BN1 Magazine March 2022

9 772752 515002

ISSN 2752-5155

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£3.99

March 2022

W E C AT C H U P W I T H

BRIGHTON FESTIVAL

TRISTAN SHARPS GUEST CO-DIRECTOR

O N H OW A R T C A N PROMPT CHANGE

CULTURE MUSIC EVENTS STYLE RECIPES GUIDE ART FILM FOOD BRIGHTON // SUSSEX // LONDON

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CONTENTS 8-12 14

16-19 20

22-24 26 28 30 35 37 38 40 42 44

46-49 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 72 74 76 80 81 82

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The latest news

Bad Pond music festival ARTWEAR

Five Fiction Favourites from Around the World for International Women’s Day Brighton Festival Co-Guest Director Tristian Sharps ICTheatre taster days Oska Bright 2022

Raising The Spirits

One Woman’s Quest to Make Self-Care Simple Meet Brighton Creatives: Demelza Mather BN1 Chats with Sick Joy

BN1 Chats with Kat Penkin

BN1 Chats with Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard The Great Escape 2022

BN1 Chats with Don Letts

What’s on Brighton & Hove What’s on London

What’s on Lewes & Eastbourne

What’s on Shoreham, Worthing, Chichester What’s on Mid Sussex Trading Post Coffee

UNIVERSAL QUANTUM Sussex Dolphin Project What is Eco-Anxiety?

Film guide TV Guide

The BBQ Back Up PIE RECIPES

MARCH 22

Cryptic crossword

The greener option for funeral care Quick crossword

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Editor’s Letter...

International Women’s Day returns on Tues 8 March.

Surprisingly there are still voices of dissent (perhaps a few making good money from their contrary beliefs), who squeal that the occasion is out of date, unneeded or impotent.

Some suggest it’s been hijacked by Instagram princesses and out of touch pop stars hoping to virtue signal their way into our hearts. Is it extreme enough? Can it force genuine political change?

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Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard

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What is Eco-Anxiety?

We’re certainly far from the initial struggle for universal suffrage and property rights. It’s over a century from when Russian women marched to demand their voices be heard, and the celebrations have changed markedly. But then we’re in a different world, where ideas are communicated through means other than sheer weight of numbers.

And then there’s all those tedious conversations about what a ‘feminist’ is, blithely ignoring the extraordinary range of experiences the term represents. People have different ideas around ownership and what spaces they want to occupy. The conversation can take many shapes.

The uncomfortable truth, regardless of your own attitudes, is that women are still routinely discriminated against. This can range from the most systemic bias to simply talking about ‘birds’ in the pub.

One in five adolescent girls around the world continue to be denied an education, whether this is through forced marriage, pregnancy, poverty, exploitative employment or violence. There are still many communities where a woman’s personal development is not considered as important as their male counterparts.

Even in developed countries, many women don’t feel safe on the streets, using social media or even at school. Sexual offences on school premises have doubled recently.

There is better representation of women amongst business and government, but there’s still room for improvement with innumerable different issues.

We’re not asking everyone to suddenly act more thoughtfully, offer some sentimental display of compassion or organise mass protests, but perhaps just be aware of why International Women’s Day is still needed. It can be a nice time to find out more about change-making women through history, or even a time to go beyond simple platitudes and challenge the status quo with genuine action.

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Brighton Festival

The fight for equality has only just started in the last 100 years, and there remains barriers to around half the population in realising their full potential. And if half of us is missing out, perhaps we’re all missing out.

CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR IN CHIEF: Chris Sadler chris@bn1magazine.co.uk

EDITOR: Stuart Rolt Stuart@bn1magazine.co.uk

SUB EDITing team:

COVER: Wuthering Heights @ Brighton Festival Ash Hunter (Heathcliff) and Katy Owen (Isabella Linton Linton Heathcliff).

Credit Steve Tanner

Thom Punton charlie tomlinson

design & digital: bn1 media NEWSDESK/ GENERAL ENQUIRIES: Info@bn1magazine.co.uk BN1 MAGAZINE Unit 28, Floor 6, New England House, New England Street, Brighton, BN1 4GH 01273 022991

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Contact: Jenny Rushton - head of sales / 07917752133 Jenny.rushton@bn1magazine.co.uk or Charlie Tomlinson / charlie@bn1magazine.co.uk BN1 Magazine is a culture, community and lifestyle publication distributed across the whole Brighton, Sussex and into London on a monthly basis - found in shops and venues. if you would like to reach a large target audience, get in contact today and see how we can help!

CONTRIBUTORS: Lucy Sheehan Thom Punton Jessie McGregor Amy Stanborough Charlie Tomlinson Stu Davies

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Various internships are available for writers, photographers, marketing, sales, creative types and enthusiasts to join Brighton’s leading culture and lifestyle magazine! Just email your CV and a little about yourself to: info@bn1magazine.co.uk @bn1magazine All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by any means, including the making of copies by any photo process or by any electronic or mechanical device (printed, written or oral), unless permission in writing is obtained from the copyright proprietor. All textual content, design graphics, images and specific photographs used in the magazine are copyright © BN1 Media Ltd 2021 BN1 Magazine has taken every reasonable care to ensure the information contained within this periodical is accurate on the date of publication.

It is advisable that you verify any information before relying upon it. BN1 Magazine accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any damage or loss suffered by users of the information, materials or third parties featured within this magazine.

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NEWS GOODWOOD MEMBERS’ MEETING Sat 9 – Sun 10 April

The home of motor racing in Sussex is about to open its doors for another actionpacked season. The iconic Goodwood Estate kicks off proceedings next month with the 79th thrilling instalment of their Members’ Meeting.

This is a thrilling weekend of epic motor racing, high-speed track demonstrations and fun-packed festivities. Uncrowded, intimate and access-all areas, it is exclusively open to members of the Goodwood Road Racing Club Fellowship community.

Goodwood is delighted to announce two new races for this year. The inaugural A.F.P Fane and Robert Brooks Trophies join returning favourites such as the Gerry Marshall Trophy and a new format for the Hailwood Trophy.

Named after legendary Frazer Nash racer Alfred Fane Peers Agabeg, the A.F.P Fane race celebrates one of Britain’s oldest and most iconic brands with a starting grid full of chain-driven Super Sports, Shelsley Single-Seaters, racing specials and more.

The Robert Brooks Trophy is named in honour of a Members’ Meeting stalwart and original Governor of the modern meetings, recreating the enthusiastically supported club races of the Motor Circuit’s heyday. Lotus Elevens, Cooper T49s, Lola Mk1s and more will take to the track and thrill the crowds for this very special race.

Derek Bell was one of many legendary motorsport personalities to cut their teeth in 1-litre Formula 3 ‘screamers’, taking his first F3 victory at Goodwood in 1966. The Derek Bell Cup sees 30 of the best historic pilots vie for the honour of following in the five-time Le Mans winner’s footsteps.

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© Jayson Fong Returning to its traditional format of a two-driver VIP challenge on Saturday evening, with a reverse-grid sprint for the owners on Sunday, the Gerry Marshall Trophy features Group 1 saloon cars like those racing between 1970 and 1982.

This is a firm favourite of the Members’ Meeting weekend.

Named after two-time World Champion and twice winner of the TT, the Graham Hill Trophy is a thrilling 45-minute race with a driver change.

Classic racers like Cobras and E-Types take on Porsche 904s and Lotus Elans in one of the most competitive and exciting races of the weekend.

Following the success of twhe 78th Members’ Meeting format, the Hailwood Trophy for 250cc and 350cc Grand Prix Motorcycles up to 1983 and Formula 750 motorcycles up to 1972 returns.

Additionally, the Sheene Trophy is awarded to the first four-stroke motorcycle across the line. In a first for motorcycles at the Members’ Meeting, the race will be held over two shorter sprint races.

Evoking the spirit of the Goodwood 9-hour races of the 1950s and named in honour of the inaugural winner, the Peter Collins Trophy will close the Members’ Meeting weekend in style as C-Types, D-Types and DB3Ss do battle with offerings from Maserati, Allard, Frazer Nash and more.

Harking back to the earliest days of tin-top racing, even before the advent of the British Saloon Car Championship, the Sopwith Cup will unleash an eclectic mixture of motoring history being put through much more than the weekly drive to the shops…

Named in honour of ‘Big John’, the inaugural Can-Am champion, the Surtees Trophy features the fastest, loudest and most thrilling cars of the weekend as thundering V8-powered GT40s, Lola T70s, McLarens and more take on the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit.

Guaranteed to be one of the most spectacular races of the weekend, the Varzi Trophy (named after legendary Italian racer Achille Varzi) will see a grid of France and Italy’s finest racing cars, with the likes of Bugatti, Talbot, Alfa Romeo and Maserati all represented.

Celebrating one of the most widely used engines in the world, which powered everything from an Austin A30 to a Mini 1275GT, the Weslake Cup highlights the sports car arm of the A-Series’ history. Expect to see a wonderful, and highly competitive, collection of Austin Healey Sprites, MG Midgets and much more.

The fun and thrills aren’t confined to the track. The Members’ Meeting offers a host of traditional (and eccentric!) games, a complimentary fairground and fantastic entertainment on Saturday night, with spectacular fireworks, music, delicious food and merriment!

To find out more about the Goodwood Road Racing Club, and all hospitality options, head to:

www.goodwood.com/motorsport

NEWS

STAUNCH TAKES CENTRE STAGE Sat 2 April The cat is out of the bag! Staunch launces on Saturday 2nd April at 8pm (doors at 7pm), bringing a night of fierce, stunning, sickening cabaret and burlesque to Brighton’s new queer venue Centre Stage. Staunch will be a monthly event with tickets costing £10.

This new night of cabaret represents a tale of the forbidden, a story of the fierce and a telling of pure, fabulous glamour. Set in 1930’s Britain during a time where same-sex intimacy was only tolerated in the world of cabaret, Staunch is here to get you dancing and drinking until dawn. For to be gay is seemingly acceptable in this circle of the chattering class, if you can

afford the door fee and get past Mrs Sparkles our doorman, of course!

Madame Fakewell will be playing host in this crevice of curiosity, aided by her gaggle of working-class queers. She runs a tight ship, but will lead you down a path of cabaret, showbiz and glamour, where you too can explore your deepest desires.

So worry not, and be quick! Avoid the old bill in the veil of the night and get down to Club Staunch where you too can be a star!

the show. Bring your 50ps to buy tipping money and you’ll be able to throw 50p dollar notes to the performers or indeed make it rain! The show will be 2.5 hours long with a half-hour interval. The venue is able to cater for those that may require special access needs.

TW: may have acts about oppression and references to homophobia at times. There may be some nudity. Not for anyone under 18.

Where do you find this place? Well, that depends on who you know, if you know where to head, which alley to stumble down, and whether you know the passcode…

This show features immersive cabaret with drag performers and loud music, singing, dancing, stand-up, and acrobats. Tickets are available on Eventbrite, with a limited amount on the door. People are encouraged to take a lateral flow test a maximum of 48 hours before

VISIT LEWES ANNOUNCE 19 – Sun 20 and WALK THIS WAY Sat Sat 26 -Sun 27 March Visit Lewes is delighted to announce Walk This Way, two weekends of free to access, themed walks across the district during March.

Participants can explore a different side to the Lewes district and delve into our history with walks led by local experts.

With a huge variety of guided walks, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, from the most enthusiastic hikers to history buffs, artists and families. The programme includes coastal and country walks, history and scent walks and even a late-night ghost trail in Lewes town.

“Our district has so much to offer,” said Councillor Ruth O’Keeffe, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Lewes District Council. “This carefully curated programme of walks across the district will appeal to everyone from nature lovers, artists

and photographers to those with a keen interest in the district’s rich history. It will be fantastic to see so many visitors and locals explore the Lewes District by foot in all its glory.”

Hundreds of residents are expected to take part, enjoying the positive health impacts of walking whilst learning more of the fascinating history of Lewes and its surrounding towns and countryside.

Walk numbers will be limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. More details can be found at: www.visitlewes.co.uk.

NEWS

MALICE IN UNDERLAND Underground artist Michael Panteli stages first show in a decade Conclave Brighton is thrilled to announce a new exhibition by the underground comics artist Michael Panteli. MALICE IN UNDERLAND is a show of underground art in an underground gallery space, taking place between Sat 5 - Sun 13 March.

In Panteli’s first UK solo show in over 10 years, he presents more than 100 works, created between 2003 and 2022. Ranging from the subtle to the extreme, every work has a message – whether that’s for the viewer, their friends, their enemies or their governments.

Whether you embrace the obscene or are outraged by the works, it’s guaranteed you will have a response to this show!

Social media culture, right-wing personalities, powerful organisations of all ilks, contradictions, toxic masculinity, violence, and bigotry are all in the firing line, and Panteli’s weapons are humour and filthy language, together with his trusty pens and pencils.

This show includes several collaborative works made with Robert Crumb, never before displayed in the UK. During the show, original works and limited-edition works will be available to purchase, with further limited-edition prints available to order. Panteli’s comics and walletfriendly merch will also be up for grabs. Panteli will be showing at ComicCon in May 2022, so this is a unique chance to get in there early and snap up a unique piece before they’re all gone.

Panteli started his art career as a cartoonist with former UK cult comics Zit and Smut. He is a long-time collaborator with the legendary underground cartoonist Robert Crumb, and they have been creating joint works of art via the postal system since 2003.

His influences are golden-age (“pre-code”) comic covers from the 1930s-50s, wartime propaganda posters, art deco advertising, the underground comix scene of the late 60s/ early 70s and vintage product packaging and billboards.

His works generally start in acrylic, ink and pencil, with a simple message accompanying a striking image (much like wartime propaganda posters of years gone by). Many of his works subvert well-known and iconic posters from yesteryear, while others deal with issues that many find uncomfortable to talk about.

This show is suitable for 18+ only.

Conclave Brighton is at 9 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3WA For more details, check out: www.conclave-brighton.co.uk

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NEWS

CPRE SUSSEX LEADS GREEN REVOLUTION IN BRIGHTON & HOVE CPRE Sussex is organising tree planting events across Brighton and Hove from now until the end of March. The widespread programme is part of Trees for Cities’ Forgotten Places project, aiming to provide green jobs and boost nature recovery. Planting is already underway in Woodingdean and Bevendean, with upcoming events in Portslade and on the Bristol Estate.

“We are thrilled Brighton & Hove was one of seven cities chosen to take part in Forgotten Places,” said Penny Hudd from CPRE Sussex.

“Trees are hugely important, not just for the environment but for the health and wellbeing of our city’s residents. We have been working closely with communities to ensure trees are planted in the right places and have every chance of living long, healthy lives.”

CPRE Sussex is the local branch of CPRE, working for a countryside that’s rich in nature, accessible to everyone and responding to the climate emergency. We want sustainable, vibrant communities in the Sussex countryside. We believe that good land-use planning is the unsung hero of environmental protection. It can help slow the growth in road traffic, encourage urban regeneration, curb urban sprawl, protect the beauty and tranquillity of the countryside and safeguard wildlife habitats.

In 2021, CPRE Sussex’s Plant your Postcode volunteers, supported by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Arboriculture team and Hove Civic Society, made a successful bid to take part in Forgotten Places.

In total, the project, run by Trees for Cities, will see £1.2m of funding to plant 55,000 trees across seven coastal towns and cities.

Trees for Cities is the only UK charity working at a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in cities. We get stuck in with local communities to cultivate lasting change in their neighbourhoods – whether it’s revitalising forgotten spaces, creating healthier environments or getting people excited about growing, foraging and eating healthy food.

Funding was developed by Defra as part of the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. It is being delivered by The National

Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.

Ben Galley -B_H tree planting officer with members of the Conic Tree Care planting team

Trees for Cities is working with the Field Studies Council, Treeconomics, Forest Research and local partners to deliver this project. The project is also part of The Queen’s Green Canopy, and local residents will get the chance to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 by inviting people to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.

The environmental education charity Field Studies Council (FSC) helps people discover, explore, understand and be inspired by the natural world. Its network of centres provides day and residential courses for all ages from young children to retired adults from schools and communities throughout the UK. They also run a range of natural history courses both online and across the UK to encourage adults to take their first steps and continue their learning in the environmental sector. It also reaches many others through its publications and community-based programmes, and is the leading UK provider of identification guides.

Treeconomics works to understand how trees improve our urban spaces, making them better places to live. We aim to demonstrate that trees are part of the solution for many of our urban problems – be that air pollution, climate adaptation, crime, or manifold others.

With towns and cities housing the largest populations of people, our urban forests hold the greatest potential to improve health and wellbeing and stand at the frontline against climate change.

Forest Research is Great Britain’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research and is internationally renowned for the provision of evidence and scientific services in support of sustainable forestry.

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting campaign across the United Kingdom to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Across the UK, people will be encouraged to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” through the QGC initiative.

Led by an executive team and supported by charity Cool Earth and the UK government, the project will see all counties of the UK

Liz Bradley-Tailor Brighton resident and tree sponsor

being invited to create a network of individual or specimen trees, tree avenues, copses and woodlands in honour of The Queen’s 70 years of service to the nation. As well as inviting the planting of new trees, The Queen’s Green Canopy will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 ancient trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

The Green Recovery Challenge Fund is supported using public funds and delivered

by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. This project is funded by the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.

Forgotten Places is one of several CPRE Sussex-led initiatives to improve the environment across the county.

Find out how you could get involved, by visiting: www.cpresussex.org.uk/get-involved

Banff

Mountain Film Festival Tour

Bringing epic escapades to every corner of the UK & Ireland, the Banff Mountain Film Festival is back and as massive as ever.

Calling in at Brighton Dome on Tues 29 March, this thrilling cinematic experience offers the latest and best glimpse of incredible human endeavours.

Starring intrepid characters, extreme expeditions and stunning cinematography, the tour features two new collections of inspirational films from the wildest corners of the planet.

“We are so excited to be sharing these aweinspiring new films with audiences around the UK and Ireland – up on the big screen!” says tour director Nell Teasdale. “As well as adrenalinepacked stories from the world’s best adventure filmmakers, Banff events are a celebration of the great outdoors with a vibrant atmosphere – and we guarantee audiences will leave inspired to have an adventure of their 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 Festival, which is held every November in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The UK and Ireland tour visits over 50 locations in spring and autumn 2022.

Film highlights include:

Follow The Light © JB-Liautard

Exit the North Pole

In 24-hour darkness and with temperatures down to minus 40 degrees, polar explorers Børge Ousland and Mike Horn attempt the unimaginable: a 1,500km ski expedition across the frozen Arctic Ocean, via the North Pole.

With drifting ice and the threat of polar bears, this gruelling journey has been described as the boldest polar expedition of modern times.

Dream Mountain

Defying societal norms, elite climber Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita has had a trailblazing career, summiting K2, Everest and other worldclass peaks. Life changed with the birth of her son, but Pasang decides that to be the best mother she can, she needs to follow her dreams again. Transcending expectations and returning to her life-long passion, Pasang attempts her dream mountain: a spectacular Nepalese peak called Cholatse.

© NINE ONE Florian Breitenberger

West Highland Way: Rab Wardell’s record attempt

Stretching from Scotland’s largest city to the iconic highland town of Fort William, the 95mile West Highland Way is a long-distance path loved by walkers. It’s also the subject of fierce competition between elite mountain bikers, all vying to set a fastest known time record on the challenging route. Enter former pro rider Rab Wardell, who’ll need all his bike handling skills and endurance to make history in his beloved homeland.

For more information and to book tickets, see www.banff-uk.com.

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From the film Dream Mountain © Cira Crowell

MELTING VINYL LIVE 2022 WITH MV

Group Listening Lucy Feliz The Weather Station Ulrich Schnauss Pictish Trail Joan as Policewoman Midlake Mabe Fratti Kayla Painter Danny George Wilson LOW SOLD OUT Baba Ali Ye Vagabonds Jim White Chrystabell Laura Veirs The Handsome Family meltingvinyl.co.uk

The full cast Live show returns!

THE TREASON SHOW The full cast Live show returns!

THE TREASON SHOW

“Savagely funny-fantastically silly” THE GUARDIAN “Savagely funny-fantastically silly” THE GUARDIAN

The Latest

chortle.com

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The Argus

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Last Orders for Bojo!

Broadway Baby Broadway Baby

Northern Echo Northern Echo

Fringe Guru Fringe Guru

Thursday 31 March

Thursday 31April March 31 March & 1 April Friday 1st www.treasonshow.co.uk 1st April 18 8Funky -Friday May - 8 pm 8 20 Fish Bar & Club pm (doors 7pm) pm (doors 7pm)

Funky19-23 Fish Bar & Club Funky Fish Bar & Club Brighton BN2 1TL Marine Parade, 19-23 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TL 19-23Tickets Marine Parade, Brighton £16.50 / cabaret Table £22.50 pp BN2

Action Directe Fabian Buhl

Tickets £16.50 / cabaret Table £22.50 pp

Book BookOnline Online www.treasonshow.co.uk www.treasonshow.co.uk

BAD POND MUSIC FESTIVAL

T

he best alternative music festival by the seaside is back, with Bad Pond celebrating its seventh year. 2022’s lineup is possibly its biggest ever, with huge acts like Bob Vylan, Bossk and God is an Astronaut descending on Concorde 2 on 1st May. Bad Pond is the festival incarnation of Brighton studio and record label Small Pond, whose reputation for fostering high quality alternative artists has been evidenced by the success of signees like Physics House Band and CLT DRP. Small Pond was founded by a group of friends who literally built the studio themselves back in 2015, and as might be expected from a team with such ambition, a festival was the obvious next step. Small Pond’s managing director Vlad explains: “I started Bad Pond with a fella called Ryan Balch, who used to put on experimental shows in Brighton under the name ‘Bad Math’. I liked the bands he booked, and he liked Small Pond, so we went for a beer and decided to team up and give this a go – I think that was in 2015 – that’s where the name comes from actually: the combination of Bad Math and Small Pond. I think we started it because we wanted to see some bands that other promoters weren’t booking, so in good DIY fashion we just booked them ourselves. We were younger, and dumber, and probably funner, so we just threw all the ideas we had at it and it kept going well, and got better each year, so we haven’t stopped yet.

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“We tried a few different venues, including a multi-venue event, but in 2019 when we put it on at Concorde 2 for the first time, the event found its home. We don’t want to grow the event any larger than it is, just keep it as a yearly party of friends and bands we love, and do it by the sea, in the sun, with the smell of gasoline from the Hells Angels nearby, greasy burgers, cheap lager, and loads of smiles, just like last year...”

This year’s acts come from across the sphere of the alternative. Fans of gritty, punk-infused pop will love Bob Vylan and Saint Agnes’ Tarantino-flavoured garage rock. Brighton favourites CLT DRP will also bring their highly original EDM-style punk.

Fresh from supporting Idles, another much

anticipated performance will be from Witch Fever, Manchester’s doomy grunge band with a reputation for a completely manic performance. For connoisseurs of heavy music, Bossk will bring epic, heavy sonic soundscapes, with God is an Astronaut showcasing their highly praised post-rock.

For Vlad, Bad Pond is a celebration of friendship and creativity. “Quite a few people from ‘the scene’ make a trip down for it, and the thing I most look forward to is just seeing old pals, making new ones, seeing music I love and feeling a sensation of carelessness and belonging – neither of which I feel on the day-to-day.”

Tickets are £35 via badpondfestival.co.uk

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The very first ARTWEAR event launched in February in the atmospheric upstairs of Presuming Ed’s. Created by Brightonbased stylist and creative director Abi Rigby, the events are designed to inspire conversations around sustainable and ecofriendly fashion and bring together local designers.

With Presuming Ed’s spectacular vegan canapes and cocktails circulating, the evening began with an opportunity to meet the designers and go through their pieces – from high fantasy corsets and lush tulle-tuxedo constructions, to bold geometric accessories

BY LUCY SHEEHAN

✂

ARTWEAR

and recrafted denim statement pieces. The open discussion that followed was an inspiring chance to consider how much more exciting it can be to upcycle and rework, buy from local designers and repurpose old pieces.

We caught up with the four designers, sharing their inspirations and insights on sustainability.

ROSIE EVANS

Rosie Evans - by Megan Winstone

Rosie Evans - Autry Film Rosie: I run the brand Rosie Evans, a ‘high fantasy’ label, specialising in historical-inspired sustainable pieces.

Rosie Evans started at the beginning of 2020 and took off during the pandemic. I began designing corset stays out of upcycled textiles and vintage upholstery pieces, and since then, I’ve branched out to a full range of dresses, skirts, knitwear and outerwear, alongside my classic corset design.

The term ‘high fantasy’ best describes my brand, as I take a lot of inspiration from folklore and traditional fairy tales. I like to create clothes that cross the boundary from costume design and wearable fashion.

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My take on sustainability is to use pre-existing fabrics and textiles, to repurpose handmade pieces lost to time and to honour the work that’s gone into making it. Some of my favourite fabrics to work with are hand-embroidered table runners and linens, cushion covers and vintage felt blankets.

@rosieevansonline

MATERIAL RESPONSE Benjamin: I have just set up my sustainable brand, Material Response, which is centred around upcycled fabrics and reworking existing pieces.

Asking ‘why?’ is what pushed my work in a sustainable direction.

My graduate collection, which was entirely upcycled, contrasts odd visual references of ‘outsiders’ with conventional menswear references to create a sense of disconnection.

I have continued this trajectory with my brand, although I have definitely had to compromise creativity in order to ensure return on investment of time and money! I now sell one-off statement pieces made from reclaimed fabrics such as sails, curtains or blankets, supplementing this with more accessible upcycled sweater sets made from vintage jumpers.

As a side hustle, I do more commercial reworks for vintage stores.

Give me a follow on Instagram and stay tuned as I have some exciting things in store.

@materialresponse CONTINUED

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CHOOSEPI

✂

Henry: The main reason I started sewing was because I was attracted to the idea of binding two materials in a permanent way.

I’d asked my mum to show me the ropes and then took it from there.

My approach to sewing was to challenge myself with projects which were just out of my comfort zone. I started working on making bags and simple geometric shapes because I knew how to break the 3D shapes into 2D nets. A bag in essence can just be a box with zips and straps attached to it.

The sustainability side naturally wove itself into my projects as I’d go to charity shops to buy my sewing materials and textiles. The idea of upcycling was always on the table. I’ve always been trying to use different materials which conveniently would not be used in the sewing industry, to see if they could be put to good use. And if it didn’t work for sewing, I could save that material for one of my sculptures!

Nowadays I have loads of ideas for projects I want to explore and create, but with working a 9-to-5 I’m finding it hard to get the energy to push on. But, without pressuring myself, I know that over time I’ll reach my goal, whatever that is.

@choose.pi

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Photos by © Chiara Pirovano

TILLY SMITH Tilly: My initial interest in fashion came from getting hand-me-downs, borrowing and taking other people’s clothes. I love walking around in something which is so intrinsically linked to another person in my mind.

Clothes which really fit a person are so exciting to me. I think accessible tailoring can really change the dialogue surrounding our bodies’ changing forms. Poppy and I focused on this for the ARTWEAR show. We did multiple fittings and also talked about how the garment made Poppy feel, making adjustments so that she looked and felt as powerful as she is.

✂

I currently work for designer Ben Mak London.

The incredible team has really shown me what positive changes fashion can make if the focus is on connection.

Photos by © Chiara Pirovano

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Five Fiction Favourites from Around the World for International Women’s Day

The Feminist Bookshop and cafe - 48 Upper North St, Brighton

As International Women’s Day approaches The Feminist Bookshop shares some of their favourite novels from writers based around the world.

The Bread the Devil Knead Lisa Allen-Agostini What’s it about?

The Bread the Devil Knead follows the fashionable, feisty and fiercely independent Alethea Lopez. While outwardly successful, behind closed doors she’s suffering domestic violence and attempting to bury the deeply traumatic experiences of her childhood.

However, a series of events begins to unfold that cause Alethea to confront her situation and explore the possibilities for her future.

What did we think?

We were completely drawn into Alethea’s world. The depiction of life in Port of Spain is visceral, and much of the dialogue is written in local dialect which absolutely brings it to life. We also loved that although it is harrowing in places and addresses some very difficult topics, Lisa’s strategically placed comedic moments bring levity to the story and we were ultimately left feeling uplifted and hopeful.

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead Olga Tokarczuk What’s it about?

Drive Your Plow is a darkly comic and gripping tale of a series of murders that blight the community in a remote Polish village. We witness the events through the eyes of Janina Duszejko, an eccentric woman in her 60s, who rather prefers the company of animals to humans and believes that the key to the mystery lies in the village’s cruel treatment of the wildlife surrounding it.

What did we think?

We thought that the story provided a truly tender insight into the life and thoughts of a person that was dismissed by so many in her community, along with a thrilling tale and a fascinating exploration of what constitutes justice in our society.

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Our Lady of the Nile Scholastique Mukasonga What’s it about?

Our Lady of the Nile is the award-winning debut novel by the leading French-Rwandan writer Scholastique Mukasonga. The novel immerses us in the world of a prestigious school for girls, set in the Rwandan hills and run by white nuns.

Set in the early 1980s, the school operates against a backdrop of mounting ethnic tensions across Rwanda which are borne out in relations among the students. As the story unfolds, we witness how quickly these tensions escalate as the pupils emulate the actions of their parents.

What did we think?

Although it explores some difficult subjects, we found Our Lady of the Nile to be an enchanting novel, interweaving tragic incidences of prejudice and discrimination with playful reflections on the inner working of a girls’ boarding school.

Convenience Store Woman - Sayaka Murata What’s it about?

Convenience Store Woman draws on the author’s experiences working part time for many years as a convenience store clerk in Tokyo. The story is based around 36-yearold Keiko Furukura who has been working in the same supermarket for 18 years. Under pressure from her family and friends to get

married and get a ‘proper job’, she struggles to communicate how much her work in the convenience store really means to her.

What did we think?

We thoroughly enjoyed this short novel, finding Keiko’s narrative hilarious and at times incredibly touching. For us, it was a brilliant story about finding yourself and what brings you joy regardless of anyone else’s expectations.

What You Can See From Here - Mariana Leky What’s it about?

On a beautiful spring day, a small village in Western Germany wakes up to an omen: Selma has dreamed of an okapi. Someone is about to die. Luise, Selma’s ten-year-old granddaughter, looks on as the predictable characters of her small world begin acting strangely. Each of the villagers grapple with the buried secrets and deferred decisions that have suddenly become urgent in the face of death.

What did we think?

We had no idea what to expect when we started What You Can See From Here, but as it evolved we found Mariana Leky’s novel to be charming, bizarre, moving and uplifting in almost equal measure. At a time when our local community has become especially important to us, the story was a moving reflection on the impact of our relationships with the people around us.

CFT Lates is our new late night event series - it’s silly, it’s fun and it’s a little bit different. With comedy, drag, music and more, there’s even more reason to visit Chichester Festival Theatre.

With our free Prologue membership, 16-30s can get £5 tickets to all shows and events, 10% off food and drink and exclusive offers.

cft.org.uk/prologue

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BRIGHTON FESTIVAL CO-GUEST DIRECTOR

TRISTAN SHARPS DISCUSSES HOW ART CAN PROMPT CHANGE

By Stuart Rolt

I

t’s been a long two years, but Brighton Festival is finally due to return in its familiar format, in-person and bigger than ever. “It’s just great that it’s back to full strength,” says Tristan Sharps, dreamthinkspeak founder and 2022’s Guest Co-Director at the festival. “It’s been a couple of years, so it’s just great.”

eccentric landmarks, funky urban areas and hidden parks, and making use of these undervalued environments forms the core of dreamthinkspeak’s practice.

His company’s new commission for Brighton Festival takes audiences on an adventure in

Sharps suggests there are some fantastic aspects to social media, but some parts of it can be quite difficult. “In a way, the fault always lies with people. Social media is just another outlet which shows our best and worst. Whenever a new form of communication evolves, it’s simply a conduit for us to reveal ourselves as we are, with all our strengths and weaknesses.” He says there’s no specific political agenda in the project; it’s more about inspiring audiences and allowing them a space to come to their own conclusions about their experience.

Using technology to create slightly out of phase, site-responsive realities, the questions dreamthinkspeak ponder are becoming more ambitious. They’ve enjoyed a long relationship with Brighton Festival, which has seen them produce acclaimed works such as a record-breaking promenade interpretation of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard in London Road’s old Co-op building, and a meditation on Shakespeare’s Hamlet as part of the World Shakespeare Festival. “I’m always very wary of the word ‘immersive’ which sometimes gets used with our work.” Their projects don’t simply place participants in a pretend environment, but instead make interventions on the everyday streets, buildings and issues which we live amongst.

Tristan Sharps - Credit © Sara Kiyo Popowa For the first time, the festival is welcoming two Guest Co-Directors. Celebrated Syrian architect and author Marwa Al-Sabouni joins Sharps, enabling both local and international perspectives in the programme. So, what kind of guest director is he intending to be?

“I don’t think of it as a figurehead situation.

Both myself and Marwa Al-Sabouni have been heavily involved in the creation of the programme. But it’s a joint effort. There’s a fantastic team at the festival, who’ve been having conversations with artists for years. It’s joining up these with all the new conversations that she and I have ignited.”

The pair have chosen ’Rebuilding’ as the theme to inspire this year’s programme. “It can be seen as quite a broad umbrella, but it’s not simply about physical rebuilding, because that’s something Brighton has been doing a huge amount of in recent years. For me, it’s about relooking, and renewing your relationship with the environment and the world you live in.” Like many of us during lockdown, he’d be out on his permitted hour of exercise, wondering at the fantastic buildings and spaces in Brighton we normally take for granted. The city is blessed with innumerable

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spaces which most locals will know well, just as a momentous occasion starts to unfold.

Titled Unchain Me, it brings to life a cell of mysterious activists who are on a mission to save the world.

“There are many different processes in art, and I wouldn’t say I have one fixed approach.

But, for me, the act of creating something is the act of it becoming itself. The whole thing is a discovery. It’s important to keep that alive in a project.” The work takes numerous reference points from Dostoyevsky’s The Possessed, a book characterised by an epic struggle for control of a nation’s identity, coloured with good, evil, nationalism and hope. “When I think about the book, and its relevance to today, there are certainly some issues around social media and fake news. People are ready for change. There’s something in the air, especially around young people.”

It’s very much about using art as a medium to propagate ideas and spark conversation.

The way we communicate facts and opinions has been shifting in recent years. Something which has been hugely exacerbated by lockdown.

It’s never going to be something which tells an audience what they are emboldened to think and feel for themselves. In some respects, Unchain Me returns to elements of their earlier shows, only now there’s 23 years of experience and better technology to inform their work.

Art and technology have always been symbiotic. From the early days of metalworking, through to the printing press’s invention and up to the modern multi-media world, tech has enabled new working practices for artists, and art has often demonstrated the possibilities for what’s being developed. It drives new disciplines and techniques, and new ways of participation. Clearly, it’s an evolving toolkit, which is constantly being examined.

But it’s not going to make the work for you.

“When there’s a resurgence of technology, there’s a massive surge of art and practices.

I think we’re still waiting to ignite that. There are many things which could make it easier for artists to engage with technology. There are companies who are brilliant at creating platforms and systems, which is fantastic, but the costs are often in the commercial sphere. We need to look at how we can create access for artists.” The Arts Council have done a really good job of setting up funding and widening participation. And artists can

Dreamthinkspeak - Unchain Me

get onto the lower rungs of the ladder, but many are still held back in their ambitions.

“That really needs to change if we are going to see the same resurgence, like the books, pamphlets and writing that happened with the printing press.”

He says he can’t wait now to be an audience member in May. “It’s been great being involved in it, and I’ll continue to do that, but I just want to be able to see stuff, because it’s not something I’ve done a lot of in the last two years.” The whole of Brighton Festival seems like a coiled spring, both audiences and artists ready to realise 24 months of pentup energy. There’s a keen interest in what his co-director will be bringing to the festival.

Al-Sabouni has collaborated with Syrian architect Ghassan Jansiz to design an entirely new space on Hove seafront. “It’s going to be something which we haven’t seen before at the festival, and it’ll be an extraordinary landmark and hub.” Intended for social and artistic exchange, The Riwaq has been inspired by her own Syrian architectural heritage. It will highlight the creativity in our communities and host projects from festival programming partners Carousel, Little Green Pig, Best Foot Music and In-house Records.

The two Guest Co-Directors have been friendly for several years, first meeting while Sharps was researching a project inspired by the Bauhaus art school. He had developed a side-interest in Le Corbusier and came across Al-Sabouni’s book The Battle for Home, which partly stood in opposition to the French architect’s 1923 masterwork Towards A New Architecture. She uses design and urbanism to explore the roots of Syria’s unrest, advocating that fairer development could deliver an eventual reconciliation. “It’s a really interesting one, because Le Corbusier was a wonderful architect. He was fuelled by Bauhaus and inspired a lot of post-war city development. But when you read his book, it’s quite extreme. It’s a manifesto. I can see how it could be interpreted in the wrong way.”

Marwa Al-Sabouni - A Collage of Care

In contrast, The Battle for Home looks at the impact of colonialism and its modernist buildings. Al-Sabouni suggests they caused social fracturing in Syria, as high-rises were thrown up to accommodate an influx of people moving to find work.

“There was a very organic architecture in those cities, which evolved over time. No matter what their religion, people were living side by side, peacefully. Her notion was that the modernist vision was not appropriate and opened up some of the cracks which eventually led to the civil war.”

continued Marwa Al-Sabouni bn1magazine.co.uk

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Upon meeting, the pair quickly struck up a friendship, based around mutual love and enthusiasm for the role of architecture. He says being a guest director with Mawa is fantastic, allowing for balance between local and international talents. “We need to be aware of the soil we come from, but also not restrict ourselves from growing out into the world.”

Among all the great works gathered for this year’s season, Sharps is enthusiastic about Emma Critchley’s Witness, which uses underwater dance, spoken word and science to link the human body to disappearing glaciers, and Written In The Body, a dance duet by Charlotte Spencer about memory and touch and consent. “There’s a lot of crossovers between the two. Emma has a lot of choreography in her work and Charlotte will often use film and technology. They both create pieces about reconnecting with ourselves and the environment.” He also has a lot of praise for Mohamad Hafez’s Journeys from an Absent Present to a Lost Past, which bring extraordinary miniature streetscapes evoking the ongoing Syrian conflict to Brighton’s Fabrica gallery.

Mohamad Hafez Journeys from an Absent Present to a Lost Past

There does seem to be a profound number of collaborative works in this year’s programme, something which might be an effect of lockdown. Perhaps there’s been a realisation that we can’t easily live and prosper in isolation.

“Covid risked disconnecting us. There’s that need for connection, and for touch, which we’ve missed over the last two years. To move forward, we need to do it together.” It’s been a time when people have formed new social groups and learnt the value of the ones they already had. As time seemingly stood still, we started seeing nature again, and (hopefully) better understood the intricate connections which bind us. Perhaps these renewed and rebuilt connections can inform us on how to make a better world.

Charlotte Spencer (below) Written in the Body.

Credit Zoe Manders

“Hopefully, Unchain Me will capture that sense of things changing. We have to create a new forward. The extent to which we do that and the pace at which we do that has yet to be confirmed. There are some people who would like the change to happen a lot more quickly than it is. And that’s going to be the really interesting debate moving forwards. I think it’s all made us a lot more appreciative of everything around us.”

Recent history has unveiled many questions for us. We can’t just tumble back to where we were before. Society has evolved, but there’s room to change it even more. Sharps doesn’t seem interested in creating work which simply helps us escape from reality. As with the wider festival, the ambition is to challenge our perceptions of our surroundings, then prompt engagement and discussion. “I’m definitely more interested in creating art which looks at the world and then, rather than trying to find the answers, look for the right questions and leave those with the audience.”

Brighton Festival comes to venues across Brighton, Hove and Sussex on Sat 7 May Sun 29 May. www.brightonfestival.org

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Emma Critchley - Witness.

Credit EmmaCritchley

Model in Prêt-à-Porter and man in raincoat, Paris, c1955

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery 22 February – 8 May 2022

Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays 10am-5pm) Admission fee payable brightonmuseums.org.uk 03000 290900 bn1magazine.co.uk

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CALLING ALL CREATIVES! The Institute for Contemporary Theatre (ICTheatre) is at the vanguard of performing arts training. We bring far more than acting, dance and musical theatre training at degree and diploma levels. Whatever your discipline, you’ll have the opportunity to make your experience at ICTheatre as unique as you are.

So, what better way to find out how you would fit in at ICTheatre than to live a day in the life of an ICTheatre Training Professional? We have 2 events coming up at our Brighton buildings that will give you a real taste of ICTheatre.

On April 21st at our Degree campus, we will be running a day for those looking to study at higher education level on our Contemporary Musical Theatre or Acting for the 21st Century pathways.

You will start with a physical and vocal warm-up, then engage in two typical classes that you’d​ find on our timetable​. The focus is on the Body, Voice and Performance. We a ​ lso look after your mental r​esilience at ICTheatre, and so​ the day will end with a ​ wellbeing session.

You will have the opportunity to meet our College Principal Thomasina Unsworth, Head of Education Nathan Potter and the Route Leaders for t​he Acting for the 21st Century and Contemporary Musical Theatre Pathway​s.

You’ll take a tour of the building and our facilities which include an in-house theatre and motion capture suite, and you’ll get to meet some of the team along the way.

The BA (Hons) Performing Arts that ICTheatre offers is a degree with a difference. Our pathways encourage independence, entrepreneurialism and innovation because these qualities will be required of any performer entering the contemporary performing arts industry. We don’t want you just to get work, we want you to make work.

All learning is underpinned by personal development classes, enabling you to find strategies in time management, organisational skills and control of performance-related anxiety. These are life skills that you can apply far beyond your three years with us and within a variety of contexts.

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So come and see for yourself and book in at ICTheatre.ac.uk.

On Wednesday, April 13th at our Diploma Campus, we will be running a free workshop for anyone aged 14-16 interested in joining our Extended Diploma in Performing Arts. Whether you specialise in Musical Theatre, Acting or Dance this will be a fun day of classes. You will have an opportunity to connect with some of your future fellow students, meet the team and have a look around our dedicated diploma facilities.

As a specialist performing arts school, you can be confident the training at ICTheatre is unparalleled. In our first graduating class alone, we saw 94% of our student cohort move on to study at higher education in accredited drama and musical theatre schools, universities and our own industryled ICTheatre degree.

With each pathway, you’ll cover training across various disciplines specific to your route of study.

You’ll also have a range of optional modules to choose from. These allow you to home in on the career-specific skills and techniques that interest you most.

As a performing arts student, you’ll have the chance to expand your creative and networking skills with an array of unrivalled opportunities. These include classes with visiting industry professionals, exclusive Masterclasses and panels, theatre trips and the chance to get involved in our full-scale productions (such as plays, cabarets and concerts). We also help our students gain work experience both on and off the stage and set with esteemed local film and theatre companies.

ICTheatre is proud to be in partnership with BIMM, the UK and Europe’s leading provider of contemporary music education as well as Screen and Film School, Performers College and the Northern Ballet School. ICTheatre is where you can connect and create a network that will be your springboard to success!

To book your place on either of these amazing opportunities, go to our website: ictheatre.ac.uk or email admissions@ictheatre.ac.uk or call us on 01273 603333.

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Lead Programmer Matthew Hellet

OSKA

BRIGHT

Oska Bright Film Festival puts people with learning disabilities, autism or Asperger’s where they should be – on the big screen. This popular event returns on Weds 16 – Tues 22 March to platform a range of bold, exciting and different work from voices you might not have heard before.

Founded in 2004 by a group of learningdisabled filmmakers, Oska Bright Film Festival started as a one-day celebration of work, and has significantly grown in size and reach.

With less than 5% of disabled people working in the UK film industry, Oska Bright Film Festival is driven to enable much needed change. Working internationally with industry partners and funded by the BFI, it promotes accessible screenings, runs training for venues, and develops skills for aspiring filmmakers all year round. As an organisation, Oska Bright also tours to share its award-winning films, run workshops and hosts seminars.

Oska Bright is a BIFA-qualifying festival.

Any eligible short films they screen will be entitled to enter BIFA in the Best British Short Film category. Each entered film is watched and discussed by a group of leading industry professionals to identify and encourage emerging talent, support and celebrate the independent film community and promote British films and talent to the public.

As the event gets ready to hold an innovative programme of events across the whole country, we spoke to Lead Programmer Matthew Hellett to find out more.

How do you go about making people understand that the films at Oska Bright have a universal appeal?

Trying to change people’s perceptions of what learning-disabled people can do is something we’ve been working on since 2004. We’re the leading festival for learningdisabled and autistic people, offering a creative platform to show their work. I think once people are through the door and are watching the films, they know that these are fantastic films that deserve to be seen.

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We thought about how we come across to people and we’ve worked hard on our branding and have tried to appeal to a wider audience.

The films have improved in quality over the years and can sit alongside any other film at any other festival. Having BSL, captions, and offering as much access as possible means we’re trying to be welcoming to a really wide audience.

Can cinema offer a genuine path to shifting attitudes and overcoming structural inequality?

Yes, through people seeing the films, they get to see into worlds they wouldn’t usually come across. Cinema is a universal language that everyone can understand.

The films often chime with people, and they can understand where they’re coming from. The hard bit is just getting people to understand that these films are for everyone and have themes and stories that everyone can identify with.

Why is film-making such an effective tool for people with learning disabilities to express themselves? And why is such expression important?

As a filmmaker, I know how important film is as a tool for expressing myself.

Ten years after I came out (as gay), I made Sparkle, a documentary about my drag alter ego Mrs Sparkle. Making that film and films since has allowed me to showcase who I am, and showing everyone who Matthew is.

People being able to tell their stories and share them with a wide audience is very powerful. It helps filmmakers and helps the audiences watching.

Sometimes learning-disabled people have no other way of expressing themselves. It gives them a chance to show themselves

Running with Trains to the mainstream audience and change people’s perceptions.

Is there an easy fix to create better representation in the creative industries for disabled people?

I don’t think there’s an easy or quick fix. The industry needs to change, needs to learn and needs to make space for disabled people. There are so many barriers that need to be broken down. Access to film schools and film education is expensive and inaccessible.

Stereotypical casting is a huge problem – often disabled people aren’t hired to play the parts they should be. It would be great to see disabled people playing parts that have nothing to do with their disability, they’re just being themselves.

Sparkles

House of Champions

What is the future for Oska Bright? Can it expand, or even take its message into other mediums?

cant stop drawing

The industry needs to offer us the same opportunities as everyone else. We have every right to have meaningful roles within the industry.

What kind of interaction does Oska Bright enjoy with other festivals and the wider film industry?

We’re really lucky to work with some amazing partners. We receive organisational funding from the BFI, we’re BAFTA and BIFA accredited, which has been amazing for us.

We work with some incredible festivals around the UK and the world. We work closely with the brilliant Encounters, Aesthetica, Norwich Film Festival, Barnes and lots of others.

In the past we’ve worked with Glasgow Short Film Festival and London Short Film Festival.

We’re part of a European network of disability film festivals called ‘Be In’, where we share best practice and share opportunities to screen work around the world.

a brilliant local film called Running With Trains, which is in our Emerging Talent screening.

Does increased visibility directly lead to increased opportunities for filmmakers?

We know that learning-disabled filmmakers struggle to get accepted into mainstream festivals and that’s why Oska Bright started, so we’re the place they can start their journey. People can be seen by the mainstream and people’s perceptions can be changed. Now we’re BAFTA and BIFA accredited, filmmakers have the opportunity to be recognised by the wider industry.

What’s the standard of submissions like for this year’s festival? Have you got any favourites?

Year on year we keep seeing the standards getting better and better. It’s incredible the talent that’s out there, we’re so lucky to be able to share these stories with a wide audience, across the UK and the world.

Some favourites this year are Can’t Stop Drawing, which you can catch in our Music and Dance screening, Sparkles (which is in the strand I’ve developed – Queer Freedom), House of Champions in our Documentary screening and there’s

Recently, we’ve been running a venue support programme called ‘Welcome Back’, which supports venues to make their spaces safe and welcoming, and to think about how they can offer opportunities to learning-disabled people. We’d love it if learning-disabled people could work in the venues and bring their lived experience to programming teams and change what we see on the big screen.

There have been some brilliant feature films in the last few years – Sanctuary, Peanut Butter Falcon and The Reason I Jump – but these come every couple of years. We’d like to support the development of feature films and to support filmmakers to make the jump from shorts to features.

We just hope the festival keeps growing!

This festival we’ll be working with venues across the UK as well as our screenings in Brighton and Lewes, so we’re on the right path to popping up in cinemas here, there and everywhere!

Oska Bright comes to venues in Brighton, Lewes and across the UK on Weds 16 – Tues 22 March, with screenings and events at The Depot, Dukes at Komedia, Fabrica, Komedia and Jubilee Library.

Tickets from £5.

To see the full programme and book visit: www.oskabright.org

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R THE A I S I N G Credit © FruFru

always knocked out by the sheer amount of complexity of detail in all the leaves and all the shapes made by the negative space between the branches, so I wanted to create panels that represented that feeling and that visual overstimulation.

“I created a room in my house for them at first, and we started to hang out in that room. I built a shrine in there and it became quite a ceremonial sort of place. We wanted to then take that out and let people experience the same thing, and that’s what first happened at the Rose Hill. It was the first time people were allowed back out, so the title, as well as meaning ‘raising the spirits’ in those shamanic ways in which the ritual calls the spirits and thins the veil to make it easier to get messages from them, it also refers to raising the spirits of the people who came along.”

The current incarnation also has at its heart a very conscious interaction with an ancient Pagan tradition. The run fell at the time of Imbolc, the festival that marks

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the first signs of spring and lies halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This sense of spiritual resonance was heightened by the significance of the date it started on: 2/2/22. The piece brings together all these reference points to create something akin to the traditions of those ancient rituals and ceremonies.

“It wasn’t trying to replicate any particular one,” Jim explained. “It’s an art event and it’s not that we’re actually performing the proper ceremony. It’s not like these people who are paying to go to an ayahuasca ceremony with a proper shaman. It’s shady ground, but that’s fine, that’s what art does.

It just represents stuff. But at the same time, I think there were certain ritual elements: we were using holy water from the Glastonbury holy well, and then we’ve got the incense that was made very ritualistically by Rob [Winterson] under the full moon and Helen [Highwater] was doing blessings, and in the actual performance itself, Kt does the opening of the circle where she greets the cardinal points and then gives thanks to

SPIRITS. INTERVIEW WITH JIM SANDERS

BY THOM PUNTON From 2nd - 5th Feb Copperdollar Studios in Kemptown played host to an installation by artist Jim Sanders. The piece Raising the Spirits was described as ‘an immersive, sensory experience, where the viewer will enter a space enclosed by veils representing the forest of the unconscious’.

Spaces for the 30-minute performances were limited to seven people per showing and quickly sold out, but I was lucky to go along to be part of the experience and spoke with Jim a few days after the run had finished.

Though the piece was conceived by Jim and he created the majority of the visual aspects, including the clothing of the performers, it was very much a collaboration, with other performers and artists including dancer Kt Simpson, musician Leon Carter, filmmaker Iloobia, sound designer Abraham Moughrabi and creative technologist Benedict Sheehan.

It has evolved over time from its original incarnation at The Rose Hill pub in May 2020, in the heart of the first lockdown.

At that time, only four people from one household were allowed in at a time, with everyone asked to sanitise their hands and wear masks. Jim told me about the piece’s inception: “It originally came about because I was spending loads of time in nature, in the woods, and I was trying to recreate that environment and that feeling of great peace you get when you step into some woods, as if you’re at one with nature. I’m

them and to the sun and the earth, and then invites in all the spirits. People do believe that when you do that, you actually open up and thin the veil, and you can have that sort of experience.”

Jim was brought up a Catholic and much of his previous work has dealt with religious symbolism – the Virgin Mary, crucifixes, Jesus – but he found the natural imagery in which he was immersing himself during the first lockdown began to envelop what he was making. Much of this time was spent with friends who would later become collaborators in the piece, taking walks in the woods around Stanmer Park and the South Downs. He found his art unconsciously changing as a result of the influence of nature. He began to adorn the shrines he was creating, which originally focussed on modified versions of saints and the Virgin Mary, with shells, strings of acorns, animal bones and pieces of wood from the forest, until eventually nature completely subsumed the symbolism. He compares this process to a reversal of what

happened in the past: “It made me think of how it had all swapped around, because of course the Christians built all their churches on the Pagan sites, like Chartres Cathedral was built in a beautiful grove in some woods where everyone used to gather. So now it feels like it’s going in the other direction, where you’re putting earth and natural objects back on top of the Christian imagery.”

Even Imbolc itself is celebrated in the Christian calendar as Saint Brigid’s Day and Christmas aligns with the winter solstice.

There is the potential here for a critique of early Christianity’s erasure of Paganism, but Jim’s work has a sense of respect for whichever tradition is being referenced. In another of his works currently showing at the Votive exhibition at Atelier Beside the Sea on Brighton seafront, the Christian element is still strongly present, merging with the bones, shells and flotsam and jetsam of nature’s past. It’s an imposing triptych shrine which simultaneously brings about Pagan and Christian resonance in a celebration of universal experience, and an immersion in the pleasure of the objects themselves, giving them a rebirth and us an opportunity to experience their presence.

When I went along to Raising the Spirits, I didn’t know quite what to expect. The term ‘immersive’ when applied to art can mean many things, and sometimes it’s just a couple of PA speakers in an empty room, so when I was led to the upstairs section of the Copperdollar Studios with the rest of my group, I wasn’t quite prepared for the transformation that was about to take place.

It started similarly to many a video art installation. We were ushered into a dimlylit room and invited to sit down in front of

a screen. The film started and featured overlaid black and white images of shells and bones rattling, water bubbling, with an evolving ambient soundscape that created an atmosphere of a natural world traversing time and space, as if an exterior that was somehow connected to us was reaching out to us.

In the darkened room, with our visions occupied by the film, it came as a shock when a person slowly began to emerge from the tassel-covered backdrop the video was projected onto. This was the shaman, heavily cloaked in the same material as the wall covering. It was a moment of a barrier being breached, as if the spirit had been summoned by the ritual motions and sounds of the film. The barrier was physical – the wall parting – but the piece itself had also become something more corporeal, something in the room with us.

The bedraggled shaman moved like she was heavy with the weight of thousands of years of ritual, dancing languorously to the sounds of nature. Then came a moment where another barrier was breached. She approached us one by one, touched us on the hand and looked at us closely. It was a moment of intense connection and intimacy that felt terrifying, confrontational at first but then profound and moving, perhaps in part because of the recent prohibitions on such physical closeness, particularly with a stranger and moreso one who apparently wasn’t even of the same dimension.

The shaman beckoned us down a narrow corridor into the next room, where we sat on cushions on the floor. The walls were similarly covered in shreds of material stencilled and painted in red, white and black, threaded with feathers, shells and

bones. There were sounds of wind and percussion and it felt like we had been shipwrecked in a brave new/old world, barely sheltered, like the walls might blow in and we’d be exposed to the elements at any moment.

The ritual continued and the shaman danced, burning incense which she brought close to us one by one, as well as sprinkling us with water. Another surprise came as a second performer emerged from the shadows, cloaked in a similar style to the shaman and the room, a further extension of the environment’s mycelium tendrils. He began playing a hand-operated harmonium and singing as the shaman danced her ritual.

It felt like there was a strong narrative element to the performance, as if we were part of a short film. Though no words were spoken, a story was being told. And perhaps because of the absence of words it had a stronger impact. I could sense the significance of the herbs and incense being burnt. It was self-evident and didn’t need any explanation. It was a time to meditate on the power of reducing things to their substance: a harmonium drone, the human voice singing, the scent of burning wood and leaves, the sensation of water on skin, the intimacy of human touch. A performance like this has the potential to be a mere simulation of meaning, but this felt like the real thing. There was no subtext to this performance that outweighed the immediacy of the experience itself. Time seemed to slow down as each part of the music and dance was allowed to breathe and take shape.

I came out of it feeling soothed in an unexpected way, and speaking to people

Credit © David McHugh

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afterwards, it was clear that everyone else had had a similarly moving experience.

Jim told me that the reactions varied from person to person. He didn’t take part in the actual performances but was there to meet and greet in the foyer of the studio when people come down afterwards, so was able to observe the reactions:

Credit © David Toolan

“It was really unusual to watch them, because pretty much all of the groups came out looking quite elated and sort of grinning, but also really just spaced out, like they were in another place slightly. It’s hard to describe, but they did look like they were in the other world really. Quite a few people mentioned how they felt like they’d been to somewhere ancient or a place that wasn’t of any time or something like that. It did have the effect that I hoped it would. They had quite a spiritual time and some people lost track of time. One person’s friend had died that very day and he said it really helped him. He was able to say some words for his friend whilst he was there.”

In a cultural environment increasingly divorced from the influence of religion, for many, art and music can rush in to fill that spiritual void, and Raising the Spirits is an example of their power. Jim plans to expand and develop the performance in the future, and those who missed out on a ticket to the first two productions will be pleased to learn that there are plans to bring the piece back for the Brighton Fringe 2022 in May.

Photo credit Iloobia

Credit © Iloobia

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ONE WOMAN’S QUEST TO MAKE SELF-CARE SIMPLE When Barbara Rowe went from running a hectic diversity training business to nothing during lockdown, she realised just how burnt out she was. With time to focus more on self-care and think about her future, she decided to set up a new business to make it easier for others to join the burgeoning wellness movement.

“What if there was just one place for consumers like me to go to, with wellbeing products and advice inclusive to our life stage and lifestyle?”

That’s what experienced diversity trainer and lockdown entrepreneur Barbara Rowe thought after recovering from four major operations and successfully losing 11 stone as she began a journey to take better care of herself.

Barbara wanted to improve her health and well-being and so she started weaving more and more self-care practices into her life.

Like many of us, she also began to shop more consciously, as she wanted to care for the planet and not just herself.

However, like many of us, she found the whole process timeconsuming, as she shopped around a whole host of different websites, buying books from one site, skincare from another and meditation tools elsewhere. UK self-care brands just didn’t seem to be set up for her needs. “Too often, self-care is described in overcomplicated or unhelpful ways,” says Barbara, who at 56 struggled to relate to some of the self-care brands that the internet is currently

awash with. These brands were often aimed solely at younger females and were not very inclusive of age and gender.

As there wasn’t anything like what she was looking for, Barbara decided to start a brand herself. Take Good Care, a new wellness and lifestyle brand that aims to simplify self-care, was born. The calming online space is full of tried and tested, high quality items, including natural skincare, exercise essentials, eco-homeware, and fashion, as well as a growing library of carefully curated books and information to aid personal and planetary wellbeing.

Barbara reminds us that making conscious deliberate choices about the way we live and shop has a positive social, environmental, and human impact on the planet. She believes that doing something is better than doing nothing and is constantly striving to improve every part of her supply chain.

Take Good Care makes it easy to polish and pamper your body from head to toe, with a skincare range full of natural scrubs, balms, body butters and serums. You can also buy gift sets for someone special (that includes yourself!). Customers can also feel good about contributing to global tree planting and reforestation efforts, as Barbara donates a percentage of her sales to the non-profit organisation One Tree Planted. Taking good care has never been so simple.

BARBARA’S INDIVIDUAL APPROACH TO SELF-CARE According to Barbara, “self-care can be as simple as focusing on the basics that we tend to neglect when anxiety, stress and exhaustion set in. While there is indeed a wide range of activities, and supporting products and services to use, there is no magic formula. Everyone, and their journey, is individual.”

ONE STEP AT A TIME Barbara advocates taking the wellbeing journey one step at a time. She advises people to ‘start small’ and make use of the free information on the website for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. After reading her blogs, you can try out some of her top tips and favourite products.

Me-time is uncomplicated, beneficial, and free. It includes things as simple as just taking the time to enjoy a shower and our daily cleansing regime. It’s being mindful of what we eat and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and alert. It can also be as simple as opening the post and keeping on top of your admin.

BARBARA’S TOP 10 TRUSTED SELF-CARE TECHNIQUES • • • • • • • • • •

Breathing exercises to calm the mind Keep yourself hydrated and drink water regularly Get adequate rest and sleep Switching to natural and sustainable products to help the planet Soak in a bath with a scented candle in the room.

Taking gentle exercise, such as walking, yoga and pilates Meditating & reciting some positive affirmations Curling up with a self-help book Switch off social media for a while Gratitude – feel good about the small things in life

All these little things add up and help to nourish your body and mind. Taking good care of ourselves not only improves wellbeing and quality of life, but it also puts us in a better position to take good care of others. That’s why Barbara’s self-care motto is:

RELAX RENEW AND THEN RESUME….

Read and shop online at www.takegoodcare.co.uk and follow @takegoodcare.co.uk on Facebook and Instagram.

MEET BRIGHTON CREATIVES:

DEMELZA MATHER

(DRUMMER)

By Lucy Sheehan You’ve met Brighton’s trailblazing actors, singers and artists, forging vibrant careers on the international stage with trademark originality.

In this series, we introduce you to the people who make it all happen, who make Brighton the culturally renowned city it is from behind the camera, in the studio, behind the mixing desk, back in the green room.

In this issue, we’re introducing you to Demelza Mather, a drummer and session artist whose expressive style, magnetic stage presence and passion for her craft has taken her to major festivals, studio sessions and tours, and brought endorsements and film roles. We talked drumming heroes, the pressure on creative professionals to maintain a personal brand, and life as a session artist and mother.

Do you remember drumming?

what

drew

you

to

For me, as it started so early in my life, it was pre consciousness, which I think is a good thing, as the whole learning process has felt pretty organic because of that. The memory that stands out for me is when I was five, collecting some kitchen saucepans and utensils and getting my family to watch the show I would put on for them. Maybe that sounds cheesy but that was it for me – I was hooked.

You currently play in the Wytches, and for ex-Slaves frontman Laurie Vincent’s Larry Pink the Human – with whom you’re soon travelling to Russia! What are highlights of life as a touring player?

Playing the drums every day and feeling more accomplished as the tour goes on from the constant playing; getting to see new places and travel (though you have to make an effort to make sure you look around the city you’re in so you don’t just see the inside of a venue); hanging out with bandmates; McPlants; and rating service stations along the way.

What’s different about being a drummer to other instrumentalists?

I think it is a bigger responsibility to be a drummer in comparison to a guitarist or bassist, for example. If a guitarist misses a note it’s not nearly as noticeable as when a drummer messes up. Of course, I am biassed here – any guitarists and bassists out there may disagree with this statement!

In a practice room, it can feel equally isolating and empowering to be the drummer. Either you aren’t needed at all and it’s all about the other instrumentation or instead the focus is entirely on the drums, whether that’s dynamics, structure or parts.

What’s life like for session musicians at the moment?

I’d be lying if I said these last few years have been easy for session players. That said, 2021 was my busiest year yet and I joined Larry Pink The Human, and through that I got to play some amazing shows and festivals. I have also been on the other side, with tours being cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic and the uncertainty that brings. But on the whole, life as a session musician is pretty good right now, and will only continue to get better as time goes on.

Who are your drumming heroes?

An obvious choice for me is Ringo Starr. The Beatles are my favourite band and though Ringo seems to divide opinions, for me I don’t think the Beatles would have been as successful without him. I like how he is off-kilter, almost imprecise.

The drum patterns he plays often seem random but aren’t at all. It’s simplicity done in an excellent manner, to the point where it becomes the opposite if you try and emulate it.

I also really like Bryan Defendorf from The National. Again, what he is playing isn’t overtly technical – often what he does is repetitive, utilising tom tom and hi hat patterns – but he is effortlessly consistent with it. I tried to channel his energy on an album I made with my first band The Hundredth Anniversary, which helped me so much in the part-making process.

Stella Mogzawa, the drummer in Warpaint has amazing groove and feel and is so creative with her parts. I also really enjoy how she incorporates electronics into her kit. She’s not the first person to do so, but when she does, it overlaps with the acoustic kit brilliantly.

Finally, I have to give a special mention to Keith Moon from The Who. His performance style was totally out there and his spirit behind the drums was completely infectious. I think without him, drummers may have remained in the shadows and not at the forefront of a gig experience.

You recently joined the Premier family – congratulations! How important are endorsements to you, and to artists in general?

Thanks! To me it’s super important to align myself with brands that I love, and not just for the sake of getting cheap or free gear. I have always loved Premier, what they stand for, and some of my favourite drummers aligned themselves with the brand, so for me it was a no-brainer. I would never endorse a product I was not happy to promote, as it would feel really inauthentic to me.

I am currently building up my endorsements, but taking my time so I can be sure I’m with the right companies for me.

In a more general sense, endorsements are becoming commonplace in the digital world. With the evolution of social media, alongside the fact that gear and generally living on this planet has become super expensive, it feels important for artists to have endorsements and partnerships they can rely on.

Following on from that, do you find that increasingly artists like yourself have to promote themselves, almost like a brand?

Absolutely, I think as much as I liked to think this wasn’t the case, it’s a reality these days. Whilst I worried for so long that I didn’t want to ‘sell out’, I realised that actually just posting snippets of my life with my son, and photos, videos and reels of me drumming was enough, as long as I do so consistently. I think actively trying to cultivate a brand or image will never end well for session musicians in particular, but you can absolutely bring people into ‘your world’ whether that is curated or otherwise.

You’re regularly invited to speak on panels about your experience as a woman and mother in the music industry; what are the main insights you’ve gathered from your experiences?

It’s just nice to hear that you aren’t alone! Though becoming a mum in many ways pushed me forwards with my drumming career and gave me more drive than I realised I had, it’s undeniably more difficult in many ways to maintain a career in music. I think the music industry still has a long way to go in achieving equality for mothers in music, and it’s nice to hear other people’s ideas and solutions while striving for this.

What don’t music fans understand or know about drummers and drumming?

Even though we may look fearsome on stage, drummers are sensitive creatures really (usually!).

Tell us your drummer bucket list.

This is something I’ve been considering recently as I’ve actually never had a bucket list, apart from playing Reading Festival, which I have now achieved. It’s not because I’m lacking in ambition, more that I have always been open to the experiences that come my way and didn’t want to feel confined if I didn’t reach certain goals.

However, as my career has progressed I think it could be something to help me focus on what it is I want. So, in no particular order, my ‘long term’ bucket list would be: play Brixton Academy, tour the US and Asia, play Glastonbury main stage, do some masterclasses around the world, record on an album that charts in the top ten, and helps listeners get through tough times in their lives. bn1magazine.co.uk

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SICK JOY

By Lucy Sheehan

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Image credit © Georgia Mallinder bn1magazine.co.uk

Brighton’s Sick Joy are back with a new single, a full UK tour and what’s looking like their biggest year yet. BN1 caught up with singerguitarist Mykl Barton to chat about the new single ‘Belly Aching Beast’, songwriting, releasing music into a saturated online culture, and what really matters as an artist.

Almost out of the blue in February, Sick Joy dropped new single Belly Aching Beast, a visceral, punkcharged banger that whips from brutally unhinged to infectious introspection. It’s a big ‘wake up!’ moment for fans, whose last dose of Sick Joy came in the form of 2019’s intense, slow burning History. As it was for many artists, Covid stood in the way of new releases for two years. Was the intention to return with a bang?

“No,” Mykl says, “Belly Aching Beast was written without any thought during 2020, when everything had gone to shit. I wasn’t worried about it sounding too clever, I was just letting it be whatever the fuck it was, because I didn’t think anyone was ever going to hear it. It was wicked to just sit and go ‘this is literally just for me.’”

As might be expected from its unfettered origins, Belly Aching Beast is explosive – totally honest, completely unrestrained. This isn’t a band just dipping their toes back in. The vocals carry much of the track’s uncompromising flavour, with Mykl urging the listener to “ask yourself, ‘why do I feel like this?’ Don’t just don’t own the feeling. Don’t become sadness… Do the things you want to do. Don’t let fear decide where you’re going and what you can or can’t do.” With lines like ‘I’ve got it all and fucking nothing stops me,’ the song possesses a kind of savage hope.

That energetic, emotionally complex atmosphere is elevated by guest singer Jamie Lenman, whose famously raw vocals swirl across the single. “I’m a big fan of Jamie, his band Reuben and his solo work, so I just thought fuck it, I’ll see if he’ll do it, because I knew he worked with artists that he liked. So he came in for a day and it was rad. He is a big behemoth of a man.

He brought his classic ‘go for it’ attitude, but he was also really sympathetic to the song and respectful of the direction.”

With its reckless pace, Belly Aching Beast is the kind of song that will get an audience throwing themselves around when Sick Joy tour the UK in March. Much loved for their impassioned live show, I ask whether live is where Sick Joy feel most at home?

Mykl answers carefully, “I don’t want to use the lazy analogy of Jekyll and Hyde but…I love being in the studio, building a song up, the writing, constructing every tiny bit of icing. But it’s not very cathartic in the studio. Onstage, I allow myself to do the thing I try not to do in life, which is to become the emotion and really go back to that place and exorcize it. When I see an artist play a song I love live, if it’s bang on, great, but I don’t want to just hear the record, I want to know it could go wrong. If that sound was coming out of my body, I wouldn’t be able to contain it and I wouldn’t hit the right notes, and that’s when I’m going to jump around and my heart’s gonna feel something.

There’s that Beethoven quote ‘To play a wrong note is insignificant, to play without passion is inexcusable.’

I want to share it with people like I fucking mean it.”

A big tour, guest appearances from the likes of Jamie Lenman, all spell a big year for Sick Joy. Keen-eyed fans spotted a post in 2021 showing Sick Joy in the studio apparently recording an album, and signing a deal. Is Belly Aching Beast the start of their debut album campaign? “Yeah, we’re doing it. It’s done.

It’s recorded. It’s mixed and mastered and the test pressings are on their way to my home, as we speak.”

When fans can expect the album is another question.

What does it feel like releasing new music into a landscape that spits out rehashed fashion and culture faster than anyone can keep up with? Many artists have discussed a blinkered approach to music, to avoid worrying whether releases will fit with the current social media zeitgeist. “Sometimes I think, man, am I just hitting my late 20s and going oh, new music sucks. But when I was 19 I was listening to PJ Harvey because I thought the music that was mainstream at that time also sucked. Now there’s this cookie cutter goth thing coming round again, and the people who used to bully me at school for looking like that suddenly think it’s cool and edgy.” There seems to be a scenario in which artists are making something more aesthetic than qualitative. “Like Youngblood and Machine Gun Kelly… It’s so fake and exploitative. If you took away the spotlight and the followers, what do you have left? On the flipside, there’s loads of bands that are fucking great and will be doing it ten albums later without success. They are the David Bowies.”

Unsurprisingly then, Mykl’s focus remains on songwriting. A regular contributor on sessions and signed to Bucks Music as a songwriter – home to catalogues like Black Sabbath and David Bowie – it’s a craft he takes seriously. Is it still difficult and elusive?

“I don’t know if this is me or imposter syndrome speaking, but I don’t think I’ve ever consciously practised writing so much as I’ve just done it a lot.

You have to write lots and lots and lots of bad songs, and every now and then a great one comes through.

The only discipline you need is to make sure you do sit down with a guitar or a drum beat now and then.

And then once you’re in it, you’ve lost six hours. That said, a lot of the writing comes when I’m not even near instruments – a melody gets into my head and then I’m like, fuck, I gotta get home and write this.”

A career in the music industry is, more than ever, an intensely multifaceted one, where artists feel a pressure to produce endless visual content and prove they’re the most exciting thing on the planet.

Increasingly, just releasing music is no longer enough.

Whether out of frustration or in fact just a clear sense of why Sick Joy started in the first place, Mykl’s answer to the ‘career bucket list’ question is a simple one: to just be able to live and work as an artist. “As an aim, it sounds so fucking mundane and bland – to be able to buy my noodles and pay my rent and keep making music. But I think social media culture has told us that everything has to be amazing and fantastic and exciting and super pumped. This has to be the best meal you’ve ever had or the most beautiful place, but I think it tarnishes actual fucking emotion and sentiment behind things. Like a piece of music.”

Whatever Sick Joy have planned this year, you can rely on it being honest. That, and crafted with the attention of people who are doing this for themselves, first and foremost, before any financial implication.

‘You find a way to survive, either way, as an artist. But ‘successful’... as soon as you’ve made something and put it out into the world, you’re successful.’ www.sickjoy.com bn1magazine.co.uk

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BN1 CHATS WITH KAT PENKIN

By Charlie Tomlinson

We caught up with Kat Penkin just before the release of her second EP Checkmate. Released on Feb 11, Checkmate includes singles Love Sex Fame and A Better Time along with four new tracks. We discuss the inspiration behind Love Sex Fame, Kat’s signing to a label last year, the difference between the Australian and UK music scenes and more in this candid interview.

You moved over from Australia in 2018. Were you writing and releasing music while living in Australia, too?

I’ve been writing music since I was about 9 or 10, but my first release didn’t come until Feb 2020 after a couple years of finding my feet in Brighton and, without wanting to sound clichéd, finding my ‘sound’.

I tried to collaborate with producers in Australia, but I had no idea what I wanted to say or sound like and was so insecure about my music, it never worked out.

What inspired the move to the UK? And how did you find adapting to England and the UK music scene?

I just needed to be so far out of my comfort zone that I would really push myself to make music to my full potential. I couldn’t justify being half-way across the world, away from my parents, friends and dogs for something I was half-arsing. I knew if I moved it would force me to work harder, and of course, there’s an amazing music scene. I love that every day I learn about a new artist that inspires me.

I saw that you signed to Ultra last year! How have you found working with the label since? Has it changed your creative process at all?

Signing to Ultra has been an amazing experience. I’ve got a great team around me that supports all my slightly mad ideas and answers my phone calls at 2am. They’ve never asked me to change in any way, which is really special in this industry. I’m just grateful that I still get to be myself and write music I like and care about.

Your track Love Sex Fame came out toward the end of 2021. What’s the inspiration behind the track?

I wrote Love Sex Fame about going out for the first time after a breakup and feeling empowered and beautiful.

My EP Checkmate is all about a lockdown breakup and it takes you through the different stages and emotions, and Love Sex Fame is all about wanting to go out, wanting to meet someone and wanting to never seem them again after.

You released a live version of Love Sex Fame as a South Lanes Session in February; are the guys playing with you there part of a regular band that you often play with?

Yeah, my band consists of Ed Myers who’s my drummer

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and my producer, Luke Tickner who’s my guitarist and co-writer, and we have a few different bassists who sub in and out. Ed, Luke and I have been playing and writing together for about three years now and the bond we have is really special. We’ve grown so much together as people and musicians and it’s really special to be able to share this experience with them.

What’s next for you? Any more releases, gigs, etc. coming up?

We have been working on the second EP for a while now and I can’t wait to start sharing it. The first EP had a lot of neo soul and R&B influences, but the second EP is so fun and has a heavy ’80’s feel. I think it really shows a lot of growth in our writing and production ability!

Kat’s most recent EP Checkmate is out now and you can check out her live performance of Love Sex Fame on the South Lanes Sessions on YouTube.

Photography - @saffyneedham

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BUZZARD BUZZARD Listening to the new album by Cardiff four-piece Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard made me think about the concept of the guilty pleasure and how a song, a band or a sound can make the sudden leap from ironic nostalgia to something relevant and vital. These cycles come and go, the old gets made new then grows old again, buffeted by whatever recontextualisation the current culture demands. Though creativity will always do its own thing, it’s exhilarating to be on the crest of a wave. And I wonder if I’m listening to the sound of the swell of such a wave.

Backhand Deals, out on 23 Feb is bold in its reworking of an era of rock that has perhaps never been this closely referenced since its original incarnation. The songs are intricately crafted in the vein of 1970s pop rock, filtered through a rose-tinted britpop lens. They evoke a glam universe where ‘take it away, everybody, let’s rock!’ – as BBB exclaim on the song New Age Millennial Magic – is an earnest, even profound statement. And with the recent memories of lockdown and still-lingering covid restrictions, the idea of coming together, partying, rocking out has a certain emotional weight, and feels somehow right again.

BBB wear their influences on their sleeves, to the extent that they have a song called John Lennon is My Jesus Christ, which lists the alternate gods they worship.

Along with winks in the direction of other bands like Queen, T Rex, and Electric Light Orchestra, their music is refreshingly playful, full of cheeky 7th chords, minor shifts and bubbly McCartney bass. Building a strong following since their conception in 2017 and earning support slots for prestige acts like Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and the Stereophonics, the band are on the brink of the mainstream. I spoke to guitarist, singer and the group’s main songwriter, Tom Rees about the album and how he’s learning to navigate his way through the music industry.

Your first album is on the verge of release; how long did it take to write and record? What was the process?

I think we started it in late 2019. We had a bunch of songs together, maybe 16 songs, and we brought them to Communion [Records] in early 2020 and got it together. We were like, ‘oh cool. this is our album,’ and then after listening to it, we realised it wasn’t really doing it in the way that we thought it would. Because we’ve got our own studio, if we have an idea then we’ll just record it then and there, which is a great way of working for a number of reasons, but it doesn’t work when you’re trying to make a cohesive piece of work.

So in January or February 2020, I got into our studio and had the month to myself to write, and I collated another collection of maybe 16 or 17 songs that were much more cohesive and thematically consistent. It felt more like an album. We were going to record them in March, but I think it was going to be the week after the lockdown was announced, so we had to take five and we recorded in summertime 2020 when everything opened back up a little bit again.

As the main songwriter, do you write the songs alone and then bring them to the band to finish off?

Absolutely, yeah, kind of in a real Stalinist way: ‘if you oppose me you’ll become a non-person’... I’m not advocating for Stalinism in the wider purview of our existence, but it seems to work in a musical sense. It’s a shame Stalin wasn’t in a band - that’s all I’m saying!

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Your brother Eddie plays bass in the band; does he always have your back or is he the first one to bring up the criticisms that no one else wants to voice?

To be fair, there are very few criticisms and I think we have it pretty easy going. I think we perhaps don’t appreciate sometimes how easygoing we have it.

Maybe it’s just because I rule with such an iron fist that dissent is not even an option! But yeah, it all feels pretty good, so there’s never really an opportunity where he has to have my back, which is a great situation to be in, really.

We have such a deep understanding of one another that there’s no awkwardness in the process of working together, which I really like, because a lot of the times in other bands, when you try to assemble personnel for a band on the basis of what they can play and how well they can play, you tend to overlook a lot of the personal factors that are involved in actually being in a band. So it’s quite nice being with somebody who you’re super close to. It means there’s none of that personal stuff that gets in the way.

You have a big tour coming up in March and April; is it going to be cathartic to get out on the road?

It’s our first headline tour, so for sure, but we’ve been playing a lot so we’ve still managed throughout the pandemic to get our fair share of gigs. We were on a support tour as soon as stuff opened back up. It was with a band called The Blinders... I think ‘cathartic’ is the right word to use. Because you spend a lot of your time trying to get on a label so you can work as a musician, but there are a lot of conditions to that and there are a lot of things that rely on you remaining on that label.

One of those is selling out a tour and doing a good tour, so I think once we’re on it, I’ll be a happy man. But in the run-up, I’m just very panicky about tickets and that sort of thing. I think being a musician and being creative generally involves balancing emotions of deep anxiety and deep excitement. I think sometimes you can confuse them as the same emotion, so I’d say I am in equal parts anxious and excited.

You sound cautiously optimistic.

Yeah, I like to stay optimistically pessimistic, positively pessimistic about the whole thing. I think generally speaking my rule when it comes to the music industry is if you’re a pessimist about everything then everything, any minor detail, is a surprise and it makes you feel good about stuff, because there’s so much that gets talked about. There are label executives, who say, ‘oh, you know, when you play your first TV appearance in America,’ and stuff like that, and you have to just be like, ‘yeah, that’s not gonna happen, none of it is gonna happen.’ So I think that’s the perspective more than anything – to be cautiously optimistic is the vibe for sure.

I’ve just been in bands before that have had so much promise to us and then nothing delivered, which is not really the fault of the industry, it’s almost the fault of the artist in believing them… I feel like you have to have a sense of disbelief about you and constantly take everything with a pinch of salt.

By Thom Punton

BUZZARD

Did those previous bands have a similar kind of style?

No, I was in a band called ‘Tibet’, which was kind of landfill indie, which was fine, and then I was in a band when I was much younger that didn’t really do anything, but we were called ‘Howl’ and it became a metal band really. I mean the Tibet thing was really my first step into the music industry, because we had some minor success. It was just about finding my sea legs on the music industry ship. So it was a great experience to learn about how to be cautiously optimistic.

Was the shift to ‘70s-inspired rock music a conscious decision or did it happen organically?

I think more than anything I was making the conscious decision to make the music that I was making when I was in my last band. When I was making indie music, I was thinking way too much about the music. A lot of the stuff I was writing was just shit indie music. I was writing about loves I’d never had, weird shit, women that I didn’t know, emotions I’d never had, and so the decision to start this band was from a really honest perspective of ‘I just want to write music that I enjoy’and ‘I just want to rip off songs that I love’. And that’s been the vibe ever since.

So you’re very self-aware of borrowing from other bands?

Image credit © Lily Brown

Oh yeah, for sure. I’m not entirely sure music ever comes from that ultra inspired place where somebody just touches the keys and this thing comes out that is completely unique. I feel like there’s another music industry thing where people don’t admit they’re ripping stuff off all the time. I think ripping stuff off is completely fine, because you’re still injecting it with your own level of personality. If I tried to write a jazz song, it would be totally fine for me to be ripping off jazz songs, but it wouldn’t be jazz because I don’t know how to perform in that way or write in that way. I think people don’t really admit that enough. I think it’s kind of a taboo thing to be like, ‘oh, I ripped this off,’ or ‘I just love this so I was just doing this.’ You need to sell a lie that you’re this completely unique person when in actual fact, especially in rock music, there’s nothing unique anymore. Which is totally fine. We all just like rock music. It’s about having a good time. It’s not about creating something that’s so completely unique that people have to reassess their lives creatively.

I feel like the only place where unique music actually exists at the moment is in the grime and rap scene, the drill scene, within communities that are actually disproportionately affected by political decisions and the socio-economic direction of the country. They’re forced into situations where they have to be creatively individualistic. But rock music is a very middle class kind of pastime. Or has become so maybe since the death of the ‘90s. I think Oasis were probably the last band who were a proper working class rock band, who really spoke for people up north. bn1magazine.co.uk

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THE GREAT ESCAPE

THE FESTIVAL FOR NEW MUSIC

11TH - 14TH MAY 2022 - BRIGHTON UK Bringing the very best of new music to Brighton & Hove, The Great Escape is returning to liven up your life this May. The Great Escape is the festival for breakthrough artists, showcasing 500 emerging acts from all over the world at over 30 venues across the city. This is the ultimate place to listen to the stars of tomorrow, discover emerging trends and maybe even find your next musical obsession.

Artists confirmed include Sinead O’Brien, Bad Waitress, Conchúr White, Alice Pisano, Soft Cult, Cv Vision, Eli Smart, Swim School, The Amazons, Ultra Q, Wu-Lu, Yard Act, Sad Boys Club, Sam Ryder, Panic Shack, English Teacher, Grace Cummings, Honeyglaze, Teke Teke, Joy Anonymous, Megan Wyn, Phoebe Green, Kills Birds, Lola Young, Medicine Cabinet, Porches and Rebecca Black, with more being added almost daily…

The Great Escape is also a firm fixture on the music industry calendar, which not only gathers to see the hottest new talent, but benefits from the extensive conference which runs in parallel. This involves insightful panels, topical debates, keynote speeches and numerous networking opportunities. Music business experts CMU will present a number of full-day conference strands at this year’s TGE. MUSIC+DATA will explain the role data plays in getting artists recommended, played and paid through different platforms.

It also looks at the latest trends in social, streaming and ticketing data, and how that impacts on music marketing; and provides a user-friendly and bullshit-free guide to NFTs and the blockchain.

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TGE Elevate, The Great Escape’s professional development programme, also returns. This sees 30 early-career music business professionals – including artists, managers, promoters, and people working at venues and labels – curate an enhanced TGE experience. It will allow participants to grow their personal professional networks, expand their knowledge of the music business, and join the conversation about the future of the industry.

Perhaps the centrepiece for the festival is The Spotlight Show at Brighton Dome.

This event gathers together a trio of acts on the brink of superstardom on Fri 13 May, headlined by Nigerian R&B singersongwriter and producer Tems. She has seen meteoric success since leaving her job in 2018 to release her breakout single, the self-produced Mr Rebel. 2021 saw Tems add her distinct and powerful vocals to the chorus of Wizkid’s hit Essence, which stormed the charts globally and garnered a remix featuring Justin Bieber.

Joining her is rising London rapper and singer ENNY, who is set to become one of the leading voices of the UK scene.

Following the release of debut single He’s Not Into You, and an introduction to Hackney-based collective Root 73, lockdown track Peng Black Girls quickly became a viral sensation.

Completing the line-up is LA trio Gabriels.

Their fusion of 60s R&B, gospel with contemporary electronica has been lauded by fans from Elton John and Annie Mac, sold-out a London residency, and led to an appearance on Later… with Jools Holland before a record deal was even signed.

MUSIC+VIDEO will look at all the latest trends, developments and debates in the sync market, with inputs galore from music supervisors around the world. They will explain how to create great video content which engages influencers and fans alike, putting the spotlight on all the opportunities for artists, labels and promoters within the metaverse.

Making its highly-anticipated return to every music fan’s calendar, following a twoyear hiatus, The Great Escape looks to be bigger and better than ever. The Alternative Escape, the wonderful Spotlight Show, secret gigs, club nights and spontaneous collaborations all add to the festivities, and make this one weekend not to miss. Tickets start from £75 and can be found at:

Speakers already confirmed for the Conference include CMU founder Chris Cooke, Cavendish Music Head of Strategy Joanna Gregory, Wolves Management founder Lauren Roth De Wolf, composer Mark Gordon and BT Sport Head Of Music Pete Kelly.

www.greatescapefestival.com

bn1magazine.co.uk

SINEAD O’BRIEN

GABRIELS

CONCHÚR WHITE ENNY

TEMS

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DON LETTS

– THE REBEL DREAD SHOOT FAST, TALK STRAIGHT AND DON’T HIT THE BYSTANDERS

By Stuart Rolt Don Letts - Credit Raymond Thompson Jr

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“A man can do all things if he will.” This core ideal embodied the basic tenets of Renaissance humanism – a movement casting ‘man’ as a being limitless in his capacity for development, whether it’s knowledge, social and physical accomplishments, or the arts.

“I’ve not thought about anything in my life,” says Don Letts, deftly dismantling my finely-tuned premise with a laugh. “I’ve never had a plan. All I’ve ever done is move towards the things which turn me on, aren’t too hard and I can make a living from. I’m open to what life has to offer. It’s all about taste. And luckily, I’ve got some!” Growing up in ’60s Brixton with hard-working parents, he successfully turned his attentions towards filmmaking, music, broadcasting, writing and even a spot of band management. The thread linking every venture together during this life (he’s vociferously dismissive of the word ‘career’) has been an all-consuming love for music.

Now his exploits are the subject of a new documentary film, which is heading to cinemas and streaming services on Fri 4 March.

Offering a glimpse of a cultural revolution which lies tantalisingly out of reach for the blanket documentation afforded by social media and camera phones, Rebel Dread takes us from the early days of punk up to Letts’s reluctant installation as a bass-loving tastemaker. Featuring a stellar cast of talking heads, including The Clash’s Mick Jones, celebrity chef Andi Oliver and an unexpectedly engaged appearance from John Lydon, it’s a brutally honest work, giving as much attention to his personal failings as the numerous professional triumphs.

It seems Letts is still having some trouble rationalising the veneration. He’s charming, no-nonsense and effortlessly quotable, but arguably a little bemused by this focus on his exploits. “When they came to me, I said, ‘Are you crazy? I’m an interesting dinner guest, but I don’t know about a film…’” Understandably, he’s immensely flattered so many of the people making an impact on his

life were happy to participate. He had no aspirations for the project when signing up – in fact he even had a few reservations.

There’s an adamance that you need to justify any space that you occupy. The film was delayed because of the pandemic and his autobiography There and Black Again was released last year.

Inadvertently, things have overlapped a little. He admits that by drawing attention to himself he might not be fulfilling his own brief.

“I’m not good at talking about what I’ve done, I like to talk about what I’m doing. So, it’s a bit overwhelming, but I’m flattered that anyone gives a shit.” And a lot has happened since the process started. “The world has woken up. Although, I’ve been conscious my whole life. The person I see in the trailer and on the posters… I don’t recognise him. It’s weird and I don’t like having the spotlight on me.” His logic is that if you produce anything of value, others will discuss it for you. Working on the book and film might have led to a realisation his almost hyperactive creativity could stem from a reluctance to deal with himself.

Directed by William E Badgley, Rebel Dread spans a life of forming bonds through music. It unwaveringly looks at his childhood in South London, an environment haunted by racism, police harassment and violence. A segment when he talks about a demonstrable shift in attitudes following Enoch Powell’s notorious ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech is particularly startling. The young Letts would find his voice through music, whether it was the boisterous pop of The Beatles, the boisterous theatrics of The Who or the bass-laden dub reggae emerging from Jamaica. This passion would lead to him DJing at The Roxy, one of the first venues in Britain to play music from an exciting new musical force: punk.

Those nights would see him and his Rasta mates head down to the Covent Garden venue to party with a bunch of kids with

REBEL DREAD Don

Don Letts Filmmaker 1977 CREDIT JANE ASHLEY

Kung Fu and Cake with Andy Warhol, backstage at Shea Stadium 1982. CREDIT BOB GRUEN

REBEL DREAD Don at Shea

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ripped-up shirts and safety pins through their noses. Although it might have seemed like a clash of communities, both groups were young, disaffected and looking for a good time. It was so early in the movement’s lifespan that there weren’t many records by punk bands to play, so sets heavily featured dub and reggae. That simple choice kickstarted a strong resonance still shared by the two genres.

This might have been a pivotal moment for ideals and music, but there wasn’t a realisation that what they were getting up to was in any way extraordinary. “It was just young people trying to express themselves. All this weight and gravitas has come after the fact.

The Roxy was a shithole, which was open for three months. It is only with hindsight that we can look back and say there was a cultural exchange going on.” This might have been a bunch of teenagers who were just trying to get through the day, pay the rent, get laid and have a good time, but they established a shared attitude and spirit. They encouraged each other by understanding and celebrating their differences. Punk lives on, not as some form of misty-eyed nostalgia but as a DIY ethos where ideas and motivation are everything.

When he wasn’t DJing, Letts would be conspicuously filming on his Super-8 camera, an archive which now provides much of Rebel Dread’s contemporary footage. It was around this time that he struck up a friendship with a young and energetic band called The Clash. This would see him filming several promos for them, including the iconic London’s Calling and Rock the Casbah videos.

When guitarist Mick Jones found himself separating from the band, he and Letts embarked on an entirely new, but distinctly familiar musical project.

The first time Letts drifted into my personal cultural experience was during his time as ‘the cool one’ in Big Audio Dynamite. He, Jones, keyboard player Dan Donovan, bassist Leo Williams and drummer Greg Roberts exploited the futuristic promises of technology to build a bridge between numerous subcultures. They still stand as perhaps one of the most undervalued bands in British music, providing a sample-heavy barrage of cinematic guitar hooks, funky bass and hip-hop aesthetics. “I was interviewing Damon Albarn and he told me that BAD was a huge part of what he did. I’d never really joined the dots between us and Gorillaz. We were more cred than bread. I think those who are supposed to know, know.”

Sampling was very much in its infancy, and BAD used it to pull together dialogue from spaghetti westerns and cult British movies to paint a vivid collage of earnest cultural reference points.

Like nearly all his work, Letts says it’s about passing on knowledge and experience. Nothing comes out of a void. He was turned onto the stuff which came before him, then his passion compelled him to sample and reinterpret those influences. “Until people start talking about cultural appropriation… Woah!” He throws his hands up in bemusement. “What are you talking about? We just need to decide for ourselves if it’s cultural appropriation, exploitation or inspiration.

It’s really simple.”

He still finds it difficult to stand still. There are always more projects to develop and more music to explore. A few weeks ago he celebrated his 66th birthday. “Your brain’s saying ‘Ahh! You’re still 25’, and your body is saying ‘don’t be so stupid’. But I’m still above the ground with a foot in the door!” He lives in London and has two teenage girls, so he doesn’t really have the option of sitting back and taking it easy, though it occasionally baffles him when other people talk about retiring or income streams. There’s an understanding he’s lucky to still be doing what he does. “I’m not moaning. And I’m not that much up my arse to ignore what people do to survive on a daily basis. Perhaps I’m just freaking out that I’m getting older. It’s all this growing up stuff. Sometimes you’ve just got to embrace it.”

With a successful slot on BBC 6 Music, instantly recognisable pop videos like Musical Youth’s Pass the Dutchie, The Pretenders’ Back on the Chain Gang and Bob Marley & The Wailers’ One Love, along with books, films and an almost unassailable position as the font of all musical knowledge, I suggest it might be a good time to pause and think about his legacy. “Nonsense. I’ve got an Oyster Card...

I’ve realised my only discernible talent is that I seem to have good

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“I’ve just done shit that I like, and it seems to resonate with people.”

taste. What I do seems to resonate with people… Not necessarily millions, but it gets me through the day and it earns me a crust.”

His recent contribution to the artist-curated compilation series, Late Night Tales, has seen him gravitate back towards music making.

It featured dub-tinged reinterpretations of classic tracks, including Love Will Tear Us apart, Ain’t No Sunshine and White Rabbit. It was working with electronica and worldbeat artist Gaudi on a rebuilding of BAD’s classic E=MC2 that fired up Letts’s imagination. One thing has led to another, and now he’s preparing to release his first solo album later this year.

Joining the pair is super-producer Youth, the former Killing Joke bassist similarly being comfortable sitting between a wide range of musical styles. All three grew up with pop and bass-heavy music, and this aesthetic is central to the new Out Of Sync project. He says he’s genuinely pleased with the undertaking, but the record industry’s relentless need for promotion means this cultural endeavour might need to bow before commercial demands. “I’m beginning to dread this whole treadmill I’m being encouraged to get on. But the Dread stands firm!” Over the last 18 months, the collaboration has encouraged Letts to look at himself and his contributions in a whole new way. “I can’t stand toe to toe with somebody with a guitar. I always felt weak. What Youth made me understand is that what I play is ideas, not instruments. In the equation of making music, my input is invaluable, because there’s a lot of people who are technically brilliant, but their ideas are shit.”

When asked if we’ve lost the type of bands like The Clash, who were overtly political and sought to encourage change through music, Letts says we need to be careful with generalisations. “If you’re wearing £200 sneakers and a carrying a £1000 phone, you’re probably not tuned into the wavelength of the people who made all that stuff and are screaming about it every day.” There’s an abundance of protest music out there, but if you don’t need it, you’re unlikely to move in its orbit. The platforms have changed.

Angry and motivated music isn’t dead, it’s still there. Because it’s a necessity.

Don Letts has never been one to be defined by his colour or what herd he follows. “There weren’t a lot of people in Brixton singing Anarchy In The UK or wearing bondage trousers. All the brothers thought I was mad.” It’s not so much that he’s spent his time bringing people together, but more his constant encouragement to reject strict tribalism. As a 21st century renaissance man, perhaps his kaleidoscopic view of British culture is empowered by being a bit of an outsider. It’s easier to view something objectively if you’re not wholeheartedly involved with it. You can only truly grow or transform when you step outside your comfort zone.

So, does he still consider himself as an outsider? “Come on, mate, get real, I’ve been on the BBC for 15 years,” he says with a chuckle.

“I guess ‘outside’ is a state of mind. Because the truth of the matter is yes, I do. Even with the fact I’m all over the place.” Punk was the product of outcasts. Like-minded people always seem to gravitate towards each other. Which is why places like The Roxy will always be important. They provide an ‘inside’ for outsiders. A space where you can discover connections, think freely and be inspired.

Bringing people together may just be a default of what he does.

Letts swears he’s not on some noble mission to unite the people.

“I’ve just done shit that I like, and it seems to resonate with people.

I know a good bassline when I hear it. And if a white guy plays a wicked guitar line, I’m going to put my hand up and say that’s wicked as well. Out of this honesty comes a new creativity.”

Rebel Dread comes to UK cinemas, Bohemia Euphoria and other streaming platforms, on Fri 4 March 2022 www.rebeldread.com REBEL DREAD Don on a bike

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brighton & hove Culture Picks

TUCKED BOTTOMLESS DRAG BRUNCH 05 Mar The Regency Tavern, Brighton

C-BASS - LAUNCH PARTY 05 Mar The Volks, Brighton

THE GUILTY FEMINIST LIVE 05 Mar Brighton Dome Concert Hall

The legendary Regency invites you for three hours of food, laughter, bottomless booze and sensational drag. As seen at Wikiwoo, STK and Pikes in Ibiza, the sunshine is coming to Brighton, along with some fabulous music from the 70s, 80s & 90s.

Fresh from winning triple world championship at the DMC, JFB’s back with new clubbing brand. It features an all-star line up, including Dub Pistols (Dj Set), A.Skillz JFB, Nicky BlackMarket b2b Millz, Room Two Hosted by Break The Mould and loads more!

From podcast to global phenomenon, The Guilty Feminist is part comedy, part deep-dive discussion, and part activism. Expect a variety of world-class stand-up comics and some local guests for deep lively conversations - plus a musical act to have audiences singing in the aisles.

KERRY GODLIMAN 08 Mar Komedia, Brighton

9-10 HANNAH GADSBY Mar Brighton Dome Concert Hall

THE WEATHER STATION 15 Mar Komedia, Brighton

As seen on Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, Taskmaster, and After Life, Kerry’s bosh-like nature will never let her rest. Well, that and a needy cat, a disappointing camper van, ever-raging feelings of mum guilt and bewilderment at the phasing out of thimbles. All will be explained.

After recording a hugely successful Netflix special, 2020 saw this world class, award winning funny person bunkering down in her native Australia sheltering from the pandemic and pondering what was next. Now that ponder has become a brandnew live show, Body of Work.

Emerging out of Toronto’s vibrant folk scene, The Weather Station’s expansive catalogue has continued to grow. Now her latest album is the most ‘hi-fi’ record she’s produced so far, breaking into pure pop at moments, all while remaining more urgent than ever.

16-17 JOHN BISHOP

Mar Brighton Centre

18-19 TWO WAY MIRROR Mar Lantern Theatre, Brighton

19 Mar

Comedy superstar, broadcaster and occasional Dr Who companion, John Bishop brings his highly anticipated brand-new stand-up show – Right Here, Right Now to Brighton. This earnest everyman remains one of the biggest and best names on the circuit, delighting audiences with a keen observations and few tall tales.

A double bill of short plays by Arthur Miller for two actors. We look at relationships, reality and how we interact and view one another.

Both works are witty, fast-paced, war and slightly dark. It’s regarded as Miller’s only artistic exploration of his failed marriage to Marilyn Monroe.

Whether on the deck of luxury liner H.M.S. Fever or in the club class cocktail lounge waiting to board your luxury jet –there’s only one destination worth booking. So, dig out those fancy frocks and dust down those stylish suits, they’re making up for lost time, lost partying, and lost dancing.

19 Mar - THE REGENCY WARDROBE 11 sept Royal Pavilion, Brighton

SPELLBOUND 19 Mar Komedia, Brighton

TOMMY TIERNAN 19 Mar Komedia, Brighton

Using only paper and thread, artist Stephanie Smart has created arrange of costumes inspired by Regency history -telling stories of seafront promenading, grand balls and musical evenings. This collection of imagined garments, including ball gowns, walking dresses, parasols and bags, brings life to the beautiful rooms of the Royal Pavilion.

The 80s night for people who hate 80s nights. If you expect kitsch and cheese, look elsewhere.

This is where the good stuff from music’s greatest-ever era lives, from Tubeway Army on Top Of The Pops to Live Aid. Watch out for the underpants…

Tiernan’s new show, Tomfoolery, offers an exhilarating mix of highly personal and flamboyant storytelling. Renowned for his no holds barred approach to the art of stand-up, this promises to be a delightful trip through the mouth and mind of one the worlds most respected comic performers.

20-21 DITA VON TEESE

21-26 AN HOUR AND A HALF LATE

25 Mar

The ever-dazzling International Queen of Burlesque, Dita Von Teese, returns with an even more lavish burlesque show.

Glamonatrix takes audiences on a stunning visual journey, packed with extravagant new production numbers from Dita and the cast, with costumes crafted by the world’s most imaginative designers.

Griff Rhys Jones and Janie Dee star in this devastatingly funny portrait of a complicated couple. Home is a luxury apartment. Their third child has finally moved out and they have plenty of money. Then, a candid conversation launches an outpouring of emotions, home truths, wine, nibbles and anarchy.

Born in the northern German seaport of Kiel, Schnauss’ musical output began under the pseudonyms of View to the Future and Ethereal 77. Since then, he’s become a member of Tangerine Dream and honed his unique brand of ethereal electro to the point of perfection.

27 PICTISH TRAIL Mar The Hope & Ruin

29 Mar - STOMP 01 May The Old Market, Hove

JOAN AS POLICE WOMAN 30 Mar St. George’s Church, Brighton

Throughout his career Johnny Lynch has resolutely furrowed his own path, steadily creating a unique catalogue of recordings and performances through his own labels.

Eschewing the blueprint of the predictable singer-songwriter, he offers music which is infectious, unique and untidily intriguing.

The internationally-acclaimed, multi-awardwinning percussive phenomenon STOMP is coming home. They’re returning to Brighton & Hove, the city where it all began, for a limited run of shows to raise funds for TOM. This is a unique chance to catch this awe-inspiring show up close and personal.

The coolest woman in pop, Joan Wasser has spent lockdown making and releasing music - including her second album of covers and a live album. She also appeared on the Afel Bocoum album Lindé (World Circuit) and wrote and recorded for Gorillaz recent Song Machine album.

Mar

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Brighton Dome Concert Hall

bn1magazine.co.uk

Mar

Theatre Royal Brighton

CABIN FEVER

Brighton Centre

ULRICH SCHNAUSS St. Luke’s Church, Brighton

31 Mar

ALABAMA 3 Concorde2 Brighton

The biggest party in town is back. This much-loved British act offer a heady mix of rock, electronica, blues, country and spoken word. Founded in Brixton, they remain one of the most joyous, righteous, provocative and inspirationally delinquent bands Britain has ever spawned.

Now they’re all set to further add to their rich musical heritage with a new single Whacked which is dropping at the end of via Submarine Cat Records, with an album to follow later in August. It will be the first taste of fresh Alabama 3 material since the tragic passing of their beloved and unconventional frontman and songwriter Jake Black, aka The Very Reverend D. Wayne Love, in May of 2019. The spiritual sons of underground acid house parties crossed with the mischievous miscegenation of Hank Williams, gospel, they remain one of the most compelling and unpredictable bands around today.

DESTROY BOYS 8 Mar Green Door Store, Brighton

CHUBBY AND THE GANG 29 Mar CHALK, Brighton

The awesome Destroy Boys released their third LP, the Will Yip produced Open Mouth, Open Heart, last year. It was preceded by a series of singles which exploded with aggression and energy, and were full of reallife experiences. The band also featured in 2020’s Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 game.

Now they head out on a headline tour.

The punk pin-ups prepare for a string of big shows with THE CHATS this month. This West London five-piece have also just shared an enthralling new EP, Labour Of Love. It’s an unrelentingly fun mix of rock, pub rock, doo wop, and blues, cementing them as leaders in the new wave of British Hardcore.

BLAIR DUNLOP 26 Mar Folklore Rooms, Brighton

THE WOODENTOPS 16 Mar Komedia Studio

One of the UK’s finest songwriters heads out on tour. With his debut album, Blight & Blossom, winning the coveted Horizon Award at the 2013 Radio 2 Folk Awards, Dunlop has never looked back. Intimate venues have been selected to allow the simplicity and sincerity of his performances to connect with audiences, in the way that only he can.

The seminal 80s indie band head out to celebrate their classic Wooden Foot Cops On The Highway album. These unlikely Balearic cheerleaders produced one of the first turntable rock dance anthems with Why Why Why, and helped influence a whole generation by bringing back the sounds and attitude they found in in Ibiza’s nascent clubbing scene.

The Woodentops

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London Culture Picks

04 Mar

In affiliation with Roundhouse Rising Festival, Roundhouse Rising Presents is a series of music gigs showcasing hot and breaking artists.

This event features XL Life, Clwb Fuss, Tara Bandito and Yazmean. With a blitz of shows by artists of all sorts welcome new music lovers to discover the freshest emerging talents in our studio space.

The legendary Mr Scruff returns to a krankbrother party in style with a whole host of friends…

A massive get together! Manchester meets London at this 6 hour session featuring Tarzsa, Children of Zeus, Mr. Scruff, Steam Down & MC Kwasi.

05 THE HOUSE & GARAGE ORCHESTRA 07 Mar O2 Academy Brixton Mar The House & Garage Orchestra has breathed new life into some of the most iconic house and garage tracks in history. The orchestra will perform timeless songs as part of a live show which has already taken the UK by storm.

11 Mar

THE CRIBS Roundhouse

The Cribs mark their return to music with a national tour in support of their recently announced eighth album, Night Network.

Self-produced at the Foo Fighters Studio 606 in Los Angeles, the album is the band’s first release since 2017’s 24/7 Rockstar Shit.

15 Mar

FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Funeral For A Friend return to perform tracks from their first three acclaimed albums, Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation, Hours and Tales Don’t Tell Themselves. This show was rescheduled from May 2021 and January 2022. Tickets for these shows will still be valid.

25 Mar

FUTURE ISLANDS Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace is delighted to welcome Future Islands in March 2022!

Future Islands are a band whose brilliance was always hiding in plain sight. Always leaving, never arriving, the horizon an impossible destination to be chased but never caught.

30 Mar

ROYAL BLOOD The O2

Ahead of their new album ‘Typhoons’ being released next Friday, Royal Blood have today announced their biggest headline show to date at The O2 on Wednesday 30 March 2022.

They will be joined by special guests The Amazons in support.

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MR SCRUFF AND FRIENDS Roundhouse

02 ROUNDHOUSE RISING X HORIZONS PRESENTS Mar Roundhouse

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THE JUNGLE GIANTS O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Brisbane outfit The Jungle Giants are back with their fourth studio album Love Signs, featuring their trademark alternative dance-pop hooks that veer from dissonant to euphoric.

Joining the band on the road with be special guests the Bag Raiders, bringing a DJ set designed to get the party started.

12 Mar

PALAYE ROYALE Roundhouse

Canadian fashion-rock trio Palaye Royale is a shot of adrenaline into the modern musical landscape. Summoning a thrilling spirit, with throwback sonic crunch, visual flair, and reckless live performances, Palaye Royale has quickly earned a legion of obsessive cult-like loyalists, lovingly dubbed ‘Soldiers of the Royal Council’.

18 Mar

THE DEAD SOUTH O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

The self-styled folk and bluegrass Canadian musical ensemble are a two-time JUNO awardwinning string four-piece, with incredible instrumentation and vocals. This show has been rescheduled from March 2021, tickets for the original show will still be valid.

25 Mar

OCEAN ALLEY Roundhouse

Infectious melodies and psychedelic surfrock take over in March 2022 as Ocean Alley perform at the Roundhouse for the first time!

Australia’s beloved psychedelic-surf-rockers, Ocean Alley have spent the past decade creating a unique lane for themselves as a proudly independent band.

30 Mar

SLOWTHAI O2 Academy Brixton

slowthai has cemented his path for being one of Britain’s most revered and loved alternative rappers. He topped the UK album charts and the UK vinyl charts with his second album TYRON, selling more than double the units of his critically acclaimed debut album, Nothing Great About Britain.

04 Mar

THE LUMINEERS The O2

The Lumineers have announced a new headline show at The O2 on Friday 4 March 2022. The band have also announced the release of a live EP recorded on the last night of their tour before pausing for lockdown, titled Live From The Last Night Of Tour.

08 Mar

PROFESSOR GREEN O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Firmly established as one of the crossover superstars of British music, Hackney born MC turned host and mental health activist Professor Green celebrates ten years since the release of his career-defining, second studio album, At Your Inconvenience.

12 - 13 Mar

CRAFTERAMA Alexandra Palace

Art stamps, mixed media, art journalling, die cutting, decoupage, beading, resin art, needle felting and so much more to see, learn and buy.

Watch demonstrations, join a Make & Take and enjoy a great weekend of crafting and creativity.

19 Mar

ADAM ANT

Roundhouse

Pop icon Adam Ant is coming to Roundhouse for his UK tour ‘Antics’, with a set list that promises to get everyone on their feet.

Adam Ant will be performing his classic chart-topping singles to thrill live audiences.

Support by Laurie Black.

26 Mar

JOSH WIDDICOMBE - BIT MUCH

The London Palladium

A show that will change your life and how you perceive your place in the world. Bit much?

Fine, it’ll be a very funny night of grumbles and jokes in which Josh Widdicombe will finally tackle the hottest comedy topics

31 Mar - 7 May

KATHERINE RYAN: MISSUS The London Palladium

Katherine Ryan makes a hugely welcome return to the stage with her brand-new live show, Missus. Having previously denounced partnership, Katherine has since married her first love, accidentally. We can look forward to hearing Katherine Ryan’s hilarious new perspectives on life, love, and what it means to be Missus.

27 - 29 STORMZY The O2 Mar Since the release of acclaimed debut Gang Signs & Prayer dubbed one of the most influential UK rap projects of all time, and his critically lauded second album Heavy Is The Head, Stormzy has become solidified as a global icon. “H.I.T.H” almost 2 years on from its release has only matured with time, and symbolises the evolution of the Croydon MC and his meteoric rise to rap supremacy.

In the live sphere, Stormzy continued to grace the festival stages this summer headlining at Reading and Leeds - after breaking records back in 2019 when he became the first British Rapper to headline Glastonbury Festival. A showman like no other, his remarkable ascent has been accompanied by his honest and relatable character. Known for evolving the underground musical landscape, as well as being a perennial political agitator, Stormzy is a true spokesman of black empowerment and social activism.

05 Mar

Big Thief - by Alexa Viscuis

BIG THIEF O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Big Thief make a welcome return to the UK, fresh from releasing their 2021 EP Live at the Bunker Studio, culled from 2019’s widely praised Two Hands and U.F.O.F., additionally including Black Diamonds from their earlier album, Capacity. With four critically acclaimed releases to date, Big Thief concerts have long been raved about for their unique, magical chemistry and magnetic performances.

25 Mar

SKUNK ANANSIE O2 Academy Brixton

After releasing new music and celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2019 with the release of the 25Live@25, Skunk Anansie are rightly acclaimed as one of the greatest British rock bands of all time, while Skin herself has become one of the world’s most iconic female performers, as well as inspirational role model, activist, trailblazer for women in the music industry, model and muse for designers.

Stormzy by Henry J Kamara

19 Mar

REGINALD D HUNTER: BOMBE SHUFFLEUR

Alexandra Palace

Welcome to the world of the Bombe Shuffleur.

Reginald D Hunter is back with a brandnew show, and there’s no time for niceties.

Unafraid to tackle head on the subjects the rest of us skirt around, Reginald is the voice of his generation – searingly honest, brutally funny and uniquely placed to commentate on the unfolding meltdown of life as we know it.

05 Mar

MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES… WITH LONDON CONCERTANTE

Alexandra Palace

Join world-renowned London Concertante as they bring us on a stunning red carpet ride of iconic movie soundtracks. From aliens and spies to dinosaurs and war heroes – this evening promises to be an exciting exploration of the power of film music, packed with all of your family favourites made famous

by Hollywood!

London Concertante bn1magazine.co.uk

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lewes and eastbourne Culture Picks THE MIRACULOUS MIS-ADVENTURES OF

03-05 ROBIN HOOD COMPLETION 001 04 Mar Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne Mar Zu Café, Lewes

EASTBOURNE HALF MARATHON 05 Mar Royal Parade, Eastbourne

Five actors, with all manner of musical instruments, struggle to remember Britain’s best-known folktale. Prepare for a riotous adventure fit for all the family, as The Fools offer up wildly-inventive story-telling, fast-paced drama, a host of musical instruments and many a quick costume change along the way…

Runners of all abilities will be gathering to take oner of the first big events in the Sussex sports calendar. Everything race starts in Princes Park and mostly follows the promenade towards Beachy Head, where this epic course loops back to Sovereign Harbour.

It’s the first night for this showcase of local and new talent, offering live electronica and AV/VJ visual shows. Tonight, we get wonders from Lewes’ own Elsa Hewitt, media artist, designer, and technologist AUTR, Brightonbased Manaca (Barnaby Thorn) and Peter Eyres with visuals.

07-12 AN HOUR AND A HALF LATE LET’S GET FUNKED 12 Mar Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne Mar All Saints Centre, Lewes

STARGAZING 12 Mar Beachy Head Countryside Centre

Olivier Award winners Griff Rhys Jones and Janie Dee star in this devastatingly funny portrait of a couple whose five minutes of candid conversation launches an outpouring of emotions, home truths, wine, nibbles and anarchy. They’re off for a celebratory dinner when Laura drops a bombshell.

Get your bounciest shoes on and let’s have a party! Funk, soul and reggae music for grownup and sophisticated music lovers who like to dance early. There’s also a half price bar before 8.30pm, Loads of party visuals and great vibe!

Eastbourne Astronomical Society, in collaboration with Eastbourne Borough Council offer up an exciting astronomy events at one of the county’s most stunning beauty spots. Explore the skies using the ESA’s telescopes, and maybe catch a glimpse of the universe’s wonders.

LET’S DANCE 14 Mar Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

15-19 FRANKENSTEIN Mar Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

The Sussex Concert Orchestra welcome guest soloist Siena Barr, as they return to live performances after some time away.

The delightful programme includes Rossini’s Barber of Seville Overture, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A, K622 and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 in Bb, Op. 60

Schools from across Eastbourne and East Sussex come together for a fun-filled evening of dance hosted by South Downs Learning Trust and the Let’s Dance Trust. All abilities, all styles, all action from young people aged 5-16 years in this wonderful celebration of dance.

Victor Frankenstein obsesses in the pursuit of nature’s secret, the elixir of life itself. But nothing can prepare him for what he creates. It begins a gripping adventure taking him to the ends of the earth and beyond, in this revival of Blackeyed Theatre’s 2016 production.

JASPER CARROTT’S STAND UP AND ROCK 17 Mar Eastbourne

JAZZ AND BLUES JAM NIGHT 17 Mar The Stage Door, Eastbourne

BETTE AND JOAN 18 Mar The Grove Theatre, Eastbourne

Time to get the legendary Carrott back where he belongs – up front and centre stage.

Jasper is joined by his mate, the thunderous rock legend Bev Bevan (founding member of Electric Light Orchestra and The Move), who brings his stunning band…

This much-loved local pub continues their fantastic monthly jazz sessions. Once again, proceedings are hosted by Duncan & Roger, with plenty of standards, several delights and a few surprises. Book a table early to avoid being disappointed.

This Anton Burge play, directed by Martin Borley-Cox, asks what happens when the fame starts to fade? We join two of Hollywood’s biggest starlets on the set of their new film.

But can they put their differences aside for the sake of the picture?

CIRCUS OF HORRORS 18 Mar Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne

80S BINGO BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH 19 Mar Dr Jekyll’s, Hastings

23-26 MURDER MISTAKEN

This sensational new show encompasses amazing and bizarre Circus acts, an original Rock score, a sinister story of witchcraft, the darkest of magic. With an ability to re-invent itself time and time again, Circus of Horrors has taken the extreme to the mainstream and become a household name.

Grab your shades and ease yourself into your neon dayglow before you tuck into this tasty brunch and bottomless drinks hour. With plenty of prizes and surprises, this is a dabbers delight - the comedy host whipping up a storm with their witty bingo calls and impromptu tableside performances.

Ringmer Dramatic Society present a crime thriller by Janet Green. Businessman Edward Bare is married to a rich older woman and looks forward to inheriting her wealth when she dies.

Unfortunately, when she does die, it does not work out as he had hoped.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY 24 Mar Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

SOUTH COAST SOUL REVUE 25 Mar Lewes Con Club

29 Mar-

This show has grown into a must see attraction all over the UK, coming up with a new production from its multi-talented cast every year. Unashamedly nostalgic, TBTD takes its audience on a feel-good rollercoaster ride through the golden age of rock & roll and pop.

Get ready to party! South Coast Soul Revue are coming to the legendary Con Club. Expect two hours of hi energy, classic & contemporary soul ‘n’ funk. Horny horns, a pulsating rhythm section, and two outstanding vocalists guarantee an authentic soul experience.

Since its premiere, 25 years ago, this has become the most successful touring production in entertainment history. The beloved Irish dance show transcends culture and language, soaring into the soul on astounding aerial moves, unparalleled precision dancing and state-of-the art theatrical effects.

13 Mar

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CLASSICAL SPRING

St Matthew’s Church, St Leonards

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Mar

03 Apr

Ringmer Village Hall

LORD OF THE DANCE Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

25-26 ROMESH RANGANATHAN Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Mar Fresh from the Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, A League Of Their Own, Judge Romesh and too many other TV spots to mention (has he enough for his own channel yet?), Romesh is bringing his brilliant The Cynics Mixtape show to Eastbourne. His most brutally honest show yet, it delivers a carefully curated selection of all the things he has found unacceptable since the last tour.

He’s been obsessed by quite a few things recently, including why trying to save the environment is a scam, why none of us are truly free, and his suspicion that his wife is using gluten intolerance to avoid sleeping with him. The world is a profoundly bewildering place for him, and he’s also a little bemused by his position as this year’s hottest comedian. But, with a little trademark cynicism and a few smart gags, the boy from Crawley is going to smash it.

01-12 MAMMA MIA Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Mar

LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 13 Mar Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

It’s time to feel good. The world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical tells a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.

Conductor Holly Mathieson leads us on a captivating journey through Williams’ Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Rhymes, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1 (Winter Daydreams). Joining is 2014’s BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2014, Martin James Bartlett, who has established himself as one of the most imaginative and brilliant pianists of his generation.

16-17

OSKA BRIGHT Mar The Depot, Lewes

24-27

Celebrating their 10th Birthday, Oska Bright brings a selection of bold, brilliant and boundary breaking films from all over the globe. Putting people with learning disabilities, autism or Aspergers on the big screen, they bring a compelling season of work to Lewes.

Examining family lives, love stories and our secrets, these are voices you might not have heard before

Joe Spud is the richest boy in the country! He has his own sports car, crocodiles as pets and £100,000 a week pocket money! But he feels lonely, so leaves his posh school and starts at the local comp. But things don’t go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find what money can’t buy!

BILLIONAIRE BOY Mar Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

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Shoreham, worthing, chichester Culture Picks POETRY & SPOKEN WORD OPEN-MIC 02 Mar Wagtail Coffee & Yoga

03 MARY ROSE Mar Connaught Theatre

FASCINATING AÏDE 05 Mar Assembly Hall, Worthing

Join us for our regular in-person OpenMic event at Wagtail Coffee and Yoga in Chichester, West Sussex. Come along and read some of your own poetry, a published poem or even read some prose. Wagtail serve excellent coffee and there is also organic and vegan beer and wine available.

Mary Rose, spanning a period of over 30 years, will leave you spellbound by its mystical nature and moved by its deepest yearnings to be reunited with the ones we love, and offering a message of hope.

Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson and Liza Pulman are heading out on tour. With a selection of old favourites, songs you haven’t heard before and some you wish you’d never heard in the first place! The songs are hilarious and topical – the glamour is unstoppable.

05 SIMPLY DAN Mar Ropetackle Centre

PETER DOGGETT : GROWING UP 07 Mar Morisot Arts Hub

08 FIZZ & FEMINISM: #BREAKTHEBIAS Mar Minerva Bar and Grill

With many of their members working as session musicians in London and the south east and performing with a diverse mix of artists nationally and worldwide, Simply Dan are an incredible band who faithfully capture the sound of Steely Dan.

Peter Doggett, acclaimed author, talks about his new book: Growing Up With his latest book, Growing Up: Sex in the Sixties (The Bodley Head), Peter Doggett takes a quizzical and critical look at the decade that has preoccupied much of his life as a professional writer.

Following a year of successful Fizz & Feminism events, we are hosting an International Women’s Day panel on this year’s theme #BreakTheBias. A panel of incredible women from Sussex and Hampshire to discuss their lives, careers and the biases they’re breaking every day.

11 Mar

LONDON CONCERTANTE 12 Mar Chichester Cathedral

13 SOUL II SOUL Mar Pavillion Theatre

Drawing upon a dazzling myriad of influences from traditional jigs and reels through jazz, hip hop, reggae and more, the Peatbog Faeries take traditional Scottish music and bring it fresh-faced and breathless into the 21st century.

Join world-renowned London Concertante as they bring us on a stunning red-carpet ride of iconic movie soundtracks. From aliens and spies to dinosaurs and war heroes – this evening promises to be exciting exploration of the power of film music

Iconic British Soul Band paying tribute to their legendary debut Club Classics Vol 1.

Following the success of their shows in 2018, iconic British band Soul II Soul will take their acclaimed Club Classics tour back on the road in 2021.

MY DARLING CLEMENTINE 17 Mar Ropetackle Centre

18 DAMIAN CLARKE: MUSIC AND ART LIVE! Mar Morisot Arts Hub

JO WILEY’S 90S ANTHEMS 18 Mar Assembly Hall, Worthing

PEATBOG FAERIES Ropetackle Centre

We are thrilled to welcome My Darling Clementine as they continue to tour in support of their most recent, critically acclaimed release: Country Darkness – The Songs of Elvis Costello. The album is a collaboration between Michael and Lou, and the brilliant Steve Nieve.

Damian is a visual artist and musician playing on and singing with the Hammer |Dulcimer and the Hurdy Gurdy. He will be exhibiting a selection of his paintings and banners at the Morisot Gallery in Chichester and performing music in the gallery.

BARNSTORMERS COMEDY CLUB 19 Mar Ropetackle Centre

23 Mar

Enjoy unbeatable stand-up comedy on the 3rd Saturday of every month from some of the biggest names on the UK comedy circuit (and beyond.) With three different acts a month alongside a top MC, this is Saturday night entertainment at its finest.

Tracing the Fab Four’s journey through the swinging 60s, every tiny detail is forensically observed. With a little help from their own orchestral ensemble, and featuring a special set of songs from the Let It Be LP, this show is an absolute must-see for Beatle-maniacs of all ages.

25 Mar

26 Mar

CFT LATES: THE BACKROOM GIGS

Minerva Bar and Grill

For the first event in 2022, Dutch Criminal Record are supported by Finnian James with an opening set from Ovation Music for a night of original live music, hosted by The Backroom Chichester.

It’s loud, it’s fun and it’s a little bit different.

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THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Pavillion Theatre

LEVEL 1 Open Air Cinema Night

You will be seated under our winter canopy and provided heated seat cushions, hot water bottles and cosy blankets to keep you toasty whilst you enjoy the film. There will also be food & drink specials and tasty deals to keep in theme with a classic outdoor cinema.

Jo Wiley brings you all the best tracks from the greatest decade for music. Think Blur vs Oasis, Fatboy Slim, Primal Scream, The Verve, The Chemical Brothers, Faithless, The Prodigy and a whole lot more.

24 AIDEN GOATLEY: TENACIOUS Mar Pavillion Theatre

Feel-good comedian Aidan Goatley returns with his new show -TENACIOUS Including the worst job interview ever and the most horrific gig in the world, comedian Aidan Goatley (as seen on BBC1 and at The Hammersmith Apollo) guides us through the staggering tales that led to his dreams coming true.

30 NOBODY Mar Connaught Theatre Hugely acclaimed Motionhouse return to Worthing with a DANCE-CIRCUS ADVENTURE! Fast-moving and highly physical, Nobody explores the tension between our inner lives and how we make sense of the world around us.Motionhouse’s renowned dance-circus style tells this emotional and ultimately uplifting story, full of twists and turns.

REGINALD D HUNTER: BOMBE SHUFFLEUR 02 Mar Pavillion Theatre Climate change. Mass unemployment. Economic pandemics. The rise of global fascism. So what the could this man POSSIBLY say to upset you?

Welcome to the world of the Bombe Shuffleur.

Reginald D Hunter is back with a brand-new show, and there’s no time for niceties. Unafraid to tackle head on the subjects the rest of us skirt around, Reginald is the voice of his generation – honest, funny and uniquely placed to commentate on the unfolding meltdown of life as we know it.

More than 20 years since moving to the UK from the US, three-time Perrier Award nominated Reginald has forged a reputation for delivering unadulterated comedy of the highest order. His TV appearances include Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News for You and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, whilst he drew widespread acclaim for his two series for the BBC, Reginald D Hunter’s Songs of the South and Reginald D Hunter’s Songs of the Border.

SOUTH COAST SOUL REVUE’S SPRING SOUL ‘N ‘FUNK! Ropetackle Centre

01-05 PRIVATE PEACEFUL Mar Festival Theatre

04 Mar

The Peaceful brothers, Tommo and Charlie, have a tough rural childhood facing the loss of their father, financial hardship and a cruel landlord. Set against the epic backdrop of WW1, we join 18-year-old Private Tommo Peaceful in the trenches as he takes us on a journey through his most cherished memories and tells his story of courage, devotion, family and friendship.

South Coast Soul Revue playing Ropetackle is a sure sign that spring is approaching – so get ready to party, Shoreham!

South Coast Soul Revue brings you classic and contemporary tracks and we guarantee you’ll be dancing your socks off to their super tight guitars, drums, bass, full horn section and keys; all fronted by outstanding male and female vocals…

THE HIDDEN PEOPLE 12 Mar Pavillion Theatre

KATHERINE RYAN: MISSUS 10 Mar Assembly Hall, Worthing

A collaboration between Hikapee and Icelandic based company ‘Huldufugl’ the show uses aerial circus & creative technology, to explore the Icelandic folklore of the huldufolk (hidden people). The Hidden People tells the story of a female architect who’s faced with the controversial task of building a hydroelectric dam in the Icelandic highlands. Under extreme pressure, she starts sensing a presence of something, or someone around her.

Comedian and TV’s Katherine Ryan makes a hugely welcome return to the stage with her brand-new live show, Missus. Having previously denounced partnership, Katherine has since married her first love, accidentally.

A lot has changed for everyone and we can look forward to hearing Katherine Ryan’s hilarious new perspectives on life, love, and what it means to be Missus.

KATHERINE RYAN: MISSUS bn1magazine.co.uk

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mid sussex Culture picks

JAZZ CLUB 02 Mar Horsham Sports Club

WALK LIKE A MAN 03 Mar The Hawth, Crawley

AN EVENING WITH DEBBIE DEAN 03 Mar The Shelley Arms, Horsham

The mighty Fred Woods Big Band take to the stage. Playing across Sussex for over 35 years, this fab combo offers up classics from Duke Ellington, Count Besie, John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie. It’s free entry for members, but guests/non-members are welcome.

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Four Seasons, we head back to 1962. Four guys are barely scraping a living, singing doowop beneath the streetlamps of the tough New Jersey streets. The quartet had just recorded a song which is about to change their lives. . .

With over 30 years’ experience, Debbie Dean is well known not only for her clear readings but also for drawings of what she can see too.

Not everyone will get a message from Debbie, but this will be a lovely evening to listen to her and other peoples stories

90S HOUSE PARTY 05 Mar The Olive Branch, Horsham

09-12 DON’T GET YOUR VICARS IN A TWIST

10 Mar

Break out the white gloves and glowsticks, as we head back to the third Summer of Love. DJ Gordon Skeggs revisits a range of classic 90s tunes and absolute bangers. “I’ve got 73 quid in my back-burner – I’m gonna wax the lot, man. The MILKY BARS ARE ON ME! Yeah!”

Director Janine Robins offers up a fast-paced farce, which is hilarious from start to finish. Will the Vicar find out what’s going on? Will the real Bishop stand up? Will George ever be able to pay for his daughter’s Wedding? You can bet none of it will be simple!

One of Europe’s most in demand dance companies presents The Four Seasons. This is a production of immense physicality, driving energy and sweeping beauty. Abstract, yet honestly human choreography relates each of the seasons to the four stages of the universe, creating a kaleidoscopic visual feast.

TOM HOUGHTON 11 Mar The Hawth, Crawley

HORSHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 12 Mar The Capitol, Horsham

HOPE AND RUIN 12 Mar The Jolly Tanners, Staplefield

Storming the comedy circuit with hilarious stories and sharp-eyed silver spoon observations, Houghton grew up with a Dad was the Chief of Defence Staff, lived in the Tower of London and attended an all-boys boarding school. Every tale will fascinate, make you think and have you laughing.

Horsham Symphony Orchestra 50th anniversary season continues with a superb concert of orchestral masterpieces. The concert opens with Stravinsky’s delightful Divertimento from the ballet The Fairy’s Kiss, composed in homage to Tchaikovsky.

Acclaimed local soloist, Pavlos Carvalho, then joins the orchestra for a performance of Schumann’s lyrical Cello Concerto.

Bringing their fresh sounding take on rock music, this young band make a triumphant return. They’re joined by the raucous Two Weeks In Nashville, who are starting to make waves. Two great emerging bands and their up-for-it attitude make this show essential for any grassroots rock fan.

NO PRESSURE 12 Mar The Rising Sun Upper Beeding

13 Mar

16-19 THE VICAR OF DIBLEY Mar Wivelsfield Village Hall

This five-piece band were formed to find and play music that nobody was covering.

Now they offer versions of brilliant anthems by bands such as Placebo and The Pixies.

Obviously it helps that all the members are seasoned musicians who know what it takes to make a great gig!

Now in its 11th year, this hugely popular event brings a full programme of affordable love and light to Showground. There’ll be free talks and workshops, healers and therapists offering taster sessions, choice of readers, lots of shopping and relaxation.

Wivelsfield Little Theatre present a stage version of the ever-popular TV series. It’s 1994 and an exciting time for the Church of England. The first women vicars are about to descend on their new parishes. But how will the sleepy village of Dibley cope with these seismic events?

18-20 ZOG AND THE FLYING DOCTORS

BARNSTORMERS COMEDY 20 Mar The Capitol, Horsham

SPRING RACEDAY 21 Mar Plumpton Racecourse

Together with his Flying Doctor crew, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, Zog tends to a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with one too many horns and a lion with the flu. However, Pearl’s uncle, the King, has other ideas about whether princesses should be doctors!

Now in its eighteenth year, Barnstormers Comedy makes a much welcome return to the delightful surrounds of the Capitol Studio.

As ever, an excellent Barnstormers Comedy’ MC will be on hand to introduce three more top acts from the London Comedy Circuit and beyond.

Sky Sports Racing present some brilliant National Hunt action to follow the Cheltenham Festival. Over £67.5k in prize-money is up for grabs across a thrilling six-race card. There’s also lovely selection of local and national food and drink options available, all nestled amongst the thrilling scenery of the South Downs.

AN EVENING WITH KATE HUMBLE 23 Mar The Capitol, Horsham

JUNKYARD ROCKET 26 Mar The Brambletye Hotel, Forest Row

SUSSEX CHORUS CONCERT 26 Mar St Andrew’s Church, Burgess Hill

Humble By Nature takes the audience on an uplifting, inspiring, funny and emotional journey, full of the warmth and passion for the natural world. This farmer, best-selling author, activist, entrepreneur and one of the UK’s best-known TV presenters offers tales of travel, adventure and animals.

This popular Surrey-based four-piece play an eclectic range of covers. Expect superb renditions of hits by David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Kaiser Chiefs, The Supremes, Dolly Parton, Gloria Gaynor, The Jam, T-Rex, Kula Shaker, The Temptations, Roxy Music, Joy Division, Elvis Costello and many more…

Bach’s two surviving musical settings of the Passion of Christ rank as cornerstones of western musical art. The Sussex Chorus will be offering an unusual way to present this work with a more dramatic performance.

Stephen Anthony Brown will sing the role of St John the Evangelist.

Mar The Capitol, Horsham

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Mar Ifield Barn Theatre

THE BIG PURPLE PSYCHIC AND HOLISTIC FAIR

South of England Events Centre, Ardingly

JAMES WILTON DANCE The Capitol, Horsham

12-13 FORWARD MOTION Mar The Hawth, Crawley Crawley Borough Council and Dancehub UK popular annual celebration of dance returns. The best of Crawley’s talent take to the stage to showcase their hard work – with disciplines as diverse as street, contemporary, commercial, lyrical, cheer and tap.

Dance groups taking to the stage to entertain audiences will include Bollysteps, Niruththiyalayam School of Dance, Cheneler School of Dabe, Crawley Tamil, Euphoric Dance Company, Footloose, KC’s Dance & Gymnastics, Louise Ryrie School of Dance & Drama, New Generation Performing Arts School, Pound Hill Dance Community, SC Academy of Dance, Sophie’s Studio, Stagecoach, The ACE Academy, The Dolls Scademy, Urban City Dance, Wild Cats Athletic and Y.E.S Project.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a wonderful afternoon/evening of dance and celebrate the dedication and talent of our local performers.

DanceHub is a community interest company seeking to advance, provide and promote the education, development and wellbeing of people and communities through dance.

05 Mar

BARRIOKE The REC Rooms, Horsham

Shaun Williamson (known to some as the legendary Barry from EastEnders) hosts an evening of karaoke, trademark warmth and teasing banter. The star of EastEnders, Extras, Life’s Too Short and more recently a million viral videos, Shaun has taken the music festival scene by storm, bringing BARRIOKE to thousands of music lovers at Truck and YNot Festivals.

31 Mar03 Apr

SKELLIG The Hawth Studio, Crawley

This magical, hauntingly beautiful modern classic has been adapted for the theatre, and features a community cast alongside incredible professional actors. Moving house has been hard for 12-year-old Michael, and his whole world has been turned upside down. Exploring the crumbling garage of his new home he meets an extraordinary creature amongst the dust and junk.

SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE SPECKLED BAND 14 Mar The Hawth Studio Crawley

Théâtre Sans Frontières presents a smart, atmospheric production of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mystery thriller for 10–14-yearolds and families. Audiences will be enthralled by this exciting and thrilling mystery, featuring a feisty heroine, struggling with and overcoming a domineering presence in her life. This is a story which confronts many issues relevant to a 21st century audience.

TOPLOADER 04 Mar The REC Rooms, Horsham Since forming in 1997 Toploader have enjoyed over 2 million album sales and a string of top 20 hits. Their debut album remained in the Top 5 of the UK album chart for over six months, earning 4 Brit Award nominations. After tearing the roof off on their last visit, they return to The REC Rooms for another unmissable show.

TOPLOADER

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TRADING POST COFFEE

By Thom Punton

With five sites in and around Brighton and plans for further expansion, the independent and family-run Trading Post Coffee Roasters are becoming one of the area’s leading coffee brands.

Every day, they roast beans carefully selected from around the world to create their own unique blends, which they serve in their coffee shops, sell online and supply to wholesale customers. They recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of their first site in Ship Street, Brighton, which was opened in January 2017 by Trading Post Coffee Roasters founder Michael Deol and set a benchmark for their artisan roasting approach. Shortly after, further sites were opened in Cliffe High Street, Lewes and Kensington Gardens, Brighton, with The Roastery on Sydney Street and their largest site to date in South Street, Chichester, opening in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

ROASTING TEAM ANDY, MEGAN, JACOPO, TOM

Trading Post Coffee Roasters pride themselves on their artisan roasting method and keeping the roasters on the shop floor allows customers a glimpse into the process of their coffee making from raw bean to cup. BN1 were invited along to The Roastery, their hub of operations, for a special presentation of the equipment and the roasting process by marketing manager Seb Stall, roaster Andrew Adams and master roaster/head of coffee Tom Curatolo. Coming from two generations of coffee roasters, Tom draws on a lifetime of experience to develop Trading Post’s unique blends. He guided us through the nuanced art of coffee roasting, and introduced us to their largest shop roaster, a shiny brand new Probat UG 15.

We watched as the pale green beans were added to the roasting drum, where they are constantly rotated to ensure an even roast.

As the gas-heated roasting process progressed, we watched the colours of the beans gradually change. Shortly after beans are first loaded in, they go through a drying stage to evaporate the water content and then they begin to change colour, first turning yellow as they shed the chaff which is collected in a rocket-shaped container to the side. Tom explained this part is the beginning of the Maillard reaction, when the aromatic compounds are produced in the beans. Being up-close to the process, we were able to experience the subtle aromas as they developed.

WILLOW DUNN (COFFEE ROASTER)

The next stage in the process is heralded by the ‘first crack’, an audible popcorn-like sound. At this point, the beans are roasted enough to make a cup of coffee as we know it, and it’s now down to the roaster to decide how much longer to continue roasting.

The beans develop different organic compounds and create caramelized sugars, so the amount of time they are left roasting determines the flavour profile of the finished product. When the desired level of roasting is achieved, they are released in a satisfying avalanche into the cooling chamber below, where they are circulated until they reach room temperature.

Tom’s father has always told him, ‘There is no perfect coffee, taste is subjective’, which is why Trading Post choose different beans with different attributes and blend them together to suit each occasion or palette. Trading Post Coffee Roasters currently offer six different coffees, four of which we were lucky enough to sample, including a distinctively fruity single origin Ethiopian bean and Black Pearl, their signature Brighton blend that combines beans from five different origins across the Americas, Africa and Asia. There’s also the Green Monkey Soil Association-certified organic blend, created in their fully organic Lewes roastery, and their water process decaf, Mexican Mountain Water.

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TRADING POST, SHIP STREET, BRIGHTON

PRINT COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL TATTOO ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATOR PARKY

It’s clear that the team here take great pride in their product. Freshness and sustainability are priorities.

Their policy is to set up a roaster wherever they sell it, and running these roasters on a daily basis means that they can roast their wholesale and online orders in small batches to maximise freshness.

Everything included within their coffee delivery boxes (including the boxes themselves) is either recyclable or biodegradable and local orders are delivered by E-cargo bike to ensure their carbon footprint is as low as it can be. Furthermore, all their coffee is Rainforest Alliance-certified, meaning the farms from which the beans are sourced are safe, ethical places to live and work.

As part of their focus on community, Trading Post have collaborated with local artist Parky to create a new range of merchandise for them, which will be launched at the London Coffee Festival running from March 31st, where they will also unveil their latest single origin speciality coffee. Acting as ambassadors of good coffee in the local area, they are official partners of La Marzocco UK, Nuova Simonelli and Mazzer and offer a bespoke and tailored service for wholesale customers looking to set up new espresso machines and grinders.

Trading Post have also teamed up with local graffiti artist Cassette Lord who’s created various pieces of artwork which are on display throughout their coffee shops.

Having the opportunity to experience the roasting process as you sip your cappuccino is a real treat, and the team are always happy to share their passion for coffee and talk customers through the process. In a world where transparency and environmental accountability are increasingly important, it’s refreshing as well as educational to be able to learn so much about the story of the product you’re consuming. And did I mention the coffee really is top class? The Ethiopian single origin bean especially is great if you’re looking to explore something distinctive, but whichever coffee you choose here, you won’t be disappointed.

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UNIVERSAL QUANTUM

The future of computing is closer than you think

By Stuart Rolt In a quiet corner of Haywards Heath, just a brisk five-minute walk from the station, there’s a small revolution simmering. An interdisciplinary team of engineers are working to profoundly change the way computers work, and perhaps even evolve our understanding of the universe.

It’s a bold statement, but Universal Quantum are using their new laboratory and headquarters in mid-Sussex to design machines which use non-linear methods to calculate possibilities. Now providing the new frontier of computer science, quantum computing embraces the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for traditional (or ‘classical’) processors.

A main reason for the Universal Quantum establishing itself in Haywards Heath is the town’s proximity to the University of Sussex.

The Falmer campus is where their initial research started, and they still maintain close ties. “It’s nicely commutable between London and Brighton, and cheaper than either,” Quantum Engineer Luuk Earl tells me. “We’ve also got space to play with. And it needs to be relatively quiet. These are very sensitive machines.” There’s potential for the area to become a hub for quantum and emerging technologies. He says having Brighton and its diverse creative environment close by could inspire different working practices.

“The best way to solve problems is to have many different points of view thinking about them. What’s great about a strong art scene is it makes people think differently and increase new ideas, and that could be really valuable for hi-tech stuff.”

The UK has seen a real drive for quantum technologies in the last 5-10 years. There’s a strong sense of community between government, academia and industry, which has encouraged a lot of quantum start-ups. The country is renowned for scientific and engineering innovation, and these machines genuinely could usher in the next chapter of advances.

Quantum computing microchip

Assembly of a quantum computer prototype

Luuk spends most of his day at Universal Quantum designing hardware. But there is time set aside to discuss the realities, possibilities and future of what they’re doing. “You want to keep looking at the horizon, as well as at what you’re doing. Otherwise, you lose sight of what the point of all this is.”

Physicist Richard Feynman introduced the term ‘quantum computing’ in a lecture during the ’80s, appreciating a need for computer science to be able to deal with quantum – the smallest possible unit of anything. “He said it would be really nice to be able to simulate quantum stuff. When you’ve got something which can do that, you can also simulate anything probabilistic, because quantum and probability are kind of synonymous.” Quantum mechanics deals with the behaviours of matter on a subatomic level, and attempts to explain the properties of atoms and molecules.

From here, you can start to understand how they interact with each other or external forces. It’s not really a task you can undertake in a linear fashion. We need to think a little broader about how we measure and calculate things when dealing with this scale.

The classical computing which we’re all familiar with is rigidly set around using binary. A string of 1s and 0s (bits) goes into a machine, is processed by an algorithm and a new set of bits is returned to the user. Complicated in practice, theoretically it’s not much more intricate than turning a light switch on or off. Every traditional computer has millions of tiny gates, which either stop a flow of electricity or allow it to continue. This flow is how you establish if a bit is a 1 or 0. Multiply that by a few trillion, and you can be online shopping or playing Grand Theft Auto. Simple.

But what if you asked your computer a question about things which don’t adhere to mutually exclusive states? For example, particles like photons don’t play by the traditional rules. They can be in

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Universal Quantum’s devices on silicon wafers at increasing levels of magnification

several places at once, or even simultaneously exhibit two kinds of polarisation.

If you want to track or simulate objects like these, it’s best to build something which behaves like them. Instead of your traditional bit, a quantum computer deploys qubits. These are quantum objects – particles which can take on combinations of all possible values between 0 and 1. We’ve essentially added an infinitely controllable dimmer to that light switch, only it can be both ‘on’ and ‘off’ at the same time. You can now find solutions which were previously impossible, because you’re using a machine which mimics the tidy chaos of the natural world.

Is your head hurting yet? Bear with us. The cool stuff is only just starting. “A lot of the focus for Universal Quantum is on developing the hardware,” says Luuk. “We’re intent on building large-scale quantum machines which can do very, very big computations.”

Almost everyone in this new field is now aiming to develop machines boasting a million qubits. “There’s different values of merit, and it gets more and more nuanced, but generally, if you have a million qubits, you can start to do something interesting.” In context, the machines currently developed by the likes of Google and IBM have 50 - 100 qubits. This has been a linear and protracted process, starting with a single qubit, adding another and then another. Scaling up systems using this approach could take a sustained length of time. “Universal Quantum has approached this by rethinking and revaluating. We’re trying to design something which already works for a million qubits, then build towards that. It’s different, but quite necessary to think that way to get something useful.”

You might be asking how this could impact you and your daily life. On a superficial level, it won’t be very noticeable. Quantum computing isn’t going to offer a better experience on Wordle or get iPlayer to load faster. Not at this point, anyway. But in the wider world there are profound applications for this technology. Atoms bonding to each other is a quantum process, so these machines could easily establish how particular chemicals bond to the body or simulate the effect of drugs upon a patient. There are also some promising applications in material science, like helping to design new batteries, superconductors, carbon capture systems and very large engineering processes like manufacturing fertiliser. The more we understand the world at a molecular level, the more efficient industry can become.

“There are other things like fluid dynamics, which are quite interesting. It’s not quantum naturally, but modelling how air molecules flow around an object is a similar process. It’s intensive to study that with classical computers. One of the limiting factors in designing an F1 car is how much time they can get in a wind tunnel.

And doing it computationally is so time-consuming that it can’t be done easily. Quantum computers could help there. And then there are things like turbine design to make planes more efficient.”

On a similar line is weather forecasting, which has often been considered the ultimate test for a large-scale computer system.

Building a model of so many atmospheric variables is inarguably a probabilistic process, and one which could have major implications for the economy and industry. “Matching things like that with artificial intelligence to be able to better predict pattern recognition could be really useful.” On a smaller scale, this new method of machine thinking could offer some huge steps forward in cryptography and cyber security.

Most problems, like chemistry, fluid dynamics, logistics and finance, involve some form of minimisation. There’s a function which represents either an energy or time, which you want to reduce to the least possible amount. Classical computers and AI are very good at establishing actual minimums, but finding an equation to minimise everything is where a quantum computer excels. The new systems are being built to complement and empower existing technologies, rather than outright replace them.

“Binary logic is not great when there’s ‘real life’ involved,” says Luuk.

“Artificial intelligence is very good at kind of blurring that line. A quantum processor is quite neat in that it natively uses possibilities and variations. So, it fits with machine learning very well, because

Artist’s impression of a trapped ion quantum computer you’ve got a bit more flexibility.”

Clearly, it’s unlikely classical computing will evaporate under the white heat of this new technology. For most domestic and business users there’s no reason to have a quantum computer. Although, we’re quickly coming up against the limits of systems which use those trusty 1s and 0s.

“If you think back to the 1950s, when people were making computers for very simple calculations, no-one would have imagined what they could do now,” says Luuk. “I think it’s a similar point in quantum computing. We’re very much at that early stage. The sky’s the limit.

It really depends on how powerful we can make them.”

These new systems have the potential to be revolutionary. It’s difficult to see how far it could go. Those antiquated classical systems of the post-war era used massive vacuum tube valves to control the flow of 1s and 0s, with no concept of how microprocessors might one day transform the process. In many ways, Universal Quantum have a ‘build it and they will come’ attitude to their research and development. “You almost have to build the machine first for people to picture and understand it, and then let their imagination work on how to use it.” In the development of classical computing there was a significant lag between the hardware’s creation and mass understanding of what it could be used for.

From simple adding machines, then on to databases, graphical interfaces, computer games, the World Wide Web and search engines, once we understood traditional computing, its development has been exponential.

The genesis of the quantum computer was a physicist who wanted to better understand physics. He envisioned a machine which could help simulate processes at the most intricate level possible.

As Universal Quantum and their peers edge ever closer to making this technology a functional reality, it’s accompanied by the opportunity to better understand the nature of the universe. Luuk says just having the word ‘quantum’ increasingly in everyday usage will prompt better appreciation of how things are more based on probability and less bound by defined limits.

During The Age of Enlightenment we believed everything was perfectly ordained, and if you knew the correct equation, you could calculate the position of anything at any time in the future. “Now, the philosophy of the human race has changed in that we’re very much more aware of quantum, and I think that will only increase more and more. Even just the aim of trying to build a quantum computer will change how we understand the world.”

To find out more about this exciting new field, including superposition, error correction and entanglement, head to:

www.universalquantum.com bn1magazine.co.uk

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Sussex Dolphin Project You might have spotted a video or two this summer of friends bobbing in a dinghy just off the pier… surrounded by inquisitive dolphins! Or a paddle boarder’s friendly encounter with a young seal. They’re breathtaking moments, and chances are you saw them via the Sussex Dolphin Project.

BN1 chats with Thea Taylor

By Lucy Sheehan

Thea Taylor Sussex Dolphin Project Lead

Sussex Dolphin Project was set up to monitor and conserve Sussex’s marine mammals through research, awareness and education. Their beach cleans, fundraisers and petitions make a real difference to the dolphins, seals, whales and other mammals on our coast, while their online presence has brought us up close and personal with them through amazing videos, photos and information.

We spoke to Thea Taylor, Sussex Dolphin Project Lead, about their aims, the array of wildlife living just offshore, the destructive effects of the vast Supertrawlers in the channel, and what we can do to help.

Can you tell us about what the Sussex Dolphin project does and its aims?

Sussex Dolphin Project was launched in 2018 as a project of the World Cetacean Alliance, the world’s largest cetacean conservation partnership. With their head office in Brighton, the WCA secretariat realised that despite having partners all over the world, there was nothing set up to research or protect the cetaceans right on their doorstep. In fact, little research existed on Cetaceans in the Eastern English Channel prior to our launch, and so our project was born.

Sussex Dolphin Project is committed to protecting local dolphin species through research, awareness and education programmes to deliver ecosystem-level restoration and rejuvenation.

Our second species of cetacean, the Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), is also here year-round, though this shy little cetacean avoids contact with people wherever possible so is reported less frequently.

Our research is evidence-based and captured via the Sussex Dolphin Project citizen science programme with a view to identifying individual dolphins/pods, and to better understand their behaviour, movement, prey species and breeding sites. This data will then be used to better protect our marine environment and ultimately safeguard Sussex marine mammals.

We also receive seasonal visits from Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in the summer months. These energetic cetaceans are usually seen in larger pods and will come closer to shore, unlike our other summer visitors, White-Beaked Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), which tend to stay further offshore.

We are also looking to build awareness by helping the local Sussex community to better understand the marine mammals found in this stretch of the English Channel. People won’t protect what they don’t value, and can’t value something that they don’t know about or understand. Awareness is driven in a variety of ways, including our boat trips, events and communications activities.

Our education programme targets a range of audiences from school-age children to adults, including fishing and non-fishing communities. We focus on topics such as marine mammals, wider marine life, habitats and the importance of maintaining a balanced marine ecosystem.

We also partner with Shoreham Port to deliver a conservation corridor project, which incorporates both terrestrial and marine rejuvenation and regeneration.

Our goal is to lead the protection of dolphins in the area by confirming which pods connect to Sussex, where they go in the winter and potentially link movement west to Cornwall and beyond.

I suspect some readers would be surprised that dolphins inhabit the waters off our coast! Can you give us a little overview of the larger sea life that lives in our immediate waters?

Our most commonly spotted species is the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) which has a peak season between May September. During the summer we can receive multiple sightings a day, especially if a pod is travelling close to the shore, but these

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large animals can disappear in the blink of an eye and be incredibly elusive! Bottlenose Dolphins pass through Sussex all year, though in the winter months they are found further offshore so are less often sighted by members of the public.

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We have resident colonies of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) and Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) often referred to as ‘Common seals’.

The Grey Seal is the larger of the two species and spends most of its time further out to sea hunting for fish, but returns to land to rest where they can be seen hauled out on Sussex beaches.

The Harbour Seal is smaller and also feeds at sea on a mix of fish and squid, crabs and other shellfish but can be seen inland as they can use rivers to hunt and haul out on riverbanks from time to time.

We have had reports of common seals as far north as Henfield.

The two species can be distinguished by their size difference and the bigger Grey Seal’s longer roman nose with parallel nostrils. It is often referred to as being more dog-like in facial appearance in comparison to the smaller Harbour seal which has v-shaped nostrils and is more cat-like in facial appearance.

You’ve done a lot of work revealing the existence of supertrawlers off our coast - I didn’t know about them, let alone their size! What are supertrawlers and how do they affect sea life?

Supertrawlers are huge factory ships measuring up to 144 metres long, with nets the size of 450 tennis courts.

Supertrawlers are capable of catching thousands of tonnes of fish per trip, yet they target very specific pelagic (midwater) fish species.

1.

The supersized nets mean that fish aren’t the only animals that get caught. Dolphins, and any other marine wildlife unfortunate enough to be nearby, are unable to escape and end up being needlessly killed as bycatch.

Bycatch is unwanted fish and other marine wildlife that has been caught by a fishing vessel unintentionally (i.e. “by mistake”).

We believe that hundreds of dolphins and other cetaceans are killed annually around the UK as a result of supertrawler bycatch. Sadly, we’ve experienced this issue first-hand along the Sussex coastline.

We recorded 17 dead cetaceans on local beaches in 2020, during the period that supertrawlers were fishing in the channel off the Sussex coast. This is compared to just two for the rest of the year when there was no supertrawler activity.

Since only 10% of bodies wash up on shore, we estimate the true figure to be closer to 170 bycatch-related deaths in Sussex alone.

We believe that eliminating (not just reducing) cetacean bycatch is the only way to truly end the unnecessary suffering of dolphins, whales and porpoises around the world.

Therefore, we’re demanding greater transparency and stronger legislation to hold supertrawlers to account, as an essential step towards ending bycatch for good.

Our campaign called Dolphins Aren’t Discard was launched in November 2021 (www.worldcetaceanalliance.org/dolphins-arentdiscard/) with our parent charity the World Cetacean Alliance.

We achieved more than 100,000 signatures on our petition www. change.org/p/uk-parliament-stop-dolphins-dying-in-supertrawlernets in the first three months and have been working hard to raise awareness of this issue, engage with the Supertrawler owners themselves to request evidence on their claims of low bycatch levels. We have also worked closely with the local sustainable fishing community which also suffer when the Supertrawlers fish here in the Channel through the autumn and winter.

What can people do to help Sussex Dolphin project?

2.

Dolphins are marine mammals, therefore breathe air like us, Cetaceans are the only group of marine animals that evolved to live on land but then evolved to live back into the water.

Finally, one of the most common comments we get from those that see dolphins in Sussex waters is their size. Bottlenose Dolphins can reach a size of nearly 4 metres, live up to 40/50 years and are extremely intelligent, enjoying interacting with boats and on occasion paddle boarders and swimmers.

What’s the biggest challenge facing you and the work you do?

Awareness, education and funding. Until very recently only the fishing community and those that are out in the channel even knew we had dolphins in our waters. Therefore, it’s very difficult to get people engaged in a project when they are not aware of the existence of the very species we are trying to protect. As a result, our citizen science project informs everything we do and allows us to not only build awareness but show evidence of dolphins in the Eastern English Channel. Once people understand what we have here in Sussex they are very eager to learn more.

This brings us to education, not only in terms of school-aged children but also in the general population. Once people understand dolphins are here in the channel we really need to communicate the challenges they face and the protections they require to remain here. Therefore, education on dolphin movement, behaviour, populations, prey species, habitats and the general protection of the marine environment are crucial.

Finally, to make all of this possible we need the generosity, commitment and skills of our volunteer team but also funding to grow our focus and reveal more about the cetaceans that live just off our beaches.

Your Instagram is full of amazing videos of meetings with dolphin life just off the coast. What have been your favourite encounters people have sent in?

First of all, please report any marine mammal sightings. We love video and photo evidence but we appreciate it’s not always possible to get footage, therefore any sightings are welcome with location details, information on exactly what you saw including numbers and behaviour, how long you witnessed the mammals and what direction they were travelling in. The quicker we receive these sightings the better and they can be reported via our social profiles or website.

We have been sent some truly amazing pieces of footage over the last four years, all of which we share via our social profiles.

In addition, as a volunteer organisation, we rely on a team of committed and skilled individuals to run the project. So if you have time to offer please get in touch. We are looking for a variety of skillsets from professionals that can offer skills to help the day-today running of the organisation, to people with a scientific research background to assist our citizen science programme, anyone with a background in marine biology or knowledge of marine life right through to those that wish to help us with our communications campaign, social media, fundraising, partnerships, beach cleans, boat trips, education projects and everything in between.

One particular video that we shared last summer showed a dolphin leaping an estimated 15 - 20 metres in the air while following a boat and another showing two dolphins riding the bow wave of a boat near Brighton Palace Pier and consistently leaping, breaching and showing off for the cameras.

These have included underwater footage, footage of huge pods, dolphins hunting, interactions just 10 metres from the beach, dolphins approaching paddle boarders and swimmers, amazing bow and wake riding pods that love to follow boats or ride bow waves and display some impressive acrobatics.

You can see our footage via Sussex Dolphin Project’s social profiles: Instagram: www.instagram.com/sussex_dolphin_project Website: www.sussexdolphinproject.org

What is something most people don’t know about dolphins?

There are 42 species of dolphin and 7 species of porpoise, and they can be quite varied in appearance and behaviour. From the largest dolphin, the Orca (Orcinus Orca), through to the tiny Vaquita which averages between 140/150 cm and lives in the Gulf of California, but unfortunately is almost extinct with less than 20 individuals remaining.

Like the Orca, or Killer Whale, eight dolphin species have been named ‘whale’ including pilot whales, false killer whales and melonheaded whales, but all of these are in fact dolphins and this whale classification reflects how our understanding of cetaceans has evolved over the years.

Common Dolphin by Oscar Peasgood Eastbourne

VOICES OF OUR CITY SEA WITH SURFERS AGAINST SEWAGE. I’m Clare, one of the Regional Representatives for Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), a marine conservation charity. I wanted to talk to you about a common and rising issue in modern life: ‘Eco-Anxiety.’

What is Eco-Anxiety?

Eco-anxiety, also known as climate anxiety, is a fear of environmental disaster and the perfectly normal response to the issues we currently face globally. Far from being a mental health issue, the people who aren’t worried could be deemed to be burying their heads in the sand. The real problem here is how do we go about turning the eco-anxious minority into a realistically concerned majority? And how can the ecoconcerned support each other into action and away from despair (thinking the issues are too big), and denial (feeling that the problems are for someone else to fix).

Anxiety is your superpower!

When you look at the actual definition of anxiety, there are two different types: •The feeling of worry, nervousness or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

•The strong desire or concern to do something or for something to happen.

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Reframe your Eco-Worries so that you can inspire Eco-Heroics

I have experienced both, but my goal in my work and as a Surfers Against Sewage Rep is to empower you to tap into the second type of anxiety and use that as motivation for action.

Although the solutions rely on societal change, government input and corporate responsibility, there is much to be said for individual actions and empowerment. Just look at the impact some ordinary individuals have had, an ordinary Swedish schoolgirl comes to mind (Greta Thunberg). Each of us has the power to create a ripple effect of change just by speaking out, writing to your local MPs or using your buying power to influence change. Those that you look up to are no different to you, they don’t have a magic superhero gene. The only difference is that they have a strategy to direct their mind from eco-worry to eco-actions.

As the anthropologist, Margaret Mead says, “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world: indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Kick Eco-Guilt to the Curb I have created a 3-step process for reframing eco-worry into eco-wonderful, so that you can thrive in our changing world, knowing that you are doing what you can.

It can be abbreviated as the acronym ACT.

A

cknowledge that you are concerned, maybe even feeling those feelings of despair, denial and distraction. With awareness can come a mindset shift that enables resilience, hope and possibility.

The part of our brain responsible for feelings doesn’t have the capacity for language, so we need to tap into our rational brain to give emotions a label. Simply naming the feeling can be enough to start to create a shift.

C

reate an action plan of realistic goals that work for you and your lifestyle. Changing your personal habits and behaviours creates a ripple effect of change. But you are human, and you can’t do all things at all times. One by one ... be the tortoise, not the hare!

T

hink about what motivates you. Use that motivation to create better choices when you are deciding what to eat, where to shop and where and how you travel. If one person can do something, then it is possible for others to model that behaviour.

We can then use them as inspiration when making choices and think, ‘What would X do?’

Reconnect The biggest threat facing the natural world right now is our disconnection from it. Throughout the pandemic, more and

more of us are seeing how important wild spaces are to our own mental and physical wellbeing. As an SAS Rep, I am an avid believer in getting outside into wild spaces and taking ‘leave no trace’ to the next level while I am at it. Whether it is picking up litter from a car park, a beach or a river, every piece makes me feel like I am doing my bit and every piece makes a difference.

Use nature to inspire you. Ask yourself, what is it about the natural world that inspires you to want to protect it? (I include humanity in that definition, as we are all part of the same ecosystem, breathing the same air and made up of the same atoms) If you need some inspiration, try re-watching the Blue Planet trailer or tune in to the new Green Planet series on iPlayer.

If you are experiencing eco-anxiety, then do not suffer in silence. It could be wrapped up with other legitimate mental health concerns, and so do reach out for support.

If you want to explore the 3-step process in more depth, you can download a free ACT Book from clareosborn.com.

If not now - When?

If not you - Who? Together we can!

It’s important to reach out for help: Sussex Mental Healthline – freephone 0300 5000 101 Samaritans – call 116 123 Community Roots – freephone 0808 196 1768 Mind Charity - 01273 66 69 50 Clare Osborn – is a Blue Health & Climate Change Coach,

a Nature Facilitator and Mindfulness Leader. She is also one of the local Surfers Against Sewage Reps and is passionate about connecting people to the natural cycles that we live in via paddle boarding and running nature connection retreats.

Photography by Alex Bamford.

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FILM THE BATMAN FRI 4 MARCH // CINEMA

Matt Reeves directs a new iteration for the ‘World’s Greatest Detective’, promising a return to the darker, more brooding themes presented in the graphic novels by writers like Frank Miller and Jeph Loeb. In particular, the ‘growing pains’ charted by the former’s iconic Year One. You know the deal by now. There’s an orphaned billionaire, obsessed with wearing tights, hitting people and hunting action on moonlit streets. Suddenly there’s a huge extensional and dangerous criminal threat to the city he’s vowed to protect. Everyone’s favourite violent vigilante is now played by Robert Pattinson – which could be a perfect piece of casting to thrust a new dimension on this evergreen antihero.

REBEL DREAD FRI 4 MARCH // CINEMA

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William E Badgley constructs an in-depth look at the life and times of the legendary Don Letts. With contributions from Jazzie B, Norman Jay and Mick Jones, this lush documentary examines Letts’ relationship with a nascent punk scene, and how he introduced dub and reggae to the punks, influencing a whole generation of bands.

He grew up in Britain during the late 60s and 70s, with an ever-present threat of racism, police harassment and violence. But would go on to become a central figure in rock, an award-winning promo and feature director and find meaning and shape to his life in the music he loved.

HIVE

FRI 11 MARCH // CINEMA

Blerta Basholli directs this poignant Albanian film about the human cost of conflict. Yllka Gashi, Çun Lajçi and Aurita Agushi star in this Sundance triple award-winner, and Kosovo’s official submission for the Academy Awards, which traces the real-life experiences of Fahrije Hoti.

Like many women in Kosovo, Fahrije is hoping for news about her husband, who is still missing after the war. Widows are not expected to work, but to provide for her family she joins forces with other widows to start a business producing ajvar. Against a backdrop of civil unrest and lingering misogyny, Fahrije and her friends struggle to find hope in the face of an uncertain future.

A BANQUET FRI 11 MARCH // CINEMA

Starring Luther’s Sienna Guillory, Ruby Stokes form Bridgerton, Jessica Alexander and Lindsay Duncan, Ruth Paxton’s directorial debut is uncompromising and unsettling.

A widowed mother is tested to the limit when her teenage daughter appears to experience a profound moment of enlightenment. Then the youngster starts to insist her body is no longer her own, but now in service to a higher power. Bound to her newfound faith, she refuses to eat but loses no weight. In an agonizing dilemma, torn between love and fear, he mother is forced to confront the boundaries of her own beliefs. Is this an act of adolescent rebellion or a psychological break? Do past traumas play their part?

FILM TRIVIA DID YOU KNOW:

Director Matt Reeves wrote the script with Robert Pattinson in mind for The Batman, not even knowing if he would ever want to be in the movie.

After watching Pattinson’s performances and becoming captivated by him, Reeves started to imagine Pattinson in the role as he was writing the script. bn1magazine.co.uk

69

RED ROCKET FRI 11 MARCH // CINEMA

Directed by Sean Baker, this comedy drama indie hit sees Simon Rex as Mikey Saber, a formerly successful but now nearly penniless adult entertainer. After a 17-year absence, he returns to Texas City, his Gulf Coast hometown. Badly bruised and almost broke, he’s allowed to stay at the modest home shared by his estranged wife and her mother providing he gets a job and perform household chores.

Hindered by a two-decade ‘gap’ in his CV, he eventually persuades a marijuana dealer to give him a job selling drugs.

Unfortunately, he quickly discovers most of his former neighbours don’t really want him back in town.He might have the gift of the gab, but every decision only makes his situation worse.

DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA FRI 18 MARCH // CINEMA

Upstairs, downstairs and milady’s chamber, Simon Curtis directs a sequel to the enormously successful Downton Abbey. While everyone secretly considers opening a gift shop at the house (to offset the growing costs of running a country pile though some brisk fridge magnet and tea towel sales), our favourite gang of well-bred types decamp to a villa in France.

The 1930s are approaching, and the Crawley family get on with some polite conversation, sophisticated soirees and feel-good adventures. But can they enter the modern age with their dignity and good name intact? It’s a time of massive social change and geo-political upheaval, and even the formidable Lady Mary can’t stop that.

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FILM

OPERATION FORTUNE: RUSE DE GUERRE FRI 18 MARCH // CINEMA

Espionage, intrigue, international travel and no apologies to Dean Martin’s Matt Helm series from the 60s (ask your Grandad). We again hit a sweet spot for director Guy Ritchie’s talents. Starring glittering turns from Jason ‘The Stath’ Statham, Aubrey Plaza and Josh Hartnett, it’s a welcome rush of hightempo action and occasionally ridiculous fun.

Super spy Orson Fortune and his team of top operatives recruit Hollywood’s biggest movie star - Danny Francesco. They obviously need his help on a ludicrous undercover mission to stop billionaire arms broker Greg Simmonds. He’s peddling a new weapons technology which threatens to disrupt the world order. Hugh Grant’s performance is worth the ticket alone.

THE OUTFIT FRI 18 MARCH // CINEMA

Can we ever get enough of Mark Rylance? I’m telling you it’s just not possible. Now he teams up with Zoey Deutch, Dylan O’Brien, and Johnny Flynn in the directorial debut of Graham Moore. This gripping and masterful thriller sees an unassuming émigré fearing for his life at the hands of a notorious group of gangsters.

Leonard is an English tailor who used to craft suits on London’s world-famous Savile Row. After a personal tragedy, he now finds himself in Chicago - running a small tailor shop in a rough part of town where he continues to make beautiful clothes. Unfortunately, the only people who can regularly afford them is a particularly vicious local crime family.

FILM TRIVIA DID YOU KNOW:

According to the author of At Home With The Queen, Queen Elizabeth II is a Downton Abbey fan and has apparently pointed out mistakes in some episodes, like a WWI soldier wearing medals that were awarded in WWII. bn1magazine.co.uk

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TV GUIDE STAR TREK: PICARD

THE CHELSEA DETECTIVE

This old boy isn’t content with just sitting at home watching daytime TV, he’s out in space still giving it large. Arguably the Star Trek franchise’s most interesting element gets a second season, bringing with it more joyous easter eggs and thoughtful narratives.

Adrian Scarborough (Gavin & Stacey) plays Detective Inspector Max Arnold, a down-to earth crimefighter who doesn’t quite fit in with the fashionable surroundings of his posting in London’s most prestigious borough.

After saying goodbye to an old friend, dying and being brought back to life in a synthetic body, Patrick Stewart’s titular adventurer boldly goes on where no RSC alum has gone before. There’s still an unaccounted-for Romulan agent and a confused rehabilitated Borg to consider, along with a few familiar faces returning to make everything complicated. Sometimes, diplomacy may not be enough to save reality.

He’s struggling after separating from his wife (moving to a battered houseboat within view of the city’s most expensive property), but still needs to face the deprivation, violence, greed and murder that lies beneath the shiny façade of Chelsea’s glamour. Together with his partner, DC Priya Shamsie, a bit of determination and some oldschool guile, he’ll leave no stone unturned to root out the truth and bring those responsible to justice - regardless of their wealth or status.

UPLOAD

THE LAST DAYS OF PTOLEMY GREY

A sci-fi comedy series from the brilliant Emmy Award-winning writer Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks And Recreation), Upload is set in in a technologically advanced future. It’s a place where hologram phones, 3D food printers and automated grocery stores are everyday tools. Most uniquely, humans can choose to be ‘uploaded’ into a virtual afterlife.

Samuel L Jackson plays Ptolemy Grey, an elderly man forgotten by his family, his friends, and even by himself. Suddenly left without his trusted carer and on the brink of sinking even deeper into a lonely dementia, Ptolemy is assigned to the care of orphaned teenager Robyn, played by Dominique Fishback (Project Power).

THURS 3 MARCH AMAZON PRIME

FRI 11 MARCH AMAZON PRIME

Season Two sees Nathan come to a crossroads. His ex-girlfriend has unexpectedly arrived in Lakeview, hoping to strengthen their relationship. But his heart secretly yearns for his ‘customer service angel’ Nora. But she is off the grid and somehow involved with antitech rebel group ‘The Ludds’. There’s also Lakeview’s newest in-app digital baby program and other ethical headaches to negotiate.

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MON MARCH 7 ACORN TV

FRI 11 MARCH APPLE TV+

When the pair learn about a treatment which could restore Ptolemy’s dementia-addled memories, it starts a journey toward shocking truths. It becomes a tremendous opportunity to briefly rebuild lost connections and uses this precious, fleeting lucidity to solve the mystery of his nephew’s death - and perhaps finally come to terms with his past.

HUMAN RESOURCES

WECRASHED

From the creators of the award-winning adult animation, Big Mouth, comes something even edgier. Human Resources is a robust coloration of the daily lives of the creatures which guide humans on their journey through every aspect of life.

Following a pair of jet-setting, tequila-swilling ‘New Age executives’, Wecrashed charts everything wrong with some modern workplaces.

Inspired by actual events, and the love story at its centre, we look at WeWork - a coworking space which grew into a global brand worth $47 billion in under a decade. And then collapsed in under a year.

FRI 18 MARCH NETFLIX

From puberty to parenthood to the twilight years, Hormone Monsters, Depression Kitties, Shame Wizards and many more are there to help.

It quickly becomes clear that though the protagonists are creatures, they have a lot of humanity themselves. It features an all-star voice cast, with Nick Kroll, Maya Rudolph and David Thewlis reprising their Big Mouth roles, along with Aidy Bryant, Brandon Kyle Goodman, Keke Palmer, and Randall Park.

FRI 18 MARCH APPLE TV+

Riding high on the success, this couple threw lavish parties, bought luxurious homes and had aspirations about elevating the planet’s consciousness. All while many of their employees worked long hours for low pay and investors were misled. It’s the classic story of a noble philosophy quickly crumbling into scepticism and disillusionment.

BRIDGERTON

MOON KNIGHT

Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family traverse Regency London’s competitive marriage market. Hoping to follow in her parent’s footsteps, she intends to find a match sparked by true love.

After the surprise festive joy which was Hawkeye, we get another (and tonally very different) dose of running and punching MCU fun.

Director Mohamed Diab (Cairo 678) tells the story of Steven Grant, a mild-mannered gift-shop employee, who becomes plagued with blackouts and memories of another life.

FRI 25 MARCH NETFLIX

It’s a new season for this romantic, scandalous and quick-witted show, which celebrates the timelessness of enduring friendships, families finding their way and the search for a love to conquer all.

Inspired by Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels, it also stars Golda Rosheuvel, Jonathan Bailey, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Nicola Coughlan and Ruby Barker. With secret kisses, unrequited passion and the demands of polite society, this is period drama at its best.

WEDS 30 MARCH DISNEY+

He quickly discovers he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with a no-nonsense mercenary. Circumstances spiral, and the pair must navigate their complex identities while thrust into a deadly mystery among the powerful gods of Egypt. It might be a second-tier Marvel character, but it features the wonderful talents of Oscar Isaac (Dune), Ethan Hawke and May Calamawy (Ramy), which demonstrates Disney’s faith in this project. bn1magazine.co.uk

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By Charlie Tomlinson In March we see the first glimmers of sunshine and reminded that the eternal darkness of the British winter is coming to an end. On the first day that temperatures tentatively push toward 15 degrees, dads across the country will take their tops off and invite all their friends around for a BBQ. “Summer is here, lads,” they preemptively bellow, spilling lukewarm lager over their hairy chests. The months of the middle-aged, sunburnt back are here once again! If only… Oh, how they never learn.

We all know where this story is heading. Within 20 minutes of the crowd amassing in the back garden, British weather does what it does best. It starts pissing it down and the disgruntled partygoers are forced inside, unsure of what this means for the foretold BBQ. Fortunately, with these quick and easy BBQ recipes that can easily be prepared in your oven or stovetop, you are ready for such an occasion!

CHICKEN TIKKA KEBABS INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

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150ml natural yogurt 2 tbsp tikka masala paste 700g skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks 1 green bell pepper, cut into cubes 1 green chilli, seeded and finely chopped 1 small red onion, cut into chunks 4 tbsp roughly chopped fresh coriander 8 soft flour tortillas wraps or chapatis (for serving)

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METHOD Step 1 Mix the yogurt with the curry paste in a large bowl. Add the chicken, season, then stir well.

Step 2 Cover and leave for 30 minutes at room temperature to give the spices time to flavour the chicken (or make ahead and chill for several hours or overnight).

Step 3 Preheat the grill or barbecue. Push the chicken onto 8 metal or wooden skewers. Add the peppers and onion chunks in between or at either end. Grill or barbecue the kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning them frequently. Alternatively, fry the chicken in a griddle pan until cooked through to an internal temperature of 75 degrees celsius.

Step 4 At the same time, warm the tortillas or chapatis on one side of the barbecue, wrapping them in foil, or quickly heat them in a dry frying pan.

HALLOUMI AND AVOCADO BURGER INGREDIENTS (for 2 burgers) • • • • • • •

1 avocado, mashed or sliced 200g halloumi cheese, thickly sliced 2 seeded brioche buns, cut in half 4 slices of cucumber 1 lime, juice only Handful of rocket 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

METHOD Step 1 Heat frying or griddle pan to a medium heat. Then add the halloumi and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until nicely browned.

Step 2

OVEN BAKED RIBS METHOD Step 1 Preheat oven to 180°C.

Step 2 Peel off the tough membrane that covers the underside/bony side of the ribs. Place on a baking sheet or tray lined with foil or parchment paper.

Step 3 Combine together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cumin and chilli or Cayenne. Sprinkle seasoning over ribs and drizzle with oil. Rub the seasoning all over the ribs on both sides. Cover tray with foil and bake for 2 hours.

Step 4 During the last 5 minutes of cook time, mix together sauce ingredients.

Step 5 Remove ribs from the oven, remove foil and spread the tops of the ribs with the barbecue sauce mixture.

Slice the brioche buns into halves (if not pre-halved) and lightly toast the inside of each bun.

Step 3 Add the sweet chilli sauce, avocado, and cucumber to the buns.

Toss the lime juice with the rocket and add to the rest of the salad in the burger buns.

Step 4 Complete the burger with the halloumi and any other sauces.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • •

2 kg baby back pork ribs 2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 2 tsp paprika 2 tsp salt 1 tsp cracked black pepper 1/2 tsp cumin 1 tsp chilli or Cayenne powder (optional) 2 tbsp olive oil

Step 6 Increase oven temperature to 460°F (240°C). Return ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for a further 10 minutes. Change oven settings to broil (or grill) on medium-high heat to lightly char and caramelise the edges (about 3 minutes).

Step 7 Rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to recirculate back into the meat before slicing.

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PIE RECIPES

By Charlie Tomlinson

March is here and with it British Pie Week from March 7 - 13.

So, we’ve put together a few easy pie recipes to warm your belly while we wait for spring to be sprung. We’ve got some British pie classics, one with a veggie twist, perfect for placing on your window to create those cartoon floaty smell tendrils. Get these in ya!

HEARTY FISH PIE Ingredients: •

1kg Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and halved (peeling optional if you like those bits in the mash!)

•

400ml milk, plus a splash

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25g butter, plus a knob

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25g plain flour

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4 spring onions, finely sliced

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1 x pack fish pie mix (cod, salmon, smoked haddock etc, weight around 320g-400g depending on pack size)

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1 tsp Dijon mustard

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½ a 25g pack or a small bunch chives, finely chopped

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handful frozen sweetcorn

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handful frozen petits pois

•

handful grated cheddar

STEP 1 Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas mark 6.

STEP 2 Put 1kg potatoes, peeled and halved, in a saucepan and pour over enough water to cover them.

Bring to the boil and then simmer until tender.

STEP 3 When cooked, drain thoroughly and mash with a splash of milk and a knob of butter. Season with ground black pepper.

STEP 4 Put 25g butter, 25g plain flour and 4 finely sliced spring onions in another pan and heat gently until the butter has melted, stirring regularly. Cook for 1-2 mins.

STEP 5 Gradually whisk in 400ml milk using a balloon whisk if you have one. Bring to the boil, stirring to avoid any lumps and sticking at the bottom of the pan. Cook for 3-4 mins until thickened.

STEP 6 Take off the heat and stir in 320g-400g mixed fish, 1 tsp Dijon or English mustard, a small bunch of finely snipped chives, handful of sweetcorn and handful of petits pois. Spoon into an ovenproof dish or 6-8 ramekins.

STEP 7 Spoon the potato on top and sprinkle with a handful of grated cheddar cheese.

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STEP 8 Pop in the oven for 20-25 mins or until golden and bubbling at the edges. Alternatively, cover and freeze the pie or mini pies for another time.

Ingredients •

1 tbsp olive oil

•

1 large onion, finely chopped

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3 thyme sprigs, leaves picked

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2 garlic cloves, crushed

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350g chicken breasts, cut into small chunks

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250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced

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300ml chicken stock

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100g crème fraîche

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1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

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100g kale

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2 tsp cornflour, mixed with 1 tbsp cold water

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375g pack puff pastry, rolled into a circle slightly bigger than your dish

•

1 egg yolk, to glaze

WARMING CHICKEN, KALE AND MUSHROOM POT PIE STEP 1 Heat ½ tbsp oil over a gentle heat in a flameproof casserole dish. Add the onion and cook for 5 mins until softening. Scatter over the thyme and garlic, and stir for 1 min.

Turn up the heat and add the chicken, frying until golden but not fully cooked. Add the mushrooms and the remaining oil. Heat oven to 200C/180 fan/gas 6.

STEP 2 Add the stock, crème fraîche, mustard and kale, and season well. Add the cornflour mixture and stir until thickened a little.

STEP 3 Remove from the heat and cover with the puff pastry lid, pressing into the sides of the casserole dish. Slice a cross in the centre and glaze with the egg. Bake for 30 mins until the pastry is puffed up and golden. bn1magazine.co.uk

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VEGGIE/VEGAN SWEET POTATO SHEP HERD’S PIE Ingredients: •

1 tbsp olive oil

•

1 large onion, halved and sliced

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2 large carrots (500g/1lb 2oz in total), cut into sugar-cube size pieces

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2 tbsp thyme chopped

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200ml red wine

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400g can chopped tomatoes

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2 vegetable stock cubes

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410g can green lentils

•

950g sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

•

25g butter

•

85g vegetarian mature cheddar, grated

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STEP 1 Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan, then fry 1 halved and sliced large onion until golden.

STEP 2 Add 2 large carrots, cut into sugar-cube size pieces and most of the 2 tbsp chopped thyme, reserving a sprinkling for later.

STEP 3 Pour in 200ml red wine, 150ml water and a 400g chopped tomatoes, then crumble in 2 vegetable stock cubes and simmer for 10 mins.

STEP 4 Tip in a 410g can green lentils, including the juice, then cover and simmer for another 10 mins until the carrots still have a bit of bite and the lentils are pulpy.

STEP 5 Meanwhile, boil 950g sweet potatoes, cut into chunks, for 15 mins until tender, drain well, then mash with 25g butter and season to taste.

STEP 6 Pile the lentil mixture into a pie dish, spoon the mash on top, then sprinkle over 85g grated vegetarian mature cheddar and the remaining thyme. The pie can now be covered and chilled for 2 days, or frozen for up to a month.

STEP 7 Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Cook for 20 mins if cooking straightaway, or for 40 mins from chilled, until golden and hot all the way through. Serve with broccoli.

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Across 1 Service mothership (4)

Cryptic Crossword 1

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3 Leave out bin (4) 7 Green boy with head of yellow girl (5,4) 8 Small bird, sick, consumed with intrigue (9)

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9 Rare thing, perhaps, to have hot takes after quarrel (9)

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11 Get rid of us to have a break (4) 12 Hard bits in guts (4) Down

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By Stuart Rolt

1 Sweet potato upended in can (3)

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2 First of string quartets arranged for occupiers of empty buildings (9)

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4 Animal is fine climbing a research facility here, Londoner is heard to say (5,4)

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5 First installments of pounds and yen electronically exchanged for them? (5) 6 Essential to finesse legal backing to become immortal (7) 8 After change of heart, body art is forbidden (5)

Across 1 Service mothership (4) 3 Leave out bin (4)

10 Half of social network put up with equipment (3)

7 Green boy with head of yellow girl (5,4) 8 Small bird, sick, consumed with SUDOKU intrigue (9)

9 Rare thing, perhaps, to have hot takes after quarrel (9) 11 Get rid of us to have a break (4) 12 Hard bits in guts (4) Down 1 Sweet potato upended in can (3) 2 First of string quartets arranged for occupiers of empty buildings (9) 4 Animal is fine climbing a research facility here, Londoner is heard to say EASY HARD (5,4) 80

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5 First installments of pounds and yen

SOUTHERN CO-OP FUNER ALCARE THE GREENER OPTION

Whether you’re arranging a funeral now or planning for the future, Southern Coop are dedicated to making the process as easy as possible. Beyond helping with all the practical arrangements, they have a focus on bereavement support to help people through what can be a difficult and emotional process. Access to one-on-one bereavement counselling is offered, as well as friendship/social and support groups, walk and talk groups and life coaching, all free of charge. Furthermore, Southern Co-op, who operate around 60 funeral branches across the south of England, are committed to providing the greener option when it comes to arranging a funeral.

From the type of coffin to the location of the burial ground, Southern Co-op are pioneering initiatives to make their funerals and the overall business more sustainable. Forest Stewardship Council certified wood is used in many of their coffins and caskets, ensuring that the wood used comes from sources that are managed in an environmentally sound and socially beneficial manner. They also offer a range of eco coffins and caskets made from sustainable sources of bamboo, willow pandanus and wool. On a business operation level, they have rolled out smart meters to all of their funeral homes to help improve energy efficiency, and virtually all the electricity used comes from renewable energy sources through a green energy contract.

In their latest effort to reduce their carbon footprint, Southern Co-op are about to

take a new step in the south of England, introducing the UK’s first fully electric Tesla based hearse, the Wisper. With state-ofthe-art technology and equipment, the entirely silent hearse is zero-emission with full electric operation. Measuring around 5.8m in length, it has a 220-mile singlecharge range capability which is powered at Southern Co-op sites using electricity from renewable sources.

Steve Pearce, Southern Co-op’s Chief Operating Officer for End of Life Services, said, ‘this day has been a long time coming, with delays caused by the pandemic and waiting for it to be approved for use on the UK’s roads. So this is definitely a time to celebrate and we won’t waste any time getting it on the road.

‘There is only one other existing electric hearse in the UK, which is much more compact, so we hope this will offer people an elegant alternative which echoes a more traditional appearance. It will also complement an existing range of other eco-friendly products we offer as we all work together to tackle climate change and make a difference to our environment.’

Southern Co-op is currently working towards its ambitious science-based targets to cut direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions from its business by 2030, supported by a climate action pathway of planned activity and an initial investment of £5.8m. Along with the new Tesla model, their transport options have been expanded to include two new hybrid Mercedes E-Class

Limousines and two new converted E-Class Mercedes hybrid hearses. The key feature of these vehicles is their ability to be entirely silent when in full electric mode, making the atmosphere of the services as serene and respectful as possible.

Mark Smith, Chief Executive at Southern Co-op, said: ‘It’s important that we all work together to tackle climate change, so we are delighted to now be able to offer our customers the choice of a more environmentally favourable funeral fleet and to take the next step on our sustainability journey together.

‘The appetite for change is there within our communities, so by making it easier for loved ones to make more informed choices, people can play their part in making a positive difference to our environment and our communities.’

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6 Large bird of prey commonly found in the UK (7)

1 Country whose capital city is Tashkent (10)

7 Loggers in (5)

2 Inventor of 13 across (6)

9 Opinion, often controversial (4)

3 Garden / former prime minister (4)

10 House or garage, for example (5,5)

4 White bird - silent breed? (4,4)

11 Unit of an army (8)

5 Country whose capital is Lima (4)

13 Web-based game recently sold to the New York Times (6)

6 Burn bright (5)

15 Ejected from mouth (4) 17 Band / piece (5) 18 Channel island (4) 19 Part of the eye (6) 20 Proof (8)

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Crossword provided by @thompuntoncrosswords - answers at www.bn1magazine.co.uk

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QUICK CROSSWORD

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8 Actor, Ben / less fizzy (7) 12 Recurrent idea (5) 14 Concerning (10) 16 Operation / corpses (anag) (7) 17 Foursomes (8)

23 Anti-social crustacean (6,4)

21 Festival halfway between winter solstice and spring equinox (6)

26 Aquatic bird with forked tail (4)

22 Goods (5)

27 Holler (5)

24 Humour (4)

28 Virginia Woolf novel / Florida city (7)

25 Bird / piece (4)

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*Terms & Conditions: The voucher may only be redeemed against eligible Southern Co-op funeral plans costing £3,000 or more and will be deducted off the cost at time of sale. The voucher has no cash value and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount, offer or promotion. For full terms and conditions visit: funeralcare.co.uk/ funeralplanterms, request a copy from any Southern Co-op funeralcare home or by calling 0800 008 6878. This voucher is valid until 31/12/22.

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