THE LAST REEL
When one of the country's oldest cinemas closed down in Paignton in favour of a huge multiplex, this is what came out of me!

 

 

When I were a lad 'twere a tanner a time
To escape to that darkened land
With proper red carpet and fat velvet chairs
And the lass with the torch in her hand…
With tottering heels, she'd guide you along
To your place in the lost half-light;
And there in the dark, on that silvery screen,
Such wonders to capture your sight.

Now the flickering pictures fade sadly away.
The reels are all finished and no patrons to pay…
For the world of them movies - its credits have gone
And the world of the vulgar do march boldly on.
Listen to a sample of "The Last Reel"