Ticket
Frank Sidebottom, John Cooper Clarke
The Plaza Super Cinema And Variety Theatre
2010

Despite always living within a couple of miles of the Plaza, this was my first visit to this magnificent venue that first opened in 1932 as a Super Cinema & Variety Theatre. During my lifetime it had always been a bingo hall until it closed in 1998. Thankfully it reopened as a cinema/theatre in 2000 and is still going strong. Even if you are not taking in a show the Plaza is worth a visit.

Frank was on top form and as good as I had ever seen him. I did expect him to have a go on the famous Compton organ but he stuck to his trusty Bontempi instead.

I hadn't seen John Cooper Clarke before so was expecting more poetry whereas his shows nowadays feature a lot more comedy. Also check out his occasional shows on BBC 6music when he sits in for Jarvis Cocker, he plays some good stuff.

My first visit to the Plaza, the first time I saw John Cooper Clarke and the last time I saw Frank.