The Weekend Friday 2nd January 2009

Friday, January 2, 2009

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INSIDE YOUR GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT ON THE FYLDE Sexy film role for Kate in wartime morality film

Jock Lee helps bar to get back in business

Win fab DVD of Bangkok assassin with a heart

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the weekend

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FILMS

Friday, January 2, 2009

the weekend

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Teen schmaltz lacks a bit of spark THE SISTERHOOD OF THE AUDIENCES who looked past the TRAVELING PANTS 2 (12A) unwieldy title of the original The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants back Rating: 5/10 in 2005 were rewarded with a well writbenefits from her rising status by enjoyten coming of age story. ing slightly more screen time than her Aimed at teenage girls, the charming co-stars, playing the ugly duckling giftfilm charted the upheavals and rollercoaster romantic travails of four friends, ed a chance to break the mould. united by a pair of jeans, which magical- Elizabeth Chandler, who penned the ly fitted them all. first film, drizzles cloying sentiment but The mystical denims travelled the globe still manages to navigate the minefield of cliched adolescent angst to find with the girls as they found love, commoments of self-reflection and pathos. passion and a greater understanding of their parents’ failings.

Fate conspires to separate best friends The cast reunite under new director Carmen (Ferrera), Bridget (Blake Sanaa Hamri for this lacklustre sequel.

Lively), Lena (Alexis Bledel) and Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) for summer.

Ugly Betty star America Ferrara (right)

Carmen accompanies attention-seeking diva Julia (Rachel Nichols) to Vermont to take part in a drama festival, where the frumpy teen is dragged into the spotlight to audition for the role of Perdita in A Winter’s Tale.

Hunky leading man Ian (Tom Wisdom) makes it easy to learn the lines, while Julia glares enviously.

Bridget heads to Turkey on an archaeological dig led by Professor Mehani (Shohreh Aghdashloo) where she finally confronts the anger and pain of her mother’s suicide, while Lena tries to heal the deep wounds of her break-up with fisherman Kostos (Michael Rady) by taking an art class and falling for

nude model, Leo (Jesse Williams).

Meanwhile, Libby and her boyfriend Brian (Leonardo Lam) face a pregnancy scare as the pressures of growing up take their toll on the quartet’s longstanding friendship, with only the titular pair of jeans to unite them.

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants 2 lacks some of the spark and raw emotion of its predecessor.

The four leads are impressive, given the flimsy material at their disposal.

Romance blossoms and crises are averted with the minimum of tears and tantrums, with a sun-kissed finale that coats the obligatory happy ever after with a final sheen of schmaltz.

A question of guilt THE READER (15) Rating: 8.5/10

T

he collective guilt of Germany’s ‘second generation’, struggling to come to terms with their parents’ role in the Holocaust, underscores every elegant frame of The Reader.

Based on the novel by Bernhard Schlink, this handsome and emotionally devastating drama contemplates the need of post-war children to hold someone accountable for their country’s sins.

“After the war, the German people didn’t want to look at what they’d done... because they had too much to hide,’’ rails one angry law student (Voker Bruch) in a heated debate.

“You’re not guilty of anything merely by working at Auschwitz,’’ counters his professor (Bruno Ganz). “8,000 people worked at Auschwitz.

Precisely 19 have been convicted, and only six for murder.’’

This tug of war between morality and the law begs difficult questions of the characters, and of us, as we become drawn into the intertwined lives of these guilt-stained protagonists.

At the blackened heart of the picture is a tour de force performance from

Kate Winslet (above) as a woman accused of heinous crimes during her stint as an SS guard, working initially at Auschwitz, then at a smaller camp near Cracow.

We despise the guard for her actions yet Winslet delicately reveals the shame beneath the steely facade; the frail, human face of a so-called monster.

The film opens in an apartment in 1995 Berlin, where lawyer Michael Berg (Ralph Fiennes) struggles with

the past as he attempts to reconnect with his daughter Julia (Hannah Herzsprung).

Michael thinks back to 1958 Neustadt, when as a young man (now played by David Kross), he fell dangerously ill and was aided in his hour of need by passing stranger Hanna Schmidt (Winslet).

Fully recovered, Michael returns to thank Hanna and the pair embark on a passionate affair, with the older woman offering tutorials in sex in

exchange for Michael reading extracts from the works of Dostoevsky, Homer and Mark Twain.

Eight years later, while studying at Heidelberg Law School, Michael crosses paths with Hanna again, only this time his former lover is standing in the dock.

The Reader reunites director Stephen Daldry and screenwriter David Hare, both lauded for their work on The Hours, who deliver similarly polished work here, navigating the shifting timeframes with aplomb.

Winslet’s riveting portrayal of a woman capable of such cruelty (“You don’t matter enough to upset me,’’ she tells the young Michael) gets under our skin, as Hanna becomes a scapegoat for the actions of hundreds.

Kross is impressive, generating palpable screen chemistry with his leading lady in their steamy sex scenes, complimented by a restrained but no less powerful performance from Fiennes.

A Manhattan-set coda involving a surviving daughter of the Holocaust (Lena Olin) provides a sombre final note. “Go to the theatre if you want catharsis,’’ she suggests. Don’t go to the camps.

Nothing comes out of the camps.’’films

Bid to bridle a supervillain SPIRIT (12A)

FRANK Miller, the creator of Sin City and 300, directs this visually arresting adaptation of the comic series, starring Samuel L Jackson and Scarlett Johansson (both right).

The fantasy film follows a rookie cop (Gabriel Macht) in the crimeriddled metropolis of Central City, who returns from the dead as the masked avenger The Spirit.

In his new guise, The Spirit wages war against arch-nemesis and coldhearted killer Octopus (Jackson), who seems determined to destroy the city and

its denizens in his pursuit of immortality, with the help of punk secretary Silken Floss (Johansson) and

various henchmen.

Aided and hindered by a bevy of beauties – including girl next door Ellen (Sarah Paulson), jewel thief Sand (Eva Mendes), young cop Morgenstern (Stana Katic), phantom sister Lorelei (Jaime King) and nightclub dancer Plaster Of Paris (Paz Vega) – The Spirit fights to restore justice to a city where the good die young. ● Samuel L Jackson and Scarlett Johansson interview - don’t miss Life! magazine free with The Gazette tomorrow.

Coming soon Danny Boyle directs feelgood, Oscar frontrunner Slumdog Millionaire...

Kate Hudson and Anne (right) come to blows over who walks down the aisle first in Bride Wars and Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell risk their lives to repel the Nazis in the harrowing true story, Defiance.

TOP FILMS 1 Yes Man 2 Bedtime Stories 3 Australia 4 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa 5 Twilight 6 The Day The Earth Stood Still 7 Inkheart 8 Four Christmases 9 Ghajini 10 The Tale Of Despereaux Chart courtesy of Cineworld Cinemas: www.cineworld.co.uk

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LISTINGS

the weekend

FRIDAY Attractions CARNESKY’S GHOST TRAIN. A dark ride across haunted borders - fusing theatre, circus, music and more. Olympia, Winter Gardens, off Coronation Street, Blackpool.

Thursday to Saturday, 2 - 9pm. Sunday to Wednesday, noon to 7pm. Closed Mondays.

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT ODDITORIUM. Wonders of the world and other oddities. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Ocean Boulevard, South Promenade. From 10am daily.

BLACKPOOL TOWER. The £3 million Jungle Jim’s Towering Adventureland Victorian Ballroom, Aquarium, Circus and Tower Top Ride (weather permitting). Weekends, plus ballroom only on Wednesday. From 10am.

Central Promenade, Blackpool. Details (01253) 622242 SEA LIFE CENTRE. Includes the latest attraction Suckers. Golden Mile, Blackpool.

Daily from 10am. Details, (01253) 621258.

SANDCASTLE WATERPARK. Celebrate a Caribbean Christmas . Weekends and December 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31.school holidays. Details, (01253) 343602.

BLACKPOOL ZOO AND DINOSAUR SAFARI. Home to more than 400 animals as well as 32 different dinosaurs. Daily from 10am.

East Park Drive, Blackpool. Details (01253) 830830.

LOUIS TUSSAUDS WAXWORKS. Brad Pitt and Samuel L Jackson are among the faces in Celeb City. Daily from 10am. Central Promenade, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 625953.

FARMER PARR’S ANIMAL WORLD. Rare breeds galore. With added Santa Claus until December 24. Wyrefield Farm, Rossall Lane and Fleetwood Road, Fleetwood. Daily, 10am to 5pm. Details, (01253) 874389.

PENNY FARM RESCUE & REHABILITATION CENTRE. Meet the horses and ponies.

Visitor centre, guided tours. Free entry.

Preston New Road, Peel. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm. Details, (01253) 766095.

Music RHYTHM KINGS. Easy listening piano drums and vocals, jazzy swing. Westerfield’s Restaurant, North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood.

Theatre and shows ALADDIN. Mooky and Bubu plus an international cast combine circus skills and pantomime tradition. Blackpool Tower Circus, Blackpool Tower. Daily to January 2.

Then Wednesday and Saturday to January 18. Times vary. Box office, (0844) 8561111.

ALADDIN. Paul Crone, Casey-Lee Jolleys, Tim Vincent and Kade Ferraiolo star in a colourful version of the traditional tale.

Charter Theatre, Guild Hall, Preston. Daily to January 4 (no shows Thursdays). Times vary. Box office (01772) 258858.

CINDERELLA. Amanda Barrie, Steve Royle and Sophia Thierens star in the UK Productions annual festive attraction.

Grand Theatre, Church Street, Blackpool. To January 4, times vary (no shows December 31). Box office, (01253) 290190.

PETER PAN. Manchester’s all star pantomime with Gary Wilmot, John Thomson, Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan. Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester. To January 4 (no show January 1), times vary. Box office, (0844) 8472295.

SLEEPING BEAUTY. Charles Way’s modern take on the magical adventure of wicked spells and heroic rescues. The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster. Tuesday to Saturday until January 3. Times vary. Box office, (0845) 3440644.

DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD. David Wood’s adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s classic. Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton. To January 17 - times vary. Box office, (01204) 520661.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic by Neil Bartlett - and an alternative to the usual festive fun. Library Theatre, St Peters Square, Manchester. To January 17. Times vary (no shows Sunday). Box office, (0161) 2367110.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL. A revival of the theatre’s 1999 success story - David

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

WEEKEND CHOICE The Wizard of Oz

The Lowry, Salford Quays The Wizard of Oz is one of the greatest films of all time, helping to make the current show version a box office record-breaker at The Lowry.

But the tale of a Kansas girl who finds herself in the magical land of Oz, has some fascinating history.

The film was released in 1939, often called the greatest year in film history.

Over the Rainbow, sung by Judy Garland, was voted the greatest movie song of all time by the American Film Institute.

Nine days into the filming of Wizard of Oz, Buddy Ebsen (Tin Man) was hospitalised in a critical condition. The aluminum powder in the makeup coated his lungs as he breathed it in daily. His

replacement, Jack Haley, used an aluminum paste make-up instead.

Gale Sondergaard was originally cast as the Wicked Witch. She became unhappy with the role when the witch's persona

Holman’s adaptation (with music) of the Dickens tale. Theatre By the Lake, Keswick. To January 17. Times vary. Box office 017687 74411.

THE WIZARD OF OZ. Judy Garland’s daughter Lorna Luft stars in the family musical based on the classic Hollywood musical. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester. To January 4. Times vary (no show Mondays). Box office, (0870) 7875788.

‘ALLO ‘ALLO. The ever popular sitcom adapted for the stage by its creators - and seen recently in Blackpool. Timeless comedy set in René’s French café. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester. To January 10. Times vary (no show Sundays, December 31 or January 1). Box office, (0870) 7875788.

SEE HOW THEY RUN. Philip King’s wartime farce seen the Grand earlier this year - starring ‘Allo ‘Allo’s Arthur Bostrom.

Royal Exchange Theatre, St Anns Square, Manchester. To January 4. Box office, (0161) 833 9833.

CINDERELLA. It’s a Scouse special to end the European Capital of Culture Year with Cilla Black, Jenniffer Ellison, Les Dennis, Ted Robbins and Peter Price in the traditional tale. Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool. To January 4. Times vary. Box office: (0844) 847 2525.

ALADDIN. Blackpool favourite Richard de Vere in his eighth successive year - plus Mia Carla, Schnorbitz and Mark Lawler head the cast. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

To January 11 (no show December 31). Box office, (01744) 756000.

MARY POPPINS. One of only a handful of regional dates for the blockbuster musical. Palace Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester. to March 7. Box office, (0844) 8472277.

Pubs and bars TRIDENT. Cover rock. The Royal, Marton Drive, Marton.

DAVE LEE MICHAELS. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood.

RUPERT FABULOUS. King Edward VII, Central Drive, Blackpool.

DAVE GARTHWAITE. Chart, commercial, r ‘n’b and dance. Schofields, Birley Street, Blackpool.

FULL ON FRIDAY PARTY NIGHT. Walkabout, Queen Street, Blackpool CABARET NIGHT. Resident compere plus guest acts. The Princess Music Hall Tavern, Foxhall Road, Blackpool. Also Saturday.

PARTY NIGHT. With resident dj Andy.

West Coast Bar, Bispham Road, Cleveleys.

From 8pm to 2am.

THE NUTS AT BRANNIS. Games, girls, giveaways and drinks offers. Brannigans, Market Street, Blackpool.

DJ’S GINGE AND TRIGGER. Rumours, Talbot Square, Blackpool.

shifted from sly and glamorous to scary and she was replaced by Margaret Hamilton who was severely burned in the Munchkinland scene when she disappeared in a puff of fiery smoke. When she

DISCO NIGHT. With djs’ Kudos, Dave G and Aka Ali. From the 60s to current sounds.The Queens, Talbot Road, Layton.

R&B TO OLD SCHOOL. Chubby’s Bar, 9498 The Promenade, Blackpool. Free admission.

IAN CALVERT and SCOTT WALKER. Party, pop chart and dance music. The Edge, Hardhorn Road, Poulton. And Saturday.

SOUL NIGHT. Soul, Motown, Philadelphia and Northern with DJ John Miles. Plus live acts. Soul Suite, Queen Square, Queen Street, Blackpool.

DAVE WARD ROADSHOW. Disco night latest releases, chart and classic hits. The Ship & Royal, Clifton Street, Lytham. 9pm to 1am.

DISCO NIGHT. With Papa Greywolf. Bay Horse Hotel, Station Road, Thornton.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. The Royal, Marton Drive, Marton.

DJ NIGHT. Ed Mahon with house and Hed Kandi. 1am, Pleasant Street, Lytham.

From 10pm.

PARTY NIGHT. With DJ Daryl. Bar 19, Queen Street, Blackpool.

ROY LYNCH. Radio Wave presenter in residence. The Loft Wine Bar & Nightclub, Lofthouse Way, Fleetwood.

DISCO NIGHT. Halfway House, St Annes Road, Squires Gate.

Karaoke JJ’S KARAOKE. The Excelsior, Lytham Road, South Shore. 8.30pm.

GLEN’S KARAOKE. Sing like a star.

Victoria Bar, North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood. 9pm.

CAROLOKE. Disco, fun and karaoke with Carol Hartwell. Last Orders, Trunnah Road, Thornton.

KARAOKE NIGHT. The Links, Heeley Road, St Annes.

KARAOKE DISCO. Over 40,000 tracks.

The Sandpiper, Cleveleys Avenue, Cleveleys.

KARAOKE NIGHT. Plus comedy from Janice YorkeThe Old Bridge Cabaret Pub, Lytham Road, South Shore.

KARAOKE COMPETITION. Weekly £20 drinks voucher for winner. Scruffy Murphy’s, Corporation Street, Blackpool.

KARAOKE. Knobby’s Bar, West Street, Blackpool. From 7pm to late.

BILLY’S SINGALONG KARAOKE. The Plough, Chain Lane, Staining.

KARAOKE. With DJ Marki. The Rose & Crown, Corporation Street, Blackpool.

8pm.

FUN KARAOKE. With Steve and guests.

The Duke of York, Dickson Road, Blackpool. From 8.30pm.

KARAOKE AND FUN QUIZ. With the Canny Man. Progress Sports & Social Club, Exchange Street, Blackpool. 8pm midnight.

returned from the hospital, Hamilton refused to do the scene where she flies a broomstick billowing smoke.

The show, starring Lorna Luft Judy Garland’s daughter, runs until Sunday.

KARAOKE. Jaggy Thistle, York Street, Blackpool. Noon to 2am.

RAGIN’ BULL KARAOKE ROADSHOW. The Albert, Lytham Road, South Shore.

FUN KARAOKE. Over 5000 song titles discounted drinks for singers. The Dickens, Princess Road, Cleveleys.

8.30pm.

KARAOKE & ENTERTAINMENT. Plus Take Your Pick. Burn Naze Hotel, Gamble Road, Thornton.

KARAOKE. The Victoria, Dock Street, Fleetwood. To 1am.

KARAOKE PARTY. With DJ Rob Dingaling and drinks promotions. Bar 19, Queen Street, Blackpool. 3 - 8pm.

Quiz nights BIG MICK’S FUN QUIZ. The Squirrel, Bispham Road, Bispham.

QUIZ NIGHT. With Barrie and Jean.

Hampton Road Club, South Shore.

Folk, country and line dancing LINE DANCING AND DJ. Great Birchwood Country Music Park, Lytham Road, Warton. Free admission.

COUNTRY & WESTERN NIGHT. The Outpost, Legion Sports & Social Club, Lofthouse Way, Fleetwood.

LANCASHIRE ROSE LINE DANCE CLUB. All Hallows Parish Church, Bispham. 2 4pm.Community Centre, Breck Road, Poulton. 2 - 4pm and Broadway Rooms, St Nicholas’s Church, Broadway, Fleetwood. 7.30 -10.30pm. Details, 07766 310260.

FANCY FEET LINE DANCE. Easy and social dancing - beginners hour at 7pm.

Parish Rooms, Headroomgate Road, St Annes. 10am to noon and 7-10pm.

Details, (07984)188972.

Nightclubs RUTH LORENZO. The latest X Factor finalist to arrive in town. The Flamingo, Queen Street, Blackpool.

ANDY J’s FEELGOOD NIGHT. Start the weekend with a plus - free admission with flyer, drinks £1.50 until midnight.

The Residence, Vicarage Road, Poulton.

SPIRIT. Music for all tastes with guest djs. Spirit, The Venue, North Promenade, Cleveleys. 10pm to 3am.

URBAN UNDERGROUND. DJ Fontalba with r&b, reggae and bashment. Hush, Talbot Square, Blackpool. From 10pm to 4am.

CLUB NIGHT. Dave Jay in the dance arena plus rota of residents with different styles in different rooms. Plus Over 25s Night in The Gallery. Club Sanuk, North Promenade, Blackpool.

Social and other dancing ADULT DANCE CLASSES. Class Act Theatre School, Holy Family Church Hall, Links Road, North Shore. 7pm.

JC DANCE CLASSES. Nursery dance, musical theatre skills, pop dance, modern and tap and adult tap (all levels).

United Reformed Church, Queensway, Poulton. Details, (07792) 410390.

TEA DANCE. Ballroom, Latin and popular sequence. Includes tea and biscuits.

Bispham United Reformed Church Hall, Cavendish Hall, Bispham. 2-4pm. Details, (01253) 356558.

TEA DANCE. Kirkham Community Centre, Kirkham. 2pm. Weekly to November 30.

SEQUENCE DANCING. Bispham Community Centre, next to Bispham LIbrary, Bispham Road, Bispham. 1.30 4pm. Details (01253) 396902.

SALSA, BALLROOM, LATIN. All welcome, no partners needed. Forest Gate Baptist Church Hall, Blackpool. 1.30 - 3.30pm. Details, (07976) 620196.

UP TO DATE SEQUENCE. St Cuthbert’s Parish Church Hall, Church Road, Lytham. 2 - 4pm. Details, (07765) 554877.

POPULAR SEQUENCE DANCING. Weekly. Bispham Community Centre, Bispham Road, Bispham. 1.30 - 4pm.

Rock, blues and pop ROCK AND ROLL PARTY NIGHT. With guest bands. Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel, The Promenade, South Shore.

Social clubs ANDY SQUIRES. Hampton Road Social, Off Lytham Road, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341508.

JOE BLACK and JANICE YORKE. Bloomfield Club, 128 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 344583.

EDDIE MATRIX. Hotels and Apartments Club, 122 Coronation Street, Blackpool.

Details, (01253) 623784.

MR FIZEEK (lunchtime). Philharmonic Club. 70 Foxhall Road, Blackpool. Details (01253) 621039.

FREE AND EASY. With the Terry Martin Duo. Blackpool RBL Club, King Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 626308.

SATURDAY Pubs and bars SHIVER. King Edward VII, Central Drive, Blackpool.

THE NICK DOW BLUES BAND. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood.

JIMMY DAY. Back by popular demand.

Che Bar, Talbot Square, Blackpool.

DAVE GARTHWAITE. Chart, commercial, r ‘n’b and dance. Schofields, Birley Street, Blackpool.

CABARET NIGHT. Resident compere plus guest acts. The Princess Music Hall Tavern, Foxhall Road, Blackpool. Also Friday.

PARTY NIGHT. With resident dj Andy.

West Coast Bar, Bispham Road, Cleveleys. From 8pm to 2am.

SATURDAY NIGHT TAKEAWAY. The biggest party in town with prizes and Grab The Ads. Brannigans, Market Street, Blackpool.

DISCO AND KARAOKE PARTY NIGHT. Halfway House, St Annes Road, Squires Gate.

JAM MACHINE. John J, Andy Senior and Leakie teaming their talents for big city feel in the intimate bar. Bar Red, Church Street, Blackpool. 8pm to 2am.

Admission free.

R&B NIGHT. With DJ Benji. Chubby’s Bar, 94-98 The Promenade, Blackpool. Free admission. To 3am.

IAN CALVERT and SCOTT WALKER. Party, pop chart and dance music. The Edge, Hardhorn Road, Poulton. And Friday.

70s/80s NIGHT. With DJ Dex. The Gynn, Gynn Square, North Shore.

LISTINGS

Friday, January 2, 2009 DJ GLENN MILLER. Party soul and disco plus live acts. Soul Suite, Queen Square, Queen Street, Blackpool.

COLIN JON. Party night. Rumours, Talbot Square, Blackpool.

THE JOE WILDY SHOWBAND. Weekly residency. Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel, The Promenade, South Shore.

POP QUIZ. Music through the decades.

The Fairhaven, Marine Drive, Ansdell. From 9pm.

DJ NIGHT. House and Hed Kandi. 1am, Pleasant Street, Lytham. From 10pm.

ULTIMATE PARTY NIGHT. With DJ Daryl.

Bar 19, Queen Street, Blackpool.

FAMILY NIGHT. Music and games for all the family. Progress Sports & Social Club, Exchange Street, Blackpool. 8pm midnight.

Theatre and shows See listings for Friday.

CINDERELLA. Amanda Barrie, Steve Royle and Sophia Thierens star in the UK Productions annual festive attraction.

Grand Theatre, Church Street, Blackpool.

To January 4, times vary (no shows December 31). Box office, (01253) 290190.

PETER PAN. Blackpool-based Stageworks Productions combine pantomime fun with state of the art effects for a seasonal show with a difference starring Phil Walker as The Narrator and cast of circus, speciality and dancing talent. King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn. To December 31. Box Office: (01254) 582582.

Karaoke KARAOKE NIGHT. The Royal, Marton Drive, Marton.

KARAOKE. The Gardeners Arms, Fleetwood Road, Thornton. 8.30pm.

F&J’s AFTERNOON KARAOKE. Churchill’s, Topping Street, Blackpool.

KARAOKE. Knobby’s Bar, West Street, Blackpool. From 7pm to late.

FUN KARAOKE. With Steve and guests.

The Duke of York, Dickson Road, Blackpool. From 8.30pm.

RAGIN’ BULL KARAOKE ROADSHOW. The Albert, Lytham Road, South Shore. And Friday.

KARAOKE/DISCO. Plus jackpot bingo. The Tank, Preston Street, Fleetwood.

KARAOKE. The Victoria, Dock Street, Fleetwood. To 1am.

KARAOKE PARTY. With DJ Rob Dingaling and drinks promotions. Bar 19, Queen Street, Blackpool. 3 - 8pm.

Dance SEQUENCE DANCING. Beginners class 10am to noon with Rita and David Harrod.

Modern sequence, 7 - 10pm. St Mark’s Church, Westcliffe Drive, Layton. Details, (01253) 356284.

STREET AND FREESTYLE DANCE. For children. Frank Townsend Centre, Beach Road, Cleveleys. Morning. Details, (07967) 970847.

SEQUENCE. With Shirley and Elsie. Senior Citizens’ Hall, Victoria Road, Cleveleys.

7.30pm. Details, (01253) 829556.

BALLROOM AND LATIN DANCING. Sue Turner and Nicky Figgins Stage School, Rear 216 Red Bank Road, Bispham. Noon to 1am. Details, (07708) 642908.

UP TO DATE AND POPULAR SEQUENCE. St Cuthbert’s Parish Church Hall, Church Road, Lytham. 7.15-10.15pm. Details, (07765) 554877.

BALLROOM AND LATIN. Social evening all welcome. Rio School of Dancing, Bispham United Reformed Church Hall, Cavendish Road, Bispham. 8-10pm. Details, (01253) 356558.

SOCIAL DANCING. To the sound of the Wurlitzer and Wersi. Tower Ballroom, Blackpool Tower. 10am to 8pm.

BALLROOM AND SOCIAL DANCING. Ballroom, Latin American and popular sequence, 8-10pm. Bispham United Reformed Church, Cavendish Road, Bispham. Ring (01253) 356558 for details.

Nightclubs SATURDAY NIGHT LOVIN’. With Paul Dunne, Devito, Dave Jones and Paul Walker with dance, club anthems, house, electro, oldskool and trance (Dance Arena), Jaylen & Jones with funky house,

the weekend

Arms, Devonshire Road, North Shore.

From 9.30pm.

WEEKEND CHOICE

Karaoke

Aladdin

Charter Theatre, Preston FOR those not already familiar with the tale of Aladdin, Tim Vincent’s rarely frightening Abanazar is only too ready to scene set.

For those unfamiliar with Paul Crone’s Granada Reports credentials he’s only too ready to step out of character as the Sultan and let us know.

Everyone else gets on with it as Preston’s only professional pantomime opts as usual for a policy of not too instantly recognisable names mixed with complete unknowns.

Forced marriages and a credit crunch have taken on a decidedly contemporary feel with both given more emphasis.

Kade Ferraiolo (above) is an athletically choreographed, all singing and dancing Aladdin and is cast well alongside the

petite and pretty Casey-Lee Jolleys who makes a determined and powerful mark as Princess Jasmine.

Stephen Swift’s Widow Twankey is combination of a camp Peter Kay and Little Britain’s more familiar char-

r&b, current floorfillers (Buddha Room), Lee Hirst - chart and party, r&b and bassline (The Studio and The Gallery). Club Sanuk, North Promenade, Blackpool.

ANDY J. Resident dj in residence. The Residence, Vicarage Street, Poulton.

SPIRIT. Music for all tastes with guest djs. Spirit, The Venue, North Promenade, Cleveleys. 10pm to 3am.

URBAN ON ICE. DJ Fontalba with urban, real r&b, hip hop, reggae and bashment. Hush, Talbot Square, Blackpool. From 10pm - 4am.

CLUB NIGHT. Party, chart and indie with Lee “Jester” Watson (Level 1), DJ Fubar with dance, house and electro (main arena) and r’n’b and hip hop (Level 3)., The Syndicate, Church Street, Blackpool.

STEVE KELLY. Dance music all the way. Club Monaco, Teanlowe Centre, Poulton.

Social clubs BILLY DEAN. Blackpool Central Club, Kent Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 625735.

JENNIFER JAMIESON and BILLY SHINE. Bloomfield Club, 128 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 344583.

JOHN MALCOLM. Hotels and Apartments Club, 122 Coronation Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 623784.

TOM McLEOD. The Wainwright Club, 117 Hornby Road, Blackpool. details, (01253) 620555.

FREE AND EASY. With the Terry Martin Duo. Blackpool RBL Club, King Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 626308.

CABARET NIGHT. Weekly guest.

Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club, 135 Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. Details, (01253) 852709.

SUNDAY Rock, pop and jazz MIKE LOVELL 4. Weekly beats with the eats. Art Deco Cafe, Stanley Park, Blackpool. 1 - 3pm.

ALL THAT JAZZ. Wyre Levee Stompers (first Sunday), Sounds Easy (second Sunday), Ted Taylor Quintet (third Sunday) and Sounds 18 (last Sunday). North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood.

JAZZ ON A SUNDAY. Cyril Roe and Smooth Jazz (first Sunday), Teddy Taylor and Amanda Lucas (second Sunday), Teddy Taylor and guests (third Sunday) and James Swinnerton

acters whilst Christine Parle’s broad Lancashire Slave of the Ring appeals to much of the audience.

Richard Ashton is a towering Mustapha and Leon Tagoe’s Genie does what is expected.

There’s a decent use of con-

(fourth Sunday). The Bourne Arms, Bourne May Road, Knott End. 3 - 6pm.

CROFTERS JAZZ CLUB. This month’s guests - the Chicago Teddy Bears Society.

Crofters Hotel, Cabus, near Garstang.

8pm.

Theatre and shows See listings for Friday and Saturday.

Music ANTHONY KING. Lunchtime music to accompany Sunday lunch. Westerfields Restaurant, North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood.

Pubs and bars GROOVEBREAKER. King Edward VII, Central Drive, Blackpool.

HAS THE FYLDE GOT TALENT? Weekly talent showcase - entries in by 8.30pm.

The Vogue, Back West Crescent, St Annes.

From 8pm.

TONY MITCHELL. In acoustic mood. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood. 1 3pm.

I LOVE VODKA SUNDAY. Commercial dance and chart anthems. Brannigans, Market Street, Blackpool.

IAN HOOPER AND PAUL DOBIE. Two of the area’s most popular singers and musicians in weekly session. The Edge, Hardhorn Road, Poulton. 8pm DJ NORRIE. Party night. Rumours, Talbot Square, Blackpool.

OPEN MIC NIGHT. Take your own instruments. Free admission. Drinks promotions. The Blue Room, Church Street, Blackpool. From 8pm.

WIND DOWN SUNDAY. Soul - Motown and Northern from Glenn Miller. Soul Suite, Queen Square, Queen Street, Blackpool.

MISS PATRICIA’S MUSIC HALL. Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel, The Promenade, South Shore. 1 - 5pm.

CABARET NIGHT. Different act weekly.Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel, The Promenade, South Shore. 8.30pm to midnight.

BINGO AND FIND THE JOKER. Minimum cash prize of £50. The Golden Eagle, Anchorsholme. 3.30pm.

DJ TRIGGER’S WEEKEND FINALE. Bar 19, Queen Street, Blackpool.

DISCO/KARAOKE. Plus Skint Or Mint. The Tank, Preston Street, Fleetwood.

FAMILY FUN DAY. DJ Sean Whitham with karaoke, party hits and more. The Royal Oak, Breck Road, Poulton. Noon to 4pm.

POKER NIGHT. The Royal, Marton Drive, Marton.

Nightclubs

I LOVE SUNDAYS. Dave Pope and Craig Smith play r&b, hip hop and funky house.

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temporary pop and good stage filling production numbers from the well choreographed senior and junior dance teams. ● Daily to January 4 (not Thursdays). Box office (01772) 258858.

Drinks promotions. Main Arena, Club Sanuk, North Promenade/Springfield Road, Blackpool. 10.30pm to 3.30am

Quiz nights PRIZE QUIZ. Robin Ross or Stevie Good.

Silver Sands, Burlington Road West, South Shore. 9pm.

QUIZ NIGHT. Free beer giveaway and £50 bonus question. The Excelsior, Lytham Road, South Shore. 8.45pm.

FUN PUB QUIZ NIGHT. With the Caroloke Zone. Last Orders, Trunnah Road, Thornton.

QUIZ DAY. Plus bingo and Play Your Cards Right with compere Joe Gordon.

The Victoria, Dock Street, Fleetwood.

From 5pm.

QUIZ NIGHT. And Play Your Cards right.

The Boot ‘n’ Shoe, Elswick. 9.15pm.

BEAT ME - PAUL GEE. Quiz night and Play Your Cards Right. The Links, Heeley Road, St Annes.

QUIZ NIGHT. Plus The Accumulator.

Presented by Danny. The Belle Vue, Whitegate Drive, Blackpool.

THE BIG QUIZ. Plus meat raffle and entertainment. Hosted by Trigger. The Burn Naze, Gamble Road, Thornton.

From 4pm QUIZ AND CHARITY FUN QUIZ NIGHT. Weekly quiz, firtnightly fund raiser for Brian House Children’s Hospice.

Blackpool Catholic Club, Queen Street, Blackpool.

QUIZ NIGHT. Including general knowledge and music rounds. Also Open The Box. The Mere Park Hotel, Preston Old Road, Marton.

STEVE M’s SUNDAY QUIZ NIGHT. General knowledge, pop, rollovers hosted by Steve Mulligan. The Mount Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood.

QUIZ NIGHT. Plus Open the Safe. Cash prizes to be won. Gardeners Arms, Fleetwood Road, Thornton.

PAUL GEE’S QUIZ NIGHT. With Open the Box. cash to be won. The Links, Heeley Road, St Annes.

PETE’S QUIZ & MUSIC. With prizes. The Clarence, Preston New Road, Marton.

8.45pm LANDLORD’S GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ. 40 weekly general knowledge questions in the new look pub. The Boot & Shoe, Elswick. 9pm.

BEER AND CASH QUIZ. Chance to win £50 bonus prize. Dog & Partridge, Lytham Road, South Shore.

QUIZ AND BINGO NIGHT. Blackpool’s No 1 Club, Bloomfield Road, South Shore.

MUSIC QUIZ. Plus Guess the Key. Raikes Hall Hotel, Liverpool Road, Blackpool.

From 8.30pm.

QUIZ NIGHT. The Admiral, St Annes Road West, St Annes.

FAMILY FORTUNES QUIZ. Devonshire

KARAOKE. With guest DJ. The Royal Oak, Breck Road, Poulton. Free admission. From 8pm.

KARAOKE NIGHT. The Old Bridge, Lytham Road, South Shore. 8.30pm.

CLIFF’S KARAOKE. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood.

KARAOKE. Knobby’s Bar, West Street, Blackpool. From 7pm.

KARAOKE. King Edward VII, Central Drive, Blackpool. From 8pm.

FUN KARAOKE. And games. With host Steve. The Duke of York, Dickson Road, Blackpool. From 8.30pm.

FAMILY KARAOKE. The Hansom Cab, Station Road, Lytham. 4-7pm.

AFTERNOON KARAOKE. With Michael.

Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club, Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. 3-5pm.

KARAOKE. Frenchman’s Cove, South King Street, Blackpool.

FUN KARAOKE. Jaggy Thistle, York Street, Blackpool. Mid day to 2am.

LITTLE JOHN’S AFTERNOON KARAOKE. Churchill’s, Topping Street, Blackpool.

KARAOKE NIGHT. More than 3,000 tunes. The Regal Hotel, Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. Also Thursday, 8pm.KARAOKE NIGHT. Weekly session.

The Victoria, Church Road, St Annes.

KARAOKE/DISCO. Plus Skint Or Mint.

The Tank, Preston Street, Fleetwood.

KARAOKE PARTY. With DJ Rob Dingaling plus quiz, bingo and drinks promotions. Bar 19, Queen Street, Blackpool. 3 - 8pm.

Social dancing MODERN SEQUENCE DANCING. New dances taught. St Paul’s Parish Church, Lake Road, Ansdell. 7.30 - 10.15pm.

Details, (01253) 776255.

BALLROOM DANCE NIGHT. With Ashley Frohlick and the Empress Dance Band.

Tower Ballroom, Blackpool Tower.

Weekly to November 1.

BALLROOM, SEQUENCE AND SOCIAL DANCING. Weekly gathering. Best Western Glendower Hotel, North Promenade, St Annes. From 8 - 11pm. details, (01253) 780599.

FRIENDLY DANCE CLUB. Modern and sequence dancing. Open to all. The Wainwright Club, Hornby Road, Blackpool. 7.30-11pm. Details, (01253) 620555 SEQUENCE DANCING. Every second and fourth Sunday. Holy Cross Church, Central Drive, Blackpool. 1.30-4pm.

Details, (01253) 396902.

Irish, folk and country THE DIDDLEY DEES. Weekly Irish and country session. The Halfway House, St Annes Road, Squires Gate.

THE FLEETWOOD COLLECTIVE. Calming folk music to unwind to. All welcome to play or listen. The Victoria Bar, North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood. 8.30pm.

COUNTRY AND WESTERN NIGHT. Live music, shoot outs, bucket draw.

Hampton Road Club, South Shore.

COUNTRY AND WESTERN NIGHT. Guest act weekly. Progress Sports & Social Club, Blackpool. 7.30pm.

Social clubs LEAH FAITH (Lunchtime). LOUISE LORRAINE and NICKY NEWSOME (Evening). Bloomfield Club, 128 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 344583.

MAGGIE ON KEYBOARD. Stanley Road WMC, Stanley Road, (off Hornby Road), Blackpool. Details, (01253) 621168.

FREE AND EASY. With the Terry Martin Duo. Blackpool RBL Club, King Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 626308.

GRAHAM LEE AND GUESTS. Lunchtime and evening entertainment. Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club, 135 Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. Details, (01253) 852709.

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the weekend

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