Svengali
Anyone who know me will know that before I was lured into
the world of the End (or the End of the world) that my roots where in Mod and
skinhead culture, Fred Perry’s , Levi’s and Air wear or smart suits and Loafers
with a musical background of Ska, Soul, Northern Soul, reggae and the original
Britpop of the Beatles and The Who and latterly The jam and Punk.
So I’ve now heard about this film Svengali and its being described as a sort of Trainspotting for
Mods so I just need to go and see it as soon as possible!
we are the (scouse) mods! at the back are, (centre) the rt honourable Steven Rotheram (MP for Walton), To his left is Gary Allt (brother of Nicky) and to his right, yours truly, in Erics Dressing Room around 1979
To add to my desperate need to see it, it transpired that
the film is written and and starring an old friend
of The End , Jonathon Owens who
(among other things) can be seen in the Casuals documentary giving credit to
scousers for starting the terrace culture groove thang. Then, for the old
skinhead in me, the film also stars the
beautiful and amazing actress Vicky
McClure who, again among other, excellent, things ) may be best known for
her role as LOL in the This is England
films…oh and one of my favourite comic actors, Matt Berry also appears!
The Film is getting its Merseyside outing Next week and
will be being shown in New Brighton’s “The Light” cinema for a week, starting
Sunday 23rd March.
The open night will also be attended by Jonathon and other
cast members (hopefully Vicky! *sigh*) and following the film the stars will be
joined on stage for a question and answer session hosted by The End’s ex writer
and author of many excellent books (including, Awayday’s, Stars are stars, Powder
and The Killing Pool), Kevin Sampson.
There may also be a sneaky after show party featuring the music from the film.
Kevin Sampson will be hosting the Q & A
Light Cinema, Kings Parade, Marine Point, New Brighton.14:30pm
& 19:30pm (week starting 23rd March 2014)
Jonathon sent an exclusive message to The End;
“'I loved The End magazine. It was the Daddy
of the them all. I used to help with the Merthyr Fanzine 'Dial M for Merthyr'
which was created out of our love for The End. People say that the film
'Svengali' had the spirit of DIY Punk. Of working class lads getting out there
and doing it. I'd like to think in some small way I'm following in the
tradition of the End and what it meant to us all. They made us believe. There's
no greater thing you can do God bless them for that'. Jonny Owen 2014. X
He has specifically asked us to help get the message out
about Sundays Merseyside premiering of the film and is genuinely excited to be
coming here!
The End fanzine would love to see you all there, including
all the Liverpool scooter boys and Cloud 9 from over the water, for a brilliant
night. (loads of photo’s please!)
See you there.
