PREVIEW

8 reasons why we can’t wait for June

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. 34th Glastonbury Festival

Just 1 of the reasons why we started this blog. So much to look forward to in 2016: John Grant, Fatboy Slim, Cyndi Lauper, Aluna George, Adele, Coldplay, Disclosure, New Order, Grimes, Roisin Murphy, Years and Years, Jake Bugg and St Etienne, we’re looking at you for starters. And that’s just the main stages. Our annual fix will also feature the delights from the rest including Will Young, The Feeling and Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs. An opportunity to say goodbye also to Bowie and Prince.

  • Read on for reasons including Shura, Richard III and The Deep Blue Sea

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PREVIEW: Eurovision Song Contest final

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WHEN?: 8pm 14/5

WHERE?: BBC1 (UK, link below) or Ericsson Globe, Stockholm

We’ve had the two semi-finals – and now we know all 26 of the finalists in the 61st Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday. But how will they fare there?

  • Read on for the predicted finishes of each of the 26 finalists including the UK

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PREVIEW & Q&A: The Hollow Crown starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Sturridge

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHERE: BFI

WHEN: 29/3, screens April

The BFI audience has just seen the first episode of the new BBC Hollow Crown trilogy and there are clear Game Of Thrones comparisons although star Tom Sturridge (who plays Henry VI) is having none of it.

  • Read on to find out which Sherlock actor joins Benedict Cumberbatch (pictured above) in this BBC2 production

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PREVIEW: Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 2

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WHEN: 8pm (UK time) 12/5 (link below)

WHERE: BBC4 (link below) and Stockholm’s Ericsson Globe

We’ve revised our predictions with the 1st week of rehearsals over for the semi-finalists – and it’s two in and two out.

  • Who’s through and who’s on the first plane out of Stockholm? Read on for our semi 2 predictions

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PREVIEW: Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 1

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WHEN?: 10/5

WHERE: BBC4 8pm (link below)

Rehearsals for the 1st Eurovision semi-final started 2/5 and we’ll be updating our semi 1 predictions to reflect them as they progress, so here’s our thoughts on the 18 entries vying for 10 final slots.

  • Who’s through and who’s on the 1st plane out of Stockholm? Read on for our semi 1 predictions

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5 greatest Eurovision Song Contest winners

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Abba Waterloo

An obvious winner. Their star burned more brightly and less long than most. Waterloo is so good it sounds so completely of its time (Brighton 1974) yet wouldn’t be out of place in any of the intervening 50 years. ‘So how could I ever refuse …?’

  • Read on for archive performances including Dana International and Conchita

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5 greatest UK Eurovision Song Contest entries ever

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Brotherhood Of Man Save Your Kisses For Me

At the risk of a lady disclosing her age, we were six years old when this romped home as the UK’s 3rd winner after Sandie Shaw and Lulu in 1976. We thought the ‘ … even though you’re only 3 …’ pay-off line twee even then. The British Airways-inspired outfits would later front their own entry as Scooch with Flying The Flag in Helsinki in 2007.

  • Read on for highlights and archive performances from acts including Kathy Kirby

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PREVIEW: 8 reasons why we can’t wait for May

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. UK has a shot at Eurovision 

43 countries, two semis and a final: 14/5. The bookies have the UK’s Joe and Jake 27th as we write this but we’ve heard all the entries and think You’re Not Alone has a shot at winning particularly with an EU referendum 23/6. Our dark horse is Croatia’s Nina Kraljić (main picture and below) who’s channelling Hounds Of Love-era Kate Bush:

  • Read on for reasons including Cyndi Lauper, Aladdin and The Threepenny Opera

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PREVIEW: 11 reasons why we can’t wait for April

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Glenn Close stars in Sunset Boulevard

Q: Who is the most nominated actor still living never to win an Oscar? A: Glenn Close (The World According To Garp, The Big Chill, The Natural (supporting nods), Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, Albert Nobbs (lead nods)). She brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to the Coliseum and we’re at the 1/4 first preview as this runs to 7/5. Tickets here. Picture via Facebook courtesy English National Opera.

  • Read on for reasons including Game of Thrones star in West End, Pet Shop Boys album, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom & Benedict Cumberbatch’s Hollow Crown

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