Dodgy who opened the shop on a wave of national chart material would have enjoyed the Sons gig. The Wayward Sons were tight their vocal harmonies were superb and the crowd not only applauded every number with the intensity of an England batsman getting a century against the Aussies they danced too.

Set List

Bloody Fool, Looking at the Stars, Everything That I Do, Jack, Just A Lover and two new numbers Starting to Fly and Carry Me Away.

It was a real pleasure to witness. I'm not biased but this was good and Good Luck to the lads cos' they deserve success.

Jiffy Wilmslow from the touchline

"I'd rather watch my TV"

The work took up the story where MacFarlane's earlier play "The Goggle Box" left off last winter, developing the theme of the effect that television imposes on a household.

All four main characters were back, played by Graham MacFarlane himself, Maeve Elliott, Darrin Cooper with Russ Wendes taking on the part of Orlando played by Colin Carmichael first time around.

The consensus quickly reached among those who had seen the original play was that the sequel was, indeed, a step forward. Sharper in acting, writing and overall presentation. If you had not seen the original last Winter it was not a problem. Clever video clips linked the performance, particularly an opening sequence where a camera traced MacFarlane's quirky character Stephen along Newport streets and into the theatre right up the poitn where he walked on stage in person.

The Ferret Theatre have recently been the beneficiaries of an "Arts For Everyone" lottery grant, and on this evidence they have invested their money wisely. The multi-media links and slogans, aided by a catchy Dave Pontin soundtrack, fleshed out the acting and contributed considerably to the overall effect.

Some of television's more inane game shows came under the merciless hammer of MacFarlane's pen as the Goggle Box once again imposed its grip.

During the interval the packed audience spilled out onto the street to enjoy the cheese and wine.

The second half exchange between MacFarlane and TV Repairman Steve Gray, a central character, was comedy of a very high standard with the author as the highly strung Steven gibbering away manically and uncontrollably.

This was a two hour show, and that's a lot of writing. Full credit to Mr. MacFarlane and his mighty team for a production of the highest standard. The homely Apollo was an ideal venue, and there is now considerable scope to let the Goggle Box's spell spread to a wider audience on the mainland.

In the meantime, look out for two September dates at Newport's Quay Arts Centre and a feature on the Ferrets for Meridian TV's "The Pier".

Vic King

Kicking out with The Jones'

I haven't been to a rock gig in Ventnor in twenty five years. The last one was Supertramp at the Ventnor Winter Gardens. A long walk home to East Cowes saved by Jenny Wheeler but that's another story because Jane is behind the wheel tonight.

The set started at 10.30 with Chiz and the band pounding through a pile of covers that included The Jam's That's Entertainment, Down In The Tube Station, The Stones' Sympathy For The Devil, Elvis Costello's Radio Radio, The Wonder Stuff's Circle Square and A White Man In The Hammersmith Palais by the Clash.

Between the covers came the originals that truly rose above the heat of this tiny room. They included TV Song, Lament, Lifeline, James Brown and I Must Be Leaving. Air piano by yours truly Graham McFarlane the madcap split personality of Stevie Winwood and Ray Manzarek of the Doors. Wozencroft sweeping up behind like he does for Plessey's on a Saturday afternoon, Russ Wendes pogoing and bending the bass notes. Sean Couling adding vocals. It was the business.

Pete and Heather Short were happily celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary. But surprise surprise, Chiz announces that some old gits have complained about the decibal levels and want the place closed, so he shouts 'sign the petition' like a modern day Che Guevara. (Jane said he looked like him ). Wonder where his bones will end up?

I'll definitely go again and probably hang around till Sunday afternoon when The Jones' play unplugged in the front bar.

From the touchline Jiffy Wilmslow