Sound like the whole of south London was bopping last weekend! While Dulwich Picture Gallery was celebrating disco with Mamma Mia!, the Ritzy cinema in Brixton went back to rock ‘n’ roll with its 1950s fun day, in aid of the children’s charity Plan. Daniel Pateman reports.
The London Swing Cats
The day began with a showing of the 1953 film Peter Pan; judging by the turnout, it seems true that some of us never grow up! Hotdogs had their day again, along with ice-cream sodas, in a bid to recapture that American diner vibe.
Grease lightening struck at mid-day, much to my pleasure. Made in 1978 and based on the musical of the same name, Grease remains an endlessly enjoyable and exuberant celebration of the 1950’s, ‘rock’n’roll’, love and friendship. Packed with upbeat and memorable tunes, such as ‘We Go Together’ and ‘You’re The One That I Want’, and starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, the film was the highest grossing US movie of 1978, and thrust both its lead stars firmly into the limelight.
Upstairs, after the class of Rydell High had finally departed, there was more revelry to come. In the newly refurbished ‘Upstairs at the Ritzy’ bar, there were dance demonstrations from The London Swing Cats, swinging and jiving and generally looking splendid in 1950’s inspired garb. They were later joined by the live band The Rock’n’Roll Society, playing some great 1950’s style music. Add to this mix the Ritzy’s delicious, specially made mojitos, and soon everyone was ready to rock around the clock!
Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in Grease
After the music had died down, and those blue suede shoes had come to a rest, the event organisers were able to announce that they had raised approximately £1000 for the charity! An invaluable contribution, and one that will help provide many young children in Niger with that most simple of needs; clean, drinkable water.
If you would like more information about the charity, please visit their website at www.plan-uk.org or call 0800 90 20 240 (quoting ref. INST29)
