05.06.23.
Back in The Movies cinema in Amsterdam
The Perfect Day Tent of Amsterdam had to say goodbye to The Movies cinema and their current Fun Afternoons are currently held in the Factory in Zaandam. But the tent will return to the restored Movies and a date has already been set. On Sunday, October 1, 2023, a special Fun Afternoon with a particularly festive look will be take place.
The Perfect Day Tent began showing Laurel & Hardy films on the weekend of October 1 and 2, 1988 under the banner of Two Perfect Days. That is exactly 35 years ago on October 1 - a reason for a party.
The Movies has been restored
At the Panopticon
The Call of the Cuckoos Tent was back at the Britannia Panopticon Music Hall in Glasgow on 31st May for a big screen showing of Saps at Sea and shorts. The meeting saw the launch of 2024 Laurel and Hardy calendars, hot off the press and sales were brisk.
The tent will be back at the Panopticon on 2nd August for more levity.
NB: The calendars, exclusive to Bowler Dessert, with photos specially colorised by Paul Mitchell, will be on sale on this website shortly.
…And This Is My Friend Mr Laurel returns to the Edinburgh Fringe
Jeffrey Holland (Hi-de-Hi and You Rang M’Lord) returns with his sell-out one-man show about friendship, memories and a couple of remarkable lives. Set in the bedroom of a sick Oliver Hardy, the show takes place during Laurel's visit to the dying man and has had rapturous reviews.
It will be at Pleasance Courtyard,
60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ.
2nd till 28th August, 2023
Book tickets at
https://edinburghfestival.datathistle.com/event/2092647-and-this-is-my-friend-mr-laurel
Gravy in Morecambe
The Laughing Gravy Tent had a great day out in Morecambe on 20 May, as part of their 30th birthday celebrations. Lozi Lee was among those who posted photos on Facebook of himself with Eric Morecambe.
Ulverston statue
A photo of the Laurel and Hardy statue in Ulverston was posted on Facebook by Gary Winstanley. Viewed from this angle, and in monochrome, the statue takes on a new look.
Nick
Our long-time correspondent Nick Rich has been having some health problems. He is now in a care home and awaiting rehab. We wish Nick all the best for a speedy recovery.
Uplifting
We smiled when we saw this on the internet!
Men o' War Tent
The Men o' War Tent planning team: David Lyon, Nigel Lister, Rob and Ali Davies and Paul Harding
The Harwich and Manningtree Standard reported...
A fan club of legendary comic duo Laurel and Hardy has announced its successful move to a new venue.
Fans of the iconic Hollywood stars Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy have produced clubs worldwide, known as the Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society. The Men o’ War Tent, a branch of the Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society, was originally based in Lawford, holding its first meeting in 1987 before meeting in several venues in Colchester and Manningtree. It has now moved to Brantham Village Hall and after a few successful meetings to settle in, would like to welcome newcomers.
Nigel Lister, of the Men o’ War Tent, said: “The layout in the hall is ideal with its big screen over a raised stage. We keep mainly to 16mm film so we have the whir of the projector at the back of the room adding an authentic vintage feel. It’s a great atmosphere.”
The official Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society was founded in 1965 and is also known as the Sons of the Desert. There are 43 clubs in the UK alone and branches are called tents; each tent is named after a Laurel and Hardy film. The north Essex tent is named after the 1929 film Men o’ War and the Men o’ War Tent held its first meeting in January 1987.
Paul Harding, of the Men o’ War Tent planning team, added: “Our aim is to continue sharing the films of Laurel and Hardy with a wider audience. Their humour hits the right note for all age groups – we have members from teenagers to over 80 and plenty in between who regularly attend. It’s particularly rewarding for us when we can introduce a new generation of youngsters to this classic comedy and we know it is still working when we hear the spontaneous group laughter at the gags made so long ago.”
The Men o’ War Tent’s next meeting is on Saturday, June 17, in Brantham Village Hall with doors opening at 7.30pm.
Entry costs £4 for non-members and £2 for under 16s, call Paul Harding on 01255 429 887 for more details.
Another Nice Mess play in Glasgow
https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/the-occasion-theatres-the-southside-group-another-nice-mess reports:
The Southside Group is back with melodrama, farce and silent comedy in a brand-new show taking inspiration from the visit of Laurel and Hardy to Glasgow in June 1947.
Working with Glaswegian playwright, Stewart Ennis, Another Nice Mess explores how the 1947 visit of comedy duo Laurel and Hardy impacted the members of a local Southside fan club. Or, how it might have, had such a club existed!
The Southside Group (TSG) is an exciting initiative by Glasgow based theatre company The Occasion designed to provide adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to get involved in theatre.
...and finally