By demand; Still Crazy, written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais (festival Patron) and introduced by Chris Phipps.
Starring: Stephen Rea, Billy Connolly, Bill Nighy, Timothy Spall, Jimmy Nail and Juliet Aubrey.
During the ’70s, Strange Fruit was an internationally famous band. But, as with many rock groups, drugs and internal friction took their toll, and the musicians went their separate ways. More than two decades later (Jimmy Nail) is working as a roof repairman. Tony (Stephen Rea) is a condom salesman. Beano (Timothy Spall) toils at a nursery while dodging the tax man. And Ray (Bill Nighy) has been pursuing an unsuccessful solo career.
Seeing the ’90s return of such bands as The Eagles and Traffic, Tony decides that there might be some money in reuniting Strange Fruit. Visions of a second chance dance in his head. So, aided by the band’s former secretary, Karen (Juliet Aubrey), and roadie, Hughie (Billy Connolly), they re-form and begin a tour of pubs and grunge dance clubs throughout Holland.
Like The Commitments, which was penned by Still Crazy‘s writing team of Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, this film never allows the music to overwhelm the characters.
Still Crazy will be introduced by music historian, Chris Phipps.
Chris Phipps is a name linked with over three decades of music on TV.
In his adopted home of the North East, Chris was recruited to co-produce Channel 4’s controversial music show The Tube. Since then he has acted as consultant to ITV1 and Channel 4’s popular music listing Top 100 programmes, as well as major biopics such as Bob Marley – Time Will Tell and cutting-edge current affairs documentaries.
In 2011 Chris co -produced the acclaimed BBC4 documentary “Mark Knopfler – a life in songs” and the “Battle of Byker” for BBC RADIO4.
His main passion pride in the region’s music achievements led him to co-produce an award winning series and book devoted to Northstars.
On Ian La Frenais Night, Chris will be taking a general look at the genre of rock on film – and a specific look at how one of Tynemouth’s greatest exports – Ian La Frenais and his co writer Dick Clements – have tackled, with varying results, rock and drama.
Chris produced a documentary with the duo in LA in 2003 – so stand by for some
inside stories!
