BN1 MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018

THE GUIDE

TO BRIGHTON & HOVE

BN1 MAGAZINE FEB 2018

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February

CONTENTS NEWS

04-07

THE GO TEAM INTERVIEW

08

MUSIC PLANNER

10

TRY UNITY INTERVIEW

12

CHRISTIAN BURKHARDT INTERVIEW

14

CLUBBING PLANNER 16- 18

22

08

BRIGHTON TATTOO CONVENTION

20

LUCY PORTER

22

PARTY IN YOUR PANTS

24

THEATRE PLANNER

26

COMEDY PLANNER

28-30

LATEST CINEMA RELEASES

32

JESSICA CURRY INTERVIEW

34

DOUGH LOVER REVIEW

36

PETIT POIS

37

A TASTE OF INDIA REVIEW

38

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Urgh. February is here again, in all its chilly damp glory. In many respects it’s the Justin Bieber of all the months. The older you get, the less you like it and the less sense it makes. That’s why it’s shorter than all the others, its dark, cold, utter pointlessness couldn’t even scramble together a full 30 days.

This month offers a home to Valentine’s Day, the national day of over-priced flowers. On that date many of us go to ridiculous lengths to show our appreciation for a loved one, when all they want is for you to put down Assassin’s Creed: Origins and have a grown-up conversation that doesn’t involve the washing up.

(Just to note, my partner prefers me playing Playstation. It provides welcome relief from my opinions and attempts at being amusing.)

For 28 days the weather will be playing tricks on us all, suggesting it might be warm enough to eschew your coat, before unleashing a heavy downpour in the afternoon.

It wasn’t called ‘Mud Month’ in old English for nothing. There’s also no full moon this month. So what can I do to distract myself from this misery...?

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CONTRIBUTORS

Editor - Chris Sadler, Editor - Stuart Rolt, BN1 Media & Simeon Aston (instagram.com/astonart) The Go! Team - Photo image by Annick Wolfers Anya Zervudachi - anya@bn1magazine.co.uk Natalie Edge - natalie@bn1magazine.co.uk Stuart Rolt, Simeon Aston, Becky Waldron, Lottie Woodrow,

William Clay, Andy Hollis, Natalie Edge, Vanessa Barrett

David Smith, Xavier Clarke, James Daly

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BRIGHTON SCIENCE FESTIVAL

EWS

SAT 10 - SUN 18 FEB

Building bridges between science and the people of Brighton, Brighton’s Science Festival returns for the thirteenth year, for a nine-day long event across the city.

The festival is for all, but aims at 12-14 year-olds in the hope of stimulating their minds with all things science related, before the school curriculum sucks the life out of science fun.

Filling up half-term with sparks, over 100 workshops and occasional slime, Brighton Science Festival hopes to bring 10,000 young minds to be enthusiastic and inspired. The energetic, fun-educational days are for both parents and their children to play, explore and learn everything in the world of science.

With workshops and crafts on how to make slime across the day, re-crafting old toys into ‘monsters’ and design and recreating robots into a miniature version of Robot Wars. Rocket inventions, shadow studio workshops, short-films exploring the depths of science and many more, the event explores all aspects often forgotten about science.

Director, Dr. Richard Robinson, aims to reignite the enjoyment science can bring, and the importance it prevails in every-day life. Allowing children who have not yet discovered, discover.

For more information on the event and how to get involved visit: www.brightonscience.com

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BRIGHTON TATTOO CONVENTION SAT 24 - SUN 25 FEB

Always wanted a tattoo but have always been too scared?

Or want to add to your artistic collection? Back once more is the Brighton Tattoo Convention, for the eleventh anniversary, showcasing over 300 world class tattooists and exhibitions across a two-day event. With demand and the convention growing bigger year to year, Brighton Tattoo Convention will be held at the Brighton Centre, on the city’s iconic sea-front.

Growing into a major event on the world tattoo calendar, Brighton will host to some of the worlds most renowned artists: Adam Cornish, Fraser Peek, Jacob Wiman, and around 300 more will show off their wondrous, artistic talents. Skulls, flowers, animals, beastly creatures from near and far, the artistic skills showcased are phenomenal and not to be missed.

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Head to page 42 to find out all you need to know about the event and artists showcased.

THE HOLLY KANE EXPERIMENT GETS BRIGHTON PREMIERE Filmed in and around Brighton, local writer Mick Sands (Three Acts) and director Tom Sands (Backtrack), The Holly Kane Experiment, a psychological thriller, premieres at Dukes, Komedia this month. Crafted by father-son duo, this thrilling drama explores the depths of mind control and deals with one woman’s battle with sanity faced by the extremities of psychological pressure, starring Kirsty Averton (Our Girl) and Nicky Henson (Vera Drake).

Experimental psychologist, Holly Kane (Averton), is researching about mind control techniques in attempt to explore her unconscious fears and thoughts. Whilst experimenting with drug-fuelled programming, two contrasting men enter her life. The film delved into paranoia and madness, concluding with Holly questions the truth about what is happening to her and whether she will find out before it is too late…

This compelling, conspiracy-fuelled thriller questions all of our darkest fears surrounding psychological experimentation, whilst filmed in Brighton, we are sure for it to feel close to home, with common sites recognisable within.

PANCAKE DAY 2018

AN AUDIENCE WITH NICK GILLARD

TUE 13 FEB

SUN 25 FEB / THEATRE ROYAL

Remember that tradition of throwing flour, eggs and milk together to make a batter one day a year? Well, Shove Tuesday, the day of feasting before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, is here again.

‘Swordmaster’ for the Star Wars prequels, stunts coordinator Nick Gillard, comes to Theatre Royal Brighton. Credited for his work in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Wanted, Labyrinth, Seven Years in Tibet and numerous Bond films, Gillard will be sharing stories and anecdotes of his 40 years in the industry.

If you want to head out to some of Brighton’s favourite pancake spots across Brighton and Hove, why not try out, the quaint coffee spot Nowhere Man, which incorporates coffee, pancakes and vinyl to create the perfect atmosphere. Equally, the famous The Breakfast Club, always hits the sweet or salty American-style pancake we all know and love.

Or perhaps, chuck the ingredients into a pan and hope for the best, just be sure not to miss out on the scrumptious treat that most of us only enjoy once a year.

Whilst working in film, Gillard also more recently delved into the world of television, working as stunt coordinator for The Miniaturist on BBC One over the Christmas period. Running away from military school to join the circus at ages twelve, Gillard worked with the Moscow State Circus as one of the world’s greatest horse trick riders. From this, he has been working with stunts since 1977.

Gillard will explore his work over the 40 years, sharing insider tips and tricks, sharing how be become one of the UK and USA’s youngest stunt coordinators/second unit directors. The tagline of his stunt company Danger Inc. being ‘If you’re going to have a shave, have a close one’, the evening will reveal all of the close calls he has dealt with throughout his career.

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS

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NEWS BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR COMES TO BRIGHTON TUES 6 MARCH - WEDS 18 APRIL

Topping over 100 shows, visiting nearly 60 locations across the UK and Ireland, Banff Mountain Film Festival’s World Tour comes to Brighton. A programme action-packed short films from across the globe at the Brighton Dome on Tues 6 March and Wed 18 April.

The collection will feature travellers and explorers from all walks of life on inspirational journeys across every deepest and darkest depth of the world. The tour’s films are chosen from hundreds entered, each year in the Canadian Rockies, which will be screened at the Brighton Dome in the coming dates.

Each screening offers a sense of adventure and community, bringing all nature and outdoor enthusiasts together, and all free prize giveaways at every event too, adding to the excitement.

Some of the programmes highlights include: The Frozen Road, about Yorkshireman Ben Page embarking on a solo ‘bike-packing’ across the Canadian Arctic, discovering what it means to travel alone in such a great emptiness. Into Twin Galaxies - A Greenland Epic, sees explorers Ben Stookesberry, Sarah McNair-Landry and Erik Boomer on a severe mission across Greenland, with untouchable cinematography it’s not one to miss. The full-line will be featured online soon.

More information and tickets, can be found at: www.banff-uk.com photo by Fabian Bodet

CREATIVE LEARNING AT THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON JAN - MARCH 2018

Entertaining the kids is always going to be difficult and demanding in the winter months, which is why Theatre Royal Brighton has developed a programme to entertain the kids. Alongside the productions the Theatre Royal has to offer, the Creative Learning programme offers entertaining, unusual whilst engaging workshops and events for parents, children and families.

From after-school clubs, running on Wednesday afternoons with sweet treats with the theme of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, to spells and enchantments at the Faerie & Elfin school. As well as family workshops, on Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland, offering themed sessions encouraging the imagination to run wild. Stories with Skip for the younger ones, from games, stories, and puppets about pirates to celebrating the awakening of spring.

photo by Sam Stephenson

These events all encourage children to delve a little deeper, ignite their imagination and have a whole load of fun this Spring, whilst given the opportunity to learn about the theatre’s history and entertainment scene for over 210 years.

THE BIG CHEESE FESTIVAL SAT 3 MARCH HOVE LAWNS

Turophiles from across the south east will be congregating on Hove Lawns next month, as the Big Cheese Festival arrives in Brighton & Hove with a whole load of cheesy delights!

The event will feature a plethora of the finest international cheesemakers and mongers showcasing the finest fromage by the sea. Wander your way around the food court and sample a selection of delicacies, all with one thing in common...You’ve guessed it - cheese.

From Halloumi Fries to Mozzarella Sticks, Raclette or Fondue, their vendors will be on hand to turn the finest fromages into melted gooey delights. For the more experienced and mature lovers of cheese you can expect a selection of; the UK’s finest artisan products, wine & port pairings, homemade chutney combinations and a extensive offering of utensils available for sale.

There’ll also be opportunities to cleanse and excite the palette at a range of bars serving craft beers, liquor and wine, plus live comedy, local bands and cheesy DJ’s performing a selection of jazz, funk and R’n’Brie (sorry).

There will also be a selection of experts who will be on hand to break down the art of wine and cheese pairing.

Look out for guest chef’s, showcase speakers and band announcements. www.thebigcheesefestival.co.uk

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Moving in semicircles

THE GO ! TEAM

A loose assembly of musicians, unleashing a mixture of northern soul, teen choirs, funk and grunge - on paper The Go! Team could be chaotic under any other stewardship.

But Ian Parton knows exactly how disparate sonics can be formed into something jubilant.

Since the band’s stunning 2004 debut, Thunder, Lightning, Strike, he’s crate-dug through the pop music zeitgeist to find moments which inspire and excite him. Now, with the release of SEMICIRCLES last month, he’s again redefining expectations of this unique outfit and subtly indulging his marching band obsession. “It’s grander in its scale, pushing the sound and what the possibilities are.

We played around, layering up loads of brass and using beaters on drums to get that physical ‘BOOM! when lots of people are playing., I was trying to harness my favourite part of that sound, the physicality of it and the fact it takes your head off, rather than the marching around patriotic sporty bollocks.” The result is something which undeniably belongs to The Go! Team, but succeeds in being both ambitious and accessible – never the easiest of bedfellows.

If My Bloody Valentine had spent the summer of 1989 partying hard with Lyn Collins, Jim Henson and Public Enemy in Ibiza, instead of struggling to create a masterpiece in damp East End London, this is arguably what they’d have produced.

Like a modern-day Phil Spector, obviously without the abusive personality and easy access to firearms, Parton has wrangled the best bits from girl groups, krautrock and up-tempo soul to create a procession of lo-fi symphonies.

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photos by Annick Wolfers

I wanted that perfect place in-between, where it’s community but not really slick.”

By Stuart Rolt

The past has seen collaborations with artists as diverse or crucial as Deerhoof and Chuck D, but Parton refutes there might be a wealth of famous names looking to work with him. “People don’t want to sound like they’re recorded on a four-track.” For this album he’s instead engaged the help of undiscovered Soundcloud singers, Dutch indie-star Amber Arcades, and The Detroit Youth Choir. “I didn’t want to go down the ‘kids’ route, because it can be fucking nauseating - that St Winifred’s School Choir shit. And I didn’t want to go too professional, otherwise you get gospel and it’s all oversinging and bending notes. I wanted that perfect place inbetween, where it’s community but not really slick.”

This chorus, made up of kids from the crumbling home of Motown, adds heartfelt soulful reflection across the whole of SEMICIRCLES. It’s unlikely alliances like these which keep his band sounding fresh, and enable Parton’s endless experimentation. His penchant for reordering people who wouldn’t regard themselves as singers is well documented.

“I’m always after the feel and sincerity of it. It’s a kind of a purity in a way, rather than someone who calls themselves a singer and goes through the motions of what they think singing is.”

SEMICIRCLES shows what happens when you use hiphop techniques to craft indie music. It’s rich with rhythmic workouts and cheerleader call backs, and that persistent marching band sound. You can hear sousaphones, glockenspiels and steel drums stomping across its breadth. “I think some of it’s to do with the uniforms,” he ponders. “I love the psychedelic bright colours they wear.

In this day and age it seems other-worldly in a way. Nobody uses colours like that anymore. There’s a part of that I dig, it’s quite funny and gang-like.”

Parton says there hasn’t been a conscious decision to revisit the band’s past, insisting he doesn’t work like that. “I stockpile songs, and always have some on the go. As ever it’s a mix of samples, brass and real instruments..” With the help of touring Team members, Simone Odaranile (drums) and Angela ‘Maki’ Won-Yin Mak (vocals), plus old guard members Sam Dook (guitar) and Ninja (irrepressible rapping), again something blisteringly authentic and joyful has been put together.

Soon it’s time to take the record around the country (some rock tropes cannot be escaped). Parton’s genuinely excited about being on tour with German punk act GRR, but also there’s the task of recreating the band’s extensive sound onstage. “There’s eight of us on tour - we’re taking two brass players. It’s going to be like UB40 or something in our little van. We’ve never used brass live before. It’s another dimension.” After providing much of the brass on SEMICIRCLES, fellow Brighton band Neon Saints are also joining their hometown show at Concorde 2 (upgraded from The Haunt due to demand) on Sun 11 Feb. At university Parton owned a karaoke machine, and fell in love with the possibilities of blending disparate sounds. “I’m kind of a noise kid. Sonic Youth were the first band I was into. At the same time, I liked easy listening stuff like Herb Alpert. I’d take these trumpet loops and play distortion over the top. The idea of mixing stuff up has been there for a while.” The ‘hook’ acts as the anchor of every song he writes. It’s just a question of how it gets constructed. “With some of the songs on the records I’m literally getting chords from different samples and building a melody. The fun part is how you do it!“ The holy grail for any band is to be instantly recognisable. The Go! Team have created their own little world, which everything, from sounds and song titles to visuals and artwork, flows through.

Parton thinks of his band in a utopian way. It’s a musical space which exists almost in parallel with his own reality.

This isn’t an outfit endlessly peddling social commentary or autobiographical venting. “It’s much more about cherry-picking your favourite things from across the decades and ramming it all together. It’s personal, but not a lived experience. The things you receive through films and documentaries can be just as inspiring as your own life…”

The Go! Team play Brighton’s Concorde 2 on Sun 11 Feb SEMICIRCLES is available now, via Memphis Industries www.thegoteam.co.uk

Fri 2 Feb

Dear Esther Live Sat 3 Feb

Live at Brighton Dome With Rob Delaney, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Tim Key and compère Nish Kumar Sun 11 Feb

Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra Mon 12 Feb

A Square World Age 3–6 years Fri 16 - Sun 18 Feb

Snow Mouse Age 3 months – 4 years Fri 16 Feb

Trope New spoken word showcase Next month Sat 3 Mar

International Women’s Day Celebration 01273 709709 brightondome.org brightondome brightdome Image: Dear Esther Live

CONCORDE 2

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Live, they bring a shower of looping riffs, divine bass drones and wobbling percussion booms. This is jazz, not the chin-stroking noodling of old, but a vibrantly up to date interpretation produced and performed with a stridently intelligent stadium rock ethos.

SARAH MCQUAID MON 5 FEB THE GREYS

JAKE BUGG

EUROVISION: YOU DECIDE WEDS 7 FEB BRIGHTON DOME

The prolific Nottingham songwriter has made some big stride, since his eponymous debut way back in 2012, by existing just outside of the mainstream music industry and it’s daft expectations. Last year’s Hearts That Strain proved that he remains a very powerful and versatile lyricist.

NAOMI BEDFORD & PAUL SIMMONDS FRI 9 FEB KOMEDIA

He now seems to be eschewing grim northern reality for the subtle charms of Americana. Across the latest offering is healthy doses of both country and western, and soul.

It’s a brave move from a British musician, but one which is paying dividends, both in displaying the considerable depth of his talent and allowing him even greater freedom to explore what he wants to be as an artist.

TUES 13 FEB

PAUL WELLER SAT 17 FEB BRIGHTON CENTRE

BRIGHTON DOME

LONEY DEAR

WEDS 14 FEB

SEAL SAT 17 FEB BRIGHTON DOME

THE HOPE & RUIN

In the early 2000s, in his Stockholm apartment studio, Emil Svanängen made a name for himself by creating homemade CDrs with a minidisk microphone and a home computer.

He self-releasing albums which attracted the attention of legendary US label Sub Pop by 2007. Subsequently they released three albums, giving this ‘brilliant genius’ the platform he needed.

Loney Dear has consistently crafted elegant, deeply stirring music. It’s multi-layered with instrumentation and Svanängen’s fragile yet irrepressible vocals, Loney Dear’s songs bloom with a sense of both intimacy and openness, at once uplifting and heart-breaking, tenacious yet tender. Now, after last year’s eponymous seventh album, he finds himself at a crossroads in a career which has been as unique as his music.

ERASURE MON 19 FEB BRIGHTON DOME NEON MOON SAT 24 FEB MARLBOROUGH THEATRE

F.O.D

FRANZ FERDINAND SUN 25 FEB BRIGHTON DOME

WEDS 14 FEB

STEREOPHONICS TUE 27 FEB BRIGHTON CENTRE ZARA MCFARLANE WEDS 28 FEB KOMEDIA 10

GOGO PENGUIN WEDS 7 FEB

The Manchester-based leftfield piano trio are on tour once more, performing music from their forthcoming Blue Note Records release A Humdrum Star. Their music has been described as acoustic-electronica, but they draw equally from rock, jazz and minimalism, along with a few game soundtracks and bits of glitchy pop, to create their unique music. It’s music for the heart, head and feet and saw their album v2.0 shortlisted in 2014’s Mercury Prize.

USIC

MUSIC

PLANNER

Image © Nathan Dobbelaere

DE LA WARR PAVILION

They took the audience by storm on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury, and are consistently reeling new fans in from every area they expose their sound. The RPMs formed in Brighton and have been described as 'spookily young, with killer melodies and an Arctic Monkeys rasp” by the BBC. This cheeky trio began out in Dorset when Jack Valero (lead vocals, guitar) Callum James (drums and backing vocals), and Miguel Cosme on bass and backing vocals collaborated in jam sessions. They experimented with tongue in cheek lyrics, their favourite influences and their own pure talent and ambition. Having taken part in a load of heavy gigging since the indie/rock band officially began only a few years ago, they are destined to go places, making a positive impact on everyone and everywhere they go.

& THE RAM JAM BAND

MARTIN CARR

WEDS 14 FEB

SAT 17 FEB

MON 19 FEB

LEWES CON CLUB

PRINCE ALBERT

Over forty years since their initial explosion across the fledgling London punk scene, and some ten years since the release of their last studio recordings, British punk legends The Damned are set to return in 2018 with both new material and an extensive UK tour.

Geno Washington is still the ultimate 60s soul man, enjoying cult status in soul, blues and R‘n’B scenes - mainly due to his unsurpassable reputation as a live performer. A contemporary of Georgie Fame, The Small Faces and Jimi Hendrix (all of whom were his support acts in the day), he’s as electrifying today as ever, a force of nature and a genuine joy to behold.

The criminally under-appreciated Martin Carr should be less of a cult star. His is not outsider music, but great music full stop. It’s genre-spanning, kaleidoscopic, uplifting and melancholic, from electronic to acoustic - usually within one song.

THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT MON 19 FEB

CONCORDE 2

Following a whirlwind few years in which they released two Top 20 albums, toured around the world and shared the stage with such rock megastars as The Rolling Stones, The Temperance Movement are finally back, having been hard at work behind the scenes preparing for an even bigger year in 2018.

Their latest long player, A Deeper Cut, is finally out this month. It should offer another deserved slice of their pure blues rock goodness.

Featuring the drummer from Feeder, a bassist from Jamiroquai and the guitarist from Ben’s Brother, this bunch has forced their way to the front of the British rock heavyweights.

It might be a stripped back affair, but when these guys get up to full steam, there’s not many bands that can match them.

The true king of the swingers, Washington is the incarnation of all things 60s. Hipsters and flipsters, movers and shakers alike, all will have a great time when the good time guru gets his army of fans on the good foot!

The old Geno magic still drags them in and sends them home high.

His latest release New Shapes Of Life has been receiving lots of attention for its perfectly understated 31 minutes of beauty, pain, imagination and scope. He offers a back catalogue which is rich and diverse and goes back nearly 30 years under various monikers (including a stint as the front-mam of indie stalwarts, the Boo Radleys). You could totally randomly select an hour’s worth of songs to be performed and be completely bowled over.

image by Ashley De Koing

The band have signed a new deal with Search And Destroy/Spinefarm Records and are set to stun the music world once again with Evil Spirits, a dizzying blend of highenergy punk rock, creative psychedelic pop and classic songwriting. BMG are also releasing a limited-edition set of their early work, entitled Stiff Singles 1976-1977’ it features five 7” singles from the band that defined British punk rock.

image by Alexander Schneider

DE LA WARR PAVILION

NILS FRAHM

PACESHIFTERS

TUES 20 FEB

BRIGHTON DOME

The world-renowned pianist and composer Nils Frahm makes a very rare live appearance at the stunning Brighton Dome, his first show in the city since performing at the Green Door Store back in 2011. The Berlin-based Frahm is blessed with virtuoso talents, which draw from the minimalist tradition. Though he’s still comfortable to move across into jazz and classical territory.

He had an early introduction to music, learning the piano throughout his childhood. It was through this that Frahm began to immerse himself in the styles of classical pianists from previous generations as well as the music of contemporary composers, before forging his own musical path through composition.

FRI 23 FEB

STICKY MIKE’S FROG BAR

Instead of taking a well-deserved break in 2017, Paceshifters put the pedal to the metal and release a new album. It took the trio to the far ends of Europe and beyond to let people experience their alternative guitarrock.

This three piece’s Waiting To Derail album is a solid piece of Dutch noise rock. It offered a few live tracks, giving us a glimpse of their ferocious stage presence. Through the roar of drums and squealing feedback, they prove they’re a young band with some healthy prospects. In a post-hardcore world, where so many bands just don’t feel like they mean it, here’s the real deal.

BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK

GENO WASHINGTON

Image © Steve Mary Wyncherley

Image © Steve Gullick

THE DAMNED

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TRY UNITY Upbeat and euphoric, but with a few surging dark elements to their sound, Brighton-based trio Try Unity are leading a revival in hardcore breakbeat music. They share an undiminished passion for an uplifting sound which packed out fields, warehouse and super-clubs back in the 90s. “It was a movement with all creeds, colours, professions and ages,” says Sammy Purell. “That style of music and love of unity is something resonating through the sound we’re creating now.” Sammy, his wife Francesca and her brother Jim Shimmer have reinvented the spirit of the early rave scene with a series of compelling and thoroughly modern productions.

It started as something of an experiment. “It was at the end of a family do,” says Francesca. “We were like: ‘shall we get into the studio for a laugh?’ It was just an opportunity to be more creative. But it all snowballed from there.” They are buoyed by a resurgence of interest in the hardcore scene.

Labels are now rushing to buy the rights to long-forgotten classics and new parties celebrating this very British dance music are emerging everywhere.

Sammy has been DJing for over two decades, including stints on Ill FM, Renegade Radio and Urban Beats.

Currently he presents Code South’s Rave Radio show, a moniker transferred to the trio’s record label. “Radios been a big thing for me over the last 20 years. I’m also been very involved with the sound system scene.” He’s one of the people behind Calling The Hardcore, a Brighton night which marries the best of the old school with some exciting new artists. Suitably enough, the club is set to host Try Unity’s first live show in March. “We’re going to get really creative,” says Sammy. “We’ll have a mixture of live and electronic drums. It’s going to be fun…”

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Jim started playing drums at primary school, scoring a development contract with EMI in the 90s with his punk indie band. He couldn't be bothered to carry a drum kit around anymore, so decided to buy a drum machine and produce tracks in his bedroom. “My mum was my biggest fan,” he tells me. In the early 2000s he experimented with breakbeat hardcore and scored some sizeable hits with Triple 7 – a subsidiary of Aquasky's Passenger Records.

Photo by Tora Baker

If The Kids Are United

By Stuart Rolt

Each member contributes something unique to Try Unity.

Francesca brings the soaring vocals, and Jim and Sammy co-produce – the former engineering while the latter concentrates on arrangements. Conjuring memories of mattress-sized tape packs and all night-long dancing, their recent 12" release features two brand new vocal hardcore breakbeat tracks - Time To Believe & Energy Impact. Full of rave stabs, original breakbeats and synths, it aptly platforms the euphoric, atmospheric side of Try Unity’s productions.

The trio all collect records, and have found find the whole process a humble and gorgeous experience. The aim is to keep their releases ‘DJ friendly’, releasing early on vinyl before the tunes eventually hit digital platforms. “I think it’s about echoing some of the behaviours of the past,” says Sammy. “That scene has its foundation in vinyl. We have a deep love for vinyl, it’s form and beauty.”

Rave was born when cheap production technology enabled a new wave of home-grown music. Samplers enabled the pilfering of soul vocals, subverting of public information films and the speeding up of hip-hop loops. With only the briefest of musical knowledge, kids were releasing records which liberally stole elements from other tracks and repurposed them under one incessant groove. “The reason you still hear the same loops and synth sounds is because they are tried and tested,” says James. “People simply like those sounds.” “The breakbeats are very much the original sound,” agrees Sammy. ”Where the scene is now, there’s still hardcore breakbeat being made – but not with live female vocals. No else is really doing that.” Although the trio’s roots are traceable back to the golden age of rave, they are very focused on a fresh approach. “You do hear a lot of the old vocals being recycled,” adds Francesca.

“Of course, that’s for a reason, because they’re amazing. It’s lovely to be able to contribute to the scene with something that’s written today.”

Try Unity perform live at Calling The Hardcore on Fri 16 March at the Volks Club.

Their Time To Believe/Energy Impact vinyl EP is available now, via www.tryunitymusic.bandcamp.com

While most DJs are content to play other people’s

records, Christian Burkhardt uses his own sounds and beats to explore the limits of sonic possibilities. His music blends impassioned melodies with seductive grooves, creating a unique production style which has crept into the playlists of some of house music’s biggest names.

He has taken the sounds created in his Offenbach studio to live shows on nearly every continent. Now Burkhardt is to perform in Brighton, at a new night of the finest underground tech house. Successful local house and techno brands Beatsworkin & Rebel Rabble are teaming up with Romania’s Gabriel Ursu to create Rebel Beats at the brand new Bau Wow club.

I think there is not one “techno”. Techno is multifaceted with all the different branches and its more than alive after about 30 years. Nothing can beat techno!

Do you think you’ve perfected your sound now? Or are there still new avenues to explore?

Of course, my sound is always evolving, otherwise it would be boring after some time. I try to keep my minimal house signature but at the same time I go in different genres and sounds. To collaborate with other artists is also a good chance to get another point of view.

Is techno in danger of losing its musical identity?

I think there is not one “techno”. Techno is multifaceted with all the different branches and its more than alive after about 30 years. Nothing can beat techno!

What’s your philosophy on forging a unique and enduring sound? How much inspiration comes from the environment around you?

I try to be not too professional in the studio. I start with a blank paper, quality samples, some hardware, brain off and follow the feeling comes from the belly, like we say in Germany. The environment is an important point, so I invite many producer friends to my studio for jam sessions.

Do you think many great DJs struggle to be heard in today’s crowded clubbing landscape?

Christian Burkhardt It takes time and passion to get in the business. Just keep on doing your thing and if you are lucky you make it. I did techno ten years only for fun, before I had the breakthrough with the Frankfurt/Mannheim Gang. If you have money, get a manager, producer, PR, fancy hairdress and a stylist- Possibly this works also these days.

What’s the scene like back home these days? Do you still get to visit Heidelberg? (Such a beautiful city…)

I often visit my mom, sometimes my mastering guy Lopazz. I wasn’t playing the last years there, but you`re right, every time I drive through the city I think ‘how beautiful.’

What are you expecting the Brighton crowd to be like?

Full on, partying like there is no tomorrow- right?

What does 2018 have in store for you?

There’s plenty of releases about to happen: remix for Argy on Cuttin´ Headz, a remix For Andre Buljat on Akbal Music, an EP on CB-Sessions with Einzelkind and a track on Muna Musik (Mathias Kadens label).

When you tour so much, how do you prevent each show from becoming ‘just another city’?

After ten years, I am still interested in exploring new cities and making new friends. I often stay one day longer if possible and check the area, go sightseeing or to the beach. I think it’s a personal thing- some DJs complaining about travelling. I’m still enjoying travelling the world.

14

Christian Burkhardt plays the Rebel Beats Launch Party at Brighton’s Bau Wow on Sat 3 March www.bauwow.club

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CLUBBING ULTIMATE POWER FRI 2 FEB KOMEDIA RAVER TOTS SAT 3 FEB KOMEDIA JUNGLE MAINA SAT 17 FEB THE ARCH DISCIPLES SAT 10 FEB THE ARCH DJ REBEL GIRL FRI 16 FEB MARLBOROUGH PUB THE KEMPTOWN CARNIVAL BOTANICAL BALL FRI 16 FEB KOMEDIA WAH W/ CAUSE & AFFECT FRI 16 FEB THE ARCH SPELLBOUND SAT 17 FEB KOMEDIA HOTTER THAN JULY! FRI 23 FEB KOMEDIA TAKE 3RD BIRTHDAY WITH SAM DIVINE SAT 24 FEB THE ARCH 16

INTER-MISSION FRI 2 FEB

HOTEL PELIROCCO

DJs from Vanishing Point, Mirage and The Big Itch are gathering together to create an exciting night where anything goes! Launching at the infamous Hotel Pelirocco, (conveniently after the January detoxes), INTER-MISSION brings together three of Brighton’s most eclectic promoters and DJs for a free evening of aural delights, from electro and acid house, to new wave and italo disco. Joining from The Big Itch, who eagerly rock Green Door Store with party platters ranging from early up-tempo blues and risqué R&B, is Stace. Representing Mirage, purveyors of the finest Italo spaghetti disco, blazing Hi-NRG and spacey synth vibes, is Matthew Balaam. Clara S will be flying the flag for Vanishing Point, who regular parties at Patterns with the best underground electronica, house and techno. If you like any of those nights, you’ll love INTER-MISSION. If not, then let them change your mind...

BAU HOUSE LAUNCH PARTY SAT 3 FEB

BAU WOW

Bau Wow are launching a night of all things house with support from some of Brighton’s finest DJs. Adds a statement of intent, they’re bringing in one of UK music’s true innovators – Terry Farley. When it comes to club culture, he’s been there, done it and bought the 12-inch.

Partly responsible for the first article ever written about acid house, he enjoyed astonishing success in the ‘90s.

Part of the Boy’s Own and Junior Boy’s Own collectives, he helped discover the likes of Andrew Weatherall, The Chemical Brothers, Underworld and X-Press 2, all while maintaining a notable production career with Pete Heller.

As a true cornerstone of London’s modern house music scene, he’s going to be showing Brighton how it’s done.

WAZE & ODYSSEY PRESENTS HEIDI SAT 3 FEB

THE ARCH

Street Tracks; head honchos Wake & Odyssey launch their three-show mini-series at The Arch with a proper cracker… Jackathon supremo Heidi has made an undeniable impact on the house scene over the last ten years. Moving from Canada to London in 2000, she began honing her craft and deep expertise.

By 2008 she was playing for BBC Radio 1, and wowing crowds around the world. A year later she was throwing Jackathon parties everywhere, inviting peers and inspirations like Richie Hawtin, Soul Clap, Solomun, Maceo Plex, Nicolas Jaar and Derrick Carter to share special musical moments with her. Whether playing at Exit, rocking her Ibiza residency, or showing Berlin how it’s done Heidi is out to share the magic.

10 YEARS OF FREERANGE’ & FOUNDATIONS FRI 9 FEB PATTERNS It’s been quite a journey over the years for Freerange.

From their inception in Oxford at the O2 Academy and The Cellar from 2008 onwards, to their spiritual home in Brighton at Sticky Mike’s and then Patterns from 2013, onto a second home in Bristol in 2015.

To celebrate, they’re running ten events in ten different cities over a 10-week period. Heading up the bill the Brighton is one of dubstep’s lynchpins, Deep Medi label boss and one half of DMZ - Mala. Joining him is Joker, another seminal dubstep artist who absolutely shut it down in September when he last came to Patterns, he’s being paired with Flirta D Is hitting the line-up is Riz La Teef, making this celebration very special indeed. clubbing guide continued -->

YOUR

MUSIC CAREER STARTS HERE

9

COURSES

GUITAR • BASS • DRUMS • VOCALS • SONGWRITING MUSIC PRODUCTION • MUSIC BUSINESS • EVENT MANAGEMENT MUSIC JOURNALISM

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES UNRIVALLED CONNECTIONS TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY BIMM.CO.UK/BRIGHTON EUROPE’S MOST CONNECTED MUSIC COLLEGE

GILLES PETERSON

SAT 10 FEB

SAT 10 FEB

Bad Dog Club and Jeepers! Music team up for their first event of the year at Brighton’s best new club - Bau Wow. Located in the heart of Brighton, the new venue is fast becoming one of the city’s leading music venues, with a state-of-the art sound system, a great dance-floor space, two bars and a cool seating area.

DJ, broadcaster, producer, compiler, label boss, record collector, and festival curator – the many venerable titles of Gilles Peterson.

From regularly spinning records at UK clubs like the late Plastic People, the master selector’s tastes cover everything from jazz amd soul to acid house and hip-hop, coming as no surprise from a man who owns 50,000 records.

MALL GRAB SAT 17 FEB

With the icon currently holding down a residency at Phonox, seeing Worldwide FM attain far-reaching acclaim to finding time for the position as creative director of WeTransfer, Gilles remains very much with his finger on the pulse of worldwide music culture.

Another Drum & Bass heavyweight is heading to The Arch this month. Officially the ‘Best Lyrical MC’ and world recordbreaking fastest rhymer, Harry Shotta is now enjoying true global popularity, playing across Europe, Russia and Australia.

He’s also had a hand in London’s first Drum & Bass Rave on its Underground.

The Bakerloo line was treated to a moving full on party, a video of which has already acquired seven million views. One of the most gifted, prolific and versatile MC’s in the UK, his Harry Shotta Show has been firing up clubs and massive festival stages everywhere in the last couple of years.

Expect breakthrough treats and lightningfast lyrics with flawless delivery.

image by Jay Jackson

Northern Ireland’s premier house music DJ Jay Kay flies in from Belfast to co-headline the event along with Brighton’s own superstar Seamus Haji. Jeepers! main-man Nick Hook and two of Brighton’s Italian imports Lidia De Luca and Ago De Felice complete a top line-up of DJs celebrating the new compilation album - This Is Jeepers! Music.

FULL FAT: HARRY SHOTTA SHOW THURS 15-FEB THE ARCH

PATTERNS

BAU WOW CLUB

18

image-Gilles Peterson @patterns

BAD DOG & JEEPERS!

PATTERNS

Embarking on a mammoth 18 date run of the best dancing spots around, Mall Grab is inviting along talented artists for the ride on this aptly named ‘Non-Stop Feeling’ tour. Relatively new to the scene, but not to be underestimated, 22-year-old Grab is breaking all kinds of moulds on his rapid rise to recognition on the world stage.

His sound has been described as ‘mildly celestial “hella stoned” introspections that pay homage to old Three 6 Mafia mixtapes as much as more recent astral experiences in house and techno.’

Joining him is DJ/ Producer Salary Boy, who hit the scene when his track The Illusion was included in Mall Grab’s acclaimed FACT mix back in April.

RICK AND MORTY’S HOUSE PARTY

SHANTI CELESTE

FRI 23 FEB

SAT 24 FEB

KOMEDIA

Join the folks at Komedia Brighton once again to celebrate everybody’s favourite multidimensional duo - Rick and Morty! Why do you party? TO GET RIGGITY RIGGITY WRECKED SON! Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and there’s even a £50 bar tab for the best costume. The last event saw a whole host of your favourite characters re-created such as Mr Meeseeks, robot-hybrid Snuffles and Ma-Sha, alongside plenty of Rick and Morty’s from a whole variety of realies.

Episodes of the show will be playing all night plus there’ll be Turbulent Juice cocktails on offer as well as drinks deals all night. Come and get schwifty! This is a fan run event.

PATTERNS

After eight memorable ‘Curated by’ dates with Bradley Zero and Avalon Emerson this year, in 2018 Patterns hand the reins to Shanti Celeste and Mr Bongo to work some magic. Shanti’s ‘Curated by’ series will see a blurring of the boundaries between techno, house, reggae, soul and disco, creating a welcoming rave environment for all.

Her four parties will draw inspiration from her very own ‘Peach Discs’ label, inviting artists, friends and Brighton selectors to curate the sound and vibe. From tweaks to the lighting to collaborating with local creatives, record shop in-store sessions to DJ/production workshops, we’ll be taking the series in and out of the club context on each occasion.

BRIGHTON SAT 24 - SUN 25 FEB

TATTOO CONVENTION

2018 20

www.brightontattoo.com

If there’s one thing that the current generation love just as much as Instagram and avocados, it’s body modification.

Especially so in the form of tattoos. There is something compelling about having your skin ripped to pieces by a needle in the name of art. That’s why Brighton Tattoo Convention are now celebrating their 11th year running this month, growing into a major event for the city, tattoo artists and tattoo lovers alike.

By Becky Waldron

The convention is back at its original Winter dateline, taking place on Sat 24 – Sun 25 Feb at The Brighton Centre. The line-up this year consists of the regular industry heavyweights such as: Jondix, Scott Move, Wendy Pham and Grace Neutral. Not to mention an exciting array of new faces, including Sad Amish, Little Nick, Sneaky Mitch and Zooki. That’s just a small fraction of the long list of talent participating; there will be artists heading to Brighton from all over the world to share their individual styles and art with attendees.

It’s not just tattooing that will be on the agenda throughout the weekend. A variety of independent traders will be making their way to the city, too. Alongside the tattoo supplies and related merchandise, we’ll see clothing retailers, jewellery, a collection of artists, vinyl records and even a massage therapist and reflexologist (how Brighton). Parties, live music and exhibitions – including a display from Jim Sanders’ contemporary art methodologies- will also be taking place to further captivate you on this wonderful and weird weekend.

Highlights include ‘Truth & Beauty – A Print Retrospective’

by Alex Binnie. Alex, the owner of Brighton’s very own 1770 tattoo and formerly, Into You London. The legendary artist will be at the convention all weekend, hand printing two designs on his own printing press made in 1933. A once in a lifetime experience to witness a true master make his magic.

Bringing their craftsmanship along with the barber environment will be Paul Hewitt’s & Brad Cowan’s small pop up barbershop The BARBERLIFE Expo, after having attended the convention for many years now, they’re back. Expect shops from LA, New Jersey, Athens, Belgium, Israel and the UK with some very special guests coming along too. Look forward to live D.J. Sets, screen printing, retail, and a relaxing waiting area to hang get cut, watch and chat to all the barbers.

This weekend is set to be an absolute hit, with more than you could ever imagine taking your fancy crammed in to just two days of buzzing creativity. Whether you want to get in line to have a tattoo from an accomplished artist, enjoy unique merchandise and exclusive experiences or simply just have a great time this is definitely a weekend worth investing in. With the convention fast approaching, grab your tickets now. Both weekend and day tickets are available from our website priced at £40 and £25 respectively.

BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK

Let’s not forget the after parties. On the Saturday evening we will be joined by Seven Doors legends Jondix, Raf and Tomas Tomas for an underground psych experience with eclectic sound and visuals, as well as some food for thought. On Sunday, host Dave Mumbles will be presenting some of the best Live Rock & Roll Bands and DJ’s with the Brighton Rockabilly Club.

21

IN CONVERSATION WITH:

By Lottie Woodrow

LUCY PORTER

On a grey, ominous Tuesday afternoon, I was looking forward to being uplifted by comedian, Lucy Porter’s chirpy attitude, to juxtapose the overcast skies across Brighton. A familiar face of all the great television panel shows, such as QI, Room 101, Have I Got News for You and Radio 4 shows Life - An Idiot’s Guide, Heresy and The Unbelievable Truth, Porter has become renowned for her chatty and witty puns. With her standup conversational show, Choose Your Battles, coming to the Brighton’s Komedia this Valentine’s day, it would have been a sad opportunity to miss if we didn’t manage to snap a few laughs in with her before she sets off touring the country.

Porter jump started the interview with a presence of nostalgia. Reflecting back on the wonder years of the 1990s living in Manchester, Porter says she decided to delve into the world of comedy whilst at university. She was amongst other exciting renowned comedians like Steve Coogan and Caroline Aherne, on the Manchester scene, so competition was fierce. It didn’t stop her from exploring the possibilities of humour.

Starting off in a small bar in Chester, hidden away from the city centre so nobody would recognise her, she performed her first routine. ‘Love at first gig’, and encouragement from fellow upcoming comedians at the time, from Johnny Vegas to Lee Mac to Chris Anderson - all part of a growing circuit - meant she never looked back.

From the rush of being up on stage to meeting audiences at the end of a night, she “fell madly in love with it all.” After her success at Edinburgh Festival, her infatuation with comedy flourished. After receiving great reviews from critics and overall having a fun, energetic time, her desire to do longer sets stemmed further.

This joy for live performances grows more every time, despite the rapid influence of the internet jarring down on the comedic industry. With a lot of comedians stemming from the world of YouTube, she’s often asked why she bothers with live performances and doesn’t settle for an audience behind a computer, television or phone screen. Her reply is always the same; “it allows people to come up to me after the show and say: ‘I really related to the part where…’” creating a sense of not feeling alone. The show is a reminder everyone has similar issues in relationships, good and bad, as well as the battles life chucks at us unexpectedly. Through adding humour, it becomes a lighthearted release from it all, even if just for the night. Porter exclaims, “it’s therapeutic and cathartic for both me and the audience. It just makes it a lot more special.”

From performing for so many years, her tactics for preparation are fairly simple. A ritual of eating a banana half an hour before the show to pump some energy into her blood sugar levels, and simply get up on stage to see what happens. Following a basic plan of the humour of she wants to include, she much prefers improvising the chat. “What’s the point in not changing it up a bit, it keeps me more interested and the audience feels it’s more authentic,” she asks.

"

and rapeutic e h t s ’ and it both me r o f c i t cathar st makes ce. It ju n e i d u a e th ial. more spec it a lot

"

22

Touring an eleventh stand-up show, Choose Your Battles has already prooved an Edinburgh Fringe hit. “It’s just me talking about my life. It’s what I love doing best.” After starting out as a single, self-employed, stand-up comedian, her life has changed significantly from the early days of the 90s. Now a wife and mother, it’s become a whole lot trickier choosing how she should battle through life, and knowing when to stand her ground. Conversational gags and slightly confessional jokes can all be expected along the way of her choosing what’s worthy to fight for.

For a feel-good hour about deciding and fighting for what is deemed most important to you, Lucy Porter’s Choose Your Battles comes to Brighton’s Komedia on Weds 14 Feb. www.komedia.co.uk/brighton

DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS Funded training in Performing Arts www.brictt.co.uk

NOW!

Everything must GLOW

IN YOUR

photos by David Smith

Y T R A P

S T N PA nessa

By Va

tt

Barre

Our beautiful city of Brighton & Hove has always stood waving the flag for creative values, liberal morals and being down right fun. But what happens when you tie all three strands together, set them to a beefy bassline soundtrack and douse them in UV paint?

To all you glorious souls, in all your specular shapes, sizes and formations, open your hearts to the kaleidoscopic burst of colour, creativity and chaos. Step inside the beautiful brain child from the Judi and the Doodle Cats team with Party In Your Pants.

Clubbing culture can be daunting for many people, especially for those who, for whatever reason, feel they don’t fit into social norms and media expectations (aka pretty much most of the population). However, through the sheer magic of the Party In Your Pants event, the team go all out to give you freedom to enjoy and embrace the skin you’re in. Before you recoil in fear and apprehension, no you do not have to literally dance in your underwear. You set your own rules but remember, your body is literally the canvas, ‘You are the artist. You are the art!’ - so the more you display, the more you can play.

You may have already come across their smaller pop events, such as Doodle Couture and The Frippery Factory, in a variety of pub locations across the city. Now Judi and the Doodle Cats have a new jewel in their crown with their self-proclaimed ‘UK’s first (and probably only) topless, feminist UV body-doodle party’. Perfectly teamed and snuggly homed at the Green Door Store, a venue with a firm stance on inclusivity and diversity in their programming, this underground environment welcomes all who wish to partake in downright spontaneous silliness.

As you enter this world of wonderment, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles and whimsical décor, which immediately offers a fantastic festival vibe. At the (free!) cloak room, you hand over your civilian garments and change into your epic outfit. From underpants and snazzy swim gear to wild and elaborate rave couture creations, the impressive lengths some put towards their UV ensemble adds to the artistically immersive flavour of this party. From there, you’re free to play! From the splatter walls, getting soaked in glitter blunderbuss (yes, a glitter blunderbuss) to just simply dancing your cares away. Seasoned ravers to nightlife newbies, this party earns a welcomed place on your ‘must go to’ list.

Here are just a few handy tips to make sure you have the maximum amount of awesomeness Buy a ticket in advance! Due to the unique and inclusive nature of the event, the tickets for these parties sell out early. Make sure you join their Facebook page so you’re the first to know about upcoming dates (Also to those whose pockets are pinching, you won’t be denied the fun. The page offers limited amount of early-bird tickets too).

As stated before, you don’t just have to be in your under-crackers, if shorts and vest are enough for you then totally rock that. However, with the DJ taking you on a rollercoaster from guilty pleasure pop to bassladen beats, you can’t help but shed some layers.

Party In Your Pants are big fans of the ‘Free the nipple moment’ and holds feminist freedom at its heart.

Whenever you do desire to take the leap of exposing your unique form, there will be, splashes, sploshes, splats, swishes and gloops of UV paint and pens waiting for you. (All the inks are water soluble so feel free to be truly care free.)

Even with the relaxed and open nature of the event, everyone must understand and uphold one rule.

Respect. Pervy people are swiftly dealt with to ensure safety.

In a day and age where we collectively agree to raise a glorious middle finger against unimaginative beauty standards, and where we are growing to be unapologetic about loving our bodies, Party In Your Pants creates a feeling of togetherness and unity, This is ethical clubbing at it uttermost finest, an uplifting and empowering experience for all involved.

Party In Your Pants comes to Green Door Store on Sat 17 Feb and Sat 31 Mar. www.judiandthedoodlecats.com

THEATRE THEATRE

PLANNER BEOWULF

MARLBOROUGH THEATRE

WEDS 31 JAN - THURS 1 FEB

THE ROCKET MAN - A TRIBUTE TO SIR ELTON JOHN FRI 9 FEB THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON DRAG KING OPEN MIC FRI 9 FEB MARLBOROUGH PUB BITTER SOUR: GUILTY PLEASURE SAT 10 FEB CAROLINE OF BRUNSWICK OLIVER MEECH: WHEN MAGIC AND SCIENCE COLLIDE SAT 10 FEB SWEET DUKEBOX WHEN LOVE GOES WRONG SAT 10 FEB SWEET DUKEBOX DR EMILY’S WEIRD AND WONDERFUL SCIENCE FACTS TUES 13 FEB SWEET DUKEBOX MYSTERY AT FRANKENSTEIN CASTLE TUES 13 – THURS 15 FEB SWEET DUKEBOX VAMPIRES ROCK: THE GHOST TRAIN FRI 16 FEB THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON OUR LADY OF SLIGO FRI 16- SAT 24 FEB NEW VENTURE THEATRE LAVA ELASTIC FRI 23 FEB SWEET DUKEBOX 26

Before we begin, I should warn you: This story ends with a dragon. But every story ends with a dragon. If you make it to ‘Happily Ever After’ and there isn’t a dragon nearby… the story isn’t over yet. Seth Kriebel’s Beowulf is an interactive performance-game, which invites you to explore the world of a legendary story from our ancient past… without leaving your seat. An evocative soundscape accompanies your journey through strange lands, discovering forgotten monsters and bringing a Viking hero’s tale back to life 1,000 years after his adventures. Each show is unique, depending on your choices… illuminating the original epic and asking why, after all these years, we still tell each other stories about monsters that lurk in dark.

ROBIN HOOD

FRI 9 – SAT 17 FEB

THE OLD MARKET

Exploding onto the stage with the follow up to their five-star production of Romeo and Juliet, New Mutiny Theatre Company present the world premiere of their new production. This stunning new version of Robin Hood brings the classic story bang up-to-date, with sword fights, silliness, original music and a vibrant cast.

Exploring ideas of community, friendship and family and set in a society divided by wealth and power, the play cavorts between the wild, chaotic freedom of Robin and his forest dwelling friends, and the rigid authoritarian regime inside the Sheriff’s Castle. We learn what it means to be a hero, as a young Maid Marian struggles between her desire for freedom and self-determination, and duty to her overbearing and protective Uncle.

KING LEAR RETOLD SUN 11 FEB

ROPETACKLE

“Tell me my daughters… which of you shall we say doth love us most?” Debs Newbold fires imaginations with a vivid reworking of a Shakespeare staple. Dark and challenging, epic and shocking, human and uplifting. In this explosive retelling of the legend of Lear, King of the Britons, Newbold channels her love of The Bard’s language to whip up a storm which will snatch you from your seat and send you hurtling into its bloody centre. Originally created for a sellout show at The Hay Festival, toured internationally, and performed to great acclaim at Shakespeare’s Globe, this is storytelling at its most powerful and sublime. Newbold’s work brings together the poetic and the irreverent, the ancient and the defiantly modern.

A SQUARE WORLD MON 12 FEB

BRIGHTON DOME FOUNDERS ROOM

When the daily routine of three friends suddenly changes, they discover - with a little fun and some mayhem - how to adapt their world so they can keep playing together. A Square World looks at the unfairness of being left out in a world designed for everyone else but yourself. This nonverbal story uses simple design and object manipulation to create this honest, touching and funny performance.

From the mind of Daryl Beeton, this is an honest, touching and bizarrely quirky piece of theatre for young audiences.

Set to an original commissioned soundtrack, it enters an ever evolving and imaginative world. A place where we discover anything can happen once we think differently and rip up the rule book

ANT HAMPTON: CRAZY BUT TRUE AUGUSTO CORRIERI

SUNDAY 18 FEB

ATTENBOROUGH CENTRE FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS Did you know the number of wild animals on Earth has halved in the past 40 years, that you can't kill yourself by holding your breath, or that butterflies taste with their feet? Crazy But True offers an interactive installation performed by children aged 8-12, who, cast as 'experts', are given their lines via headphones, repeating what they hear, without rehearsal. For the audience watching, we feel at once ’outside' this game while deeply involved in or responsible for the world it describes. Children attending with adults are able to participate on the day, with each performance time for lasting 12 minutes. There is no rehearsal, but it’s suggested participants watch others before giving it a go.

IN PLACE OF A SHOW THURS 22 FEB

I’D BE LOST WITHOUT IT

During a visit to Vicenza’ Teatro Olimpico, a theatre famed for its illusory street perspectives and sky-painted ceiling, artist Augusto Corrieri came across a lone swallow, flying in circles beneath the theatre’s painted clouds. Through a playful combination of photographs, news articles, and historical research, this dynamic lecture focuses on the swallow’s aerial revolutions, revealing surprising connections between the flight of the bird and the histories of theatre. Asking what happens inside theatres when nothing is happening, it’s accompanied by a presentation focusing on the presence of non-human entities inside theatres. This event marks the paperback launch of In Place of a Show: What Happens Inside Theatres When Nothing Is Happening via Bloomsbury.

We all exist somewhere online, whether we know it or not: a virtual trace, an online persona, a trail of clicks and searches laying claim to who we are. Exploring our addiction to technology in the 21st century, where our hunger for ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ is distancing us from ourselves and one another, it shows how technology is affecting our minds, our lives, our happiness and our brains. Using headphones, binaural sound and immersive theatre, this is an interactive experience which explores the utopia and dystopia of our tech-driven existence. Working in collaboration with a psychologist to extract real-life experiences, leading physical theatre company, Wet Picnic, shine a light on our modern world and question what keeps us human in an age increasingly lived online.

SUN 25 FEB

ATTENBOROUGH CENTRE

THE OLD MARKET

WAR HORSE Thur 25 Jan-Sat 10 Feb

BRIGHTON TATTOO CONVENTION Sat 24-Sun 25 Feb

X FACTOR LIVE Sun 4 Mar

BRIT FLOYD Wed 7 Mar

JOHN BISHOP Sat 10 Mar

JOE BONAMASSA Sat 17 Mar

JASON DERULO Sun 18 Mar

YES Wed 21 Mar

ICONS OF THE 80s Thur 22 Mar

NIALL HORAN Tue 27 Mar

BILL BAILEY Fri 20 Apr

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC Sat 28 Apr

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OMEDY

JON RICHARDSON AND FRIENDS

LIVE AT BRIGHTON DOME SAT 3 FEB BRIGHTON DOME ANDY ZALTZMAN WEDS 7 FEB KOMEDIA GOAT COMEDY SEASON 3: THE JUNGLE FRI 9 FEB SWEET DUKEBOX THE VISITORS & COMEDY SHOWCASE SAT 10 - SUN 11 FEB MARLBOROUGH THEATRE ALUN COCHRANE SUN 11 FEB KOMEDIA SAMANTHA BAINES TUES 13 FEB KOMEDIA MARK STEEL WEDS 14 FEB ROPETACKLE BARNSTORMERS COMEDY CLUB SAT 17 FEB ROPETACKLE ANGELA BARNES THUS 1 MARCH ROPETACKLE NO SUCH THING AS A FISH THURS 1 MARCH BRIGHTON DOME

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TUE 6 FEB

LEWIS SCHAFFER WEDS 7 FEB

ROPETACKLE

New York’s finest presents a fresh and extraordinary show, which will leave you in an emotional spin - but not before he’s made you laugh a few times. Unopened Letters From My Mother follows on from his long running and hugely acclaimed Free Until Famous show, which saw over 400 performances in London alone.

The Brooklyn-born comic somehow finds meaning and humour in a family tragedy. He had 23 unopened and unread letters from his late mother, sent before she died alone in New York. But why hadn’t he read them? And what happened when he opened them, some 15 years later?

BOBBY MAIR: LOUDLY INSECURE THU 8 FEB

KOMEDIA

Thirty years ago, Bobby was put up for adoption. Last year he set out to track down his birth family, one by one.

However, to say that his search hit a couple of snags along the way would be an understatement and Bobby still has relatives out there who continue to elude him, except for one distant relative by the name of Justin Bieber. Join Bobby as he recalls the wildly dramatic twists and turns of his quest, including the accidental broadening of his search for next of kin. He’ll also share a couple of other musings he discovered along the way, like his love of strangers, techniques to impress his personal trainer and whether remembering virginity loss is inappropriate.

THE TREASON SHOW FRI 9 FEB

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THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON

World class pedant Jon Richardson takes some time out from his hilarious UK tour to bring together a few buddies and support a great cause. He’s attracted a diverse and stellar line up, including Brighton’s own Joe Wilkinson, Channel 4’s Adam Hills, the indomitable Rob Beckett, and many more. The aim is to raise a few laughs and some money for UK Sepsis Trust, in memory of the late, brilliant Stuart Hudson. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition, but it’s easily treated if caught early. The UK Sepsis Trust seek to raise awareness of the condition and work to improve Sepsis care, and aid in prompt diagnosis.

By providing simple interventions to all patients with Sepsis, they hope that more lives can be saved.

ROPETACKLE

Spring has sprung, and so have The Treason Show’s gambling satirists, with their trademark lampooning of the world of politics, sport and celebrity. Featuring all your favourite regular characters and bang up to the minute topical sketch show. Brighton & Hove’s longest serving and best sketch-based satire show is back, plunging headlong into a content rich landscape of public office inefficiency, cultural tomfoolery and bed-bound burger munching. Brexit, Trump and all that’s new and unapproved are in this lot’s sights, along with bang upto-date songs, sketches, and your favourite characters, all in a bumper edition of the UK’s biggest and best live satirical show.

Comedy guide continued -->

Photo by Roslyn Gaunt

SAT 10 FEB KOMEDIA

Award-winning comedian, actor and writer Scott Capurro, known for his work on several TV programs, including The Wright Stuff, 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Truth About Gay Animals, heads out around the UK with a fierce, daring and dark new show.

THU 15 FEB

THU 15 FEB

Having effectively cured all depression in last year’s smash-hit hour, actress Anna Mann and close ‘friend’ Colin Hoult return for a timely take on the terrifying rise of fascism. Fear not, gentle liberals, Mother Mann is here. This beautifully-written show is a laughter-filled hour of character comedy with a gentle sheen of politics. Packed full of deluded and distracted individuals, it gently suggests that we’re never more than a few footsteps from a fascist, or a few choices from becoming one ourselves. Hoult’s flamboyant alter-ego promises to tackle intolerance wherever it dares appear. From marginalised white males and bewildered misogynists to passive-aggressive lefties and confused well-meaning old ladies, nobody is safe.

Totalitarianism can take many shapes.

Byrne originally intended to call the show, I’ll Millennial You in a Minute, but his promoter considered the title, “off-puttingly baffling”.

Now he’s launching into a discussion if life really is as bad as it appears. Are we filled with righteous anger at a world gone wrong or are we all just a bunch of whiny little brats?

In short, are we spoiled?

KOMEDIA

THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON

photo by Dean Chalkey

Scott wrangles with rich friends, worthy yoga and the miseries of home ownership.

He offers every silver lining is attached to a rather imposing cloud, spinning yarns that are meant to resolve issues, but which oddly have the opposing effect. This provocative new show explores solutions to life that actually make living more difficult. This San Franciscan comic is unafraid to tread on the thin ice of controversy, but will send you home with a plenty to laugh about.

HOW WE STOP THE FASCISTS ED BYRNE: SPOILER ALERT

GEMMA ARROWSMITH: EARTHLING GRIFF RHYS JONES: WHERE WAS I? TUES 27 FEB SAT 17 FEB

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KOMEDIA

THE OLD MARKET

In 1977 NASA launched Voyagers 1 and 2 to explore the outer solar system. After their mission was complete, they continued into deep space carrying golden phonograph records which contain sounds and images from Earth. This show is about the lifeforms who find those records. And whether they decide to reply. Tracey Ullman show writer Gemma Arrowsmith performs this sketch performance which charts the best and worst humanity has to offer. Posing as an extra-terrestrial lecturer, she explores an initiative from cosmologist Carl Sagan which captured the public imagination like no other space mission would. In doing so she asks some pertinent questions about who we are as a species and how our celestial neighbours might perceive us.

The star of Not The Nine O'Clock News, Smith & Jones and Three Men In A Boat airs stories, anecdotes, reminiscences and outright lies from his illustrious career.

He’s spent 40years travelling - down rivers and up mountains, into Africa, out of India, and across the arid wastes of the BBC canteen. It's a career, if you mean bouncing chaotically downhill without a map.

A warm and self-deprecating entertainer, his time schlepping round the globe has thrown plenty of interesting moments. From cleaning the windows of a New York skyscraper to filming in Africa for Comic Relief, he’s managed to acquire a rare perspective on mankind and his achievements.

Having spent almost 1,000 years on the live circuit, Byrne is combines the mannerisms of the everyman, with being a well-oiled gag machine. But he’s increasingly aware middle age has left him amidst a sea of self-centred narcissists who expect everything on a plate.

It’s time for action. That’s his own chainsaw in the photo, by the way.

image Ullathorne photbySteve

by Timothy Ginn

THE TROUBLE WITH SCOTT CAPURRO

ROBIN INCE: PRAGMATIC INSANITY WEDS 28 FEB THE OLD MARKET

Robin Ince is a unique performer, who is simply bristling with energy and ideas. Last year, he completed a marathon 70 date, record-breaking tour with Brian Cox that concluded at the Wembley Arena, and found time to pen his new book, I'm a Joke...and So Are You. Now, he presents his first new stand up show in three years is a clash of the two cultures, a joyous romp through his favourite artists and strangest scientific ideas. From the work of Stanley Spencer to Niels Bohr, it is 90 minutes fizzing with ideas about creativity in science and art, as well as asking why we believe we see what we see and why we believe what we believe.

ROCKOSMOS PRESENTS

STICKY MIKE’S FROG BAR SATURDAY 17 MARCH

ROCKOSMOS.COM

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M

OVIES

by Lottie Woodrow

Black Panther

Mon 12 Feb

Marvel fans will already be aware, but the much-anticipated Black Panther film is set to be released later this month. This will be the eighteenth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not to be mistaken for a remake of either The Black Panther, 1921 or 1977 films.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther sees T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) return home, after the death of his father, as king of the Wakanda nation, yet is faced with difficulties. With his supremacy challenged by conflict from a longstanding enemy reappearing, the king must fight his allies and release the eternal power of Black Panther in order to defeat and secure equilibrium once more. Marked as the first solo film Marvel has produced which does not see the star as a white male, it is one not to miss this month.

Lady Bird

Fri 16 Feb

This beautifully artistic and crafted film, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, is described as semi-autobiographical of truth that Gerwig resonates with herself. Following the life of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan), a high school senior from the suburbs of Sacramento in 2002, the film follows a coming of age story of “Lady Bird” and her unruly relationship with her mother (Laurie Metcalf).When applying to colleges, hoping for one that is far out-of-state from her town, “Lady Bird” is faced with several rejection letters, humiliation from school careers officers and non-encouraging advice from her mother. She has little hope of fulfilling her dream of escaping her hometown.

The narrative follows themes of battling friendships, disorderly relationships both motherly and romantically with short-term lovers. Seeking out to many teenagers far and wide, as well as adults, who are able to resonate with the looming feeling of becoming an adult.

Finding Your Feet

Fri 23 Feb

Directed by Richard Loncraine, Finding Your Feet is a hilarious romantic comedy-drama following the retirement of ‘Lady’ Sandra Abbott (Imelda Staunton). After discovering her husband of forty years (John Sessions) has been having an affair with her best friend, she goes off to live with her distant, older sister Bif (Celia Imrie).

These contrasting characters rekindle their sisterly bond, in an attempt to find Sandra a new romantic companion. Big takes her along to a community dance class to meet her friends. The narrative follows this group of wild, dynamic elders as they ultimately showcase that retirement is only just the beginning of her new-found life, which divorce has given her a new role in life. With laughter and cries, this humorous film will revive the idea that growing old turns you boring, dispassionate and frail, and shows the fulfilment it can furnish.

Red Sparrow

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Tue 1 Mar

If you are a lover of spy or thriller films, Francis Laurence’s Red Sparrow will be for you. Based on the novel written by Jason Matthews, awarded for an Edgar Award for Best First Novel by an American Author (2014) and ITW Thriller Award for Best First Novel (2014), the film stars Jennifer Lawrence as Russian spy, Dominika Egorova.

Dominika, was trained amongst other men and women at Sparrow School, on how to seduce the enemy. She is assigned to seduce CIA agent, Nathaniel Nash (Joel Edgerton) who handles the CIA’s issues with Russian intelligence.

In risking her own life, loved-ones career, Dominika must try and expose this American mole in Russia. Nathaniel however, tries to convince her, he is the only one to trust, which threatens the security of both nations. The impact is one which needs to be seen on screen.

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Games Without Frontiers

DEAR ESTHER LIVE

By Stuart Rolt When Dear Esther was released, it offered no goals, puzzles or explosions, instead it computer games could be truly cinematic. Last year, composer Jessica Curry found a less traditional avenue to mark the fifth anniversary of this genredefying title she’d created with her husband.

Developed by Brighton-based studio The Chinese Room, the premise of Dear Esther Live is simple. A single player travels through its narrative, observed by a concert hall audience and accompanied by a live score from a piano quintet and soprano. It’s a bold and ingenious way to celebrate a game which has won significant critical acclaim. “It’s surprising how it has embedded itself into gaming culture,” Curry tells me. “We were thrilled for our first game to have such an impact, it changed our lives completely.” Rather than being based around action or increasing difficulty, what draws the player into this absorbing and stunningly detailed world is the quality of the narrative, and the emotional nature of its music.

The game abandons you to travel across a bleak and desolate Hebridean island. It’s startling, inspiring and unique. Qualities underpinned by Curry’s fabulous score.

This ebbs and flows, dependent entirely upon the actions of its protagonist. She says people had spoken to her about performing it live, and it felt like a natural progression to take it into a concert hall. Onstage at the show’s debut performance at London’s Barbican Centre, the BAFTAwinner suddenly wasn’t so sure about her creative gamble.

“I sat there on the first night, thinking it could be an absolute disaster. It was so quiet when the game finished, then it got this absolutely rapturous applause.” The warm reception has led to more shows, including a performance at Brighton Dome on Fri 2 Feb. Like the game redefined expectations of interactive story-telling, the show has changed opinions on what is possible in a traditional classical environment.

She enthusiastically talks about the diversity of the audiences. This would range from Dear Esther super-fans, to older people who had never played a game, to hardcore gamers who’d never attended a classical concert before.

“I’m really into that idea of new audiences and giving people new experiences.” Live playthroughs of music to films 34

are common now, but she’s developed something which is different every night and allows the audience a deeper understanding of how the visuals and music work together.

The games industry still has many issues regarding diversity and representation. Protagonists are overwhelmingly male, heterosexual and white, reflecting most of the industry creating them. Curry points towards the seismic changes occurring in wider society with gender equality and expectations. “That’s happening in the games industry as well. Women are grabbing hold of that technology, writing and creating experiences about their own lives.” Previous sexism in gaming has been a barrier to entry for a lot of women.

So, it’s interesting The Chinese Room welcome an above average proportion of female and older players. Possibly this is because they design more emotionally intelligent worlds.

“I think women, I know it’s a big generalisation, are looking for more complexity with what they’re playing. There are companies responding to that, but it is a massive problem which I don’t have an answer to.” Ostensibly money talks, and developers can’t afford to ignore half of the population.

The colossal success of Horizon Zero Dawn, and its female protagonist, is evidence of the markets ability to embrace a female-led title.

Before forming The Chinese Room, Curry never felt there was anything for her amongst the games world. Closer inspection revealed there’s many exciting and beautiful titles which are trying to advance what can be done on a computer or console. She’s playing her part to further the ambitions of videogame soundtracks with her regular show on Classic FM – High Score. It’s a program which has helped figures in the station’s 18-35 listenership to rocket.

She happily confirms the music is getting better and better, and the understanding of how to write interactive music is becoming so more complex. “It used to be people like me, who were trained in film music, who were turning their hand to it. Now young people are coming out of colleges having trained to write music for video games. That’s really exciting, they have such an innate understanding of the experience.”

Jessica Curry’s Dear Esther Live comes to Brighton Dome on Fri 2 Feb

t, gar S ER l a f a 99 Tr on BN1 4 t Brigh

H G U O D R E LOV By

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A friend recently pointed out to me that, although a lot of people talk about ‘doing something different’, when it comes to food, it really is difficult to find somewhere which ‘breaks the mould’ in Brighton.

As with many of my favourite venues, I discovered Dough Lover via social media, and was eagerly awaiting it’s opening on Trafalgar Street in the centre of Brighton.

The North Laine is notorious for a vast amount of pubs, cafes, and coffee shops, I often wonder how they all survive with so much competition. I am certainly backing Dough Lover to do more than survive - leading the way to a laptop-free cafe which celebrates the core ideals of the hospitality industry, offering fantastic food (that you couldn’t make as well at home) with carefully sourced ingredients in a beautiful environment.

On my first visit I was lucky enough to chat to Dough Lover’s wonderful owner Ronke, who blew me away with her passion for great food, drink and service and her attention to detail in every respect of opening a new venue.

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Helli opts for the Eggs Dough Lover with Barrel Aged Feta Cheese, Butter Bean Fritters, Olives and Oregano. Despite not knowing exactly what to expect, she’s delighted when presented with two sunny-side up fried eggs with all of the trimmings on top.

Ronke explains how all of the ‘House Soda’s’ are probiotic and made using filtered water and 1/10th the sugar of their conventional counterparts. Although I’m not normally a ‘soda kinda gal’ I decide to treat myself to a gorgeous sounding Hibiscus, Cherry and Mint - which was sharp and tangy and perfect for someone like me that would always opt of the sourest cocktail on the menu! Helli went for a Matcha Latte, which as anyone who has tried will tell you is an acquired taste, but we both loved.

I always feel lucky that my friends understand my greed (carefully disguised as a passion for food), as I readily tuck into their food as heartily as I do my own.

The menu offers everything from eggs, to pancakes to our Brighton favourite - Avocado on toast, and immediately note there is huge selection of veggie, vegan, gluten and dairy free options. Despite not being a vegan myself, Veganuary has made me really appreciate menus that consider the way our dietary requirements are changing as a nation of more ‘conscious eaters’.

The bread really deserves an accolade of its own - you can take my word for it that this place is called Dough Lover for a reason.

As ever I struggle to decide as both the Baked Eggs in Tarka Dal and the Baked Eggs in Tomato and Red Pepper sauce sound amazing. I opt for the latter which is served in a skillet and topped with Tahini, fresh mint, Labneh, toasted pine nuts, red chilli oil and a toasted piece of house baked organic sourdough bread. (I should probably point out that I’m almost salivating as I force myself refrain from immediately tucking in to take a picture for this review!)

Both the dishes are absolutely delicious - everything cooked to perfection with the beautifully balanced flavours given an additional punch from the zesty bites of olives and feta in the case of the DL Eggs and the earthy pine nuts and bursts of fresh mint on the DL variation of Shakshuka.

Although suitably full for a Wednesday afternoon, I make it my mission to try a coffee in every cafe I visit, so order myself a Cortado with the in-house blend of nut milk. Helli orders a Mount Fuji Sencha Green tea and on the recommendation of our charming waiter, a piece of today’s Raw Vegan Carrot Cake. It comes as no surprise that the hot drinks and cake are as exquisite as the rest of the meal as this place is really proves to be a cut above the average in every respect.

You know you've found somewhere really special, when you don't want to tell anyone about it, because you worry you might not get a table next time you go!

PETIT POIS

By An ya

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70 Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AE www.petitpoisbrighton.co.uk

It is certainly quite unusual to have only heard great things about a relatively ‘new to the scene’ restaurant, but this was the case with Petit Pois. When I heard that they were closing for a refurb in mid-January, I wanted to experience both the before and after - so decided to make an exception to my already failing Veganuary and book a table.

Venturing out in the first few days of a new year is always a relatively dreary affair, paired with the guilt of going for yet another indulgent meal after the previous couple of weeks. I was pleasantly surprised to find the cute little bistro on Ship Street bustling and busy, as we were greeted and shown to our table by the window.

Our waitress took a couple of minutes to introduce us to the concept which is bang ‘on-trend’ - offering small plates of well-sourced gastronomic delights, which can either be shared or eaten as more traditional courses. Thankfully we were recommended between 2-3 dishes per head which was of great relief, as the first thing to strike me was almost every dish on menu might be something I’d want to try.

French cuisine is of course renown for not holding back on the heavy cream and butter (which I can assure you, Petit Pois most definitely deliver) but also has a reputation for not being overly ‘vegetarian friendly’ – This, I was impressed to see, was not the case at all, judging by the delicious sounding and well-noted vegetarian, gluten-free and even vegan options.

Both Natalie and I are luckily big ‘sharers’ when it comes to eating out, so this really was the ideal place for us - although trying to limit our choices to just six dishes proved impossible.

Despite Natalie’s best efforts to convince me, (due to my intense phobia of frogs) I was unwilling to try my hand at the delicacy of frogs legs - but decided to give the classic of Snails In Garlic and Parsley Butter a go, along with a selection of charcuterie and fromage to kick off our meal.

It has probably been over ten years since I last ate snails, having had the fortune of spending a lot of time at my grandparents’ house in Provence as a child - they were a regular on the menu. Sadly, my opinion was not drastically changed, in that if you put enough garlic and butter on

anything it is pretty tasty, but snails themselves don’t really bring much to the party other than a nice shell.

Having eaten more cheese and charcuterie in the last month than the rest of the entire year, I feel well equipped to advise that the quality was notably outstanding, served with delightfully sharp pickled cornichons, sweet grapes and little cubes of tangy apple cider jelly.

I would say, without fail if Scallops feature on a menu - I will order them, so this decision was a no-brainer. Having said that, growing up with a father who supplies seafood, I do have a high benchmark to really impress - which Petit Pois managed to surpass. The perfectly seared scallops were served with butternut squash puree, charred baby gem and hazelnut butter and can summed up in one word - Phenomenal.

Another all-time favourite of mine is duck breast - which again did not disappoint, served suitably pink with a side of rich, creamy celeriac dauphinoise topped off with a tangy micro herb salad which really added a touch of je ne sais quoi!

I was excited that Natalie opted for the Sirloin of Beef, which was served with fondant potato, heritage carrots and a red wine jus. For me the dish was comme ci comme ça - although the beef was very tender, it didn’t have a huge depth of flavour, and was more on the medium rare side of the rare we had ordered, saying this the rich meaty jus was definitely enough to make the dish more than enjoyable.

While we polished off our bottle of the house white, which was a wonderful accompaniment to the meal, we spent a minute or two dithering as to whether we could SQUEEZE in a pudding to share. Eventually we managed to talk one another into ordering a French coffee each, plus a Tart Tatin and a Chocolate Fondant with Pistachio ice cream. Both desserts were impeccable, and having no regrets on the calorie intake is always a fantastic compliment to any restaurant.

I might add, that I was shocked when the entire meal (including wine) came to under the £100 mark - with starters and desserts around £5 and mains for around £10. I’m planning my return visit for as soon as the refurb is complete…

THE SPICE IS RIGHT NE

194 Church Rd, Hove BN3 2DJ www.tasteofindiabrighton.co.uk

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A TASTE OF INDIA

By Natalie Edge Living in Brighton, there is never a shortage of interesting and tasty places to eat. I always look for new restaurants to try, or new foods to experience, and that's when I came across The Taste of India. After a very long train journey, returning home after visiting my family in Liverpool over Christmas, the last thing I wanted to do was cook. I was so used to a few days of laziness, being cooked for and having great food everywhere.

I decided to look for an Indian takeaway I’d not tried before. The Taste of India was newly opened and nearby on Hove’s Church Road, so I decided to give them a try. The Taste of India owners guarantee fresh, local ingredients with competitive prices. With over 40 years’ experience running a family-owned restaurant in London, they've decided to broaden their horizons and share their exciting and secret family recipes with us Brightonians.

They’re bursting with confidence in the brand, adding that 'the chef eats here' – which is always good to know. As usual, my eyes were way too big for my belly, I ordered a Dhal Soup to start, a Prawn Rogan with rice and naan, always one of my favourite dishes, a side of Sag Aloo and here's where the greed really kicks in… a Garlic Paneer Chilli Bhuna.

The dishes were ready for collection in good time, and I sent my partner/slave on an errand as I usually do - using the fact that I can’t drive as a running excuse for being completely lazy. I used an exclusive offer and got 20% off my meal.

Which was great, as it's already reasonably priced and just meant I could order more. It maybe defeats the object, but I do love my food.

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Now, I am one to brag about my own homemade Daal, but this one blew mine straight out of the water. It was thick and rich with lemon, had the perfect texture and was exactly what I needed after such a long journey - and only £3.45.

The Rogan was beautiful, I decided on the prawns (£6.45) and if you think I was too full by now, you're wrong. I turned attentions to my Sag Aloo side dish (£3.45); the potatoes were perfectly cooked and perfectly buttered, I almost felt like Goldilocks eating this Indian banquet.

The Paneer, (£7.95) although in the mains section, I would think of as more of a side dish. That's where I finally had to give up and put some of this feast away until the next day. I was beaten, but I found it hard to stop as it was utterly delicious.

I would highly recommend the options I chose, although the menu boasts a huge range of recipes and dishes. The chef's own favourites include his Jalfrezi and the Chicken Tikka Masala which 'will not foul your taste buds.' There is a little something for everyone - meat, vegetarian or vegan. One of the best Indian takeaways I have tried in Brighton & Hove, and that's why I love seeing new places spring up across the city.

The portions were incredible, very good value for money.

Knowing all this food was cooked by an award-winning chef with over 25 years’ experience gave me high expectations which they certainly met. 'You've tried the rest, now try the best.'

FREE COFFEE Hove’s new fresh and innovative eatery.

Join us and enjoy a FREE Grind coffee when you buy any cake until the end of February.

Also a bottle of wine and cheeseboard for £20 or upgrade to a bottle of prosecco for £5 (house wine only).

Valid from Monday to Friday only.

Please bring this leaflet to Hixon Green and redeem for 1 free coffee per person.

HIXON GREEN 124 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2EA hello@hixongreen.co.uk www.hixongreen.co.uk