THE GUIDE
TO BRIGHTON & HOVE
FEB 2017
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ALPINES . VEGFEST . WILDFIRE ADVENTURE CAMP THE FIRST HIPPO ON THE MOON . SK SHLOMO www.brightontaxis.com YOUR LOCAL 24 HOUR TAXI SERVICE
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FEBRUARY 2017 EDITOR'S MESSAGE:
Fellow Brightonians, Hovites and people of the world, thank you! We, the citizens of Brighton & Hove, are now joined in a great effort to explore our city and restore its promise for all our people. Together we will determine the course of Brighton, Hove and the world for many, many years to come. We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done. Every month, we gather together these pages to convey the wonderful things which surround us. The forgotten artists of our city will be forgotten no longer. Everyone is listening to you now. You came by the hundreds to become part of a historic cultural scene, the likes of which the nation has never seen before. We are issuing a new decree to be heard in every neighbourhood, in every venue and in every public house. From this day forward, a new vision will govern our metropolis. From this day forward, it's going to be Brighton & Hove first. Brighton & Hove will start winning again, winning like never before. Thank you. God bless Brighton & Hove! [Gently adjust wig] [Wait for applause]
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EDITORIAL
Sub Editor - Freya Hughes
DESIGN FRONT COVER MARKETING & SALES CONTRIBUTORS
NEWS COMPETITIONS VALENTINE’S DAY ALPINES INTERVIEW WARPAINT INTERVIEW SK SHLOMO INTERVIEW OF EMPIRES INTERVIEW LIVE MUSIC PLANNER BLACK ROCK SUBWAY FEATURE WILDFIRE ADVENTURE CAMP FEATURE CLUBBING PLANNER VEGFEST FEATURE THE FIRST HIPPO ON THE MOON FEATURE COMEDY PLANNER THEATRE PLANNER LONDON CONTEMPORARY ORCHESTRA FEATURE LATEST CINEMA RELEASES THE COPPER CLAM REVIEW HOLY PHOK REVIEW CIN CIN REVIEW QUICK CROSSWORD
All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by any means, including the making of copies by any photo process or by any electronic or mechanical device (printed, written or oral), unless permission in writing is obtained from the copyright proprietor. All textual content, design graphics, images and specific photographs used in the magazine are Copyright © BN1 Magazine 2016. BN1 Magazine has taken every reasonable care to ensure the information contained within this periodical is accurate on the date of publication. It is advisable that you verify any information before relying upon it. BN1 Magazine accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any damage or loss suffered by users of the information, materials or third parties featured within this magazine.
BN1 Media Warpaint. Image by © Mia Kirby Freya Hughes / sales@bn1magazine.co.uk Stuart Rolt, Freya Hughes, Nammie Matthews, Tony Marks, Tacita French, Henna Malik,
CONTENTS: 06 09 10 13 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 29 30 32 34 36 38 41 42 45 46
Editor - Chris Sadler, Editor - Stuart Rolt,
James Stone, Martin Good, William Clay, Tuala Kiernan, Ellie Talebian
PHOTOGRAPHERS SOCIAL MEDIA LISTINGS NEWSDESK/SALES
James Daly - www.jamesdalyphotography.com Tony Marks - tony@bn1magazine.co.uk listings@bn1magazine.co.uk Tel. 01273 022 991
BN1 MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ITS ONGOING SUPPORT FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY INCLUDING OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS AND STAGE SPONSORSHIPS WITH : THE GREAT ESCAPE FESTIVAL BRIGHTON FRINGE BRIGHTON MUSIC CONFERENCE PADDLE ROUND THE PIER PRIDE FESTIVAL
SPONSORSHIP: YOUR MUSIC CAREER STARTS HERE... BRIGHTON & HOVE BUSES SERVE THE MOST NUMBER OF BUS PASSENGERS OUTSIDE OF LONDON BUT IT’S NOT JUST A BUS OPERATOR – IT PRIDES ITSELF AT BEING AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY AND PLAYS A KEY PART IN HELPING THE CITY BE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY ONE.
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NEWS
International Women’s Day
Free Wi-Fi on all Brighton & Hove buses!
Weds 8 March
www.internationalwomensday.com This year International Women's Day falls on Weds 8 March and calls on the masses to #BeBoldForChange. Last year, organisations and individuals around the world supported the #PledgeForParity campaign and committed to help women and girls achieve their ambitions. But the campaign isn't over yet; the World Economic Forum predicts the gender pay gap won't close entirely for over 100 years. Brighton Women’s Centre and Brighton Dome have joined forces to celebrate the 105th International Women’s Day on Sat 4 March. Bursting with activities, with gender equality firmly at the top of the bill, get involved with and share ideas alongside a specially curated programme of inspiring speakers, activists and innovators, workshops, arts and crafts, causes and campaigns. Writer and major voice of the second-wave feminist movement, Germaine Greer will be discussing ecofeminism. While award-winning comedian, Bridget Christie, presents {Because You Demanded It], a show exploring the romance and reality of Britain’s exit from the European Union Brighton Museum will also be holding celebrations and a Wonder Women Discovery Day with a wide variety of talks, performances and workshops. Or if you fancy donning your glad rags and party hat, catch Orchards live at Sticky Mike's Frog Bar on Weds 8 March.
www.buses.co.uk
New 3D model of the Royal Pavilion launched www.brightonmuseums.org.uk
Get interactive as one of Brighton’s biggest and oldest landmarks, The Royal Pavilion, catches up with the 21st century! Explore the Pavilion’s grand history with the new 3D model, which can be viewed online at Brighton Museum’s digital kiosk or even on a Google virtual reality headset. Created by 3D modeller and volunteer Colin Jones, the experience includes audio commentary by curator Dr Alexandra Loske, who explains the historical background of key areas of the estate. Google Cardboard Virtual Reality enables users to use their phone as a VR headset and is accessible via www. brightonmuseums.org.uk/VRPavilion Going forward, Jones has agreed to develop his modelling to more areas of the pavilion estate and reconstruct key points in its history.
By the end of this month passengers will be able to access free Wi-Fi on all Brighton & Hove buses with just a few clicks. Previously only available on certain routes, this exciting addition to the whole fleet will allow you to online message, surf the web, access your social media and connect to your corporate network, whichever part of the city you are travelling to or from. To access the Wi-Fi, simply connect to ‘go-Brighton’ upon boarding, acknowledge and accepted the terms and conditions, then you’re ready to go. No sign up or passwords required!
BRAVO - Brighton Restaurant Awards Vote Online www.brightonrestaurantawards.co.uk
Brighton’s food industry has gone from strength to strength in recent times with over 15 new restaurants having opened in the last year alone. Local foodies' site Restaurants Brighton have released a new innovative, vote-only awards scheme called BRAVO, allowing customers to vote online for their favourite restaurants in Brighton & Hove and surrounding areas. There will be 16 categories including Most ‘Brighton’ Venue, Feel Good Eats and Best Venue for Local Produce.
CITY READS
2 March - 14 May
www.collectedworks.co.uk/city-reads The debut novel by Sharon Duggal The Handsworth Times has been chosen for City Reads while AF Harrold’s (pictured above) Fizzlebert Stump The Boy Who Ran Away from the Circus (and Joined the Library) has been picked for Young City Reads as part of Brighton Festival 2017. Delivered by award-winning literary organisation Collected Works CIC, these two city-wide schemes are designed to spread a love of books throughout Brighton
& Hove. This year they launch on World Book Day, running until May with a series of events themed around the books to encourage people across the city to get reading and start talking. Highlights include a Literary Salon at the Regency Townhouse, a riotous music celebration at The Latest Music Bar, perennial favourite The City Reads Book Quiz returns on Wed 22 March, and Sharon Duggal is in conversation at Brighton Festival
“This is a brand new, 100% fair and transparent awards scheme. Easy to enter, easy to vote and easy to find, with a great team of restaurant marketers promoting the program,” states Nick Harvey, owner of the Restaurants Brighton website. BRAVO aims to put the power back into consumer’s hands by driving a vote-only award campaign. The awards launched at the end of January and run for six weeks, with the winners announced online. “There are no politics and no head-starts as anyone can enter – not just our partner restaurants. There are also no judges or critics involved, just the restaurants and their customers!” So give your favourite eatery the kudos it deserves with a congratulatory ‘bravo’!
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NEWS
S ' AN ER I N R R B O C
Beheld © Hugo Glendinning
Candoco Dance Company comes to Brighton Dome Fri 17 - Sat 18 Feb
www.brightondome.org Candoco opens its doors for a half-term full of participation, performance, workshops and discussion for dancers, teachers, young people and families. The world’s leading contemporary dance company of disabled and non-disabled performers presents CounterActs, an accomplished double bill from two rising stars of the British dance scene. Combining mischievous questions and virtuosic performance they create unique and visceral experiences for audiences, exploring some adult themes. “We are celebrating the end of our 25th birthday year by providing many opportunities to join in with Candoco life, rather than hosting a party for invited guests, in keeping with our belief that anyone can be involved in dance,” says Executive Director Jo Towler. “From taking part in class and workshops to hearing from our co-founder and watching us perform, there’s something for everyone so we can all celebrate together #whatdancecanbe.” Sat 18 Feb sees Candoco’s dancers run an inclusive and dynamic open workshop for a practical insight into themes from CounterActs. Participants will explore elements from Alexander Whitley’s Beheld and Hetain Patel’s Let’s Talk About Dis. Again suitable for disabled and non-disabled individuals alike, this 18+ event welcomes all levels of dance experience.
A Certain Kind Of Light comes to Eastbourne’s Towner Art Gallery Sat 21 Jan - Sun 7 May
www.townereastbourne.org.uk A Certain Kind Of Light is an incredible art exhibition exploring how artists relate to light, spanning over six decades. The exhibition brings together art from almost 30 leading artists including David Batchelor, Ceal Floyer and Raphael Hefti, using painting, sculpture, video, photography, drawing and installations. There is a wide range of work on show, from Katie Paterson’s large rotating planet-like mirror ball, projecting images of nearly every solar eclipse documented by humankind, to Mark Garry’s large-scale thread installation, revealing rainbow-hued graphic abstractions visible only when the visitor moves around the gallery. Jill Constantine, Head of the Arts Council Collection describes the show: “A Certain Kind Of Light is an exciting exhibition and will appeal to all ages. It demonstrates the ambitious and imaginative approach of the curatorial team at Towner Art Gallery. Light in contemporary art is a fascinating premise and I’m enlighten to see so many works from the Arts Council Collection being used to such great effect in this show.”
BRIAN’S WORLD OF BEIGE AND RAGE You should understand that I was born in the 50s. So, of course, I know everything. Six decades of reading the tabloid press has taught me that progress is a bad thing. Why does everything change? We didn’t need a war on terror during Britain’s glory days, we simply showed a stiff upper lip and our enemies cowered in fear. Kids certainly don’t need the interweb (although some of those joke emails I send out are quite witty). Instead of Facebook I’d cycle to the village’s phone-box to contact my chums. AND people smiled for a photograph instead of doing that strange thing with their mouths. Young people have it too good - they don’t deserve to have any fun. We never had electric blankets. Just the other day, a student who lives across the road from me offered to help reach something on a supermarket shelf. I thought he would’ve got the message when I pushed in front of him. Of course, I saw through this act of deception. I know he’s baking meth in that house. I’ve seen them, keeping all hours, whistling songs from the hit parade, hugging, and cheerily waving when I scowl at them in the street. I’m not fooled. Youngsters are always up to no good, with their haircuts, laughing and moral dubiousness. The other day, one of them even dared suggest I drive with more care and attention, as if I knocked his bin over every week. The absolute barefaced cheek of this whippersnapper! The sooner they bring back national service, the sooner I can live in peace free of these hippies…
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COMPETITIONS
» WINC«KETS
L TI FESTIVA
WIN
WIN TICKETS TO:
WILDFIRE ADVENTURE CAMP
Image © Matthew Allen
Fri 16 - Sun 18 June www.campwildfire.co.uk
The award-winning festival, Wildfire Adventure Camp, returns on Fri 16 – Sun 18 June. Curated by the awardwinning team behind LeeFest, a beautiful forest near Sevenoaks will be transformed with secret parties, exciting new music, performances, campfires, and night time adventures. It’ll feature over 80 activities across six different categories, including art classes, escape room puzzles, yoga & mindfulness sessions, high wire work, bee keeping, axe throwing, primitive tanning, foraging, circus skills, pioneering, mask making, bush-craft, nipple tassel making, astronomy, weaving, wood working and even sword skills. This ‘adults only’ event is based in a secret camp deep in the forest. Dedicated to a golden age of adventure, it’s a place of challenge and inspiration, which will bring out the hidden child in everyone. BN1 Magazine and the team behind Wildfire Adventure Camp are giving one of our lucky readers a pair of tickets for this exciting experience on Fri 16 - Sun 18 June. To be in for a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: Which of these activities will you certainly not find at Wildfire Adventure Camp? A) Fox Hunting, B) Bee Keeping, C) Nipple Tassel Making Send your answer including your name, address and telephone number to: competition@bn1magazine.co.uk with ‘WILDFIRE’ as the subject header. Terms and conditions apply (www.bn1magazine.co.uk/terms-conditions). A winner will be chosen and notified by Tues 28 Feb. Good luck happy campers!
WIN TICKETS TO SEE:
SK SHLOMO: #NEWRULES At The Old Market on Fri 17 Feb www.theoldmarket.com
Award-winning beatboxer, producer, and live looping technologist S K Shlomo is heading to The Old Market on Fri 17 Feb. Last year saw him wowing Glastonbury, giving a TED talkabout Beast (his customised software looping instrument) and making his Ibiza debut. Now this year has already seen a tweak of name and Story So Far - a compilation album of his previous works. This Guinness World Record breaker’s solo shows are a whirlwind of beats, basslines and cutting edge technology, celebrating the past, present and future of beatboxing, looping and the human voice, leaving audiences with their jaws on the floor. BN1 Magazine and The Old Market are giving one of our lucky readers a pair of tickets for SK Shlomo’s evening performance on Fri 17 Feb. To be in for a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: What is the name of SK Shlomo’s software looping instrument? A) Beast
B) Brian
C) President Trump
Send your answer including your name, address and telephone number to: competition@bn1magazine.co.uk with ‘SHLOMO’ as the subject header. Terms and conditions apply A winner will be chosen and notified by Mon 13 Feb.
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ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE LESS EXPENSIVE…
V A L E N T I N E ' S D AY BY J A M E S STO N E
February 14th is the ‘most romantic day of the year’. Supermarkets prepare for mass sales of their most expensive chocolates, wines and roses. High-end restaurants prepare to empty customer’s wallets in exchange for delicious, yet minuscule portions of food. Jewellery shops prepare for their busiest day of the year. All the while you start to wonder,
“What will I do this Valentine’s Day?” In Brighton, there are plenty of special Valentine’s Day speed dating events to find singletons a match before the big day. If you are single you may feel you suffer the most on this dreaded date, planning instead to spend the night sadly sitting in front of the TV with a bowl of ice cream. You may even think it’s a good idea to speed date in order to not spend the day alone. However in reality, the single ones are the lucky ones. The pressure on couples is higher than ever before, more so than the feeling of having to do something extravagant on New Year’s Eve. Valentine’s Day in the 21st century involves participating in a globalised ritual. This consists of bringing home a card, flowers and chocolates, followed by an overly expensive meal and then finish the night at a fancy hotel. Only to wake up with not just a hangover, but an empty wallet and increased expectations for the following year. A day meant to convey love and kindness to your partner has been twisted into a corporate feeding frenzy. It’s not just the usual goods commonly associated with Valentine’s Day that have a sales increase on and around this day. Also, condoms and pregnancy tests (a few weeks after) see a significant rise in trade. Yep, the desire to have sex increases as well - apparently. However, you will be happy to know that the 14 Feb is not the only day each year
that you can buy your partner or crush something special, eat well, or even have sex?! These gestures are available throughout the year and do not need to be received and given on a certain day. Despite what your calendar may tell you. It would be unfair to draw comparisons between Valentine’s Day and Christmas. The latter has an established backstory, whereas there is no set story behind Valentine’s Day. Despite the common interpretation that the day has been named after Saint Valentine, the Roman Saint of courtly love, this has more plot holes than a B-movie. There are many arguments that there are in fact two Saint Valentines which contribute to the story. There are also many interpretations that suggest medieval English poet Geoffrey Chaucer invented the day, combining courtly love with Saint Valentine in his poem Parlement of Foules. Before this poem there is no evidence that 14 Feb was a celebration of love. So why do we celebrate it? As much as Valentine’s Day is a ‘fake holiday’, it’s the chance to splash out on your partner, and sprinkle them with gifts - a month and 20 days after you did at Christmas. For long-term couples who do not get to spend that much time together, the day could be rewarding. So by all means, if it makes you happy, then have a civilised meal at a casino, followed by a night at a hotel. However, if you have recently asked a girl to 'be your Valentine' then it is probably best to shy away from the overpriced temptations available this month. You would be more likely to stand out if you did not follow the stereotypical Valentine’s Day ritual. You can also celebrate your singularity at one of Brighton’s clubs with a bunch of other people in the same boat!
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
BLACK ROCK SUBWAY STUDIOS
NOW
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3 4 4 2 6 3 7 2 1 0 : L E TO BOOK - T
.CO.UK Y A W B U S K C O R K INFO@BLAC
SUBWAY 1 BLACK ROCK MADEIRA DRIVE 5ZH BRIGHTON, BN2
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ALPINES B Y S T U A R T R O LT
There was a definable golden age of pop music. It was a time when bands were glamorous and their tunes were achingly beautiful, untainted by urban affectations or cartoon-like keyboard riffs. But some acts can still break the mould - striving to place a little more glamour into all they do. Step forward Alpines, a South London duo placing powerful vocals over sublime keyboard layers. “We’re quite different people, I think,” says singer, Catherine Pockson. “Bob has such an innate ability to work with, produce and make our songs sound amazing, while I’m focused on writing songs. We really compliment each other in that way.” Everything about this band is cool, from their music to the way they present themselves. Together with producer and programmer Bob Matthews, this ethereal double act preempted Britain’s growing love for late-night soul music by several years. The release of their ethereal and melodramatic debut Oasis brought them praise from critics, fans and peers including The Maccabees and Florence Welch and The xx. Since that release they’ve elected to forge a more stripped back sound, which perfectly platforms the beauty of Pockson’s voice and the attention to detail across their music. “We wanted to take things away rather than add stuff,” says Matthews. “On the first record, It felt like we were kind of throwing too much at the songs. So, we’ve been trying to make sure there was really good song which drew from a smaller palette.” This new attitude now shines through on their most recent album, Another River. You’ve never heard music with minimalist leanings conceal so much within its layers. Crammed with soaring harmonics and captivating basslines, there’s a maturity demonstrated in this simplistic approach. “It’s quite a personal album,” says Pockson. “Many of the songs come from experiences I was having. It’s been a period for me of learning and healing, and facing up to some things, so the writing is very honest.” If there was proof it’s possible to write hooks and entrancing lyrics without them sounding brash, then here it is. Released last year, this album is a luscious slab of emotion-laden R&B, full of subtle flourishes and thoughtful experimentation. The duo’s journey began in 2011. “We met at a friend’s wedding in Bristol,” Pockson tells me. “Both of us were working on lots of different projects at the time. I was doing solo work by myself, as a singer-songwriter with a piano, and Bob was in a band. He had some great ideas and we had
good chemistry together.” Quickly they set about making music that’s slightly different, believing it’s important to stay interesting and fresh. Pockson started in music when she was 11. Later she’d study Fashion and History of Art at college, before completely losing herself to music. There remains an enchantment with the fashion world. They’ve enjoyed collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest names - including AllSaints, Paul Smith, Urban Outfitters and legendary photographer Rankin. The influences of this world flow into how they present themselves as well. The invention crosses over from the melodies to their styling. Any of the pair’s promo images or record sleeves could pass for spreads in the glossiest fashion bibles. Beneath all this subtlety and nocturnal smoothness, there’s a distinct sense they could as easily write a full-on, crass pop album if they really had to. “I’d love to do that. I’ve been writing a few songs for other people,” says Pockson. It turns out some of her personal music tastes lie in a more classical pop vein. She mentions Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Rihanna and Beyonce, while Matthews professes admiration for more atmospheric writers, like Talk Talk and Brian Eno. “We did have to reject a few of Catherine’s songs for this album because they were a bit too cheesy,” Matthews concedes. But it is this broad selection of influences that so perfectly coalesces in what Alpines do. Now the pair are heading out on the road, which will include a trip to Brighton’s The Prince Albert on Weds 22 Feb. “It’s nice to play somewhere that’s intimate, so you can have the connection with the fans,” Pockson says. “Musically it’ll be quite grandiose, but uplifting as well. We’re just really looking forward to playing for new people and meeting new people.” “It’s our first proper tour as well,” chips in Matthews. “So obviously, we’re excited by that. We’ve always want to create an impressive live show.” When: Weds 22 Feb Where: The Prince Albert Tickets: £6 +BF Album: Another River Visit: www.alpinesmusic.com www.facebook.com/ThePrinceAlbert
Image © Cyrus Mahboubian
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PEAK FREQUENCIES
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ARTIST’S IMPRESSION
WARPAINT BY N A M M I E M AT T H E W S
Image © Mia Kirby
For the last couple of years, indie girl quartet Warpaint had garnered a reputation of being notoriously difficult to interview, and it’s clear from the beginning that this interview is going to go on their terms. However, since the 2014 Beyonce/Rihanna debacle, where the band faced backlash for comments regarding the sexualisation of the music industry, you can hardly blame them for being a little on edge when it comes to talking to press. Half an hour passes and I call again, this time greeted with an apologetic Theresa Wayman (guitar/vocals), who thanks me for my patience. “This week we’ve just been trying to get back into work,” she tells me. “There’s all these things we want to do, it’s just finding the time to get things done.” Having toured non-stop at the end of 2016 to promote their third album, Heads Up, it’s been a busy few months for the band. Add Christmas, motherhood and side projects to the mix and suddenly it all becomes clear just how crazy their schedules are. Despite taking time out to focus on other projects in 2015, Heads Up (spearheaded by anthemic single, New Song) is faster, groovier and more succinct than previous efforts, and was produced by the band quicker than its predecessors. Does this make it third time's the charm? “We’re definitely getting better at selecting the best bits of each song and honing our skills. It was different to record, but we’re getting closer to getting a faster flow and being able to be more hands off in certain moments, and allowing things to happen that maybe don’t include all of us.”
As part of supergroup BOSS with Guro Gikling of All We Are and Hot Chip bassist Sarah Jones, Wayman explains that it was the time taken by each member to pursue other projects that helped the band to develop their sound for the new album. “I think it was important for all of us to realise our strengths and loosen the reins and not have as much control over the project. We have a four-way collaboration, not one person can have control. We each have to bring 100%, not 25% each. I feel like it’s good to constantly be working on other things. Honing our individual voices makes us stronger.” And it’s certainly worked, Heads Up being praised by critics and making multiple Best Albums of 2016 lists. However, it seems the band are no closer to being regularly recognised at home in LA – not that they’re complaining. “Sometimes people look at me funny [in person] but I never think they’ve recognised me, I’ll always think maybe I have something on my face or my hair’s funny or something. I got recognised once in San Bernardino, but that was weird. I was like, ‘wait, does this happen?’ But we’ve never made it a point to make it about our image, or link our music to our image.” Considering they’ve been at this for quite some time (Warpaint formed on Valentine’s Day 2004), Wayman is astonishingly grounded. Friendly, polite and incredibly talkative throughout our interview, it’s easy to see why she would get defensive when her views are misconstrued for the sake of a good headline. But while Warpaint are happy to have never pandered to the materialistic expectations
and celebrity culture within the music industry - and likewise aren’t afraid to speak out about the issue – could that have hindered their success?
“
I think we could have gotten to where we are now quicker if we had chosen to have been a little more provocative, or exploited our looks or feminine qualities. I think a lot of women use their looks and image to further their music career. I don’t necessarily think there’s anything wrong with that, but we always wanted to be respected more for the music we’re making. There are definitely patterns you have to follow to make it into this upper echelon and, honestly, we don’t want that if that’s what it takes.
”
There’s by no means bitterness in the way that Wayman speaks, it’s merely an observation and a disdain for the way the industry has been going in recent years; seemingly gone are the days whereby sheer talent is enough to make it big. However, she admits it’s not all bad – even sharing some hope for the future. “There are a lot of people making music nowadays, so there are different meanings when it comes to success, popularity and ‘making it’. It’s great that exists, as people are going out to see live music perhaps more than they ever did, so more artists are able to have the freedom to live and make music because of that. I hope it could lead to a positive movement where the more underground sounds start to infiltrate the pop realm.”
While the band manages to stay out of the mainstream for their latest album, to brand them unsuccessful would be grossly inaccurate. While they’re certainly no Little Mix or Fifth Harmony (perish the thought!) there’s no denying that lead single New Song is probably their poppiest, most radio-friendly track to date – something Wayman dismisses as an accident, as the track was bred from a live set. Regardless, she hopes it paves the way for future tracks that don’t fit the cookie cutter structure that’s become so indemand. “The way that it’s just accepted that [radio] music has become homogenous and sounds the same is so confusing to me because I come from a mind frame that really loves innovation, uniqueness and people breaking the mould – hopefully Heads Up achieves that.” When: Where: Tickets: Book: Visit:
Weds 29 March, 8pm Dome Concert Hall £20 +£2BF www.brightondome.org www.warpaintwarpaint.com
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MILLION DOLLAR BEATS
S K S H L O M O: #NEWRULES BY H E N N A M A L I K
Image © Matthew Allen
It’s a rare thing for an astrophysics student to pack up and transform himself into an award-winning, Guinness World Record-breaking beatboxer, producer and live looping technologist. But clearly, it was a good move. Following an incredible year peaking with performances at Glastonbury and in Ibiza, SK Shlomo continues to push boundaries on his return to Brighton this month. Shlomo will be bringing an exclusive performance to The Old Market alongside the release of his compilation album Story So Far and upcoming EP, Brainchild 1. Having never actually completed a solo studio album before, Shlomo is now heavily focusing on mastering three elements of his creative process. The first, pushing himself as a singer. “I’ve been going into hardcore training mode – like doing the gym with my voice!” Second, his production - Shlomo’s new material is entirely self-produced. Finally, and perhaps the most difficult focus, his songwriting. Following an impressive back catalogue of collaborative work, it has become difficult for him to write music to perform alone. Shlomo admits he’s a little bit scared to be real, to express those things close to his heart to be listened to over and over again. “I’m trying to be a bit less of a perfectionist and a bit more shameless. Just being proud of who I am.” Travelling the world was one of Shlomo’s primary motivations when he first started making music - it was a perfect way of getting to do just that. “When I was 18 I was just doing it for fun - just to impress people and get free beer!” At that time, he reflects, every day was a dream come true, but he hadn’t analysed what his other dreams might be. It remained important for Shlomo to connect with the people
in the countries he visited, and to create music that could be meaningful all over the world. He’s keen to repeat the journey he went on at 18 with his latest project, under a brand new name: SK Shlomo. By simply adding his initials, SK Shlomo represents a whole new chapter to this artist’s life and career. This change is his first big announcement to his fans and audience to mark a new approach of giving the music more respect and doing something that he considers “really real”. He stresses that it might sound different, but in that lies the reason for the creation of the compilation, Story So Far. His aim? “To celebrate what’s happened already before embarking on this new journey together.” A great deal of Shlomo’s own journey was inspired by Björk, one of the many artists he has worked with, not to mention some of the biggest names in music (see: Damon Albarn, Martha Wainwright and Basement Jaxx). Shlomo admits when he first met Björk, he didn’t know much about her, or her “mystical goddess” reputation. “I was just like ‘Oh, hi, my name’s Shlo!’, and she was just like that too - she just wanted to focus on the music.” Björk constantly challenged Shlomo, pushing his abilities and making up genres, including 'techno-rumba'. “It really fit with my mindset as a rhythm specialist and someone who loves techno and loves rumba – like, how does she know that?!” Shlomo came away from the experience keen to stray from the easy route and set his own boundary-pushing challenges. “I think it’s really important for any artist to constantly check in with yourself. It’s really lovely to have that freedom, self-respect and selfdiscipline to keep pushing.”
Back in 2011, Shlomo stormed the competition and won the title of World Looping Champion. As someone always obsessed with technology and music, he became frustrated with the limitations of looping equipment on the market, eager for something exciting and new. Last year, he became the proud creator of Beast - his own customised software-looping machine with a name oozing attitude over its competition. The story of Beast’s evolution and the fresh new music that came along with it inspired a show: #NEWRULES is what came after.
“
Since Beast was created I’ve started giving the music a little bit more respect. I’ve always been a little bit afraid to do what’s really true to me because it’s easier to do what people expect you to do. So it’s a real solo project. I feel like… what am I hiding from?
”
This time around, it’s just Shlomo and Beast. Recording the audience, those sounds are chopped up, manipulated and turned it into music, so the audience become part of the show. Live looping is a tricky business, but Shlomo keeps his cool. “It goes wrong all the time! But that’s what makes it so exciting. If you keep your cool and play along you can use it to go in another direction. You can use it as a creative challenge!”
Totally obsessed with music, rhythm and general showing off from a very early age, it only seemed natural to create Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids - a show he’ll be performing beforehand. He laughs, “It’s super fun because it’s the grown-ups who love it! The kids love it too, but I think grownups don’t expect to enjoy a show that’s aimed at kids.” The #NEWRULES show, a mix of new and old material, stays constantly exciting because, as Shlomo tells me, it’s different every time. Telling stories and sharing bits of his life with his audience, his true aim is to show his audiences where he’s come from, and where he’s going next. “It’s a big celebration of music. I throw in a few tracks that people will already know and love - tracks I love that other people have made. It should be a little whirlwind entry into my world!” Event: SK SHLOMO: #NEWRULES When: Fri 17 Feb Where: The Old Market Tickets: £12.50 Book: www.theoldmarket.com
Gigs In Brighton... VAults
Friday 3rd February The Haunt, Brighton
RedfAces
Monday 6th February The Prince Albert, Brighton
WARsAW RAdio
Wednesday 8th February Komedia, Brighton
nAtty
Friday 10th February Concorde 2, Brighton
BiG tHief
Friday 10th February The Hope, Brighton
little comets
Sunday 12th February Concorde 2, Brighton
duke GARWood
Tuesday 14th February Komedia, Brighton
toucHé AmoRé
Wednesday 15th February The Haunt, Brighton
Hellions
Tuesday 21st February Sticky Mike’s, Brighton
Alpines
Wednesday 22nd February The Prince Albert, Brighton
sAmAnA
Friday 24th February
The Green Door Store, Brighton
neon WAltz
Monday 27th February The Hope, Brighton
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THE SUN NEVER SETS…
OF EMPIRES BY A L I C E R O B E RT S
2016 was a big year for Of Empires. After releasing their hit Baby Darlin’ Sugar, touring the UK, playing a gig in a fridge (we’ll explain later), making their way onto MTV and recording their EP See You With The Angels Kid at Metropolis (due out later this year), you might think they’d be ready to take a bit of a break. But instead, they’re back in the studio. The quartet have set up shop at Seaside Studios, an upand-coming Brighton-based recording space. It’s home of the very best of modern and vintage equipment, a beautiful SSL analogue desk and one of the best guitar and amplifier collections in the UK. Of Empires have finished making music for the morning, and are currently gawking at a few choice pieces from the lengthy (and impressive) equipment on hand. Not least a C&C handmade drum kit, 1965 deluxe reverb, Vintage 60s vox ac30, Binson Echorec and 1969 Fender Stratocaster. Since the release of 2014 EP Stranger Sensations, the band’s sound has come a long way, but they say they’ll always stay true to their rock ‘n’ roll roots. Having grown up listening to the likes of The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Black Sabbath, Nirvana and Pink Floyd (apart from drummer, George Le Page, who claims to have been raised almost solely listening to ABBA), Of Empires have a wealth of music knowledge and inspirations to shape their output. Having originally formed as a blues entity, they’re now developing a more mature, alternative sound. Guitarist Matt Berry describes the new direction of their music as “slightly more rough, a bit darker. I guess psych; I’m not really fond of the word but it’s a good way to describe it, it’s gone slightly more obscure.” They’ve played some amazing gigs over the summer, including a few cheeky house shows at their flat, and with This Feeling at The Hope & Ruin - which they mutually agreed was their favourite of the year. They also played a gig in a fridge…
“We walked in for soundcheck and there was just like a deli counter, and then just people shopping, Then you walk into the old fridge and there’s this big stage and it’s just decked out like any other venue. When the time comes, they’ll roll the deli counter in and put the bar up and then you’re away, yeah. A nice pop-up little venue,” Le Page says. After recording at Metropolis Studios earlier on in the year, they’ve returned to Brighton to jump straight back on the horse at a smaller, local studio. “It’s going great. The equipment is sick here, like all the amps, all the guitars, we’ve got so many toys to play with,” explains singer Jack Fletcher. “It’s got a lovely, lovely C&C kit, which I want,” adds Le Page. The success of recording in a studio almost entirely lies in what equipment the studio has, and who you’re working with. The band explain that they’ve been in studios before where there’s “no vibe” - what they really look for is a relaxed, chilled out and positive atmosphere. It’s no secret that Brighton’s one of the best places for musicians to thrive, and through playing endless local gigs, being part of The Great Escape and immersing themselves in the local scene, they’ve really used the city to its full potential. Fletcher confirms, “It’s more inclusive here, Guernsey’s quite narrow-minded, and I’m not saying it’s bad but it definitely doesn’t release you artistically. You feel like you’re going to be judged more, whereas here everything is acceptable, within reason.” Here’s some advice the boys gave us on how the sea of talented musicians in Brighton can make themselves known: “Play lots of gigs and make friends with bands, and just be that kind FUN FACT: of guy that’s at every gig, or try to A B-25 bomber crashed into the be at every gig for other bands, iconic Empire State Building In you know, get to know people and 1945. One of its engines severed play gigs with each other. Just play a lift cable, which was bad news for its 19-year-old operator lots of shows, keep writing and Betty Lou Oliver. Despite the pushing it. Try to be the best that elevator car plummeting from you can be and don’t really worry the 75th floor she miraculously survived, due to the combined about what anyone else is doing. cushioning of the cables lower But immerse yourself in music, I half and an air pocket built up think Brighton is perfect for that, by the sudden descent. there’s a gig on every single night.”
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GALACTIC EMPIRE JOEY LANDRETH
VAULTS Image © MFI
FRI 3 FEB LEWES CON CLUB WWW.LEWESCONCLUB.COM
FRI 3 FEB THE HAUNT WWW.THEHAUNTBRIGHTON.CO.UK
Growing up on the Canadian prairies in Winnipeg, Manitoba to musician Wally Landreth, Joey was always going to flourish most with a guitar in his hands. At 25, Joey joined forces with his older brother David to create The Bros Landreth. Immediately successful, the duo (then with Alex Campbell on piano and Ryan Voth on drums) turned the heads of musical heavyweight John Oates, winning the Roots & Traditional Album of the Year Juno award in 2015.
While the Christmas 2016 John Lewis advert may have been tainted by numerous parodies starring Herr Trump’s face transposed over the excitable #BustertheBoxer, one thing stands out in both versions: Blythe Pepino’s dramatically sweeping vocals on the soundtrack – their cover of Randy Crawford’s One Day I’ll Fly Away.
Fast-forward to this year, and Joey is breaking away on his own. Having provided baritone harmonies on Kaia Kater’s track Saint Elizabeth, the singer’s ability to lay down his vulnerability while simultaneously blowing his audiences away mark him as one not to miss this month.
Adverts of trampolining bundles of CGI aside, Vaults are a force of their own, the electronicapop trio accumulating over 20 million views on their YouTube channel even before the release of their debut Caught in Still Life (released via Virgin Records in Dec 2016). With mounting support from critics, Vaults have been hotly tipped by Zane Lowe and Scott Mills as one of the bands to watch for 2017.
BUSTED CHALI 2NA & KRAFTY KUTS TUES 14 FEB BRIGHTON CENTRE WWW.BRIGHTONCENTRE.CO.UK The UK’s preeminent sexy six-legged, guitarpop juggernaut is back with their original lineup and a bold new sound. Now releasing their first new material in over a decade, new single – On What You’re On reveals a bright new disco-tinged aspect to the band. Notching up four number one singles, two triple platinum albums, a total of five million records sold, and over 750,000 ticket sales including and a record-breaking run of 13 Wembley Arena shows, the trio dissolved to pursue solo projects. Now, with a decade of experiences and newly discovered influences behind them, the two-time BRIT Award-winners have reunited with a fresh perspective, both personally and musically.
THURS 16 FEB THE HAUNT WWW.THEHAUNTBRIGHTON.CO.UK Known for some incredible work with worldmusic/funk band Ozomatli and hip-hop crew Jurassic 5, 2na has also produced a handful of mixtapes, albums, and EPs. With over 25 years in the game, he’s now widely recognised as one of hip-hop's most positive and best-loved voices. His rich voice and unmistakable flow have sealed the reputation of this fearsome MC. Expect a show blowing up with high energy, faultless delivery and booty-shaking funk. If this isn’t enough, you’ll also be treated to local legend and breakbeat pioneer - Krafty Kuts. Prepare to be well and truly shaken, both physically and emotionally.
SAT 4 FEB PATTERNS WWW.PATTERNSBRIGHTON.COM A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (actually, fairly recently), a Star Wars heavy metal band was formed by some of the most infamous and feared villains in the galaxy. This month Dark Vader, Boba Sett, Bass Commander, Shadow Ranger and Red Guard bring their ‘crushing Force of shreddy goodness’ to Brighton’s Patterns the day after the launch of The Empire’s most powerful weapon yet: their debut album. Expect the classic Star Wars theme, The Imperial March and many more, all thrashed out with violent aplomb. You’ll all succumb to the Dark Side before long… By Imperial standards the five-piece’s instruments are crude, but will be more than adequate to shred some faces as they journey across the galaxy.
MARRY WATERSON & DAVID A JAYCOCK THURS 16 FEB THE MARWOOD WWW.MELTINGVINYL.CO.UK There’s a new collaborative duo between Marry Waterson – from one of British folk’s most revered families – and David A. Jaycock – a mutual friend and collaborator of James Yorkston. Their first LP together Two Wolves is more than just two legendary English folk dynasties meeting, this is a unique pairing, full of whimsical and poetic appeal. With some understated singing, the often-biographical songs conceal a sense of true power. It’s enchanting, understated and completely magical. It is proper song brainfood, a gorgeous record, holding up a light to the blackest winter nights. Now there’s a chance to catch these two gentle titans in the most perfect and intimate of settings.
LIVE MUSIC
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PLANNER
BARRY HYDE
NATTY
THURS 9 FEB KOMEDIA WWW.KOMEDIA.CO.UK/BRIGHTON
FRI 10 FEB CONCORDE 2 WWW.CONCORDE2.CO.UK
Responsible for some of the biggest indie anthems of the past decade (including an incredible live a capella version of Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love), Barry Hyde – the ex-frontman of post-punk quartet The Futureheads – is gearing up for an intimate solo set at Brighton’s Komedia. Those familiar with The Futureheads may immediately think to expect newwave inspired, four-part harmonies and Inbetweeners-esque guitar music, however Hyde’s solo work couldn’t be further from that. Instead, the singer’s debut album Malody, which documents Hyde’s life with bipolar disorder, takes a more vulnerable turn based around Hyde’s first musical love: the piano. Beautifully orchestrated, the album hosts a plethora of instruments, including violin, cello, double bass, tenor and baritone sax, pedal steel and trumpet.
There are few contemporary acts with a musical palette as vibrant as Alexander Modiano (stage name Natty). Born in San Francisco, yet brought up in London, the songwriter grew up surrounded with an eclectic mix of classic folk, Motown and 60s Jamaican music, owing to the combined tastes of his English-Italian father and South African mother. With such linchpins as Young, Dylan and Marley rousing a then-young Natty’s interest into the industry, it wasn’t long before the singer was forming music of his own. Since his first full single release July in 2008, the singer’s gone from strength to strength, his breakneck vocals smattering across global charts for the last nine years; he’s definitely not one to miss.
LITTLE COMETS SUN 12 FEB CONCORDE 2 WWW.CONCORDE2.CO.UK With heaps of praise from BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, Zane Lowe and Sara Cox, all of whom gave them air time on their respective shows, Little Comets release their new album Worhead this month. Perhaps the most wonderfully experimental indie acts in Britain, they also stand as one of the most upbeat. Super-sweet vocals collide with wonky percussion and expansive electronica - it’s all very challenging, seductive and truly funky. Even in the depths of winter, they’ll create a cheerful summery vibe. This is a band you’ll want to spend some time with. They might be bright and a little bit offbeat, but Little Comet’s total pop escapism is the perfect antidote to these complicated days. So, if you’re a fan of catchy choruses, smart lyricism, and a sweeping sense of melodrama, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t entangle yourself in their web.
JULIAN COPE DREADZONE Image © Sarah Read
FRI 24 FEB CONCORDE 2 WWW.CONCORDE2.CO.UK One of the most energetic, exciting and powerful live bands to emerge from the postrave scene, Dreadzone unleash a brand new album, Dread Times, this month. Now into their third decade of performing, this new release sees a return to the old school dread sound, digging deeper into their dub and reggae roots. Conscious lyrics, social ills, matters of the heart and mind merge with 21st century dub-wise flavours blend over fresh beats and electronic textures. It’s an eclectic rolling journey that recalls elements from an illustrious 23-year history while always looking ahead to the next phase. Bringing a party to every club, dancehall and field they've shown up at, this crew always blow audiences away with their fearsome live shows.
SAT 25 FEB CONCORDE 2 WWW.CONCORDE2.CO.UK A singer, poet, occultist and photographer, Julian Cope has enjoyed a 40-year career. This visionary rock musician has released over 20 solo albums, countless collaborative projects, and six acclaimed books. He began in 1977, as bassist in short-lived Liverpool punk group The Crucial Three, alongside future Echo & The Bunnymen singer Ian McCulloch, before forming The Teardrop Explodes. This band’s four-year reign as a Top Ten chart act collapsed at the end of 1982, when Cope’s infamous love of munching LSD onstage proved too much for both his management and record company. Since then he moved away from rock and making a detailed first-hand study of the occult, mythology and Britain’s prehistory. He’s also dabbled in proto-metal, lectured at the British Museum, and released an EP of drinking songs. This is one of Britain’s originals.
NEON WALTZ MON 27 FEB THE HOPE & RUIN WWW.HOPE.PUB Straight out of John O’Groats, these indierockers are on the road once more. There’s some new material floating about which demonstrates their continued evolution and maturing. There’s a distinct folk edge in their hypnotic outpourings. At times they can soothing and introspective, at other times boisterous and forceful. It’s difficult to find fault in their instrumentation and vocal harmonies. They often touch on a number of different styles in the span of a single song, but theirs is a style easy to enjoy and quick to enrapture. A vividly creative and likeable band, Neon Waltz have appeared on many ‘one to watch’ lists in the last couple of years. Now this is a chance to find out why…
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SOUND OF THE UNDERGROUND
BLACK ROCK S U B W AY S O I D STU B Y W I L L I A M C L AY
One magical aspect of Brighton is that artistry can spring up in the most unlikely of places. Take a stroll to the quiet end of Madeira Drive, just where the road dissolves into a expansive cycle path, and you’ll find one of the city’s newest music studios. Located in an underpass, Black Rock Subway Studios is a haven for any musician who likes their music loud, real and real loud. This new space rose from the ashes of the much-loved Studio 284, which was set up in 1997 as a place where proper rock bands can have a space to practice freely. Situated under Madeira Drive’s Victorian terraces, the area’s worsening dilapidation forced a change of location. “Out of the blue, the people from the seafront came down,” the studio’s owner, Austen Gayton, tells me. “I just knew what they were going to say. I had predicted within five years, maybe ten, that the place was going to fall. But I didn’t expect it to be so soon.” A new home had to be found, but finding a space where there are no neighbours to annoy is a big ask in Brighton. To store his vast collection of gear, Brighton & Hove Council offered the use of some rooms further up the beach. This turned out to be a serendipitous opportunity. The new location is kind of cool. It’s tucked away in an extensively converted public toilet in a subway linking Kemptown to the beach. It was originally constructed in the 70s, when a starry-eyed council provided a public convenience for the droves of people they imagined use the underpass. Unfortunately, the tunnel’s footfall didn’t justify the facilities' upkeep, and they were closed in the early 80s. and so it laid empty and almost forgotten, until the demise of Studio 284. “I’d just signed a new lease on the other place. Out of the kindness of their heart they said ‘we’ll either compensate or relocate you.’” Gayton took a look at the space, and quickly realised it could offer more than just storage. The following building project has taken almost 12 months. All interior walls were knocked down, everything was dry-lined, new electrics, smoke and fire alarms were installed and 1.2m service trench running the length of the property had to be capped. In the way have been building regulations, summer holidays, and some less enjoyable issues. “Just outside there’s a manhole cover in the subway, which was so full of
chalk it was blocked up. I had to chip it all away!” he says with a laugh. It certainly helped that many of his contacts with the local band scene also had the skills to transform this inconspicuous space into something quite special. Apart from the change of address and name, everything else about the studio remains the same. They endeavour to provide quality equipment and excellent spaces at an affordable price. Rehearsal rates average £10 per hour, but certain times during the week are heavily discounted, while recording sessions come in at under £200 for the day. Gayton recognises what musicians want and need, having played in bands since he was 16. He became involved with the original Studio 284 as a punter. “I said: ‘I’ll run it for you. I’ll give you the rent you need, as long as I’ve got my own space.’ That was in 1997. Eventually I took the lease. I just fell into it somehow.” The advent of modern technology means it is easy to create bedroom studios. But you certainly can’t play a proper drum kit in your bedroom, not without encountering grief from the neighbours. You certainly can’t play massive guitar stacks as loudly as you can in this studio. Mainly because you’d be in danger of breaking your windows. Obligingly, all the backline you’ll ever need is already in Black Rock Subway’s two rooms. There’s towering Marshall stacks and amps, 4x10" and 2x15" Gallien Krueger and Ampeg bass stacks, both Pearl and Premier drum kits and a colossal 450w RMS PA per side. “It’s cheap, quality rehearsal space, with a rock ’n’ roll attitude, with as few rules and regulations as possible.” It’s not simply a suite of rehearsal rooms either. Both rooms are linked via multicore cables to a 48-track digital recording suite. This hasn’t been an easy move. But with a little ambition, some serious planning and a lot of hard work they’ve transformed an abandoned space into an asset for local music. “For me, I get up in the morning and I do it. I guess I’ve been lucky. This is the sort of thing I’ve done all my life.” Studios: Black Rock Subway ton, BN2 5ZH gh Bri ve, Dri ira Made y.co.uk wa ub www.blackrocks
27/03 | Komedia, Brighton
Haley Bonar 29/03 | The Hope & Ruin, Brighton
Manu Delago Handmade 01/04 | Quarterhouse, Folkestone 09/02 | Komedia (Studio), Brighton
Barry Hyde 16/02 | The Marwood, Brighton
Marry Waterson & David A Jaycock 27/02 | The Greys, Brighton
Jim Causley 03/03 | Concorde 2, Brighton
The Handsome Family 04/03 | Quarterhouse, Folkestone
The Handsome Family
Folkestone Psychedelic Festival: This is Psychedelia 05/054 | Quarterhouse, Folkestone
Hot 8 Brass Band 11/04 | Rialto Theatre, Brighton
PINS 12/04 | Green Door Store, Brighton
Laetitia Sadier 10/05 | Komedia, Brighton
Jon Boden
24/03 | St. George’s Church, Brighton
Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit Tickets for shows are available from your local record shop, ticketweb.co.uk or the venue where possible.
meltingvinyl.co.uk
WILDFIRE ADVENTURE CAMP
Those of you who have been to festivals will recognise the need for entertainment during the day. While plenty of attention is given to headline acts and many people are happy to dance the night away, opportunities are rare for revellers looking for something fulfilling to occupy their daytime. But now if you need just a little bit more from a festival, you should check out Wildfire Adventure Camp.
Winner of AIF Best New Festival Award 2015 and UK Festival Award’s Best Small Festival in 2016, Camp Wildfire is a bustling adventure space seeking to inspire inquisitive, intrepid adults. Curated by the award-winning team behind LeeFest, a beautiful forest will be transformed with secret parties, exciting bands and artists, campfires, and night time adventures. “We were very lucky to stumble across such an incredible and historic place, says Co-Founder, Julia Lowe. “It is filled with a bizarre concoction of trees, collected from around the world: there's even an old Canadian Redwood, and there's a lake and an old quarry: it’s magical and allows people to really have a lot of mini adventures in a very wild landscape.”
OUT IN THE OPEN The idea for the event goes back to a tipsy weekend ramble with fellow founder Lee Denny. “We came across a derelict site of what we thought might be an old adventure camp. There were the rotten ruins of signposts, and the foundations where a climbing wall once might have stood. Finding abandoned spaces is amazing, and our imaginations ran away with themselves. As adults, we barely get to go on adventures like when we were young; Lee and I wanted to change that, so we made Wildfire Adventure Camp.” Like many of us, Lowe went out into the countryside as a child, but took it for granted at the time. “I have so many bizarre and wonderful memories of running around in chalk pits, deep in the forest, building ‘bases’ and trying to make zip wires.” In attempt to help everyone reengage with the child inside them, they’ve created over 80 activities across six different categories. As an official 2017 camper, you will enrol in up to 10 activities across the weekend choosing from themes of bush-craft, expeditions, artistry, adventure sports, science and engineering, and music. Come nightfall, adventurers are rewarded for all their hard work by attending a spectacular party. You can indulge in more mainstream activities like art classes, escape room puzzles, yoga and mindfulness sessions, but there’ll also be sessions which you’d never considered. High wire work, bee keeping, axethrowing, primitive tanning, foraging, circus skills, pioneering, mask making, bush-craft, nipple tassel making, astronomy, weaving, wood-working, sword skills and screen printing comprise a tiny selection of the activities on offer, as well as a Cupid's Club, which helps like-minded singles meet up. The weekend ensures that you can step out of an ordinary life and try something amazing. This is another world, where you can find a colourful concoction of different eras, styles, and theatre. The festival will help you escape and rediscover a childlike wonder. “Everyone is competing in Patrols, much like you might have done at school sports day, and battling to take reign of the Wildfire Cup.” Participants will collect ‘patrol points’ and an array of merit badges as they adventure; find hidden secrets, and discover new friends.
camp of there’s a secret st re fo e th in p dults Dee for you. This ‘a g tin ai w ys da bygone ventures abundance of ad only’ event has an By day, a mmer weekend. su al ic ag m a l fil to night and inspiration, by es ng le al ch of e plac her. a party like no ot Festival: Wildfire Adventure Camp 2017 When: Fri 16 June - Sun 18 June Where: Secret location near Sevenoaks Tickets: Tier 1 £155 +BF (Prices to increase) Book: www.campwildfire.co.uk
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AKA 7TH BIRTHDAY FRI 3 FEB PATTERNS WWW.PATTERNSBRIGHTON.COM It’s hard to believe, but seven years have flown past since AKA started hosting parties. Aside from some birthday cake (we’ve definitely been promised cake), they’re celebrating with two awesome Brighton debuts. As well as unleashing a brace of oddball house bangers, Baba Stiltz is establishing himself as Sweden’s finest purveyor of intuitive and expectation-smashing dance music. Mixing in an occasional splash of silliness, they’re keeping audiences on their toes. His countryman, Samo DJ, is no less eclectic and impressive. Rocking crowds across Europe, this is a DJ who delights crowds everywhere with ingenuity and insight. More quality tuneage, and help blowing out the candles, comes from Markings’ Mark Wahlberg and The Flying Eagles’ Ollie Terrey. Hip-hip, hooray.
SKREAM
ULTIMATE POWER FRI 3 FEB KOMEDIA WWW.KOMEDIA.CO.UK/BRIGHTON How much is too much hairspray? Obviously that’s a trick question; there’s no such thing. Ultimate Power looks back a scene which punched a hole in the ozone layer with a knuckle-duster of raw emotion. If you like your music performed by singers who have to remove their make-up with a Brillo pad, lace glove-clad fists clenched as they turn to face the wind machine, then this is for you. With one of the friendliest club crowds around, this is a night of pure euphoria! It’s a communal appreciation of colossal musical compositions from the titans of big-haired power ballads. Bring your air instruments and throat sweets, leave those inhibitions at the bar and get ready to release the mullets!
BUTTERZ SAT 18 FEB CONCORDE 2 WWW.CONCORDE2.CO.UK The benevolent dominance of the grime scene which Butterz exerts seems to know no limits. Their nurturing of this sub-genre has seen it flourish into one of the mainstays of UK bass culture. It continues to be a special time for this label, as grime continues to creep onto the world stage. For this visit to the south coast they’re bringing in West London’s AJ Tracey. Following an incredible 12 months, he looks set to become the UK’s most talked-about newcomer. Picking up two MOBO nominations and plenty of industry accolades, he was also recently included in the prestigious BBC Sound of 2017 poll. As you’d expect, Butterz label mainstays Elijah & Skilliam, Royal T and Champion will also be keeping that C2 dancefloor very busy.
SAT 4 FEB PATTERNS WWW.PATTERNSBRIGHTON.COM Last time Skream came to town the tunes were so fierce they triggered a widespread power cut in the neighbourhood. Or it might have been some dodgy wiring. Whatever the reason, the UK’s premier renaissance man is back and ready to rock. From small beginnings at Big Apple Records to sold-out worldwide tours, Skream’s epic sonic journey into house and disco shows no sign of letting up. His eschewing of dubstep might remain controversial amongst some bass music devotees, but it’s impossible to deny the honesty and love which pours from his current output. Joining him are the 1 Brighton FM Soundsystem, J-Felix and Chris Headcount. Almost nothing can stop this line-up.
PEARSON SOUND WAH Image © Chelone Wolf
FRI 17 FEB THE ARCH WWW.THEARCH.CLUB After three sell out shows in a row at The Arch, WAH return in 2017 with their biggest D’n’B show to date. They bring together four legends of the scene, DJ Hype, DJ Marky, Break and DJ Randall. If you know your shit, then you’ll realise this isn’t to be missed. Next door in The Hub, Audio Assault takeover and Rk Bass set up shop on the terrace. Also shaking Kings Road Arches will be Arcane, Stature, Jungalice, York, Shellac, Redford, ST, Caelum, Alkhemist, Rascension, Bader, Hypolar, Kosmetik, Cropz, Aljmex, Lotskee, Audio Sonic, Friskie, Jacobz with hype duties from MC FLUX, Deefa MC and Hijak. This is for the proper heavyweights.
SAT 18 FEB PATTERNS WWW.PATTERNSBRIGHTON.COM Co-founder of the seminal Hessle Audio label, the London-based Pearson Sound throws down at Patterns tonight. Developing a highly rhythmic style over the course of over a dozen singles, last year saw him smash it again with the release of XLB, one of 2016’s biggest club tracks. It demonstrated the maturity of his sound, which embraces off-kilter house and techno. After a epic B2B session with Call Super during the venue’s opening month he now returns to headline their ‘Patterns with’ Saturday night series. Other beaty goodness for the evening includes Mehtola & Charles Green (live), Seb Harris & Joe Rothwell, Chris Headcount, Gardenn with William Wiffen, Footshooter & Caldera. With a bill like that, it’d be rude not to…
CLUBBING
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TAKE SAT 4 FEB THE ARCH WWW.THEARCH.CLUB Making a long awaited return to Brighton, TAKE ensure it’s a little bit special with a monster show from Sonny Fodera and their residents. This Australian DJ is building his reputation as a true innovator, unleashing a groove-driven, emotive brand of house. He found fame with some canny compilations on Deep Down & Defected, which enabled Fodera to add his flair for remixing to a selection of classics. He’s also released a string of exceptional EPs on labels like Defected, Dirtybird and Visionquest. Now he’s a regular fixture in the Beatport charts, often clocking up multiple slots in the top ten. So, get ready for another trademark tight and seductive set from one of the scene’s brightest stars.
GENTLEMAN’S DUB CLUB FRI 24 FEB CONCORDE 2 WWW.CONCORDE2.CO.UK A nine-piece band formed in Leeds in 2006, Gentleman’s Dub Club mash up dub, ska and roots reggae. Their club nights draw huge audiences, everyone mad for their tight grooves and a heavyweight sound. A mixed and friendly crowd will be whooping it up to a band with a larger-than-life stage presence and some exceptional DJs. More than capable of destroying any festival they rock up to, in the dark confines of a club is where this bunch truly come alive. They’ve forged a reputation as producers of one of the UK’s most electrifying parties. They have created a unique and vibrant sound which is achingly accessible for all but the sourest of souls.
DATE MY DISCO!
WHITE MINK Image © Shotaway
SAT 11 FEB THE OLD MARKET WWW.THEOLDMARKET.COM
SAT 11 FEB KOMEDIA WWW.KOMEDIA.CO.UK/BRIGHTON
The sounds and styles of the 1920s and 30s are being turned upside down and smuggled into the 21st century... After an almost unbroken run of sell-out shows since 2010, Brighton’s premier vintage night with a twist returns in fine style to The Old Market. The hottest speakeasy this side of 1940 delights and entertains with a special pre-Valentine’s bash, packed full of the very best in jive, jazz and electro-swing. Widely known for its "supremely decadent" atmosphere, this is more than just a club night, more than just a cabaret night, and more than just a live music event. White Mink is an intoxicating cocktail – mixed with love and served perfectly chilled.
Don’t sit on your backside moaning about being single, instead get down to Komedia to join some other fun-loving soloists on the dance floor, boogying to classic 70s disco and current chart sounds. On arrival, you’ll receive a Intro-match card plus coloured glow bands (green, yellow, red) indicating the status of your singledom. Then it’s on to some dancefloor-orientated speed dating. Once you have danced with four people go to the bar to claim a FREE shot! No more staring across the dance floor, just use your Intro-match card to get yourself a date and dance the night away! Unlike most traditional and stressful speed dating events, this is relaxed and allows more time for you to have a great time.
LTJ BUKEM
TRAUMFRAU PRESENTS: A SAPPHIC AFFAIR
FRI 24 FEB KOMEDIA WWW.KOMEDIA.CO.UK/BRIGHTON Serotone Recordings bring a true legend, pioneer and innovator within drum and bass back to the south coast for a special show. Known for developing an accessible alternative to the harder, edgier sound of D’n’B, Bukem’s style pays homage to the Detroit-based sound of early techno and the mellow, melodic sonorities of 70s era jazz fusion. He’s mapped out an alternative future for bass music, incorporating softeredged influences culled from London’s 80s rare-groove and acid jazz scenes. The pioneer of the ‘liquid’ sound, he unleashes rolling breaks, sweeping melodies and deep, driving basslines. He’s accompanied by local legend and all round great geezer, Darrison MC, providing soulful vocals and lively hosting ability. Support comes from Serotone Recordings’ very own Melinki and Brown B.
SAT 25 FEB NORTH LAINE BREWHOUSE WWW.TRAUMFRAU.CO.UK Brighton’s best alt-night hosts another wild afterparty to coincide with the Lesbian Lives Conference. A line-up of fierce performers and DJs sees Brighton based DJ duo, Tesla Girls, rampaging through decades and genres like a promiscuous jukebox and Mrs Norman Knows: Bedroom Electropop unashamedly playing all your guilty pleasures. There’s also burlesque, drag, circus, and live art from Fancy Chance, new Queerlsque Klown Kheski Kobler, and an instillation piece presented by artist Travis Alabanza exploring transfeminism. This collaboration with the University of Brighton will see hordes of dancing dykes, international lesbians, party queers, intellectual twinks and guest bears, academics, and their friends. It’s a late night extravaganza, so get those dancing shoes on!
Warpaint
Photo Š Mia Kirby
01273 709709 brightondome.org
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A PASSION FOR COMPASSION
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VEGFEST BY H E N N A M A L I K
Vegans and veggies of Brighton, rejoice! Once again Vegfest, one of the biggest vegan festivals in the whole of Europe, makes its welcome return to the nation’s veggie capital next month! Between Sat 11 - Sun 12 March this massive event will transform the Brighton Centre into a bustling meat-free hub, jam-packed with 20 caterers and a whopping 230 stalls. Home of all things vegan, there’s plenty to keep you busy – food, shopping, cosmetics, clothing, and lots more exciting and innovative goodies. Vegfest will also feature dozens of engaging talks, cookery demos from the likes of Nishma Shah and Ellie Bedford, music from two stages, magic shows, captivating films and documentaries and even a Vloggers Corner where vegans can pick up bite-sized inspiration. But the fun doesn’t stop there! On Saturday the event will also be home to an Intersectional Vegan Summit involving a number of knowledgable experts sharing their ideas on various issues, followed by a Vegan Comedy Festival on Sunday. Demand for exhibition space hasn’t stopped growing. This has led to Vegfest welcoming both charities and small businesses showcasing all the vegan produce you could possibly imagine. We know it can be tough finding substitutes to our favourite treats, but not here. Vegfest is full of all kinds of alternatives to meat, cheese, milk, and - of course - chocolate. Amongst this sumptuous vegan food feast there will be clothing, cosmetics, bodycare, literature, gifts, and all the information and tips any vegan could possibly desire – with plenty of special offers not to be missed. Here at Vegfest, there truly is something for anyone. Since their humble beginnings in Bristol all the way back in 2003, the organisers never looked back. After many years of hard work and steady expansion, Vegfest eventually made its way to Brighton. With the admirable idea to mix the seriousness of veganism with a rock and roll festival atmosphere, full of eating, socialising, learning and partying, Vegfest continues to grow and grow. A heaven for vegans and veggies everywhere, it aims to be a place where those living plant-based lifestyles can meet and mix with like-
minded people, learn more about healthy ethical eating, taste exciting food and drink, all the while soaking up the fun-filled party atmosphere. Amongst the amazing and inventive caterers attending are Loving Hut Express, Happy Maki and Vegan Sweet Tooth London. From these names and more you’ll find such a range of cuisine from hot dogs to sushi, curries to kebabs, pastries to pizzas and so much more you never even knew could be so good until now. If you’re looking for a vegan foodie paradise, you’ve found it. VegfestUK organiser Tim Barford, who has been organising vegan events for over a decade, stresses that the events are all about going totally vegan. Not about cutting down on meat or choosing eggs over fish, but going entirely vegan, pure and simple. It’s about considering animal welfare, the planet, your own health, and sustainable food production. In 2011, Barford and his team won the Vegan Society’s Best Vegan Achievement award, and Vegfest aspires to further demonstrate this introduction into veganism, proving just how easy it is to go vegan, live vegan and stay vegan. With a new plant-based café, restaurant or pop-up stall seemingly opening up every week, surely there’s no better place for Vegfest than our lovely Brighton. With Infinity Foods and Vegetarian Shoes in North Laine, as well as Iydea and Heather Mills’ vegan café VBites - even schools offering vegan options - there’s a plethora of fantastic and tasty choices for vegans living in Brighton & Hove. With any luck, Vegfest will help encourage more and more of us to try this smart and benevolent lifestyle. Event: Vegfest Brighton When: Sat 11 - Sun 12 March Where: Brighton Centre Tickets: £7 per day / £10 weekend +BF Door (limited) £10 adults / £5 kids Book: www.brighton.vegfest.co.uk
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THE FIRST HIPPO ON THE MOON BY T UA L A K I E R N A N
Images by © Richard Davenport for The Other Richard
Is there anything more magical than watching the characters from children's literature come to life? The stupendously wealthy Hercules Waldorf-Franklin III and bright-spark Sheila are two very determined hippos on a fantastically problematic luna mission. David Walliams’ number one selling book The First Hippo On The Moon has been adapted to the stage by award-winning theatre company Les Petits. After a triumphant world premiere in Eastbourne they’ve added a further ten tour dates and come to Worthing’s Connaught Theatre mid-February. The book has sold over nine-million copies in the UK alone and translated into 45 different languages. As a father of one and an avid reader, Walliams believes there is no better time to be in the industry. “There are so many great writers for children right now. My personal favourites right now are JK Rowling, Julia Donaldson, Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Morpurgo. When I was a young child I loved Richard Scarry and Dr Seuss.” Since his debut, Walliams has captivated literary fans from all over the world. He won the Children's Award in the inaugural People's Book Prize for Mr Stink, 2010 and the Red House Children’s Book Award for Gangsta Granny the subsequent year. Incidentally, both books were adapted into
television films in association with the BBC, with The First Hippo On The Moon being the first to make it to theatres. Walliams said,
“
tions I love seeing adapta en ly joy of my books, and real e from the changes. I com n which writing for televisio e and is very collaborativ working have always liked with other people.
”
A particularly successful partnership was with acclaimed illustrator Tony Ross, well-known for his drawings in the Horrid Henry series. Since 2010, Ross has featured in all of Walliams books. The First Hippo On The Moon is very visual so you can imagine the stage production is very striking and colourful. The man in charge is Artistic Director Oliver Lansley of Les Petits, sister company to Les Enfants Terribles - alongside chief puppeteers Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell they make a hell of a power team.
GET READY FOR LIFT OFF!
Walliams says he “jumped at the chance” to work with this talented bunch. “I have loved their work for many years. I love great children’s theatre shows, so am very excited to see this one...The book is full of humour and I know that they are the perfect choice of theatre company to bring that out as there shows are so irreverent and funny.” Les Petits are hot off the production line following considerable success with Captain Flinn And The Pirate Dinosaurs and Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. The energetic cast, featuring Dominic Allen, Alice Bounce, Caroline Bowman, Owen Jenkins and Rosie Nicholls, really bring the characters to life. Suited up in fuzzy, full-length costumes with puppet-laden limbs, the sartorial choices are perfect for flamboyant dancing along to their musical numbers. With the show only 60-minutes long, it will keep the audience, ages 3 upwards, absolutely spellbound throughout but it’s not just for the little ones. When comedy juggernaut David Walliams is involved you’re guaranteed a good tickling of that funny bone. His flair for funny and whacky imagination has led him to being likened to his hero Roald Dahl. The First Hippo On The Moon is a brilliant example of this comparison - by taking something humdrum and contorting it into something deliciously extraordinary has proven to be a winning formula for children's stories. Walliams insists, “The best shows for children work for the grown-ups too, and I am sure this one will.” Event: The First Hippo On The Moon When: Fri 17 - Sun 19 Feb Where: Connaught Theatre, Worthing Tickets: £16 / Family of four £58 Book: www.worthingtheatres.co.uk
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COMEDY PLANNER
ANNA MORRIS: IT’S GOT TO BE PERFECT
SIMON MUNNERY
SMILEY SUNDAY
THURS 2 FEB THE OLD MARKET WWW.THEOLDMARKET.COM
SUN 5 FEB DOCTOR BRIGHTONS WWW.DOCTORBRIGHTONS.CO.UK
This multi award-winning comedian offers up a new, and most probably ground-breaking, stand-up show. Over the years, he’s drawn a fiercely loyal fanbase with his intricate and inventive comedic mind. From explorations of game-changing work by Danish philosophers, to creating ingenious and slightly useless inventions, he’s unpredictable and brilliant. A British Comedy Award nominee, Perrier Award nominee and Chortle Award winner, Munnery is also the star of Comedy Central’s Alternative Comedy Experience and often heard on Radio 4’s News Quiz, Now he’s creating a coherent, well-rounded show which is obviously easy to define in 120 words. Now he promises an opening to die for, seven wry observations, a tone poem, four fresh skits and two new commandments.
For those of you still catching up, Smiley Sunday is a regular charity comedy night, which highlights some of the South East’s best talent. Now this hugely popular and friendly night returns to Doctor Brightons, for a few laughs and to raise some funds for The Rainbow Fund. Admission is recessionbusting £3 and all proceeds will be going to a very worthy cause. On the night, there will be a fabulous raffle, plenty of happy hour prices at the bar all night (which includes some tempting buy one get one free cocktails), and a truly unmissable lineup. Amongst the funny folk on hand are: Trev Tokabi, Heather Minor, Carl Carzana, Alex Petrovic, Steve Pepper, Emi d'Escrivan and headliner Victoria Howden. Beat that!
SUN 5 FEB KOMEDIA WWW.KOMEDIA.CO.UK/BRIGHTON Winner of Best Show at 2016’s Funny Women Awards and selling out Edinburgh Fringe in 2015 and 2016, Anna Morris returns with her effortlessly smart and brilliant show. Star of her very own viral YouTube series; Georgina’s Wedding Blogs, Georgina Francis invites members of the public to attend one of her many wedding rehearsals and help make it PERFECT for the big day. A high energy, semi-improvised show, anything can (and will) happen in It’s Got To Be Perfect. Georgina is on the verge of a wedding related breakdown. Can the audience help her hold it together? With shambolic attempts at entertaining her guests, outrageous wedding plans, ridiculous rules and crazy commands, audience members are roped into playing the most important wedding roles culminating in a shocking finale.
ASHLEY BLAKER Image © Gander Photography
SUN 12 FEB KOMEDIA WWW.KOMEDIA.CO.UK/BRIGHTON While beards are properly back in fashion, peyots and tzitzit remain absent from the heads of most trendy comedy performers. Not if you’re Ashley Blaker though. Reportedly the UK’s only Orthodox Jewish comedian, he returns with Meshuga Frum. From working as a writer and producer on shows like Rock Profile and Little Britain (not sure if I’ve heard of that latter one), Blaker has sprung from behind the scenes and onto the centre stage of stand-up. Now, between working on BBC Radio 4’s Britain Versus the World and Chat Show Roulette he’s out touring with an amazing new show. It looks at the everyday rituals and behaviour of orthodoxy - secular or observant, you’ll love his wry observations of Jewish daily life.
IAIN STIRLING: ONWARDS!
STUART GOLDSMITH
Image © Edshots
FRI 17 FEB KOMEDIA WWW.KOMEDIA.CO.UK/BRIGHTON
SUN 19 FEB KOMEDIA WWW.KOMEDIA.CO.UK/BRIGHTON
This fine performer unleashes a new show, exploring the perception of his generation within today’s society, as well as looking at their function within it. Are all young people self-entitled, ego maniacs that can’t get off their phones? He wants you to come to the show and find out… Or just Google it or some shit. Heard as the voice-over artist on ITV2’s Love Island and seen him on award-winning panel show The Dog Ate My Homework, Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central and Drunk History, he brings a fresh and compelling voice to the scene. Bright and wonderfully funny, he’s widely hailed as of Scotland’s hottest newcomers.
The host of the Comedian’s Comedian podcast, which has over six million downloads, is finally shaking off an invigoratingly misspent youth. Fresh from appearances on Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central, Dave’s As Yet Untitled and in front of packed houses at Edinburgh Fringe, Stuart Goldsmith presents Compared to What - a new hour of funny, not entirely about becoming a parent. Finding himself uprooted from his adoptive city and pressganged into a pastoral existence by a cunning girl, Goldsmith considers the big questions and wonders: how much compromise is too much? Candid, sharp and very funny, this is one show you’ll want to catch.
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COMEDY
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PLANNER
JAMES ACASTER JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH TUES 7 FEB THE OLD MARKET WWW.THEOLDMARKET.COM John Shuttleworth hits the road following appearances on Celebrity Antiques Roadshow and the second series of Radio 4's John Shuttleworth’s Lounge Music for his farewell tour – My Last Will and Tasty Mint. A recent health scare (well, a mild bout of sciatica) has made him focus on his mortality, and the many things he needs to do before the inevitable move into a hospice. Can sole agent Ken Worthington pull out the stops and make John a star before his retirement? As befits a man living on borrowed time – John considers life’s major issues: the rise in popularity of hi-viz protective wear, the suitability of the plastic lid on takeaway coffee cups, and the excitement he felt when sucking his first mint.
JOSIE LONG
WEDS 8 – FRI 10 FEB THE OLD MARKET WWW.THEOLDMARKET.COM With his trademark boundless energy and scant regard for established comedy tradition, James Acaster hits The Old Market with a trilogy of his acclaimed stand-up shows. Recognise, Represent and Reset all perfectly show off his sweeping talents. Nominated for more Edinburgh Comedy Awards than anybody else, he excels at is whimsical observational humour. Creating narratives which meanderingly take in some incredibly clever wordplay and forthright opinions into an intricately imaginative comic narrative. He doesn't know who he is, he doesn't know what he believes and he doesn't know what he's going to do with his life, but now he’s reminding us why he’s one of the nation’s best comedians with a special recap.
Worried about your job? Worried about your family? Worried about yourself? Worried about the health service? Education? Climate change? World War Three? Worried about worrying? Sod it! Come and have a laugh about it. It’s one of the things we do best. Or is it? Was it something we did best but like everything else has now gone west. Or south. Or east. Ah – go on. Take a risk. Put on your lucky pants and your party shoes – and get yourself on a night out. Or maybe come out dressed in a binbag, top hat and clogs. We could all use a laugh. Some of these things may not even be mentioned in the show, because it is a work-in-progress, but there’s little doubt it’ll be hilarious regardless.
One of the finest stand-ups on the UK circuit presents us with Something Better. It’s a show about optimism and hopefulness - about looking for people and things to look up to. She’s 34, and says she wanted to have kids by now, and be in love, and have a country that didn’t vote with the far-right parties to march us all off a cliff. She wants to be able to do all the awesome stuff that activists do, and thought we would have won by now. Following the international sell-out success of her previous show Cara Josephine across the UK, Europe, in Australia and New York, this sharp and relentlessly self-deprecating star tours her eighth solo stand-up show nationwide.
RACHEL PARRIS
ANDY PARSONS MON 20 FEB ROPETACKLE CENTRE WWW.ROPETACKLECENTRE.CO.UK
SAT 11 FEB BRIGHTON DOME WWW.BRIGHTONDOME.ORG
STEWART LEE
Image © Idil Sukan
THURS 23 - SUN 26 FEB BRIGHTON DOME WWW.BRIGHTONDOME.ORG One of the best comedians in Britain returns with his savage new show – Content Provider. After four years writing and performing his TV show Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, this is his first brand new full-length show since the award-winning Carpet Remnant World. This Olympic-standard misanthrope has elevated himself into the ranks of the greats, with a twisting deconstruction of his form. Consistent, slightly obsessive and brilliant, he tears great holes in the very fabric of comedy. Described, without any irony, as 'a slime-pit of bitterness' by Jan Moir in The Daily Mail, he’s doing everything just right.
TUES 28 FEB KOMEDIA WWW.KOMEDIA.CO.UK/BRIGHTON The star of Austentatious, The IT Crowd and BBC 2’s Murder in Successville, presents her award-nominated show – Best Laid Plans. It’s a mixture of trademark musical comedy anthems, as heard on BBC Radio 4 and BBC 6 Music, and ‘endearingly frank and funny’ stand-up. At its heart is a dialogue about break-ups, children, weddings, sex, and The Samaritans. Not, perhaps, in that order. It is however, an honest, hilarious, and beautifully-crafted look at what happens when your plans suddenly all go down the pan and you have to build brand new ones. A Funny Women Best Show 2016 Nominee – and winner of What’s On London Best Musical Comedy Show 2016 - Parris is an uplifting performer who always delights.
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THEATRE PLANNER
KAT’S BAG OF CRAP WEDS 1 - SAT 4 FEB MARLBOROUGH THEATRE WWW.MARLBOROUGHTHEATRE.ORG.UK A one-woman play written and performed by Katryna Thomas-Shell, this piece tells the story of a feisty, single young woman living and working in Brighton. We follow Kat as she deals with unplanned pregnancy, sudden unemployment, and a severe chronic illness, which leads to body altering and life changing surgery. This production will make you laugh out loud, cry ugly tears, and maybe even have you dancing in your seat. At times, you will want to cover your eyes and stick your fingers in your ears, but you will leave informed and with a sense of hope and triumph. This is a story of resilience and strength.
GRIM HISTORIES: VICTORIAN SCIENCE OF MURDER SUN 19 FEB SWEET DUKEBOX WWW.SWEETVENUES.COM/BRIGHTON Get ready for some Crime Scene Investigations action, albeit Victorian style. Head down to Sweet Dukebox for a virtual tour around the British Isles, discovering the people and inventions that helped solve some of the most infamous murders in history. It explores the fascinating leading edge science of the period, including the use of fingerprints, the art of detection, post-mortem analysis, and much more. It also examines some of the most outrageous and notorious crimes of the 19th century. The Victorians had a rather unhealthy fascination with murder, and there was certainly an abundance of grizzly tales to keep them titillated. Not suitable for those of a weak constitution and recommended for ages 12 and above - you have been warned!
WOLF MEAT
Image by © Xavier Young
FRI 10 FEB MARLBOROUGH THEATRE WWW.MARLBOROUGHTHEATRE.ORG.UK Wildheart & Lyric return to Brighton with another fine slab of absurdist humour and compelling storytelling, throwing audiences into an irreverent world of dirty deals and mistaken identity. Wolf Meat subverts well-known characters and turns morals on their heads in this dark, sexy, raucous hour of theatrical anarchy. Grandma is the undisputed drugs queen of Croydon, but Detective Dawn Taylor will go to any lengths to bring her dirty dealing family to justice. The play is continually deconstructed as the actors drop in and out of character and plot, and take audience interaction to a jawdropping new level. Join Grandma, Red, Wolfie and Luna for a raucous ride that flips virtue upside down.
NOT DEAD ENOUGH Image by © Helen Maybanks
MON 13 – SAT 18 FEB THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON WWW.ATGTICKETS.COM/BRIGHTON Award-winning actor Shane Richie and leading television presenter Laura Whitmore star in the world premiere of the next thrilling Peter James stage adaptation. The third novel in the award-winning Roy Grace series now becomes the third play in this box office smash hit and critically acclaimed stage franchise. On the night Brian Bishop murdered his wife, he was 60 miles away, asleep in bed. At least that’s what he claims. But as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace continues to deal with the mysterious disappearance of his own wife, he starts to dig a little deeper into the chilling murder case and it soon becomes clear that love can be a dangerous thing.
GERMAN CORNEJO'S TANGO FIRE Image by © David Wyatt
WED 22 FEB BRIGHTON DOME WWW.BRIGHTONDOME.ORG International dance superstar German Cornejo’s dance troupe, The Tango Fire Company of Buenos Aires, are a true global phenomenon and the world’s leading tango company. This dance form has never been so superb and dynamic, with multiple sellout performances across the globe over the past 11 years and a YouTube audience of over 19 million people worldwide. Cornejo’s extraordinary choreography and vision has captured the world’s imagination. Tango Fire encompasses and defines all that is Argentine tango and sizzles with sensuality. It’s accompanied by the unforgettable music and song of the great masters, including Piazzolla, Pugliese and Gardel. This exhilarating show combines rawness and sophistication with the seductive and sultry side of late-night Buenos Aires.
POLICE COPS WEDS 22 – THURS 23 FEB THE OLD MARKET WWW.THEOLDMARKET.COM Following sell-out runs everywhere, The Pretend Men’s critically acclaimed, multiaward-winning, comedy blockbuster is back for another romp through the cop genre. A young police officer vows to avenge his dead brother, but then he’s forced to work with a renegade colleague. That’s the basis for a host of action movies, but you’ve never seen it played out like this. It’s a joyful homage to 70s and 80s buddy cop movies, complete with massive overacting, a dumb villain and an unspoken homoerotic understanding between the protagonists. It’s an action-packed hour of adrenaline-fuelled physical comedy, cinematic style, and uncompromising facial hair.
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THEATRE
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PLANNER
MYSTERY AT FRANKENSTEIN CASTLE WEDS 15 - FRI 17 FEB SWEET DUKEBOX WWW.SWEETVENUES.COM/BRIGHTON You have one hour before the lightning strikes to bring The Creature to life. Part of Brighton Science Festival, this new immersive and interactive game/theatre experience demands you step beyond the edge of your seat. Using basic scientific experiments and problem-solving skills to push the narrative along, participants work their way through a series of clues to reach the game’s conclusion. You are in an abandoned lab, with a storm brewing and a monster to bring to life. Solve brand new puzzles. Do experiments. Have you got what it takes? With five shows on each day of the run, afternoon performances cater to families with teenagers on half term holidays, and a scarier adults-only version takes place in the evening.
CHESTER TUFFNUT Image © LinaandTom
THURS 16 - SUN 19 FEB BRIGHTON DOME FOUNDERS ROOM WWW.BRIGHTONDOME.ORG
FRI 17 FEB - SAT 25 FEB NEW VENTURE THEATRE WWW.NEWVENTURE.ORG.UK
As you are about to discover, Chester isn’t your ordinary tree mole. In fact he is one of a kind! He likes wearing jumpers and sitting in his armchair, but most of all he loves adventure. Told with puppets, original music and imaginative antics, and nominated for Best Production For Young People at the OFFIES Theatre Awards, this show is full of humour, thrills, spills and great escapes. You can also have your very own adventure, with the chance to meet the woodland creatures and explore their dens after the show. Sunday sees both a touch tour, where blind or visually impaired audiences get tactile introductions to the set, props or even actors, and a show for audiences who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment.
Directed by Chris Dangerfield, this reworking of a Federico García Lorca classic has got it all - generational conflict, a look at gender roles, brutal physical and emotional isolation, repression, avarice and abuse of power. It’s inspired by a Spanish wedding which ended in tragic circumstances. Lorca, both a great lyric poet and a theatre director, fuses all of the elements of the stage — language, movement, ritual, colour, lighting, and music — into a single drama and investigates subjects which fascinated him: desire, repression, ritual, and the constraints of the rural Spanish community. Here Ted Hughes' version fuses Lorca's vision to his own, resulting in a powerful poetic text which perfectly captures all the violence and pathos for an English-speaking audience.
DAVID HOYLE A PLACE CALLED HAPPINESS Image by © Xavier Young
THURS 23 FEB MARLBOROUGH THEATRE WWW.MARLBOROUGHTHEATRE.ORG.UK Debs spent a year thinking about happiness. It brought her down. A year in the making, this piece is Debs’ response to society’s seeming obsession with happiness. She began an experiment to discover the secrets of happiness and found herself drowning in a sea of self-help that wasn’t helping. Needing to drag herself off the sofa of apathy, she started to say yes to things, anything, to get her out into the world. The situations she found herself in challenged her thoughts on happiness and ultimately gave her hope. An honest and real, funny and engaging show, it’s filled with stories and secrets shared, as we follow her journey off the sofa into the world in the pursuit of something called ‘happiness’.
BLOOD WEDDING
Image by © Lee Baxter
SAT 25 - SUN 26 FEB MARLBOROUGH THEATRE WWW.MARLBOROUGHTHEATRE.ORG.UK Notorious ‘anti-drag queen’, performance artist, avant-garde cabaret artist, singer, actor and comedian, David Hoyle presents an evening of painful truths, unyielding love, and his own characteristic lacerating wit. Springing to prominence in the 90s as the Divine David, his lacerating social commentary targeted both bourgeois Britain and the materialistichedonistic gay scene. Labelling the latter as “the biggest suicide cult in history”, this is offset by breath-taking instances of selfrecrimination and even self-harm. After killing his alter ego off he disappeared for a while, popping up again on the seminal Nathan Barley five years later. Now he’s back on the stage, wowing with his biting satire, bravura costumes, wicked comic timing and compelling charisma remained intact. It’s larger than life and twice as bright.
HOW TO DIE OF A BROKEN HEART Image by © Benji Reid
SAT 25 FEB BRIGHTON DOME FOUNDERS ROOM WWW.BRIGHTONDOME.ORG Heartbreak changed Femi's body and her life forever. Full of uncomfortable moments, full of truths, full of laughs, she ‘loves’ her way through life, all the while developing a chronic illness. Through stories of her failed relationships, both the beauties and the dangers of loving someone are illuminated. This autobiographical one-woman show backs up the anecdotes with scientific research, demonstrating the very real effects heartbreak can have on our well-being. This isn’t how a traditional love story usually unfolds, but it is a realistic portrayal of the most human of journeys. What it does show is that there’s no time limit on grieving, but it is possible to survive a breakup as a better person.
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THERE WILL BE BLOOD – LIVE SCORE
LONDON CONTEMPOR ARY ORCHESTRA B Y S T U A R T R O LT
There Will Be Blood ® Stuart Leech. Courtesy of Miramax and Park Circus 5
Paul Thomas Anderson's brutal, yet strangely beautiful, western - There Will Be Blood – is heading to Brighton Dome this month for a very special screening. The London Contemporary Orchestra will be performing composer (and Radiohead guitarist) Jonny Greenwood’s dissonant and intricately-layered score along with the film, in the most perfect of environments. “There’s no safety harnesses as it were. We’re doing it in the way that silent films would I suppose,” Hugh Brunt, the LCO’s co-Artistic Director and co-Principal Conductor, tells me. “It’s a much freer way of working, which requires lots of preparation. Of all the films to watch dozens of times, I’m pleased it’s this one.” He admits he’s seen some parts of the film closer to 100 times, and that it’s quite a challenge ensuring over 50 musicians hit each dramatic point perfectly. The heightened atmosphere of a live orchestra in full flow is undoubtedly going to further expand a cinematic work so drenched in tension. There Will Be Blood sees Daniel Day Lewis taking the lead as a ruthless oil man. With little charm and a smaller social circle, there are few depths his character won’t stoop to in his quest for wealth. He comes up against a preacher, who’s only interested in funding the construction of a church. It’s a relationship beset by conflict, distrust, and scheming. Wondrous cinematography, pitch-perfect performances and an incredible score drew a shower of accolades when it was released. Day Lewis himself took home almost every major award for Best Actor from the Oscars, Baftas, Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, NYFCC and IFTA, sealing this stark western’s reputation as a true epic. The LCO’s relationship with Greenwood began in 2008, when they performed his piece Popcorn Superhet Receiver - itself part of the film’s score. Performing the orchestral elements on Radiohead’s A Moon Shaped Pool album, the LCO worked with him on the soundtrack for Thomas Anderson’s The Master in 2012. “It was around that time that the idea was forming to do There Will Be Blood.” Obviously recording music for a film over a period of weeks in the controlled environment of a studio and presenting its score live as the film plays are two very different concepts…
But this is no ordinary group of artists. Winners of the Ensemble category at the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards 2015, they’ve performed innovative shows across Europe – from tube stations and festivals to the Royal Festival Hall and Secret Cinema interactive experiences. They’re a group of musicians exploring different ways to programme large-scale modern works and developing innovative site-relative presentations. After studying at New College, Oxford, Brunt and his co-Artistic Director Robert Ames founded NCO in 2008, drawing heavily from musicians he’d met in the National Youth Orchestra. Since, they’ve developed a reputation as one of the UK’s leading contemporary ensembles, working with artists like Beck, Goldfrapp, Frank Ocean and Belle & Sebastian. They’ve also just worked with composer Jed Kurzel on the recent Assassin’s Creed film. Which prompts the question – would Brunt turn his skills to a video game title, given the soaring production values within the genre? “That’s a really interesting part of the industry. There’s some incredible, really creative, video game music being written. It’s one area we’ve not made many in-roads into yet, but I hope we will. There are some really talented composers out there.” The future does again see him working with Kurzel, with some more film scoring projects looming. He tells me that not all LCO’s time is spent on live performance work. “Almost 50% of what we do is in the studio.” His own responsibilities lay heavily in the rehearsal process and the preparations leading up to a performance or recording. He downplays about his onstage duties during the There Will Be Blood scoring, marking it down as ensuring the orchestra is synchronised with the film. “In that respect the conductor is something of a traffic cop. There’s quite a lot going on, but that’s shared amongst the orchestra. It’s not just one megalomaniac at the front…” Event: The London Contemporary Orchestra’s live scoring of There Will Be Blood (Cert. 15) When: Mon 6 Feb 7.30pm (doors 6.45pm) Where: Brighton Dome Tickets: £10, £25, £35, £45 +BF Book: www.brightondome.org
What’s on: James Acaster: the trelogy 8 - 10 Feb White mink 11 Feb TOM’s Film club: Some like it hot (1959) 14 feb festival of the spoken nerd 15 Feb sK shlomo: #Newrules 17 feb kieran hodgson: Maestro 25 Feb
“Unbeatable physical cop parody” êêêêê THe Stage 22 - 23 Feb
police cops
Hove’s Independent, High Quality Live Theatre and Venue
theoldmarket.com
LORD OF THE DANCE Fri 10-Sun 12 Feb
BUSTED Tue 14 Feb
BRIT FLOYD Sat 25 Feb
KAISER CHIEFS Tue 28 Feb
X-FACTOR Thur 16 & Fri 17 Mar
THE KING IS BACK Sat 18 Mar
PAUL CARRACK Fri 24 Mar
NE-YO Sat 1 Apr
CARO EMERALD Fri 14 Apr
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Sat 15 April
DIVERSITY Tue 18 Apr
ADAM ANT Thur 18 May
box office 0844 847 1515* www.brightoncentre.co.uk *calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge
LATEST CINEMA RELEASES
THE SPACE BETWEEN US FRI 10 FEB
FIFTY SHADES DARKER FRI 10 FEB
In this gripping interplanetary adventure, a space shuttle embarks on a mission to colonise Mars, only to learn that one of the astronauts is pregnant. She dies giving birth to the first human to be born on the red planet, and thus begins the astonishing life of Gardner Elliot – a curious, highly intelligent boy growing up in absolute secrecy. While searching for clues about his father, Gardner begins an online friendship with Tulsa, a street-smart girl from Colorado. Problems arise when scientists discover Gardner's organs can't withstand Earth’s atmosphere, but eager to find his father (Gary Oldman), Gardner escapes, uniting with Tulsa to unravel the mysteries of how he came to be and find his place in the universe.
The book that attracted 100 million readers in 52 languages crawls back for more. The onscreen sequel features Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) enticing a dithering Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) back into his life while wrestling with inner demons. What’s a girl to do? While the two reignite their flame, shadowy figures from Christian's past are lurking. “Every fairytale has a dark side,” the tagline warns. In this case that includes a vandalised vehicle, a helicopter crash, and a guntoting woman wondering what makes Ana so special. Oh please. If that isn’t enough to make your eyes roll into the back of your head, the purring soundtrack featuring Zayn Malik and Ariana Grande will. Make sure you’ve got a safe word.
THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE
PATIENT ZERO
FRI 10 FEB
FRI 17 FEB
Lego return to our screens once again with their next amusing escapade, teaming up with the DC Comics hero for a muchanticipated spin-off. Something big and something bad is brewing in Gotham (surprise, surprise), and Batman (Will Arnett) is the one to save the city from The Joker's hostile takeover. But if the wisecracking Dark Knight really wants to do this thing properly, he may have to drop the whole lone justice thing, enlist the help of his friends and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up. Upgrading from his appearance in The Lego Movie, this time our caped crusader returns accompanied by boy wonder Robin (Michael Cera) and masked counterpart Batgirl for another hilarious animated adventure.
In Stefan Ruzowitzky’s new pandemic thriller, Patient Zero, humanity battles an unprecedented global pandemic that has infected the vast majority of humankind. The ‘Infected’ are highly intelligent, streamlined, adrenaline-fuelled creatures. Asymptomatic bite victim Morgan (Matt Smith) discovers he has been passed on the ability to communicate with the ‘Infected’. With this gift and a string of remaining survivors, Morgan must lead them on a hunt for Patient Zero and a cure to end the madness. Accompanied by an all-star cast featuring Stanley Tucci, Agyness Deyn and Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer, this isn’t your typical zombie movie. “The great days of zombies are a little bit over,” says director Ruzowitzky. “It’s time for something new.”
POLPO "Wonderfully fresh flavours... inherently satisfying dishes; staff are cool and calm and the atmoshphere terrific."
MICHELIN GUIDE 2016
eastern eye Book your table for Valentines NOW 01273 685151 OPENING TIMES Mon-Tues: 18:00 - 23:00 Wed-Thurs: 12:00 - 14:00 18:00 - 23:00
Fri: 12:00 - 14:00 18:00 - 23:30 Sat: 12:30 - 15:30 18:00 - 23:30
EASTERN EYE 58 LONDON ROAD BRIGHTON, BN1 4JE
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for you and your guests when dining To redeem, simply quote 'BN1' on arrival
POLPO Brighton 20 New Rd, Brighton BN1 1UF 01273 697 361
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YOU’LL LIKE WHAT YOU SEA
P.41
THE
COPPER CLAM BY TO N Y M A R K S
I must admit I was pretty excited to be selected to review the locally-sourced seafood on the menu at The Copper Clam on the seafront. It takes guts to open this kind of restaurant just two doors down from Riddle & Finn’s but fortune favours the brave, so I headed down there to see if they could compete. If you haven’t walked along the beach since last summer you may not have seen The Copper Clam yet which has moved into the arches previously occupied by Santiago’s and completely transformed them. The indoor seating area is now upstairs and has been beautifully renovated with exposed brickwork, luxurious chandeliers and a copperfronted bar, and being in an elevated position you’ve got that great view of the sea through the arched windows... Or at least you will have when the beach redevelopment is finished. We took a seat at the well-stocked bar and was welcomed by Jackson who served us El Dorado white rum and Brighton Gin. The wine racks on display as you walk up the stairs suggest this is a place that takes drinking seriously, although I was disappointed there wasn’t any local beer on offer. The starters included Pan Seared Scallops (£6.50), King Prawns in Chilli & Garlic (£7.50), Moules Marinière (£7) and a Seafood Cocktail loaded up with lobster, prawns, shrimp and langoustine (£12.50), which I would’ve gone for but as I was with my girlfriend, and it was date night, we decided to treat ourselves to oysters. These bad boys from Colchester were seriously big, and were served natural with Tabasco, shallots and Valentine’s sauce (£6 for three) or cooked Rockefeller (spinach, garlic butter, breadcrumbs & Pernod), Kilpatrick (Bacon, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan), Tempura Batter, or Champagne Creme Brûlée (all £7.50 for three). As mentioned, it was date night so we went raw, but I will be going back to try all three other varieties plus their Oyster Bloody Mary shot for good measure.
As we joked about the amorous effect all those fresh, juicy molluscs might have on us, with perfect timing, Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On started playing out of their speakers. Had we have got up to anything indecent as a result we would’ve claimed entrapment as our defence! Moving onto main courses the menu proposed Grilled Chicken Breast, Wild Mushroom Risotto (both £12) or three different steaks including the Carpetbagger (a 8oz fillet stuffed with three oysters for £28) but as tempting as they were, we were here for the seafood. Pan Fried Cod (£17) and Skate with Black Butter & Capers (£17.50) were options, however we went for the chunky Newhaven-caught Stone Bass fillet dressed with chimichurri sauce from the specials board (£17.50), and the showpiece whole lobster, served classically grilled with garlic butter (£30). The lobsters can be collected from as nearby as the West Pier, and you can’t get much more local than that. I was invited by the co-owner, Kay, to meet my clawed friend in the kitchen before it was cooked. However I declined - not through any guilt of having to look it in the eyes - because I was enjoying the surroundings and atmosphere of the restaurant far too much to get up. For dessert we plumped for the chocolate tart, which was a little too chilled for the richness to come through, and a heavenly reworking of Banoffee pie (both £5.50) that substituted the pastry/ biscuits for sponge. There’s a great family behind The Copper Clam who clearly know and love what they’re doing and may just steal a bit of business off the more established venues on the seafront. Where: 143-144 Kings Road Arches, BTN, BN1 2FN Open: Mon-Thu 12pm–10pm / Fri-Sat 12pm–11pm Sun 12pm–10pm Book: www.thecopperclam.com
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HANOI, WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
Y L O H
K O H P MMI BY N A
T E M AT
HEWS
Where: 52 Lansdowne Pl, Hove, BN3 1FG Open: Weds - Sat 6pm - 10pm Book: www.holyphok.com Despite countless restaurants, bars and casual eateries scattered across Brighton & Hove (allegedly more per capita than anywhere else in the UK), for the most part, Vietnamese food has been tragically overlooked in our city. So imagine my glee when I hear that Holy Phok – a restaurant bursting with authentic Vietnamese flavours, ornate charm and a completely unapologetic overuse of innuendo – has opened in Hove. Great food and a cheeky sense of humour? Now that’s something I can get on board with. We arrive on a packed Saturday evening (they’re fully booked for the weekend – a testament to their success so far), and are quickly shown to our table, given the menus and poured some lime water – an excellent palate cleanser between courses, we later find out. Enchanted by the sumptuous aromas of Vietnamese cuisine, ordering takes a little longer than expected as we take in the menu and contemplate the conundrum of why nobody has thought to combine great food with humour before. After an extended chuckle prompted by the FAQs, which singles out Nigel Farage as not welcome (hurrah!), we finally place our order. First to arrive are the Wanties (£4.75 for two), flatbread-style wontons with prawn, mango and an impressive array of Asian herbs, finished off with a garlic ginger dressing and topped with peanuts. Not wanting to spoil our appetites, we share the plate and are instantly wowed by the flavours. Not only are they balanced perfectly but the explosion of flavour is really incredible, so incredible in fact that we wish we hadn’t shared. For drinks, we selected the Bia Saigon (£3.60, a surprisingly light, lager-style beer) and Leitz Eins Zwei Dry Riesling (£4.25 for a glass, crisp and fruity), which turned out to be excellent choices as neither interrupted the harmony between the flavours in the food. Interestingly, Holy Phok chooses to stock exclusively German wines – we’re told because the acidity doesn’t exacerbate the chilli in the food, and as a tribute to the owners’ time living in Berlin. Aww.
Next up, the main event. Noted as the chef’s favourite, I chose the Barbecue Pork Skewers Noodle Bowl (£10.50) – a delightfully tangy dish with a contrast in texture and heat, with warm, soft noodles, crisp pickled vegetables and hot skewered barbecue pork which live up to every expectation (if only it was a little easier to get it off the bamboo). My companion chose the Moo Pho (£10), an aromatic soup bowl packed with exotic tastes, each morsel of beef bursting with flavour, so soft and tender it melts in your mouth. Chillies come as an optional extra, which you can season to taste depending on your spice tolerance – something my cohort appreciated greatly. We note some delicious veggie and vegan options, however also that the kitchen is abundant with peanuts; severe allergy sufferers may want to sit this one out. While waiting for our dessert, we note the décor to be as vibrant as the flavours, the cerulean walls, geometric floor tiles and pillarbox-red furniture complimenting each other perfectly. Despite the rows of lucky golden cat figures greeting you as you enter, you’d be deeply mistaken to write Holy Phok off as a novelty restaurant – they clearly take what they do seriously, sourcing organic meat from a local free range supplier, growing their own vegetables and making their own chilli sauces, the flavours of which speak for themselves. Having travelled to South East Asia, I was instantly drawn to the matcha green tea ice cream for dessert (£3.50) and wasn’t disappointed. I found myself instantly transported back to my trip three years ago by its velvety texture and creaminess (although admittedly it may be a little adventurous for some tastes). My dining partner went for the brownie with coffee ice cream – a perfectly respectable choice, nonetheless – and we both left feeling satisfied by the end. The restaurant claims to be the most delicious Vietnamese street food in Brighton and Hove, and holy phok, they just may well have done it.
E N J OY G O I N G TO G I G S ? JOIN GIG BUDDIES A Gig Buddy is a volunteer who is linked up to a person with a learning disability to go to events together. Whether you’re a fan of folk, rock, pop, reggae, clubbing, theatre or festivals‌ use your love of music and fun to help somebody else in your community to get out and enjoy themselves a couple of times a month. Gig Buddies is a project run by Brighton based charity Stay Up Late. w w w. g i g b u d d i e s . o r g . u k
FIND OUT MORE Madeline Denny: madeline@stayuplate.org 01273 468168
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SANTÉ, PROST, SLÁINTE, CHEERS!
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CIN CIN B Y F R E YA H U G H E S North Laine offshoot Vine Street is now home to one of Brighton’s most loved Italian eateries. Beginning life as a pop up service, Cin Cin has gone from entertaining parties and festivals to finally finding a permanent home in the centre of town. With a focus on real Italian cuisine, it doesn’t serve pizza and (I can’t believe I’m saying this) I’m really glad it doesn’t. The space has been completely overhauled since its past life as The Coffee Counter and is minimalistic and unique - much like its menu. Walking in on a freezing, foggy night, I met a friend to see what all the fuss is about, entering to a quiet restaurant and taking our seats around a nearcircular bar/service area. It soon became a buzzing hub of activity as more and more people came into the warmth, quickly filling the horseshoe seating arrangement. As soon as the first group entered we quickly realised we weren’t just at a restaurant for dinner, we were part of a unique family for the evening. This is an immensely tight operation conducted by owner David, Fabrizio and Jamie (front and back of house, respectively). Settling down in what felt like someone’s home kitchen, we were given a blood orange sbagliato (£7) each. The blood orange gave the drink a wonderful sweetness that, paired with the addition of Prosecco (a mistaken take on the drink dating back to Venice years ago) instead of gin, gave a nice dryness to pair with. As we looked to the gastronomic delights on offer, the front and back of house came together like a well-oiled machine - these guys are clearly tight-knit and work majestically together to create such an atmosphere. Speaking to Fabrizio, we opt to try some of their cured meats. The team work hard to source ingredients their customers may not have tried before - some we’d never heard of at all. Usually served in the form of lardo di cinta sinese & pane carasau (£6) on the menu, we get specialist advice to try what was essentially pork fat. Though to touch it was a little odd, the taste was creamy and gentle - almost a cheese-like cut of meat. Adorned with preservative seasoning before it’s cut, the flavours really do speak for themselves. Adding to the experience, the fat was cut in front of us for an authentic twist. Second up, we opt for burrata cheese, balsamic reduction and olive oil (£6). If you’ve not tried it, think mozzarella but a whole lot creamier. The balsamic and olive oil add extra dimensions to the dish and a nice salty kick.
Naturally, wine provides a very important aspect of any given meal, especially at an Italian. We tested out their house wines, as they usually give you a good feel for a place. I ordered the white - a familiar pinot grigio with a great dryness. My companion chose the red and was happy with the smoothness. Versatile choices, both worked really well with our dishes. Making our way down the clear menu, we pick a small plate and a pasta dish next. The former was a beautiful soused (pickled) squid, Castelfranco radicchio, capers and tapenade (£7). The mild form of radicchio left plenty of space for the tart pickled favour, while the tapenade added a softness in texture and a salty blast from the capers finished it all off. The latter came in the form of a vegetarian ravioli bigusto, Jerusalem artichokes, truffled ricotta and greens (£9). Soft parcels fell apart with the touch of our forks to reveal an explosion of flavour. Soft textures and strong flavours made this a winner. Mixed with the truffle and artichoke, the pasta was brought to life. The greens added a nice earthy edge to it all and became one of our favourite parts of the meal. Feeling rather full, Fabrizio convinced us to try a dessert with a cheeky smile. Chef Jamie chimed in when we ordered the blood orange panna cotta, pistachio crema inglese (£5), telling us that the layering of the ingredients mirroring an Italian flag was unintentional… Sure. These layers kept the dish interesting, with the standout for me being the candied pistachios sprinkled across the top. Washed down with a very sweet dessert wine, we were ready to sit around with our newfound dinner family and while the evening away with good conversation. We quickly remembered that we were in fact in a restaurant and should probably get out of the way for the next wave of hungry diners. Heading into the cold, damp evening, we were already planning our next visit to la casa di Cin Cin. Where: 13-16 Vine St, Brighton BN1 4AG Open: Tues - Sat: 12-10pm Sun - Mon: Closed Book: www.cincin.co.uk
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17 A martial art and dance combinat
the uk’s biggest pride festival 4th - 6th august 2017
r e m Sum e of Lo❤v
celebrating the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality
pride festival by gatwick airport pride lgbt+ community parade supported ‘carnival of diversity - summer of love’ pride pleasure gardens | pride village party pride campsite | summer of love exhibition
tickets available noW
£12.50 sold out | £17.50 limited availability | £21.00 | £25.00 | £27.50 | £30.00
raising money for the rainboW fund early bird campsite offer : £25 for 3 nights
brighton-pride.org