Poging GOUD - Vrij
Wild riffs enlivena plodding tale of how one manturned SW9 into rock'n'roll central
The London Standard
|July 31, 2025
This by-the-numbers story of how Simon Parkes leased a defunct cinema for £1 in 1983 and turned it into the mighty Brixton Academy is not a great piece of theatre.
-
But it does tell a great London story with brio and appropriate dollops of live music from its two cast members.
Max Runham and Tendai Humphrey Sitima play Parkes, his wingman Johnny Lawes, all the other characters and a selection of keyboards and guitars to augment backing-track bursts of everything from Blondie to Springsteen to Andrew Lloyd Webber. Like its subject, Bronagh Lagan's production has infectious charm and cocksure swagger, and it seems fitting it's taking place in another rackety, converted south London space.
Alex Urwin's narration-heavy script is "inspired" by Parkes's memoir and presumably has his wholehearted approval, since it uncritically depicts him as a folk hero and more or less squeaky clean.
Dit verhaal komt uit de July 31, 2025-editie van The London Standard.
Abonneer u op Magzter GOLD voor toegang tot duizenden zorgvuldig samengestelde premiumverhalen en meer dan 9000 tijdschriften en kranten.
Bent u al abonnee? Aanmelden
MEER VERHALEN VAN The London Standard
The London Standard
Can Rosenior crack it as Chelsea frontman?
The inexperienced new Blues boss will have to work with the powers behind the scenes to have any chance of success.
6 mins
January 08, 2026
The London Standard
London's best antique dealers and jewellers
From Georgian engagement rings to 1980s Bulgari, the city's jewellers have it all — you just need to know where to look.
3 mins
January 08, 2026
The London Standard
Hidden London
SECRET SPOTS YOU SIMPLY HAVE TO DISCOVER
4 mins
January 08, 2026
The London Standard
Our three-bedroom Victorian house was a steal. When we tell people how much it cost their jaws hit the floor
If you are debating whether to stay in London or move to the country, Harold Hill could be a perfect compromise.
1 mins
January 08, 2026
The London Standard
New Year in the capital: feel better, live brighter in 2026
The new year in London always brings a buzz of opportunity. But rather than chasing dramatic resolutions, 2026 is the year of gentle consistency, and of putting your wellbeing at the centre of your routine
2 mins
January 08, 2026
The London Standard
Performance & wellness
Dr Mukil Menon is redefining performance and longevity medicine in the UK through medically supervised peptide therapies and bespoke health programmes
2 mins
January 08, 2026
The London Standard
A safe pathway to Dubai and the UAE
While the UK is dealing with one of the largest tax rises in its recent history, many are seeing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — and Dubai specifically — as an attractive alternative place to build a future
2 mins
January 08, 2026
The London Standard
McCullum reign continues for now after Ashes debacle
Coach expected to lead side into the T20 World Cup despite disaster Down Under. By Cameron Ponsonby
3 mins
January 08, 2026
The London Standard
'THE APOCALYPSE HAS ALREADY HAPPENED'
Sleaford Mods frontman Jason Williamson has been the genius, foul-mouthed voice of working-class Britain for more than a decade— now he’s eyeing up the fate of the planet.
5 mins
January 08, 2026
The London Standard
LONDON RULES SUPREME: THE BEST CULTURE OF 2026
Christopher Nolan's Odyssey. Lily Allen in the West End. A Gorillaz football stadium takeover. It's all on in the capital.
11 mins
January 08, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
