The Weekend

Friday, January 3 0, 2009

In association with

Big Bro’s little star

Verne at nightspot

INSIDE YOUR GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT ON THE FYLDE

Leo and Kate in a stunning portrayal of marital pain

Win free tickets for new Disney blockbuster

Razorlight MEN Arena tickets are up for grabs

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the weekend

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

MAIN EVENT

Friday, January 30, 2009

INSIDE COVER STORY Mini Me, Verne Troyer - another Big Brother coup for The Syndicate PAGES 6 & 7

CINEMA Kate Winslet in Revolutionary Road, teen romance with Nick & Norah’s Infinate Playlist plus your chance to snap up free Odeon tickets for Disney’s new 3D movie PAGES 4 & 5

NIGHT SCENE Motown celebration, top DJs in town, a new late-night Blackpool venue, plus win tickets for Razorlight PAGES 6 & 7

FOOD Carleton’s new taste of Thailand plus time for Yorkshire pud PAGE 9

WHAT’S ON

G

et ready to be shocked – the Circus of Horrors bloodcurdling show The Asylum is back at Blackpool Grand Theatre on Sunday.

Set in an archaic institution on the edge of Paris, side-show owner Dr Haze (he actually comes from Preston) presents his bizarre show The Asylum.

While Paris sleeps, the inmates run riot.

Beware – the lunatics have truly taken over the Asylum in a brand new edition of the ever popular Circus of Horrors, with new acts and new shocks.

Dr Haze is the Undead Ringmaster to take you through this macabre tale with the help of the live rock ‘n’ roll of the The Interceptors From Hell and a cast of burlesque beauties, chaos-mongers and some of the world’s most grotesque, daring and bizarre circus acts.

It’s a staggering 14 years since the Circus of Horrors first trampled the bloody boards and it has since toured relentlessly around the world, achieving cult status.

The Circus of Horrors was created in 1995 after a chance meeting (ironically at a funeral) between Dr Haze and circus impresario Gerry Cottle. The Circus of Horrors made its debut at the Glastonbury Festival that year and has since toured the world.

Members of the company have also appeared on many TV shows including, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Richard & Judy, and Davina McCall’s Don’t Try This At Home.

It has released two soundtrack albums – Destiny & Desire and

Freak show

STAGE SHOCKER: A scene from The Asylum, by the Circus of Horrors

Lunatics run riot in macabre tale Welcome to the Freakshow – and the DVD Undead & Alive.

Sunday’s show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are from £12.50 from the Grand Theatre box office on (01253) 290190 or online at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

LAYTON INSTITUTE Westcliffe Drive, Blackpool 393801 www.layton-institute.co.uk

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

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,

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

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By Robin Duke Entertainment Editor

IN THE WINGS Spring is coming to Thornton, reveals Lisa Ettridge in our weekly am-dram column.

PAGE 6 & 7

the weekend

Friday 30th Jan 1st Semi-Final Of The Junior Talent Show Saturday 31st Jan Rhapsody & Blues (Boy/Girl Duo) & Steve Wilson Sunday 1st Feb Alan Barker Showcase 4 Top Acts & Compere Thur 26th Feb Kirkham Amateur Boxing Tickers £12 12 Bouts See doormen for tickets

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

members, affiliated members & guests welcome

Please note that Circus of Horrors is not suitable for children and they will only be allowed in if accompanied by an adult who understands the show contains bad language and some nudity, but not of a sexual nature.

Parking is available at a discounted rate at the secure West Street Car Park.

Book your parking ticket when you book your show tickets from the box office and you can have parking from 5.30pm until 12.30am for £2.50.

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FILMS

the weekend

Coming soon Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett headline the cast of David Fincher’s Oscar nominated epic about a man who grows younger in THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON... a feisty nun (Meryl Streep) accuses a priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a boy, without any proof, in the provocative drama DOUBT... a canine movie star (voiced

by John Travolta), who truly believes he is a superhero, is forced to fend for himself in the outside world in the Disney animation BOLT... teenager Maria (Dakota Blue Richards) finds herself at the centre of magic and mystery in THE SECRET OF MOONACRE... and Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly and Scarlett Johansson discover that the path to true love is littered with obstacles in the comedy HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU.

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

High school kids in teen romance

TEENAGE ROMANCE: Michael Cera as Nick and Kat Dennings as Norah

TOP FILMS

1 (1) My Bloody Valentine 3D (18) 2 (-) Valkyrie (12A) 3 (2) Slumdog Millionaire (15) 4 (4) Beverley Hills Chihuahua (U) 5 (3) Seven Pounds (12A) 6 (-) Underworld 3 - Rise of the Lycans (18) 7 (5) Bride Wars (PG) 8 (6) Role Models (15) 9 (8) Defiance (15) 10 (7) Bedtime Stories (PG)

I

n stark contrast to Revolutionary Road, which reminds us how badly love hurts, Peter Sollett’s unabashedly romantic comedy harnesses the magic of falling giddily in love when you least expect it.

Set in New York City over the course of one manic night, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a warm hug of a film that leaves you feeling wonderfully contented; a willing back seat passenger to the amusing misadventures of two high school students with a shared appreciation of music.

First time screenwriter Lorene Scafaria adapts Rachel Cohn and David Levithan’s novel with a light touch, fleshing out the adorable lead characters and their quirky friends with a smattering of snappy dialogue.

Nick (Michael Cera) is the bass gui-

NICK & NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST (12A) Rating: 7/10

tarist and the only straight member of a queercore band called The Jerk Offs, comprising good friends Dev (Rafi Gavron) and Thom (Aaron Yoo).

He is still madly in love with his self-obsessed ex, Tris (Alexis Dziena), spending hours creating mix CDs which she just throws in the bin... where sassy, rich girl Norah (Kat Dennings) picks them up.

When news leaks out that elusive underground band Where’s Fluffy? will be playing a secret gig somewhere in the city, Nick and Norah are unexpectedly thrown together in

his egg yolk-coloured Yugo. Seeing Nick with another girl, Tris finally realises how much she wants him back and the other members of The Jerk Offs unexpectedly find themselves babysitting Norah’s drunk and deranged pal, Caroline (Ari Graynor).

As true feelings are revealed and young hearts broken, Nick and Norah drive through the streets of the Big Apple on an adventure they will never forget.

Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist is an absolute joy, juxtaposing the fluffy central romance with some salty discussions of sexuality and gross-out interludes. Screen chemistry between Cera and Dennings simmers gently, reaching boiling point in a recording studio and one of the more memorable sex scenes.

Hard-hitting Western tobewon ED Harris and Viggo Mortensen star as forhire peacekeepers in the hugely acclaimed western, Appaloosa – out to buy on DVD from next week – and you can win a prize copy.

It’s 1882. The Old West territory of New Mexico. City marshal, Virgil Cole (Ed Harris) and his deputy and partner, Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen) are hired to bring order to the lawless community – and to stop ruthless and powerful rancher, Randall Bragg (Jeremy Irons) and his violent henchmen from terrorising the townsfolk.

The two legendary lawmen quickly bring order to the struggling town.

But when beguiling young widow Allison French (Renée Zellweger) steps off the train in Appaloosa, complications arise. Issues of love, trust, and self-identity come to the fore as Cole and Hitch fight for the town’s future, each other, and the woman who comes between them.

Appaloosa (15) is released by Entertainment in Video on Monday.

For your chance to win a DVD prize just name the film in which Renee Zellweger starred alongside Colin Firth as a lovelorn singleton in London.

To enter send your answer, along with your name, address and telephone number to: Appaloosa DVD competition, The Gazette, Avroe House, Avroe Crescent, South Shore, Blackpool, FY4 2DP. Closing date Friday February 6.

Winners will be picked at random from postal entries.

See new hit movie for free

BLACKPOOL Odeon is the place to be from February 6 when it becomes the first cinema on the Fylde to screen Disney’s amazing animated comedy – Bolt.

And not only is it the first – the Odeon is exclusively screening the film in 3D. For super-dog Bolt (voiced by John Travolta), every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue – at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the canine star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet – a cross-country journey through the real world.

Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and with the help of two unlikely travelling companions – a jaded, abandoned housecat

The Weekend has teamed up with the Odeon for an exclusive screen❖ ing on February 5, giving you the chance to see the film FIRST and for FREE!

The screening starts at 5.30pm with doors opening at 5pm. All you have to do is take this article along to the Odeon box office anytime from Monday during normal box office opening hours. There are 150 pairs of tickets up for grabs on a strictly first come first served basis named Mittens and TV-obsessed hamster in a plastic ball named Rhino – Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero.

Miley Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”) brings her vocal talents to the role of Penny, Bolt’s human co-star on the television series.

that’s 300 tickets excusively for Weekend readers!

To be sure of seeing BOLT at its best – in Disney 3D – The Odeon has put tickets on sale now on odeon.co.uk, at the box office and by calling the Odeon Filmline on (0871) 22 44 007. Terms and Conditions: 1. Only one pair of tickets per article from The Weekend. Tickets are on a first come first served basis.

Strictly no photocopies accepted.

FILMS

Friday, January 30, 2009

the weekend

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+

also showing

Valkyrie (12A)

All cinemas. Bryan Singer’s controversial war opus relates the final attempt on Hitler’s life before his suicide in April 1945.

Frost/Nixon(15)

Blackpool matinees and Cleveleys. Ron Howard directs this classic tale of David (Frost) and Goliath (Richard Nixon) blessed with tour de force performances by Michael Sheen and Frank Langella, about the historic 1974 post Watergate television interviews.

Seven Pounds (12A)

Blackpool and Cleveleys. Will Smith’s terribly earnest tale of self-sacrifice and redemption of a broken man with a secret who seeks absolution in the most ridiculous way imaginable..

Sour end to a love story

SAD COUPLE: Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Wheeler and Kate Winslet as April Wheeler in Revolutionary Road

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD (15) Rating: 7/10

W

rap up warm with a thick, winter coat and scarf when you watch Revolutionary Road.

Sam Mendes’s beautifully crafted adaptation of the novel by Richard Yates chills to the bone with its unflinching portrait of scenes from a disintegrating marriage.

Set in ’50s suburban Connecticut, where white picket fences and impeccably mown lawns project an image of suburban bliss to mask the betrayal and regret, Mendes’s film leaves us cold, certainly for the opening hour.

A deceptively cosy prologue, detailing the first encounter between Frank Wheeler (Leonardo DiCaprio) and aspiring actress April Johnson (Kate Winslet) at a Greenwich Village cocktail party, segues into screaming, shouting, tears and recriminations.

The disastrous first night of April’s play culminates in a blazing row.

“It’s not my fault the play was lousy,’’ rages Frank, adding, “It’s sure as hell not my fault you didn’t turn out to be an actress.’’

April eventually snaps back, “You poor pathetic little boy... tell me how, by any stretch of the imagination, you can call yourself a man.’’

It’s a far cry from when the couple first arrives at the perky little house on Revolutionary

GOOD TIMES: The couple before the marriage goes wrong Road, full of hopes and dreams.

They raise two children and make ambitious plans to move to Paris, where she can take a well-paid secretarial position at a government

Win tickets FIVE lucky Weekend readers will win a pair of tickets to see Revolutionary Road or any film of their choice, on one of the eight big screens at Vue Cinemas, Cleveleys.

To have the chance to win, simply answer this question: Kate Winslett starred in which other film with Leonardo DiCaprio?

Was it a) Titanic or b) Batman 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

View all the latest movie trailers online

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

agency and he can decide what he wants to do with the rest of his life.

Neighbour Mrs Givings (Kathy Bates) and her husband (Richard Easton) don’t understand Frank and April’s desire to abandon America.

Indeed, the only person who shares their worldview is the Givings’s emotionally damaged son, John (Michael Shannon).

“He’s the first person who seemed to know what we were talking about,’’ remarks April.

“That’s true,’’ replies Frank. “Maybe we are just as crazy as he is.’’

“If being crazy means living life as if it matters then I don’t care if we are completely insane,’’ retorts his wife.

The Wheelers are soon driving each other insane as Frank sleeps with a secretary (Kazan) and an increasingly unhappy April encourages the advances of married neighbour Shep (David Harbour).

Revolutionary Road is technically polished, from Mendes’s deliberately slow direction to the flawless production design, Roger Deakin’s cinematography and Thomas Newman’s moody score with echoes of American Beauty.

Performances are electrifying too, with DiCaprio and Winslet verbally tearing strips off each other.

But only in the sombre closing frames do we find ourselves moved by their anguish.

■ Kate Winslet interview: Don’t miss Life! magazine free with The Gazette on Saturday

Catch them today on www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Beverley Hills Chihuahua (U)

All cinemas. What happens when a ridiculously pampered canine, who won’t leave the house without her bling, is stranded far from home?

TOP CHOICE

The Reader (15)

All cinemas. Delayed Fylde Coast screening for this award winner. Michael (Ralph Fiennes) falls dangerously ill and is assisted by passing stranger Hanna Schmidt (Kate Winslet). The pair embark on a passionate affair, but when they meet eight years later, Hanna is standing trial for her earlier war crimes.

The Wrestler (15)

Cleveleys – weekend lates. One man’s painful quest to realise his dreams, at any cost. Mickey Rourke makes a spectacular comeback as Randy “The Ram’’ Robinson.

My Bloody Valentine 3D (18)

Blackpool only. Gore-laden remake of the 1981 Canadian slasher flick.

Underworld 3: Rise Of The Lycans (15)

Blackpool and Cleveleys. Blood feud between the aristocratic vampires (Death Dealers) and the barbaric Lycans (werewolves).

Bride Wars (PG)

All cinemas. Strictly a chick flick, unless the thought of Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway fighting in the aisle appeals.

Slumdog Millionaire (15)

Blackpool and Cleveleys. Modern day fairy-tale charts the extraordinary journey of an orphan from the Mumbai slums to the country’s version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

Defiance (15)

St Annes only. A true-life tale of heroism during the Holocaust, focusing on three Jewish brothers (Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell), who shelter hundreds of fellow refugees in the dense forests of Belarussia.

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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T

the weekend

HE Frenchman’s Cove in South King Street believe they are probably the only pub in Blackpool town centre which is totally independent from brewery or pub company involvement, allowing excellent value for money offers such as half price meals from the extensive main menu.

These are served Monday to Friday 2pm-5pm and with happy hour starting at 6pm every night, this represents excellent value for money.

Because The Frenchman’s Cove is free of any brewery tie this allows licensee Lisa Schofield to revert to traditional values selling only the most popular draught and bottled beers at reasonable prices – Carling and Fosters lager with Stella Artois, Carlsberg Extra and Becks Vier.

The bitters available are John Smith’s Smooth, Tetley’s Smooth and Boddingtons.

Also available are monthly draught and bottle offers with Carlsberg Extra £1.85 a pint and bottles of Grolsch and Carlsberg at £1.50.

There are also house doubles from the doubles bar at £2.20 or double up your premium short for just £1.

The brave can try the alco pops cocktails served in fish bowls.

Happy hour is every night and The Frenchman’s Cove say this is probably the longest and best in town.

Food is on offer seven days a week: Monday to Wednesday midday to 6pm; Thursday to Sunday midday to 7pm.

The menu is extensive to say the least, with everything from a 32 oz steak at £19.95, just £9.95 Monday to Friday 2pm-5pm (finish it and the mystical Frenchman will even buy you a pint) to burger, chips and a pint for only £4.45 or choice of curry and rice or chips with a naan bread, poppadom and mango chutney and a pint or soft drink for only £5.95.

If you’re feeling more adventurous try something from the Chef’s specials board including the ostrich or bison steak or Corsican style prawns served in sizzling olive oil with French bread, or the house speciality, the unique steak cooked on a stone at your table.

You might not see the ghost at The Frenchman’s Cove but you will see value for money and get a warm welcome at the locals’ pub in the town centre.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Half price bites to munch the crunch

GREAT DEALS: Frenchman’s Cove

FOOD & DRINK

Friday, January 30, 2009

Michelin winners named

LANCASHIRE restaurants have scooped awards in the 2009 Michelin guide.

Northcote, at Langho, near Blackburn, was the only restaurant to achieve a Michelin star, an accolade originally awarded in 1996 and successfully held ever since.

The guide describes the onestar status as “a very good pub or restaurant in its category”.

The 2009 guide also names restaurants as Bib Gourmands, a status awarded to a restaurant offering “good food at moderate prices”, currently £28 or less for a three-course meal.

Local restaurants recognised include twelve restaurant and lounge bar in Thornton, The White Bull at Ribchester, and the Winckley Square Chop House in Preston. twelve was first awarded the Bib Gourmand in 2005 and has successfully retained it each year.

Caroline Upton and Paul Moss have over the years built a huge loyal clientele creating a busy restaurant that has been expanded.

Paul said: “This award is testament not only to the excellent quality of our food, much of which is sourced locally, but also to our consistency.”

More information about these restaurants and other establishments that consistently provide a high quality dining experiencecan online at www. tastelancashire.com

Star chef’s store date STRINGERS Homelife in Lytham welcomes TV celebrity chef Malcolm Harradine back on Saturday, 11am to 4pm.

Malcolm visited Homelife last year to help celebrate the first birthday of the Haven Road store and the day was a huge success.

He is a well known and experienced demonstration chef, who combines recipes with cookery tips and practical product recommendations.

Many of the kitchenware items Malcolm will be using are featured on the day with special price savings.

Like last year the Homelife team will be providing activities for children so that parents can catch a few minutes to watch Malcolm at work.

the weekend

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A taste of Thailand

By Robin Duke Entertainment Editor

A

Carleton couple are hoping that when at first you do succeed – try Thai again.

Following the success of their Suda Thai Food business which they established in the rear of premises they owned and formerly rented off to James Torrance Butchers, Garfield Hessian and Suda Barrow have now opened a takeaway and small licensed restaurant.

Suda Thai Cuisine opened to the public last night and will be trading daily from 5.30pm to 10.30pm.

Licensed to sell beer and wine, the restaurant operation accommodates up to 15 people and the couple are hoping to extend trading hours to the daytime once they become a bit more established.

Suda was the head chef at the Mews Thai restaurant in Poulton for five years but with a youngster to bring up, the couple fancied spending more time together as a family and so set up a business providing Thai cuisine to outlets throughout the area as well as a limited amount of pre-prepared sauces on sale to the public.

Suda, whose nickname is Tim, did the cooking and Garfield delivered the food.

“We had a little boy so we were looking for something to do in the daytime rather than keep us apart at night,” said Garfield. “We thought about a

AUTHENTIC FLAVOURS: Manager Suda Hession (centre) and staff with food takeaway at first but that would have still meant nightwork. Now he is older things have become easier.”

As their reputation grew the couple decided to expand into the front of the premises which had by then been vacated by the butchers.

Garfield is confident that even in the midst of a recession there is a demand for what they are providing.

“I think the quality of the food will speak for itself,” he said. “Our prices are really competitive and our recipes are authentically Thai – unlike a lot of the local Chinese

restaurants who just add them to the menu because the demand is there.”

It’s a demand which they are sure the Carleton location will benefit from.

“We are the only authentic Thai restaurant around here and we have an extensive menu with some dishes that our competitors elsewheredon’t have – plus we offer weekly specials.

They will also be continuing with their retail service, Garfield added.

For more details about Suda Thai Cuisine contact (07968) 543489.

Time for Yorkshire pud THE Ship at Elswick is throwing its weight behind one of Britain’s favourites, by helping to celebrate the second national Yorkshire Pudding Day on Sunday.

The popular Sunday roast will still be available, but diners will be able to plump for some Yorkshire pudding specials, which can be enjoyed throughout the week from tomorrow to Friday, January 6.

For starters there will be a special seafood pancake choice, lightly grilled and served with a Mornay sauce gratinée.

The main course special will be a Toad in the Hole feast comprising a giant Yorkshire pudding and Cumberland sausage served with mashed potato and onion gravy.

The specially created dessert option is Sweet Yorkshire Profiterole – mini, sweet Yorkshire popovers filled with Chantilly cream and served with hot chocolate sauce.

Table reservations can be made for groups of six or more and will be taken on (01995) 672777.

Meanwhile, experts at Toby Carvery – owners of Salter’s Wharf in St Annes - have revealed a few tricks of the trade.

Top chef Dean Roache said: “Everyone loves a good Yorkshire but preferences can vary wildly – some people like their puds to have a crisp, light and fluffy texture while others prefer a slightly stodgier mix. At Toby we go for the classic round pudding, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.”

Here are his top tips for the perfect pud: ■ Yorkshire puddings will fall flat if they are removed from the oven too soon.

■ Always keep an eye on what’s happening in your oven.

■ Use hot oil (approximately 180°C).

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LISTINGS

the weekend

FRIDAY Attractions 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. 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.

Theatre and shows DANCEWORKS ON BROADWAY. A medley of song and dance from the great Broadway musicals performed by a cast of Danceworks students aged from three to adult. Lowther Pavilion, West Beach, Lytham. 7.15pm, and tomorrow.

BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. Final tour to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the young performer’s death alongside Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens - packed with familiar hits. The Lowry, Salford Quays, . To Saturday, 7.30pm plus Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Box office, (0870) 7875788.

LUCKY SODS. Hull Truck Theatre present John Godber’s comedy of what it’s really like to win the Lottery. Charter Theatre, Preston.

To Saturday, 7.30pm plus Saturday matinee, 2.30pm. Box office, (0845 3442012.

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, Manchester. To February 21. Box office, (0161) 8339833.

UP AGAINST THE WALL. A big 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 14, 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, Lancaster. To February 21. Monday to Saturday, 8pm. Box office, (01524) 598500.

Pubs and bars DAMIEN MATTHEWS. Male vocals. G Casino, Sandcaste Waterworld, South Shore.

SMOKIN’ MONKEY. The Hop Inn, Cookson Street, Blackpool.

BADLOOK. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood.

WILD FAITH. First appearance at this pub.

King Edward VII, Central Drive, Blackpool.

DAVE GARTHWAITE. Chart, commercial, r ‘n’b and dance. Schofields, 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. Games, girls, giveaways and drinks offers. Brannigans, Market Street, Blackpool.

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.

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

WEEKEND CHOICE Snowdrop Walks

Lytham Hall, Ballam Road, Lytham

THE Snowdrop Walks are Lytham Hall’s most popular annual event, with thousands of people visiting the grounds every year to see the first very welcome signs of spring.

Admission is at the gatehouses and is £2.50 per adult and £1 per child.

There’s free car parking at Aegon opposite the gatehouses with disabled car parking nearer the Hall.

Gates open at 10.30am with last entry at 3pm.

The tearoom is open for refreshments during the day.

Please call the Lytham Hall Office on 01253 736652 for further details.”

Future walks will take place on Sundays February 8, 15 and 22.

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, Blackpool.

DAVE WARD ROADSHOW. Disco night latest releases, chart and classic hits. The Ship & Royal, 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.

DJ NIGHT. Whittle Springs, Talbot Road, Blackpool. And Saturday.

THE HEAT. The Oxford, Oxford Square, Marton.

THE CHRISTINA CASTALINA SHOW. The Princess Music Hall Tavern, Blackpool.

STARFISH. The Raikes Hall, Blackpool.

Karaoke 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.

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.

Irish, folk & country CAPTAIN COOPER’S MOTLEY CREW. A night of Irish and folk music. Connolly’s Bar, Topping Street, Blackpool. 8pm.

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

QUIZ NIGHT. With Barrie and Jean. Hampton Road Club, South Shore.

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.

DJ NIGHT. Whittle Springs, Talbot Road, Blackpool. And Friday.

Theatre and shows See Friday’s listings for details.

Karaoke 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.

FUN KARAOKE. With Steve and guests. The Duke of York, Dickson Road, Blackpool.

From 8.30pm.

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

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.

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.

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

Social clubs JOE SORTINO. Stanley Road WMC, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 621168.

TOM COLLINS. Duple Social Club, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341647.

JUNIOR TALENT SHOW- FIRST SEMIFINAL. Layton Institute, Westcliffe Drive, Layton. Details, (01253) 391774.

GAZ JENKINS. Claremont Conservative Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 620981.

NIKKI MILLER. Bloomfield Club, 1Blackpool. Details, (01253) 344583.

CRAIG ANTHONY. Hotels and Apartments Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 623784.

ALEX JAMES. North Shore WMC, Cross Street, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 627974.

GEOFF GRAYSON. Cleveleys Men’s Club, Slinger Road. Details, (01253) 853219.

BRIAN BRODIE. Brunswick Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 624208.

TRAVELLING LIGHT. Bispham Con. Club, Red Bank Road. Details, (01253) 357519.

VICKI ST CLAIRE. St Annes Conservative Club. Details, (01253) 723471.

JANICE YORK. Highfield Road & Rec., South Shore. Details, (01253) 342389.

CHARLEY BLACK. Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club. . Details (01253) 852709.

SATURDAY Pubs and bars DAVE WARD ROADSHOW. Disco night latest releases, chart and classic hits. The Ship & Royal, Clifton Street, Lytham. 9pm to midnight.

FLIP. Pop and jazz at the pub’s belated

New Year’s Party. The Shovels, Common Edhge Road, Marton.

SAMMY SHEPHERD. The Falcon, Hardhorn Way, Poulton.

TROUBADOR. Fast rising duo. The Royal Oak, Breck Road, Poulton.

THE ESCOBARS. New Preston indie band.

Plus support from Andy McKinnery, Stones Throw and Kim Seward. The New Ship Inn, Watery Lane, Preston. 8pm.

TRIDENT. Hard working, hard rocking band. The Belle Vue, Whitegate Drive, Blackpool.

THE JEPS. 60s to ‘00s cover band.

Ashley Club, Victoria Road, Thornton.

B’TEMPTED. Soul and Motown band. G Casino, Sandcaste Waterworld, South Shore.

THE HALF MONTY. Back by popular demand with all kinds of rock covers. The Lane Ends, Weeton Road, Wesham.

AMY G. Bolton singer back by popular demand. The Links, Heeley Road, St Annes.

TOMMY CLARK. Male vocals. The Burn Naze, Gamble Road, Thornton.

TONY MITCHELL. The Steamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood.

THE HEAT. King Edward VII, Central Drive, Blackpool.

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.

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.

Nightclubs NORTHERN SOUL AND TAMLA MOTOWN. Classic floorfillers to underplayed oldies, from 60s r’n’b to 70s crossover. Dj’s include Mark Bryan, Paul Hughes and Paul Metcalfe with special guest Kev Sowerby.

Main Ballroom. Marine Hall, The Esplanade, Fleetwood. 8pm to 2am.

GATECRASHER. With guest djs Judge Jules and Matt Hardwick. The Syndicate, Church Street, Blackpool.

SATURDAY NIGHT LOVIN’. With Paul Dunne, Dave Jones and Paul Walker with dance, club anthems, house, electro, oldskool and trance (Dance Arena), Jaylen & Jones with funky house, r&b, current floorfillers (Buddha Room), Lee Hirst chart and party, r&b and bassline (The Studio and The Gallery). Club Sanuk, 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, 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.

THE DIGITAL DISCO. The start of Blackpool’s first and only after hours parties. The Underbar, Bank Hey Street, Blackpool. 1am - 8am.

MECCA TO MOTOWN 50. Wigan Casino DJ Russ Winstanley and guest Wayne Hemingway from Highland Room days hail 50 years of Motown and commemorating demolition of the Blackpool Mecca. Tower Ballroom. 8pm - 2am.

Irish, folk & country MICHAEL MALONE. A night of Irish music and ballads. Connolly’s Bar, Blackpool. 8pm.

Rock and pop THE RATS.Garry Roberts and Simon Crowe from the original Boomtown Rats now with their new band - and old hits.The Platform, Station Buildings, Morecambe. 8pm.

MIKE LOVELL’S SEVEN IN A BAR featuring Rosie. St Michael’s Village Hall.

Social clubs CHELSEA STEVENS. Stanley Road WMC, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 621168.

JOANNA SHORROCK. Duple Social Club, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341647.

LISTINGS

Friday, January 30, 2009 ELECTRIC ECHO. Hampton Road Social, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341508.

RHAPSODY & BLUES &STEVE WILSON. Layton Institute. Details, (01253) 391774.

LEE WAINWRIGHT. Comrades of the Great War Club (Blackpool) Ltd.. (01253) 625841.

JULIETTE LLOYD. Claremont Conservative Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 620981.

KEN MORRELL & CARL SCHOFIELD. Bloomfield Club, Blackpool. (01253) 344583.

DELPHINE. Hotels and Apartments Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 623784.

CATHERINE KERR. North Shore WMC, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 627974.

VICKI ST CLAIR. Blackpool Trades and Social Club. Details, (01253) 622580.

VINNIE MAC. Blackpool Central Bowling and Social Club. Details, (01253) 341145.

PAMELA JAYMES. Thornton Cleveleys Royal British Legion. (01253) 852450.

ROBERT E LEE & TRICIA BRIGHT. Cleveleys Men’s Clubd. (01253) 853219.

KRISTIE CHARLES. Brunswick Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 624208.

CHARLEIGH. Bispham Con. Club, Red Bank Road. Details, (01253) 357519.

EDDIE MATRIX. St Annes ExServicemens Club Details, (01253) 721033.

BRIAN HOWE. St Annes Conservative Club. Details, (01253) 723471.

CRYSTAL. Blackpool Catholic Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 622979.

MICHAEL DEAN. Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club. Details (01253) 852709.

DAVE BROOKLYN. Knott End WMC,.

Details, (01253) 810362.

ALAN KELLY. Willows Catholic, Brynning Fern Lane, Kirkham. (01253) 682195.

TIM “MR SWING” MILLS. The Wainwright Club, Blackpool. details, (01253) 620555.

CABARET NIGHT. Weekly guest.

Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club. (01253) 852709.

SUNDAY Rock, pop and jazz CROFTERS JAZZ CLUB. This month’s guests - The Merseysippi Jazz Band.

Crofters Hotel, Cabus A6, Garstang. 8pm.

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 (fourth Sunday).

The Bourne Arms, Knott End. 3 - 6pm.

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

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, 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.

MISS DOMONIQUE. Cabaret drag act. The Cherry Blossom Hotel, North Shore. From 9pm.

Nightclubs I LOVE SUNDAYS. Dave Pope and Craig Smith play r&b, hip hop and funky house. Drinks promotions. Main Arena, Club Sanuk, Blackpool. 10.30pm to 3.30am

Quiz nights PRIZE QUIZ. Robin Ross or Stevie Good. Silver Sands, 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.

QUIZ NIGHT. With Paul Gee plus Play Your Cards Right. The Links, 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, Thornton. From 4pm

the weekend 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, Marton.

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

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

Social clubs NIKI MILLER. Duple Social Club, South Shore. Details, (01253) 341647.

KAREN FELL. Cleveleys Men’s Club, Slinger Road, Cleveleys. Details, (01253) 853219.

WAYNE MICHAELS. Brun Grove WMC and Institute, Blackpool. (01253) 762186.

JOHNNY WILLIAMS. Hampton Road Social Club. Details (01253) 341508.

ALAN BARKER SHOWCASE. Layton Institute. Details (01253) 391774.

HAYLEY. Talbot Club, 46 Milbourne Street, Blackpool. Details (01253) 624305.

JOHNNY ROXX (Noon). WAYNE LESTER (Evening). Bloomfield Club. Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details (01253) 344583.

IAN FRANKEL. Blackpool Trades and Social Club. Details (01253) 622580 IAN FRANKEL. Blackpool Central & Bowling Club. Details (01253) 341145.

JENNY HURST. Thornton Cleveleys Royal British Legion. Details (01253) 852450.

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JAMES DEVINE. Brunswick Club, Blackpool. Details, (01253) 624208.

NICO.Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club. .

Details (01253) 852709.

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

CLIFF’S KARAOKE. The Steamer, Fleetwood.

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

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.

KARAOKE NIGHT. More than 3,000 tunes.

The Regal Hotel, Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. Also Thursday, 8pm.

Irish, folk and country IRISH MUSIC NIGHT. 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, Exchange Street, Blackpool. 7.30pm.

Others TOY SALE. New toys, low prices, refreshments available. Marton Methodist Church. 2 - 5pm.

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the weekend

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