Events at the Launderette …
Great Gigs at a Unique Venue
Launderette Session gigs are on sale at WeGotTickets, including many not listed on this page.
Tickets are also available directly from Old Cinema Launderette without a booking fee.
Doors usually open at 7pm. Support (if arranged) starts around 7.50pm. Headliner around 8.30pm. For full details click "buy tickets".
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Keith James. THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 28th October 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Keith James in concert – The Songs of Leonard Cohen
These remarkable songs - stripped back to their bare honesty and courage.
‘There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in’ Cohen’s most memorable and visionary line from his song ANTHEM. If ever there was a sentence in modern poetry to reflect on and give hope and understanding to us all, it is this line. This Concert begins with ANTHEM.
Included in the concert are Cohen’s well-known songs: Famous Blue Raincoat, Sisters of Mercy, Suzanne, and Hallelujah alongside his rarer and profound writing such as Who by Fire, Joan of Arc and Secret Life. Also included are songs from his posthumous album Thanks for the Dance such as What happens to the Heart and Keith’s dramatic performances based on the work of Federico Garcia Lorca – Cohen’s greatest influence. Keith has also transcribed into song one of Leonard’s poems from his collection ‘Book of longing’ written whilst on retreat during the 1990s.
‘Some of the most atmospheric and emotive music you will ever hear’ The Independent
Chris Helme (Seahorses) - *Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 5th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Rising to fame in the 1990s as frontman of indie band The Seahorses singer-songwriter Chris Helme is now producing acclaimed folk-infused tracks as a solo artist, including with a new album readying for release during 2020.
His enviable back catalogue includes Britpop classics such as ‘Love is the Law’ and ‘Blinded by the Sun’ from his time with John Squires’ post-Stone Roses band, The Seahorses. But beyond these well-loved indie hits Helme has matured into a songwriter of regard for noir-tinged folk gems blistering with emotion.
Chris Helme (Seahorses) - *Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 6th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Rising to fame in the 1990s as frontman of indie band The Seahorses singer-songwriter Chris Helme is now producing acclaimed folk-infused tracks as a solo artist, including with a new album readying for release during 2020.
His enviable back catalogue includes Britpop classics such as ‘Love is the Law’ and ‘Blinded by the Sun’ from his time with John Squires’ post-Stone Roses band, The Seahorses. But beyond these well-loved indie hits Helme has matured into a songwriter of regard for noir-tinged folk gems blistering with emotion.
Hannah James & Toby Kuhn venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Sunday 7th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Hannah James and Toby Kuhn are a dazzling combination. Hannah is an award-winning musician, dancer, songwriter and singer, a creative force renowned for her work with Lady Maisery, Seasick Steve, Maddy Prior and Songs of Separation with Eliza Carthy, Karine Polwart and others. Toby is a globetrotting French cellist whose post-classical, inventive, improvisational playing combines beautifully with Hannah to create a charismatic, playful chemistry. If you’re looking for warmth, honesty and musical excellence, look no further. This folk is full of soul.
Darren Hayman Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 11th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
When Darren Hayman made his debut in 1997 with the acclaimed indie band Hefner his lyrical remit was the broken hearted. His early songs told the story of the lonesome and lost, and broken dreams of love on the back streets of London. After Hefner, Hayman’s palette grew to include a unique take on place and memory. In the early 2000s he wrote a trilogy of albums around the history of Essex. In 2012 he made an instrumental album describing the tranquillity of Lidos. In 2016 Darren was awarded ‘Hardest Working Musician’ by the Association of Independent Music for his epic project on Thankful Villages, the 55 villages that survived the Great War with no casualties. His most recent record, 12 Astronauts, tells the personal story of the only men to have walked on the Moon.
Darren's latest album Hometime is a return to the themes heart ache and loss of Hefner, albeit with a hop and a skip. Darren will perform two sets at the Launderette covering all his career.
Dead Men Walking Venue - Gosforth Civic Theatre
Friday 12th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Founding member Kirk Brandon (Spear of Destiny/Theatre of Hate) will be joined by much heralded rhythm section, Segs and Ruffy from The Ruts on acoustic guitars, percussion and vocals. Jake Burns, legendary front man of Stiff Little Fingers, will be 'Flying The Flag' for Northern Ireland.
With a massive catalogue of songs to choose from this new DMW line up intend to deliver a raw stripped back interpretation of a whole host of classic tracks from their respective iconic albums and singles. A few surprise cover versions and even a brand new song or two are also threatening to make their way into the set. All in all the Sound Track of a Generation will be on show every night.Emma Stevens *New Date* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 18th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
“Bringing a refreshing glimmer of hope and an abundance of heart and positivity,British singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Emma Stevens first picked up a guitar at the age of two and has since learnt cello, piano, banjo, ukulele, mandolin and bass. Emma achieved four consecutive play-listed singles on BBC Radio 2, extensive international radio play in the UK, Europe and Australia, an iTunes single of the week with her song "Riptide", sold out headline shows and supported The Feeling, Take That, Wet Wet Wet, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Train, Albert Lee and Simply Red to name a few! .
Amelia Coburn *rescheduled* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 19th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Since being nominated for the BBC Young Folk Awards in 2017 Teesside's Amelia Coburn has spent much of her time travelling around the world, working and living in France, Mexico and Russia. A striking stage presence and the ability to fill a room with the subtlest of sounds.
Chris Wood Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 20th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
In a world of soundbites and distractions Chris Wood is a truth seeker. His writing is permeated with love and wry intelligence, uplifting and challenging as he celebrates the sheer one-thing-after-anotherness of life. Tom Robinson and Chris Difford are fans while Stick In The Wheel and The Unthanks look to him as an influence. Winner of 6 BBC Folk Awards, he's played with The Royal Shakespeare Company and was a key member of The Imagined Village along with Billy Bragg and Martin Carthy. A wise and soulful craftsman, his concerts are a cliche free zone.
Mark Burgess *Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 25th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
The Chameleons legendary front man, Mark Burgess plays an intimate set in their 40th Anniversary year, expect plenty of Chameleons classics and more from this iconic Mancunian genius!Kirk Brandon - aKoustiK Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 27th November 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Theatre of Hate and Spear of Destiny’s iconic frontman returns to the launderette for a night of classic bangers and tracks from his extensive back catalogue.
Old Red Eyes - Tribute to Paul Heaton (Housemartins/Beautiful South) *New Date* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 10th December 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Andrew Johnson returns for his much loved tribute to Paul Heaton, the Housemartins and the Beautiful South. Old Cinema Launderette; what a great place to be.
Springsteen on Broadway - Performed by Graeme Richardson Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 17th December 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
After his brilliant debut gig at The Old Cinema Launderette back in September, we are delighted to confirm that Graeme is returning with his Acoustic Springsteen show.
This time he will be performing the full ‘Springsteen on Broadway’ show from start to finish, with just his guitar & harmonica.
He will then finish the night with some fan favourites & maybe the odd request or two.
Martin Stephenson - Xmas show Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Wednesday 29th December 2021 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
At the request of Martin’s audience, he has kindly agreed to play an exclusive Xmas show at the launderette. Be quick, if you want a ticket., they wont be around long.
Martin Carthy Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 27th January 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
For more than 50 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music's greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it.
`Arguably the greatest English folk song performer, writer, collector and editor of them all' Q Magazine
‘Carthy is a master of the ballad of substance, songs that tell stories, whether they are traditional, his own or from contemporary writers.’ The Telegraph
Nigel Clark - Dodgy
Friday 18th February 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Nigel found fame in the mid 90’s , with his band Dodgy. After 3 critically acclaimed dodgy albums, the third being the platinum selling Free Peace Sweet
Including the hits: In a Room , If you’re thinking of me and the soundtrack to the summer of 96’ Good Enough.
After many years of touring Nigel decided to quit the band and concentrate on his parenting duties. Fast forward to 2006 Nigel released a solo album21st Century Man (released on his own record label) Hijack Records
Since 2009 Nigel has been back singing with Dodgy releasing 2 further albums
With a song like “ Staying out for the summer “ Dodgy have enjoyed a busy touring schedule ever since
In December 2020 , Nigel released a new album Make Believe Love. Nigel is currently recording the follow up to make Believe Love in his
Basement studio in Worcestershire UK.
Nigel Clark - Dodgy Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 19th February 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Nigel found fame in the mid 90’s , with his band Dodgy. After 3 critically acclaimed dodgy albums, the third being the platinum selling Free Peace Sweet
Including the hits: In a Room , If you’re thinking of me and the soundtrack to the summer of 96’ Good Enough.
After many years of touring Nigel decided to quit the band and concentrate on his parenting duties. Fast forward to 2006 Nigel released a solo album21st Century Man (released on his own record label) Hijack Records
Since 2009 Nigel has been back singing with Dodgy releasing 2 further albums
With a song like “ Staying out for the summer “ Dodgy have enjoyed a busy touring schedule ever since
In December 2020 , Nigel released a new album Make Believe Love. Nigel is currently recording the follow up to make Believe Love in his
Basement studio in Worcestershire UK.
The First Farewell Tour - Peggy Seeger and Calum MacColl venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 5th March 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
In the wake of her acclaimed ‘First Farewell’ album, the charismatic Peggy Seeger makes a very welcome visit to the Old Cinema Launderette. Singer, songwriter, feminist, icon, Ewan MacColl’s partner and muse, Peggy Seeger is the undisputed queen of folk and political song. Join Peggy and her son Calum MacColl, an exceptional musician in his own right, for a glorious evening of up-close performance by these two world class musicians. Expect to hear some of Peggy’s new songs from her ‘First Farewell’ album, some old favourites, a few surprises, and plenty of relaxed family banter.
“Peggy may be folk royalty, but there’s nothing either reverent or nostalgic about this joyous and intimate performance” The Guardian“Glorious - Peggy is a commanding presence” The Times
“An effortlessly intimate affair” The Scotsman
“A memorable warm and charming evening of great music, family humour and grace.” Irish World
“A masterclass in storytelling through music” The Telegraph
David Ford *Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 11th March 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Award-winning songwriter, David Ford has a brand new show with some old-school values.
After touring the UK and Ireland in 2019 with his most technically ambitious stage production to date, this time Ford is packing away his terrifying array of triggers and loop machines and building a show around his classic songwriting and musicianship, presenting career highlights in a series of stripped-back, intimate performances.
David Ford *Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Saturday 12th March 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
“Unmissable” ★★★★★ The Guardian
"One of Britain's best." ★★★★★ The Times
“Puts everything into every word.” The LA Times
“David Ford is the eternal thrill of a young man going way too far and pulling it off.” Word Magazine
KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Sunday 1st May 2022 — https://www.wegottickets.com/event/520208
MrWishyWashy Presents
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have long established themselves as one of the UK folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships. Duos come and duos go… And some nurture and fine tune their art and watch it grow into something totally original, captivating and award-winning.
BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Duo – 2016 & 2013
John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett (2 night residency)*Rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 5th May 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
John Otway returns for his 4th year at the launderette. Again this time with his enigmatic pal ‘Wild’ Willy Barrett.
John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett (2 night residency) *rearranged* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Friday 6th May 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
John Otway returns for his 4th year at the launderette. Again, this time with his enigmatic pal ‘Wild’ Willy Barrett.
An Evening with Edgar Broughton Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 19th May 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
Edgar Broughton singer songwriter and guitarist was a founder member of the Edgar Broughton Band in the 60s. The EBB would soon become the flag waving agit rockers of the late 60s/early 70s hippie movement. They were one of the first proponents of free concerts.
The band was a formidable live draw propelled by a heavy psychedelic blues sound and Edgar’s phenomenal if untutored singing. And what a voice – not only did this guy have a name like a fire and brimstone preacher he sounded like one. All of Broughton`s albums were filled with full-on sonic attacks that took no prisoners. They also contained some truly thoughtful and beautiful music of great originality.
Christine Collister & Michael Fix *new date* Venue - Old Cinema Launderette
Thursday 8th September 2022 — Buy Tickets
MrWishyWashy Presents
‘Christine Collister’s singing is powerful and emotional, shifting effortlessly
from soft and angelic to knock you out Janice Joplin style.
Michael Fix is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s finest acoustic guitarists.
- Please check the WeGotTickets website for a full list of our forthcoming events.