Review: Matt Cardle + support Roxanne Emery - HMV Hammersmith Apollo

MATT CARDLE

HMV HAMMERSMITH APOLLO

Thursday 29th March: There was a highly electric atmosphere at the Apollo on Thursday night for the final night of Matt Cardle's Letters 2012 Tour. The audience had a huge buzz about it, varying in ages and all had come in anticipation to witness last years X Factor winner doing what he does best - and that is blow the roof off with his quite stunning vocals. But more about Matt in a moment...

Roxanne Emery

Supporting the tour is a great singer called Roxanne Emery, who had the audience settling down to a great evening of live music. Roxanne's vocals have a delicate tone mixed with a country rasping twang - sort of a cross between Diana Vickers and Janet Devlin with a touch of Sophie Ellis-Bextor thrown in. Sounds odd on paper, but on the ears it is delightful to listen to... a name to watch out for this year I feel.

After the interval, it was who everyone was here to see - Matt Cardle. Starting off with the lights in the audience to get the fever pitch anticipation even higher, the band start, drums pounding, guitars grinding and Matt enters the stage to rapturous applause. The band sound great, very tight, a good mix, crisp and clear, and Matt's vocals soar along with the very talented band.

Without a doubt, the jaw-dropping number of the gig is The First Time (Ever I Saw Your Face). When we first reviewed the gig back in York at the start of the tour, our reviewer Ian Donaghy said "His falsetto was crystal clear and faultless and could have made Minnie Ripperton cower" - and I have to agree, absolutely mind-blowing vocals. The audience agreed too, with a standing ovation for the number, and Matt had a few tears in return from the admiration he got.

With a sold out Hammersmith Apollo at his disposal, we didn't get any giant video screens, high production lighting and audio - visual wizadry, as it simply doesn't need it. With this, you get raw talent, stripped back right in front of you, and Matt sings from his experiences, with the emotions often showing in his songs and delivery. It is much better to see a singer of this calibre performing live, than on the over-produced reality shows where they start off, as they often don't do a singer the justice they actually deserve.

A fantastic night of music, both Roxanne and Matt having fab voices, and supported by fine musicians - it's the recipe for a great show. Well done to all.

E4 Udderbelly Headline Show THE VOCAL ORCHESTRA opens April 9th - Southbank London

THE VOCAL ORCHESTRA

E4 Udderbelly Festival - Southbank London
9th April - 27th May
www.underbelly.co.uk

A spine-tingling hour of incredible musical entertainment. The Vocal Orchestra is a celebration of everyone's favourite tunes using seven mouths, seven mics and no instruments!

The Vocal Orchestra combine jaw dropping human beatboxing, glorious vocal harmonies and
floor wobbling basslines, a breathtakingly original show, written and created by internationally acclaimed beatboxer Shlomo, and performed by a company of the world's most exciting beatboxing superstars.

Shlomo appeared with The Vocal Orchestra at last years Udderbelly to critical acclaim - you can read our review HERE

We also interviewed Shlomo last year - have a read and find out more HERE

This is going to be one of the shows of the summer and tickets are under £20 from https://www.underbelly.co.uk/vocal-orchestra

A joyful night out. Don't miss it.

http://thevocalorchestra.com

West London's new entertainment venue THE VANDELLA opens it's doors next week

OPENING TUESDAY 3^rd APRIL

 The Vandella is the new entertainment destination for West London. 

A venue that submerges you in a world of performance and promises to give you a night like no other every single day of the week.

You might get music (likely on weekends), you might get comedy (likely on weekdays), you might get drama (plotting is being done).  Whatever you opt for, the one thing that's guaranteed is a cracking evening in a venue that wants to make you feel like one of the gang.

Situated just off Shepherds Bush Green, West London finally has a club venue to call their 'local'

The brains behind The Vandella have proven success in setting up award-winning venues in London.  Unrestricted View (set up in 1997 by James & Felicity Wren) set up and still run the famous Hen & Chickens Theatre in Islington - a performance space that has seen most of the biggest names in comedy pass through it's doors. They have produced plays and comedy shows at the Edinburgh & Brighton Festivals and in New York and also enjoyed a successful 9 year run with comedy club Lowdown at the Albany in W1 (leaving the Albany at the end of last year to set up The Vandella).  

With an excellent menu, a fine selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and the very best of entertainment, The Vandella is THE place to eat, drink and be merry.  See you there!

APRIL 2012 LISTINGS

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vandella/175992435840154

Listing information for:

The Vandella

15-19 Goldhawk Road
Shepherds Bush
London W12 8QQ

Online tickets via www.unrestrictedview.co.uk or www.ticketweb.co.uk

 @thevandella / Facebook

3rd April        Marcel Lucont's Cabaret Fantastique

8pm £10 (£8 in advance online)
Marcel Lucont, flâneur, raconteur, bon-viveur, presents the very best in alternative comedy and cabaret, all held together with dry wit and a dry white.

Guests: TONY LAW, LORETTA MAINE, FRANK SANAZI

DES O'CONNOR, CHRISTIAN MANLEY, CLOVIS VAN DARKHELM, MARCEL LUCONT as MC

"Fresh, accessible and hilarious" - The Guardian
"One of the finest nights in our fair city" - Time Out London

4th April         Jonny & The Baptists' Midweek Crisis

8pm £10 (£7.50 in advance online)
Comedy-blues band Jonny & the Baptists promise to get you past the midweek blues, with their monthly evening of musical comedy. Five top musically comic acts all supported by a live house-band that plays through the night!
* * * * * "Hilarious"  - Chortle    

* * * * * "Hilarious"  - Fest   

 * * * * * "Hilarious" - Three Weeks 

MADONNA set to make chart history on Sunday

MADONNA

Madonna is set to make chart history on Sunday when she overtakes Elvis Presley with the most UK No.1 albums ever by a solo act.

‘MDNA’—which was released Monday on Interscope – is on course to be Madonna’s 12th No.1 album to date; one more than Elvis and another amazing achievement for the UK’s biggest ever selling female artist. Only The Beatles with 15 number ones have topped the chart more times.

Pre-orders for the album on iTunes took it to No.1 in 50 countries – the largest one day pre-order in iTunes history and the reviews have been celebratory with The Times trumpeting “there can only be one queen of pop” and the NME calling it “a ridiculously enjoyable romp”

The raunchy, relentlessly talked about video for ‘Girl Gone Wild’ has sent the blogosphere into overdrive. Check it out below.

The Queen of Pop is having a huge party this summer and everyone’s invited! She takes her explosive live act all around the world and back again, including three eagerly awaited UK shows, tickets from Ticketmaster UK

Madonna plays

July

Tue 17th             LONDON, Hyde Park  (with LMFAO & Martin Solveig)    

Thu 19th             BIRMINGHAM, NIA Arena

Sat 21st              EDINBURGH, Murrayfield Stadium            

     

www.madonna.com

Emmerdale's Charlie Hardwick to star in THE AWKWARD SQUAD at York Theatre Royal in April

The Awkward Squad 

A new comedy starring Libby Davison, Barbara Marten 

and Emmerdale’s Charlie Hardwick 

Fresh Glory Productions presents a new ‘state-of-the-nation’ comedy, The Awkward Squad at York Theatre Royal from Tue 10 – Fri 13 Apr. The play, by BAFTA winning Emmerdale writer Karin Young, crackles with dry northern humour, the kind you don’t often hear on stage, but know only too well from your own life.

Starring Charlie Hardwick (Val Pollard in ITV’s Emmerdale), Barbara Marten (Casualty, Coronation Street, Brookside), Libby Davison (The Bill, Hollyoaks) and Lisa McGrillis (Shakespeare’s Globe & Pitmen Painters), the North-East set production opened at The Customs House South Shields at the end of February, where it received standing ovations. It is currently running at London’s Arts Theatre until 7 April, before visiting York Theatre Royal from 10 – 13 Apr 2012.

The Awkward Squad takes a sideways look at the unexpected challenges faced by modern women of all ages. It makes eye-catching use of modern visual design to make the stage come to life - as emails, text messages, videos and photo albums are projected on to the scenery to form part of the narrative

What chance does Lorna have of a quiet weekend when both daughters and her granddaughter descend on her with their own problems? She’s spent three decades working for everyone else through the miners’ strikes, local milk schemes and library closures and tomorrow she’s having a community centre named after her, but her granddaughter thinks a boob job is more important…

On top of that a BAFTA, impending divorce, redundancy and a very upmarket caravanette force Lorna to reconsider both the past and the future – for everyone. What’s a woman to do? Accept everything that’s thrown at her, or become a fully paid-up member of the ‘Awkward Squad’?

BAFTA-winning Emmerdale writer Karin Young is also the recipient of the RTS Award for best Soap Opera and the Soap Award for Best Episode.

Listings Information:
Date: Tue 10 – Fri 13 Apr
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £10-22, £8 students and U25s, Concessions available
Venue: Main House
Access: Audio Described Fri 13 Apr, 7.30pm
Barbara Marten will play Lorna, with Charlie Hardwick and Libby Davison as her daughters Sandy and Pam.
www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

COMPETITION: Win a signed copy of Julian Ovenden's debut album 'If You Stay'

JULIAN OVENDEN - IF YOU STAY

The debut album released on 23rd April on Decca Records

"well-produced and enjoyable album that will attract listeners from all ages and backgrounds" - Backstage Pass

Julian Ovenden, the established charismatic star of stage and screen is already well known from playing many leading roles in high profile television shows. Julian is most familiarly known for his role as the Spitfire pilot Andrew Foyle in the critically acclaimed drama-series, Foyle’s War and he has conquered both the West End and Broadway stages.

But now, Julian Ovenden is set to release his debut album entitled: ‘If You Stay’ – a collection of songs that take the listener back to the golden era of 1960s London. Julian says he wants it to be “A CD that one might put into a Ford Focus, and suddenly the car is transformed into an Aston Martin.”

Did you know...

1.    Julian starred alongside Lucy Lui in the US comedy ‘Cashmere Mafia’ and played Hemmingway in the Channel 4 drama ‘Any Human Heart’.

2.      His real-life father is Canon John Ovenden, Chaplain to HM The Queen. Julian has fond memories of time spent with The Queen Mother.

3.    Julian was the Diet Coke Man pin-up in the hugely successful 1997 Diet Coke TV ad  - and had to kiss a girl he’d met just seconds earlier

4.    He was the lead in the Broadway show ‘Death Takes A Holiday’ (with the New York Post saying ‘He’s going to a big star’ and The New York Times saying ‘He’s Cary Grant with high notes’).

5.    Julian is married to the internationally renowned opera singer Kate Royal and Best Man at his wedding was James Darcy (Madonna film W.E.).

‘If You Stay’
Tracklisting:
1. It Hurts To Say Goodbye
2. The Last Waltz
3. Woman To Man
4. If You Go Away
5. Stay
6. I’m Not Coming Home
7. Up, Up and Away
8. When She Loved Me
9. In A Broken Dream
10. Ten Thousand Miles
11. Just To See Each Other Again
12. Something Better
13. You’ve Made Me So Very Happy

COMPETITION

We have a signed copy of Julian's album which could be yours!

Closing date is Monday 7th May 2012 at 9am.
Winner will be drawn at random and contacted by email so we can get your postal address to send the CD to you


Good Luck!


*By entering the competition you will be added to our weekly email newsletter, of which you can unsubscribe from at a later date if you so desire (but it's full of great entertainment news, reviews, competitions etc so keep it in your inbox!). Your details will never be passed on to any other companies or promotions. It doesn't matter where in the world you are, we can send the winning CD overseas!

Loving this new video - Mayer Hawthorne ft. Rizzle Kicks 'The Walk' - Released 7th May

MAYER HAWTHORNE

‘THE WALK’

ft. Rizzle Kicks

Released May 7^th  

Album ‘HOW DO YOU DO’ Released May 14^th

·        Mayer Hawthorne played an amazing SOLD OUT headline show at The Scala earlier this month.

·        Mayer releases a new version of ‘The Walk’ featuring chart-topping duo Rizzle Kicks, on May 7^th.

·        One of the most exciting artists in the new soul movement.

·        Mayer’s debut album ‘How Do You Do’ is released on May 14^th.

·        Check out the original video, watched by over 1 million people, here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmfcYli6vV4

·        Do you recognize any of these fans?   

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF6qZBJo0YU

·        Loved by Justin Timberlake, John Mayer and Snoop Dogg, who features on the album, has declared him as his “favourite new artist”.

Get ready to meet Mayer Hawthorne and say “How Do You Do”.

www.mayerhawthorne.com      

**THE VIDEO BELOW DOES CONTAIN SOME EXPLICIT LANGUAGE**

                        

THE SATURDAYS to release new single 30 DAYS on 14th May - Have a listen here

THE SATURDAYS

30 DAYS 

Release date - 14th MAY 2012 

The Saturdays return with their incredible new single, 30 Days, released on 14th May, through Polydor Records.

The single is written and produced by Steve Mac (the man behind the girls’ previous hits ‘Higher’, ‘Ego’ & ‘Notorious’ plus The Wanted’s ‘Glad You Came’) and co-written by Autumn Rowe. A natural progression from their 2011 monster hit ‘All Fired Up’, 30 Days sees The Saturdays lush pop vocals matched to a storming electro-pop track and shows the girls at their very best.

Frankie Sandford explains; “30 Days is about being apart from the person you love and counting down the minutes until you're back together. The song really struck a chord with us – it’s a situation all of us can relate to, and we think alot of fans will relate to it as well.”

Having become household names and fashion trendsetters since forming in 2007, the multi platinum-selling five-some have become the UK’s best known girl-group. They’ve had over 63 million views on YouTube and have recently been nominated as ‘Best Band’ at this year’s Glamour Awards, an award they won last year.

Their strike rate in the charts is impressive. To date they’ve had 10 top 10 singles, three top 10 and built up a huge, loyal following of nearly 1 million fans on Facebook and over 2.6 million combined followers on Twitter.

Renowned for their energetic live performances, they have sold out two nationwide headline tours and attracted their own fly-on-the-wall TV shows on Channel 4 and ITV.

www.thesaturdays.co.uk

FRISKY AND MANNISH Extra - Curricular Activities at E4 Udderbelly - Southbank Centre 2012

FRISKY & MANNISH

EXTRA - CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

UDDERBELLY FESTIVAL AT SOUTHBANK CENTRE 2012

April – July

ASSEMBLY HALL, EDINBURGH FESTIVAL 2012

August

“Simon Cowell would struggle to fault this” Evening Standard

“One of the funniest acts I've ever had on my show” Scott Mills, Radio 1.

School? College? Job? YAWN. Life isn’t about spreadsheets, it’s about joy and laughter and POP MUSIC. Frisky and Mannish, London’s resident experts of pop hermeneutics and “fully-blown superstars” (Time Out), are back this year at the Udderbelly Southbank to blow the bloody hooves off it, and will be back performing at the Assembly Hall at the Edinburgh Fringe for a limited run.

Frisky and Mannish said: “We’re really excited to be bringing our favourite numbers back this summer, expect all the favourites, but not as you’ve seen them before. Come dressed as your favourite pop star if you like.”  

They’ll be letting their hair down, and letting rip. Expect the F&M classics (see your local YouTube), alongside things they haven’t even made up yet. They are excited. You defs should be.

“A riotous night out” Guardian

“A constantly evolving force of musical nature” Metro

“Comedy gold” Guardian

“Superb and uncontrollable” Sunday Times

“The showmanship is faultless” Chortle

“A complete triumph” Time Out Sydney

EVERY SOUTHBANK TICKET HOLDER IS ENTITLED TO A FREE F&M MUSIC DOWNLOAD!

FRISKY & MANNISH - Somebody That I Used To Know (Dannii and Gotye)

To claim your free download, email ticket purchase confirmation to download@friskyandmannish.co.uk with the subject 'Udderbelly'. Your download link will be sent to you within 24 hours.                                   

www.friskyandmannish.co.uk

Twitter: @friskynmannish

www.facebook.com/friskyandmannish

    

LISTINGS INFORMATION

VENUE: Udderbelly, At Southbank Centre

DATES: Thursday 12^th & 26^th April

10^th and 24^th May

Tuesday 12^th June, Thursday 5^th July

9^th August

TIME: 9pm

TICKET PRICES: £15.50/£14 concessions

BOX OFFICE: 0844 545 8282

ONLINE: www.underbelly.co.uk

VENUE: Assembly Hall, Edinburgh Fringe

DATES: 16^th- 19^th August

23^rd- 26^th August

TIME: 7:30pm

TICKET PRICES: TBC

BOX OFFICE: 0131 623 3030

ONLINE: www.edfringe.com

The Royal Court's West End season - Cast announced for Laura Wade's POSH

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

POSH

By Laura Wade

Directed by Lyndsey Turner

 Friday 11 May – Saturday 4 August 2012

Press Performance: Wednesday 23 May 2012

ROYAL COURT THEATRE PRODUCTIONS AND AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP PRESENT A ROYAL COURT WEST END SEASON AT DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE

                                   

Royal Court Theatre Productions and Ambassador Theatre Group bring a season of the Royal Court Theatre’s work to the heart of the West End.

The Royal Court’s West End season begins with Posh, Laura Wade’s searing take on Britain’s classes, old money and the ultra privileged. Lyndsey Turner directs.

The cast is Max Bennett (In Basildon, Royal Court; Danton’s Death, National); Leo Bill (Girl With The Dragon Tattoo; Posh, Royal Court); Pip Carter (The Cherry Orchard and Gethsemane, National); Jolyon Coy (Posh and Before The Flood, Royal Court); Richard Goulding (The Soldier and the Maker, Barbican; Posh, Royal Court); Edward Killingback (Posh marks Edward’s professional stage debut); Harry Lister Smith (Hamlet, Sheffield Crucible); Henry Lloyd-Hughes (The Inbetweeners, series and film; Posh, Royal Court); Charlotte Lucas (The Changeling, Young Vic; Posh, Royal Court); Joshua McGuire (Hamlet, Globe / International tour; Posh, Royal Court); Tom Mison (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen; Posh, Royal Court); Jessica Ransom (Doc Martin; The Wonder! A Woman Keep’s a Secret, BAC); Steffan Rhodri (Gavin and Stacey; Clybourne Park, Royal Court; Absent Friends, West End); and Simon Shepherd (Art, West End; Posh, Royal Court).

In an oak-panelled room in Oxford, ten young bloods with cut-glass vowels and deep pockets are meeting, intent on restoring their right to rule. Members of an elite student dining society, the boys are bunkering down for a wild night of debauchery, decadence and bloody good wine. But this isn’t just a jolly: they’re planning a revolution. 

Welcome to the Riot Club.

Posh played to 100% capacity at the Royal Court and remains one of the highest-grossing shows ever to play in the theatre.

The Royal Court is a leading force in world theatre, finding and producing new plays that are original, contemporary and challenging. This summer the Royal Court will be simultaneously producing work at its home in Sloane Square, in the West End, New York with an off Broadway production of Cock by Mike Bartlett as well as the next Theatre Local season.

Cast:

Max Bennett Harry Villiers

Leo Bill Alistair Ryle

Pip Carter Hugo Fraser-Tyrwhitt

Jolyon Coy Toby Maitland

Richard Goulding George Balfour

Edward Killingback Miles Richards

Harry Lister Smith Ed Montgomery

Henry Lloyd-Hughes Dimitri Mitropoulos

Charlotte Lucas Charlie

Joshua McGuire Guy Bellingfield

Tom Mison James Leighton-Masters

Jessica Ransom Rachel

Steffan Rhodri Chris

Simon Shepherd Jeremy

Creative Team:

Writer Laura Wade

Director Lyndsey Turner

Designer Anthony Ward

Lighting Designer Charles Balfour

Sound Designer David McSeveney

LONDON LISTINGS INFORMATION – Royal Court at the Duke of York’s Theatre

Dates:  Friday 11 May to Saturday 4 August 2012

Performances: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm. Saturday and Wednesday matinees at 2.30pm

Ticket prices: £15-£52.50. 20 

best price seats at £10 each, available in person only, at the box office from 10am

on the day of the performance. Concessions and group discounts apply (Students £25 on Wednesday

matinees / Seniors £32.50 Monday to Thursday in advance, £29.50 on the door). See website for full details.

Access Performances: Audio-Described: Saturday 30th June 2.30pm

Captioned: Wednesday 11th July 7.30pm

Address: Duke of York’s Theatre, St. Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4BG

Box Office: 0844 871 7623*

Website: www.royalcourtatdukes.com

Royal Court Theatre Box Office: 020 7565 5000*

Website:  www.royalcourttheatre.com

*Booking fees apply

JONATHAN WILKES to return to Stoke's Regent Theatre panto following huge popular demand

JONNY’S COMING HOME!

The Regent Theatre’s biggest pantomime star and home-grown talent Jonathan Wilkes is returning to Stoke-on-Trent following huge popular demand after a year away.

Jonny is back with the sparkling pantomime favourite Cinderella and this year’s production promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Also coming back to Stoke-on-Trent is First Family Entertainment, who are producing Cinderella. FFE are no strangers to The Regent Theatre having produced the smash hit productions of Mother Goose, Aladdin, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Dick Whittington and Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates.

The Regent Theatre’s pantomime has become a must-see Christmas tradition offering all the ingredients for the perfect panto - sensational songs, dazzling dance routines, plenty of audience participation and side-splitting comedy. 

Mike Keane, General Manager, The Regent Theatre said ‘We are thrilled to welcome Jonny back to Stoke-on-Trent and The Regent Theatre. Jonny knows the Stoke audiences better than anyone and we are delighted that he is coming back to entertain them this Christmas.’

First Family Entertainment said ‘We are delighted to be bringing Jonathan Wilkes back to the Regent Theatre. Jonny and Stoke go together like turkey and stuffing – Christmas just isn’t the same without them. We missed being in Stoke last Christmas and promise that this year’s offering is going to be better than ever before!’

Jonathan Wilkes said ‘It’s great to be coming home, I missed being here last year it just didn’t seem right without my Stoke friends and family. I’m gonna make sure that when you come and see this show, it will be the best pantomime you’ve seen. We’re coming back with a bang!’

Cinderella is at The Regent Theatre from Thursday 13 December – Friday 4 January. Tickets go on sale from today and are available in person at The Regent Theatre Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7649 or visiting www.atgtickets.com/stoke.

SQUEEZE announce Pop Up Shop UK Winter tour 2012

Squeeze

Pop Up Shop 2012

UK Winter Tour Announced

Following their incredibly popular 2010 ‘Spot The Difference Tour’ British legends Squeeze return with an extensive tour of the UK this November and December!

It’s been over 35 years since Squeeze burst onto the music scene and are still as vital as they’ve ever been. As befits one of the UK’s much-loved acts, there is no end of Squeeze fans currently wearing their influences firmly on their sleeve, whether it be Mark Ronson, Kasabian, Lily Allen or The Feeling. With their fingerprints keenly felt throughout the fabric of popular music, it is only right that these songs, with their evergreen and popular sound, continue to be played and enjoyed live. And so since 2007, the newly reformed Squeeze have been slowly finding time to play a series of gigs and festival dates, and this coming Winter they are about to embark on a 20+ show tour across the UK.

Since founders Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook reformed the band with Squeeze veteran John Bentley and Tilbrook’s Fluffers cohorts Stephen Large and Simon Hanson the band has become an instant favourite on the festival circuit with appearances at V, Oxegen, T in the Park and Latitude – and this year take to the stage at the seminal US Festival Coachella.

Squeeze’s contribution to music has been noted in 2010 with the site of their first gig being awarded a prestigious PRS For Music Heritage Plaque, which has so far commemorated the debuts of Blur and Dire Straits. It joins an ever-increasing list of Squeeze accolades alongside their recent Ivor Novello for Outstanding Contribution to British Music and their Nordoff-Robbins Icon Award., as well as the Mojo Magazine Icon Award. Chris Difford’s lyrics and Glenn Tilbrook’s music have survived everything over the years, from the ever-changing musical landscape to their own internal reshuffles and even an acrimonious breakup - but Squeeze is here to stay, still going strong and still loving every moment.

This new tour will remind fans just why they have left such an indelible impression on the UK’s music scene.

Pop Up Shop 2012 UK Tour

Fri 16 Nov Guildford G Live 0844 7701 797

Sat 17 Nov Cambridge Corn Exchange 01223 357 851

Mon 19 Nov Bristol Colston Hall 0117 922 3686

Tue 20 Nov Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460

Wed 21 Nov Brighton Dome 01273 709 709

Fri 23 Nov Bournemouth O₂ Academy 0844 477 2000

Sat 24 Nov Reading Hexagon 0118 960 6060

Mon 26 Nov Cardiff St Davids Hall 029 2087 8444

Tue 27 Nov Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall 0844 871 7627

Wed 28 Nov Southend Cliff Pavilion 01702 351 135

Fri 30 Nov Birmingham Symphony Hall 0121 780 3333

Sat 01 Dec Manchester O₂ Apollo 0844 477 2000

Sun 02 Dec Sheffield O₂ Academy 0844 477 2000

Tue 04 Dec Leeds O₂ Academy 0844 477 2000

Wed 05 Dec Nottingham Royal Concert Hall 0115 989 5555

Thu 06 Dec Norwich UEA 01603 508 050

Sat 08 Dec Newcastle City Hall 0191 277 8030

Sun 09 Dec Glasgow O₂ Academy 0844 477 2000

Mon 10 Dec Liverpool Philharmonic Hall 0151 709 3789

Wed 12 Dec London HMV Forum 0844 847 2405

Thu 13 Dec London O₂ Shepherds Bush Empire 0844 477 2000

Fri 14 Dec London Indigo O₂ 0844 477 2000

On sale Friday 30 March 2012 @ 9AM

Buy online: Gigsandtours.com / 24hr cc hotline: 0844 811 0051

www.squeezeofficial.com 

LET IT BE - West End Show to mark 50th Anniversary of THE BEATLES at Prince Of Wales theatre

Jamie Hendry Productions, Annerin Productions, Rain Productions, BB Promotion, MagicSpace Entertainment

& Julian Stoneman Associates

present

• 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEATLES TO BE MARKED BY SPECTACULAR WEST END SHOW
• LIMITED SEASON SEPTEMBER 2012 TO JANUARY 2013
• LIVE THEATRICAL CONCERT PACKED WITH GLOBAL BEATLES HITS INCLUDING HEY JUDE, YESTERDAY AND COME TOGETHER
• OPENING AT THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE – SITE OF THE FAB FOUR’S LEGENDARY ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE
• FULL GRAND RIGHTS OF THE BEATLES’ CATALOGUE GRANTED FOR THE WEST END FOR THE FIRST TIME
  

It is fifty years since THE BEATLES released their first single ‘Love Me Do’ in October 1962. To celebrate, London’s Prince of Wales Theatre will welcome LET IT BE, a spectacular new West End production featuring more than twenty of The Beatles’ greatest hits for a limited season from September 2012.

Audiences will have the chance to relive The Beatles’ live performances of their early hits including Twist and Shout, She Loves You and All My Lovin’, as well as global mega-hits  Yesterday, Come Together, Hey Jude and, of course, Let It Be; all performed by hand-picked master musicians.

LET IT BE is a media rich theatrical concert created by the global phenomenon RAIN, which showcases the works of the world’s most successful rock’n’roll band, using dazzling video footage to tell the story of the band’s meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club, through the height of Beatlemania, to their later studio masterpieces. It is the first time that the Grand Theatrical Rights to The Beatles’ back catalogue have been granted by Sony/ATV for a West End production.

LET IT BE is packed with classic Beatles’ hits including: I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Hard Day’s Night, Day Tripper, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Strawberry Fields, When I’m 64, Hello Goodbye, Get Back and many more.

Let It Be will run for a limited season from 14th September 2012 until Saturday 19th January 2013 with a press night on 24th September 2012 at 7pm.

LET IT BE

Prince of Wales Theatre, London W1D 6AS
From September 2012
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat 7.30pm
Thu & Sat 3pm
Sun 5pm
Tickets £20-£60
Box office 0844 482 5115
LetItBeLondon.com
Press night 24 September 2012, 7pm
Group rates available

LOSTALONE to release new single 'Love Will Eat You Alive' on 1st April

LOSTALONE

Photo by Rob Ashton Barker

 ADDED TO RADIO 1 PLAYLIST

NEW SINGLE ‘LOVE WILL EAT YOU ALIVE’ TO BE RELEASED 1^ST APRIL 2012 

LostAlone are set to release a second single from their new album ‘I’m A UFO In This City’ which went to No.7 in the Indie charts last week. ‘Love Will Eat You Alive’ will be available on 1st April 2012 via Graphite Records, along with exclusive non album track, ‘A Ritualistic Mirage Of The Mind’. An ‘ET’ (yes, that ET!) version of the single will also be available on the iTunes version only.

“Love Will Eat You Alive” is currently on the Radio 1 playlist, along with XFM and Kerrang

‘Love Will Eat You Alive’ was produced by Jacknife Lee (Weezer, U2, REM, Bloc Party) and Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) and mixed by Alan Moulder (Smashing Pumpkins, NIN, Foo Fighters). Singer Steven Battelle says "Love will eat you alive comes directly from what I like to call "self dream plagiarism" which involves me effectively stealing songs from my unconscious self. This can be as simple as waking up and remembering a snapshot of music or in the case of this song, I attended and watched an imaginary band performing the entire song then simply woke up and demoed it intact."

30 Seconds to Mars, Enter Shikari, Paramore and My Chemical Romance have specifically requested LostAlone as their support band on arena tours across the UK and Europe. The band have also played numerous high-profile festival appearances including Taste of Chaos, Give it a Name, Download, Rock am Ring, Rock Im Park, T in the Park, Oxegen, Reading and Leeds. They were nominated for ‘Best British newcomer’ at the Kerrang! Awards and listed in Bruce Dickson’s ‘Top 5 singles’ for BBC 6 Music.

LostAlone are Steven Battelle (vocals/guitar), Alan Williamson (bass/vocals) and Mark Gibson (drums/vocals).

LostAlone are currently touring their new album on a UK/Irish tour with InMe. They also have an album launch show at The Victoria Suite in Derby on Sat 7th April 2012.

Remaining tour dates

Thu 29th Mar - Guildhall Gloucester

Fri 30th Mar - Clwb Ifor Bach Cardiff

Sat 31st Mar - O2 Academy Islington London

Sat 7^th Apr - The Victoria Suite, Derby

www.lostalone.com 

LAWSON to release debut single 'When She Was Mine' on May 27th

LAWSON

'When She Was Mine'

the debut single release 

May 27th - Polydor

Read our interview with Lawson HERE

When She Was Mine is the epic debut single from guitar-pop four-piece Lawson. Produced by John Shanks, the Grammy Award winning producer of Take That’s albums ‘Beautiful World’ and ‘The Circus,’ ‘When She Was Mine’ is HUGE – sky-scraping guitars combine with sweetly soulful vocals and razor-sharp harmonies, underpinned by a taut, powerful rhythm section. Despite it’s uplifting vibe, ‘When She Was Mine’ is about a broken heart - Andy Brown, Lawson frontman, wrote the song after finding out that his ex-girlfriend had a new boyfriend. 

Joining Andy (vox/guitar) in Lawson are Joel Peat (lead guitar), Adam Pitts (drums), and Ryan Fletcher (bass). Respectively from Liverpool, Mansfield, Brighton and Chesterfield, Lawson began life in 2009 when Adam contacted Andy, who had been posting acoustic covers on Youtube to ever increasing views, to say ‘I love what you’re doing, if you ever form a band can I be in it?’ And so they formed a band…. Adam contacted his friend Ryan who in turn recruited his music college buddy Joel, and the foursome soon got stuck in, rehearsing and gigging like men possessed. 

Fast forward 3 years and Lawson, who signed to Polydor in autumn last year, are formidable live and have built an active and passionate fanbase – they sold out their debut headline tour in January, incredible for a band who have yet to release a single, and last week their upcoming Monto Water Rats show sold out in under 10 minutes. Lawson’s live prowess has been honed in front of some huge audiences; they have twice been on support tours with The Wanted, most recently last month’s arena tour, and also have supported Avril Lavigne and Will Young. 

Lawson are currently in Los Angeles recording the video for ‘When She Was Mine.’ 

LAWSON: LIVE AT MONTO WATER RATS WEDS 4^TH APRIL 

http://www.lawsonofficial.com

http://www.facebook.com/lawsonofficial

http://www.twitter.com/lawsonofficial

HONEY RYDER unveil video for new single 'Marley's Chains' out on April 30th

HONEY RYDER 

ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE & ALBUM

‘MARLEY’S CHAINS’

SET FOR RELEASE APRIL 30TH THROUGH OCEANIC MUSIC/EMI

Honey Ryder have announced details of their new single ‘Marley’s Chains’, which is set for UK release on April 30th through Oceanic Music in association with EMI Label Services.

‘Marley’s Chains’ is a pop record with its feet in folk and country that sounds both classic, contemporary and fits to the current trend for a return to real music. They are already being taken very seriously on both sides of the Atlantic. Indeed, almost as soon as the recording was finished, ‘Marley’s Chains’ was snapped up by hit US TV series Body Of Proof, which will air throughout the US in April on ABC Network America.

Among Honey Ryder’s collaborators were Tom Douglas (Lady Antebellum’s I Run To You, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride), Blair Daly (Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Faith Hill) and Rivers Rutherford (penning US No.1s for Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw).

“Mumford & Sons have broken the mould for folk music in Britain, but we’re not trying to sound like any other artists and I don’t think we do,” says Lindsay. “We’re not trying to be groundbreaking or trendy. We want to write classic songs that will stand the test of time and I hope that’s what we’ve achieved with this album.”

The new album is set for release this summer and was co-written in Nashville by lead singer Lindsay O'Mahony, with Emerson Hart, the frontman of multi-platinum selling, post-grunge group Tonic.

Listen to the music...it speaks for itself.

http://honeyryder.com/

LA pop sensations IT BOYS! announce UK tour dates

IT BOYS!

LA POP SENSATIONS ANNOUNCE UK TOUR DATES AND NEW SINGLE:

“Burning Up”

28th^th May, 2012

Hot off the back of debut UK single ‘Guys Don’t Like Me’ this March, effervescent edgy Hollywood five-piece boy band IT BOYS! have announced a six date UK tour which will precede follow up single ‘Burning Up’ featuring Jeffree Star, to be released 28^th May through EMI/Century Media Records.

The band, who are already causing a stir amongst fans of some of the UK’s finest pop royalty after becoming overnight stars of Chart Show TV in the UK with their energetic video for Guys Don’t Like Me, will be heading over in May for their first ever UK tour which will include a headline London show, dates with fellow US pop rockers Forever The Sickest Kids and appearances at student festival weekender Slam Dunk in Leeds and Hatfield.

Currently completing a monster run of dates in the US with Breathe Carolina and The Ready Set, IT BOYS! have recently finished recording debut album ‘Introduction’ (slated for an early June UK release), and are excited about their upcoming UK shows. “It has been something we have talked about since the beginning of It Boys! “ says lead singer Matt Cut. “We recently got picked up by CAA as our overseas booking agency and we’re so thrilled to share a roster with One Direction, The Wanted, Taio Cruz and many more amazing pop artists. We can’t wait to make some new friends in the UK!”

UK TOUR DATES:

May

20^th – Norwich Waterfront Studio – www.waterfrontnorwich.co.uk / 0160 350 8050

21^st – Cardiff The Moon Club  – www.seetickets,cin / 0292 023 0130

22^nd – London Barfly - www.kililive.com / 0844 871 8803

23^rd – Birmingham O2 Academy2 W/Forever The Sickest Kids + Cartel – www.kililive.com / 0844 871 8803
24^th – Manchester Club Academy W/Forever The Sickest Kids + Cartel - www.kililive.com / 0844 871 8803

25^th – Glasgow Cathouse W/Forever The Sickest Kids + Cartel –http://www.triplegmusic.com/ - 0844 844 4747

26^th – SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL

27^th – SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL

For further information head to:

http://www.ItboysMusic.com

http://www.facebook.com/itboysmusic

BEN MONTAGUE to release debut single 'Love Like Stars' on June 18th

BEN MONTAGUE

LOVE LIKE STARS 

Ben Montague releases his epic new single Love Like Stars on June 18th through Nusic Sounds/EMI.

Love Like Stars is a joyous, widescreen pop-rock song that captures that glorious moment when you can’t think of anyone else. The single, which is written by Ben Montague, Jez Ashurst and Kim Richie showcases Ben’s sweet, soulful vocals.

If the name Ben Montague sounds familiar, that would be because you heard his debut single ‘Haunted’ which became a major radio hit two years ago. At the time Ben didn’t have a record deal or an album to his name. Fast forward to 2012 and Ben, with a label behind him, is ready to launch his debut album ‘Tales Of Flying and Falling.’ 

Recorded at Rockfield with producer Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers, Idlewild, Kylie) ‘Tales Of Flying And Falling’ is a set of songs that make sense together; that document a relationship that was right, went wrong, then came right again. It’s an album that will make his fans fall for him all over again. “This was always my dream – to make an album with one producer, in one studio,” says Ben. “To take my time and make sure every song sounded as good as it could. Working with Dave was amazing. He’s a rock guy; I write pop songs. We bonded over old-school desks and old-school mics and a love of authentic, epic music.”

Ben, who was recently the main support for The Wanted on their UK Arena Tour, will be heading out on his own this June. He will be hitting the road to showcase songs from his forthcoming album. The full list of dates are below. 

June

7            Mr Kyps, Dorset

12            O2 Academy, Brimingham

13            O2 Academy Islington, London

14            Rescue Rooms, Nottingham

17            Komedia, Brighton

20            Greystones, Sheffield

21            Academy 3, Manchester

22            Discovery Centre, Winchester

23            Tower, Folkestone

24            Isle of Wight Festival

26            O2 ABC, Glasgow

27            O2 Academy, Newcastle

28            Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh

29            O2 Academy, Liverpool

www.facebook.com/LikeBenMontague  

twitter @ben_montague

Love Like Stars (AUDIO) http://soundcloud.com/ben-montague/01-love-like-stars-radio-edit/s-iPL5Q

Next week sees the E4 UDDERBELLY OPENING GALA down at London's Southbank

E4 Udderbelly 

Opening Gala

Next week, the E4 Udderbelly Festival opens its doors down on Southbank to a huge host of entertainment.

Live comedy, music, theatre and more will be playing in the famous purple upside-down cow.
Drinks, food stalls and new Spiegeltent are all on hand to make a great day out.

Host - Miss Behave

Time Out Live are curating the opening line-up show.

The line up so far includes

Host - Miss Behave

Cardinal Burns

Nick Helms

Marawa the Amazing

Ian Stone

Abandoman

Pete  Johansson

Up and Over

The gala starts at 9pm on Friday 6th April, and tickets are £17.50 from https://underbelly.co.uk/Opening-Gala

Get yourselves down there for the start of a fun filled summer

https://underbelly.co.uk/

Jools Holland, Rick Astley & Royal Philharmonic among the stars for Audley End Summer Picnic Concerts

Audley End 

Summer Picnic Concerts

Dates & Line-Up Announced

Jools Holland, Rick Astley & Royal Philharmonic Among the Stars

Friday 3^rd to Sunday 5^th August

English Heritage is thrilled to announce that the much-loved Summer Picnic Concerts at Audley End House and Gardens will go ahead as usual this summer. English Heritage has teamed up with independent concert producers, Portal Events Ltd to deliver a fantastic line-up of musical stars and the concerts will take place from Friday 3rd August to Sunday 5th August 2012. 

Jools Holland

The weekend festivities will begin on Friday 3rd August with the fantastic Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, who will make a triumphant return with Gilson Lavis, special guest Chris Difford from Squeeze and guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall.

On Saturday 4th August it’s time to relive your youth with The Best 80’s Party…Ever! Hit 80s artists Rick Astley, Jimmy Somerville, Midge Ure, Nick Kershaw, T'pau, Toyah, Whang Chung and Dr and the Medics will wow the crowd into a party frenzy with their famous hit songs including “Never gonna give you up”, “China in your hand” and “Spirit in the Sky”.

Rick Astley

The concert series will then culminate in the Last Night of the Audley End Proms, compered by Aled Jones and starring Natasha Marsh and vocal quartet Amore with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra conducted by Tim Redmond. The evening will include a dramatic Spitfire display and spectacular fireworks, rounding off a perfect summer’s evening.

Lynsey Coombs, English Heritage’s General Manager at Audley End House, said: “We are delighted that we can go ahead with this year’s Picnic Concerts. It’s such a popular event in a beautiful setting and a wonderful way to spend a British summer’s evening.”

Portal Events Ltd, who will promote and manage the concerts said: “When we heard that there might be a slight question mark over the Audley End Picnic Concerts, we were very surprised and thought that we must do what we can to make this happen. Audley End is an iconic location and we want to make sure that the tradition of Summer concerts continues. What better way to celebrate the British summer, watching great bands, with your friends whilst having a picnic and a glass of Pimms!”

Jools Holland who last played at Audley End in 2010, said: “I’m so thrilled that the Audley End picnic concerts are going ahead this year. It’s an amazing sight to see 10,000 people dance in the dramatic setting of Audley End – a British Summer evening doesn’t get any better than this!”

Doors will open early for concert goers to enjoy the East Park and picnic. There will be ample food and drink stalls as well as a bar and a concert shop.

Tickets go on sale on Friday 30^th March 2012 at 9am.

For further announcements please follow on Twitter @AudleyConcerts and on Facebook www.facebook.com/AudleyEndConcerts

Listings:

Event:                          Audley End Concerts

Date:                            Friday 3^rd August – Sunday 5^th August 2012

Doors Open:                4pm (Fri), 2.30pm (Sat & Sun),

Concerts start:              7.30pm

Location:                      Off London Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF

Box Office:                  See Tickets 0844 995 0995 (booking fees apply)

Tickets in Person:         No Booking Fee

Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

1 Market Place

Saffron Walden

Essex, CB10 1HR

Open April to October, Mon - Sat 9:30am - 5:30pm

Bank Holidays 10:30am - 1:00pm (April to August only)

Website:                      www.audleyendconcerts.com