posted in yesterdays

highlight this here as that way can try and keep any discussion about the whole mainstream media approach to looking back at wigan all the time

separate from the actual request

sounds like has the makings of another paul ogrady horror show imho

request is here

dancers who used to go to Wigan Casino between 1973 - 1981.

Here we go again.

Sounds horrendous but I'm sure will also be quite funny-for all the wrong reasons. They'll be no shortage of volunteers I'm sure

I wonder if it will top the misty eyed nostalgia trip, gracefully presented by the rapier like wit that is, Mr Paul O'Grady.

Four minute piece.

Now that's what I call an in depth investigation.

Tony

Four minute piece.

Now that's what I call an in depth investigation.

Tony

Yup, i can see this as 4 minutes of baggy trousers, badge festooned Adidas bags, circus acrobatics and Frank Wilson.

Coupled with a few smart mouthed quips from presenters wearing a black driving gloves and signing off with "Right On Brother and Keep the Faith"

Might be wrong but I doubt it somehow.

Edited March 3, 201114 yr by Dave Turner

Yup, i can see this as 4 minutes of baggy trousers, badge festooned Adidas bags, circus acrobatics and Frank Wilson.

Coupled with a few smart mouthed quips from presenters wearing a black driving gloves and signing off with "Right On Brother and Keep the Faith"

Might be wrong but I doubt it somehow.

Will the fashion consultant for these be one Mr Jeremy Jones of Stoke - On - Trent ?

Malc

Will the fashion consultant for these be one Mr Jeremy Jones of Stoke - On - Trent ?

Malc

Jez Jones, The John Collier of Staffs

I'm looking forward to it.

Always up for a laugh.

Regards,

Dave

Is because of the new Northern Soul film whats coming out soon?

Sorry but i will not be able to attend......after not getting mentioned or even payed for my part in SOUL BOY......i;ll be sat by the pool downing a few beers instead....

cheers snooky

Will the fashion consultant for these be one Mr Jeremy Jones of Stoke - On - Trent ?

Malc

PMSL Bigtimey!!!!!!!

posted in yesterdays

highlight this here as that way can try and keep any discussion about the whole mainstream media approach to looking back at wigan all the time

separate from the actual request

sounds like has the makings of another paul ogrady horror show imho

request is here

Maybe we're doing it a dis-service, it is for the ''one show''................

Get some of them "one timers" who turned up @ wigan for the filming if this England or are the all now ex punks new romantics or teddy boys depending on what the currant trend is???

Sorry I can't make it only went 76-80 and I can't fit into my baggies anymore

Did Giles Brandreth go? they could dress him up in some high waisters, vest, give him a holdall, can't help but have a horrible feeling about this............with all the NHS cuts, you might not get that hip replacement

Wonder if they'll bother to wander into Waterstones on the Casino site while they are filming?

There are a couple of great Northern Soul books in there !

Pride of place - and looking mighty fine - goes to Tim Brown's brilliantly illustrated The Wigan Casino Years

I forget what the others are

The manager tells me there's a big Casino anniversary coming up this year!

Here we go again...............

Wonder if they'll bother to wander into Waterstones on the Casino site while they are filming?

There are a couple of great Northern Soul books in there !

Pride of place - and looking mighty fine - goes to Tim Brown's brilliantly illustrated The Wigan Casino Years

I forget what the others are

The manager tells me there's a big Casino anniversary coming up this year!

Here we go again...............

Only guessing mind,

30 years since it SHUT!!??

T

Only guessing mind,

30 years since it SHUT!!??

T

i reckon so......

now then - did it close in September or December?

can anyone remember?

Both.... oh and October and November as well....

Filming for an episode of the BBC's The One Show has already taken place at Haigh Hal.

Russ was asked to join the show and speak about how the Northern Soul scene is still very much alive and kicking in Wigan, and the rest of the world, today.

Russ said: "The programme makers heard about the Northern Soul scene and I think they were alerted to it after seeing the new fashion collection designed by Karen Walker.

"I'll be seen having a chat with the show's hosts and then I think they will include some music and clips of the Northern Soul scene."

Northern Soul dancers including Sandy Holt will also appear on the show.

Producers decided to film the episode at the Haigh Hall manor house as it

https://www.wigantoday.net/lifestyle/northern_soul_to_star_on_the_one_show_with_russ_1_3168700

:lol:

Jez Jones, The John Collier of Staffs

It was always the 'window to watch'

dave..i thought soul survivors was an excellent book and just as good as Tim Browns,,,,,,

They are certainly aware of Tims book and of the forthcoming" Keeps on Burning Documentary dvd Film" due out in June.

No doubt they will be referred to.

regards

francis t

'Russ was asked to join the show and speak about how the Northern Soul scene is still very much alive and kicking in Wigan, and the rest of the world, today.'

Why?

I wish for once they really would do a feature reflecting the scene as it is today... or maybe I don't care if they do. I just wish we weren't stuck in 1975 ad infinitum.

I wish for once they really would do a feature reflecting the scene as it is today...

Invite e'm to film at 'Move On' Matt.

Just be sure to let me know when they are coming though so I can stop in & wash what hair I have left

Invite e'm to film at 'Move On' Matt.

Just be sure to let me know when they are coming though so I can stop in & wash what hair I have left

With a film crew we'll probably double our numbers for the night.

'Russ was asked to join the show and speak about how the Northern Soul scene is still very much alive and kicking in Wigan, and the rest of the world, today.'

Why?

I wish for once they really would do a feature reflecting the scene as it is today... or maybe I don't care if they do. I just wish we weren't stuck in 1975 ad infinitum.

Looks like Mike was right with his initial post about a Paul O'Grady-type horror show

It has the same cast!

Keep the Faith

Right on now

Dave

'Russ was asked to join the show and speak about how the Northern Soul scene is still very much alive and kicking in Wigan, and the rest of the world, today.'

Why?

Why indeed. Is Russ qualified to talk about the Northern Soul scene in the rest of the World?

Is he qualified to talk about the scene at all post December 1981?

Does anybody know when it's going to be aired, or have I missed that within the thread?

Winnie

Not again?

More details on here

No dates yet though.

Cheers

Jem

https://www.wigantoday.net/lifestyle/northern_soul_to_star_on_the_one_show_with_russ_1_3168700

will it be cringy like this and with fw, ,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnS2NW1eG18

Edited March 16, 201114 yr by de-to

I think the best thing is simply don't get involved in anything like this, head down and do your own thing the reason I say this is it's been done wrong so many times in the past it's a joke, if you don't know anything about the scene then you don't need or want to know anything least of all some third hand retro load of bollocks.

Keep The Faith - Mark Bicknell.

Edited March 16, 201114 yr by Mark Bicknell

'It was always the 'window to watch'

Bassoon roll....

Edited March 29, 201114 yr by Stuart Bower

He's right though, if most of us did that kick, our kidney would most definitely fall out

You lot want to stop buying records...we all know plan B are northern soul....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwMk6HG9ZZ0&feature=player_embedded

Hes Been dining out on 9 years for the past 30 years....so, so awful. But great..ha! Smashy and nicey live on.. Cant wait to see the cringy end result.

Edited April 26, 201114 yr by paul-s

Did Paul O'Grady ever actually go to the Casino?

Did Paul O'Grady ever actually go to the Casino?

If any of the rest of the "dancers"did,they should be totally ashamed for getting invoved in such a cringeworthy performance especially as it was for public consumption.Not including Winstanley,he lost it years ago.

It's all for the culture Vultures again! The student clientele trying to be 'head and shoulders' above the rest in the Common Room at Uni because they have a Compilation C.D. from Asda and went to a Northern Night sitting and waiting for ' Do I love you ' to be played. They come........... they go.......... but soon get bored of the true Soul sounds we can distinguish from the run of the mill overly-plugged tracks on the scene. It's a tad worrying though with all the Media hype and have - a - go film directors kicking the backside out of it.

P.S. If Paul 'Double O Soul' Grady had frequented Wigan then i'm sure he would have loved to demonstrate his dancing abilities ' LIVE ' for all to whooooo at.

He probably gazed lovingly at his ' Donny Osmond ' poster whilst digesting a glass of Milk as Hundreds gave themselves to the Music at Wigan. Nothing against Paul by the way as I think he could've have been a good follow upper to Barrymore on 'STRIKE IT LUCKY'.

Just wished they'd given Sandy Holt more airtime on the show though!!!!

KTF All.

I agree with Matt, history is great and all, but wouldn't it be so refreshing if they focused on a current club, with current attendees and just showed the dancers who were there, many of whom just do their own thing and haven't been trained or look beautiful (yeah I maybe jealous lol) - ok it might not be "pretty" tv ; but would give a fairer "current" impression

Just wished they'd given Sandy Holt more airtime on the show though!!!!

What has Sandy Holt got to do with anything? I bet he hasn't set foot anywhere near anything soul related without a television camera pointing at him for nearly 30 years.

Why Winstanley?

WTF does that see word know about 'the northern soul scene today'?

Will watch from behind the sofa and pray to God there's no spencer n vest wearing dancers in the background..

Why Winstanley?

WTF does that see word know about 'the northern soul scene today'?

Will watch from behind the sofa and pray to God there's no spencer n vest wearing dancers in the background..

Wishful thinking, a bit like watching Emmerdale and hoping not to see The Woolpack.

I agree with Matt, history is great and all, but wouldn't it be so refreshing if they focused on a current club, with current attendees and just showed the dancers who were there, many of whom just do their own thing and haven't been trained or look beautiful (yeah I maybe jealous lol) - ok it might not be "pretty" tv ; but would give a fairer "current" impression

Pete S will probably be able to confirm when, but a Midland News show went to a soul club with one of the regulars. He spoke well about the passion, the dancing etc. It was current, and on the sound track it had a couple of popular tunes from that time.

But it still came across as a bit of a freak show pish take. Even if the presenter wasn't aiming to do that.

Maybe, just maybe. The Northern Soul scene belongs in the shadows. It doesn't cross well into the media spotlight. And unless you are the type of person who revels in the obscurity of information in the 'real world', then the Northern Soul fan's way of life, looks many things. But not cool. It only feels cool to us, because it ticks our boxes. Just as with anyone who is massively into anything. Unless you are preaching to the converted. You are generally going to look a little odd, or a little sad, to someone who has little, to no interest, in your passion.

The soul scene is what it is. It has lasted this long, and gone through all the changes it has, purely because of the passion of its followers. It hasnt survived because its the equivalent of TV (Opium of the masses) or is held in high esteem throughout most of the world, like association football.

Were Northern Soul to have transgressed into the public psyche, like Glam did for example. Then possibly, once the Right On or Keep The Faith badges had sold out at Woolies, it would have disappeared quicker than the Glam Rock fans spandex boob tube or platform shoes.

It would be good if any producer got hold of the dozens of attempts at portraying the Northern Soul scene, and then thought it through sensibly. Hopefully, they'd reach the conclusion that the only people who are likely to enjoy this, are those already interested. And those who are most likely to really hate the project. Are those already interested. Anyone, of any age, who trips across this scene is more likely to stay because their mates, or new friends, are into it as well. They wont be swayed by the One Show, or even a Panorama exclusive. They may not even be swayed by Elaine's film that will hopefully (and I fully expect it to be) be better than all that has gone before it.

And that is something that has rung true since a separate and distinctive scene grew from the early clubs. There is IMO no reason to suspect that will ever change. Even with trying to portray today's scene accurately wont help. Although, I concede it will be infinitely preferable to another Russ trip, rehashed using the same limited material.

I do not trust the media reporting on things like this. They have a hidden agenda, subject to budget constraints, are not prepared to do accurate research, always have timing issues with programmes eg. just 3 mins on a piece maybe and 80% of that will be in-vision interview shots and irrelevant gv's.

It wouldn't be so bad if they got it half right, it all seems such a parody of what I remember and continue to love.

I feel that books are the only medium that have done the rare (northern) soul scene any justice and a few of them I've read stunk.

(IMHO) Given the opportunity to get involved in any of these tacky, flavour of the month, here today gone tomorrow enterprises, I would run a mile, that's not to say others who care less than I don't have a right to

In Oxford St last month Schuh the trainer shop devoted their window display to "Northern Soul"n a 60's obsession .

A rubbish telly, two worn out arm chairs, pictures of Quadrophenia, some plastic scooters, Stafford Top Off The World Posters c 85.

half a photo copy of a late 70s Soul Bowl list and some repro patches....

My young mate (30s) says "here Rich that's the shit you like ain't it? I had no argument

Pete S will probably be able to confirm when, but a Midland News show went to a soul club with one of the regulars. He spoke well about the passion, the dancing etc. It was current, and on the sound track it had a couple of popular tunes from that time.

But it still came across as a bit of a freak show pish take. Even if the presenter wasn't aiming to do that.

Maybe, just maybe. The Northern Soul scene belongs in the shadows. It doesn't cross well into the media spotlight. And unless you are the type of person who revels in the obscurity of information in the 'real world', then the Northern Soul fan's way of life, looks many things. But not cool. It only feels cool to us, because it ticks our boxes. Just as with anyone who is massively into anything. Unless you are preaching to the converted. You are generally going to look a little odd, or a little sad, to someone who has little, to no interest, in your passion.

The soul scene is what it is. It has lasted this long, and gone through all the changes it has, purely because of the passion of its followers. It hasnt survived because its the equivalent of TV (Opium of the masses) or is held in high esteem throughout most of the world, like association football.

Were Northern Soul to have transgressed into the public psyche, like Glam did for example. Then possibly, once the Right On or Keep The Faith badges had sold out at Woolies, it would have disappeared quicker than the Glam Rock fans spandex boob tube or platform shoes.

It would be good if any producer got hold of the dozens of attempts at portraying the Northern Soul scene, and then thought it through sensibly. Hopefully, they'd reach the conclusion that the only people who are likely to enjoy this, are those already interested. And those who are most likely to really hate the project. Are those already interested. Anyone, of any age, who trips across this scene is more likely to stay because their mates, or new friends, are into it as well. They wont be swayed by the One Show, or even a Panorama exclusive. They may not even be swayed by Elaine's film that will hopefully (and I fully expect it to be) be better than all that has gone before it.

And that is something that has rung true since a separate and distinctive scene grew from the early clubs. There is IMO no reason to suspect that will ever change. Even with trying to portray today's scene accurately wont help. Although, I concede it will be infinitely preferable to another Russ trip, rehashed using the same limited material.

Nobody will ever be happy..........you would probably upset some hardcore glam fans by mentioning boob tubes and platforms in the same sentence. They would probably complain why ain't there no Hector or Jook in a documentary/film.I don't hold out to much hope for this other film as I believe it's going to be filmed in the USA and all the kid dancers have been busy on stage prancing about to Plan B.

don't hold out to much hope for this other film as I believe it's going to be filmed in the USA and all the kid dancers have been busy on stage prancing about to Plan B.

And where exactly did you get these pearls of wisdom from, never let a rumour get in the way of a good story eh....

I was at the last dance class that turned into a soul night as I was in London for the evening, and I didn't see any plan B or prancing, differing levels of dancers, some very good and very very authentic being trained very well for a film, and being acclimatised to what it is like to dance in among real people at the soul night later, most would call it damn good preparation and taking your art seriously, could even stretch it to liken it to method acting, hasn't done some serious actors too much harm in the past has it. Must tell Ken Loach to stop putting so much effort into making his situations real as possible, obviously he has it wrong.

You really do have a chip on your shoulder don't you, I have heard the story about your promoting being run out of town, quite funny really, sure a wanabee promoting has beens in a washed up seaside town will make a good story one day........

I think the best thing is simply don't get involved in anything like this, head down and do your own thing the reason I say this is it's been done wrong so many times in the past it's a joke, if you don't know anything about the scene then you don't need or want to know anything least of all some third hand retro load of bollocks.

Keep The Faith - Mark Bicknell.

I think this is probably the fairest comment Mark, although to be honest I have softened a little on the idea of a good documentary, warts and all, from end to end, including up to current day, explaining it, but in reality that would appeal to about 2.5 people so probably not worth it. Maybe when Mr Cosgrove finally retires he will spend his hard earned pension and his much more valuable time and knowledge on doing a good job.

It is funny old thing, I was watching the Blackburn one done by Debbie Troops recently, and actually thought that was decent, if a little simplistic, and more importantly caught people and a time long gone in a way only documentary can. I was much more nostalgic about it than I expected and thought it was actually a reasonable representation of the time. On the night me and Bill Mercer spent all night behind camera man, threatening him if he even remotely turned towards us, and even trying to pour water in his, I imagine, very expensive camera. We were dead against it at the time, now there is a little bit of me that wishes it showed my presence. Bizarre,

It's all for the culture Vultures again! The student clientele trying to be 'head and shoulders' above the rest in the Common Room at Uni because they have a Compilation C.D. from Asda and went to a Northern Night sitting and waiting for ' Do I love you ' to be played. They come........... they go.......... but soon get bored of the true Soul sounds we can distinguish from the run of the mill overly-plugged tracks on the scene. It's a tad worrying though with all the Media hype and have - a - go film directors kicking the backside out of it.

.

Just wished they'd given Sandy Holt more airtime on the show though!!!!

KTF All.

I am assuming given you only have one post and your last line this is a wind up, but just in case I will say I do not get this, you seem to be confusing people doing a fictional film with a documentary and they surely have differing requirements.

I have never felt you have to be established on the scene to do a good job of either, you just have to be talented at your job and do your homework surely, same as films/documentary about anything. However history does show non scene people do a sloppy job so maybe I am being an idealist, I have said it before but Paul Sadot's play "got it", so maybe our best hope is someone on the scene to do the same with a film and/or documentary, however I don't think we should expect the same result from both disciplines.

I think Soulboy proved a lack of talent and a shit writer means a poor job, but I would say that is regardless of the subject matter, just we are a more critical audience and therefore the product probably has to be more focussed and better researched, showing a more detailed understanding of the subject.

As I say your last line leads me to assume a wind up, or someone who wants everything to remind them of Wigan, therefore maybe not the most balanced view!

Pete S will probably be able to confirm when, but a Midland News show went to a soul club with one of the regulars. He spoke well about the passion, the dancing etc. It was current, and on the sound track it had a couple of popular tunes from that time.

But it still came across as a bit of a freak show pish take. Even if the presenter wasn't aiming to do that.

Maybe, just maybe. The Northern Soul scene belongs in the shadows. It doesn't cross well into the media spotlight. And unless you are the type of person who revels in the obscurity of information in the 'real world', then the Northern Soul fan's way of life, looks many things. But not cool. It only feels cool to us, because it ticks our boxes. Just as with anyone who is massively into anything. Unless you are preaching to the converted. You are generally going to look a little odd, or a little sad, to someone who has little, to no interest, in your passion.

The soul scene is what it is. It has lasted this long, and gone through all the changes it has, purely because of the passion of its followers. It hasnt survived because its the equivalent of TV (Opium of the masses) or is held in high esteem throughout most of the world, like association football.

Were Northern Soul to have transgressed into the public psyche, like Glam did for example. Then possibly, once the Right On or Keep The Faith badges had sold out at Woolies, it would have disappeared quicker than the Glam Rock fans spandex boob tube or platform shoes.

It would be good if any producer got hold of the dozens of attempts at portraying the Northern Soul scene, and then thought it through sensibly. Hopefully, they'd reach the conclusion that the only people who are likely to enjoy this, are those already interested. And those who are most likely to really hate the project. Are those already interested. Anyone, of any age, who trips across this scene is more likely to stay because their mates, or new friends, are into it as well. They wont be swayed by the One Show, or even a Panorama exclusive. They may not even be swayed by Elaine's film that will hopefully (and I fully expect it to be) be better than all that has gone before it.

And that is something that has rung true since a separate and distinctive scene grew from the early clubs. There is IMO no reason to suspect that will ever change. Even with trying to portray today's scene accurately wont help. Although, I concede it will be infinitely preferable to another Russ trip, rehashed using the same limited material.

As usual Michael you provide the most spot on and thoughtful, if not exactly succinct , answer and probably the best one. However I love film/theatre etc, I would love for it to get the representation it deserves again, and I say again it is more about the talent of the people concerned than the subject matter that has been the problem, I truly believe put the groundwork in and we might get a good result,

One thing I don't agree with is that any film should be viewed as an intro to the scene, or even as relevant to the scene today, it's a piece of art that should stand its own ground against other films, not against an all-nighter or a soul night, and should be judged as such. If it evokes emotions because of your connection to the scene then it is doing it's job. Soulboy, despite the writers arrogant plea otherwise, fell down because it was a shit product, poorly put together and very poorly written, it would never have made cinema if it wasn't for its USP of Northern.

I too am truly hopeful for Elaine's film, for effort and actual thought put into the product alone, it sounds a winner, the fact she is immensely talented (and yes a good friend, but sure Colin Law will testify I am the first to criticise friends when I do not approve of their work!) just makes me more hopeful.

Edited April 27, 201114 yr by jocko

Has this program gone out yet? If not when is it aired?

And where exactly did you get these pearls of wisdom from, never let a rumour get in the way of a good story eh....

I was at the last dance class that turned into a soul night as I was in London for the evening, and I didn't see any plan B or prancing, differing levels of dancers, some very good and very very authentic being trained very well for a film, and being acclimatised to what it is like to dance in among real people at the soul night later, most would call it damn good preparation and taking your art seriously, could even stretch it to liken it to method acting, hasn't done some serious actors too much harm in the past has it. Must tell Ken Loach to stop putting so much effort into making his situations real as possible, obviously he has it wrong.

You really do have a chip on your shoulder don't you, I have heard the story about your promoting being run out of town, quite funny really, sure a wanabee promoting has beens in a washed up seaside town will make a good story one day........

Here you go then Northern Soul Film Dancers with Plan B......I will have some vinegar with that chip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwMk6HG9ZZ0