Laura Green, Author at Blackpool Social Club

19 Apr

Review: Art Saved My Life

Laura Green1 CommentVisual Arts & Exhibitions

I will admit to being rather intrigued by Mathew Jones work when I first saw the posts on social media promoting his exhibition at Shaws Cafe. Over the last few weeks as I have watched the post gain traction, my interest has not waned. The buzz around this artist is thanks to the strong support system from within the creative community, particularly ICAN, but mostly due to his own determination, drive and raw talent. There are not many artists I know of that have secured their own exhibition within the first year of practice and has achieved the level of…

06 Apr

Review: Something or Nothing

Laura Green0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitions

It was a fantastic turn out for the preview of Abingdon Studios latest and to date, largest group exhibition. Arriving a few moments early so I could get a quick word with some of the artists, I found the evening already in full swing. This was an event that the local art community were clearly very excited about, this is not really a surprise when you consider that the list of exhibiting artists reads like the who’s who of contemporary practitioners on the Fylde coast. "Something or Nothing" showcases not only the diverse skills and talents of the eight artists…

01 Apr

Open Studio: Sam Jayne Simpson

Laura Green0 CommentsVisual Arts & ExhibitionsArt, artist, Blackpool, dance, fine art, Music, paintings

With a range of diverse and dynamic artists living and working on the Fylde Coast there is a wealth of creative spaces on our doorsteps that mostly go unnoticed day to day. We often encounter art work on social media or in shops and galleries. It is easy to forget that the final product you see in those digital and physical spaces start their life somewhere and that “somewhere” might just be a little closer to home than you think. Creative people often need to think outside of the box when it comes to finding a space to let their…

14 Mar

Fylde Film Festival 2018

Laura Green0 CommentsFilm, Theatre, Dance & PerformanceBlott Studio Gallery, Film, film festival, Fylde Film Festival, Houndshill Shopping Centre, Viva Blackpool, Viva Vegas Diner

Fylde Film Festival (formerly Fylde Film Showcase) is proud to be returning for its second year! It brings with it the opportunity for independent regional, national and international filmmakers to have their work showcased in pop-up events at venues across Blackpool town centre, culminating in an awards ceremony at the prestigious ‘Viva Blackpool’. Independent filmmakers are encouraged to submit their short films for consideration via ‘FilmFreeWay’ before 13th April 2018. The festival aims to showcase as many films as possible via the showcase events, awards evening event and associated online sites. The organisers strongly advocate student films; however, submission is…

07 Mar

Review: The Line Between

Laura Green0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitions

Abingdon Studios has been showcasing some of the best and brightest artists working not only in Blackpool, but all of the UK and around world since it opened, bringing to the town an array of diverse exhibitions and events within this artist led space. Recently the Studios Directing Founder, Garth Gratrix, invited Alan Baker, who has currently had work in an exhibition in South Korea, to show a selection of pencil drawings from his ongoing series, “Trap and Snare”. I went down to the preview to get a sneaky look before the exhibition opened to the public and see if…

27 Feb

Review – A Country Night In Nashville

Laura Green0 CommentsMusic & Gigs

I really don’t know what I was expecting when I rolled up to The Grand one recent Saturday evening, my knowledge of County Music is well… limited. A bit of Dolly, (thanks to the years of Christmas parties) and the greatest hits of Johnny Cash. I didn’t have high hopes, or a cowboy hat and I was pretty sure six seasons of “Nashville” on TV were not really going to help me out if the audience were asked to sing along to anything other than “Jolene”. Pushing my doubts aside and determined to enjoy the evening regardless, I took my…

24 Jan

Live Forever with Fame The Musical

Laura Green0 CommentsTheatre, Dance & Performance

The Opera House Blackpool is excited to announce a long-anticipated visit from the 30th Anniversary tour of Fame The Musical, from Monday 13 August – Saturday 18 August 2018. Based on the 1980 phenomenal pop culture film, this show is an international smash hit sensation following the lives of students at New York’s High School for The Performing Arts as they navigate their way through the highs and lows, the romances and the heartbreaks and the ultimate elation of life. Exploring issues that confront many young people today: prejudice, identity, pride, literacy, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance, Since it's opening on…

09 Dec

Review – Bootleg Social Ladies’ Night

Laura Green0 CommentsMusic & Gigs

It is that time of year again where the crème de la crème of Blackpool Artists and Crafters set up their wares all over the town in a number of amazing festive fairs and pop up events. Big or small, old and new, these events are sure to bring in a crowd of excited shoppers looking for something a little bit different than what can be found in the high street stores. In their second year running “Ladies Night” (Men are welcome too!) Bootleg Social, on Topping Street, presented us with a truly specular event, providing the customers with an…

08 Sep

Review – Dirty Dancing

Laura Green0 CommentsTheatre, Dance & Performance

For die-hard fans of the film this re-imagining of the beloved classic “Dirty Dancing” might leave you feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. At least that is how I felt last week as I watched the latest offering of this romantic tale unfold upon the stage at the Winter Gardens. Dirty Dancing has returned to Blackpool and after wowing the audiences last year I was sure I was in for a treat but left feeling a little short-changed. Re-written for the stage, new scenes have been added, backstories created for some of the characters and relationships have been explored on a deeper…