Logistical problems - Morrissey's UK and European tour dates this have been postponed due to "logistical problems". His management made the announcement, saying the issues are "beyond our control". The former Smiths frontman, 59, had been due to play two gigs at Castlefield Bowl in his home city of Manchester on 7 and 8 July. Other shows had been scheduled for Reading, Portsmouth and Edinburgh in July.
A statement shared on Morrisey's official Facebook page said: "Due to logistical problems beyond our control, the UK/European Morrissey concerts scheduled for July will be postponed. We deeply regret any inconvenience to the fans.”
The Bard’s Back - A new production of Shakespeare in Love will tour the UK later this year. Lee Hall’s stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning film ran in the West End in 2014. A new version of the play, which has music by Paddy Cunneen, will open at Theatre Royal Bath in October, directed by Philip Breen. It runs in Bath from October 4, and will then tour to Nottingham, Malvern, Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Chichester, with more locations to be announced.
Tribute - West End theatres dimmed their lights last night (Monday) in memory of the choreographer Gillian Lynne, who has died aged 92. Lynne, who choreographed more than 60 shows in the West End and on Broadway, including Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, died on 1 July.
Julian Bird, chief executive of the Society of London Theatre, said: “Dame Gillian Lynne’s contribution to theatre was inestimable. Her career, which spanned over seven decades, encompassed performance, choreography and directing. She worked across so many of the West End and Broadway’s top venues and productions, and won numerous awards and accolades. We are proud to celebrate her extraordinary legacy tonight in the West End.”
Family Man - Joe Jackson, patriarch of pop's most famous family, has died aged 89, his family has said. In a statement, Michael Jackson's estate said: "We are deeply saddened by Mr Jackson's passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to Mrs Katherine Jackson and the family. Joe was a strong man who acknowledged his own imperfections and heroically delivered his sons and daughters from the steel mills of Gary, Indiana to worldwide pop superstardom."
Farewell - Bay City Rollers guitarist Alan Longmuir has died at the age of 70. He passed away "peacefully surrounded by family" after reportedly falling ill while on holiday and returning to Edinburgh for treatment. The band was formed in the late 1960s but did not achieve big chart success until 1974 when Shang-A-Lang reached number two in the UK singles chart. Described by British Hit Singles & Albums as "tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh", they briefly became worldwide idols.
(Jim Evans)
3 July 2018

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