Saw it on Monday and enjoyed it so much. Glad you spotted that set design. I came away wanting all my furniture to transform into beds and boats!

The best ride.
I said what I said.

And the choo choo announcement is gold every time

A very necessary title!

Three-panel cartoon. Panel 1: Two characters sit. One says, "Let's not talk about politics anymore, I can't bear it." The other replies, "Same." Panel 2: They sit in silence. Panel 3: The first character suddenly shouts, "The thing is though- " and the other adds, "- these fucking idiots!" Comic by @emilyscartoons.

Combining a Duran Duran reference with a moving tribute is quite the gift!

(And I have that T-shirt, too!)

Photo of Melys band on stage in full performance flow. Flood sign is an additional percussion instrument!

Amazing daytime concert by Welsh indie outfit, Melys. Sunday 16/3.

As well as past faves (culminating in the brilliant Disco Pig) they played 2 new songs from the forthcoming album - which sounded excellent.

Support from the accomplished and lively @ynysmusic.bsky.social who smashed it.

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A tiny antidote to the doom?

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If you've never encountered this band in the wild, then here's a handy summary of them in all their wonderfulness!

New album and tour. Really worth checking them out. Your human life will never be the same once you've met these space beings!

Memorable thing: During the performance of Gemma R’s 'My idea of fun', she opened a full bottle of rum, swigged some down in deference to the ending of Dry January – then we watched as the bottle got passed round the room and many hardy (foolhardy?) people drained it dry.

In person, she’s got real stage presence, teasing and bantering with the audience one minute, then sparkling in the spotlight as she nails each sung word. It’s a bit old-fashioned to say so, but she gives real ‘star-quality’. Proper entertainment!

Finally, the main event: Gemma Rogers with full band. Just brilliant. Gemma’s songwriting is full of stories, frank commentary and tunes that reach out and won’t let go.

Yer standard rock band with bass, guitar, drums and vocal – but not standard at all due to killer tunes and unusual vocals (reminscent of Mother Mother’s range). Reminded me why I love live music. Their performance blew away the January blues. Mini downside? Venue ran out of Guinness.

Next up, local Reading band, Puma Theory. There were some die-hard fans already in the audience, judging by the t-shirts and energetic solo moshers.

Total silence in the room as she did her stuff, even during the periodic re-tunings of her ukelele (no, that word does not get any easier). We were treated to a new song, asked to give our verdict and unanimously gave it the thumbs up. Hope to see more of Jess around.

Arrived in time to see part of the ukelele (that’s such a weird word to write) strummings from Jess Tuthill – solo on stage with songs full of heart.

Gemma Rogers and drummer, lit in green, performing at Facebar Reading. Independent Venue Week banner hangs in the background.

Tuesday 28th January – Independent Venue Week – Gemma Rogers, Puma Theory and Jess Tuthill, Facebar Reading

First gig of the year and an eclectic and uplifting one to start things off.

To be clear - you literally get £15 FREE to lend out! You have nothing to lose except a bit of admin time

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Lend your support to entrepreneurs in low-income countries through @lendwithcare.bsky.social Make your first loan for free with this link! lendwithcare.org/referral/MBL...