Written By Lisa Davidson on Monday, 31 October 2011 | 20:10
"Nobody puts Micky in a corner!" Micky Flanagan's tongue in cheek acknowledgement that his 'Out Out' tour performance was sharing stage space with the current home of the Dirty Dancing set was greeted enthusiastically by the buoyant audience.
With only 11 dates left in his staggering 150 date tour, Flanagan shows no sign of losing any energy for his craft finding humour in the set floor "like my Nan's lino" and poking fun at the Scottish accent. Thanking the audience for being 'Out Out' on a Sunday night and wittily referring to the ridiculous lengths the audience might have to go to in order to get their 8 hours sleep if he kept going beyond 10pm (I have to confess that the thought had crossed my mind about how much sleep I might get depending on the running time!) but by the end of the night I’m sure no one would have minded if he’d kept going longer.
Drawing largely on his experiences growing up in the East End of London, much of Flanagan’s sharp and carefully crafted material is familiar to those who have followed his rise to fame on programmes such as Mock the Week and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow but he saves his iconic ‘Out Out’ joke until the finale.
From the moment he took to the stage with his famous faux Cockney walk to his own twist on the traditional encore, Flanagan kept the audience in the palm of his hand laughing at his observational humour and unique commentary on the human condition. A particularly notable mention is his theory on why teenage pregnancy rates are so high in the UK, an unusual and also somewhat unrepeatable opinion plus I wouldn’t want to spoil the fun for those who are planning to buy the DVD which is released just in time for Christmas. Some of the language used is not for the faint hearted and those who are offended by the “c” word should definitely give the tour and DVD a miss. That said, Flanagan is brilliantly funny and well worth going ‘out out’ on any night of the week for.
Mark Benton will join the London cast The Railway Children on 3 December to play Perks for the final six weeks of Damian Cruden’s Olivier award-winning production at Waterloo Station. Since it’s opening Cruden’s production has now been seen by almost 400,000 people. The final London performance, in the specially created 1000 seat space in the old Eurostar Terminal at Waterloo Station, will be on 8 January 2012.
Mark Benton can currently be seen playing maths teacher Daniel Chalky in BBC1’s Waterloo Road and has recently guested as Geoff Blackburn in Inspector George Gently. Next month he can be seen as famer Frederick Finch in BBC1’s Land Girls. His more recent stage credits include Toad in The Wind in the Willows for Northern Stage, A Day in the Life of Joe Egg for Nottingham Playhouse, Comedians for the Lyric Hammersmith, Kosher Harry for the Royal Court and The Front Page at the Donmar Warehouse. His other television credits include Hustle, Silent Witness, Doctor Who and The Fixer. His film credits include Beyond The Pole, Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus, Breaking and Entering, Redemption Road, and Mike Leigh’s Career Girls and Topsy Turvy.
Featuring the Great Northern Railway No 1, Stirling Single from the National Railway Museum, York, and the Old Gentleman’s Saloon that was used in the original 1970 feature film, Mike Kenny’s adaptation of The Railway Children was first produced by York Theatre Royal at the National Railway Museum, York, where it enjoyed two sell-out and critically acclaimed seasons. With audiences sitting either side of a real railway track, The Railway Children has award-winning designs by Joanna Scotcher, lighting by Richard G. Jones, music by Christopher Madin and sound by Craig Vear.
The Railway Children tells the story of Bobby, Peter and Phyllis, three children whose lives change dramatically when their father is mysteriously taken away. They move from London to a cottage in rural Yorkshire with their mother where they befriend the local railway porter and embark on a magical journey of discovery, friendship and adventure. But the mystery remains – where is Father, and is he ever coming back?
The cast, from 3 December 2011 comprises Mark Benton who plays Mr Perks, Pandora Clifford as Mother, David Baron as the Old Gentleman, Mark Holgate as Jim, Elizabeth Keats as Mrs Perks, Tim Lewis as Peter, Stephen Beckett as the Father and Doctor, Amy Noble as Roberta, Blair Plant as Shepansky, Amanda Prior as Mrs Viney and Cook and Grace Rowe as Phyllis. They are joined by ensemble members Francesca Ellis, Felicity Houlbrooke and James Rigby. Until 2 December 2011Craig Warnock will continue to play Mr Perks.
E. Nesbit’s much loved children’s book, The Railway Children, was first published in 1906 and has subsequently been adapted for the stage and screen, most famously in the 1970 film version directed by the late Lionel Jeffries and starring Jenny Agutter, Bernard Cribbins, Dinah Sheridan and Sally Thomsett.
The Railway Children, a York Theatre Royal production, is presented in London in association with the National Rail Museum by Jenny King and Matthew Gale for The Touring Consortium (Railway Children), Tristan Baker, Oliver Royds, PW Productions and Sue Scott Davison. The production has been made possible with the support of BRB (Residuary) Ltd, Arts Council England, Welcome to Yorkshire and Network Rail.
Listings Information
Dates until 8 January 2012
Address The Waterloo Station Theatre, Waterloo Station, SE1
Box Office 0844 412 2960
Performances check with box office or website for performance schedule
Tickets £22.75 - £49.75, all prices include a donation to Railway Children Charity
Written By Steve Stubbs on Saturday, 29 October 2011 | 12:59
Last night the Union Chapel saw the launch of a brand new EP by Shlomo & The Lip Factory - a powerful human machine of 7 unbelievably talented beatboxers and vocalists. Headed by Shlomo – the ‘World Loopstation Champion’ (yes, there is such a thing!) – the audience stared open-mouthed as tracks ranging from the 1960s to Dubstep, complete with instrumental refrains, percussion, bass and vocals that all came from the seven people stood in front of us armed with nothing but microphones.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when first turning up for this gig. However, it soon became apparent that we were here to witness something very special. It began with a short introduction by Shlomo as he talked us through the basics of beatboxing – air, teeth lips, throat etc. Basics covered, he quickly began to combine them, weaving complicated beats around a bass pattern produced in his throat. It’s easy to be awed by the obvious co-ordination and skill that must be involved in this unusual talent, but I found myself amazed by how he clearly understood how his sound works – he twists and moves the microphones around his body to trick and deceive our ears into thinking we are hearing different sounds.
After his brief solo introduction ‘the Lip Factory’ join him on stage and this is where things really start to fly. If we were impressed by just one man and a microphone, the presence of six more provides endless possibilities and they do not disappoint! Their strength lies in reproducing well-known hits, anything from Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin to hardcore grime and bass. However, not only are they talented artists but they also show a flare for writing original tracks. Their track “Got Your Mind” makes full use of their vocal range with an impressive skipping loop provided by the talented Triple B (aka Billy Benjamin Boothroyd).
The group are captivating – the way their whole bodies move with the music can’t hide just how much they love what they do. They don’t just perform; they live and breathe the beats around them. You can’t help but like them, there aren’t any signs of ego, in fact they seem quite shy when not performing. The vocals from the girls give a new depth. A particular mention should go to Alyusha Chagrin, her rich sultry voice oozes sex appeal as she dominated the stage in her solo numbers.
If you get the opportunity to see this then go – just go! Beg for tickets if you have to, you will not be disappointed! There’s nothing else like this out there and this is what makes it easily one of the best pieces of live entertainment London has to offer.
For more info, dates, download EP etc visit Shlomo's website - www.shlo.co.uk
John Leguizamo has a story to tell and boy does he tell it in his hit one-man show Ghetto Klown. The show, which begins with recounting his school days in the 60s and ends in the present day, provides a unparalleled insight into the performer's career and experiences.
From his parents to his children, his first serious relationship to his ex wife, his drama teacher to his agent, the star packs the show with impressions, tales and stories that have shaped his life.
He speaks with a refreshing frankness and has the audience in the palm of his hand, taking you from choking with laughter to stunned into silence in a split second. The show, whilst hilariously funny, is not for the easily offended as Leguizamo tells his life in his own unique fashion: uninhibited, unrestricted and crude.
Photo by Carol Rosegg
His combination of sound effects, music and projections work beautifully on stage - if you overlook the couple of minor hiccups from the technical team - and his own unique interpretation of the US map is but one example of his lewd sense of humour that left the audience in stitches.
The show won 3 awards for its run on Broadway and it's clear to see why. With only 17 dates in London's Charing Cross Theatre, Leguizamo's hit is a must see and whilst I could rave all day, your time would be much better spent seeing it for yourself.
John Leguizamo - Ghetto Klown runs until 12th November
Written By Steve Stubbs on Friday, 28 October 2011 | 11:01
FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR
THE NATIONAL TOUR OF CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S
NEW PRODUCTION OF LIONEL BART’S SMASH HIT MUSICAL
OPENING IN EDINBURGH MAY 2012
SAMANTHA BARKS TO PLAY NANCY
AND IAIN FLETCHER TO PLAY BILL SIKES
Cameron Mackintosh, in association with Southbrook Group Limited and Stage Entertainment UK, announced today full casting for the national tour of Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Lionel Bart’s smash hit musical OLIVER!, opening at The Edinburgh Playhouse on 30 May 2012 for its Scottish premiere.
Samantha Barks will star as ‘Nancy’, Iain Fletcher as ‘Bill Sikes’, Jack Edwards as ‘Mr Bumble’, Suzie Chard as ‘Widow Corney’, Stephen Moore as ‘Mr Brownlow’, David Langham as ’Mr Sowerberry’, C J Johnson as ‘Mrs Sowerberry’, Stevie Hutchinson as ‘Noah Claypole’, Emma Dukes as ‘Bet’ and Victoria Hay as ‘Charlotte’. They join the previously announced Neil Morrissey and Brian Conley, who will both play the role of ‘Fagin’ at different venues. Samantha Barks will play the role of ‘Nancy’ until the end of the Edinburgh run.
Iain Fletcher is probably best known as ‘DC Rodney Skase’ in the long-running TV series “The Bill”, a role which he played for 9 years. Other television credits include “Casualty”, “Murphy’s Law”, “Doctors”, “Family Affairs” and “Band of Brothers”. Theatre credits include ‘The King’ in “The Three Musketeers” at Rose Theatre Kingston, and ‘Sam Carmichael’ in “Mamma Mia!” in the West End.
The company also includes Lincoln Hudson, James Gant, Hadrian Delacey, Joe Maxwell, Kade Ferraiolo, Lee Dillon-Stuart, Matt Harrop, Ryan O'Gorman, Annie Wensak, Kara Lane, Claire Parrish, Alison Connell, Sophie Caton, Beth Davies, Mikaela Newton, Paul Farrell, Nicholas Duncan, Sarah Cortez, and Mary Fox.
The sensational score of OLIVER! is full of Lionel Bart’s irresistible songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah and As Long As He Needs Me.
OLIVER! recently completed a two year run at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London where it opened to rave reviews, sell-out business and the biggest advance sales of all time for a West End show. Last year, OLIVER! celebrated its 50th birthday, having premiered in the West End in 1960.
Written By Steve Stubbs on Thursday, 27 October 2011 | 17:12
The BRIT Awards 2012
with MasterCard
The UK’s premier music awards announce 2012 date and
their second year at The O2 in London
Iconic BRIT statue to be designed by Sir Peter Blake
James Corden returns to host the most important music event of the year
21st February 2012 – The O2 – Tickets on sale now
Exclusively broadcast live on ITV1
The BRIT Awards with MasterCard will take place on Tuesday 21st February at The O2 in London for the second year running, after a triumphant first year in the world’s most successful music venue.
The 2012 Awards will also see winners presented with an exclusive trophy designed by Sir Peter Blake, for one year only. This is the second year the BRITs have asked that their ‘blank canvas’ trophy be designed by a leading British creative individual - last year fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood adorned the coveted statue. Sir Peter is responsible for some of the most iconic album sleeves of all time including The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Paul Weller – Stanley Road, Oasis – Stop The Clocks and the single sleeve for the Band Aid single Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Sir Peter Blake said: “I am very proud to be this year’s designer for the iconic BRIT Award trophy. It is wonderful to be a part of this most important and exciting music event, honouring the greatest of talents shaping our musical landscape. I’ve enjoyed the creative challenge to honour such leading performers enormously.”
James Corden
The BRIT Awards are also proud to announce the return of one of the most talented and talked about British actors/writers/producers and presenters James Corden. James who is currently winning five star reviews in the play One Man, Two Guvnors will take time out of his hectic schedule to return for the second year in a row.
Speaking about The BRITs James said: “I enjoyed presenting the show so much last year so being asked back for the third time is a real honour. Ever since I was a teenager I’ve loved the BRIT Awards. As a music fan I feel totally privileged to have the best seat in the house. I can’t wait.”
BRITs Chairman David Joseph said: “We are delighted to be back at The O2 for a second year and also to welcome James Corden back again as our host, he did a fantastic job last year. We feel hugely honoured that Sir Peter Blake accepted the challenge of designing the trophy this year - the result is incredible. Having created possibly the world’s most iconic album sleeve with The Beatles, Sir Peter’s work is synonymous with the best of British music."
2011 saw a raft of changes that marked a new era for the legendary awards that saw them become more iconic and relevant than ever before. Following this year's event the charts were dominated by BRIT artists. In the official albums chart, seven of the Top 10 albums were either by BRIT winners, performers or nominees. In the iTunes chart nine of the top 10 albums were BRIT winners or performers. Adele’s stunning rendition of ‘Someone Like You’ became the most talked-about performance this year. Following the BRITs the single climbed 46 places in the charts, reaching number one, where it spent five weeks in total.
Like last year, the main focus of the awards will be on the all-new MasterCard British Album Of The Year Award. The night will showcase and highlight the incredible world-class albums released by British artists over the course of the year. This year's triumphant winner was Mumford & Sons for the critically acclaimed ‘Sigh No More’.
Another significant change from previous years came by way of the Voting Academy, which, for the first time in the awards' history, invited artists to sit on the academy and cast votes. The Academy is made up of invited members from across the breadth of the UK music industry, from music critics to radio producers, music publishers, promoters, record companies, retailers and NUS representatives. With all 2011's winners and nominees being invited to join the panel for 2012, artists are now the single largest group represented.
Guests and viewers alike were this year treated to a magnificent array of performances which showcased the crème de la crème of both British and international talent in Take That, Adele, Rihanna, MasterCard British Album Of The Year Award winners Mumford & Sons, Plan B, Arcade Fire, Tinie Tempah and Cee Lo Green with guest performer, Paloma Faith. 2012 will see more amazing and exciting performances brought to the stage with tickets going on sale from today. Through MasterCard’s Priceless London campaign, MasterCard cardholders are being offered a priority window of one week to purchase their seats http://www.pricelesslondon.co.uk
More details of the 2012 Awards will be announced soon.
The recently founded Titian Repertory Theatre Company proudly present their first play. Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale is a story of passion and love, of tyranny and jealousy, of bravery and forgiveness, of magic and madness. Book your tickets now and see this thrilling candle-lit fairytale this Christmas.
Event Information:-
Date:- 30th November-18th December (Wednesday-Sunday)
Time:- 7:30pm (Wednesday-Saturday) 6pm (Sunday)
Special Matinee Saturday 10th at 2:30pm TBC
Venue - The Space
Tickets - £12/£10
Special offers - School group discounts are available at £6 per student (teachers go free) for groups of 8 or more students.
Written By Steve Stubbs on Wednesday, 26 October 2011 | 19:15
MR SCRUFF
LONDON KOKO
Saturday 18th February
After selling out his 12th show at London’s Koko on 22nd October, Mr Scruff returns for his regular residency in the New Year on Saturday 18th February.
A lot of things have happened since a young Andy Carthy started answering to the name Mr Scruff – making a name for himself under the shadow of Manchester’s mid 90s club scene. Not only has he released four critically acclaimed albums, with countless tours and club events he has cemented his now legendary DJ status. This is a DJ that can sell out the 1500 capacity London KoKo armed only with his records, some turntables and a few spare packets of teabags!
Mr. Scruff will be at the controls for 6 hours, serving up a melting pot of jazz, soul, hip hop, funk, disco, deep house, reggae, dubstep, afrobeat, latin, electrofunk and plenty of goodies that don’t fit into any category... and no lumps of fat or gristle! With such a lovely mixed crowd & great atmosphere, these Koko gigs always sell out, so be sure to get your tickets in good time. Oh, and you can even get a brew!
Mr. Scruff Gigs
27th October Assembly, Leamington
28th October Engine Shed, Lincoln
29th October The Junction, Cambridge
30th October Digital, Brighton
05th November Band On The Wall, Manchester
17th November Potterrow, Edinburgh
18th November Arches, Glasgow
19th November St Andrew's Uni
20th November Digital, Newcastle
25th November House Of Fun Weekender, Minehead
26th November Laugh-Inn, Chester
03rd December Band On The Wall, Manchester
09th December Gretchen, Berlin
31st December Band On The Wall, Manchester
NEW DATE 18th February London Koko*
*Doors 9pm- 3am. Ticket price £15 / Door price £20
Available at www.gigsandtours.com / 24 hr cc hotline: 0844 811 0051
A host of celebrities on the red carpet of the Q Awards on Monday all opened up about why it is that Music Matters to them. The artists including Noel Gallagher, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sande and Matt Cardle are the latest to show their support for the Music Matters campaign, which seeks to engage music fans directly, highlighting the value of music and raising awareness of legitimate online music services.
On the campaign website at http://www.whymusicmatters.org there are already a number of well received animated films from artists such as Elbow, Paloma Faith, Sigur Ros, Bernard Butler, Kate Bush and most recently The Beatles. Whilst Music Matters encourages artists to comment on the enduring value of music and what it means to them, it also looks to involve the public. This phase of the campaign aims to significantly ramp up online consumer engagement by asking music fans to directly get involved and pledge their support.
The Music Matters campaign was first launched in March 2010 as a credible artist driven campaign. In its first year it has attracted unanimous support from all sectors of the music industry – managers, all four major record labels (Universal, Sony, Warners and EMI) and independents, publishers and retailers as well as some of the worlds most loved artists. In recent times technological advances mean that music is more readily available and accessible than ever before. Music Matters aims to start a conversation to get people thinking about how valuable music is, where they get their music from and through this make the right ethical choices when consuming music.
The Voice of Multi-million selling Norwegian trio A-Ha, Morten Harket has announced three UK Solo dates for May 2012.
These solo dates follow a-ha’s final UK tour late last year and a fantastic international career spanning 25 years, in excess of 36 million album sales and 15 top 10 singles in the UK alone. In the mid 80’s a-ha created teenage hysteria and general pandemonium wherever they went. In recent years the focus has shifted to the musical legacy they will leave behind.
Morten is currently working on his next solo album, which is scheduled for release in March 2012 through Universal. His last solo album, Letter From Egypt, was released in spring 2008. Morten will be touring all around Europe in April and May next year performing his solo material as well as some selections from the a-ha catalogue. Morten will be joined by Karl Oluf Wennerberg - drums and Erik Ljunggren - keyboards/bass who played with a-ha on their farewell tour and Dan Sundhordvik – guitar.
With a Top Ten debut single and a dedicated army of fans already under their belt, this year’s hottest girl band, PARADE are set to release their self-titled debut album, ‘PARADE’ on November 14th through Asylum Records.
Dubbed “the UK’s most stylish new band”, the five pop starlets Lauren, Jessica, Sian, Emily and Bianca encompass everything that we love about great British girl bands - they’re fun, talented and radiate girl power sass with an unashamed love of pop music. Their debut album showcases all of the qualities that set the girls apart from anything else out there right now.
‘PARADE’ the album is the perfect mixture of harmonised contemporary pop songs such as the heartfelt fan favourite 'Rokstar' and bouncy hit-in-the making, 'Like You' as well as BIG club tracks begging to be remixed; dance floor smashes 'Stars' and 'Rollercoaster' - it’s the perfect soundtrack to kick off a night out with the girls.
Having already performed at the O2, Hammersmith Apollo and a host of other venues supporting the likes of Shakira, the Black Eyed Peas and Alexandra Burke, the girls have been busy showing off their assured dance choreography and vocal harmonies winning fans the nation over. Summer 2011 saw PARADE perform in front of huge crowds at The Isle of Wight Festival, V Festival and Wireless. They have also announced that they’ll be supporting mentor and ex Spice Girl, Mel C on tour in December this year.
PARADE will also be taking part in the final ‘Live and Lost with BlackBerry®’ adventure in a few weeks time. Kicking off on Sunday 20th November on Channel 4’s T4, the tour will see the girls challenged to find their way to a gig hundreds of miles away having to rely on their fans to get them across the country, £20 and a BlackBerry®. The girls follow both Chipmunk and Rizzle Kicks by participating in the Live and Lost adventure.
Their devotion to their fans has helped them amass a fanbase of dedicated ‘Paraders’ and ‘Paradettes‘ topping over 34,000 followers on Twitter and 3.9 million views on http://www.youtube.com/paradeofficial. Their debut single, ‘Louder’ stormed the midweek charts upon release in March - making PARADE one of only two British artists to debut inside the Top 10 at the time.
The Edinburgh Playhouse: Tue 22 – Sat 26 Nov 2011 SCOTTISH PREMIERE
Seventy-six years after its movie release, Top Hatreceives its world stage premiere this autumn launching a 17-week UK tour prior to an anticipated West End run next year. Top Hat will tour to The Edinburgh Playhouse for one week only from Tuesday 22nd to Saturday 26th November. With music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and based on the RKO motion picture, the screenplay by Dwight Taylor and Allan Scott has been adapted for the stage by Matthew White and Howard Jacques and is presented by arrangement with RKO Pictures LLC, Warner Bros Theatre Ventures Inc. and the Irving Berlin Music Company.
Directed by Matthew White and choreographed by Bill Deamer,Tom Chambers and Summer Strallen take the lead roles of Jerry Travers and Dale Tremont, played in the movie by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Further casting details will be announced shortly. Set designs are by Hildegard Bechtler, lighting is by Peter Mumford, with sound by Gareth Owen, costume designs by Jon Morrell and new orchestrations are by Chris Walker.
Jerry Travers (Tom Chambers), the famous American tap dancer, arrives in London to appear in his first West End show. Travers meets the irresistible Dale Tremont (Summer Strallen), the girl of his dreams, who follows her across Europe in an attempt to win her heart.
Nominated for four Academy Awards Top Hat is widely regarded as one of the greatest dance musicals of all time and the most successful picture of the nine movies Astaire and Rogers made together. Top Hat premiered at the Radio City Music Hall where it broke all box office records.
Performed by a cast of 31 and accompanied by a live band of 15 this new musical comedy will include Irving Berlin’s Cheek to Cheek, Isn’t It a Lovely Day to be Caught in the Rain, Top Hat and White Tie and Tails. Berlin’s Let’s Face the Music and Dance and I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket will also feature in the production.
Tom Chambers was winner of BBC television’s Strictly Come Dancing 2008. He most recently starred inthe sold out production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Empire Sunderland. After studying at the National Youth Music Theatre and Guildford School of Acting, Chambers went on to star in the British film Fakers. Last year he joined the cast of the BBC Drama WaterlooRoad as Head Teacher Max Tyler. Previously his television credits include Holby City and Elizabeth The Virgin Queen. His theatre credits include productions for the Young Vic, Sadler’s Wells, Derby Playhouse and the Lyric Hammersmith.
Summer Strallen recently performed the role of Meg Giry in Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre, for which she was nominated for Best Performance for a Supporting Role in a Musical at the 2011 Olivier Awards. Previously she has been seen on stage as Maria in The Sound of Music at the London Palladium, Janet Van Der Graaf in The Drowsy Chaperone at the Novello for which she was Olivier Award nominated, the title role in Dick Whittington at the Barbican and Maisie in The Boy Friend for the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park for which she was also Olivier Award nominated. On film and television her credits include Hotel Babylon, Beyond the Sea and Hollyoaks.
Martin Ball is currently playing the role of Thenardier in Les Miserables at the Queens Theatre. His other West End credits include Wicked at the Apollo Victoria and MAMMA MIA! at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Regionally his theatre credits include the UK Tour of Mary Poppins, Dead Funny at the Nottingham Playhouse, Charley’s Aunt at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre and Absent Friends at the Stephen Joseph Theatre. His television credits include My Family, New Tricks, Trial & Retribution, Doctor Who, Doctors, Hotel Babylon and The Thick of It.
Vivien Parry has most recently been seen on stage in Shakespeare’s Will and Great Expectations at theatr Clwyd. Her other theatre credits include Memory at The Pleasance, Macbeth and Arcadia both at theatr Clwyd, The Swing of Things at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, MAMMA MIA! at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Boston Marriage at the Bolton Octagon and The Ashgirl at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Her television credits include Crash, The Bill, Outside The Rules and The Bench.
Ricardo Afonso is currently starring in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre in the principal role of Galileo. Recently he performed as lead vocalist in Strictly ComeDancing - The Professionals tour and has appeared twice in The Night of 1000Voices at the Royal Albert Hall. His recording credits include Dreamer for the album based on the Terry Pratchett book Only You Can Save Mankind, and The Meerkat Muchachos for the album Bush Tales. Afonso is also one of the regular singers for the ongoing summer concerts A Rock and SymphonicSpectacular since 2007.
Stephen Boswell was seen on stage earlier this year in Double Falsehood at the Union Theatre. His other theatre credits include Much Ado About Nothing at the Liverpool Playhouse, the national tours of Round The Horne: Unseen & Uncut, Round the Horne – Revisited and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Othello at the Northampton Royal Theatre and Greenwich, Life is a Dream at the Young Vic, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Theatre Royal Bristol and The Shoemaker’s Holiday at the Leeds Playhouse. His film credits include Ali G in Da House, Chaos and Cadavers and South Kensington. His television credits include Kingdom, Murder City, Down to Earth, The Bill and Casualty.
Matthew White most recently directed Sweet Charity and Little Shop of Horrors both for the Menier Chocolate Factory, both of which transferred to the West End. His other directing credits include The Black and White Ball at the King’s Head, The Magic Flute for the Peacock Theatre, Far From the Madding Crowd for the Watermill Theatre, Maria Friedman – by Special Arrangement for the Donmar Warehouse, as well as national tours of Carousel and The Demon Headmaster.
Top Hat received its world premiere at Milton Keynes Theatre on 16 August and tours until 10 December 2011. Produced by Kenny Wax in association with Lee Menzies.
TOP HAT
Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin. Based on RKO’s Motion Picture.
25th October 2011 - Having never been to an ice show before, I wondered what it was all about, but being a fan of all things Disney, it was something that I just had to go and see! Following a trail of children dressed as their favourite Disney characters along with their flashing wands, tiaras and slushy cups, we took our seats around the rectangular ice rink.
The show began with Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, with all their usual mannerisms and voices but with added ice-skates. Goofy’s clumsiness is particularly to be admired with the way he stumbles and slides across the ice. When Mickey’s car breaks down, Mater the tow-truck and other vehicles from Disney’s ‘Cars’ take to the ice. The cars themselves are smaller and very realistic replicas of well-known models, including a Porsche, Cadillac and Lightning McQueen the Ferrari. They drive across the ice with well-planned choreography, supported by moving spotlights, music and narrative.
Next up is the underwater world of King Trident’s Kingdom and excerpts from Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’. A swarm of skaters with flowing fabric make a great representation of the rolling waves and a flock of colourfully costumed sea-creatures give a carnival feel to ‘Under The Sea’.
Ariel dances lyrically across the ice with technical promise in her solo numbers and herself and prince Eric perform a romantic duet containing lifts and some daring partner work. Eric himself is a very strong skater and performs a number of jumps with ease and skill. Ursula really does look like she has been picked out from the original movie with her long black tentacles whilst the eels ‘Flotsom & Jetsom’ are made complete, each with their single glowing eye.
I found Tinkerbell and the Fairies part of the show, less visually thrilling but not knowing this Disney story as well as the others, I was trying to focus on what was happening. Tinkerbell and the fairy queen flew gracefully through the air at times during the performance whilst the other fairies performed their magic on the ground. The finale of this section was much more exciting with inflatable flowers lining the rink, butterflies dancing high above the space and lots of fairy dust!
After a short interval, it was time for a reduced version of Toy Story 3. The costume designers and makers for this production must be applauded as the characters were made to look exactly as they are in the film, down to every last detail. Barbie even had stiletto ice-skates and two skaters worked together to become the front and back of Slinky Dog! All the gang were present, skating as well as they could in their somewhat restrictive costumes. A highlight of this section was the opening number of ‘green plastic’ toy soldiers skating in formation, including one parachuting down from the ceiling.
All in all, ‘Disney on Ice’ is a great family day out that will appeal to all ages. Just don’t forget to pack your fairy wings!
Disney On Ice is at Wembley Arena until Sunday 30th October
Written By Steve Stubbs on Tuesday, 25 October 2011 | 10:37
THE OVERTONES
The last time I saw The Overtones playing live was at Magic Summer Live at Hatfield House, alongside Elton John, The Lighthouse Family, The Pierces and more.
On that occasion, they were really good, this time round at London Palladium, they were even better!
London Palladium was sold out, and with support from Sam Gray, the audience were treated to a great evening of live music. Darren, Mark, Timmy, Mike and Lachie each entered the risen stage, silhouetted in a single spot for a stance on the beat of the opening music.
Opening with Gambling Man and Come Back My Love, The Overtones were in fine form with their superb harmonies and vocals sounding sweet as a nut.
The hits kept coming all night, Good Ole Fashioned Love, Blue Moon, Say What You Feel, Still Of The Night getting rapturous applause from the all ready excited audience.
The boys went into the audience to sing For The Longest Time, whilst a leather sofa was placed on stage for the next set, an acoustic version of I Need a Dollar, followed by a very clever acapella version of the Spice Girls hit Who Do You Think You Are.
Cee-Lo Green's Forget You was next to be given The Overtones treatment, getting the audience up on their feet dancing away - ShBooom!
A nice version of The Beatles We Can Work It Out was a pleasant surprise to the set list.
Rounding up the evening with Goodnight Sweetheart, and their latest single Second Last Chance, an encore was inevitable, and they delivered Why Do Fools Fall In Love, with everyone on their feet singing and dancing away.
A fabulous evening of entertainment, The Overtones definitely know how to put on one hell of a show.
Written By Steve Stubbs on Monday, 24 October 2011 | 10:49
NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS
ANNOUNCE ARENA TOUR FOR FEBRUARY / MARCH 2012
THE EPONYMOUS ALBUM DEBUTS AT NUMBER ONE THIS WEEK!
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds follow up their sold out November Tour with a seven date UK and Ireland arena tour in February and March next year. The band will be featuring songs from this week’s number 1 album, as well as a selection of Noel Gallagher classics.
The eponymous debut album, only the 3rd album this year to hit number one with sales in excess of 100,000, has been met with huge critical acclaim:
“The best collection of Gallagher tunes since his ‘Morning Glory’ days”
Daily Telegraph – 4*
“Proof that Noel Gallagher remains one of the best songwriters this country has ever produced" Q 4*
“A singer-songwriter to be reckoned with. It was worth the wait.” The Times 4*
“Noel’s still got it.” NME 8/10
"The primetime Gallagher swagger is back… a joy to behold" Mojo 4*
Last night they played the first night of a string of dates that sold out within seconds of going on sale.
Full details of February and March’s 2012 arena tour below:
Monday 24th October – X-Factor 2010 winner Matt Cardle has today announced that he will be hitting the road in March 2012 for an extensive 20-date tour of the UK and Ireland. Matt Cardle tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday 28th October 2011 and will be available from www.livenation.co.uk
When Matt Cardle turned up for his first audition on THAT show just over 18 months ago, little did he know the mind-numbing shifts in plastic factories or gruelling labour on building sites would soon be a thing of the past. The hard graft hasn’t stopped though.
This year has been about touring with X Factor, and over the last four months, studiously writing and recording his debut album ‘Letters’ (released via Columbia Records on 17th October) . He has teamed up with the best in the business to bring his dream to life. Hours tucked away in Biff Stannard’s Brighton studio. Late nights and cases of beer with Starsailor’s James Walsh in West London. Awkward dinner dates interrupted by flashes of genius for a new middle-eight…
Not only has Matt created something special, he has come up with a combination of music and lyrics far beyond the expectations of any chart debutant. Don’t miss your chance to see him performing his amazing new material live.
MATT CARDLE
MARCH 2012
THURSDAY 1 YORK BARBICAN
SATURDAY 3 CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE
SUNDAY 4 OXFORD NEW THEATRE
MONDAY 5 BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL
WEDNESDAY 7 NOTTINGHAM ROYAL CONCERT HALL
THURSDAY 8 O2 ACADEMY BOURNEMOUTH
SATURDAY 10 SWINDON OASIS
SUNDAY 11 PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL
MONDAY 12 SOUTHEND CLIFF PAVILION
WEDNESDAY 14 LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC
THURSDAY 15 GLASGOW O2 ACADEMY
FRIDAY 16 NEWCASTLE CITY HALL
SUNDAY 18 BELFAST, WATERFRONT
MONDAY 19 DUBLIN OLYMPIA
THURSDAY 22 O2 MANCHESTER APOLLO
SATURDAY 24 CARDIFF ST DAVIDS HALL
SUNDAY 25 BRISTOL COLSTON HALL
MONDAY 26 PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS
WEDNESDAY 28 BRIGHTON DOME
THURSDAY 29 HMV HAMMERSMITH APOLLO
Tickets go onsale 9am on 28th October 2011 priced at £28.00 adv London / £26.50 adv Regionally (subject to booking fee) and are available from www.livenation.co.uk
Written By Steve Stubbs on Sunday, 23 October 2011 | 10:34
ENTER SHIKARI
It seems quite a surprise that four lads from the quiet town of St Albans can make post-hardcore, electronicore and metal-core music through the use of hard electric guitar riffs, blood pumping drums, thudding bass and hard trance synthesizer.
I’m not a huge fan of hardcore and metal-core music, but on Saturday night in all honesty my mind was blown. Enter Shikari, as part as their Europe, UK and Ireland tour performed their first proper full headline tour since October 2009 on Saturday evening at the Pyramid Centre in Portsmouth with the great support of four piece American Progressive post-hardcore band Letlive and British Hardcore punk band Your Demise.
As a much newer fan of post-hardcore music, it was my first time seeing or hearing either of the support acts. Alongside a young teenage crowd the feeling became climatic.
Letlive opened the hardcore gates to over 2000 people with a forty-five minute set list with their energetic and crowd teasing stage performance. Originating from Greater Los Angeles in 2002, Letlive came together from local acts to create a concept. and express ideas making their audiences think and feel. The Venue went pitch black, until a burst of white strobe lighting flashed upon the crowd’s faces. The harsh screamo voice of lead singer Jason Aalon Butler made the adrenaline kick in and the crowd started to react to the bands passionate stage presence. Performing songs from their most recent rereleased album titled ‘Fake History’, the band produced a strong performance through shredding guitar and exciting lighting through the use of purple filters to create a sense of mystery and excitement, and a smoke effect revealed a new portal to young fans.
The following support act was Your Demise, a five-piece band from St Albans, Brighton and Salisbury. Being formed in 2003, the young Hardcore Punk band performed a less pleasing performance. Your Demise in all respect did perform a good set list and strobe lighting show, yet I didn’t feel their performance reflected positively on me or the young audience through the use of screamo and non existent melodic vocals. Despite my distaste in Ed McRae’s lead vocals, I began to take a liking to the bands use of accelerating guitar riffs and Slap bass which got the crowd dancing and head banging all the way through the bands forty-five minutes. Playing from their second Album ‘Ignorance never dies’ and most recent Album ‘The Kids We Used to Be’, Your Demise was a clear crowd pleaser yet the band and their performance did not appeal to me.
A great build up was simmering as we all waited for the main event.
Do I need to tell you who?
Enter Shikari. A name, which sings out to the world of post-hardcore and Rock music. As the band arrived on stage the feeling among us grew into huge excitement. Suddenly without an introduction, the band opened with Destabilise, which proved to be a great number to open with. As the mosh pits began the rough and crackled vocals of Rou began to engage the audience instantly. It was easy to see how comfortable the lads were on home soil as a small technical difficulty occurred, as Mothership (from the Take to the Skies album) was being performed with that infamous synth riff, Shikari took it in all good spirit and carried on like nothing happened. Mothership was performed with great anger, which brought a new feeling to the gig.
Zzzonked followed an extended version of Mothership.
I am not very interested in the song Zzzonked, hearing it of the album ‘Common Dreads’, but Shikari yet again changed my mind. Throughout the song the stage presence of Bassist Chris Batten was immense. Climbing on his amp while singing and shredding baselines was a clear crowd pleaser.
The band followed with a few songs from their Take to the Skies album which proved to go down well with the audience as the entire crowd sung the words to Anything Can Happen In The Next Half Hour, Return to Energiser and Reprise 1.
As the white strobe lights flashed a sudden transition into red lighting calmed the mood. Yet again another changed of lighting occurred, pink and green backlights gave a clubbing and futuristic theme, which was in connection with Rou’s dubstep sounding synth riffs.
Photo by Shirlaine Forrest
Arguing with Thermometers and a surprising acoustic track changed the atmosphere in the centre, calming everyone and shying away from the full pedalling energy previously displayed. The combination of Screamo and Melodic vocals worked extremely well with each other throughout Shikari’s set list. But after a brief break from hard music, the lads made it clear what they did best. No Sleep Tonight followed with it’s high pitched vocals and growly Screamo which built up a huge climax into the next song, one their most famous tracks from Take to the Skies album - Common Dreads. Enter Shikari then began to seem much more familiar to me after I became a fan of Take to the Skies album back in 2007.
Released only just this autumn, SSSnakepit (from forthcoming album A Flash Flood of Colour) warmed to the ground. I specifically found the guitar riffs engaging and just the feeling behind the song made people want to be lively and passionate.
Now, how could Enter Shikari have finished without playing their two most famous and best songs in my opinion?. Sorry You're Not a Winner belted out by nearly everyone in the entire room was one thing, but seeing so many people psyched with the song was another. I felt that by a long way this was the best song of the entire night, it had everything you needed to feel amazed. Rou’s blood pumping screaming got the young audience jumping up and down, waving hands in the air creating terrifying teenagers. Juggernauts made the evening go from moderate to epic. The complicated synth riff took the roof off and as the bass dropped it was like a vortex of sound sucking you right in. The night finished epically and honestly I felt gob smacked. My first hardcore gig and I absolutely loved it.
Written By Steve Stubbs on Saturday, 22 October 2011 | 20:22
PROFESSOR GREEN
Releases his highly-anticipated second album ‘At Your Inconvenience’ on October 31st on Virgin Records
Biggest Headline Tour Starts November – 2nd London Show Added
Professor Green firmly established himself as one of the UK's most exciting new talents around when his debut album ‘Alive Till I’m Dead’ crashed into the charts at #2. Since certified double-Gold, the album launched four hit singles with ‘I Need You Tonight’, ‘Just Be Good To Green’, ‘Monster’ and 'Jungle' amassing over 500,000 sales and gaining Green 1.4 million Facebook friends.
Now Professor Green is set to reaffirm his status as the nation’s most inventive rapper and distinctive wordsmith, whose rhymes resonate with the social commentary that characterises the growing tradition of great British lyricists, with the release of his second album ‘AT YOURINCONVENIENCE’ on OCTOBER 31ST.
Lead single ‘Read All About It’ precedes the album with an October 24th release date. An autobiographical confessional, it features a stunning guest vocal courtesy of the fast rising star EmeliSande. This deeply personal strand continues with the all that glitters ain’t gold, ‘Today I Cried’. Musically it offers the unexpected with the Green’s impassioned flow backed by acoustic guitar, piano and sweet harmonies.
While the album is bookended with the unmistakeably tongue-in-cheek musings of title track ‘AtYour Inconvenience’ and closing track ‘Into The Ground’, the bulk of the album pushes the boundaries and expectations of Professor Green’s sound. The soulfully dark and twisted, ‘Astronaut’ and the future anthem ‘Avalon’ which matches his vitriolic raps with a killer hook courtesy of Sierra Kusterbuck, vocalist with Florida alt-rock trio VersaEmerge. ‘Spinning Out’ is even more audacious, as Green teams up with one of his favourite musicians Fink to reimagine their own interpretation of the classic Pixies track ‘Where Is My Mind?’.
Even when Professor Green plays closer to expectations, the results are several bold steps ahead of the pack. ‘Nightmares’ echoes influences from both sides of the Atlantic with the assistance of producer Khalil (Eminem, Xzibit) and guests Kobe and Royce Da 5’9.
‘AT YOUR INCONVENIENCE’ also features further vocal and production talent from TMS, Ed Drewett, Luciana, Ruth-Anne, Camo & Krooked, Haydon and long-time production partner Alex ‘Cores’Hayes.
Recently seen at a prestigious show at Somerset House, Professor Green will embark upon his biggest tour to date - including a landmark performance at London’s Roundhouse on November 2nd - to coincide with the release of ‘AT YOUR INCONVENIENCE’. Due to popular Professor Green has announced a second London show at Brixton Electric on 15th December. Additionally Professor Green’s show at Liverpool O2 Academy has now moved to Liverpool University Mountford Hall.
Rizzle Kicks have been added as special guests on all shows from 3rd November until 14th December.
Professor Green’s UK Tour is 'Sponsored by ZTE' – dates below:
November
Wed 02 Brighton Dome 01273 709 709
Thu 03 London Roundhouse 0844 482 8008
Sun 27 Liverpool University Mountford Hall 0844 477 2000 – moved from O2 Academy
Mon 28 Glasgow Barrowland 0844 499 9990
Tue 29 Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 499 9990
December
Thu 01 Newcastle O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Fri 02 Manchester Academy 0161 832 1111
Sat 03 Preston 53 Degrees 01772 893000
Mon 05 Sheffield O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Tue 06 Leamington Spa Assembly 01926 523 001
Wed 07 Nottingham Rock City 0845 413 4444
Fri 09 Birmingham O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Sat 10 Lincoln Engine Shed 0844 8888 766
Sun 11 Norwich UEA 01603 508 050
Tue 13 Bournemouth O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Wed 14 Bristol O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Thu 15 London Brixton Electric 020 7403 3331 – new show added*
*Tickets for the new London show are £18.50 and go onsale Friday 21st October @ 9am
