BRIGHTON’S DEFINITIVE CULTURE AND EVENTS GUIDE BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK
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April 2015 This month sees a reasonably rare alignment of Mars, Earth and the sun, something believed by a few religious sects to signal the start of a globally significant event. Which it certainly does… The coming months see Brighton institutions The Great Escape and Otherplace Productions both celebrate a decade of entertaining the city. It doesn’t get much more significant than that. So before Clarkson gets recognised as the second coming or that mullet child from One Direction morphs into a chocolate dispensing bunny, why not check out our version of events in the month to come. A happy Easter to you all! Image by © Josh Redfearn
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News and TGE Competition Public Service Broadcasting 10 Years of The Great Escape MUSIC Guide CLUB Guide Jo Harman Interview Brighton Music Conference Demob Happy Interview Interview with Komedia Director Louie Spence Interview BSU Student Guide
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PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING PAGE 10
THEATRE Guide 10 Years of Otherplace COMEDY Guide New Cinema Releases The Eddy Food Review Mucho Burrito Review The Set Restaurant Review Be Gluten Free Cryptic Crossword WIN 2 tickets to Krater Comedy at Komedia
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Want to become part of the BN1 Magazine team? Internships available for local writers, photographers, creative types and enthusiasts to join one of Brighton’s best community and lifestyle magazines! Just email your CV and a little about yourself to the office: info@bn1magazine.co.uk. EDITORIAL Editor—Chris Sadler, Editor—Stuart Rolt, Sub Editor—Freya Hughes MARKETING AND SALES —Holly Cozens, —Freya Hughes CONTRIBUTORS Lucy Hallett, Gary Marlowe, Alice Sambrook, Holly Cozens, Stuart Rolt, Freya Hughes, Elliot Tyers, Reece Davis, Mila Statham, PHOTOGRAPHERS David Smith (www.photosbydavid.org), Gary Marlowe (Images Out of The Ordinary), Josh Redfearn, James Daly - jamesdalyphotography@gmail.com, Alex - Voodoo Creations Photography LISTINGS - listings@bn1magazine.co.uk
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1 R O F 2 S! TICKET
GET 2-FOR-1 TICKETS TO FOODIES FESTIVAL BY QUOTING BN1241 AT WWW.FOODIESFESTIVAL.COM SAT 2 - MON 4 MAY A FEAST OF FOODIE FUN AT HOVE LAWNS Foodies Festival, Hove Lawns Sat 2 May - Mon 4 May Foodies Festival returns to Brighton’s Hove Lawns this May Bank holiday for a three-day feast of Michelin-star and celebrity chefs, food and drink masterclasses, artisan producers and more street food than you can shake a satay stick at. Take your seat in the Chefs Theatre and watch MasterChef champion Ping Coombes cook her favourite dishes from the series and Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite bake delicious summer cakes. Top local chefs Andrew Drake of Drakes, Joshua Stanzl from Etch and Rob Silverstone from A Mule in Brighton will also cook their signature recipes. Let experts Charles Metcalfe and Neil Phillips guide you through British bubblies and this season’s best wines in the New Champagne Theatre and take a Food and Craft Beer masterclass with Melissa Cole in the New Craft Beer Theatre. Sample and browse from over 200 artisan producers in the Producers Market selling award winning cheeses, sauces and jams, bakes and breads, olives,
meats and more, then tuck into delicious hot and cold dishes from around the world served from the Feasting Avenue. Try your hand at Bee Keeping, Oyster Chucking and Butchery in the New Tasting Theatre and forage for herbs to create healthy cocktails and booze infused canapés! The Cake and Bake Theatre hosts top bakers including Brighton baker Stacie Stewart and Britt Whyatt and offers masterclasses in 3D Cake Modelling, Sugar-crafting and Chocolate Making. After a day of feasting and fun, pick a spot on the grass to relax and soak in the atmosphere and sun, with live music from the Entertainment Stage and a refreshing drink from the champagne and Pimm’s Pop-up Bars. There’s Chilli Eating Competitions and Picnic in the Park masterclasses in the Childrens Cookery Theatre to ensure everyone has a great day out. Get 2-for-1 tickets to Foodies Festival by quoting BN1241 at www.foodiesfestival.com
CHARITY CHUCKLE Stand Up for the Samaritans Komedia, Tue 14 Apr On the second Tuesday of every month, Komedia runs an alternative stand-up comedy evening that raises money for a local charity, the Charity Chuckle. This month’s event on Tue 14 Apr will be raising money for the Brighton and Hove branch of the Samaritans. This month’s bill features the talents of Phil Jerrod, Stephen Carlin, Phil Lucas, Elliot Steel, Jake Howie and it’s all compered by Julie Jepson. It’s an award-winning comedy night, with award-winning comedians, in an award-winning club! – and to top that off, all of it’s for a good cause. Offering some of the best alternative stand-up in the South East, it’s laughter with a feel-good factor. Doors 7.30pm for 8pm Komedia Studio, 44 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN www.charitychuckle.co.uk
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DYNAMITE GALLERY
New gallery premises opens on Trafalgar Street Dynamite Gallery on Trafalgar Street is opening its doors for the first time! Promising to be an exciting new gallery in Brighton, they deal in unique artworks that you will struggle to find anywhere else. Representing artists both international and local, well known and not so, you’re just as likely to find work from artists at the very start of their career as you are the work of those with followers in their thousands. Covering a variety of styles, contents and executions, Dynamite Gallery will offer a plethora of culture at the entrance to the Laines. 13 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, BN1 4EQ www.dynamitegallery.com
WIN WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE GREAT ESCAPE FESTIVAL Thu 14 - Sat 16 May
The Great Escape returns on Thu 14 - Sat 16 May 2015, once more showcasing the new music for the year ahead. Championing emerging talent and creativity across the entire music industry for the past decade, the event now sees over 400 bands and 35 Brighton venues come together to celebrate the latest cutting edge sounds. Recent additions to the already massive line-up include Skepta, JME, Kate Tempest, Jamie Lawson, Joe Dolman, Rhodes, The Cribs and Gaz Coombes, Three-day festival passes, offering access to all core TGE gigs start at just £49.50. However, BN1 has been given another pair of tickets to pass on to one of its lucky readers. To win a pair of tickets to this world-class music event, simply answer the following question… What music genre does MC Skepta belong to?
ARTISTA GALLERY 42 Waterloo Street, Brighton, BN3 1AY Artistastudio.co.uk April sees the usual group of events happening at Artista (studio and gallery for hire space). Whether you want to hire a studio for the day, book a photographer for a professional shoot or just organise an exhibition, Artista are there for you. They also have a fully licensed bar until 2am and a live sound system on offer. Each month sees a free meet up of artists (next networking event 2 April), it’s a great chance to look around the studio in an informal atmosphere, meet like minded people, and have fun! Visit www.artistastudio.co.uk and discover what’s happening over April
A. Grime B. Italo Disco C. Christian Rock Send your answer, including your name, address and telephone number to: competition@bn1magazine.co.uk Please put “TGEcomp” in the email’s subject line. BN1 and TGE T & C’s apply. A winner will be announced at the end of April. This competition prize is a pair of 3-day TGE festival wristbands. These do not offer entry to The Brighton Dome headline shows. This competition is open to 18+ only. ID may be required. The prize is non-exchangeable and wristbands must be worn on the wrist at all times whilst at the festival. Line-up is subject to change. Festival goers consent to being filmed, photographed and recorded.
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NEWS
THE REAL JUNK FOOD PROJECT BRIGHTON
LATEST NEWS FOR BRIGHTON AND HOVE PRIDE 2015 SAT 1 - SUN 2 AUG
Every Friday between 1 – 3 pm at One Church on Gloucester Place, The Real Junk Food Project runs a community café. They use food waste to eradicate food poverty in Britain, in the past two months they have saved over two tonnes of food and fed well over 500 people. Working on a PAYF (Pay As You Feel) basis, their meals are available to all and what they can bring. Whether it’s a skill, donating time, or simply spreading the word – everyone is welcome.
Some major Pride announcements have been dropping recently, giving everyone an idea of how the 2015 event will bring the city’s community together once again. Taking place on Sat 1 – Sun 2 Aug, this year the 25th anniversary of Pride in the city is marked with a sensational Carnival of Diversity.
Across April, the Real Junk Food Project will be attempting to crowd-fund £15,000 for a permanent premises in Brighton, meaning they can run a community café seven days a week. The Real Junk Food Project have appeared on shows such as Jamie Oliver’s ‘Friday Night Feast’ and their anti-waste attitude is essential to eradicate both Britain’s food waste crisis as well as its food poverty crisis. In 2014, 18 million tonnes of food was wasted, while 900,000 people were reliant on food banks to survive. The Real Food Junk Project is both a logical solution, and a necessary one. One Church Brighton, Gloucester Place, Brighton www.facebook.com realjunkfoodbrighton
Registration for the epic Brighton Pride Community Parade is open until Thu 25 Jun, offering a chance to join the liveliest, most colourful, uplifting and empowering visual showcase in the city. With over 160,000 participants and spectators, it’s the perfect shop window for community groups and businesses to get their message of support for Pride, equality and diversity. The Saturday festival in Preston Park remains the UK’s biggest, best and most flamboyant Pride event, with over 14 areas filled with world-class entertainment, community engagement and fantastic celebrations. The Family Diversity Area also returns to the park event, bigger than ever before. It will provide a dedicated social space for LGBTQ families to enjoy a proud day together. This life-affirming spectacular, fuelled by pride, love and campaigning will once again be rocking to some of the world’s best music acts. Fatboy Slim, everybody’s favourite big beat maestro is returning to Brighton Pride for the Wild Fruit Big Top
finale. Chart-topping wonder Jess Glynne will also be thrilling the park. Since lending her distinctive and evocative vocals to Clean Bandit’s ‘Rather Be’ and Route 94’s ‘My Love’, she’s been a Grammy award-winner and double Brit nominee. Also wowing the park will be critically acclaimed Hercules & Love Affair. This ever-evolving music collective promise to entertain, empower and enthral you. The Pride Village Party will return after the success of last year’s venture raised around £65,000 for the Rainbow fund. This safe and purposeful event takes over a large chunk of Kemp Town for the weekend, offering two days of celebration and entertainment. An exciting new community history project will be unveiled for the 2015 celebrations. BrightonPride25 will recognise the brave campaigners, activists, artists, club promoters, performers and Pride-goers who have sharpened the local Pride movement for over a quarter of a century. As ever there is true purpose behind Brighton Pride, the last two year’s activities raised over £107,000, further united our community and celebrated the rich diversity in the city. For more details head to: www.brighton-pride.org
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THE HOBO BONOBO The Hobo celebrates April 1st out-of-towners bring. The dilemma we face is this growth is unsustainable. Not only are we lacking the infrastructure to cope with more tourists, but also the appetite to do so. Brighton has become much posher in recent years and we really don’t want to share our streets with round-faced common people who wouldn’t know their quinoa from their cous-cous.” In a move sure to arouse strong feelings, the plan proposes flattening the Moulsecoomb area and placing the construction of The Brightonesque Experience, a dedicated theme park in its place. The park would be split into quarters, each reflecting the interests of the intended visitors - Camptown, Vintageville, Hipstercity and Neverspoonsland. Wed 1 Apr saw the launch of Brighton & Hove Council’s bold new initiative to increase tourism within the city. The Brightonesque Experience, as the programme is named, is intended to draw new visitors to the area, while at the same time lowering the impact of mass tourism on the city and its inhabitants. David Daffiduq, chair of the Leisure and Pleasure Committee outlined the council’s vision for the city during a press conference held on an allotment in Moulsecoomb. “The Brightonesque Experience is an attempt to build on the success Brighton & Hove enjoy as a leading tourist destination, whilst acknowledging the toll this has taken on the area and its inhabitants,” Daffiduq said. “Visitors are the lifeblood of the city. If it is to prosper it must increase the revenue the
“Each zone will have its own distinct flavour,” Daffiduq added. “Camptown will essentially be a gay petting zoo populated by safe, easy to swallow stereotypes, whereas Vintageville will provide familiar surroundings for those who like paying through the nose for old tat. Hipstercity will be an edgy melange of crisp sandwich bars and laid-back breakfast cereal cafes for sophisticated players. Those seeking the more traditional booze and bruise knockabout atmosphere of soul-less economy drinking pens will be hard pressed to find a happier hunting ground than the fleshpots of Neverspoonsland. “ A dedicated transport hub will deliver and remove the visitors in a rapid and efficient manner, while a proposed megamoat should ensure the road sweepings of London never again disturb the city’s indigenous population’s Bank Holiday tranquillity.
THE VERSE Brighton University “The Verse is the University of Brighton’s online student newspaper, run by the students, for the students! We cover local gigs, exhibitions and events as well as comment pieces from students on politics, the environment and student life in general. This year, the editorial team is made up of Editor Olivia, Deputy Editor Alice, Co-ordinator Nina and our go-to guy for everything technical, Harry Barnes. Olivia is in her third year at Brighton studying Philosophy, Politics and Ethics, which basically means that between that and The Verse she keeps pretty busy! Alice is the one who answers all your emails; she’s studying Fashion and Dress History and is in her second year like indieenthusiast Harry who studies English Language and Linguistics. However, we wouldn’t have anything to do if it wasn’t for our star contributors! We welcome students writers from all courses, campuses and walks of life. To see more of what we do, head over to TheVerse. co.uk or email contactverse@gmail.com for more information.”
Image from left to right: Nammie Matthews (Contributor), Iara Kaiser (Contributor), Robert Bone (Contributor), Olivia Weatherill (Editor), Alice Hudson (Deputy Editor), Ned Holmes (Contributor) and Harry Barnes (Head of Technical).
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N EW BISON BEER
SEASIDE CELLULOID
BIG BALLS
7 East Street, Brighton
Emporium, Fri 10 - Sun 12 Apr
Hove Lagoon, Sun 10 May
Opening at the end of March, Bison Beer is the brainchild of two guys who have made it their business to know beer. Founders Nick Vardy and Jack Cregan want to enable Brighton beer drinkers to be able to sample the fruits of the recent craft beer revolution. The shop is a relaxed area made from reclaimed materials and offers customers the opportunity to find their favourite beers, new beers and even brew their own.
Bijou Electric Empire Forever and Emporium are teaming up to present ‘Seaside Celluloid’, a mini-film festival weekender celebrating the best films shot and set in Brighton.
Brighton Big Balls is returning on Sun 10 May, to raise awareness and to protect those man parts. Now in its third year, this unique comedy run raises funds for Orchid, the UK’s specialist male cancer charity focusing on prostate, penile and testicular cancers.
Bison Beer will also be the first shop to bring ‘Growlers’ to Brighton, originally a US idea, a growler is a 64oz beer (roughly three and a half pints in real terms), that is pressurised to stay fresh for up to six weeks. Customers will be able to try before they buy and take away fresh beer in these containers. The specialist beer shop will do more than just sell beer (of which they offer more than 320 varieties), ‘meet the brewer’ evenings are a regular feature in the shop and an upcoming brew-school collaboration is in the pipeline. There will even be iPads available that will give beer pairings for whatever you’re having for dinner. Bison Beer Crafthouse, 7 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HP www.bisonbeercrafthouse.co.uk @bisonbeer www.facebook.com/bisonbeercrafthouse
Taking place at Emporium on Fri 10 – Sun 12 Apr, its screenings include multi BAFTA award-winning Mona Lisa, where Bob Hoskins and Cathy Tysons descend into a desperate world of crime, as well as a showing of the definitive teen rebellion movie - Quadrophenia Elsewhere, Jigsaw sees two detectives try to solve a brutal murder by reconstructing the victim’s past. Based on a novel by Hilary Waugh, the pair must follow clues through seedy Brighton. 20,000 Days on Earth is a fictive 24 hours in the life of Nick Cave, celebrating his creative spirit. Premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, it won awards there for directing and editing,
The event sees entrants stumble over the beaches, groynes and man-made comedy obstacles of the city whilst carrying two large gym balls under their arms. The race number on the entrants hand matches the number on their balls, and they must finish with their own balls. That’s the extent of the rules. Local businesses kindly donate to the charity in return for putting their own obstacles on route. Infamous impediments in previous years have included the comedy Ninja’s with boxing gloves on 8’ long poles, Water bomb alley, running through buckets of wall-paper-paste into buckets of cornflakes and fitting through hanging hoops on the beach – all whilst trying to retain their balls.
Scalarama, the UK’s biggest alternative film season is also participating. Offering a look at their work this year, a discussion session and a special screening event, it’s a great platform for all forms of cinema.
The event’s organised chaos now has a loyal and increasing fan base, possibly as it’s also something of a spectator sport, with celebrity contestants such as Fat Boy Slim and Heart FM Tom & Jack taking part.
For more details, go to: www.emporiumbrighton.com
Registration is online, costs £25 and open NOW! www.brightonbigballs.com
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THIS MONTH AT BRIGHTON MARINA Easter’s a time for the family, which more often than not means finding a plethora of activities to keep them occupied until you can send them back to school. Luckily, Brighton Marina has your back by functioning as a onestop shop for all your April activities. Whether it’s sitting in front of the silver screen at the multi-screen Cineworld, or more ‘active’ pursuits such as playing Crazy Gold at Pirates Cove. And for the truly adventurous, why not take a fishing boat trip out to the breakwaters to try your hand at catching your supper from the sea. If that sounds a bit fishy (or just too much like actual work) the Marina is also home to over 20 food venues of all cuisines and budgets, none of which require you to catch your own meals. Throughout 2014-2015, the Marina have been working with their charity partner Mencap and on Fri 10 April between 6-9pm, Brighton Marina will be running a firewalk, with the Mayor there to open the event. If you fancy the challenge of running over red hot coals burning at 1200ºF you may be insane, but you may as well raise some money for a worthy cause while you do it. It’s the ultimate test of mind over matter, and is sure to impress your friends, family, and everyone else too sensible to do it. Mencap, do ask for a minimum sponsorship of £100 from their volunteers, which may sound like a lot but it’s not as difficult to raise as you think, and the Mencap fundraising team will help you talk-the-talk, so you can walk-the-(fire)walk. April also sees Europe’s biggest brokerage event take place in the shape of the Ancasta Easter Boat Collection. Taking place between Fri 3 – Sun 12 April, it is the best time to sell your boat. The Ancasta Network will give free promotion this spring time, allowing you to list your boat in their magazines and online catalogue, reaching an international audience. It’s also ideal for those looking for their next (or first) boating experience, with incentives for buyers throughout the event. So whatever your needs this Easter, the Marina has you covered. www.brightonmarina.co.uk
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Public Service Broadcasting Listen carefully
Not strangers to the Brighton music scene in any way, Public Service Broadcasting returned to the city as the support act for the Kaiser Chiefs. Having played The Haunt, The Hope, Concorde 2 and Green Door Store to name just a few, now the Brighton Centre stands as another venue to add to this list. “Brighton’s a culturally-open sort of place,” frontman J Willgoose, Esq. tells me. “So I’d like to think that people are sort of receptive here to ideas and experiences.” He’d be right about the receptiveness of the Brightonians as from their last three tours the Brighton dates have always been the ones to sell out first. Now the pair are on the verge of releasing their second album as we speak. The method behind the madness is fairly simple; Willgoose and band-mate Wrigglesworth heard there was some BFI material going online so used this resource to develop an album. A few critically acclaimed EPs later and Public Service Broadcasting released their debut album ‘Inform – Educate – Entertain’. Although they tend to get thrown into the indierock and alternative genres, the duo don’t sonically limit themselves, a fact that is evident on the recent funk-inspired single ‘Gagarin’. The song is an ode to the Russian cosmonaut who became the first human in space, with its video featuring street dancing in spacesuits.
By Reece Davis
Preceding their second album ‘The Race for Space’, ‘Gagarin’ doesn’t sound like anything on Public Service Broadcasting’s debut, something Willgoose says was intentional: “[the songs on the second album] need to be of a level that establishes you… there’s a lot of things we’ve done for the first time on this album.” Opting to create a concept album around the great space race of the 1960s, a period they described as “the most extraordinary period of history there ever was,” Public Service Broadcasting acknowledge they can never recreate the period, instead deciding to tell their own particular version of events. Willgoose maintains their music isn’t a history lesson and isn’t supposed to explain or mirror the period. The pair weren’t concerned about the change in sound, trying out new styles meant they weren’t stylistically repeating themselves and it has proven successful for them. Reception has been overwhelmingly positive; ‘The Race for Space’ debuted at Number 11 on the UK charts, besting their debut by ten places, whilst also topping the UK Indie Album Charts. However this isn’t surprising, ‘Gagarin’ had heavy radio play and the video has over 200,000 views on YouTube.
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“Brig hton’s a en p o y l l a r u t l u c ,” sort of place Squarepusher Fri 8 May Visually, Public Service Broadcasting are an interesting pair. Willgoose stands a bit taller than Wigglesworth but both have a similar fashion sense (at least today they do). Willgoose says the shielding of their identity is intentional, as neither of them are natural performers. However after seeing the ‘Gagarin’ video I’m not sure whether I believe this! Nevertheless Willgoose maintains it’s good to have a bit of enigma and anonymity: “it’s very easy to over-share these days and I think it’s kind of nice to hold something back.”
GoGo Penguin
Given there is bit of mystery surrounding Public Service Broadcasting’s appearance and neither of them provide vocals on their songs, their performances were an interesting concept to me. Using a slew of video-editing collaborators and even more archival footage, the visual element plays a major part in their live shows. Willgoose even tries his hand at some of the editing, joking the videos with the standard cuts are made by him.
Kate Tempest, George the Poet, Hollie McNish
From opening up for the Kaiser Chiefs, to a chart topping album, to their own headlining tour, it seems that 2015 is looking to be an exciting year for Public Service Broadcasting. Still, it’s the little things that make the most impact to them, “it’s nice playing a gig and looking out and seeing people smiling, so just a bit of happiness may be nice.” Public Service Broadcasting play Corn Exchange on Wed 22 Apr. Their album ‘The Race For Space’ is out now. www.publicservicebroadcasting.net Image by © Josh Redfearn
Fri 8 May
Anna Calvi Sat 9 May
DakhaBrakha Sun 10 May
Thu 14 May
Saint Etienne: How We Used to Live Thu 21 May
Cats Eyes’ live score for The Duke of Burgundy Fri 22 May
Tricky Sat 23 May
Laurie Anderson Sun 24 May Full programme at brightonfestival.org
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10 YEARS OF THE GREAT ESCAPE
Kate Tempest
Showcasing artists like Royal Blood, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Bon Iver and Adele before they achieved worldwide fame, The Great Escape (TGE) is Europe’s leading new music event. With over 400 up and coming bands playing in around 35 Brighton venues, the last ten years have seen it become the only place to experience emerging talent. “I think the music industry was crying out for a showcase event like The Great Escape,” Adam Ryan, the festival’s programmer, tells me. Adored by the fans and invaluable to the music industry hunting for the next big thing, it’s possibly the only festival in the UK where it’s considered a good thing when performer is unheard of. Bands will often find themselves on the way to being household names simply from joining its line-up, so great is the level of attention TGE involvement generates. Last year alone saw performances from Courtney Barnett, Future Islands, George Ezra, Jungle and Rae Morris, all relative unknowns who have now made a name for themselves. Little surprise bands like local act Demob Happy join the TGE line
up. “It’s the first time we have been in the official line-up, after a couple of years of trying to make ourselves known,” Matt Marcantonio, the band’s frontman says. “We might follow on with our tradition of doing some surprise gigs too but that’s all we can tell you.” Now TGE celebrates its tenth year, that’s a decade of wowing music fans eager for the latest sounds, and providing a platform for world class artists like Iggy Azalea, John Newman, Kwabs, Young Fathers, Chase and Status, Alt J, Disclosure, Haim and Anna Calvi. Certainly, discovering new music is only one aspect of the weekend. There’s also a convention, with 3000 participants flocking to panels, topical debates, keynote speeches and networking opportunities, all helping shape what everyone will be listening to in the months ahead. Also augmenting the mainstream diary is The Alternative Escape, massive headline shows at Brighton Dome, secret gigs, club nights and spontaneous (and unusual) collaborations - you won’t find a better city-bound festival anywhere. One
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Alabama Shakes
Django Django of the impromptu shows that constantly spring up across the city during TGE saw Demob Happy performing out of the back of a van. Footage of this featured in a film showing what goes on at the festival, despite their lack of official involvement. “Finally now they have got us in the line-up, which is cool,” says guitarist Adam Godfrey. The energy and enthusiasm the city’s musicians place into the event is evident. Even if no formal tie exists they still want to stamp some mark on the weekend. This makes the streets come alive, with cafes, car parks and pavements all providing platforms for performance. These magical interludes fit snugly amongst the regular schedule, sometimes offering the best sets of the festival. “It’s not the bands who go on to do anything, it’s the ones who put on these really memorable shows in the middle of the day,” Ross English tells me. Attending every year, except the first, he and his mates take discovering new music
very seriously. “You tend to get in a rut and listen to the same bands. But because I won’t have heard of 95% of the bands at TGE it forces me to go and listen to new stuff. It sets up my whole year of music.” Like many attendees English makes sure he listens to as many of the bands as possible before hand, planning out his time accordingly. In some ways, investing time in the bands beforehand is just as much a part of it. “There’s a real appetite for discovering new music,” Adam Ryan agrees. ”All the hard work we’ve put into the festival over the last ten years really shows. I think now we have a name for unearthing and showcasing talent before anyone else.” The Great Escape 2015 comes to venues, and anywhere you can squeeze a musician into, across the city on Thu 14 – Sat 16 May. www.greatescapefestival.com
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MUSIC
YOUNG GUNS
ELECTROWORX
Thu 2 Apr
Fri 3 Apr
PLANNER
GHOSTPOET Mon 6 Apr
The Haunt
The Hope & Ruin
Plenty of big-hearted rock music is coming our way as Young Guns set out on the road. Warming up the country before the release of ‘Ones and Zeros’ their third album on Mon 8 Jun, they’re descending upon Brighton, and fans will be pleased to know the band is still big on guitar hooks and heady escapism.
Brighton’s very own electronic pioneers, bitbin, bring together like-minded artists for a full night of esoteric free form music. This free show features audio-reactive visuals, live ambient synth-based collisions and brutal, but melodic, outputs. Joining bitbin are Adolescent, Pollen and Champion Fever, all of them are very different experimental acts. Each will utilise synths, drum machines, live vocals and reverb to offer a range of sonic delights. Performances on the night will be intersected by modular synthesis performer VCOADSR. Expansive, experimental and electronic, with absolutely no staring at laptops – guaranteed!
Komedia
www.thehauntbrighton.co.uk
www.drinkinbrighton.co.uk/hope-and-ruin
Last month’s new album ‘Shedding Skin’ demonstrated fresh thinking and a confident stride into previously uncharted waters for Obaro Ejimiwe, a vocalist, musician and the best MC in Coventry since Neville Staple. Dripping in indie, the new Ghostpoet release certainly offers a new and smoother musical direction than previous efforts. The album’s ten songs embrace, unite and narrate his real life observations, all recorded with a traditional live set up with what has become a touring band. The self-produced release also features guest vocals from Nadine Shah, Etta Bond, Melanie De Biasio, Lucy Rose and Maxïmo Park’s Paul Smith, setting a new precedent as his best work yet. www.komedia.co.uk/brighton
POLAR BEAR
OF MONTREAL
KWABS
Wed 15 Apr
Mon 20 Apr
Displaying considerable talents, as both songwriters and musicians, this is one band with a big collection of powerful catchy tunes. So, if you like swelling stadium rock, here’s the group for you…
Tue 21 Apr
Komedia
The Haunt
Komedia
The 2014 Mercury-nominated Polar Bear return to Brighton with their experimental jazz and loads of left-field electronica. Although still appearing on the jazz circuit, now the keyboards and odd little soundscapes all jostle for dominance in their output. Playing around with echo machines and exploring new recording methodologies, it’s tough to find a common influence throughout the band’s work, so for that reason alone they are something very special. With mutant rocked-up funky grooves, the Komedia will be bouncing with their spiced mix and freely improvised magic.
Formed in Athens, Georgia, Of Montreal are among the second wave of groups to emerge from The Elephant 6 Recording Company. Like their contemporaries they combine, and experiment with, a number of musical styles. With catchy pop melodies and sing-along choruses, the band’s style was born from conventional indie pop, psychedelic music, vaudeville and music hall. Recently they’ve added influence from afrobeat, funk, krautrock and reggae to keep their sound fresh and exciting. Last month saw their most unflinching, confessional and starkly emotional albums yet - ‘Aureate Gloom’.
South London soul star Kwabs has started to shine this year. Trading in bass-heavy R&B with rich vocals, it’s all backed up by crisp and clever production. After bouncing around the internet with his atmospheric, creative and distinctive material, he’s now being touted as the next big thing. With first album ‘Love + War’ coming in May, everything points to the critics getting it right for once.
www.komedia.co.uk/brighton
www.thehauntbrighton.co.uk
www.komedia.co.uk/brighton
So now Britain may have found a soul sensation to ably rival the invading US imports. There might be plenty of commercial appeal here, but for once it’s not a dirty phrase.
SponsoredBN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK by [ 15 ]
MARCH MCBUSTED
JAILBREAK
Tue 7 Apr
Fri 10 Apr Brighton Centre
Like a 12 legged sex machine, the boys from Britain’s number one super-group (after Band Aid at least) are coming to town. They might be older, perhaps wiser and a little less athletic, but there’s no sign of a let up in the no-nonsense good time pop rock antics, especially with the recent release of their debut album.
YOUNG KATO Sat 11 Apr Concorde 2
The Haunt
Two of the country’s best rock tribute acts are back in town. Limehouse Lizzy have now clocked up 21 years in the game, so the Thin Lizzy-alikes are celebrating with their most explosive show yet. Now they have managed to squeeze a co-headline tour into their usually exhausting schedule.
Six piece Young Kato release their captivating debut album ‘Don’t Wait ‘Til Tomorrow’ on Mon 3 May, with its anthemic lead single, ‘Children of The Stars’ dropping the same day. Their epic tunes have won them support from the likes of BBC Radio 1, XFM, Absolute Radio, Sunday Brunch, Made in Chelsea, SBTV & Clash, and tours alongside acts including You Me At Six, Rixton, and 5 Seconds of Summer. Perky, ambitious and uplifting, the youngsters could be making 2015 their year.
The city’s ladies of a certain age will be flocking to get their fill of synchronised jumping, infectious energy and epic staging. Love them or hate them, there’s no denying McBusted are still the go-to guys for feel good pop music.
Joining them are Livewire, the unique six man tribute to rock’s other greatest band AC/DC. Complete with trademark cannons, a wall of Marshalls and the power of High Voltage Rock and Roll. And in AC/DC’s 40th year, the band bring you a rock night to remember.
www.brightoncentre.co.uk
www.concorde2.co.uk
www.thehauntbrighton.co.uk
DUKE SPECIAL
I AM KLOOT
ARCANE ROOTS
Thu 23 Apr
Fri 24 Apr Komedia
Uplifting and thoroughly wonderful, Duke Special is carving a tasty trade in massive pop anthems, The Ulster born singer songwriter and gramophone impresario, has superbly crafted this new collection of catchy, rousing and lyrically poignant tracks. His comeback album ‘Look Out Machines!’ sees a release on Sun 5 Apr, exploring new musical ground with collaborations from Iain Archer, Phil Wilkinson and Gary Clark. An epic album from a unique artist, it’s a grand gesture of a record that displays a rare and timeless quality, speaking with a refined eloquence. www.komedia.co.uk/brighton
Wed 29 Apr Concorde 2
The dawning of the new Millennium saw their live debut with a show at London Kashmir Club supported by nascent fourpiece The Libertines. Years later, and the two acts become entwined once more with the release of I Am Kloot’s live album ‘Hold Back The Night’ this month, nestling rather appropriately on Peter Doherty imprint Walk Tall Recordings. The Manchester trio are something of a cult proposition. While writing clever songs with genuine poignancy, they’ve somehow never encountered the big time, despite the catchy and understated nature of their music. Who cares, when relative anonymity gives the freedom to write tunes like these? www.concorde2.co.uk
Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar With debut album ‘Blood and Chemistry’ out in the public domain, this prog-tinged outfit is a winning a lot of converts. A full UK tour is now demonstrating how full and sweeping their live sound can be. Whilst there is a certain amount of fretwanking involved, Arcane Roots don’t shy away from embracing the occasional pop sensibility. With a singer deploying a massive voice, a group of musicians capable of supporting elaborate arrangements and a host of heartfelt anthemic theatrics, this is one band that need to break-through.
www.drinkinbrighton.co.uk/stickymikesfrogbar
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CLUB
TECH-NOIR EASTER SPECIAL
DUBCONSCIOUS
Thu 2 Apr
Sun 5 Apr Bar 76 Hove
Most of us have four days off, so TechNoir returns with a big Easter egg full of underground house and uplifting tech, with Mat Playford heading up the fun. Releasing quality electronic dance music for many years on labels such as Skint, Southern Fried, Saved and Hard Times, Playford’s eclectic style has received critical acclaim from every corner.
PLANNER
ROUTE 94 Sat 18 Apr The Arch
The Gladstone It’s Easter, time to shake off the winter blues and get down to business, because it’s the best weekend of the year. Marking this are DUBconscious, who’ll be bringing their fully hand crafted sound system to soothe the nerves of anyone who didn’t get enough chocolate.
Treatment Brighton bring the rising house star to the revitalised and rebranded The Arch. Emerging with a cluster of dance floor smashes a few years ago, Route 94 has quietly yet forcefully established himself as a distinctive young figure in the bass music scene. His music betrays his long evenings locked deep into mesmerising four-to-thefloor grooves. In support comes Ben Pearce, a name that is synonymous with ‘What I Might Do’, the oddly anthemic deep-house debut dominating club floors across the world in 2012. Expect a night of technical prowess and underground magic.
Playford joins Tech-noir glitterati Nick Hook and Brody, plus Tony Waller, Pat Waller, Rob Holme, Terry Waller and Paul Hilditch, for what will be an absolute monster of a party.
Joining them are Dreadbeat, so expect a proper session of good booze and great company. It’s free and full of reggae, dub, steppas and dubplates, musicians, DJs, random noises and a lot of love for the dub. What’s not to enjoy?
www.tech-noirclub.com
www.facebook.com/dubconscioussound
www.thearch.club
NORMAN JAY
DJ EZ
WHITE MINK
Sat 18 Apr
Sat 25 Apr Concorde 2
We Like You present the daddy of soulful underground house music. Since the 80s Mr Jay has been rocking the warehouse scene with his Shake ‘n’ Fingerpop. Since then he’s proven himself as one of the greatest DJs on the scene, becoming a regular on Kiss FM and the BBC through his involvement with Gilles Peterson’s Talkin’ Loud label.
Fri 1 May Concorde 2
Supercharged presents an unpatrolled evening of garage, house and bass music. Heading the line-up is the legendary DJ EZ. Possibly the greatest UK garage DJ ever, EZ has an innate ability to transform even the most familiar anthem into something new and exciting.
The Old Market Imagine a riotous speakeasy, where the sounds and styles of the 1920s and 30s are turned on their head and given a modern twist. Offering electro swing and speakeasy jazz, the event has become something of a phenomenon.
In 2002, Jay’s championing of underground music earned him the honour of being bestowed an MBE. Support for the night comes in the form of The Church, Son of Dave and Ye Ye Fever.
With an incredibly high mixing standard, every drop will rock the party. There might be little for the train spotters here though, because EZ is all about getting the room moving. You’ll need some amazing support to keep the party flowing, and Wookie, Monki and Curious are more than up to the task.
Now White Mink run regularly sold out nights in London, their own pop-up events across the country and stages at dozens of major UK festivals since 2009. Bringing together the finest DJs, VJs, live bands, dancers, cabaret and burlesque performers, this is guaranteed to be an unforgettable and unrivalled speakeasy experience.
www.concorde2.co.uk
www.concorde2.co.uk
www.theoldmarket.com
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 17 ]
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Jo Harman She’s got soul
By Stuart Rolt
From North Devon to North America, 2015 is looking to be a landmark year for Jo Harman. Existing on the periphery of modern mainstream music, her spellbinding voice and hardworking attitude is beginning to bring the fame she deserves. Combining elements from blues, soul and gospel, she comfortably sits beside the classic 70s generation of female singers, both in power and range. While her soaring and emotional voice is a magnificent instrument, she has also demonstrated an exceptional song writing skills.
a year to develop her skills. “I gained a lot of experience. It was so great to meet like-minded people.” Already well-trained in classical music, classical musician, she also grew up playing in various jazz and soul bands. The college and its inspirational tutors offered a chance to explore where Harman wanted to be positioned as a performer. She’s adamant their programme of live performance workshops and the rich creative environment gave her the confidence she needed to head out on her own. “…and it brought me to Brighton!”
Despite its cultural prominence there are scant platforms for soul music outside the US, beyond a few token programming slots. Despite this, a large, almost underground, network exists to promote the genre to fellow enthusiasts. Harman remains reluctant to ally herself with any one style though. “I’ve been put into this niche, but at the end of the day I do what I do.,” she tells me. “If people pick up on that it’s great, but I’m not making records to fit in with something.”
Harman maintains major label domination is driving blandness in modern music. Things are slowly changing, but the industry certainly needs to move away from its promotion of pop vapidity and how it encourages kids to dress and act. “It makes me sick that kids are growing up listening to that stuff.” Her bemusement over the hyper-sexualised antics in chart videos is mirrored by her work with Amnesty International. Realising the responsibility of her own position, she’s heavily involved with the organisation’s My Body, My Rights campaign. Working across the world, this highlights how everyone should be able to make their own decisions over health, sexuality and reproduction. “It’s a really amazing and important campaign. There’s some really scary shit going on around the world, and I feel really passionate about that.”
The death of her father proved a catalyst for Harman’s career, striking while she was still evaluating where her live should lead. “My instinct was that I missed music terribly. It was about making a decision to be happy, because I was struggling with my grief.” Auditioning for a place at BIMM just before heading off travelling, Harman subsequently attended the Brighton music college for
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 19 ]
“It m akes me s sick th at kid up are growi ng listeni ng to th at stuff.” I get something of an admission that she still feels insecure sometimes. It’s reassuring a burgeoning soul legend can still encounter trouble with everyday emotions, just like us normal people. When speaking about passion in music, she speaks fondly of Lauryn Hill, describing of her amazement upon hearing her ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ album. “You just get a sense that she means it. I don’t think a lot of singers can do that.” The next few months brings another tour getting underway, as well as the release of her debut album in France. This collection of 11 songs sees Harman’s broad gospel, soul and blues influences perfectly balanced by nuanced production flourishes across every track. A gorgeous, heartfelt and earnest set of songs, it goes some way to demonstrate her full potential. Compared to many artists her career advancement would seem almost glacial. But hers is a different ascent, away from the brief flickering of most pop starlets public life. Constant touring and self-releasing her material provide a grass roots approach to the music industry, one that offers a more involved, less fleeting, and geographically diverse audience. Now there’s serious talk of taking her gospelpowered soul music to the other side of the Atlantic. Naturally she’s demure about her chances, venturing her American completion will be way fiercer. She’s maybe more excited about visiting the States for the first time. “If anything, all this travelling has taught me just how big the world is. “ Jo Harman’s debut studio album ‘Dirt on My Tongue’ is out now www.joharman.com/shop
[ 20 ] BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK
THE BRIGHTON MUSIC CONFERENCE Brighton Music Conference (BMC) has revealed the first details of its programme of events at The Dome on Friday 5th & Saturday 6th June 2015.
Live 9 and Push in the company of Ableton Certified Trainers and get creative insights and inspiration from artists via a series of workshops and panels.
BMC provides a platform for aspiring DJs, music makers and industry professionals alike to connect through a series of panels, networking events and three nights of parties across Brighton. The event also hosts a tech exhibition with master classes and showcases.
BMC’s official charity partners include Youth Music and Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (LNADJ) charitable foundation, both who make a positive impact on the lives of young people and their communities.
The UK’s only electronic music conference has lined up two days of master classes, panel discussions and talks featuring guest speakers from established brands including representatives from YouTube, Beatport, BBC Radio 1/BBC 1Xtra, Ableton, AFEM, Native Instruments, Hospital Records, Believe Digital, Mobilee and DJ Magazine. Key artists already confirmed to speak include Dave Clarke, Tom Demac, and Icicle, with many more to be announced.
Reflecting the concept behind BMC, tickets are split between BMC Professional (for industry professionals) and BMC Academy Pass (for students and non-professionals). Event tickets are now on sale via the BMC website: www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk The Brighton Music Conference will run from 10am to 5-30pm on Fri 5 June and 10am to 5pm on Sat 6 June 2015.
Panel topics for this year span the music industry, including the latest developments in streaming, publishing, monetisation, live, digital broadcasting, legal, synch, social media, the DIY route (for artists and labels), Ibiza, and beyond. This year’s equipment and technology exhibition features an amazing 60 exhibitors, including Ableton who are returning for BMC 2015. Visitors to BMC Academy will be able to check out
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW FROM WWW.BRIGHTONMUSICCONFERENCE.CO.UK
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 21 ]
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[ 22 ] BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK
Demob Happy By Holly Cozens
So The Great Escape Festival rears its glorious head again for the 10th year running this May and as usual, people are suffering slight organisational breakdowns as they try to plan and cram in as many acts as they can over the three exciting days. While The Great Escape are always reliable in their tailored choice of talent, we at BN1 like to take a look a little closer to home for some of our recommendations. Meet Demob Happy - Matt Marcantonio (lead singer, bass), Mathew Renforth (guitarist - who is better known as Rennie, not Mat with one ‘t’), Adam Godfrey (guitarist/former Harry Potter nerd) and Tom Armstrong (drummer and avid fan of The Blues Brothers) - four guys from Newcastle who have been together for over six years and taken up residence by the seaside. Known for their authenticity, the Demob boys have built up a reputable presence here in Brighton through various regular gigs, including one of the city’s most popular rock nights Late Night Lingerie and previous appearances for The Great Escape’s Alt line-up. This year, they have released their debut
EP ‘Young & Numb’, signed with music label SO Recordings and began their European tour, which will end up back here for their last date on Fri 24 Apr at The Haunt. Phew. When I went to catch up with Demob Happy last month while they were recording new material in Eastbourne, it’s hard not to feel intimidated. These guys aren’t just starting out; they have been and are very committed to making music since they were teenagers, gaining popularity purely through just doing what they do. No bullshit. However, after being welcomed into the flat with a proper cup of tea and a decent biscuit, I found myself in the presence of four very ‘down-to-earth’ guys. Matt and Rennie have known each other since they were 11, firstly acquaintances and then became friends in sixth form in Newcastle. “We decided to go to music college where we met Tom. We were all in bands here and there. We didn’t have any intention of starting a band when we moved but we all moved together and we wanted to start taking music seriously. As seriously as you can anyway at 17. That’s when we met Tom.”
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As usual, whenever a new band builds momentum on the scene, there is a hapless need to compare them to acts of a similar sound. While Demob Happy provide us with effortlessly refreshing rock tunes occasionally reminiscent of 90s grunge - the boys tire of lazy parallels. “We were never massively into Nirvana despite us getting compared to them with our new single ‘Young & Numb’. People like to contextualise new music, which is weird sometimes. I guess the harmonies and the melodic style, the chords we play, lends itself to a certain kind of thing Nirvana did. We use close harmonies because we’re massive Beatles fans and so were they, so I guess it’s more common origin as opposed to us wanting to write anything like a Nirvana song. But then it totally changes into a bunch of other stuff so yeah, it’s a bit mad how people try to pigeonhole who you are.” While I sit cradling my tea, they all talk animatedly about their involvement with The Great Escape. “It’s the first time we have been in the official line-up, after a couple of years of trying to make ourselves known” Adam says. “They have used footage of us previously when we were doing gigs out of the van and the party we did at Nowhere Man café (owned by Matt’s brother) you know, for the unofficial part to promote The Great Escape. Finally now they have got us in the line-up which is cool.” Without wishing to disappoint their loyal followers, Matt talks about other possible appearances – “We might follow on with our tradition of doing some surprise gigs too but that’s all we can tell you (laughs).”
Demob Happy started properly in 2008. Moving down to Brighton was a mutual decision that came after visiting friends, advancing their musical career - “We thought it was really cool. Newcastle didn’t have a lot going for it in terms of people seeing local bands and obviously you kinda get bored in your hometown sometimes so Brighton was fresh and exciting.” While interest in new music is predominant here in the city, Matt and Tom both emphasised how rock nights such as the legendary Late Night Lingerie were paramount in bringing the right audiences to what they were offering when they first arrived. “I think Late Night Lingerie is a big part of bands being able to get themselves known a bit more in Brighton. A few years ago before we did our first gig with them we really struggled to find any rock shows to play at. We put on our own shows but there was no one to support us. We discovered Late Night Lingerie and it was like ‘whoa!’ No matter what arc we go on, we would always come back and do Late Night Lingerie for Eddie [Goatman, founder] because they are just fucking great.”
One thing that strikes me the most when talking to the guys from Demob Happy is they are not afraid to work hard. While my hour with them was nothing if not relaxing, they are in the midst of recording new material, getting ready to go on tour and after that, will throw themselves into The Great Escape festivities. It is no wonder they are finally getting the recognition they deserve - “It’s cool to get the recognition, we started young and we have been doing this for quite a while.” Matt speaks very practically about the development of the band – “We did the groundwork and establishing how we want to do things, our identity and stuff. We have always done stuff purely off our own backs so when people came to us about things, we always said we want to do it our way otherwise we weren’t interested. That is just always how we’ve done it.” Demob Happy will be playing with Big Society on Fri 24 Apr at The Haunt and perform at The Great Escape on 14 – 16 May. www.demob-happy.com
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Komedia Brighton Make ‘em laugh Komedia announced their May Festival line-up back in February, ahead of both Brighton Festival and Fringe. Journalist Harry Barnes sat down with co-founder and director Colin Granger, to talk about their history with the Fringe and Brighton culture, and what they do to cater for Brighton’s many students. Brighton Fringe is extremely popular, and you are quite central to it, have you found the popularity for that has changed in recent years? The Fringe did build up, I think it is in very good condition now and doing very well. It’s much bigger, but there were quite a few years especially near the beginning where it was quite tough. It had to compete against Brighton Festival, which was so well established, and it had to find out what it was. I was very heavily involved in the Fringe for a while, so it is a great thing to see happening for Brighton today. It has its own audience, gets some really good shows, which is what we like to see! We proudly say it is the second best in the UK, to Edinburgh. And Komedia as a venue itself, how has it changed for you since you opened? Well the Latest Music Bar used to be a derelict building, which we restored to a little venue and spent far too much money on! In the beginning, it was just the right sort of time as comedy
By Harry Barnes was really taking off in the country. We had a lot of famous people who loved coming to us - such as Al Murray - who was one of the first in the door really. It was an exciting time. We had a policy of being a theatre and cabaret venue, which was our background as we love it. We loved international physical theatre, which had never been shown in this country before, and so was our speciality when we moved to our current building. We then received an Arts Council grant, which was wonderful. Six years later, this was cut and we had to stop doing anything in the upstairs space, now Duke’s @ Komedia. You have to have funding to do professional theatre, it is impossible to do so without. So, we basically were having a bad time for a few years until we came up with the perfect solution. We used to show films so when Duke of Yorks wanted another cinema, it was perfect. It is a great use of that space. Why was the cut taken, was that the government’s decision? Yes, well, the Arts Council’s decision. Basically, you must never rely on grants. Our saving was that our comedy programme was so strong with the Krater Comedy Club. That’s been running for about 15 years now, and it is a really strong club, winning a Chortle Award again for the Best Comedy Venue in the south. We were incredibly lucky we have that lively and
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successful club, and that kept us afloat. Other venues that did not have anything else, fell under. Now, we are doing quite well as we are smaller, and we can afford to run our own theatre productions, for the first time last year. You do have quite a lot of events on at Komedia for Brighton Fringe, it must be quite hard to balance it? Yeah, obviously the mix is quite hard. For most of the year we don’t do much cabaret, or as much as we would like to do. It works quite well and we do have quite a lot of comedy here too. Our monthly ‘Comic Boom’ night, and a Jill Edwards Comedy Workshop, which has been going for years now. It has been incredibly successful, with lots of top comics you see on the telly having started there - Jimmy Carr for example. More recently, we had Romesh Ranganathan start off there and he’s typical of the progression. Usually around the best twelve from her course ‘graduate’, some moving onto Comic Boom. If they are really ready, they can get their first professional paid spot in the Krater Comedy Club, on a Thursday maybe or a Sunday. It’s a real course of progression! Romesh played at the Brighton University student union bar a couple of weeks ago, so it does seem you do have quite the platform for comics? Romesh is a great talent and now he is on telly! So many great acts don’t make it on telly, as they are not ‘TV acceptable’ - slightly too strong in their language or ideas. What would you say to tempt students who are reading this interview, and haven’t been to Komedia before, into visiting? Well! I would say there is a lot on in Brighton for students. Comedy is so universal, so students generally like it – and we know that. We do make a big effort to keep it cheap and affordable for them, with Krater, Comic Boom and Bent Double. Bent Double has just won the national Chortle Award for the Best Comedy Club in Britain too. We get lots of students to those shows, and for the price of around £5 to see professional circuit comedians, it’s not to be missed! Visit: www.komedia.co.uk/brighton and see what’s on over April
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Mr Bake Presents…. The guys from local Brighton food company Mr Bake present an awesome evening celebrating everything Masterchef! Come along and grill, sauté and digest stories from 3 top ex Masterchef contestants; Natalie Coleman Winner from 2013 who has just released her first book, Steven Edwards Winner of Masterchef Professionals 2013 who has shown his culinary skills world wide & Stacie Stewart semi-finalist in 2010, regular TV face and owner of Eat Naked, a brand new cafe in Brighton!
Learn the secrets from the show and get up close and personal with the panelists who are ready and willing to answer your burning foodie questions! There’s an awesome raffle bursting with top goodies from local Brighton producers and all the cake you can eat!
Tickets are £10 (£8.50 for concessions) and you can get them from the box office number (above) or via the venues website: www.otherplacebrighton.co.uk/1504/mr-bake-presents-masterchef
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Louie Spence
By Stuart Rolt
Talks about The Producers
“
all we’ve got to do is make sure we’re fabulous!
There was only one question asked when anyone heard I spoke to Louie Spence last month. People’s need to know what he was truly like, took precedence over any other detail of our conversation. The truth is, he was simply normal. Enthusiastic, charming and chatty certainly, but today Spence seems distant from his familiar high-kicking TV caricature. As we speak he’s just off to Bromley, the first stop for him on the nationwide tour of The Producers. He’s certainly upbeat about finally getting the show to the preview stage. “It’s nice to move from the rehearsal studios to having an audience,” he tells me. “So it’s now good fun.” This darkly comic show is based upon the 1968 film of the same name. A theatre producer and an imaginative accountant conspire to stage a sure-fire flop, before absconding with the investor’s money. Their production aims to be the most tactless show ever performed - an all-singing, all-dancing, piece called “Springtime for Hitler”, but nothing is simple… “It’s won so many awards, the theatre show and the film, and it’s got a great script and a great score. So most of the hard work is already done, all we’ve got to do is make sure we’re fabulous!” It’s familiar territory for Spence, who performed in shows like Cats and Miss Saigon before emerging as a reality star. Following this he found himself travelling the world to dance with pop acts like Take That and the Spice Girls. Later on he would be working on both sides of the Atlantic as a reality talent show judge, but it was whilst working as artistic director at Pineapple Dance Studios that he truly drew the public’s attention. A Sky 1 reality show documented the larger than life characters using those facilities, with Spence and his wild affectations taking centre stage. His antics grabbed viewers affections and facilitated his own show, judging slots on Dancing on Ice, an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother and a short stay on celebrity ski jumping show - Jump. “I love doing
reality, because it’s not formatted. You can be free, I’m able to pick up on things and make good fun of a situation.” Spence freely admits he’s not usually employed to bring a debate on current affairs, people being more interested in seeing him embarrass minor royals or slinging acerbic put-downs. He’s employed to exaggerate a certain side of his personality, like most people in show business. “It’s more disappointing when people think I’m unhappy because I not kicking my legs up in the air, especially if I’m doing my shopping… just like anyone else.” Whilst recent pantomimes have seen Spence return to the stage, The Producers is certainly his most structured role for ages. Sticking to a rigid set of instructions might present a challenge for someone who revels in spontaneity, but this is originally what he trained for. Having this structure could even take away the responsibility of having to be his TV persona all the time. This sardonic look at theatrical convention sees Spence line up alongside Cory English, Jason Manford, Tiffany Graves and Phill Jupitus. “It’s a particular type of show, you have to cast it well as it’s so character driven.” For a fun and fast paced show with outrageousness at the core of its appeal, Spence is an inspired choice. He plays Carmen Ghia, the colourful assistant to the equally flamboyant director Roger De Bris. Played by the Olivier Award-winning David Bedella, the actor’s friends all shared a familiar curiously. “When they heard he was working with me, the first thing they all said was: ‘What’s he really like?’ Of course I’m not like that all the time! It would just be stupid and annoying.” Louie Spence appears in The Producers - The Musical, at Theatre Royal Brighton, on Mon 13 Apr - Sat 18 Apr.
AL E M E N O Y BU NK I R D A D N A HER T O N A T E G ADILLAS, ON ANY BU RRITOS, QU ES ! E OS FR E TACOS, SALADS OR NACH
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 29 ]
MUCHO BURRITO 53-54 NORTH ST BRIGHTON
VALID 1ST - 30TH APRIL 2015, NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, 1 VOUCHER PER CUSTOMER, USE DISCOUNT CODE BN1
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[ 30 ] BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK
r… e n r o c e h t d n u ro is g in r Sp
Since Christmas we’ve been busy launching some of our biggest campaigns and events in our social calendar. In January we welcomed back students after their break, and co-launched the National Student Survey with the University. February was a great month for us; we had the Winter Ceremonies where our Student Leadership Team got to meet Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, as he received his ‘Alumni of the Year’ Award. We had our annual Student Volunteering Week, this was a week of activities and a thank you to students who volunteer for us- they are essential to the running of Brighton Students’ Union. Our nomination period also opened for our Students’ Union Leadership Election 2015. On Friday 13th Feb our part-time Moulsecoomb rep held a brilliant live music event ‘Help for Hearts’ on campus to raise money for British Heart Foundation. Off the back of this, we have decided that our next project will be ‘Help the Homeless’. This project aims to deliver donated items such as baby wipes, dog food, gloves and tampons to the homeless people of Brighton.
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 31 ]
BRIGHTON AND SUSSEX STUDENTS FO DEADLI N R RE GIST E REGISTER YOUR VOTE TODAY AND ERI TO V OTE NG A PRIL YOU COULD WIN TICKETS TO OUR 20TH HUGE PARTY AT PRYZM ON MAY 4TH
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Brighton Students’ Union and Sussex Students’ Union have been awarded £15,000 Ca nd ice Arm ah by en t the Cabinet Office to run a voter Pre sidand BS UNUS www .brig hton su.c omcampaign in order to get as many registration of you registered as possible. Therefore, we’ve decided to throw a huge FREE party on May 4th at Pryzm Brighton and you’re all invited! We’ll have prizes and a big act headlining on the night – more details will be announced very shortly.
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In order to enter the competition and win tickets to this party, all you have to do is send proof that you’ve registered to BSUVote@ dents ur Stu brighton.ac.uk. This can be’ Un a ion screenshot A message from yo all from the registrationUnpage or a letter agi ngthat our enc ion are pow er to e thethe reg ist er to vot e. ts to ud ent s hav den from Council (example below!). stu the im pac t on
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Attach your proof to choose We hav e the pow er wh o: the following ho rep res ent s us, and beh alf our . makes dec isions on ort and Yo ur vot e, yo ur say ter tod ay. bou t hou sin g, transp den ts’ Re gis Full Name | Nationality | Institution Stu ton edu cat ion . Bri gh Course | Year
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A message from yo pow er to Stu den ts hav e the on the t make a hu ge im pac run . way that our cit y is to choose We hav e the pow er wh o rep res ent s us, and o wh A message from your Students’ Union our beh alf makes dec isions on ort and sin g, transp hou utare abo Students have the power to Union encouraging all Stu den ts’ Bri gh ton make a huge impact on the students to .register to vote. cat ion edu way that our city is run.
We have the power to choose who represents us, and who makes decisions on our behalf about housing, transport and education. Brighton Students’
In the last election, Brighton Pavilion was decided by less than 1,300 votes. Your vote, your say. Register today.
Candice Armah BSU President www.brightonsu.com
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[ 32 ] BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK
Towards the end of February we held a Course Rep conference, which gave students the opportunity to develop skills that will help them be great Course Reps but also in future careers. Our RaG week began with a bang in Eastbourne, raising £4,065 at Dance Rivals. We had some excellent events on our Brighton campuses as well including Take Me Out night which was raised over £600, and a Comedy Night with 3 up-and-coming comedians raised £178. The money raised at the Brighton RaG events will be going to 3 charities, 2 of which are Brighton local charities. During March we had our Annual Membership Meeting (AGM), which all students were invited to, this was an opportunity for students to help shape their Students’ Union. Alongside this our Impact Report 2014 was released, which shows our achievements over the last academic year and our financial report. Our voting period for the Students’ Union Leadership Election made sure student’s voices matter, and by 20th March we had our new Student Leadership Team for 2015-16. We’ve had a great few months, and looking forward to the rest of the semester with our summer events like our Excellence Awards, Hastings Hollywood Ball and the Eastbourne Garden Party.
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 33 ]
Community Organising keeps on growing in Brighton. Since starting to work as Community Organisers in Brighton last July, Valentina and I have spoken to over 500 residents in and around the city centre of Brighton. That’s 500 conversations with people sharing what they love and what concerns them about their communities. We are working directly with residents on projects that they have come up with themselves to improve their areas – it’s a fantastic job and we love it! So we were over the moon when our host organisation, the University of Brighton Students Union announced that they were expanding their support of Community Organising by giving 25 student residents and non-student residents the opportunity to join a volunteer training programme. This 6 month programme kicked off in February with a training weekend run by the Union’s Senior Community Organiser, Dot Kirk. Brighton was the first Students’ Union in England to employ a full time Community Organiser in October 2013. This is what Dot has to say about the programme:
“
g Programme! We have a launch of our Volunteer Trainin I’m really excited about the the table. One month in, our erent experiences to bring to strong team with lots of diff to go out door knocking. ing us in our work and begun volunteers have been shadow Community Organisers but work as our full time Trainee They will do the same sort of port. They will be working with lots of training and sup for a couple of hours a week ghton as well as in Moulsecoomb campuses in Bri around the Grand Parade and that lives in local ryo s work shows that eve ne thi t tha e hop I gs. tin Has er you study Eastbourne and and make a difference wheth live y the ere wh in st ere int areas can take an or work there
Now that Valentina and I have been door knocking for almost 8 months, it has been a real pleasure to take the volunteers out with us and show them the ropes and we have also been ask to run some of their training sessions, sharing what we have learnt in our first year as Community Organisers. I asked Hattie, one of the volunteers what she thought of her first few weeks on the programme:
“
“
I have loved learning about community organising. Goi ng out door knocking has ma me feel for the first time tha de t Brighton is my home – it is great speaking directly to residents about how they fee l about their community.
We believe in face to face conversations where we listen to your views, your loves, concerns and ideas. Our methods come from the training that all our organisers received as part of Locality’s national Community Organiser Programme. http://www.cocollaborative.org.uk/what-community-organising To find out more about the history of Community Organising search on Infed: http://infed.org/
[ 34 ] BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK
News and Updates from the Brighton Students’ Union Sustainability Project Launched in early 2014, Bright n Green is a project being led by Brighton Students’ Union and funded by the NUS Student Green Fund. The aim is to engage students with the sustainability, focusing on three key themes: transport, accommodation and employability. The Project has hit the ground running in 2015, working with students and communities. One of the projects’ main events so far this year was its annual Green Week, which was held in March. It proved to be a great success, reaching out to more students and staff by raising awareness of the variety of environmental initiatives within, and associated with the University. The Big Campus Roadshow hit all five of the University’s campuses, giving out energy and water saving freebies, repairing bikes and promoting a number of local environmental initiatives. Bright n Green also co-hosted an evening of inspiring talks held at the Sallis Benney Theatre, Grand Parade in February. This was part of the Zero Carbon Britain (ZCB) research project, from the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). The project aims to increase awareness and understanding of action needed to create a net zero carbon emission society, with current technology. Lead Speakers included Caroline Lucas, Green party MP for Brighton Pavilion and Paul Allen from CAT, a contributing author to the ZCB report. A video from this event can be found at www.facebook.com/BSUbrightngreen
Community members, University staff and students at the most recent Fork and Dig it volunteer day.
Bright n Green has also been working closely with a local community agricultural Project called Fork & Dig It. Student Volunteers were recruited for an action-packed day of groundwork and construction activities such as building a huge thermodynamic compost heap and developing vegetable plots in Stanmer Park. Thanks to them, the project is set up for a successful harvest over the upcoming summer. This is just one example of how Bright n Green connects students with sustainable businesses and organisations to increase employability! Learn more about Fork & Dig It at: www.forkanddigit.co.uk Bright n Green’s well established Bicycle co-op is a service providing new and used bikes, parts, maintenance tips, repairs and more. It has recently undergone a total re-brand, with fantastic promotional artwork from talented Brighton students, to go up on display at the Co-op Base next to Mithras House. Be sure to keep an eye out! Bright n Green will continue to represent Brighton Students’ Union and their commitment to sustainability throughout this year. In celebration of all of its achievements and successes over the past two years, Bright n Green will be holding an exhibition at the Brighthelm Centre, on the 26th of May. Be sure to check out their website, and keep up to date with their social media pages for more upcoming events and information!
Student mechanics and Bike users gaining useful maintenance skills at the Bike co-op training
Have a question? Want to know how you could get involved? Contact: BSUgreenSU@brighton.ac.uk Or visit us at: www.brightonsu.com/brightngreen
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 35 ]
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THEATRE
STANDBY FOR TAPE BACK-UP
MUSCOVADA
Sat 4 Apr
Wed 8 – Thu 9 Apr The Old Market
PLANNER
PYRAMIDS OF MARGATE / ANNOYING THE NEIGHBOURS Marlborough Theatre
Sat 11 Apr
Otherplace at the Basement
Ross Sutherland found himself housebound with only one thing for company: an old videotape that once belonged to his granddad. Over the following months Ross memorised every second of the tape. Slowly, he learnt how to manipulate the images into telling the story of his life. The videotape allowed Ross to open a dialogue with his late grandfather, and eventually helped him confront the illness that had nearly ended his life. The show was one of the critical hits of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014, this is the true story of one man’s journey into synchronicity and madness.
Muscovada is the scorching new play of award winning playwright Matilda Ibini. Through the prism of life on a sugar plantation in 1808 Barbados, Muscovada looks at British involvement with slavery.
www.theoldmarket.com
www.drinkinbrighton.co.uk/marlborough
www.otherplacebrighton.co.uk
WHAT THE BUTLER SAW
PETER PAN GOES WRONG
PRODUCT
Tue 21 April - Sat 9 May
Mon 20 – Sat 25 Apr
It promises to be a blend of sexual intrigue, choral music and extreme tension. Set after the abolition of slavery in 1807 (which did not have immediate impact) it gives insights into plantation slaves, and the hollow promises they were fed – knowing freedom but never experiencing it.
Emporium The classic farce play, staring Brian Capron comes to Brighton. The story revolves around Dr. Prentice, who is attempting to seduce prospective secretary Geraldine Barclay. His wife, Mrs Prentice is also being seduced by Nicholas Beckett. And to finish off the confusion there’s a government inspection on the way.
A double bill as part of Face to Face festival, which celebrates solo performers, both Pyramids of Margate and Annoying the Neighbours will be performed at Otherplace at the Basement. In Pyramids of Margate, obsessed by Dr. Who, The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence and the Polish girl from accounts, David’s life starts to implode into a world between Science Fiction and Science Fact. Annoying the Neighbours is a collage of interviews performed by Louise Wallinger. Made up of quarrels between neighbours and the noise officers who have to deal with their disputes. It’s as good as reading the Sunday papers.
Fri 24 Apr Theatre Royal
Initially successful with the smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong, winners of the Whatsonstage Best New Comedy award, Mischief Theatre Company are bringing their chaotic and hilarious spin to a family favourite on the stage.
A manic mixture of cross-dressing, confusion and laughter, it’s an all time classic. The show is presented by the excellent Talking Scarlet Company and stars Michael Kirk and Melissa Clements.
They set out to put on a production of the J.M. Barrie classic, Peter Pan, but as you can perhaps guess from the title, everything goes wrong. The accident prone thesps adventure to Neverland and deliver a fantastic blend of confusion and physical comedy as disaster and hilarity ensue.
www.emporiumbrighton.com
www.atgtickets.com/brighton
The Old Market Mark Ravenhill’s reputation and ability as a writer for the stage doesn’t need to be stated here. And this revival proves that his gritty writing is still as punch-powerful as ever. The satirical monologue tells the story of a producer, pitching a dire script in Hollywood about a 9/11 widow who falls in love with a Muslim suicide bomber. Originally performed by Ravenhill himself, this revival stars Olivia Poulet (The Thick of It), who has received critical acclaim for her performance since the show premiered at last year’s Fringe.
www.theoldmarket.com
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 39 ]
2 tickets from £11 quote BN1241
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[ 40 ] BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK
Ten years of Otherplace Productions Come on over to my place Not just celebrating ten years of diverse and wonderful programming, but also a decade of involvement with Brighton Fringe, Otherplace Productions are pulling out all the stops for 2015. They manage, promote, produce and present a diverse range of accessible theatre shows. From sketch comedy to musicals, they have endeavoured to support young and emerging talent in the last ten years. Starting in the intimate surroundings of The Marlborough Theatre, they’ve now moved onto hosting a range of pop-up venues, running the Brighton Comedy Fringe, provided a platform for an endless list of new shows and become a true staple of Fringe. Originally trained as an actor, Nicola Haydn landed an opportunity to produce plays in the Dome Studio, with opportunities to other productions. Volunteering at The Marlborough led to an offer to take the venue on in 2005, from here Otherplace Productions was born. “I was there every single night. I was a lot younger though,” she laughs. They welcomed 20 visiting companies, with 90 different performances at the Marlborough, during their first Fringe. Amongst these were some regular Fringe participants, including Les Enfants Terribles, Long Nose Puppets and Daniel Kitson.
By Stuart Rolt After two years she, and business partner Tom Arr-Jones, moved Otherplace on to the now legendary Upstairs at Three and Ten. This served as Otherplace’s main venue for the following seven years, offering an intimate, party-like atmosphere and performances that were just a little different. Richard Soames, from acclaimed sketch The Beta Males, has fond memories of this small room above a pub. First performing at the venue in 2011 after being recommended by fellow act Pappy, it served as the perfect place for the company to find their feet. “We’ve got a real emotional resonance with it, so it’ll be sad to see it go,” he tells me. “I guess we’ll still be terrified, but now in a different room.” Returning for a fifth Fringe, Beta Males are another act able to make the considerable step up to performing at Otherplace’s pop up venue - The Warren. The Warren was born in 2012, offering a temporary venue behind West Street, which facilitated bigger and more ambitious shows during Brighton Fringe. Ollie Fielding from Peaceful Lion is enthusiastic about The Warren’s honest festival feel, as well as the welcoming attitude from its owners. “At Fringe that’s what you want, you want to feel like you’re part of something, that the venue cares about the show as much as you do,” he tells me. These Warren veterans return
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 41 ]
with two shows this year, a family show - Rosie’s Magic Horse and Beethoven-influenced comedy cabaret Ludwig Live. It’s a pair of shows that fit well with a program covering many sides of performance arts. While certain Fringe events in other cities are becoming increasingly more corporate in feel, the Otherplace commitment to giving smaller and more innovative companies a chance encourages a community atmosphere. “What they’ve achieved in the last ten years has been wonderful to watch,” Fielding adds. “It’s nice too they’re continuing with their values.”
BRITISH CHAMPS FIXTURES T2 UKRDA NATIONAL SOUTH
9 MAY
Now The Warren has grown again, mirroring the growth of Brighton Fringe itself. So Otherplace are moving this sprawling temporary venue to the grounds of St Peter’s Church, developing new performance spaces and evolving its role. Larger and more prominent, it also sees the unveiling of their new Theatre Box, a bespoke touring venue designed to be portable and versatile. Set to hit the road after Brighton Fringe, it sees a return to the roots of theatre when a group of travelling players took productions from town to town.
BRIGHTON ROCKERS VS ROYAL WINDSOR ROLLERGIRLS (AWAY)
NEVER SEEN ROLLER DERBY BEFORE? WONDER WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT? WANT TO DO SOMETHING NEW AND EXCITING AT THIS YEAR’S FRINGE? NOW’S YOUR CHANCE!
Perhaps the common theme in the Otherplace story lies with the care and attention put into booking the shows. Every effort is made to ensure the quality of visiting productions, from actually seeing the shows to reading up on a company’s background it’s something Haydn herself takes very seriously. “It would be awful if we put something on which wasn’t great, then someone said: ’I trusted you, why did you put that on?’”
The Warren comes to the grounds of St Peter’s Church, York Place, Brighton, on Fri 1 – Sun 31 May, as part of Brighton Fringe www.otherplacebrighton.co.uk
Local team, the Brighton Rockers invite you to come and cheer for the home side on Saturday 23rd of May as they take to the track against the formidable Hot Wheel Roller Derby from Leeds. If you’re new to roller derby, you can expect a fast-paced full contact sport on skates, vendors, a licensed bar and full-on family entertainment. If you know the game, you’ll know this isn’t one to be missed! Doors: 14.30 Where: Dolphin Leisure Centre, Haywards Heath Fringe ticket link: www.ticketing.brightonfringe.org/ events-and-film/9045/live-roller-derby-brighton-rockers Image © John Hesse
The team have also moved their permanent home to The Basement, a venue that offers the capability to put on a larger and more adventurous programme of shows. Starting off in an undeniably tiny space with less established companies, Otherplace and those they’ve supported have grown together. Now they are dragging increasing numbers of innovative artists down to the seaside for fish and chips, sea air and appreciative audiences, becoming a triumph for the performing arts in Brighton. Coming from a performance background, Haydn knows how it is to be treated with less than reverence by a venue. She’s adamant artists will return if you truly understand what they need. “They’re not just numbers,” she explains. “They are real companies… and performance is at the centre of their universe.”
@
COMEDY
[ 42 ] BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK
ELLIE TAYLOR: ELLIEMENTARY
THE TREASON SHOW
Fri 10 Apr
Fri 10 Apr Komedia
Ellie Taylor’s first foray at Edinburgh – Elliementary received critical acclaim for its treatment of the big topics and hard hitting issues like love, life, and Matalan. She may not be your traditional comic, Taylor is a former model turned TV presenter, but her self-deprecation and surrealist qualities quickly prove that she’s much, much funnier than you would expect anyone involved in Snog, Marry, Avoid to be. As she mentions herself, she wasn’t host of the prestigious ‘Butcher’s Shop of the Year’ awards for no reason!
PLANNER
NISH KUMAR: RUMINATIONS ON THE NATURE OF SUBJECTIVITY
Ropetackle Arts Centre Brighton’s very own satirical comedy show are now in their 15th record breaking year. An irreverent collection of sketches, songs and satire based on the news and current affairs The Treason Show is a Brighton Institution. Providing gag-a-minute comedy, it’s savagely funny stuff in the vein of Have I Got News For You and The Thick of It. Blisteringly topical, they haven’t survived this long by shying away from hitting a target where it hurts.
Fri 10 Apr
Otherplace at the Basement
What is subjectivity? Nish Kumar has been variously described as “a highly polished stand up” and “a comedian I’ve never heard of”. That’s subjectivity in action. As you can probably guess from the show’s title, Nish Kumar’s comedy has a certain degree of reflexiveness. It cleverly straddles the line between selfawareness and self-obsession. As seen on The Alternative Comedy Experience and Live At Edinburgh Festival, Kumar doesn’t settle for making people laugh, his intelligent comedy forces them to think.
www.komedia.co.uk/brighton
www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk
www.otherplacebrighton.co.uk
SCOTT CAPURRO: ISLAMOHOMOPHOBIA: RELOADED
ANNA MORRIS: WOULD LIKE TO THANK
SHAPPI KHORSANDI: BECAUSE I’M SHAPPI…
Sun 19 Apr
Wed 22 Apr
Komedia
Komedia
Fri 24 Apr
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Scott Capurro’s show regales us with his marriage to his boyfriend, a near lynching in Cardiff and the events around his mother’s death. From that cheery jumping-off point, Capurro launches into tirades against the Chinese, Mohammad and Cardiff.
There are four women. There is one award. Who’s going to win Woman of the Year? Originally shown at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, Anna Morris has come up with a framework to show a series of comic characters.
Having selfishly taken 2013 off to have a child, Iranian-British comic Shappi Khorsandi is back for a brand new tour.
If this all seems very controversial, don’t worry as Capurro eventually manages to insult absolutely every group of people without discrimination. If you look up the phrase ‘not for everybody’ Islamohomophobia: Reloaded is the dictionary definition.
The audience decides the winner, but will it be Nina Gordon, aggressive businesswoman who made her fortune with her BabyFit gym; Jane Dough, who bakes to fill her empty life; Keva O’Leary, war correspondent and Alexi Steele, a militant protestor for single women’s rights.
Having established herself as one of Britain’s best young female comics, Khorsandi mixed razor sharp wit and whip-crack jokes with enough self-awareness to make her act the right blend of feisty and endearing. Her new show chronicles her haphazard personal Yellow Brick Road to success, and it’s that edge and awareness that keeps it grounded and charming, rather than showy and indulgent.
www.komedia.co.uk/brighton
www.komedia.co.uk/brighton
www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 43 ]
“Excellent venue, great atmosphere” The Guardian
Students get tickets for just £6 each for the following comedy shows The best night out in Brighton! Eat, drink, watch four top standups and laugh!
Komedia’s sell-out monthly night of exciting new comedy without the gamble.
Winner of ‘Best Venue in the South 2014’ Chortle Awards
‘It puts the world in a comedy nutshell.’ Latest 7
An irreverent night of gay-friendly fun and frolics hosted by Zoe Lyons (Mock The Week and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow).
Sat 10.45pm, doors 10.15pm
Last Thursday of every month
First Sunday of every month
(from Oct 10.30pm, doors 10pm) Sun 8pm, doors 7pm
8pm, doors 7pm
7.30pm, doors 6.30pm
Plus special student drinks deals (just show your NUS card) For more info & to book visit www.komedia.co.uk/brighton or call 0845 293 8480 Komedia-BN1-160x110-v03.indd 1
21/08/2014 15:12
[ 38 44 ] BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK
NewNew To Cinema To Cinema While – Fri 3 April ChappieWe’re – FriYoung 6 March The Noah Baumbach comedy follows 40-something New Although you may see the names Sigourney Weaver andYorkers Hugh Josh (Ben Stiller) and Cornelia Watts) who chest-bursting are the last of Jackman, don’t expect to be(Naomi exposed to any their without wielding children. They claimInstead “we can to Paris at a aliensfriends or metal-claw mutants. weflyhave a robot moment’s although that police conversation soon turns to the created as notice”, part of an oppressive force, reprogrammed by difficulties in finding affordable last becomes Dev Patel (Skins) to think and feel forminute itself. flights. JackmanIt looks like clear thatthe spontaneity fellonbyinthe wayside somewhere. he’s left pro-robot and role youth he took ‘Reel Steel’ and director Attempting to regain befriend and a young couple Jamie Neill Blomkamp tones that, downthey the violence gore that made up (Adam Driver) and Seyfried). This is a comedy that 2009’s ‘District 9’ inDarby favour(Amanda for a more family-friendly 12A rating. attempts to address the allure of youth and frustrations of aging in typical Baumbach style.
John Still Alice Wick––6 FriMarch 10 April A Forgreat a cheerful actionstart filmto is March almostthere a thing is Still of Alice, the past. based Nowadays on the bestit’s much sellingmore novel likely of theto same be name, the creaking it follows joints the titular of TheAlice Expendables (Julianne or Moore) the mindless and herexplosion strugglesporn withofearly-onset Transformers Alzheimer’s. than the grace Fully and encompassing style of Hard the phrase Boiled “it or happens The Matrix. to the John bestWick of us”, bucks Alicethat is a trend. linguistics Although professor thewhose plot isworld aboutslowly as cliché falls apart as they (thecome first word with the she forgets titular Wick is ‘lexicon’). (perfectly Theportrayed film deals by with Keanu the effects Reeves), onas Alice an ex-hitman and her family. coming Shepherded out of retirement, with an oscar the winning action isperformance fantastically choreographed, by Moore, the film utterly is anenjoyable understated, andunsentimental fresh. It showsdrama that ‘Style that Over deals Substance’ bravely withdoesn’t its subject havearea. to be an insult and that the action genre isn’t quite worn out yet.
The Gunman Paul Blart: Mall– 20 CopMarch 2 – Fri 17 April Just as the Taken franchise was finally dying it seems that another Because one Paul Blart Mall Cop wasn’t enough, Kevin James series has taken (ha ha) its place. Taken director Pierre Morel has (Grown Ups, Zookeeper) has decided to take the term ‘comedy’ as stuck to his winning formula – turning Oscar winners from serious loosely as possible for a second time and make a sequel. If the first dramas into pulpy action stars. First time around it was Schindler’s film was anything to go by, expect ‘laughs’ to come from ‘jokes’ List’s Liam Neeson turning into elderly badass, this time around about Kevin James being fat, and Kevin James falling over. Being its social activist Sean Penn. You know the drill, a retired [insert repeated. Over and over. The plot follows our hero Paul Blart as he badass qualification] has to shoot his way across [exotic location] decides to take a vacation and travel to Vegas with his daughter to [insert reason]. That said, a cast of Idris Elba, Javier Bardem and before she heads off to college, thus making the ‘Mall Cop’ aspect Mark Rylance does give The Gunman some chops and hopefully of the title as incorrect as its description as comedy. means it’s more than just a collage of tired quips, creaking joints and explosions.
Avengers: Age of Ultron - Fri 24 April Cinderella – Fri 27 March The first Avengers film grossed a frankly gross $1,518,594,910, and by the looks of things the sequel will probably rake in even It’s always risky doing a live adaption of a classic Disney movie more. This time around, the World’s Mightiest Heroes decide to – the audience will either love the nostalgia or hate that you’ve take a break from the tiring work of superhero-ing by creating ruined their childhood. Even Disney teen queen Hilary Duff wasn’t an Artificial Intelligence, the Ultron of the title. This predictably spared criticism for 2004’s ‘Another Cinderella Story’. Cinderella backfires and Ultron goes evil. What follows will involve large 2015 is looking to be a faithful adaption of the Disney tale and amounts of explosions, special effects, Hulk smashing and Robert is sure to be another exciting visual spectacle from Kenneth Downey Jr. delivering snarky one-liners. It may not be the most Branagh (Hamlet). Can anyone really argue with the film when the deep or intellectual fare, but it’s guaranteed to be enjoyable and trailer already gives us the beautiful delivery of classic line ‘you appeal to your inner child. shall not go to the ball’?
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 45 ]
The Water Diviner
By Elliot Tyers
The press conference for ‘The Water Diviner’ is held at Claridge’s, and amongst all of the glitz, gold and glamour, Russell Crowe cuts an opposing visual. Bedecked in a hoodie and trainers, there’s a surly quality to his presence, and it’s something that fits the perception of the man who is known for his somewhat antagonistic relationship with the media. When co-star Olga Kurylenko is asked about what attracted to her to an Australian based project, Crowe makes a joke that she must’ve been bribed with koalas. He’s kidding and everyone laughs, but there’s an edge beneath it. ‘The Water Diviner’ marks the first time Crowe has directed a film. Much like Clint Eastwood, his direction touches on emotion and sentimentality that isn’t entirely to be expected from the gruff personas they’re associated with. ‘The Water Diviner’ is an entirely gripping story that follows Joshua Connor (Crowe), a farmer in 1919 Australia who travels to Turkey and to the site of the Battle of Gallipoli to find out what happened to his three sons who served in ANZAC: an Australian and New Zealand force who travelled across the world to serve in WW1. In Istanbul, he meets Ayshe (Kurylenko), a hotel manager who lost her husband in the same battle. It is Crowe’s understated performance as the bereaved father that gives the film its emotional heart. It’s something that brings Crowe to life, when he talks about being a father and how it affected and informed his performance. “As anyone who is a parent knows, once you become a parent you see every single thing differently.” It was partly what attracted him to the film. Crowe previously had offers to direct films but he felt it was “too easy”, and they were just looking for “any famous bastard” to attach a name to a project. With ‘The Water Diviner’ it was different. “I no doubt read the script in a deeper way because I’m the father of two boys.” Much of ‘The Water Diviner’ is gorgeously shot, whether it is taking in the vast emptiness of the Australian Outback, or the majesty of Istanbul and its sights like the Blue Mosque. That beautiful filmmaking does not extend to the flashbacks of the Battle of Gallipoli, where war is shown as chaotic, violent, senseless and above all, ugly. “It’s unashamedly anti-war, it
doesn’t glorify it.” Crowe says, bringing up one scene where a character is shot in no man’s land and left to bleed out. It’s a harrowing, agonisingly long scene that stays with you after the credits roll. “I’d never thought about it like that. You think someone gets shot and it’s done. I’ve never thought about what it would be like to feel your life force slipping away. For six hours, eight hours, ten hours.” If Crowe often emphasises the horrors of war, he’s equally interested in showing a balanced portrayal of those on both sides of the conflict. The film deals with the on-going hostility between the two sides but ensures both the British/Australian forces and the Turkish soldiers are fairly portrayed. There are no right or wrong sides, no real winners when it comes to war. This is well represented in the character of Major Hasan (Yilmaz Erdogan), who delivers a fantastic performance. Weary yet stoic and compassionate yet guilty, it shows the nuances of real men in war rather than relying on jingoistic sentiment. This ability to look at the conflict in an open manner is no doubt a large part of the reason the film has done so well in Turkey. Crowe acknowledges films like Peter Weir’s ‘Gallipoli’ for their quality, but mentions a “cultural connection” that he felt, which meant that he had to do more than portray the Australian account of the conflict. As a directorial debut, ‘The Water Diviner’ is broadly impressive, helped by some excellent performances and cinematography. Although at times, it is a tad reliant on clichés and there’s a lack of subtlety in the development of the relationship between Crowe and Kurylenko’s characters, which feels altogether too Hollywood. Its successes are where it tears down the ideas of glory in war and replaces them with abject. The scenes of war are devoid of gallantry and their parts in it all ineffably shape the characters. ANZAC and Australia’s role in the Battle of Gallipoli is seen in a patriotic light in Australia, Crowe cognisantly notes that a century after that battle took place, themes of reconciliation are far more important. Crowe may be noted for his attitude or gruffness, but ‘The Water Diviner’ speaks to a softer emotional core. The Water Diviner is out in cinemas nationwide from Fri 3 Apr.
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The Eddy Eddy for takeoff Affectionately referred to by the locals as the ‘Eddy’ like a long-term spouse, The Edinburgh is one of those pubs you step into and let out a surprised little ‘oh’ at just how pretty it is on the inside compared to out. It’s a unique but lucrative combination of sports pub and rocky Brightonian candle-lit den with a profusion of fairy lights, interesting arty gig posters and scrawled on chalkboards adorning the walls. Located just round the corner from Brighton station, it’s sat just back from the bustling path of hipsters, tourists and ‘wahey’ lads weekenders, rendering it a particularly relaxing corner to while away an evening or weekend. The first thing we tried was the homemade bar snack - chorizo and black pudding Scotch egg (£3, big enough to share between three). I have a particular penchant for home made scotch eggs and favouring the ones from Grocer and Grain just across the street, I felt this would be hard to beat. However, this Scotch egg was a different beast altogether. Though massive in overall girth the crumb coating was insanely light, made from a mixture of ciabatta and locally famous chewy brown bread, leaving room for the real star - the chorizo and black pudding - to take centre stage in your mouth. The softened chorizo meat inside was bright red and strongly herbed with a nice tangy aftertaste of black pudding, the yolk itself just a little soft in the centre.
67A Upper Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 3LQ
By Alice Sambrook Next we dived into a bowl of devilled whitebait (£5.50). A funky twist on a pub classic, the overall flavour is a Caribbean cajun hit, achieved with plenty of smoky paprika. It brings bogstandard fried little fishies up to a whole new level. Served with a cooling garlic mayo and a wedge of fresh lime, it made for a very moreish entrée. The star of the show for us had to be the chicken, leek and bacon pie (£10 with a free drink thrown in). Thoughtfully crafted from short crust pastry on the bottom, puff on the top, its creamy sauce was richly packed with garlic infused leeks and smoky bacon, with generous chunks of chicken crammed in. A mouthful of that pie was like the best hug after a long day. The accompanying chips were unashamedly chunky, no French fries here. Fajitas (£8.50) came to the table on a sizzling hot plate, everything about them tasted fresh with a good selection of dips. If you really feel like treating yourself, try the mini burger platter (£13.50). The field mushroom patty stuffed with goat’s cheese and topped with red onion marmalade was surprisingly hearty and delicious. Visit the Eddy if you want a great value pub grub menu with lots of thoughtful little twists. It’s a hidden gem that successfully pulls off catering for everyone: vegans, meat-lovers, sportslovers, music-lovers and everyone inbetween. With a relaxed and friendly ‘no-problemo’ vibe, you can make yourself at home at the Eddy.
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 47 ]
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Mucho Burrito Nacho nacho man There are definitely a few things - in what is otherwise a pretty happy life - that annoy me. Breaking Bad coming to an end would have to rank pretty high up there. The smug yet gormless faces of certain right wing politicians would feature heavily in the list too. I’d also reserve a hefty space for the fact that every exciting social event is seemingly always being scheduled directly before payday - why oh why, you naughty law of sods. However, as an antithesis to this motley crew of annoyances, there is a decent list of things that make me happy. For instance, I love being out partying when the clocks go back and feeling like I’ve stolen an hour of fun from the Gods of time. Embarrassingly, I also seem to derive untold amounts of joy from ripping cellophane off things; countless times a friend or partner has purchased something new only to leave the room, return, and see me sheepishly trying to hide the plastic evidence of my admittedly minor crime. Another important string to my happiness bow comes in the form of food, namely the robust and exciting flavours of Mexican cuisine. Being asked to sample a new Mexican restaurant fills me with the sort of excitement usually reserved for finding out Tom Hardy is going to be on screen, so with a spring in my step I headed off to Mucho Burrito. Located on North Street, it is quite hard to categorise exactly where it fits in on the dining scale. It is definitely much higher up the ladder than a fast food place, but it has a more casual vibe than your typical restaurant and no table service, so it’s a lot more informal. The décor is casual and clean: wooden floorboards, wooden tables and nice metal red chairs, and the atmosphere is a friendly one. Speaking to the co-owner Martin, who was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the place, it becomes clear that every element has been looked at carefully. From the six months spent in Mexico by a chef to the fact that nearly everything on the menu is homemade, this is somewhere that takes its flavours and ingredients very seriously. Wanting to get a good idea of the quality of the meats, I tried a sample of everything. For fillings they offer chicken, sirloin steak, shredded pork, shrimp, battered white fish, shredded beef, crumbled chorizo and a vegetarian option. I was impressed to find they can cater for vegans and those on gluten
53-54 North St Brighton, BN1 1RH
By Lucy Hallett or wheat free diets. All the fillings were of a really high standard and very tasty. The shredded beef, which was succulent and smoky, had lovely undertones of paprika and cumin was a stand out for me. The crumbled chorizo was surprisingly moist, flavoursome and excitingly different in taste to normal chorizo. When it came to ordering a selection of mains, I was resolute about the fact that it would be the Beef Barbacoa (shredded beef) and the crumbled chorizo that would be the main components of my dishes. We opted for a Super Suiza Quesadilla (£6.95) and asked for it to be filled with Beef Barbacoa, cheese, coriander, and black beans. We also went for a large meat Burrito (£6.50) filled with chorizo, smoky mild beans, brown Mexican rice, peppers, sour cream and a really tasty Mexican mayonnaise. Feeling totally gluttonous, we thought we’d continue to push the boat out and get a portion of Nachos (£5.95) smothered in monterey jack and queso blanco, pico de gallo salsa and sour cream. Tempted by the decent selection of beers they offer but realising it was only 1pm, we ordered a Jarritos (£2.75), which was a lovely semi-carbonated drink imported from Mexico and served in a large glass bottle. Sitting at the table and looking like two very hungry people with the massive portion of food, we got stuck in. The Burrito was huge and really tasty - I particularly liked the fact that every single ingredient was distinguishable and really complemented the other flavours. The Quesadilla was incredibly unctuous and cheesy and the ingredients we’d chosen worked absolutely perfectly together. The Nachos were homemade and acted as a perfect accompaniment to the meaty loveliness of the mains. Leaving a little space for dessert (who doesn’t?) we opted for the incredibly good value for money Churros (£1.25 for 3) accompanied by Dulce de leche, which is a lovely rich, sticky type of caramel. The Churros - which were dusted in Cinnamon - were the best I’ve had in this country as they were light, sweet and not at all greasy. I struggled to stand up and waddle out after realising I’d massively over-indulged, but it is very easy to eat too much in a place that represents such amazing value for money and high quality. I know that I’ll be back quicker than you can say ‘pass me that sombrero’.
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 49 ]
[ 50 ] BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK
The Set Set to stun Walking into The Set on Regency Square is what I would imagine it would be like to hop off the beaten track in New York into some sort of bistro bar. Having never actually been across the pond I can’t say for sure, though I can say it’s a fantastic feeling place that would sit happily in any major city around the world. We’re lucky enough to have it on our front door step. The Set is tucked away in the back of the Artist’s Residence, the décor smartly mixed with a nod to a rustic style. A set of saloon-type wooden doors off the set of The Walking Dead were definitely my favourite aesthetic. These mark the divide between the restaurant and its little sister, The Set Of Scales - a seafood ‘dirty diner’ equivalent, selling burgers and more. We’re greeted by friendly front of house staff that make it their mission to ensure a relaxed and chilled out environment. At our pass-side table, we feel as if we’re sitting at a bar - quite a nice feeling for the end of our week. With just 20 seats, it’s a cosy yet classy place to spend an evening; a bustling vibe rising as a couple more tables are seated. The open kitchen allows for the chefs to introduce themselves and for customers to watch as they flicker from some serious chefing to hanging out as old friends. The two main players in the kitchen are Semone Bonner and Dan Kenny. Having years of experience in top restaurants, the pair eventually met through their positions as the head chefs at the local Ginger chain (Pig and Man, respectively). They’ve constructed three set menus with accompanying wine flights (£25.00 per head) and, naturally, we go for the whole shebang.
Artist Residence 33 Regency Square Brighton
By Freya Hughes The seasonal menus are four courses each (ranging from £27.00 - £35.00) with scarce wording, preventing customers from knowing what to expect. Bonner says that it gives him and Kenny space to play with the dishes and reinvent them at a moment’s notice. I can’t say I expected my ‘venison, mac n’ cheese, cabbage’ from menu three to appear as a weighty cut of venison atop a shallow pond of rich jus with a cube of macaroni cheese fried in breadcrumbs. It seems to be the goal of the kitchen to keep their customers guessing. My dining partner went for menu two, ‘leek, ash, smoked cheese, pecan’ as the wording for her main. Each component was present and correct but once again with a playful twist, the smoked cheese appearing like a hay bale. The generous number of courses means that the food can be nurtured as it’s cooked. By this I mean the flavours are the centre focus, the starters building up to something like a crescendo at the mains with a sweet ending by the time our desserts hit the table. Soon enough the produce won’t get much more local as the outside space leading off from the restaurant is about to be transformed into an urban allotment, lending itself to Kenny and Bonner’s kitchen. The pair have created the perfect Brighton restaurant – top quality food with a jeans-andtrainers atmosphere. Inside the Artist Residence, 33 Regency Square, Brighton www.thesetrestaurant.com
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 51 ]
Delicious food and drink served every day
“Up there with best roasts in town� says BN1 magazine
For more information call 01273 326555 or email victoryinnkitchen@hotmail.com
Real Ales, Real Ciders, Real Food, Real Good! The Victory Inn, 6 Duke Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1AH
easterneye Authentic South Indian Cuisine Mixing the magic of authentic cuisine with the cosmopolitan vibrancy of Brighton, Eastern Eye offers a quality range of classic dishes from the Indian sub-continent. While our speciality lies with South Indian cuisine, all of our regional dishes are made with equal authentic flavour. From Swordfish Achari to Chicken Tikka Makhan Wala, each dish is cooked with care to ensure the best taste and highest quality. We believe if you do something perfectly and honestly, then you will reap its rewards www.easterneyerestaurant.co.uk EASTERN EYE 58 London Road, Brighton, BN1 4JE
01273 685151
OPENING TIMES: Monday 6-11 Tuesday 6-11 Wednesday 12-2.30/6-11
Thursday 12-2.30/6-11.30 Friday 12-2.30/6-11.30 Saturday 12-2.30/6-11.30 Sunday 12-2.30/6-11
[ 52 ] BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK
Be Gluten Free By Mila Statham
Easy Gluten Free Chocolate Brownies Recipe 120g Plain Gluten Free Flour Blend 115g margarine 200g caster sugar 50g cocoa powder 1 egg 1 tbsp skimmed milk Preheat the oven to 200c and line a small cake tin with baking paper and lightly grease. Melt the margarine in a small saucepan. Place the sugar and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl and add the melted margarine, stir in until you have a chocolatey paste.
Stir in the flour and and then beat in the egg with a wooden spoon. Next stir in the milk until combined and then scrape the mixture into the small cake tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 - 25 minutes, or until cooked through and crisp on top and a cake tester comes out almost clean.
SABAI THAI GASTROBAR
165-169 Princes House, Princes Place, Brighton,
Going out for food can often be a stressful for the coeliacs and people with food intolerances due to the worry that you might not know which dishes are safe. However, at Sabai there is no need to worry. The menu clearly shows which dishes are gluten free as they are labelled ‘GF’. The menu is vast with plenty of gluten free choices. For some of the dishes that aren’t marked GF, they do actually have alternative ingredients such as Tamari instead of Soy sauce. In fact, when Sabai opened they enlisted the help of a coeliac and went through the entire menu. They found that Thai food did not contain much gluten as it is mostly found in grains that are not used much in Thai cooking. For the vegans out there, each section of the menu is broken down to include vegan dishes. In these dishes there are no eggs, fish sauce and a different curry paste is used which does not contain any fish sauce. As well as Tofu, they also use V Bites vegan ‘Chicken Pieces’. The restaurant itself is reasonably priced, has a great central location (at the bottom of North Street) and a lovely friendly atmosphere. The food is fantastically delicious. It is vibrant, fresh and packed with flavour. It is also available for takeaway, and for delivery through Dinner2Go. It is so great to have another gluten free option in Brighton, especially a family run Thai restaurant.
www.deliciousandglutenfree.com
BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK [ 53 ]
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Brighton & Hove Pride 2015 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF PRIDE IN THE CITY The UK’S Biggest Pride Festival campaigning for Global LGBTI Equality and Diversity and raising essential funds for our community organisations. #BrightonPride25 Recognising how far we have come and continuing to campaign for LGBTI equality and diversity for communities globally who don’t have their #FreedomToLive
PRIDE FESTIVAL WEEKEND 1st & 2nd August 2015 PRIDE DOG SHOW 26th July 2015 PRIDE DIVERSITY GAMES 25th-26th July 2015 PRIDE ARTS & FILM FESTIVAL 17th July - 2nd August 2015
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