In association with Friday, February 2 0, 2009
Girl power
New dancers go down a storm at Alabama
INSIDE YOUR GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT ON THE FYLDE Magic in the air as festival reaches its climax
Cautionary tale for the women who love to shop
Blackpool debut for brand new blues band
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the weekend
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Don’t miss the big disco night
BACK by popular demand – Disco Inferno night at The Residence in Poulton. So get out your dancin’ shoes for the big event tomorrow. This promises to be a massive nostalgia night, with DJ Andy J rolling out the non-stop 70s and 80s dance floor fillers, and fancy dress from the era is a must! The award-winning Residence will be transformed into a Studio 54-esque night – doors open at 10pm and the fun continues until 3am. Members are admitted free to the
unmissable Disco Inferno at the Poulton hotspot before 11pm, with half price drinks also on offer before 11pm. Join the stylish Residence set at this sophisticated venue which reflects elements of high-class nightclubs from all over the world. It’s THE place to be. If you would like to be included on the VIP guest list, or would like to reserve a VIP booth, please phone the club on 01253 882299. Check out the following website for further information: www.residencenightclub.co.uk
HOT SPOT: The bar area and (above left) dance floor at The Residence, Poulton
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
MAIN EVENT
Friday, February 20, 2009
INSIDE COVER STORY Top venue Alabama celebrates 15 years with a new show PAGES 9
CINEMA Isla Fisher stars in comedy Confessions Of A Shopaholic and a race against time in futuristic thriller Push, plus win sci-fi DVDs and Vue tickets PAGES 4 & 5
NIGHTSCENE Blackpool favourite Jimmy Day (right) is back behind the decks, a treat for real ale lovers and new blues/rock band King King hit town PAGES 6 & 7
FOOD Cabaret time at Septembers and celebrating tasty Lancashire PAGE 12
IN THE WINGS By jove – it’s Jeeves at Lowther Pavilion, reveals Lisa Ettridge in our weekly am-dram column PAGE 10
WHAT’S ON The Fylde Coast’s biggest and best listings guide to shows and events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday PAGES 10-11
the
weekend
EDITORIAL Entertainment editor: Robin Duke, tel 01253 361833,
the weekend
By Robin Duke Entertainment Editor
THE LIVING STATUE: Jerome Murat
T
here’s magic in the air – and on the streets – this weekend. More than 110 dealers, dozens of performers and demonstrators and guests from all over the world take over the entire Winter Gardens for the 57th annual Blackpool Magicians’ Club annual convention. If you aren’t at the convention, you can enter a magical world of light, heat and steam as a bigger and better Heat the Streets returns for the climax of the Showzam! 2009 Festival when artists and street theatre transform the town centre with fire, sound and interaction. It begins with a parade on Saturday before fire and light transform the streets at 5pm. Follow the Heat the Streets map (available from Showzam! Central) and find performers creating new worlds and experiences in unexpected places. These will include installations such as Flogging a Dead Horse, Blazing Boulevards, The Beast of Blackpool, Spontaneous Combustion and Gladys The Fire Breathing Goddess before climaxing at the fiery finale Full Steam, in Bonny Street Car Park at 8pm. Anyone who wants to take part in the parade must meet at Showzam! central in the Winter Gardens Olympia by 3.30pm and any child must be supervised by an adult. It starts at 4pm. Heat the Streets has been produced by outdoor theatre experts Walk the Plank and will include work from La Machine (the artists behind the spider in Liverpool) and ESFX, as well as performances by PAKA, Rag and Bone, Arcadia and Gladys the Fire Breathing Goddess. Don’t miss the fantastic finale Full Steam, created by Dark Spark with artists Richard Wilson (Turning the Place Over), Mark Anderson, Helen
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Pure magic A double dose of wizardry
Ingham and Ansuman Biswas who has played with Oasis. Organised by Derek Lever, the Blackpool Magicians’ Club convention is bigger than ever. Most of the weekend is for ticket holders but the public can access the new Intercontinental Magic Championships in the Opera House on Saturday from 7pm and the International Gala
Show on Sunday. Saturday’s championships have Kenris Murat (France), Kyoko (Japan), Rolf Reiner (Spain), Dirk Losander (USA), Marc Oberon (UK), Yumi (Japan), Adrian Soler (Venezuela) and Hans Seol-Hee (Korea). Compered is Tony Stevens. The Sunday show features Tony Chapek interacting with television; An Ha Lim from
Korea - hailed as the greatest card manipulator of all time; manipulator Jeff McBride; Arthur Trace’s innovative act with an artistic theme; dove magician Ervan Bodiou from France; diablo juggler Tony Frebourg from France; Jerome Murat the Living Statue; Rudy Coby from America pus Dutch star illusionists Oscar, Renza & Mara with Magic Unlimited.
LAYTON INSTITUTE Westcliffe Drive, Blackpool 393801 www.layton-institute.co.uk
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Friday 20th February Grand Final Of Junior Talent Show Saturday 21st February True Colours (male Duo) & Kelly Hampson (vocals) Sunday 22nd February Alan Barker Showcase Thursday 26th February Kirkham amateur boxing tickets £12 12 Bouts
e-mail r o b i n . d u k e @ b l a c k p o o l g a z e t t e . c o . u k
ADVERTISING: Keith Middlebrough Tel: 01253 361816
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
members, affiliated members & guests welcome
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FILMS
the weekend
Win a sci-fi thrills DVD MUTANT Chronicles is a nerve-shatteringly exciting sciencefiction action thriller – based on the phenomenally popular role-playing board game – and you could win a DVD prize copy. In the 23rd Century, Earth’s natural resources have been exhausted by mankind and battle rages between the soldiers of the world’s four leading corporations: Capitol, Bauhaus, Mishima and Imperial. In an era marked by warfare and social regression, the earth is on the verge of ruin. As the mutant scourge threatens human extinction, a single squad of soldiers descends into the earth to fulfil the ages-old prophecy of the Mutant Chronicles and save mankind. Mutant Chronicles (18) stars Thomas Jane, Ron Perlman , Devon Aoki, John Malkovich and Sean Pertwee and is released by Entertainment In Video on rental, retail and Blu-ray on Monday. To win a prize copy just name the Mutant Chronicles star who found fame as Hellboy. Send your answer, along with your name, address and telephone number to: Mutant Chronicles DVD competition, The Gazette, Avroe House, Avroe Crescent, South Shore, Blackpool, FY4 2DP. Closing date Friday, February 27. The winner will be picked at random from postal entries.
Coming soon Clint Eastwood directs and stars in the timely thriller GRAN TORINO (Blackpool Odeon previews Wednesday and Thursday)... an Interpol agent (Clive Owen) and an Assistant District Attorney (Naomi Watts) declare war on corrupt businessmen in THE INTERNATIONAL... Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr fall in love in snowladen Minnesota in the romantic comedy NEW IN TOWN... and a young woman (Odette Yustman) is haunted by an increasingly powerful ghost in the supernatural horror THE UNBORN.
TOP FILMS
1 (1) Bolt 3D (PG) 2 (-) Notorious (15) 3 (-) Friday the 13th (18) 4 (2) He’s Just Not That Into You (12A) 5 (4) Slumdog Millionaire (15) 6 (3) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (12A) 7 (6) Hotel For Dogs (U) 8 (5) My Bloody Valentine 3D (18) 9 (-) Pink Panther 2 (PG) 10 (-) Madagascar 2 (PG)
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
Vision of the future all doom and gloom
J
ust once, it would be refreshing to watch a cinematic vision of the future filled with utopian dreams rather than dystopian nightmares. If all we’re heading for are doom, gloom and global catastrophe then why bother planning for tomorrow when we could just live for today? Cast aside gritty, realist dramas and probing documentaries and plug into an endless cycle of cutesy animation and feelgood romantic comedies. Then there would be no place for a film like Push, a suspense thriller set in a grim, foreboding future and penned by David Bourla, in which the most gifted among us are labrats for a shadowy government agency known as The Division. This covert organisation rounds up psychics for the express purpose of creating an army capable of control- THOUGHT CONTROL: Dakota Fanning as Cassie Holmes with Djimon Hounsou as Henry Carver, and (below) Chris Evans as Nick Gant ling every thought and event. Those unwilling to participate in this PUSH (12A) shadowy enterprise are eliminated. Unfortunately, top-secret experiments Rating: 5/10 to boost the powers of the psychic warriors using a genetically engineered encounter 13-year-old Cassie (Dakota Fanning), a “watcher’’ or clairvoyant, serum always result in death. who needs his help to retrieve a suitNo one has survived... until now. case containing £6m. Nick Gant (Chris Evans) is a second generation “mover’’, or telekinetic, To find the cash, the girl needs Nick to who has been on the run ever since locate escaped “pusher’’ Kira (Camilla Division Agent Henry Carver (Djimon Belle), the only person to live through Hounsou) murdered his father. Division’s experiments, who is able to He finds refuge on the streets of Hong get inside people’s minds and plant Kong, hiding from the “sniffers’’ who false memories. are trained to track down his kind and Push unfolds through nervous, handbring them to Division. held cameras, which refuse to stay still When his location is compromised, as Cassie and Nick sacrifice themNick plans to flee the city, only to selves for a greater good.
Big screen treat for opera fans
BLACKPOOL Odeon’s next big screen opera is Guiseppe Verdi’s Aida, showing next Monday at 7pm. This production was filmed at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona and stars Stefano Palatchi, Elisabetta Fiorillo, Daniela Dessi, and Fabio Armiliato. It features painstakingly restored backgrounds which reveal the palaces, temples and sur-
roundings of Memphis and Thebes. Aida, an Ethiopian princess, is captured and brought into slavery in Egypt. A military commander, Radames, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh. Radames is loved by the Pharaoh's daughter Amneris, although he does not return her feelings. The season continues with Carmen on Monday
View all the latest movie trailers online
March 30, Tales Of Beatrix Potter Sunday April 26, Swan Lake Sunday May 24 and finally La Traviata Live on June 30. Aida will be projected on the cinema’s High Definition projector, complemented by stunning digital sound. Tickets for the whole season are on sale now on odeon.co.uk, or you can book by visiting the cinema box office.
Catch them today on www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
FILMS
Friday, February 20, 2009
the weekend
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also showing
Friday The 13th (18)
Cleveleys – late weekends. And Blackpool. With nods to Sean S Cunningham’s seminal 1980 bloodbath this adds a few twists of its own .
HOLLYWOOD PREDICTIONS: Colin Alexander
He’s Just Not That Into You (12A)
Cinema chief’s Oscar tips THE Oscars are handed out in Hollywood on Sunday. It’s the movie world’s biggest night of the year and Blackpool Odeon general manager Colin Alexander has dusted down his crystal ball to make his own predictions. He said: “2008 was an incredible year for film and this year’s Oscar nominations reflect the range of quality that was on offer. “As part of our commitment to showing the best films we have booked a large number of Oscarnominated films on release over the past month. The following Oscar nominated films are still on release at the Odeon this week: Slumdog Millionaire, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Revolutionary Road and Bolt 3D. Colin’s Oscar tips for the top awards are: Best picture: Slumdog Millionaire Best director: Slumdog Millionaire Best actor: Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) Best supporting actor: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) Best actress: Kate Winslet (The Reader) Best supporting actress: Amy Adams (Doubt) For further information, film times or ticket booking, visit odeon.co.uk or ring the Odeon Filmline on 0871 22 44 007 Don’t miss the Oscars – Live from the Red Carpet, presented by Claudia Winkleman (Sky 1, Sunday,11pm).
All cinemas. Stellar cast list but a disappointingly familiar scrapbook of relationship highs and woes, broken hearts and wedding vows.
Doubt (15)
St Annes only. Adapted from his own Tony award-winning stage play John Patrick Shanley’s film, set in a ‘60s Catholic school, is still a riveting game of cat and mouse.
Hotel For Dogs (U)
All cinemas. A family-oriented tale of two enterprising orphans, whose enduring love for their four-legged friends sparks a magical adventure. ■ See special promotion: Page 21
SHOPPER’S NIGHTMARE: Kristin Scott Thomas as Alette Naylor, Isla Fisher as Rebecca Bloomwood and Leslie Bibb as Alicia Billington
Fashion fan’s credit crunch
C
onfessions Of A Shopaholic is the right film in the right place at the wrong time.
With credit well and truly crunched, and our belts tightened to the point of cutting off the nation’s monetary circulation, it’s hard to muster sympathy for a spend-happy, romantic comedy heroine who is undone by her passion for shopping. She juggles 12 credit cards, racking up debts of around £16,000, yet somehow still clings onto her apartment, her dream job, Mr Right and the love of family and friends. The message of PJ Hogan’s movie is simple: greed is bad, but will never get in the way of a beautiful young woman getting her fairy-
CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC (PG) Rating: 6/10
tale ending. Adapted from the books The Secret Dreamworld Of A Shopaholic and Shopaholic Abroad by Sophie Kinsella, this bouncy romp follows one fun-loving girl’s journey of self-discovery in New York City, where designer couture is always one swipe of a credit card away. Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) is a journalist with a singular dream: to work for fashion bible Alette and its ultra-stylish French editor, Alette Naylor (Kristin Scott Thomas). Unfortunately, the job she wants is nabbed by bitchy staffer Alicia
Win tickets FIVE lucky Weekend readers will win a pair of tickets to see Confessions of a Shopaholic or any film of their choice, on one of the eight big screens at Vue Cinemas, Cleveleys. Simply take a look at our question: Isla Fisher appeared in which Australian soap opera? Was it: a) Home and Away or b) Hollyoaks Then text BGCINEMA followed by space, then your answer and name to 81800. Calls cost 25p, plus standard network charge. Lines close midnight Sunday. Standard Gazette competition rules apply. Some restrictions may apply.
By supplying your telephone number you're happy to receive SMS/MMS messages from Johnston Press and its approved business partners. Johnston Press (or via its agents) and its business partners may contact you about new promotions, products and services. Please add the word STOP at the end of your message if you do not wish to receive these. For quality and training purposes we may monitor communications. SMS service is provided by g8wave, London. For film time information and to book tickets visit www.myvue.com or call 08712 240 240
Billington (Leslie Bibb) so Rebecca decides to climb the corporate ladder by landing a job instead at sister magazine, Successful Saving, under the new direction of charismatic editor, Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy). Rebecca’s quirky interpretation of financial journalism in a column entitled The Girl With The Green Scarf is like a breath of fresh air and the magazine’s stagnant sales sky rocket. However, there is a dark secret, which Rebecca is keeping from Luke, her colleagues and even her parents (John Goodman and Joan Cusack): she is a shopaholic and has maxxed out all of her credit cards. The situation is so desperate, debt collector Derek Smeath (Robert Stanton) has been hired to recover the money owed. Flanked by roommate Suze (Krysten Ritter), Rebecca spins a web of lies to hide the truth but Smeath slowly closes in on his prey. Confessions Of A Shopaholic is an entertaining piece of fluff, which proves morality is invariably stampeded under the feet of shoppers who smell a bargain. As long as Isla is on screen, goofing around, we’re happy to be sold this cheap and cheerful fantasy.
My Bloody Valentine 3D (18)
Blackpool only. Gore-laden remake of the 1981 Canadian slasher flick about a pickaxe wielding serial killer.
TOP CHOICE
Bolt (U)
3D – Blackpool. 2D elsewhere. Man’s best friend learns to stand on his own four paws in computer animated comedy, which pokes fun at our obsession with celebrity.
Notorious (15)
Blackpool and Cleveleys. A reverent if not entirely affectionate portrait of Christopher ‘Biggie’ Wallace aka rapper The Notorious B.I.G., gunned down in 1997.
Slumdog Millionaire (15)
All cinemas. Danny Boyle’s modern day fairytale charts the extraordinary journey of an orphan from the Mumbai slums to the country’s version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (12A)
All cinemas. Fantastical F Scott Fitzgerald tale of a man who grows younger not older with each passing day.
The Pink Panther 2 (PG)
Blackpool and Cleveleys. The Curious Case Of The Completely Pointless Sequel, starring an embarrassing Steve Martin.
Valkyrie (12A)
Blackpool and Cleveleys – weekend only. The final attempt on Hitler’s life before his suicide in April 1945 in the Fuhrerbunker.
High School Musical 3: Senior Year (U)
Blackpool weekend matinees. Boyishly-cute Zac Efron is the star attraction of this feelgood fantasy, alongside real-life girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens, in the final part of this success story.
CINEMAS
Odeon Cinema, Blackpool: Cinema 4, St Annes: Odeon Cinema, Preston: Vue Cinema, Cleveleys: Dukes Cinema, Lancaster:
0871 2244 007 01253 722620 0871 2244 007 0871 2240 240 01524 598500
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the weekend
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Friday, February 20, 2009 SITUATED on Blackpool’s North Promenade is the popular Alabama – one of the longest-running entertainment venues in Blackpool. And the venue’s 15th anniversary celebrations will kick off tonight . Individual, outrageous, outstanding and spectacular are just a few reasons people give for returning again and again to the Cocker Square setting. Open all year round, The Alabama is housed in the Liberty’s Hotel complex owned and operated by the Shearing’s Hotel Group, and is proud to cater for locals and holidaymakers alike. Resident host and compere Leye D Johns has been wowing the crowds since the venue opened its doors almost 15 years ago and now Leye is introducing a new show with fresh and different show running formats to keep them ahead in the entertainment field. He’s very excited to bring to the show his new dancers “The Storm Showgirls” – three new gorgeous young girls set to astonish the crowds. The venue is also proud to introduce the latest in LCD screen technology, brought in from the Far East, which is so big and remarkable it covers the whole stage backdrop and will simply amaze audiences! It’s something new to the town and will give a whole new dimension to the numbers in the show. The Alabama has gone from strength
ADVERTISING FEATURE
the weekend
9
Alabama show stars kicking up a storm! to strength since opening all those years ago, keeping entertainment live and always changing its shows to keep them fresh and interesting, making them popular with the public all year round. And that includes massive success with the Christmas Party Nights throughout late November and all December. There’s an extra buzz and excitement to coincide with the celebrations – The Alabama has been short-listed in the new Radio Wave Culture and Lifestyle Awards in three categories voted for by the public. The categories are: Best Live Entertainment Award; Best Hotel and Best Website. Leye is absolutely over the moon about this, and hopes that the public show their support by logging on to the Radio Wave site to vote for the venue in each category.
STAR QUALITY: Leye D John and girls from the show
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LISTINGS
the weekend
FRIDAY Attractions CIRCUS OF WONDERS. A unique and imaginative journey of discovery though circus and sideshows - costumes, props, photos, pictures and restored sideshows. Showzam Central, Winter Gardens, Church Street/Coronation Street, Blackpool. To February 22. Admission free. CARNESKY’S GHOST TRAIN. Back with more chills and thrills as part of Showzam 2009. Olympia, Winter Gardens, Coronation Street, Blackpool. Daily to February 22. 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. Award winning seafront attraction with its £3.5 million Hyperzone white knuckle area. Weekends and school holidays. The Promenade, South Shore. 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. Wyrefield Farm, Rossall Lane and Fleetwood Road, Fleetwood. Daily, 10am to 5pm. Details, (01253) 874389.
Theatre and shows VARIETY NIGHT. Fresh from Laas Vegas and elsewhere - Paul Stone produces and directs a cast of Jeff Hobson, Wolfgang, Mazeppa Cossacks, Charlie Frye and Co, Ben Stone and Wally Eastwood. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. And Saturday, 7.30pm. Also Saturday matinee, 2pm. STRICTLY COME LAUGHING. A circus show for all the family with Mooky and Bubu, Arron Sparks, Polinde, Jana Roberts and Pat Bradford & Kate. Tower Circus, Blackpool Tower. Daily, 2.30pm. Ends February 22. BLACKPOOL FRINGE PROJECT. Variety play. Olympia Hall Cabaret Theatre, Olympia, Winter Gardens, Coronation Street, Blackpool. 1.30 to 3pm. Admission free. BEATLEMANIA. Beatles tribute band with hits from the Fab Fours’ golden days.
Lowther Pavilion, West Beach, Lytham. 7.30pm. THE TALES OF PETER RABBIT. All the favourite childrens’ books characters in a new stage version of the tales. Charter Theatre, Preston. 1 and 3.30pm. LOFT. The highly acclaimed FrenchCanadian circus group 7 Fingers in a breathtaking new show. Blackpool Tower Circus, The Promenade. And Saturday, 8pm. IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA. Heritage Opera with the original Italian version of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. Lancaster Castle, Lancaster. 7 - 9.30pm. THE HOLLY AND THE IIVY. Middle Ground Theatre Company touring again with Wynyard Browne’s winter warmer. The Lowry, Salford Quays. And Saturday, 7pm. Plus Saturday matinee, 3pm. CIRQUE DE GLACE. The Russian Ice Stars bring the ice indoors for a show seen in Blackpool last year. The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester. To Sunday. Tonight and Saturday, 7.30pm. Plus Saturday and Sunday matinees, 2pm. ROCK ‘N’ ROLL. Regional premiere of Tom Stoppard’s acclaimed play spanning the years 1968 to 1990. Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester. To March 14. Box office, (0161) 2367110. 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. TRUE LOVE LIES. Brad Fraser’s new wild and wisecracking drama of family relationships stretched to the breaking point. Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester. To February 21. Box office, (0161) 8339833. UP AGAINST THE WALL. A big, bold and brash comedy musical featuring more than 20 soul and funk tunes from the 70s performed by five actor/singers and a five piece band. Octagon Theatre, Bolton. To February 28. 7.30pm, plus matinees February 21 and 25 at 2pm. Box office, (01204) 520661. SABBAT. The trials of the Lancashire witches in 1612 go under the microscope in a new and powerful play by Richard Shannon. The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster. To February 28. Monday to Saturday, 8pm. Box office, (01524) 598500.
Pubs and bars TONY MITCHELL. Back by popular demand. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood. FLIP. Pop and jazz. The Wardleys, Hambleton. KPLG. The Raikes Hall, Liverpool Road, Blackpool. RIO MADNESS. Male/female duo. G Casino, The Promenade, South Shore. THE GOOD MACHINE. The King Edward VII, Central Drive, Blackpool. CABARET AND KARAOKE. With Jay Phillips, Rob Johnson, Johnny Roxx and Becky Jay. K2 Bar, Church Street, Blackpool.
in thewings
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JIMMY DAY. Back by popular demand. Che Bar, Talbot Square, Blackpool. BIGGEST PARTY IN TOWN. With DJ Damo. Brannigans, Market Street, 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. DJ’S GINGE AND TRIGGER. Rumours, Talbot Square, Blackpool. 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, 94-98 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. Latest releases, chart and classic hits. The Ship & Royal, Clifton Street, Lytham. 8pm to midnight. DISCO NIGHT. With Papa Greywolf. Bay Horse Hotel, Station Road, Thornton. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. The Royal, Marton Drive, Marton. ROY LYNCH. Radio Wave presenter in residence. The Loft Wine Bar & Nightclub, Lofthouse Way, Fleetwood. DISCO NIGHT. Halfway House, St Annes Road, Squires Gate. DJ NIGHT. Whittle Springs, Talbot Road, Blackpool. And Saturday.
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. KARAOKE AND FUN QUIZ. With the Canny Man. Progress Sports & Social Club, Exchange Street, Blackpool. 8pm - midnight. KARAOKE. Jaggy Thistle, York Street, Blackpool. Noon to 2am.
Karaoke
Rock, blues and pop
THE K FACTOR. Leading to an April 10 final. £1,000 in prize money plus professional contract. Hosted by DJ Naydene. Entry free. The Swift Hound, Rigby Road, Blackpool. 9pm. KARAOKE PARTY TIME. With host Steve. The Duke of York, Dickson Road, Blackpool. From 8.30pm. KARAOKE PARTY NIGHT. Choose from over 50,000 songs. The Cherry Blossom Hotel, Warley Road, North Shore. From 9.30pm. JJ’S KARAOKE. The Excelsior, Lytham Road, South Shore. 8.30pm. CAROLOKE. Disco, fun and karaoke with Carol Hartwell. Last Orders, Trunnah Road, Thornton. TOP NIGHT KARAOKE. With resident host Robbie. 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.
ROCK AND ROLL PARTY NIGHT. With guest bands. Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel, The Promenade, South Shore.
Quiz nights BIG MICK’S FUN QUIZ. The Squirrel, Bispham Road, Bispham. QUIZ NIGHT. With Barrie and Jean. Hampton Road Club, South Shore.
Comedy STAND AND DELIVER COMEDY CLUB. This month - Sarah Millican, Vladimir McTavish, Luke Toulson and Jonathan Mayor. 53 degrees, UCLan, Preston. 8pm.
Nightclubs 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. URBAN UNDERGROUND. DJ Fontalba with r&b, reggae and more. Hush, Talbot Square, Blackpool. From 10pm to 4am.
Music and dance STRICTLY STRAUSS. The Johann Strauss Orchestra, Dancers and guest vocalsts and an evening of Strictly Come Waltzing. Grand Hall, Guild Hall, Preston. 7.30pm.
Social clubs KATE HODKINSON. Stanley Road WMC, Stanley Road, Blackpool. (01253) 621168. ROSIE NIX. Duple Social Club, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341647. RACHEL CAIN. Brun Grove WMC and Institute, Blackpool. , (01253) 762186. GRAND FINAL OF JUNIOR TALENT SHOW. Layton Institute. (01253) 391774. DAVE BROOKLYN. Claremont Conservative Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 620981. KEV REES OWEN. Bloomfield Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 344583. FRANKLYN. Hotels and Apartments Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 623784. NICO. North Shore WMC, Cross Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 627974. ALISTAIR RAINES. Cleveleys Men’s Club,
SATURDAY Rock, pop and blues THE ALAN NIMMO BAND. The Raikes Hall, Liverpool Road, Blackpool.
Folk, Irish and country THE GOLDEN EAGLES. Eagles tribute band. Fort San Antone, Great Birchwood County Music Park, Lytham Road, Warton.
Comedy JASON MANFORD. Comedian and star of 8 Out of 10 Cats. Charter Theatre, Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston. 8pm.
Pubs and bars MARK BLAKESON. Male vocals. The Burn Naze, Gamble Road, Thornton. O O SOUL. Popular duo perform Motown through the ages. The Links,St Annes. RAMPAGE. 70s glam rock. Lane Ends Pub, Weeton Road, Wesham. THE BLUE PIG ORCHESTRA. The Fleetwood Beer Festival, Marine Hall, The Esplanade, Fleetwood. THE SOUL SONICS. Male/female duo. G Casino, The Promenade, South Shore. TONY MITCHELL’S 70s BOOGIE NIGHT. Fancy dress optional. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood. 9.30pm. HUGGY AND THE BEARS. New line-up. The Royal Oak, Breck Road, Poulton. TRIDENT. The No 4 Freemasons, Newton Drive, Blackpool. ZOO. The King Edward VII, Central Drive, Blackpool. CABARET AND KARAOKE. With Jay Phillips, Rob Johnson, Johnny Roxx and Becky Jay. K2 Bar, Church Street, Blackpool. THE JOE WILDY SHOWBAND. Weekly residency. Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel, The Promenade, South Shore. DJ SENO. Fun and games. Yates’s, Talbot Square/Clifton Street, Blackpool. BIGGEST PARTY IN TOWN. With DJ Paul O’Brien. Brannigans, Market Street, Blackpool.
FYLDE COAST AMATEUR DRAMATICS WITH LISA ETTRIDGE
Fun-filled frolics
THE Fylde Coast Players (right) plan a triumphant return to the Lytham stage with comedy Come On Jeeves. Following their recent production of Blood Brothers, the Lytham-based Players decided to lighten the mood with PG Wodehouse’s fun filled romp. The adaption was prepared by Guy Bolton and is set during the social revolution of the post-war era. Bertie Wooster has loaned his gentleman’s gentleman, the inimitable Jeeves, to his friend Bill – the Earl of Towcester. Bill is angered at losing too often at the races and, urged on by
Slinger Road. Details, (01253) 853219. JON DEAN. Brunswick Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 624208. DISRYTHMIA. Bispham Con. Club, Red Bank Road. Details, (01253) 357519. LEE RONSON. St Annes Conservative Clu. Details, (01253) 723471. TAM RYAN. Highfield Road & Rec., South Shore. Details, (01253) 342389. DEAN WALMSLEY. Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club.. Details (01253) 852709.
Diary date
My Friend Miss Flint Cleveleys Park Players Cleveleys Park Methodist Church Hall, West Drive February 20 -21 7.30pm.
the financial demands of an impending marriage to the young Jill Wyvern, decides to become a bookie. He enlists the flawless Jeeves to help him but with a visiting American to contend with as well as some bumbling relatives and a creditor in the form of a big game hunter, Jeeves
has his work cut out and the close scrapes which ensue, have hilarious consequences. A group spokesman said: “We are rehearsing hard to make sure we chalk up another success. Come on Jeeves is at Lowther Pavilion, Lytham from Wednesday to Saturday, March 18-21 at 7.30pm. Tickets £9 with concessions £8 – Friends of Lowther Pavilion discount on the opening night – ring the Box Office on (01253) 658666, e-mail kevinc@ fylde.gov.uk or from St Annes Information centre. See also www.fyldecoastplayers.org
Discuss drama IF YOU love plays but cannot commit to rehearsals several times a week, a new group may have just the thing for you. Jennifer Smethurst from the Bispham-based Act One Drama Studio has started the Opening Lines play group for theatre lovers to meet once a month to discuss their favourite works. Mrs Smethurst said: "I started the Opening Lines Play Reading Group towards the end of last yea. It's a lively, informal group, meeting once a month at Thornton Little Theatre to read and discuss plays. “No knowledge or experience is required: if you're interested in plays, and in meeting likeminded people, you're welcome to come along and join us." Anyone who thinks Opening Lines is for them can get more details from Jennifer on (01253) 358239.
■ Ring Lisa Ettridge with am dram news on 361729 ● email lisa.ettridge@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
LISTINGS
Friday, February 20, 2009 DAVE WARD ROADSHOW. Disco night latest releases, chart and classic hits. Ship & Royal, Lytham. 8pm to midnight. 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. Guest acts weekly. 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. DISCO AND KARAOKE PARTY NIGHT. Halfway House, Squires Gate. 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. The Edge, Hardhorn Road, Poulton. And Friday. 70s/80s NIGHT. With DJ Dex. The Gynn, Gynn Square, North Shore. 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. POP QUIZ. Music through the decades. The Fairhaven, Marine Drive, Ansdell. From 9pm. FAMILY NIGHT. Music and games for all the family. Progress Sports & Social Club, Blackpool. 8pm - midnight. DJ NIGHT. Whittle Springs, Talbot Road, Blackpool. And Friday.
Theatre and shows See also listings for Friday. MELTING POT 2009. Melting Pot Theatre Workshop presents a musicals’ melange. Lowther Pavilion, Lytham. 7.30pm. INTERCONTINENTAL MAGIC CHAMPIONSHIPS. A $10,000 prize and an invited cast of Kenris Murat (France), Kyoko (Japan), Rolf Reiner (Spain), Dirk Losander (USA), Marc Oberon (UK), Yumi (Japan), Adrian Soler (Venezuela) and Hans Seol-Hee (Korea). Compered by Tony Stevens. Opera House, Church Street, Blackpool. 7pm.
Karaoke KARAOKE PARTY TIME. With host Steve. The Duke of York, Dickson Road, Blackpool. From 8.30pm. KARAOKE PARTY NIGHT. Choose from over 50,000 songs. The Cherry Blossom Hotel, Warley Road, North Shore. From 9.30pm. KARAOKE NIGHT. The Royal, Marton Drive, Marton. KARAOKE. The Gardeners Arms, Fleetwood Road, Thornton. 8.30pm. KARAOKE. Knobby’s Bar, West Street, Blackpool. From 7pm to late.
Nightclubs DISCO INFERNO. The first night of nostalgia at this club this year - fancy dress a plus, dancing shoes a must. The Residence, Vicarage Road, Poulton. SATURDAY NIGHT LOVIN’. Dance, club anthems, house, electro, oldskool and trance (Dance Arena), funky house, r&b, current floorfillers (Buddha Room), chart and party, r&b and bassline (The Studio and The Gallery). Club Sanuk, North Promenade, Blackpool. URBAN ON ICE. DJ Fontalba with urban, real r&b, hip hop, reggae and more. 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, Blackpool.
Music LANCASTER INTERNATIONAL CONCERT SERIES. Steve Reich Symposium - a day of concerts and discussions devoted to the work of one of the most influential composers living today. Nuffield Theatre, University of Lancaster, Bailrigg. From 11am.
BEATLEMANIA - one of the UK’s leading tribute acts - is heading to Lytham’s Lowther Pavilion tonight at 7.30pm. The band, formed in the summer of 1992, quickly built up a nationwide following and have such a high reputation that they are constantly in demand internationally for theatres, music festivals, cruises, colleges and universities as well as being first choice for numerous corporate and private functions. Beatlemania have also appeared alongside many original 60s to 80s stars including The Merseybeats, The Searchers, The Hollies, The Bay City Rollers, Madness, Kula Shaker, Blue, Snow Patrol, Coldplay and Girls Aloud. The average Beatlemania show consists of around 30 songs and begins in the early years (1962 – 65) of
the weekend
WEEKEND CHOICE Beatlemania
Lytham Lowther Pavilion classic hits moving to the progressive period of the band’s career (’65 – ’67). After another costume change, the psychedelic section begins with Sgt Peppers, Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds and Magical Mystery Tour amongt others Songs from The White Album, Abbey Road and Let It Be together with later classic singles including Hey Jude and Get Back take the show to it’s end. Beatlemania dress in stage costumes to represent the different periods of the Beatles career, including the ‘moptop’ years (grey suits) and the 1967 “summer of love” (Sgt Pepper suits). The band also use authentic
Social clubs JAYDON ROBERTS. Guitar/vocals. The Wainwright Club, Hornby Road, Blackpool. LEE BRADLEY. Stanley Road WMC, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 621168. STEVE VALENTINE. Duple Social Club, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341647. JOE CARROLL. Brun Grove WMC and Institute, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 762186. DOUBLE BEAT. Hampton Road Social, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341508. TRUE COLOURS AND KEILY HAMPSON. Layton Institute. Details, (01253) 391774. GEORGIA. Comrades of the Great War Club (Blackpool) Ktd, 116 Adelaide Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 625841. GRANT SCOT. Claremont Conservative Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 620981. IRENE LEE and SID SCOUSE. Bloomfield Club, 128 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 344583. KAREN LAWRENCE. Hotels and Apartments Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 623784. EMMA NORTON. North Shore WMC, Cross Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 627974. MARK FENTON. Blackpool Trades and Social Clubl. Details, (01253) 622580. ROB JOHNSON. Blackpool Central Bowling and Social Club. Details, (01253) 341145. MOJO. Thornton Cleveleys Royal British Legion. Details, (01253) 852450. TONY MARTIN and ONE VISION. Cleveleys Men’s Club. Details, (01253) 853219. KAREN FELL. Brunswick Club, Bethesda Square, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 624208. GERRY SANDON. Bispham Con. Club, Red Bank Road. Details, (01253) 357519. MAL LAINE. St Annes Ex-Servicemens Club, Alexandra Road. Details, (01253) 721033. MARTIN GABRIEL. St Annes Conservative Club. Details, (01253) 723471. X-CELL. Highfield Road & Rec., 79 Highfield Road, South Shore. Details, (01253) 342389. MONICA. Blackpool Catholic Club, 30 Queen Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 622979. FRANK MCCANN.Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club. Details (01253) 852709. JOE BLACK. Knott End WMC, Salisbury Avenue, Knott End. Details, (01253) 810362. DELPHINE. Willows Catholic, Brynning Fern Lane, Kirkham. Details, (01253) 682195. CABARET NIGHT. Weekly guest. Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club. (01253) 852709.
Others HEAT THE STREETS. Enter a magical world of light, heat and steam. Part of Showzam 2009. Blackpool Town Centre. 4 - 8.30pm. FULL STEAM. Dark Spark with a special performance harnessing fire and creating steam. Part of Showzam 2009. Bonny Street, Blackpool. 8pm. Admission free. AMERICAN WRESTLING SPECTACULAR. Five championship matches and much more. Grand Hall, Guild Hall, Preston. 7.30pm.
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MUSIC QUIZ. Plus Guess the Key. Raikes Hall Hotel, Blackpool. From 8.30pm. QUIZ NIGHT. The Admiral, St Annes Road West, St Annes. FAMILY FORTUNES QUIZ. Devonshire Arms, North Shore. From 9.30pm.
Talent shows THE WHITTLE’S GOT TALENT. Early doors weekly search a star - £50 to the winner. Open to all. Whittle Springs (The Victoria), Talbot Road, Blackpool. 5 - 8pm.
Karaoke
guitars, drums and amplifiers to add to the atmosphere and recapture the
SUNDAY Theatre and shows See also listings for Friday and Saturday. NTERNATIONAL GALA SHOW OF MAGIC. Compered by Canada’s Derek Scott and featuring Tony Chapek interacting with television; An Ha Lim - card manipulator; Jeff McBride; Arthur Trace’s innovative prize winning act with an artistic theme; dove magician Ervan Bodiou; diablo juggler Tony Frebourg; Jerome Murat the Living Statue; Rudy Coby from America pus Dutch star illusionists Oscar, Renza & Mara with Magic Unimited. Opera House, Church Street, Blackpool 7pm.
Rock, pop and jazz MIKE LOVELL 4. Weekly beats with the eats. Art Deco Cafe, Stanley Park, Blackpool. 1 3pm. ALL THAT JAZZ. Weekly live music session. North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood. JAZZ ON A SUNDAY. Weekly live music session. The Bourne Arms, Bourne May Road, Knott End. 3 - 6pm.
Pubs and bars TEDDY TAYLOR TRIO. With Andy Henderson on trumpet. Weekly afternoon free admission live music. The Shovels, Hambleton. 3 - 6pm. NICK UNLIMITED. Back by popular demand for more rock and blues. Upstairs At The Raikes, Liverpool Road, Blackpool. From 5pm. 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.
sounds of the Fab Four. ● Showtime is 7.30pm and tickets are £14.50.
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. Main Arena, Club Sanuk, North Promenade/Springfield Road, Blackpool. 10.30pm to 3.30am
Quiz nights FREE QUIZ. With the Dave Ward Roadshow. Weekly prizes The Ship & Royal, Clifton Street, Lytham. 9 - 11pm. QUIZ NIGHT. 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. QUIZ NIGHT. With Paul Gee plus Play Your Cards Right. The Links, Heeley Road, St Annes. QUIZ NIGHT. Plus The Accumulator. Presented by Danny. The Belle Vue, Whitegate Drive, Blackpool. FUN QUIZ NIGHT. Plus meat raffle and Name That Tune. Hosted by Trigger. The Burn Naze, Gamble Road, Thornton. From 4pm QUIZ AND CHARITY FUN QUIZ NIGHT. Weekly quiz, fortnightly 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. 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, South Shore.
FUN KARAOKE. With race night and quiz. The Duke of York, Dickson Road, Blackpool. From 8.30pm. KARAOKE. With guest DJ. The Royal Oak, 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. 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. 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.
Irish, folk and country JOHNNY HOLAND. Fort San Antone, Great Birchwood County Music Park, Lytham Road, Warton. Lunchtime. THE DIDDLEY DEES. Weekly Irish and country session. The Halfway House, St Annes Road, Squires Gate. IRISH MUSIC NIGHT. Music to unwind to. All welcome to play or listen. The Victoria Bar, North Euston Hotel, Fleetwood. 8.30pm. COUNTRY AND WESTERN NIGHT. Live music, shoot outs, bucket draw. Hampton Road Club, South Shore. COUNTRY AND WESTERN NIGHT. Guest acts. Progress Sports & Social Club, Exchange Street, Blackpool. 7.30pm.
Social clubs GEOFF ON THE ORGAN. Duple Social Club, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341647. DAVE BROOKLYN. Brun Grove WMC and Institute, , Blackpool. Details, (01253) 762186. JACK GLASS. Hampton Road Social, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341508. ALAN BARKER SHOWCASE. Layton Institute, Westcliffe Drive. Details, (01253) 391774. MONICA. Talbot Club, 46 Milbourne Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 624305. MORRIS MALONE (Noon), KEN MORRELL (Evening). Bloomfield Club, 128 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 344583. STEVE BRETT. North Shore WMC, Cross Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 627974. MADDIE. Blackpool Trades and Social Club. Details, (01253) 622580. MADDIE. Blackpool Central Bowling and Social Club. Details, (01253) 341145. RACHEL CAIN. Thornton Cleveleys Royal British Legion. Details, (01253) 852450. JEFF LEE. Cleveleys Men’s Club, Slinger Road, Cleveleys. Details, (01253) 853219. VAL ROBERTS. Bispham Con. Club, Red Bank Road, Bispham. Details, (01253) 357519. TONY DEL RAY.Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club. Details (01253) 852709.
Others SNOWDROP WALK. FInal chance to enjoy the Hall’s most popular annual event. Lytham Hall, Ballam Road, Lytham. Gates open at 10.30am, last entry at 3pm. MATCHAM TOUR. Professor Vanessa Toulmin tours the town. Part of Showzam 2009. Blackpool Town Centre. Noon to 2pm.
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FOOD & DRINK
the weekend
Loyalty bonus JACK’S Bistro of Wood Street in St Annes has introduced a loyalty card. It offers the bearer a free soft drink or hot drink when dining at lunch time. And, get the card signed six times (when dining on separate occasions) and receive 10 per cent off your next bill. As an introduction the first one is already signed to get you started, so you only need another five. To become a cardholder pop in and pick one up or collect one on your next visit. If you own or run a business and feel that your employees/colleagues would benefit from this scheme, let Jack’s know how many are required. Jack’s also offers a service to preorder your luncheon so that your meal is ready on arrival, and you can get back to the office in perfect time. Contact (01253) 780990.
Celebrate great taste of Lancs
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
Cabaret nights with the stars
Talk of pork ...
THE Ship at Elswick, is putting pork on the fork this month - and even has its own campaign message – as it seeks to support Jamie Oliver in his quest to assist the British pork farmer. The popular dining pub is urging the British public to “look for the links,” drawing on a sausage theme to help drive home the importance of food traceability. This is in the true spirit of the C4 programme, Jamie Saves Our Bacon, where the TV chef urges the public to support local farmers and question the origins of their pork. The Ship’s chefs are concocting dishes that demonstrate the versatility of this meat. The pub is also planning some further activity between March 16 and 22, to help celebrate Bacon Week.
LOCAL FLAVOUR: Twelve at Thornton, one of the accredited restaurants
By Robin Duke Entertainment Editor
T
aste Lancashire is celebrating the unique flavours of the area. Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board has joined forces with Quality in Tourism to promote Taste Lancashire, a quality award scheme which recognises establishments which consistently provide a high quality dining experience in the region. There are so far over 120 accredited eateries countywide, including Twelve at Thornton. Find them online at www.tastelancashire.com Lancashire has built up a reputation for the excellence of its food and drink and the quality of its service. Among
the county’s most popular eating places is a liberal sprinkling of award-winning restaurants, from those accredited with Taste Lancashire and AA Rosettes, to Michelin-starred establishments, all celebrating a superior dining experience. Above all, Lancashire’s chefs and proprietors share a love of great food and are united in the belief that creating classic dishes from traditional local fare is a sure fire recipe for success. So, what’s on the menu? Lancashire is renowned for its hearty fare and the chefs and proprietors of accredited restaurants and cafés believe in re-creating traditional dishes from locally-sourced produce with a deli-
cious modern twist. If you’re familiar with Lancashire food, you’ll know that there’s no beating the rich savour of black pudding, the creaminess of Lancashire crumbly cheese, or the freshness of Morecambe Bay shrimps. Find out more at www.tastelancashire.com To promote Taste Lancashire, a prize draw is being run to win a meal for four with Taste Lancashire at a Taste Lancashire quality assured restaurant of your choice to the value of £120*. To enter the prize draw, pick up a leaflet at any Taste Lancashire accredited venue, or register instantly online at www.tastelancashire.com
New at the helm
THE Windmill Tavern at Salwick is in new hands.
New couple at the helm are Kim and John Jacks, who for six years were tenants at The Fleece Inn at Dolphinholme where they won many awards. They then took over the Sawrey House Country Hotel, in the Lake District which overlooks Esthwaite Water.
The girls’ night out
“Mitchell’s for some time have been asking us to take on another tenancy and after a few visits we decided that The Windmill Tavern was the one for us,” says John. “We are sure that we can bring The Windmill back to its previous great reputation for excellent food and hospitality.” A recent Dinner Jazz Evening starring Mike Lovell’s Jazz Allstars brought back memories of the venue’s former jazz club and is being repeated with a New Orleans theme and full meal on March 26. Details can be obtained and tables booked on (01772) 687203.
HOT on the heels of its Valentine celebrations last week Septembers on Queen Street has lined up two further cabaret nights in its top floor Champagne Bar with dinner in its chic restaurant. Next Thursday live on stage in the Champagne Bar vocalist Julia Martin (above) will be presenting a double tribute performing the music of Dame Shirley Bassey and Celine Dion. The night also includes a three course gourmet dinner in the first floor restaurant for £29.50 per person. For bookings calls (01253) 299200. On Thursday March 26 at Septembers there is An Evening With Michael Jackson starring Mikky Jay. Entertainment plus three course meal is again £29.50. More details on www.septembersuk.com
THE G Casino at South Shore is also holding WaGs nights on Thursdays February 26 and March 26. Tickets cost £15 and admission includes a cocktail on arrival, three course meal and entertainment by a drag act. NEW COUPLE: The Windmill at Salwick
Book at the cash desk in reception.