TK Maxx Summer Sessions, Guildhall Square, Southampton
By Katie Isham. Actual Tom Jones? Several people I told about my upcoming Saturday night date in Guildhall Square couldn’t quite believe it. Yes, actual Tom Jones I’d affirm. The Welsh legend. The 84-year-old superstar. The object of many affections (Nan would be very jealous if she was still...
Review: Pride in the Park, Southampton Day #2
By Mabel Wellman. Pride In The Park 2024 continued into the 9th June – just like every other year, this Pride festival lasts for two days. It was noticeably quieter on Sunday. However, the music, amusements and food and drink stalls continued to entertain all who attended. It was...
Review: Pride in the Park, Southampton – Day #1
By Mabel Wellman. The two day Pride In The Park event has started today on the 8th June, and will continue into the evening of 9th June. The day started fairly quietly, but the live performances soon grew a crowd to sing and dance along to many queer classic...
Review & Video: James, O2 Academy, Bournemouth, Wednesday 29 May 2024
Photos by Rhona Murphy. Words by Graham Hiley. It was a case of Getting Away With It All Messed Up as James played a special set at Bournemouth’s O2 Academy. The title of one of their most popular songs proved to be the theme for the night as the...
Review: Wicked, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Tuesday 28 May 2024
By Catherine Collins. The spellbindingly spectacular Wicked is billed as a must-see theatrical experience, and it certainly is that! Wicked is set against a backdrop of propaganda and fake news, and tells the incredible origin story of the good witch Glinda and the green-skinned outcast destined to become the...
Review: Rob Clamp, Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea
By Sam Wise. Open mic nights have their stars; theoretically the deal is that anyone can turn up and play, but there are certain people who everyone knows have got a bit extra. They always get put in a good slot, they can turn up late and still make...
Review: Erotic Secrets of Pompeii, Joiners, Southampton
By Spring Wise. When offered the opportunity to review a band with a name like Erotic Secrets of Pompeii, the answer for a novelty-seeker like me can only be ”yes”. Armed with only this and a promo photo, I set off keen to Southampton iconic venue The Joiners ready...
Review: Jah Wobble, Lighthouse, Poole
By Sam Wise. Whatever you think Jah Wobble is going to do live, he might. He really might, whatever it is. One thing and one thing only you can be sure of, and that’s that it won’t be the only thing he does. At the start of this show,...
Review and pictures: Paloma Faith – Bournemouth International Centre
Words by Lewis Maclean. Pictures by Rhona Murphy. I feel I should state at the outset that I think Paloma Faith is a great live act and the BIC a fantastic venue. I first saw Paloma live at the other stage of Bestival back in 2011 in the afternoon...