Tracks down the years now on stage

May 22 2007 By Graham Young, Birmingham Mail

MUSIC and Memories, a musical about Birmingham city centre's former Reddington's Rare Records store, was officially launched by stars King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys.

They will star at the Alexandra Theatre from November 8-10, along with shop founder Danny Reddington and BBC WM presenters Ed Doolan, Jimmy Franks and Les Ross, who will be the show's DJ every night.

Brum bands The Fortunes, of You've Got Your Troubles fame, will guest during the opening night and The Rockin' Berries, who had hits with He's in Town and Poor Man's Son, on day two.

The band Union Gap will enjoy a matinee and an evening performance on the Saturday.

Video messages of support for the show are being sought from celebrity former customers, including Robert Plant, David Gest and ex-Villa trainee turned Manchester United ace Brian McClair.

Speaking at the launch at the Island Bar next to the Alex, Jimmy Franks said: "I bought my first record at Reddington's - Shang-a-Lang by the Bay City Rollers.

"Now I've got 38,000 singles and heaven knows how many albums.

"The funny thing about Reddington's was that you'd go in there to browse not to buy, but you'd always come out having bought something."

Jimmy will be the link man throughout, while Ed Doolan will handle the interactive links with the audience.

"It will be like a phone-in without the phones,' said Ed.

"We're looking for people to bring in their rarest records and for Danny, who's been guesting on my radio shows for nearly 30 years, to talk about them."

Solihull-based Mike Ellis, now 60, understands the appeal of nostalgia and old records having played keyboards with Union Gap since 1974.

"Young Girl is always the big favourite that everyone knows," he said.

"But people always complain if they don't hear Woman Woman as well. I'm still making a living out of playing music full-time and we do everything from the holiday camps to theatre shows."

Danny Reddington, who closed his shop in Digbeth last year because of dearer rates and rising internet competition, said: "I've continued the business on the website at www.reddingtonsrarerecords.co.uk

"Because all my collection of more than 100,000 records is paid for I could sell it all at £1a go and survive.

"But the fact that prices have come down a lot affects anyone trying to come into this area now - a Tornados' Telstar record I used to sell for £25 is now £7.99 on the net. The one autograph I regret not getting over the years was John Peel. He came in so often I never asked."

Music and Memories plays the Alexandra Theatre from Thursday to Saturday, November 8-10. Evenings 7.15pm, Saturday matinee 2pm. Tickets, priced £15-£22, can be obtained by calling 0870 607 7535.