Host students from over 50 countries with EF. Lovely hosts are needed to share their culture with our students who are coming to Brighton. We are looking for hosts that are available now or in summer 2023.
EF Brighton 1-2 Sussex Square, Kemptown Brighton BN2 1FJ accommodation.brighton@ef.com
It’s finally here. Full of excitement and prospects, 2023 has arrived to fulfil all of your dreams. Perhaps… I’m not going to lie, it’s still quite tough for some people. We enter the year with big questions about the British monarchy and doubts about the effectiveness of our democracy, but let’s not rush into any hasty decisions. Economic inequity, strikes and corruption dominate the headlines, and there’s a feeling the country is still hampered in efforts to meet its full potential.
The last few years have forced us to step back and consider what impact our lives have upon the planet. We now have an opportunity to embrace sustainability and innovation. Britain still has a long way to go, and the costof-living crisis is far from over, but we can build a better future by forging strong relationships with those around us and demanding a system which works for us. And this can all start today.
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The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is bringing the latest action and adventure films to big screens around the UK and Ireland in 2023. With wild journeys, adrenaline-packed challenges and incredible cinematography, the tour features two new collections of inspirational films from remote areas of the planet.
“Buckle up for a night of nail-biting adventure – from the comfort of a cinema seat!” Says tour director Nell Teasdale. “These epic short films feature gripping climbing, skiing, biking, paddling and more, and they’re made by the world’s top adventure filmmakers. Plus, we guarantee you’ll leave inspired to have an adventure of your own too!” As well as thrilling films, each event features a free prize draw for outdoorsy goodies from the tour’s partners.
Banff tour films are chosen from hundreds of entries into the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, which is held every November in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The UK and Ireland tour will visit over 50 locations,
Most summer holidays don’t involve skiing hundreds of kilometres over a frozen fjord in the Arctic Circle, but adventurers Erik Boomer and Sarah McNair-Landry are not most people.
On a romantic getaway with a difference, the duo set off on a 45-day expedition through the remote landscape of Baffin Island in Canada, in search of stunning cliffs to climb and unexplored rivers to white-water kayak.
Kept away from towering cliffs abroad because of lockdown, top British climbers Pete Whittaker and Tom Randall are forced to look closer to home for adventure. Enter one
of the most unusual climbs ever attempted – a 2,600ft horizontal groove beneath a motorway bridge on the M5. Sleeping on ledges suspended from the bridge, the pair face ferocious climbing moves, bridgeshaking traffic and police suspicion on this extraordinary challenge.
Every year, glaciologist Dr Felix Keller observes the steady retreat of the Morteratsch glacier in the Swiss Alps. Determined that the melting and eventual disappearance of glaciers can be averted, Felix and his team set out to create a complex snow cabling system, recycling glacial meltwater back into snow. With enthusiasm, resilience and love for the mountains, these passionate locals are hoping to save winter for future generations.
For more information and to book tickets, see www.banff-uk.com
This year, the newest centre for contemporary art on the South Coast is offering a rich programme of exhibitions and commissions from female artists, living and working across the globe. Highlights will include the solo presentation of work in the UK by Helen Cammock since winning the Turner Prize in 2019, the inaugural UK presentation of work by Malawian artist Billie and a collaboration with Camden Arts Centre for a multi-site show by Tamara Henderson, which weaves a narrative of decomposition and regeneration, fertilisation and biophony, numerology and germination.
Fri 24 Feb – Sun 13 May
For her first solo presentation at a UK institution, Malawian artist Billie Zangewa has been commissioned to create new sitespecific work at epic scale for the South Gallery at Brighton CCA. Zangewa’s practice, using collaged fabric and embroidery foregrounds the domestic experience of black women as a political act, depicting the rituals, chores and pleasures of everyday life to speak to larger narratives of equality, belonging and the human condition.
Alongside her commission, in the North Gallery will be a presentation of existing works shown within a bespoke installation acting as a capsule retrospective of the artists’ practice – many showing in the UK for the first time. Following the presentation in Brighton the exhibition will tour to John Hansard Gallery, Southampton and Tramway, Glasgow.
Summer Commission: Fri 4 Aug – Fri 15 Sept Exhibition: Sun 29 Oct – Sat 13 Jan
Turner Prize winner and Brighton University alumni Helen Cammock has been commissioned to create a new work as part of the Brighton CCA summer commission series.
The six-part, 45m work will be shown on the front of the gallery during the summer before being reconfigured for the South Gallery as an exhibition incorporating a series of new performance works by the artist. This will be Cammock’s first solo presentation in the UK since winning the Turner Prize in 2019.
Fri 29 Sept - Sat 13 Jan
Tamara Henderson will make a new body of work in response to the spaces of both Brighton CCA and Camden Arts Centre, for a new two-part exhibition, presented simultaneously across the two institutions.
Working across sculpture, sound, painting and moving-image, Henderson’s new work is a poetic collaboration with composts and soils, worms and seeds, plants and celluloid. Four new characters or archetypes will feature across the work in various ways: The Gardener, The Director, Sound and
Light. Appearing variously as costumed fertiliser bins, blown-glass vessels, paintings, installations and flower beds, Henderson will weave a narrative of decomposition and regeneration, fertilisation and biophony, numerology and germination.
Henderson is currently based in Canberra, Australia, and will produce much of the work in Brighton and London during an extended residency period in Summer 2023. This exhibition is conceived as two parts shown simultaneously in London and Brighton. It is co-produced by Camden Arts Centre and Brighton CCA.
Above: Billie Zangewa, Every Woman, 2017 53.54 x 38.77 inches (136 x 98.5 cm) Silk tapestry
Left: Billie Zangewa, Temporary Reprieve, 2017 Hand-stitched silk collage 40.16 x 40.94 inches (102 x 104 cm)
Tamara Henderson and Julia Feyrer, Bottles Under The Influence, 16mm film, color, optical sound, duration: 7 min., 48 sec., 2012
All images courtesy the artist and Rodeo, London/Piraeus.
Brighton & Hove Buses will be offering cheaper fares to local residents, capped at £2 on all single fare bus journeys. The offer runs until Fri 31 March and is funded through a £60 million scheme under the Government’s “Help for Households” program which seeks to combat current cost-of-living pressures.
This means that passengers can expect to make big savings from longer bus routes. For example, The Regency Route between Brighton and Tunbridge Wells, usually £6.20 (33 miles), and the 5 route between Hangleton and Brighton, usually £2.80 (4.3 miles), will be capped at £2.
“With the cost of living pressures on everyone’s mind, we are thrilled to be able to offer our passengers capped fares this winter,” said Nick Hill, Commercial Director at Brighton & Hove Buses. “The scheme will enable passengers to go further than ever for £2, so everyone can enjoy a little more freedom when using our services.”
Brighton & Hove Buses currently operate 222 buses across a network of 73 routes with 2,000 bus stops, serving the urban area of Brighton and Hove and connecting the city to Crowborough, Eastbourne, Lewes and Tunbridge Wells.
Metrobus, their sister company currently operate 125 buses across 50 routes through Sussex, Surrey and Kent. Between the two companies, their passengers made 29 million passenger journeys during the year which is more bus journeys per head of the population than anywhere in the UK outside of London.
For more information, head to: www.buses.co.uk
KOMEDIA // THURS 12 JAN
The innovative duo Ed Handley and Andy Turner have been expanding the realm of electronic music as Plaid since they diverged from trio The Black Dog in the early 90s.
PATTERNS // FRI 13 JAN
Guns Don’t Kill People, Rappers Do. The Welsh comedy hip hop group from Newport are back on tour.
PATTERNS // SAT 20 JAN
American hip hop group from Seattle led by Ishmael Butler a.k.a. Palaceer Lazaro.
BRIGHTON DOME // SAT 21 JAN
A collaboration between visual artist Kathy Hinde and Brighton Philharmonic in a concert celebrating winter landscapes and birdsong: with passionate Jonny Greenwood and minimalist master Philip Glass.
CHALK // TUE 31 JAN
Psychedelic rockers Kula Shaker are heading on their first UK tour in six years.
CONCORDE2 // TUE 31 JAN
Named in tribute to the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist and his influence in introducing Eastern culture and music into the world of Western rock & roll, the Brian Jonestown Massacre formed in San Francisco in 1990.
FRI 06 FEB (FREE
Brighton-based electronic trio NOISY welcome the return of their celebrated club night FAST FWD TO FRIDAY on Fri 13 Jan at The Prince Albert
Getdown Services are a two piece from Bristol and Manchester who make thick rock and roll infused electronic music for anyone who wants to have a good time *not* a bad time
NOISY are leading lights in a new wave of dance acts occupying a space bridging 90s house, breakbeat, electro and alt-rock. A modern nod to The Chemical Brothers and Fat Boy Slim. Past few years they sold-out a headline tour including XOYO, supported Mike Skinner, Yungblud, played Reading & Leeds BBC R1 Dance Stage, and notched up collaborations with High Contrast, 1991 & The Prototypes.
Mmm! Medlar Marmalade Month.
Celebrating the tradition of winter Marmalade making, the sweet scent of oranges will fill the Medlar Preserves kitchen and shop as the Seville Orange season hits its peak from the 11 Jan.
The deliciously zesty delight became popular in Britain in the 17th century as citrus fruits first became plentiful and here in Brighton it’s almost certain that the King George IV definitely savoured fine Marmalades at the Royal Pavilion.
Medlar Preserves is celebrating this wonderful tradition in the Medlar Marmalade Festival from Weds 11 Jan to 5 March by making small batch marmalades and preserves using the finest ingredients from Seville.
You can also escape the hustle and bustle of Gardner Street in the bespoke cafe lounge area. A space to relax and unwind and try some gorgeous artisan coffee and treats.
Pop in the shop for all the best seasonal products, beautifully preserved or visit www.medlarpreserves.co.uk
A local charity is offering a festival pass for its Spring Programme of exciting virtual events. CPRE Sussex is hosting five talks from January to March with topics ranging from rewilding an urban garden to encounters with Arctic wolves.
Anyone who buys a festival pass will be able to attend all five talks for the price of four. Funds raised will be shared between the charities taking part, including CPRE Sussex and Sussex Wildlife Trust.
“Our Festival of Spring pass is the ideal Christmas present for nature lovers, budding conservationists and city dwellers who want to know more about the countryside on their doorstep,” said CPRE Sussex director Brian Kilkelly. “This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about some of the projects shaping a greener future for Sussex and beyond.”
Helping shape a greener future for the local area, CPRE Sussex engage with decision makers, influencing them and challenging them
to protect the Sussex countryside and green spaces. It informs on environmental issues and empower individuals and communities with robust evidence to defend and enhance the green spaces they love.
The Festival of Spring starts this month, with a presentation by Alice Parfitt, of Buglife, on the Changing Chalk partnership. In February, Dr Gerry Maguire Thompson will share his garden rewilding story and Dr Roger Smith will discuss his fascinating encounters with Arctic wolves during an expedition to Canada. In March, Henri Brocklebank from Sussex Wildlife Trust will give an insight into the Sussex kelp restoration project and Amanda Millar from Sussex Bat Group will talk about her rescue and rehabilitation work.
Tickets for individual events are £8 for non-members, £5 for CPRE Sussex members and £1 for concessions. A festival pass is £32 for non-members, £20 for CPRE Sussex members and £4 for concessions. View the full programme and book individual events or your festival pass at www.cpresussex.org.uk
Lloyd Griffith is a man of many talents. TV presenter, actor, chorister. But mainly a comedian. He will be setting out on his new tour, One Tonne of Fun, in early 2023. He can soon be seen in the major ITV drama Nolly. Griffith has also appeared in TV shows including the football comedy Ted Lasso, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Soccer AM and played arenas as the support for Jack Whitehall. He is a devoted supporter of Grimsby Town FC.
“Something that happened as a result of the lockdown is my obsession with candles. Which is not what you’d expect from a northern working class lad. I’m probably not the candle industry’s target market. But this is the first year I’m doing a show where there’s no real theme. I just want it to be funny. I’m harking back to where I used to watch Lee Evans and Lee Mack. They were just funny. I want people to leave their worries and woes at the door. There’s always singing in my show but a lot of people don’t know that I sing so they come along and they’re just absolutely baffled at this little fella belting out an opera oratorio. There’s a joke about hotel biscuits, a little quiz about rap and religion. And impressions, though not like Rory Bremner. I used to do the sound of sellotape being ripped, that sort of thing.”
programmes from hundreds of years ago where they would source working class singers to give them an opportunity. That’s essentially what I was given when I was seven. I was the only choirboy that got the bus to church every day so I was aware I was a working class lad in a middle class choir. At University when I sang in Exeter cathedral choir some kids came from comprehensive schools, some from Eton, but we had this common connection that we just love singing. I think that’s great, because then it can translate into comedy because you can compare these different backgrounds in your act. I had a girlfriend whose father was a lord. I used to say her family had a coat of arms, but me and my sister used to have to share a coat. Which had no arms. Essentially, I used to wear my sister’s gillet. Experiencing different lifestyles makes you a richer comic.”
“I left Grimsby to go to Exeter University to read music then moved to London to pursue classical singing. Then I experienced stand up comedy live. The first gig I saw was in Shoreditch around 2008. Lee Hurst was hosting and the acts were Milton Jones, Stefano Paolini and Micky Flanagan. None of them had done any TV at the time and I just lost my mind. I could not believe this existed. So I just became obsessed with comedy.
I’m still an active singer. I deputise in various professional choirs. I saw all my friends singing at the Queen’s funeral. If someone is ill or has another engagement that’s when I come in. I’m a kind of choral super sub.”
“I’m from Grimsby-slash-Cleethorpes, an area famous for fish and chips. I wanted something to grab people’s attention. The photographer, Matt Crockett, and I, basically went and got, I think, five bags of chips and let them cool off so they didn’t scold my face. But yeah, it was real. I had to lay on the floor with a board all around me covered in chips. The seagulls of Acton where we shot it got fed well that day. We could have done it with Photoshop, but I like to think of myself as a bit of an old school entertainer.”
“It’s about Noele Gordon, the star of the soap Crossroads. I play Paul Henry, who in turn played Benny in Crossroads. It’s written by Russell T Davies, who wrote It’s A Sin. It also stars Mark Gatiss as comedian Larry Grayson. It was interesting because you’re playing two characters that people know about. I’ve watched a lot of Crossroads in the last year. A lot. When you mention Crossroads to people Benny is the character they always remember. I worked with Russell T Davies and director Peter Hoar when I had a small part in It’s A Sin. It was only two days but I was aware that this was going to be something special. It was just a joy to be involved. Peter won a BAFTA with It’s A Sin and I’m the only returning person. So if Nolly does well, then essentially I have to work with him for every project. I’ll be the lucky mascot.”
“The primary reason for the title is that I’m a big lad and I want to make people laugh. I’ve been wanting to use that title for years and I’ve finally managed to win my agent round. There’s actually two reasons. My mum and aunties were really big girls. They were nicknamed The Weather Girls [the pop duo who sang It’s Raining Men]. And The Weather Girls’ original name was actually Two Tonnes Of Fun.
And then one year after the Edinburgh Fringe me and Rob Beckett went on a lad’s holiday to Menorca. We’d basically go to the Irish bar every day. Drink a pitcher of lager, watch the football. And entertainment in the bar was a lady called A Tonne Of Fun. Ever since then I wanted to be a tonne of fun like her. She was up there just enjoying herself. I just want to be a fat bloke telling jokes.”
“There has never been a fat James Bond has there? I guess there are probably certain levels of fitness required, I’d be out of breath every five minutes. I’ve just done a few more comedy roles in sitcoms, which are coming up but I can’t mention yet. But let’s not rule out Bond. I’m working hard to try and get something of my own going too.”
“Well, I’ve got a Welsh dresser full of champagne in my house, what does that make me? It’s difficult. I grew up in a very working class environment. And then found myself working in a very middle class environment. Last weekend I went to a very plush member’s club in London, then on Saturday, I was at a working men’s club with my Mum and aunties eating a ‘crisp buffet’. So, you know, it’s hard to know. I think I’m working class, though I live in a very middle class world.”
“On the Tuesday after the Queen died Grimsby Town said that they’d love me to sing. I wanted to play professional football as a kid but that never happened. I did perform on the pitch though in a capacity that I was good at. I didn’t want it to be announced beforehand. I just wanted to do it and the outpouring of love afterwards was amazing. You could hear a pin drop for that minute. Then Brentford asked me to do it at their game with Arsenal and that one was televised. I got the words wrong in rehearsals, but luckily, when it counted, and when the cameras were on, I managed to sing it correctly.”
“Absolutely not. This goes back to places like the Chapel Royal, Windsor Castle and Westminster Abbey, they all have outreach
What sort of things do you talk about in One Tonne of Fun?
It’s a very distinctive tour poster, with your face poking out of a mountain of chips. It reminds me of the poster for the film American Beauty but with fried potatoes instead of rose petals.
Tell me about the tour title, One Tonne of Fun?
You mentioned growing up working class, would you say you were still working class?
Is being a chorister more middle class than being a stand up?
How did you go from choral singer to stand-up
you
I heard that you might have been the first person to sing the new national anthem in public?
By Bruce Dessau
Photo Credit Matt Crockett
Photo Credit Matt Crockett
By Amy Stanborough
If this winter is anything like the winters we have had before, it is due to stay chilly for a while. This sounds like the perfect excuse to sink your teeth into a great novel so that you can spend the colder days tucked under a duvet with your warming drink of choice, guilt free. BN1 Magazine has teamed up with The Feminist Bookshop to provide you with some winter reads recommended by Salomée, Hollie and Ruth. From a wonderful witch tale, to anti-colonial epic; hilarious queer texts, and motivational politics, these girls have rounded up some proper bad-ass stories.
A delightful novel narrated by Blanca, a fourteen year old ghost in 1473 on the hills of Mallorca. The teenage queer ghost is funny, endearing, and seeing the world through her eyes is a unique experience as a reader. She spies on the village inhabitants and her interest focuses on a family of newcomers (no other than Frederic Chopin and George Sand). We follow her thoughts, her reflections on the events leading up to her accidental death, and how she falls in love with George Sand. Historical fiction and sapphic love. Witty and beautiful prose. Unforgettable.
One of a kind book. Beautifully immersive. Historical, mysterious, and deeply witchy. The two narrators echo each other in alternating chapters and resemble the interview they have to piece together what happened to Paloma, a trans femme healer (‘Muxe’) based in Mexico. One is the victim’s cousin, the other, an investigative journalist. Translated from the Spanish, I loved the translator’s note at the end of the book to explain certain choices and on the importance of linguistics - this added another layer to the story and paid tribute to the power of language, female friendship and transmission.
This is a book everyone; it’s dark academia, it’s historical fiction, it’s an anti-colonial epic, and it’s an inspiring call for change. Set in an alternate version of Oxford, 1836, Babel tells the story of colonialism through the power and manipulation of language and translation. An essential read.
A trans-led road trip novel like no other, Nevada follows Maria who feels as though she’s hit a brick wall in life. Exploring everything from gender, sex, identity and class, you’ll want to pick up this hilarious and original cult classic.
A stunning novel following the lives of the residents of ‘the queerest boarding house in the world’. Beautiful and devastating in equal measure, this had me reading right through the night to see how the story ends.
Another brilliant, searing inditement of the patriarchy by Laura Bates. A great read as we start a new year for everyone who is resolved to find ways to change the system, not the people oppressed by it.
www.thefeministbookshop.com
An innovative space with it all: a gym, spa, studio, cafe, lounge areas, Natural Fit in Hove is the place to kickstart your health and wellness journey in 2023. Using advanced gym equipment, impressive technology and incredible relaxation facilities, Natural Fit looks after your mind and body to ensure exercise is pleasurable everytime.
Natural Fit is a member’s health club like no where else because it uses a Movement Screening to analyse your own personal strength and agility allowing you to make the most of your workouts. But after signing up to Natural Fit, and discovering the workouts and food ideal for you, what is actually on offer at this charming converted church?
Animal Flow is a workout which enables you to strengthen your core and exercise your joint flexibility. By combining pilates, yoga, and callisthenics, this is a class which will improve your mobility in your day to day life, working to enhance life beyond the club. Using your body weight only, Animal Flow can be confidently attempted by all. Why not join Martha or Jack, and allow your body to be free and flow.
A modern twist on a classic strengthening exercise, Natural Fit Pilates classes have the advantage of using the functional movement system to aid the workoutouts. You can use your bodyweight for these workouts, or the comi-reformers around the circumference of the exercise space. The small group classes also means you get ultimate attention from the instructors so that you truly get the best results from every workout.
Movement & Core is a functional movement core which provides you with techniques and exercises which will gently reawaken
crucial, forgotten muscles, for stronger agility, mobility and flexibility. This class is perfect for beginners, to allow you to really tune in and understand your body before you explore the rest of what is on offer at Natural Fit. It is designed based on your movement screening, allowing the advice to be personalised to your body. Reduce aches and pains and prevent injuries with these classes. Educational, functional and essential for your body is the best way to describe Movement & Core. You may even get the benefit of using the Natural Movement Frame, teaching you and your body how it should move.
The best way to exercise both your physical and mental wellbeing is by practising yoga. Yoga is a disciplined workout for strength and balance within your body, and for finding peace and spirituality of the mind. Allow your body to flow and stretch at Natural Fit with a range of classes to suit all abilities no matter whether you are a yogi master, or new to the craft. Many of the classes are led by visiting Yoga teachers.
Build and tone muscle; endure and energise with TRX training. These classes are full of fun and energy as you use the stunning apparatus to improve your cardiovascular health and target those muscles to get fit and strong. Make your way around the circuit, participating in the instructor-led exercises, and train that body to embrace the burn!
The personal training studio is like nothing you have ever seen before. Haven’t got time to workout at a class? Head to one of the rowing machines or exercise bikes, and let
an on-screen instructor guide you through thirty minutes of strength and fitness. You can tackle these workouts at your own pace, in your own timing and feel fabulous after. All you need to do is turn up, borrow the equipment, and push your body to its max.
Natural Fit has everything you may need for your body: lose weight, injury rehab, build muscle, improve mobility, because there is so much on offer. You are supported by the trainers all along the way allowing your journey to health to be one that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You and your needs are at the focus of this health hub, so why not join this January? There is a Natural Fit in Tunbridge Wells, as well as in Hove.
“The facilities are first class with high-tech equipment, state of the art 'workstations' to do virtual fitness sessions and some amazing class options. The entire club has been planned to perfection, the bar and cafe area is comfortable, relaxing and with friendly staff.”
“Their knowledge and skill of training has made my time at natural fit even better and would definitely recommend the Personal Training services. I’ve been to a lot of different gyms in Brighton and Hove and this is by far one of the best spaces I’ve found over the past 7 years. Strongly recommend to anyone looking for a beautiful place to exercise and relax in.”
To find out more go to www.naturalfit.co.uk
To book a free personal tour or become a member at Natural Fit, Hove go to www.naturalfit.co.uk/hove/ or call 01273 284530
BY AMY STANBOROUGH
Last night Harry Hill, TV star and the standard bearer for the more abstract end of British comedy, wound up the original run of his tour at Brighton’s Theatre Royal. But he’s already excited about returning in a few weeks’ time. “We all felt quite sad. I was wondering what I’m going to do with myself through December. I was the one who requested that we try and get some more dates in, because I’ve really been enjoying it. I’m so pleased by how the show has been received.”
With the suitably daft name, Pedigree Fun, the tour has had at least another 15 dates added – including Thurs 12 Jan at Croydon’s Ashcroft and Theatre Royal Brighton on Sat 21 Jan. This outing has already been quite sizeable. Even after ending his iconic TV Burp television show a decade ago, there’s still a huge demand for Hill and his leftfield antics.
“I don’t know where the time has gone. It’s made me think I should do this more often. Other people do…” he says with a laugh. Hill says you obviously need to have the material prepared, which is no mean feat for a performance lasting around 120 minutes. But there’s nothing like booking dates in to make creative sorts come up with things. In the old days, he would tour once a year. “But then I was only doing a single hour, and there’d be a support act. For a long time now, I’ve done the whole show. Basically, because I don’t want to be on with anyone else in case they’re funnier than me!”
Where I had visions of his creative process involving him being locked in a room for months, accompanied by only a box full of strange objects and a packet of Jammie Dodgers, he says a lot of the time material will just come to him - either while walking the dog, watching TV or from something he overhears.
“It is just sitting down trying to write jokes. I’m a good friend of Tim Vine, and he goes to the library and gets a book out and flicks through it. Maybe I should try that.” The main thing is to be able to concentrate somewhere. A coffee shop is off the cards, as he thinks he’d be a bit self-conscious. If you’re off the telly, people are going to recognise you.
“If I haven’t got the big collar on, I don’t look that much like me. If I have, then virtually everyone does, because I’ve been at this
for so long. I’m not saying they necessarily like it…” he says with another chuckle. There’s still a wide range of ages coming to see the shows, possibly because absurdist humour exists beyond trends or even frames of context. “Looking out at the audience, obviously there’s a lot of people my age, but there’s also a lot of younger people who say they grew up with TV Burp or You’ve Been Framed. It’s a bit of a shock, but it is really nice. There are kids. I’m not a rude act, some of the stuff in my act is quite extreme, but there’s no bad language. It’s a bit like panto, in some respects. It works on that level where some of the jokes will go over children’s heads.”
A big element of comedy seems to rely upon pushing boundaries, challenging people’s concepts of offence and silliness. “Part of the fun is not saying it but inferring it. I’ve got this whole thing in this show about dividing people up into traybakes or tears-and-shares. Obviously, it makes no sense whatsoever. But by the end you are looking at people, thinking: ‘Yeah… traybake!” Hill’s surreal brand of comedy delights in nonsensical premises, absurd characters and extreme leaps in logic. There might be a few people who don’t get the joke, but nobody expects it. Which BBC Breakfast found to their cost when he appeared on the morning show in October.
“I said to them: ‘If you want, I can bring my ventriloquists dummy in.’ They said that would be great. When I got into the studio, it turned out the presenter didn’t know anything about it. It was the same day the Tories were electing a new leader, so they were all a bit more focussed on that bigger story.” With a completely straight-face, he introduced the dummy as his son Gary (from his first marriage), and regaled presenter Victoria Fritz with some knowingly bad ventriloquism. A few confused viewers soon started voicing their displeasure on social media, which only generated more interest in the interview.
“Everyone was laughing, and all the cameramen were slapping me on the back, but then it turned into some kind of weird Twitter thing. I think everyone was looking for something else, because we were all sick of that leadership battle.” He says he doesn’t really watch Breakfast TV, so was unaware of how much impact the interview had made. “But when I was driving back home, I kept getting these texts saying it was really funny. As soon as those start coming in, you know something has happened.”
But then he’s never been an artist who slows down so others can ‘get’ the joke. When he started doing the legendary TV Burp, directors were worried that audiences might struggle to keep up with its febrile flow of ideas and gags. “Modern TV is so quick with the way it’s cut now. Things don’t get time to breathe. But when you start pandering to another group… I appreciate that not everyone ‘gets it’… But, if I’m not happy with it, then no one is going to enjoy it.”
Much of TV Burp’s appeal came from simplicity. Hill would introduce a clip from the previous week’s television, then point out why it was a bit silly. If you were lucky, the actors or
broadcasters in question would show up and play along with the joke. Pop in some surreal or cheeky humour, some badgers and a little bit of anarchy, and draw millions of viewers. And it was shown straight after his other hit programme, You’ve Been Framed.
Produced at a breakneck pace, with a talented team of scriptwriters around him, Hill didn’t really appreciate the impact he was having while making TV Burp – he’d spend all his time watching clips. “When a series was finished, I’d go out and everyone would be like: ‘Oh! It’s him!’ It’s an odd thing.”
“I’m very happy that people think fondly of it. It was a very funny show because we packed so many jokes in. I don’t think you could make it now though. A lot of it was punching down. You can’t make fun of people for their appearance.”
One prime target for the show was soap operas. With their feverish production turn arounds and tight schedules, it’s inevitable some scenes become unintentionally funny. And TV Burp took real delight in highlighting these. “We always focussed on doing popular shows. It’s quite easy to make jokes about what used to be called satellite channels, that kind of junk TV. But we knew we had to talk about the shows everybody was watching. The idea was just to say what everyone was already thinking.”
The show also came up their own realitybending homages to familiar faces. Like The Apprentice’s Lord Sugar, Heather from Eastenders and a strange knitted-character. Then writers went one step further with the introduction of Wagbo, the fantasy lovechild of two contestants on The X Factor Ostensibly a man in a wig and wild makeup, the character ‘escaped’ and went on a rampage through some of television’s most famous studios. Like Dancing on Ice, Loose Women and even that bastion of respectable late-night broadcasting, Newsnight. “We approached them, to see if we could get the character on, and they said ‘no’. Then someone got to Kirsty Walk…” he tells me, giggling at what his team leveraged.
With TV Burp ruling Saturday teatimes, there was no shortage of other programmes willing to get in on the jokes. ITV inarguably saw it as a great way to cross pollinate and promote their shows, and other broadcasters slowly caught on. “You can only do these things so many times, before it becomes predictable.”
He says the ten-year run seems like an entire lifetime. Aware of the hit they had, the network soon started demanding longer runs. Which only increased demands on Hill. “At times, we came close to making a bad show. But always managed to avoid that. But it was getting harder on us all.” He tells me he was trying to cancel the show long before it ended; but would always cave to their wishes.
TV everywhere was changing. Many other shows were starting to reference their own shortcomings with sarcastic voice overs.
“The problem was they wanted more and more episodes. If we’d kept doing a shorter run, then I’d probably still be doing it. I know it sounds pathetic, but there is a lot of pressure on you. You start the week with nothing, and
it’s got to be a really funny show by Saturday, it’s quite a lot of stress. Especially when it’s your name on it.”
It’s clear that Hill truly understands the power of television as a medium, and that he grew up watching it. His influences read like a list of 70s small screen comedy staples. Bruce Forsyth, The Two Ronnies, Morecombe & Wise… Later, when he was a teenager, came Monty Python. Then the alternative thing happened. “When I was a medical student in Tooting, I’d go to all these comedy clubs and see people like Jo Brand and Jack Dee. But I’m still really fond of Laurel & Hardy.” For him, the only thing which really matters is offering some kind of personal truth through comedy. If he starts bowing to trends or expectations, it’s not going to be satisfying.
“Otherwise, I could be doing any job. Just doing something which I didn’t enjoy. Like the rest of you! Ha ha!”
While TV Burp might be ten years in the past, he’s still a regular face (or voice) on our screens, with shows like You’ve Been Framed, Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule and Junior Bake Off. And the funny clips still play a very big part in his comedy. If anything, technology has caught up with his ambitions to include them in the live shows. The Pedigree Fun tour includes plenty of video oddities to delight audiences.
“I’ve amassed this huge collection of funny clips over the years. Before, it’s always been quite difficult to play them quickly during a show; and could be quite unreliable.” They fold into this odd one-man variety spectacular, which is dense with gags, funny dances, surprises and an appearance from his son Gary ‘from his first marriage’. For the avoidance of doubt, Hill is still married to his first wife and that imaginary offspring is very much a dummy. He’s not received any formal ventriloquism training, and that’s hilariously self-evident. “People don’t know what to
expect. And by the end, they leave, having not expected it. I want people laughing all the time.”
He says he always has a good time in Brighton, especially at the Theatre Royal. “It’s a great theatre. It’s one of my favourites. It’s unchanged. You could walk in there, and bump into anyone from Norman Wisdom to Charlie Chaplin.” Hill very much sees himself as part of the proud British musical hall tradition. He loves walking into those Victorian theatres - and has almost exclusively booked them for this tour. “There’s just something about it. You do get the sense you’re walking on the same floorboards as some of the greats…”
www.harryhilltour.com
Harry Hill brings his ongoing Pedigree Fun tour to Croydon’s Ashcroft on Thurs 12 Jan and Theatre Royal Brighton on Sat 21 Jan.
Photo Credit Andy Hollingworth
“Although Ventnor is like Trumpton, with one baker, a butcher and a library, there is this fringe festival which massively punches above its weight.” Visual artist Ladypat is telling me about the differences, and similarities, between his hometown and Brighton. “People come from across the country for that, and it’s put us on the map. Stu came over in June for one of his shows at the festival, and that kickstarted this year-long collaboration between the two towns.”
Pat and Brighton legend Boogaloo Stu are launching Queer Hearts. Supported by Arts Council England, Ventnor Exchange, Brave Island, Mind Out, Jubilee Library, Marlborough Productions and Brighton Fringe, this year-long project sees them presenting their eye-popping art and bringing local communities together in celebration of queer heroes. They share a love of psychedelic and surreal pop art, all informed by a maverick sensibility. After two decades of working together in various forms, this year-long collaboration encompasses a joint exhibition of brilliant new pieces, along with a season of queerfocussed workshops and events.
“We’re coming to the end of a seven-week run at the Ventnor exchange, which is a cultural hub on the island,” continues Pat. “We’re in the activity room, which is quite funny. Every day, groups come in to learn French, practice ukulele or do crafts, and all the time there’s these amazing queer hearts staring down at them.” It’s the way much of its arts and crafts is platformed on the Isle Of Wight, presented in naturally inclusive common spaces. After its debut on the IOW, the project will be moving to Brighton’s Jubilee Library this month.
“Ventnor Exchange are very good at crosspollinating their audience,” adds Stu. “They programme events to draw people in, so there’s a constant flow of people coming in and seeing them. It’s not just those who’ve read about it, there’s people who are also discovering them. And that’s vital for us, to spread the word about the project.” It does seem a world away from Brighton, where there’s a long-established ‘queer infrastructure’ to plug into. It’s more a case of just doing it, and people will encounter it.
Long before he went on to dominate Brighton club scene with nights like Dynamite Boogaloo, Stu studied textile design at university. While his career started evolving into innovative theatremaking, it was the pandemic which encouraged him to immerse himself in art once more.
“I’d always designed club flyers and fanzines for my nights, so I’d always been drawing,” he says. “I thought I’d make some artworks, just to see what happens. I didn’t think about selling them, it was more
something to put on my own wall.” It wasn’t such a huge leap for someone already had a rich visual aesthetic flowing through everything they did.
His style is influenced by 70s psychedelia and product design, mixing a playful optimism with kaleidoscopic visuals which draw the observer into distinct and fantastical worlds. “Everything I’ve done has a strong visual aspect. I’ve always made my own costumes and style my own wigs. The whole is tailored from top to toe. “
“He’s always had an air-tight fantasy bubble of fab,” chips in Pat. “It’s one of the things I’ve always admired about Stu. He’s been doing this uninterrupted for 30 years. He’s held his nerve, there’s no ‘I will retire this and do something else.’ He’s like a trooper. And it was fully formed when it started, and it’s just continued.”
“I don’t know if it was fully-formed,” says Stu. “If you came to Brighton in 1992, you would have seen a dog’s dinner.”
“Oh well. But there wasn’t much internet then,” laughs Pat.
“That’s the saving grace,” agrees Stu. “No one can point a finger and say: ‘You looked like this!’ There are photos, but they’re not readily available.”
A few years ago, Stu illustrated his whole website, transforming it into a mischievous visual playground with minimal text. He took this as a cue to further expand what could be achieved with a mix of handmade and digital processes. “I really wanted to make dioramas, so I had to figure out a process where I could take my drawings and make them come to life.” All the elements in each work are drawn and coloured by hand, then digital processes are used to cut them out, ready for assembly into 3D form.
Prior to doing Queer Hearts with Pat, Stu’s friend Mark Vessey introduced him to the director at Enter Gallery. “To my surprise they took my work right away. I didn’t really expect to be selling my work as soon as that.” Now his work is available at Brighton’s Enter, Electric Gallery in London and Maison 10 in New York.
The Boogaloo Stu persona, carefully crafted club nights, theatre productions and these artworks all feed into Stu’s worldbuilding. He suggests the main factor is that he’s not very good at delegating. “If someone’s doing something for me, I’ll always be there interfering.” Pat is not so sure. “But, when I’ve done some of your music videos, you’ve allowed me to just do it, and then come along at the end with a few edits.”
“Perhaps that’s why we work well together,” suggests Stu. “Because we do have a sort of kinship in our approach and share a lot of aesthetic similarities, so I didn’t have to say those things to you,” he says with a chuckle.
Pat has been doing art since he was a child, long before the striking visual style of Ladypat had evolved. At school, he designed and drew his own comic, printing it off on the youth club’s photocopier, and touting it round the classrooms. Later, he found a job amongst the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay, drawing caricatures for tourists. “I was useless… but also a 12-year-old boy. So, they’d have to buy it. That’s what was significant. It was never a case of: ‘I WANT to be an artist’ It was more a case of actually doing it.”
Moving to the mainland, he was obsessed with music. A lot of friends were musicians, who wanted website live visuals or promo videos, which he was more than happy to help out with. “At the time it was the early 2000s. There were all these new technologies around. You could make your own website, or you could publish your own videos in Flash. It was a wild west time, where the rules weren’t formed yet.” The internet boom meant he could show his work to an ever-increasing audience. He’s accumulated over 4 billion GIF views and has created over 100 music videos for scores of artists, including Boy George, Adamski and Hifi Sean and Yoko Ono, and of course, Boogaloo Stu. Along the way, he also became a successful Visual Jockey, enjoying residencies at London’s Ministry of Sound, Barcelona’s The Loft and Pete Tong Ibiza, as well as providing eye-scorching optical treats alongside icons like Fatboy Slim, Lady Gaga, Chase & Status, Hot Chip and Sasha.
He says it just seemed like an exciting thing to do. “You could fly around the world, go to music festivals and stay in nice hotels, but not as a musician – just doing the visuals. Sometimes you do hit upon these cultural waves, and often walk into them accidentally, but people seem very interested and come to you. I think it’s all about timing.”
These days, he’s more familiar for audacious oversized Fuzzy-Felt compositions, exhibiting at galleries across the UK. These again deploy leading-edge technology, using computers to plot shapes and cutting pieces with machines. “I’ve no background in textile art, so I can disregard the rules straightaway. It’s the same when I was doing music videos. Nobody was asking me to do them, I had no training. And that just makes it better. We don’t have to do things the conventional way. If you want to do it, you should just do it.”
Pat was born in 1970, during the peak popularity of Fuzzy-Felt – a creative toy for making geometric shapes or pictures out of brightly coloured material pieces –bringing it into the 21st century with nextgen AI tech helping shape creations. “Your
approach to AI is really interesting,” says Stu. “You spend a lot of time programming what you want to come out. It’s not just happening randomly.” “You can generate imagery which no one else would,” replies Pat. “And if you refresh the screen the image is gone forever. It’s so mental. It’s like you’re dancing with the universe. These tools come along, but you should use them, instead of them using you.”
By existing on the properties of what’s considered classical, or even ‘fashionable’, Ladypat and Boogaloo Stu’s work is not bound by traditional expectations. What they lack in convention is more than compensated by truth. “I’ve never felt fully immersed in a ‘scene’,” mulls Stu. “When I’ve been doing clubs or theatre, I’ve always been on the fringes. But that gives you permission to blur the boundaries as to what you can do. I’ve never been afraid of trying different things. I’ve never shied away from trying something new.”
“It occurs to me that you could be more successful by finding your point of appeal and just repeating it,” nods Pat. “Generally, if you look at people who are quite successful, you can say in one word what kind of art they do. And you know I what it will be in ten years’ time, because they’ve set that parameter and found something that works. Good luck to them, but that’s not for me.” He pauses to laugh. “This is a good excuse for not being highly successful, I suppose!”
Pat says he likes to look back on everything he’s done as a sort of diary. “When I’m on my deathbed, instead of every episode of Eastenders flashing before my eyes, there’ll be exhibitions and music videos. I love doing things which date immediately, as well. This could be part of being interested in emergent technologies, because they come and go, whereas if you’re doing oil painting it’s a classical realm to involved in. Realm – one of my favourite words…”
The exhibitions for Queer Hearts also break from tradition by having a more interactive form of visitor book. Rather than filing musings away in a discrete volume, they’re encouraged to write their thoughts on Post-It notes and stick them to the walls around the world. As such, different voices from amongst the visitors become part of the experience. “I was brought up on the Isle Of Wight, which is a place where I never knew any gay people, or places to go,” says Pat. “We
had our first Pride in 2018, so this isn’t an up-to-date place. But when I see those comments, it takes me back to being a teenager. I would have loved something like this. It would have been good to know there were similar people around me.”
Obviously, when it comes to a place like Brighton, it’s easier to make these connections and enjoy that sense of community. But there is still work to be done. This free exhibition is complimented by a series of workshops called Queer Hearts Awards, which is designed to draw in younger queer people who don’t have the opportunity to socialise. “We’re going to be in the Jubilee library, which is an inclusive space, but it’s not specifically queer,” says Stu. “So, there’ll be a good flow of people who’ll be surprised and hopefully enjoy it.” As well as the workshop events, which are open to anyone accessing the Mind Out charity, the project concludes in May with a cultural exchange between the artists’ home locations of the Isle of Wight and Brighton. A group of kids will be heading to Brighton for day of queer-led shows, curated with help from Brighton Fringe and Marlborough Productions. It’s all about visibility and creating a sense of empowerment.
“There’s a lot of strange people who complain about Pride and ask why it’s necessary,” he adds. “But you can’t walk down the street holding your partner’s hand without feeling judged or worrying about what’s round the corner. Straight people don’t have worry about that or wonder if they’re safe. There are still huge reasons why we need this kind of visibility, even in Brighton.”
“You have to keep refreshing it,” adds Pat. “It’s not something you can shore up. Like: ‘Oh we’ve done a Pride now, that’s it for five years.’ We very much have to create these spaces and be on a mission about it.”
Ladypat and Boogaloo Stu’s Queer Hearts exhibition comes to Brighton’s Jubilee Library on Mon 16 Jan – Sun 5 Feb. The Queer Hearts Awards workshops take place at Jubilee Library on Tues 17 –Weds 18 Jan. For more details, head to: www.queerhearts.uk www.ladypat.com www.boogaloostu.co.uk
Ladypat Queerdo
Ladypat Sungasm
STUART ROLT
Both images. Photo credit: Christian Black
- Actor Stephen Graham from Boiling Point
With a slick, but unobtrusive, camera technique and a troupe of talented actors who are passionately inhabiting their characters, Boiling Point gives us a tantalising glimpse at a broad spectrum of human experience. This British independent film takes the concept of following events in a busy restaurant for an evening and expands it into something quietly profound.
Released at the start of last year, to initially minimal fanfare, it has gone on to attract copious award nominations and inspire a much-anticipated sequel series on the BBC. “Surprised is an understatement,” the film’s director, Philip Barantini, tells me. “We never set out to make a film which would go to the BAFTAs, it was more of a passion project. I’d worked in kitchens for many years, and I wanted to show something truthful from my experience.”
Set on a feverishly busy night, just before Christmas, Boiling Point stars the sublimelytalented Stephen Graham as chef Andy Jones. He is enduring the shift from hell at Jones & Sons - an upmarket London eatery filled with difficult guests and straining under the weight of behind-the-scenes disputes. Shot in a single take, the camera glides around, through and beyond the busy premises, pulling an array of stories into the spiralling visceral chaos. Jones is already running late, his personal life increasingly revealed to be in tatters. Waiting for him at the restaurant is a fastidious, but weirdly chummy, health inspector, a vociferous food critic accompanied by an old rival of Andy’s and the news that vital supplies haven’t been ordered. There’s also a bunch of ‘influencers’, special food requirements and a diner with questionable views on diversity.
Barantini tells me this wasn’t intended to be a pitch-perfect representation of the hospitality industry, but more an honest interpretation drawn from his personal experiences. “Everything that’s in the movie is something I went through. I also wanted people to relate to certain aspects of it. We’re all going through stuff in our lives, and the person next to you might not know what you’re experiencing. I
wanted the audience to feel that with each character.” Just like in real life, we often get mere seconds with people, and then they’re gone again. This naturalistic approach flows through the script created by Barantini and writing partner James Cummings, where concise exposition and dialogue immerses the audience in numerous unfolding micronarratives.
Creating characters and dynamics which are so instantly well-rounded was the product of extensive workshops and rehearsals. Barantini’s approach was to let each actor develop their character’s backstories. “It’s important to let them be free in that respect. When they get on set and become that character, it comes from a truthful place, as opposed to being forced upon them. So, we found the nuances in rehearsals. It’s about talking and going through different emotions together.”
Boiling Point extends the scope of Barantini’s BIFA-nominated short film of the same name, similarly filmed in a single shot. The technique is far from revolutionary, Hitchcock’s psychological drama, Rope, presents itself as four long takes, 2014’s Birdman also attempts to appear as a single take and Sebastian Schipper’s brilliant crime thriller, Victoria, genuinely succeeds in using a single shot. Where Boiling Point excels is its immersion of audiences in the perfectly-orchestrated action, instead of providing an immediate spectacle.
Since producing his short film, Barantini had few doubts about using the technique again as it created the vibe he wanted. “We tried writing a conventional script, but nothing was exciting us. We kept going back to the onetake thing. I just sat up in bed one night and mapped it all out in my head. Obviously, the cinematographer was important to get onboard because he’s got to carry a camera around for an hour and a half. The next one was Stephen. Which turned out to be an easy sell… But he did think I was crazy.”
Obviously, directing a film like this was no simple process. When interviewing people
for the project, anybody expressing doubts about its feasibility was instantly discounted. “It was also how we got the cast onboard. ‘First of all, are you up for the challenge and then do you think you can do it?’ We were certainly extensively workshopping it with improv in mind.” After seeing the finished article, it’s difficult to imagine how you could portray the busy kitchen environment in any other way.
It’s also difficult to picture anyone other than Stephen Graham bringing this tormented chef to life. As one of Britain’s finest actors, Graham has been celebrated for his work on productions such as This Is England, Snatch, Gangs of New York, Line of Duty, Boardwalk Empire and Peaky Blinders, his work on Boiling Point is no less powerful. “I’ve known him for over 20 years,” says Barantini. “… since we did Band Of Brothers. I called him up to be in my first short film, and he was like: ‘Tell you what, why don’t you get this first one out the way and we’ll see how you get on.’” Obviously Barantini respected the decision and was still eager to show Graham the finished short film – and pitch the next one in an exciting way.
Barantini says Grahm, despite being a bonafide Hollywood star, is the most humble, down-to-Earth human being you’ll ever meet. “Nothing phases him. He gets embarrassed talking about Martin Scorsese, and stuff like that. For someone from Kirby, to be doing what he’s doing, he should be shouting about it. He loves where he’s come from, and he’s stayed true to that. I respect him massively.” When writing the short film version of Boiling Point, he genuinely had Graham in mind. “The range he has as an actor… he can do incredibly emotional, and really scary. There was a part in his early career when he was always playing hardmen. He’s worked to steer away from that. I can’t think of anyone else who could play this role now.”
Sliding into awards season, Boiling Point was nominated for eleven of them at the 2021 British Independent Film Awards and won four — including Best Supporting Actress for Vinette Robinson, Best Casting, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound. At last BAFTAs, it received four nominations: Outstanding British Film, Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for writer James Cummings and producer Hester Ruoff, Best Actor in a Leading Role for Graham and Best Casting for Carolyn Mcleod.
The recognition has continued to manifest in a special Blu-ray release, giving audiences the chance to explore further, with audio commentaries by producers and actors, special discussions with the crew and ‘making of’ features. A limited version of the release also offers artwork, a special slipcase and a soft cover book, containing essays and interviews about the project. “I never thought the film would do what it’s done. Now it’s getting this boxset…I’m so proud of everyone involved.” He says he’s overwhelmed by the plaudits the project received, from audiences, critics and the hospitality industry.
“Obviously, it’s not for everyone, because film is a subjective art. But I had an email from a chef who basically ‘was Andy’. He said when he saw the character, he saw himself in the
future, so he’s gone to get help. All because of a film.”
It brings something different to everyone who watches. For anyone working in hospitality, it’ll conjure memories of an industry which is slowly getting its house in order regarding how staff are treated. Cinephiles will marvel at the technical dexterity of the sound design, camerawork, and well-drilled players. But, for many, this is an intriguing bundle of disparate stories flashing before our eyes. There are few big narrative pay-offs. As with real life, these stories drift off into the darkness beyond our encounters with them.
Thankfully, it portrays a set of attitudes in the industry which are on the wane. There’s a greater awareness of issues amongst hospitality, particularly around mental health. “There are changes for the better. Kitchens are a lot calmer these days, especially in the high-level places with Michelin stars. You can’t get away with being an arsehole to the staff anymore. But it’s still like that in some restaurants.”
From microaggressions and personal dramas, to the more obvious set-pieces which place all the staff under more pressure, everything feeds into the film’s unrelenting momentum. This frenetic, darkly humorous film creates an environment which feel real and livedin. It doesn’t just say something about the restaurant industry but casts a gaze on the broad slice of humanity amongst its patrons. And now the world Barantini has created is set to expand with a new BBC TV show.
“We’d been talking about maybe doing a second film, because of the hype. But would we do it in a single take? Probably not, because we don’t want to repeat that. But what if we do a TV series, because we can explore the characters even further. Literally, that same week, I got an email from the BBC.” Currently, he’s in Manchester doing pre-
production work, with five episodes being broadcast later this year.
It’ll pick up six months after events in the film. Now the cast are facing the repercussions of that fateful night. Barantini directs the first two episodes and James Cummings returns as the writer. It gives the pair a chance to explore these characters and situations they’ve helped create. There are even murmurs that the idea could see spin-offs in
other countries. Everywhere has restaurants. All with their curious staff dynamics and a ceaseless flow of demanding guests. “You never know what’s going to walk in the door, and you can’t stop it. That’s the beauty of this particular world.”
The Boiling Point limited edition Blu-ray is available now. Phillip Barantini and James Cummings TV version will be on BBC TV later in 2023.
Both images. Photo credit: Christian Black
The Vurger Co was established in Shoreditch in 2016 as a small market stall with the ambition of making accessible food for all. Since then, they have won awards for their vegan menu including the Marie Claire most sustainable fast-food brand of the year so Brighton is very lucky to be one of their four venues. Amongst their menu you can find meat alternatives for a BBQ pork or crispy chicken ‘vurger’. As well as their mouth watering and innovative vegan burgers, you can find salad bowls, or an impeccable array of sides from Mac n cheese to tater tots, all of which are also gluten free. And, if you’ve got room, you can get a milkshake for dessert (including banoffee or biscotti flavours) and you can add a shot of whisky or rum just to prove that vegan food can be far from boring. If you can’t go a day without thinking of this treat, The Vurger Co also has a Vegan cookbook to inspire and instruct your vegan recipes at home.
www.thevurgerco.com @thevurgerco
Brand new to Brighton this Winter came Oowee, which offers the same authentic feeling of indulging in real grubby fast-food, but just so happens to be vegan. While their menu is a choice of either plantbased beef burger, or fried chicken burger, there are a whole fourteen different variations to choose from. The Symple Sneaky is simply patty, lettuce, gherkins or sauce whereas The Big Oovee is packed with a thick plant-based beef patty, dirty sauce, American cheese, hash brown, crispy fried onions, gherkins & lettuce. Personally, I can’t stop thinking about their marmite butter fries, or their Clucking Waffle Fries: Waffle Fries topped with American style gravy, mozzarella, fried chick’n & spring onions. I’m curious to try that popcorn shake too….
www.ooweevegan.com @oowee_vegan
If you’re a vegan living in Brighton, you’re bound to know about What the Pitta! “Home of the original Vegan Doner Kebab”. Cem was a meat eater, but when he lamented the lack of vegan kebabs, he decided to invent it himself. With the help of Roj’s Uncle’s secret recipe which was very popular back in Germany, they transferred the delicious flavours of a vegan doner from his shop in Freiburg to The Pump in Shoreditch. The family franchise won Best Vegan Caterer at Vegfest Awards 2018 and Best London Takeaway at the Kebab Awards 2020 (the first EVER vegan winner). The Brighton store on East Street seats thirty people inside, but is also ready to order on Deliveroo. Available in Brighton, Camden and Manchester only, you can enjoy the ‘beer and bab’ meal deal: a signature doner wrap (specially spiced soya pieces in a freshly made bread wrap with mixed salad, humous, tzatziki and jalapeno peppers) with a beer of choice for just £12.95.
www.whatthepitta.com @whatthepitta
More than just a fast-food burger, a Flower Burger is a joyous innovation which was born in Milan in 2015. The buns are flavoured with turmeric or cherry and beetroot extract to give the bread colourful shades of yellow or lilac. It is nothing like you would have seen before, amazing its customers and matching the hippie-design of this restaurant’s interiors. Choose between a mushroom patty, oat and red bean patty, seitan and red kidney patty, barley and seitan BBQ patty or a classic chickpea patty. With burgers named Smoky Butterfuly or Jungle BBQ, Flower Burger is fun and evidently experimental with its flavours. Plus, there are only two stores in the UK, (as well as one in Italy, one in Amsterdam, and one in Marseille) so this restaurant is a real privilege to have here in Brighton. It is however more expensive than your typical take-out, but it is fast food of restaurant quality, worth the cost if you want a pretty Instagram shot to go along with your dinner too!
www.flowerburger.co.uk/stores/flowerburger-brighton-2 @flowerburger_uk
VeganOut is a takeaway restaurant with flavours that will transport you to South Asia, while remaining 100% vegan. They have all your favourite Pan-Asian flavours from Teryaki noodles to pad thai, chow mein and coconut curry. All dishes are either with vegetables, tofu, or their ‘Chicken-less’ meat alternative. There are meal deals for one (£16.90), two (£31.90) or four (£45.90) people, well worth browsing for next time you fancy an Asian take-out with this healthier twist. Amongst the sides, the steamed veggie gyozas are a popular choice, but the spicy crispy tofu sounds delicious too. Add VeganOut to your Veganuary experience. On Deliveroo: www.deliveroo.co.uk/menu/ brighton/brighton/veganout
Last but not least, if you have walked through the lanes, you would have seen how popular We Love Falafel is. With affordable falafel wraps which are super fresh everytime you order one, you will understand why it is a vegan favourite. There is a choice between the original falafel, sweet potato or beetroot falafel and the wraps themselves are stuffed with delicious ingredients: houmous, marinated red cabbage, smoked tofu, mustard tahini, jalapenos, and more, or you can add halloumi or cheddar for a vegetarian option. Don’t fancy a wrap? Try the immense flavours through a salad box instead. A classic wrap is £4.50 - the absolute perfect lunch to grab and wander through the lanes with. Sharon (owner), believes she has absolutely cracked the code for the best herb to chickpea ratio, but you will just have to find out for yourself whether that is true or not. Keep your eyes peeled for click and collect coming soon.
www.welovefalafel.co.uk/about-us/ @welovefalafel
Purezza prides itself in being the UK’s first entirely vegan restaurant. They boast that their menu is not just plant-based, but also environmentally-conscious and passionate about sustainability. There are now five Purezza restaurants in the UK but the revolution was born in Brighton, using plant-based cheese and wholegrain sourdough for their delicious pizzas. The brand-new small plates menu has also recently launched in Brighton, featuring smaller lunch and breakfast pizzas, sausage and egg or salmon and cream cheese ciabatta, spaghetti, meatballs, salad and more. This new menu is perfect to share; you can get three dishes for just £18! And it is ALL vegan! As if this is not enough to impress, Purezza work with local independent businesses including Brighton Gin and the tables and chairs are made of reclaimed wood sourced from the Brighton Wood Store. There are gluten free options, there are two for £12 cocktails all day, everyday with the purchase of any food, and Purezza are available on Deliveroo or to click and collect. Honestly, why would you say no?
Founder Anna wanted to prove that sushi can be healthy, sustainable and delicious without the fish. The idea begun in 2013, but Happy Maki went completely vegan in 2015, with the driving force being a love of the environment and creating healthy fast-food. While the business started as a food truck, catering at music festivals, the first store opened in Brighton’s south lanes in 2017. On the seafront, there are ten wraps to choose from to takeaway including meat and fish alternatives or deliciously flavoured vegetables, perfect for a beach side picnic. There is now also a restaurant on Sydney Street if you would rather dine in, with the added option of building your own sushi bowl.
www.happymaki.co.uk/ @thehappymaki
Did you know that you can get vegan fish and chips? That’s right, this English classic from The No Catch Co. has an ethical twist which means we can reduce the amount of fish we are taking from the ocean, revolutionising the seafood industry. The alternative is a high protein soy substitute to emulate battered cod, but there is also smoked haddock, popcorn prawnz and calamari to try. Find The No Catch Co at Kings Road on Brighton Seafront and find out why they believe the future is vegan, ensuring no one has to miss out on the best cuisine. On their website you can also find plenty of facts and information about how much the seafood industry is damaging oceans alongside how and why we can change that.
www.nocatch.co @thenocatchco
So we’re here in January, one of the coldest months with what feels like a really long wait for the next payday. Money is tight for everyone and the cost of living crisis is hitting us all hard.
With soaring heating, utility, and food bills rising we’re all looking for a way to save. Food is just one of the many things we’re squeezing the purse strings on.
But how do we stay ethical and keep our concerns for the environment at the forefront while saving money?
Infinity Foods cooperative, has been making organic and natural vegetarian foods affordable for everyone for over 50 years. We have been doing our utmost to bring the best deals to you.
Prices are rising, especially on food but Infinity Foods Cooperative has been working with some of our key suppliers and by both us and them cutting our margins we have produced a range of staples lines at incredible prices!
Welcome to our cost of living deals...
This January* we will have 30% off selected Meridian Nut butters in 1kg sizes. Nut butters are a great way for vegetarians and vegans to get their protein easily. With a dollop in your
Stopping caffeine in January* as part of a health kick? We have Tick Tock organic Rooibos tea, a great caffeine free tea to keep you warm at 25% off.
healthy smoothie for breakfast, spread on wholemeal toast or made into nutritious bars they pack a punch with protein.
And if you need a caffeine hit in the morning, keep it ethical and tasty with the Grumpy Mule rainforest alliance ground coffee at 25% off (Brasil Dateera Sunrise ground coffee 227g) through January*.
*offers will be applied from the 8th of January. Please note: All Infinity retail Cost Of Living offers are available to Infinity Foods Wholesale customers nationwide and beyond.
As we want to reach/help as many people as possible in these difficult times.
Some lines may have shorter dates and limited stock but we hope you will agree that there are some great deals on established best selling brands and products.
With January* being the start of Veganuary Infinity is helping two fold with the ethical company Minor Figures oat milks being 25% off on the everyday and light options - you can also order in a case of these and get a further 15% off when buying from our shop in bulk.
25 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YA
www.infinityfoodsretail.coop
North London born comic Emmanuel Sonubi has played the Apollo, toured with Jason Manford, and is now ready to venture into his debut tour, ‘Emancipated’. It was in 2015 that he decided that comedy was what he wanted to do. He describes being roped into an open mic night and feeling terrified about it for weeks, “and then when I got on stage, from the first joke, I thought this is exactly where he needed to be” he tells me. He said he has always loved comedy and making people laugh, but never considered it a career until that moment. And what a career he is making so far. This comedian is one to watch.
“I feel very fortunate because not a lot of people get to dream of something and it actually happen” Emmanuel states proudly. On asking what it was like to perform the Apollo, he says it was like becoming a part of British entertainment history, describing it as so much more than a show. However, even with this incredible start to his career, also making a TV debut on comedy central and being nominated for Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer, performing live is still a nerve-wracking experience. He bashfully states that he has luckily never had a show which has not gone to plan, but this is what makes him most nervous, thinking ‘is this this one time you will have a bad show’. Once or twice he has been heckled, but he explains, “a lot of the material I talk about is about my physical presence, so most people don’t heckle.” “I have had more instances where people are shouting compliments at me, I am like, ‘I don’t think you know how to heckle!’” Even between telling me these stories we laugh, proving that comedy is natural to Emmanuel.
Emancipated starts in Soho, and the weekend dates are already sold out. Although he is extremely excited about the shows, he talks about the added pressure of a debut tour: “normally at comedy clubs I go to see the audiences and now the audiences are coming to see you, and that is more nerve wracking”. The name of the tour refers to Emmanuel’s comedy journey and that freeing feeling of not having to worry about certain things anymore. Deciding on the name of his tour was not an easy one though. “At one point [the tour] was gonna be called ‘you are what you eat’” “there was all these names that, after thirty seconds I thought ‘I hate that name, I am not using it’” and a few days before the deadline, the title Emancipated was chosen.
Having watched Emmanuel’s Apollo set online, I can confirm that it is the fact that the jokes are personal that make them so hilarious; they are relatable. I wondered if some of these stories were exaggerated but he tells me “some of the stuff is word perfect”. Personal stories, for Emmanuel, mean a bigger connection with the audience because what he has realised through doing comedy is that a lot of his experiences are shared, and sometimes people get “to see that they are not alone as well” when he addresses things that people may not know how to speak about. He gathers most of his inspiration for his jokes through everyday experiences, seeing the funny things that happen. We laugh about the time where he went skiing, and went to take a selfie, but ended up with the snapshots of every second of him slipping over in the snow instead. “I don’t know if I live a comedy life, or if I see a lot of funny in things that happen”, he summarises.
Also in Emancipated, Emmanuel tells jokes about his time as a bouncer for around fifteen years, which was great for content because “seeing how people interact, especially when they are drunk is hilarious, is like watching your own reality TV show”. Before doing stand up, he would simultaneously spend his weekends doing door work and weekdays in musical theatre, training or doing auditions. Asking how you make the transition from a bouncer to a successful up and coming comedian, he explains that a lot of the skills are transferable because “it is all about presence on a stage, dealing with sometimes quite rowdy crowds, diffusing situations before they happen”. As well as his past careers, Emmanuel writes material on family life and his opinions on kids, of which he has two of his own. “They are critics,” he laughs when I ask if they are fans of his comedy, “I would love to say fans but they are constantly telling me jokes I should do” proving that they are supportive of his work, even if they don’t always provide the best material! When it comes to balancing family life with comedy, he says that luckily the children - the youngest especially who is five - have never known any difference.
Once Emmanuel has the material for his shows, he takes pride in being able to read a room and a crowd of people to ensure the joke always lands correctly, possibly why his gigs are always so successful. He writes his material in chapters, knowing what subjects to talk about but dismissing the use of a script because “that would become mundane, I try to cater to the audience that is in the room at that time”. Exemplifying how he might do this, he says he would speak slower in a more reserved room, or swear more in a rowdy room. He says the audience are the most important people, “they are paying money for a night out so we need to give them a good time”. This confident stage presence, he believes, is all to do with his background in musical theatre where he could be performing in a show in a different country, in a different language. Now, he is doing shows he writes and really cares about. It was as Edinburgh Fringe Festival where this was confirmed to Emmanuel, because a lot of acts understandably struggled, while he “could do that every night and it still sound fresh” having so much fun that it did not feel like work.
At Fringe, Emmanuel also describes having a drink with Mickey Flanagan, and tells me he remembers thinking “this is my life - I am at work right now and this is really fun”. Russel Kane and Romesh Ranganathan are also big fans of his, and he learnt a lot from supporting Jason Manford on tour. He says that he would love to do more collaborate work with comedy acts and I question if he could ever consider writing a TV sitcom like a lot of the UK’s favourite comedians have. “It is something I would love to do”, he starts, “but I think at my essence I am a stand up comic”.
You can catch Emmanuel Sonubi in his element on the 23rd of May at Komedia, and he defines it as one of his favourite clubs. “Brighton is a great night out, a great weekend away; I don’t think there are any complaints about Brighton at all” he triumphs, and promises to bring the same energy he has always brought to Brighton - a lot of love and fun. It will be one not to miss, and I personally cannot wait to be in that crowd.
Either we’re better informed as a society, or life is genuinely speeding up. Social media seems to be erupting on an hourly basis with a barrage of outrage over the latest chaos, confusion and controversy. Compacting such a busy year into just a few hundred words is going to be tough, but we’ll give it a go regardless. Get strapped in and brace for some idiocy… because this was 2022!
Heartbreakingly, the year’s defining event was inarguably the war in Ukraine. Worried everyone wasn’t paying him enough attention, President Vladimir Putin decided to launch an invasion of a neighbouring sovereign state under the pretence of protecting its pro-Russian community – who he proceeded to shell for ten months. Or maybe the intention was to eliminate ‘Nazi’ elements in the region. Or was it that he was trying to prevent a war? Eventually, most people stopped listening to his constant revisionist justification for a horrendous range of atrocities.
With enough small-dick energy to power Las Vegas, Putin insisted he take direct control of his armed forces, expecting capitulation from the home side would bring a swift end. A conflict as much fought through news networks and social media as it was with bullets and bombs, the internet was aflame with local farmers stealing artillery pieces from the invaders and celebrities heading for the front line in combat gear. After nearly a year of defiant resistance, the conflict has devastated an area larger than France, Russia has been forced to draft huge numbers of its own civilians to reinforce an impossible position and Moscow’s economy is in tatters due to robust sanctions from half of the planet. As vanity exercises go, it’s been despicable and utterly pointless.
On a brighter note, Ukraine won Eurovision 2022! Folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra seized the prize in Turin with Stefania – a stirring anthem about stopping tanks from parking in your front garden (I think). Somehow Britain came second, our best result since 1998. And now we get to host it on Ukraine’s behalf this year, due to all their TV hosts currently searching for armoured columns to blow up.
Back in Britain, politics was also losing the plot. Both Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson Liz Truss Rishi Sunak kept malfunctioning, hollering ‘Deliver!’ and ‘Working People!’ until aides were forced to reset them by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del.
Yep. Some UK Prime Ministers resigned. One for protecting an accused sexual predator (or was he caught watching tractor porn?) and the other for crashing our economy. To be fair, Liz Truss’ tenure was doomed at the point a daily newspaper hosted a live feed of a lettuce, asking if it would last longer than her premiership. This is all, apparently, totally normal. And yes, the vegetable won.
The perfect storm of energy shortages in Europe, soaring inflation, the financial burden of dealing with the pandemic and trading difficulties due to Brexit triggered a cost-of-living crisis in the UK. Butter started bearing those electronic tags which usually deter thieves from stealing alcohol.
The US held their mid-term elections, amongst a febrile atmosphere of gun violence, women’s rights and a looming economic crisis. After declaring that he would run for the presidency again, Donald Junglist Trump supported a slew of foamy-mouthed, witch-burners. In one of the biggest upsets in recent electoral history, few of them got in – surprisingly including one misogynistic ex-footballer, who was kept away from reporters as he kept telling everyone about how he wanted to be a werewolf. The Democrats finally retained hold of the Upper House, ensuring that at least some legislative business can continue.
We’re still lucky in Britain. On 16 Sept, protests erupted in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini. Arrested and beaten by the country’s ‘morality police’, she became a figurehead for people disgusted with this brutal regime. Even now, crowds are still on the street, all seeking an end to the suppression of women and free speech.
Just Stop Oil protesters graduated from blocking major roads to spraying paint across the front of politically-sensitive buildings in London. And then walking very slowly down busy streets. Much to some people’s annoyance. Climate change remains a hot topic. Accordingly, the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, just after climate-related incidents across Europe, Asia and Africa. The world’s finest minds met, ate some canapés, shrugged and went home.
In other international situations, no matter how much Novak Djokovic whished it would, Covid simply refused to go away. Infections are still reaching record highs, but planet Earth is bored of wearing masks and washing its hands. Then came M-Pox, which isn’t a new hip-hop craze all the kids are getting into.
Matt Hancock, a creepier version of your sister’s feckless first boyfriend crossed with the Milk Tray man, who bizarrely became health secretary, decided the best course of action to deal with failing fortunes was to appear on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. He proceeded to spend his time in the jungle being weird around the other contestants and being chosen for revolting Bush Tucker Trials. Unfortunately, none of these included saying a final tearful goodbye to a loved one over Zoom. He also came third. But then, as we are swiftly establishing on this very page, there is no justice.
Western civilisation endured another existential threat, as The Duke & Duchess of Sussex released their much-anticipated Netflix documentary. Rather than being an all-out attack on the Monarchy, it largely focussed its aim at the toxic environment fostered by some British media outlets. The indignation boiled over, especially amongst those who hadn’t seen it (although the show was admittedly a bit boring). Our airwaves were abuzz with people saying: “I think…” on an industrial scale.
Victor Lewis-Smith, Dame Hilary Mantel, and the Soviet Union’s last ever leader, Mikhail Gorbachev.
Also no longer with us, but not because he’s died, was Kanye West. After another period of bewildering and offensive behaviour, the American rap star lost his lucrative sponsorship deals. Also disgracing himself was Will Smith, who slapped Oscars host Chris Rock following some pointed remarks about the King Richard star’s wife. Awkwardly, Smith soon had to make another journey to the stage for his Best Actor statue. The Johnny Depp versus Amber Heard defamation trial dragged on for at least 400 years, continuing to cast negative light on an apparently toxic relationship.
Our interaction with technology became even more pervasive. Although everyone was still broadly ignoring the Metaverse... Elon Musk (if you didn’t know, he’s like if Bruce Wayne spent every day telling the world how great he was instead of cruising the streets at night looking for action) completed a $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, and promptly devalued it and made it less enjoyable to use.
It has been a horrendous year for the Royal Family. After becoming the second longest-reigning monarch ever, Queen Elizabeth II passed away this year. Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world patiently waited in line for up to 22 hours to see her lying in state at London’s Westminster Hall. The news media managed to turn even this into a circus, with round the clock footage of the queue and by hysterically exposing those who used their celebrity to push in front. Along with the sad passing of HRM, we said goodbye to far too many of the great and the good, including the brilliant writer Barry Cryer, fashion designer Issey Miyake, Shane Warne and Bernard Cribbins.
In other science, the Event Horizon Telescope revealed the first image of Sagittarius A, a supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way. In the USA, scientists managed to conduct a successful nuclear fusion experiment, creating more energy than they used. A similar experiment also produced some encouraging results. Limitless clean energy is not so far away. NASA’s DART mission crashed into the asteroid Dimorphos in a first test of potential planetary defence torn straight from the plot of a Jerry Bruckheimer film.
Strikes swept the nation, as workers began to tire of pay increasingly slipping behind inflation. Postal workers, Eurostar staff, nurses, driving instructors, baggage handlers, border guards, rail workers, barristers and royal correspondents all withdraw their labour, bringing a new level of chaos to Britain.
Retail faced other challenges, as the resale market started growing 11x faster than traditional outlets after the Covid crisis. People are giving more consideration to the impact their purchases are having on the environment. A growing mantra is reuse, recycle and reduce. Ethical investment has also started growing in popularity, with more people wondering if their money could be used in sustainable ways.
With a majestic roar of apathy, The FIFA World Cup came to Qatar. As the tournament was staged in winter, to avoid killing players or spectators in the fierce desert heat, it disrupted almost every nation’s domestic season. There was also significant controversy over treatment of foreign workers and forceful oppression of the LGBTQ community. With wearing predictability, England were kicked out by France due a missed penalty. On a brighter note, Morocco became the first African or Arabic team to reach the semi-finals. The tide is beginning to turn.
The world of Film and TV were not immune. We also lost Ghostbusters producer Ivan Reitman, William Hurt, Sidney Poitier, Ray Liotta, James Caan, Olivia Newton-John, Anne Heche, Angela Lansbury, French New Wave pioneer Jean-Luc Godard, Robbie Coltrane and innovative visual effects supervisor Douglas Trumbull.
In the world of music, taking their final curtain call was Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, visionary pop starlet Ronnie Spector, Meat Loaf, flamboyant funk diva Betty Davis, The Wanted’s Tom Parker, Depeche Mode keyboardist Andy Fletcher, Coolio, country music singer Loretta Lynn and Jerry Lee Lewis
In 2022 we also said goodbye to GIF inventor Steve Wilhite, author Jack Higgins, composer Vangelis, Nobel Peace laureate David Trimble, the environmentalist James Lovelock, Raymond Briggs, TV visionary
Worry not, because England’s Women’s squad really did bring football home. The UEFA Women’s Euros came to England, with some of the most compelling games being staged at Brighton’s Amex Satdium –including The Lionesses decisive 8-0 victory over Norway. Everyone got caught up in football fever, as England went on to win our first major tournament since 1966.
It is easy to focus on the negative events, but last year was also filled with heroism, personal triumph and proof that human spirit remains undaunted by even the most challenging of circumstances. You share this planet with 8 billion people, the overwhelming majority of whom quietly go about their day with love and dignity.
There’s been fishing skippers pulling drowning refugees from the Channel, boiler repairmen fighting poverty, footballers campaigning against child hunger and people standing up for what’s right. The world might be speeding up, but we won’t let that rob us of truth and hope.
The university experience promises nights out, making new friends and trying new activities, rocking up to your 9am with a hangover and (hopefully) a degree to be proud of by the end of it all. While the empty bank account and debates about who’s turn it is to take out the rubbish is all part of the fun and adventure, one thing I feel like no one talks about is how incredibly lonely university can be. Sundays can be full of beer fear and dreading the week of seminars ahead and let's be frank, January always feels like a month of Sundays. If you have been at home for Christmas, January can be full of winter blues and the end of term assessments at this time of the year really do not help with that. However, January does not have to be full of wishing you were back on the couch with a hot chocolate and Christmas film. It is a time for getting back to routine, no matter how hard it is to find the motivation, and the excitement (pressure-free) of trying something new in the new year.
When I first moved into university halls and my parents had left me to crack on with my new journey, the silence was immediately noticed. This is something me and my housemates discussed was the weirdest thing to get used to. You no longer have the hum of your siblings in other rooms, the clatter of your dad tidying the kitchen and popping on the kettle, or your mum listening to The Chase aggressively loud. Something I do when the house feels a little too quiet is put the TV on my laptop in the background of whatever else it is I am doing. Not Netflix, but TV, even if I am not watching it, but to maintain a home comfort that is so easily taken for granted. Also, simply opening your bedroom door is such a small detail but makes all that difference to not feel secluded. It reminds your housemates they are not alone too. Admitting you feel lonely or homesick is scary, and you may just want to try to feel and overcome your emotions on your own. If this is the case, doing something small and meditative like simply putting on music can drown out the silence, and override the thoughts in your head. Listening to the radio or a podcast means you have company you do not have to entertain. Remind yourself what calming things you would usually do at home whether it is art, playing a video game, practicing a musical instrument, and get used to this independent enjoyment from the comfort of your new home.
January is the most popular time of the year for falling back in love with an old hobby, so let that keep you company. You can distract yourself from the blues by crafting a project or setting goals to ground and focus yourself. Having just come out of a festive period, there may be little excitement or motivation in your body, so celebrating little accomplishments like reading a book for pleasure or cooking a big meal for yourself can make you appreciate the little things. Take January slow. ‘New Year, New Me’ can start in February.
It cannot be ignored that January is also the assessment period for a lot of students. Who decided that we have to revise and write essays over the Christmas holiday?! Remember to take breaks by going on walks for fresh air, and make time to rest and socialise, no matter how busy you feel. You and your housemates are probably all in the same boat, so asking if someone wants a quick ten minute cuppa break in the kitchen may make their day, and be exactly what you need no matter how much you convince yourself you’ll “power through”. Getting out and going to the library or a coffee shop to work can also feel a lot less isolating, plus leaving the house in the January cold is a form of productivity to be commended in itself!
Overall, January can be an extremely fun time of year. The winter festivities do not have to end just because Christmas is over. Have a movie night with your housemates, cook a roast together, go ice
skating, or grab the reduced minced pies in supermarkets while you still can! Feeling homesick after you have spent a long time at home with your family can be the worst - trust me I know - but your best friends and family are only a phone call or text message away. Arrange the next time you can see them again so that you can start counting down the days, or ask if they can visit you.
This January get yourself out of bed, give yourself things to look forward to, and embrace your usual home comforts if you’re struggling with the dark mornings and cold nights. Before you know it, it will be summer again.
The University of Sussex Buddy Scheme helps Sussex students connect with other students. It is an informal peer to peer support scheme consisting of members and volunteers, run by the Student’s Union to help students settle into life and make the most of university.
Read more about the Buddy Scheme, become a member, or a volunteer at: www.buddyscheme.com
University of Sussex Societies:
For a full list of societies you can get involved with to make new friends and be a part of the university spirit, see https://sussexstudent.com/ sport-societies-media
Tea and Talk Peer Support Network:
Tea and Talk offers an informal space for Sussex students to talk and be listened to, as well as an opportunity to find out about other sources of support. The sessions are run by friendly trained Sussex students between 1pm-3pm on a Wednesday afternoon, and you can expect free tea, biscuits and mindful activities.
To be confidentially matched with a Tea and Talk facilitator, please email the service at residentiallife@sussex.ac.uk. Or, find out more at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/wellbeing/studentlife/peersupport
FROM UoS: www.sussex.ac.uk/wellbeing/mentalhealth
University of Brighton Self-Help Resources:
If you do not want to speak to anyone about your emotions, the University of Brighton has created some self-help packs with advice looking after your mental health which are readily available for everyone online to read. There is a pack on Managing Homesickness, or how to Combat Stress through Relaxation.
www.brighton.ac.uk/brighton-students/your-student-life/my-wellbeing/ self-help-resources
Student Support from BIMM Institute: www.bimm.ac.uk/student-support
BY AMY STANBOROUGH
Personally, I have always found myself asking ‘how warm can you really keep without sleeves?’ when it comes to gilets. But this year it seems like everyone I know is after a gilet (including myself), and if not functional, they look so cool. You can throw on as many layers as possible; the fact that it doesn't have sleeves means there is always room for one more layer. You can get long ones, short ones, hooded gilets, gilets with pockets; Wowcher even has an electric heated gilet! Farmer chic is in this winter.
Gone are the days where a scarf is just to keep you warm, scarves can be used to add colour and pattern to any boring outfit. From chunky scarves to thin knitted scarves, they can make any outfit fun. For streetwear flair, wrap or pull your scarf over your head to double it up as a hat and hood. Winter accessories are now statement pieces as I have already seen people rocking fluffy bucket hats and earmuffs to keep warm while looking cool.
Some boot-spiration from Brighton’s favourite shoe shops
Vegetarian Shoes - ethical fashion in the heart of the lanes
Irregular choice - for shoes to make you stand out
Shoozoo - Boots for the little ones too
Why wear a jacket when you can make your outfit extra sophisticated with an oversized blazer? Adding a blazer on top of your outfit can make it look so much more constructed, and enables the transition from office to office party to be simple. Keep your blazer oversized and you can fit a hoodie underneath to take smart casual to a new level.
BY AMY STANBOROUGH
“Stop by, stay a while” is the motto and Meanwhile is a place you would want to stay. I first found Meanwhile via Instagram (@meanwhile_cafe), seduced by its naturally clean aesthetic which features artistic plates of food, and images of the large inviting space. I tucked into a delicious breakfast of smashed eggs, broccoli and chorizo while watching people pass through Jubilee Street from one of the raised window seats, the whirl of a coffee grinder behind me. Their brunch dishes are innovative, intriguing and most importantly, impressive. I just had to stop once again for the new dinner menu.
Just out of the rush of the lanes, it could be easy to miss this space which is slightly tucked away opposite chain restaurants. The white walls and decorative foliage on the interior translate to a sense of quiet, peaceful glam. Since November, this brunch retreat has also been serving a menu of small plates and charcuterie favourites on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm-10pm. Their 50% off deal is running every Thursday evening throughout January so it is the perfect month to taste test their divine dishes.
First, we browsed the drinks menu and there was a healthy choice of wines to choose from, but the classy cocktail list captivated my attention (think spicy margarita, espresso martini, old fashioned). I went for a negroni sbagliato with prosecco in it. Our lovely bartender and waiter, Nathaniel, was also very willing to compose a mocktail of fruity flavours in a martini glass too. Even if you do not fancy eating, Meanwhile has a delightful ambience for sipping your favourite drink, whether that is over ice or with an orange slice. The overhead spotlights and marble print tables are incredibly stylish while the soft, upbeat playlist encourages relaxation providing a chic but comfortable atmosphere for your conversations.
We ordered five plates between two people which consisted of two larger meat dishes, two more plates and a side. Looking at the menu I acknowledged that there were a lot of ingredients that I did not recognise and had to translate with a quick google search. Again, we were well looked after by staff who were more than happy to explain and describe the menu. I tried food I quite literally had never seen or heard of before, proving just how unique and experimental Meanwhile is. Dense in flavour and full of complimenting textures, it all seemed to work.
The first dish that was presented to us was the roasted pumpkin wedges with stracciatella. Even after we had left the restaurant, got home, and then the next morning, we remained complimentary of this plate saying, “I just can’t stop thinking about that pumpkin”. Four large wedges with a thick dollop of fresh stracciatella cheese which stretched and spread across the soft orange vegetable. The wholesome warmth of the pumpkin against the cheese
was delightful, but to top it off was the scattered crunch of amaretti biscuit. It was sweet, nutty and absolutely ideal for winter.
We also ordered the grilled octopus served with aioli and roast potatoes, minimal in its ingredients but immaculate in taste and presentation. There was a tentacle in the centre, with smaller pieces of octopus chopped up too, definitely a meat to try if you haven’t already but enjoy seafood. It was not chewy as I anticipated, and while I preferred the texture of the smaller pieces of meat, the tentacle looks impressive if not anything else! Paprika aioli was the perfect pairing.
Grilled pepper with anchovies was a great palette cleanser because the lemon, chilli and parsley dressing was vibrant on the tongue. When placed on top of the sourdough, you could also taste the char of the bread which was a pleasant balance with the saltiness of the anchovies, and would also be a lovely brunch dish!
While the dishes are small plates, we were actually in awe of how large and filling they were. Next up, the porchetta, could have been enjoyed as its own dinner. It was like a fancy configuration of a Sunday roast, especially when partnered with the confit potatoes. Porchetta is a fatty cut of pork, served with a ring of crackling around it keeping the meat moist. Even though it was minimalistic to the eye, it was maximal in taste. A salsa of picked walnuts and apple flavour sat on top of the meat, once again creating the idyllic combination of sweet with savoury. Served with burnt leeks and drizzled with roasting juices, there were so many depths and elements to this one composition. Now, imagine your favourite forms of potato - mash, a tripcooked chip, a hash brown, crisps and a roast potato - put them all together and you have a confit potato. Confit potatoes are layered and cooked in fat for the ultimate crisp while the middle remains fluffy. They crumble and fall apart, but not before you catch a bite of salty perfection. Dunked into the aioli, these potatoes answered all my carbohydrate dreams.
If your mouth is not already watering, start thinking about the charcuterie option where you can choose a selection of local cheeses, chorizo and other meats because who doesn’t love cheese and wine? Compliment your conversation with an elegant spread of nibbles for a blissful evening. Meanwhile is the epitome of keeping the unexpected sophisticated. The drinks, food and atmosphere are way ahead of the trends, so make sure you grab a discounted dining experience while you can. Like myself, you will be wondering why more people do not stop by and stay a while.
Helsinki’s expanding cultural life makes the city a more interesting and diverse place for residents and visitors alike. The unique urban culture is a key enabler of a good life and happiness – Helsinki being the capital of Finland, the happiest country in the world for the fifth year in a row. The year 2023 enriches Helsinki’s cultural offering with a new cultural venue, several high-level exhibition openings and tasty novelties in the gastronomic field. MyHelsinki.fi, the official website of the city marketing company Helsinki Partners, is your local guide for discovering the most inspiring sights, events and novelties in Helsinki.
The vivid art and culture scene, open for everyone, supports the wellbeing of Helsinki citizens and reflects upon the issues of society. The year 2023 is marked by multiple great exhibition openings that explore current topics, such as climate change and human rights. Ateneum, Finnish National Museum of Art, will open its doors after a year-long renovation, and Helsinki Biennial, contemporary art event, will take place for the second time in the summer 2023, 12 June until 17 September.
Reflecting on environment and political conflict, Helsinki Biennial 12.6.–17.9.2023
Helsinki Biennial 2023 reveals New Directions May Emerge as the title of its second edition, which will take place from 12 June to 17 September 2023. The biennial brings together around 30 established and emerging artists and collectives from Finland and across the world. Curated by Joasia Krysa, the biennial reflects on some of the major issues of our time that appear irresolvable, such as environmental damage, political conflict and the effects of technology.
Life and works of Tom of Finland in Kiasma, 28.4.–29.10.2023
One of the most famous Finnish artists in history, Tom of Finland is renowned for his distinctive style and iconic images that make a statement for freedom of love. Built around the character types such as the logger, biker, army officer and policeman created by Touko Valio Laaksonen (8 May 1920 – 7 November 1991), the show at Kiasma, Museum of Contemporary Art, covers the artist’s career spanning six decades. The exhibition offers an unprecedentedly extensive view of the life and times of Tom of Finland.
The retrospective of works by Albert Edelfelt (1854–1905) in Ateneum Art Museum examines Edelfelt’s entire career and, in particular, his role as an international influencer. The artist was a trailblazer who paved the way for later Finnish artists to gain a foothold in Paris. Edelfelt also played a major role in the World Fairs held in Paris in 1889 and 1900, both as an artist and a spokesperson. In 1900 Finland had its first own pavilion, which was also a political issue at that time.
The centre of Helsinki is marked by different architectural layers, as the city has prioritised the reuse and revitalisation of its architectural landmarks, offering improved cultural spaces that contribute to the evolving character and shape of the city. Another great example of circular design is the transformation of the old Russian barrack building from the 1830’s, used as a bus station until 2005, into a new cultural centre called Kulttuurikasarmi, in autumn 2023. The cultural centre is located directly next to Amos Rex Art Museum and will house a new cinema, restaurants, pavilion, event spaces and an outdoor stage.
A new architectonical layer will vitalize the South Harbour of Helsinki, where the New Museum of Architecture and Design will be built. The new museum will combine the existing specialised museums, Design Museum and Museum of Finnish Architecture. A separate design competition will be held for the museum building, prospectively designated to launch in 2023 once the museum’s realisation is finalised.
The strengths of Helsinki’s food scene are versatility, innovative mindset, local ingredients and a certain uniqueness. Restaurants, market halls and food trucks are a central part of urban vitality. The level of the top restaurants in Helsinki is illustrated by the number of Michelin starred restaurants –restaurant Palace has two stars since 2022 and is accompanied by six one-star restaurants. Restaurant Natura was awarded this year a Michelin Green Star award. The Michelin Green Star is an annual award which highlights restaurants at the forefront of the industry when it comes to their sustainable practices.
Helsinki has published a Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme for 2022–2026. The programme highlights vibrant urban culture complete with events, tourists and restaurants as a key strategic priority for promoting the city’s vitality and wellbeing. Internationally, food has become an important appeal factor for tourism in recent years. Helsinki already has a number of innovative restaurants, a high-quality food offering, interesting market halls and culinary experience providers, which is why Helsinki wants to invest more in food travel.
One of the highlights of 2023 is the opening of Hakaniemi Market Hall after a complete renovation that has conserved its original beauty from 1914 but brought it to the technological standards required today. The market hall is home to multiple vendors selling fresh food ingredients and delicacies, pastries, handicrafts, gifts, flowers and toys. A new restaurant run by Ville Relander, owner of the restaurants Madonna and The Cock, will open on the second floor, giving even more reasons to visit the area.
More information: MyHelsinki.fi, your local guide to Helsinki’s hottest restaurants, saunas, sights and events.
By Amy Stanborough
Making a staycation personal is what makes it feel so luxurious. Luxury is also when your breakfast of fresh produce gets delivered right to your door, and Adam enthusiastically ushers you underneath an umbrella as he leads you to your accommodation. Then, you have a choice of spending your day at the communal pizza oven, petting farm animals, grabbing a latte from the horse box converted coffee shop, or perhaps going into Bude and doing some wandering in town or a sporting activity on the beach. This is exactly what is on offer at Naomi and Adam’s campsite, East Thorne in Kilkhampton Cornwall. During my stay, they provided everything possible to make sure my boyfriend and I felt the relaxation and comfort of home, while lavishing in our retreat to the countryside. This made me think that more of us should be opting to make the most of these independently run accommodation businesses scattered around the country, embracing the personalisation and sense of community they offer through their amenities and attention to detail.
East Thorne is composed of ten timber framed roundhouses, or you can opt to stay in one of the cozy cottages, built on the scenic landscape of Naomi and Adam’s family home. The idea for this romantic and fun glamp-site was established twelve years ago, before glamping was even a popular term, designing a honeymoon space which celebrates the great outdoors and sustainability while maintaining ultimate comfort. Speaking to Naomi, who is understandably proud and passionate of what East Thorne has become, she explained that she and her husband previously had zero experience in hospitality. They just wanted to create accommodation that they themselves would want to stay in - somewhere alternative but
luxurious. Understanding this unembellished context behind the business only made me appreciate the whole experience more. With Naomi being from South Wales, and Adam being from Essex, I wondered why they chose Kilkhampton to become their new home. While West Wales and Suffolk were also options to base their adventure, Adam used to go on family holidays to Bude and though his parents never wanted to take the leap to move there, he did. Neither had to sacrifice their love for the coast when they relocated, and in the middle of fresh farmyard fields, it truly is the most gorgeous spot to escape to.
We arrived and parked the car beside the petting farm of bleating goats and roaming chickens, an immediate indicator of our temporary country lifestyle. Unfortunately, we could not escape the good old English gloomy skies, but Adam was more than accommodating, offering us a brolly and inviting us to the warmth of our roundhouse without any fuss. Straight away, it felt like somewhere familiar and we weren’t treated like customers, but rather like dear guests visiting Naomi and Adam’s home for the night.
Nomadic wooden beams across the ceiling complete with a skylight, and oak flooring with furniture to match against the royal blue paint work and crisp white linen - we were staying in Neap roundhouse and the design choice is the epitome of classy cosiness. Outside the windows was nothing but green grass, yet the colours throughout the interior were a delightful nod to the seaside. While the large double bed in the middle of the room is bound to catch your attention first, there is also a kitchenette full of details to explore: jars topped with tea bags and a cafetière, and draws full of all the utensils you could
need to prepare your favourite home-cooked meals. What’s more, there is a large en-suite bathroom or an extra guest bedroom, and underfloor heating throughout. I couldn’t commend the beautiful decor and amenities enough.
When booking our stay, we made sure to include the “Banger Brekky Glamper Hamper”, delivered to our door not long after check in, and fully delved into the next morning. A personalised wicker canvas bag full of local produce was possibly the highlight of our stay because the contents truly did live up to the extravagance of its name. We tucked into sausages and bacon from Marsh Farm, and had eggs, honey, porridge oats, butter, ground coffee, apple juice milk and soft baps all freshly sourced. It was more than enough for two people over two mornings, and for the quality of the contents it was of unreal value (£28 for the whole lot). Additions like this to your stay are what make East Thorne memorable, and keeps the significance of supporting independent businesses at the heart of your holiday.
Bude town centre is just a ten minute drive from Kilkhampton, where you can have the privilege of aimlessly wandering through antique stores and charity shops. First head to The Coffee Pot for a takeaway hot drink, then make sure you visit Polmora@13 for their delightfully soft and sweet Chelsea buns. There are a plethora of quirky cafes and bakeries to choose from as soon as you’re ready for your afternoon stop, because grabbing a Cornish pasty on the south west coast is essential. We strolled along the damp sand of Summerleaze beach, watching dogs joyfully gallop through the waves and climbed up the hills to immerse in the breathtaking
coastal views. While we were blessed with a sunny day, the waves remained ferocious; the Autumnal haze over the sea was worth painting. On the other side of Summerleaze, across the golf course is Crooklets beach, complete with perfectly round pebbles and Bude’s natural swimming pool beside the sea. This is the great outdoors Naomi and Adam want us all to embrace and love, right on the doorstep of East Thorne.
While Bude has plenty on offer to discover, it was actually a joy to return back to our accommodation in the evening because there was a hot tub waiting for us and a cloud free sky to compliment it. Even in the middle of Autumn, the bubbling beauty kept me warm and was perfectly private too. However if it is a sense of community you want rather than
seclusion, there are al fresco facilities for the whole family. Tucked away by the cottages is a communal pizza oven for an outdoor dinner experience like no other. Then, you can have toasted marshmallows for desert, keeping snug by the central campfire.
My response when it came to the end of our stay was, why do more people not know about this Cornish delight? Because East Thorne is an independent, family run business, websites such as Airbnb and Tripadvisor are essential but Naomi’s advice is to contact the place you intend to stay separately. Speaking directly to the owners of the business can make your staycation experience so much more personalised because it allows you to get to know the people you will be staying with. They can offer you those extra homely
touches that third party websites do not provide. The most effective way to support independent accommodation businesses is to visit yourself, then shout and rave about how amazing your stay was to family and friends.
Naomi and Adam couldn’t have done much more to make sure we were happy and comfortable, providing us with restaurant recommendations and things to do in the area within the downloadable welcome guide. Over our two night stay, they went above and beyond, and East Thorne is a true diamond within Cornwall’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Getting the year off to a suitably sustainable start, Mexican-inspired restaurant group Wahaca is serving up veggie and vegan delights at a special Meat-Free Mexican supper club with co-founder Thomasina Miers in Brighton, as well as giving customers the chance to try a selection of its most planet-friendly street food on the house throughout the month (One other street food dish must be purchased to redeem). And raise a booze-free glass to 2023 with Wahaca’s first ever nonalcoholic margarita, making a timely debut for Dry January.
Taking over the kitchen of Wahaca Brighton (160-161 North Street) on Weds 18 Jan, the restaurant group’s co-founder Thomasina Miers will be serving up a selection of plant-powered dishes at a one-off Meat-Free Mexican Supper Club that celebrates the vibrant diversity of plant-powered Mexican food. Inspired by the former Masterchef winner’s recent cookbook of the same name, the Meat-Free Mexican menu will include Tenderstem & Crown Prince tempura with jalapeño & lime drizzle, marvellously moreish Mushroom tostadas, Tamales with spinach & yellow mole, Grilled hispi cabbage with root vegetable mash & ancho relish, and finishing with Orange ricotta doughnuts with hibiscus sugar. A fully vegan version of the menu will also be served. Tickets are priced at £45 per person and go on sale via wahaca.co.uk/ meat-free-mexican-supper-club/ from 3 Jan.
Breaking new ground in 2022 as the first British restaurant group to introduce carbon ratings to its menus, Wahaca has made a New Year’s resolution to show people that moving towards a more planet-friendly diet isn’t as big a leap as they might think. As such, the restaurant group is inviting everyone to try free plant-powered, low carbon dishes throughout January. Make a mouth-watering choice of Ancho mushroom tacos, Zesty bean & feta tostadas or Crispy cauliflower bites, with vegan versions of each dish (except cauliflower bites) available. These plant-powered dishes are from Wahaca’s street food menu, 50% of which is now meat-free - and each of them has a ‘low impact’ carbon rating. And they’ve been created with sustainability firmly in mind, using some of the freshest and most responsiblysourced ingredients available. Visitors can claim their free dish when they sign up for a voucher from wahaca.co.uk/eat-free-planet-friendly/*
Made a resolution to drink less this year? Wahaca’s first ever NonAlc Margarita (£5.95) is just the ticket for Dry January. Pentire Adrift botanical non-alcoholic spirit is shaken with lime and agave and served on the rocks with a chilli salt rim and a slice of jalapeño. It’s just as vibrant and deliciously indulgent as a classic margarita but without a drop of alcohol. Beer fans wanting to go booze-free can wash down their tacos with a Lucky Saint (£4.95) - a refreshing, alcohol-removed Bavarian lager with a citrus hop finish.
Thomasina Miers commented: “The start of the year is traditionally a time for cutting back - but this shouldn’t mean that there’s any reason to miss out. We want to inspire customers to try new things and enjoy food that’s both delicious and planet-friendly - we hope that our January supper club and complimentary low-carbon dishes will do exactly that!” For
It’s winter, it’s cold outside and every January we all have the same feeling. It’s time I get into shape! But the how part is always the trickiest. For most, going for the occasional jog or joining the gym is fine for a few weeks but boredom sets in early and most of the time you start to lose motivation. So why not try something a little different, a place where you can learn new skills and meet new people.
This is where The Box, a boxing-inspired fitness studio, comes into its own. And with the announcement of a new studio opening this Jan, there’s even more reason to give this high intensity sport a go!
IT'S 2023. I'M READY TO LOSE THIS BELLY! WHAT CLASSES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR AN UNFIT AND SLIGHTLY BLOATED BODY I'VE SUCCUMBED TO?
All our classes are adaptable so I would recommend either Strength & Conditioning where you get to choose your weights and we go through functional movement patterns. Or our signature class Box'N Burn. BNB is a high energy boxing class where you work with a partner and pads. It's great fun and caters for first timers and people who have boxed for years
Super easy, just go to your website or the mindbody app and book your desired session and away you go. Drop-in's are £15
I LOVE BOXING. WHAT LEVELS AND CLASSES CAN I ENJOY THIS MONTH (JAN) AND DO YOU OFFER PROFESSIONAL BOXING LESSONS FOR THE MORE EXPERIENCED?
We love that you love boxing! Box'N Burn or our Rounds class. Rounds is a circuit based class where you get to work on your own individual bag and focus on your endurance and skill levels. Think footwork, skipping and drills on the bags.
We are also running FightClub from the 10 Jan for six weeks where you get to train with us 3 times a week. Sessions are broken down into roadwork, strength and sparring. See link for more details www. theboxfit.co.uk/whats-on/fightclub
The new space which is down the same road (don't panic people) is a much larger space yet still inclusive. We have three studio's dedicated to Functional training, Boxing and a Pilates studio. We will be open on the 3 Jan with a soft launch on the 6th of the month and a grand opening at the end of the month when the Pilates studio is complete
We sure are – two weeks for £25. What a great offer! This is running for the whole of Jan and is for Unlimited classes. This way you get to see the full experience that TheBox can offer you and your friends
Everything in moderation. Don't start the year saying 'I'm going to run a marathon, drink green juice and cut my calories' as you'll be setting yourself up for failure. Start small and really enjoy the process. Why not book into class with a friend and make each other accountable
TheBox Unlimited monthly £69 Blocks also available at www.theboxfit.co.uk or email info@theboxfit.co.uk @theboxbrighton
TheBox 20 Castle Street, Brighton BN1 2HD
By Hazel Latner • @hazelsveganeats
Hi everyone I’m Hazel, I’ve been fully vegan since January 2020 and I hope some of these yummy recipes inspire you for veganuary. I never feel like I’m missing out with meals like these, the creamy gnocchi is a personal fave!
When I’m not eating lots of tasty food I can be found rollerblading on Brighton seafront or performing burlesque on stage. Who says vegans are boring aye!
Good luck on your vegan journey, remember not to be hard on yourself if you slip up, it’s a big lifestyle change but the most positive one you could be doing for yourself, the animals and the planet. You’ve got this!
You can find me on instagram @hazelsveganeats I’m always happy to advise on restaurants or easy vegan swaps. If you try these recipes I’d love to hear from you and see what you think.
Servings 2
Total time: 50 min
This is one of my favourite easy dinner party dishes. It really gives the wow impact of a restaurant meal but is so easy to do that you can still entertain your guests.
• 1 Shallot - finely chopped
• 4 Garlic Cloves - crushed
• Olive Oil 1 tsp
• 1 Red Pepper - Finely chopped
• Passata 500g
• 1/2 Can of coconut Milk
• Mushrooms 300g
• Spinach 150g
• Gnocchi 500g
• Salt and Pepper (to taste) 2 pinches
• Paprika 1 tsp
• Dried Chilli Flakes 1 tsp
• Fresh Basil 30g
• Grated Vegan Cheese 150g
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Then finely chop the shallots and crush the garlic, add to a large pan with the olive oil and cook for 5 minutes. Add the finely chopped red pepper with salt pepper, chilli flakes, paprika and continue to cook until soft. Once softened add the fresh basil chopped, Passata and half of a can of coconut milk.
Once this has cooked and reduced slightly, use a hand blender to make smoother, it doesn't need to be like baby food but definitely a lot smoother and no big red pepper chunks etc. Once smooth add in the sliced mushrooms and cook for a further 10 minutes and then add the spinach and half of the vegan cheese. Season to taste and add any extra salt/pepper/chilli you might like then put to one side.
Cook the vegan gnocchi according to the packet instructions but it is usually 2 minutes or until they float to the top of the pan of boiling salted water. Once cooked add the gnocchi to a baking dish and add the sauce we made. Stir well to ensure all the gnocchi is coated then add the remaining vegan cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Once cooked, serve with a little extra fresh basil and enjoy!
Mac ‘n’ Cheese is an absolute favourite amongst the vegan community and such a crowd pleaser. My boyfriend and I love to cook this at home and I really think it's the tastiest one I've tried! I added some pre-made Tempeh bacon as a topping but this is optional - if you do like toppings get creative and add whatever you fancy.
Servings: 4
Total time: 1 h 10 min
• 1 Onion
• 1 Carrot (large)
• 1 Sweet Potato (Medium)
• Garlic Garlic bulb
• Cashews 50g
• Olive oil 1 tbsp
• Salt and Pepper (season to taste) 2 pinches
• Alternative plant milk of choice (unsweetened) 300 ml
• Mustard 1 tsp
• White Miso 1 tsp
• Dried Thyme 1 tsp
• Smoked Paprika 1 tsp
• Vegan Cheese 30g
• Nutritional Yeast 3 tbsp
• White Macaroni 500g
• Salted water 1L
Toppings (Optional)
• Tempeh bacon or vegan chicken
Bring the water to boil and salt generously. Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions - you want it to be al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven once the sauce is ready.
Cut up and roast the onion, carrot, sweet potato, garlic bulb together with olive oil salt and pepper for 20 mins at 180 degrees, keep an eye on it and ensure it isn’t burnt. (If any burnt bits do happen cut these off and discard)
Bring more water to boil (no salt needed) and add the cashews, cook for 30 minutes or until soft, this can be done whilst the veggies are roasting. Once the cashews are soft drain.
In a food processor/ blender add the cooked cashews to 300ml of alternative plant based milk (I like unsweetened soy but others work well too) then add the mustard, miso, thyme, smoked paprika, roasted veg, vegan cheese, nutritional yeast and blend until smooth. Once smooth, season to taste with salt and pepper.
Choose a baking dish large enough for your pasta and add the pasta and sauce and stir so every piece is coated. Put in a preheated oven at 180 degrees and cook for 20 minutes or until Golden Brown.
Once cooked in my dish I added some crispy Tempeh bacon pieces to have on top but you can eat the dish plain which is gorgeous or go wild. Good toppings could be crispy onions, vegan Pesto, vegan sausage or Chorizo, Truffle oil… You get the idea so get creative.
Servings: 8
Total time: 4 h 20 min
These mini treats are absolutely delicious, full of nutrients and no refined sugars. You can keep them in the freezer too for when you fancy a little sweet treat!
Base
• Almonds 125g
• Medjool Dates 125g
• Soaked Cashews 200g
• Coconut Milk 100ml
• Maple Syrup 100ml
• 2 Lemons
• Vanilla bean paste 1 tsp
• Soaked Cashews 200g
• Almond Milk 100ml
• Coconut Oil 100ml
• Maple Syrup 3 tbsp
• Raspberries 100g
• Vanilla bean paste 1 tsp
Just blend until they form a sticky dough then put these in the base of your cupcake moulds. I used silicone cupcake ones.
Blend together all the ingredients until smooth, set some aside then you can blitz some with some fresh raspberries to make a pink layer. On top of the base do a white layer first, then a pink layer. Leave in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Blend all topping ingredients until smooth but thick enough to pipe (you can pop in the fridge to firm up a bit) then decorate your mini vegan cheesecakes and enjoy! They can be eaten frozen or if you like them soft you can wait 10 minutes.
Across Petty (5-6)
Stump (4)
Farm bird (5)
Degree of excitement during a debate (11)
Open space in a forest (5)
Central Chinese desert (4)
Across Petty (5-6) 5 Stump (4) 7
Farm bird (5) 8 Degree of excitement during a debate (11) 10
Open space in a forest (5) 12 Central Chinese desert (4) 13 Unentitled (11) 15
Down
Thick slice (4) 1
Large flightless bird (3) 2
Open up (6) 3 Quantifiable (10) 4 Birthplace (10) 6 In favour of (3) 9 Dais (6) 11 Present (4) 13 Fenland cathedral city (3) 14
It’s been a long time coming, but fans now get to see the third and final season of Sarah Lancashire’s cop drama., once again starring. It won’t be soon though, most likely in 2018. Writer and creator Sally Wainwright gives us one final visit to the picturesque, but drug-ridden, town of Calderdale.
Embattled Police Sargent Catherine Cawood discovers the remains of a gangland murder victim and sparks a chain of events leading back to the notorious Tommy Lee Royce. Her grandson Ryan has turned 16, and now has his ideas about what kind of relationship he wants to have with the man she refuses to acknowledge as his father.
Spanning 25 years, this all-new anthology series follows a crew of masterful thieves as they attempt to crack a impregnable vault for the biggest payday in history. Guarded by the world’s most powerful corporate security team, and with law enforcement on the case, every episode reveals a piece of an elaborate puzzle of corruption, greed, vengeance, scheming, loyalties and betrayals.
This compelling anthology series takes a non-linear approach, building intrigue and suspense uniquely, with viewers each having a different immersive experience, depending on what order they watch the episodes. Each different order offers a new viewpoint on the story, the characters and the questions at the heart of the heist.
The wait for more of this British secondary school drama is almost over. Almost Back after a break of almost eight years, we’re being treated to a chunky seven episodes of Manchester-based action. There’s obviously plenty of new characters, alongside a few old fan favourites - including Angela Griffin reprising the role of Kim Campbell as the new headteacher.
New additions include Strictly star Kym Marsh as Nicky Walters, Vincent Jerome as Lindon King, James Baxter as Joe Casey, and Neil Fitzmaurice as Neil Guthrie all coming through the school gates. The show continues to navigate an ever-changing social landscape, covering topics like teen homelessness, LGBTQ+, racism, sexism, mental health and the cost-of-living crisis.
A character-driven mystery thriller, The Rig follows the crew of the Kinloch Bravo oil rig as they fight for survival. A strange fog has cut off all communication with the shore, and left them stranded in the fierce waves of the North Sea.
With their support helicopter not flying and supplies limited, rig boss, Magnus, tries to guide his already fractured crew through the evolving crisis. But increasingly desperate efforts to restore contact with the mainland are repeatedly shattered as tensions and paranoia rise, the rig’s systems fail, and a devastating accident brings them all face-to-face with the deadly dangers of one of the most extreme working environments on the planet.
SUN 1 JAN
Allison (Katherine Ryan) and Deacon (Romesh Ranganathan) are desperate for a baby, but they’ve run out of money to fund any more IVF treatment. They decide to ‘borrow’ £50k from their boss, who they discover is illegally creaming off money from the company.
The only problem is Deacon has secretly added an extra nought to the transfer, and the pair have actually absconded with half a million. Allison is secretly starting to doubt whether she wants a baby after all. Their web of lies kicks off a downward spiral into the criminal underworld of suburban Britain, and pushes them, and their plans for their future together, to the limit.
This murder mystery hit returns with two new recruits joining Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox) and Jack Hodgson (David Caves) for five thrilling new stories told across ten episodes.
Aki Omoshaybi (The Pursuit Of Love, Queens Of Mystery, Real) plays Gabriel Folukoya, an academic, neurologist and pathologist who has spent much of his career in innovative research. Alastair Michael (Ridley Road, Snatch) plays Velvy Schur, the new Anatomical Pathology Technologist trainee. He’s finding his own path, balancing both career and faith. The new series also sees Jack’s niece Cara starting a university course in Criminology, giving Jack little choice but to let her stay with him while she studies.
MON 16 JAN
The creators of Chernobyl return with a lavish small screen adaptation of this exceptional videogame hit. Set 20 years after the world has been decimated by a fungal brain infestation which renders its victims feral, two survivors may hold the key to mankind’s survival.
Joel Miller is shattered by the loss of his daughter during the outbreak. Living on his wits in a changed landscape, he is chosen to take someone very special from Boston to Salt Lake City. Ellie is an awkward teen, who may just be key to finding a cure for the infection. But there’s over 2000 miles of cannibals, violent gangs and zombies between them and potential salvation.
Based on the best-selling novels by Jonathan Stroud, this supernatural action-adventure detective series centres around an epidemic of ghosts in Britain. Their touch brings death, and only children have the power to fight them.
Lucy Carlyle is a young psychic investigator who joins London’s smallest agency, run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood and his ever-hungry assistant George. Together they investigate the spookiest and deadliest spectral hauntings in the city, armed only with the tools of the ghost-hunting trade (magnesium flares, iron filings, chains and salt bombs), their courage and a thermos of tea. And this renegade trio are about to unravel a terrifying mystery that will change the course of history.
Allison Williams (Girls), Violet McGraw and Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show) star in this very creepy horror film to ease you into 2023. Gemma is a brilliant roboticist at a toy company. She uses cutting edge artificial intelligence technology to develop M3GAN, a life-like doll programmed to be a child’s greatest companion and a parent’s greatest ally.
After unexpectedly gaining custody of her recently orphaned niece Cady, when the child’s parents died in a car accident, Gemma enlists the help of the M3GAN prototype. The decision has horrific consequences when the robot becomes self-aware and overprotective of Cady, leading her to kill everyone in her way.
The 90s revival is underway, as the classic Kid ‘n Play teen comedy gets a fresh new reboot. It’s the feature debut for director Calmatic, who shot to fame with his iconic promo for Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road, and all produced by LeBron James - who also stars.
Jacob Latimore and Tosin Cole star as a couple of best friends. Out of money, down on their luck and freshly fired from their low-lift jobs as house cleaners, two aspiring club promoters decide to host the party of the year at LeBron‘s exclusive mansion. Seems simple enough, but will they pull it off? I think you can guess.
Jean-François Richet (Assault on Precinct 13) directs this white-knuckle action movie, which features suitably raucous performances from Gerard Butler, Mike Colter, Yoson An, and Daniella Pineda. Pilot Brodie Torrance saves his passengers from a lightning strike, by making a risky landing on a war-torn island.
But surviving the landing is just the beginning. When most of the passengers are taken hostage by dangerous rebels, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare, an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. To rescue the passengers, Torrance will need to trust the criminal, but is there more to him than meets the eye?
Josh Gordon and Will Speck (Blades Of Glory) again team up to direct this science fiction comedy. This time they take on the cold terrors of space travel, with the help of stars Anthony Ramos, Naomi Scott, Zachary Quinto and Kristofer Hivju.
When the spaceship carrying asteroid miner Andy is hit, he’s forced to crash-land on an alien planet with only the AI of his survival suit for company. Losing oxygen, he finally manages to contact fellow crew member, Naomi, on the radio. Realising she is trapped inside her escape pod, Andy must brave the strange environment in a make-or-break mission to rescue her.
Rockwater in Hove, has announced the launch of its ‘In conversation with’ podcast series featuring a line up of professional athletes, British TV presenters and music legends.
The podcast series, hosted at Rockwater by presenter, radio DJ and voice over artist Sophie Corbett, aims to interview world renowned guests and delve deeper into their lives to reveal things which might otherwise have remained unseen.
Recorded in front of a live audience and guests, the very first episode of the series features British athlete, Dame Kelly Holmes.
Dame Kelly Holmes explores all things in her life, career and her long and emotional road to finally being her authentic self in a powerful and moving chat, which can be listened at www.pod.link/1651370970
Episode two launching soon, will feature an open and honest conversation and Q&A session with fans at Rockwater with former professional boxer, Anthony Lewis Bellew. Bellew competed in professional boxing from 2007 through light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight and returned to cruiserweight for the last match of his career against Alexander Usyk in 2018. He appeared in Hollywood movie, Creed, and is now a boxing analyst and commentator with Dazn.
• Music legend Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim.
• Well known British TV presenter, Davina McCall
• Actor and comedian, Robert Brydon Jones MBE
• British sports promoter, Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing CEO, Frank Smith
The new podcast series is just one of the many offerings the venue is launching, alongside its already very successful Rockwater Life programme including fitness and wellness classes, So Talk – mental health support spaces, weekly craft classes and a diverse events programme hosting some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment business.
Rockwater is also home to the Open Water membership programme, where guests get to enjoy all the cultural hub has to offer. Members get access to exclusive podcast recordings, intimate gigs with international recording artists and DJs and free or discounted tickets to sporting events including boxing, tennis, polo and F1.
SPEAKING ABOUT THE LAUNCH OF THE PODCAST SERIES, HOST SOPHIE CORBETT, SAID:
“I am always keen for people to talk. Life can be wonderful but it can also be incredibly challenging at times. I never want people to feel alone and I also find people incredible and each individual’s life so very interesting.
Working with Rockwater we are able to reach out and I am lucky enough to meet and chat to some of the most inspiring individuals, who have also been brave enough to be vulnerable, speaking to me and their fans at Rockwater not only about their highlights but also about when life has been challenging and painful.
We think we know someone and then they really open up and tell us about their journey. That’s when we can learn so much and that is what the Rockwater ‘In Conversations with’ podcast is all about. I thought I knew about each guest when in fact I only knew a little piece of the pie. Their stories are funny, moving, inspirational, educational, brave and the list goes on. At Rockwater we are excited to keep talking and listening.”
For the latest announcements follow Rockwater on social media @rockwaterhove
