0844 887 1500 www.colstonhall.org
colston hall autumn/winter
rock and pop 05 jazz, folk & world 15 classical 25 comedy 28 light entertainment 36 christmas 38 new year’s eve 41 community 42 education 43
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supporters Bristol Music Trust was created to run Colston Hall and to promote music and music-making across the region. We would like to thank the following sponsors and funders for their support. principal sponsors
media partner
major sponsors
The Monument Trust sponsors
corporate partners
in kind support
If you would like to find out more about supporting Colston Hall, please contact Rosa Corbishley, Head of Development, on 0117 204 7176 or email rosa.corbishley@colstonhall.org Please note, this programme is correct at time of going to press. For the most up-to-date information and to book tickets, visit www.colstonhall.org
www.colstonhall.org | 03
introducing...
Pull up a chair, grab a drink at the bar and check out what’s on at The Lantern tonight… Presenting an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, world and folk music plus original theatre and leftfield comedy, Colston Hall’s oldest and quirkiest space gives a new home to world-class performance in Bristol. Discover groundbreaking artists like The Magic Numbers, Agnes Obel, Ballaké Sissoko, Shappi Khorsandi and Alexei Sayle. Look out for the symbol throughout the pocket planner for events taking place in The Lantern.
04 | 0844 887 1500
news from around colston hall new website and archive Keep your eyes peeled for our shiny new website, which launches mid-September. It's going to be fun, easy to use and stuffed with all of your Instagram pics, tweets and Facebook murmurings. The website includes a digital archive so you can explore our colourful history. If you have any pictures, memorabilia or stories about Colston Hall over the years, we want to hear from you – email hello@colstonhall.org
new!
find the complete at-a-glance season guide in our centre-spread pull-out section
classical season We recently launched our classical season for 13/14, including our exciting Symphony Project. For full details pick up a classical brochure at the Hall.
booking fees New booking fee legislation introduced in April 2013 means we are now advertising prices with all booking fees (BF) included. If you have any questions about booking fees, email boxoffice@colstonhall.org or call 0844 887 1500.
online booking At the same time as relaunching our website, we are installing a new box office system giving you more flexibility when booking seats online or on your mobile. Our etickets will be easy to download too.
don't forget! Every Friday and Saturday early evening we have free foyer performances for you to enjoy. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook and Twitter for more information.
rock and pop
www.colstonhall.org | 05
crosby, stills and nash thursday 17 october 8pm, £80.63, £69.88 incl. BF
Bask in “intricately designed harmonies and inventive melodies” (Orlando Sentinel) as the legendary folk-rock trio treat us to a rare performance in this intimate setting. Following a “revelatory concert” (Hollywood Reporter) in New York City this summer, David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash perform some of their most cherished songs, including Marrakesh Express, Guinnevere, Suite: Judy Blue Eyes and Love The One You’re With.
06 | 0844 887 1500
justin currie friday 20 september the lantern, 8pm, £20.96 advance incl. BF seated show
manic street preachers monday 23 september doors 7pm, sold out
sam gray monday 30 september the lantern, doors 7.30pm, £8.60 advance incl. BF standing show
lawson tuesday 1 october doors 7pm, £20.43 advance incl. BF
The former Del Amitri frontman hits the live circuit following the release of his third solo album, Lower Reaches. To mark its release, Currie will perform a blend of new material and well-loved songs from the Del Amitri back catalogue, including hits like Nothing Ever Happens, Always The Last To Know and Roll To Me. With support from Del Barber.
It’s the Manics, but not as we know them as they reveal a more “reflective, stripped-back sound” (Wales Online). Their new album, Rewind The Film, features collaborations with Lucy Rose, Cate Le Bon and Richard Hawley. “If this record has a relation in the Manics back catalogue, it’s probably the sedate coming-of-age that was This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours,” say the band.
Talented singer-songwriter showcases his soulful side on this nationwide tour. He describes himself as “Otis Redding meets the more ballad-driven strains of Elvis Costello with a dash of the Style Council”. It’s a winning mix: Gray’s second album Too Much Of A Good Thing reached number 12 in the iTunes album chart while single This Girl received over 250,000 YouTube hits. They’re talented, good-looking and co-write all their own material – “just don’t call them a boyband”, says Digital Spy. Hear the talented foursome perform tracks from their debut album, Chapman Square, including When She Was Mine, Taking Over Me and Standing In The Dark, which 4 Music calls “one of the most perfectly crafted pop-rock ballads”. With support from Paighton and Room 94.
www.colstonhall.org | 07
live_transmission wednesday 25 september 8pm, £19.89 incl. BF
“An innovative show that draws on the past to look boldly into the future,” says The Independent of this multi-sensory homage to Joy Division. Pop-classical fusion experts Heritage Orchestra, sound artist Scanner and video artist Matt Watkins work together to create a series of soundscapes inspired by Joy Division’s music and spirit. “This is no slavish replication of Joy Division songs, rather a series of miniature symphonies … which, incorporating classical music, rock and electronica, veer between quietly hypnotising and dense and furious” (The Independent).
08 | 0844 887 1500
fat freddy’s drop wednesday 2 october doors 7pm, £26.88 advance incl. BF
bastille monday 7 october doors 7pm, sold out
m people friday 11 october doors 7pm, £59.13, £48.38, £37.63, £26.88 incl. BF under 14s must be accompanied
Old-school reggae blends with Pacific soul, jazz, ska and electronica as the laid-back Kiwis treat us to one of their renowned live shows. Indeed, it's on the live circuit that these purveyors of “blissfully epic jams” (DJ Magazine) really flourish. Expect a show where this multitalented bunch “lock onto grooves for often 15 minutes or more” (BBC Music) and “the vibe is ultimately horizontal” (iDJ). Chart-topping sounds and gravity-defying hairstyles from the new darlings of the indie music scene.
Former Haçienda DJ Mike Pickering’s Mercurywinning dance act celebrate two decades in the business with a greatest hits tour. See the original quartet perform a selection of their most popular tracks, including Moving On Up, Search For The Hero, One Night In Heaven and more. With support from Lighthouse Family's Tunde Baiyewu.
www.colstonhall.org | 09
steven wilson tuesday 15 october doors 7pm, £20.96 incl. BF under 14s must be accompanied by an adult
alison moyet saturday 19 october doors 7pm, sold out
brit floyd presents p-u-l-s-e 2013 sunday 20 october 8pm, £42.46, £31.71, £20.96, £10.75 incl. BF
steve hackett wednesday 23 october 7.30pm, £28.49, £26.34 incl. BF
The former Porcupine Tree frontman and “widely revered prog-rock polymath” (The Guardian) plays material from his latest album, The Raven That Refused To Sing. Wilson’s recent gig at London’s Royal Festival Hall was described by Terrorizer as “heaven for diehard fans” while NME called the album “his best work to date” and “one of the albums of the year”.
The global icon with the rich contralto voice is back after a five-year hiatus with her eighth studio album, The Minutes. Moyet’s new record is “an extraordinary, modern-sounding and effortlessly stylish comeback” (Popjustice) that marries the synth-pop sounds of her past with elements of R&B, club and electronica. It’s a “musical resurrection in the making,” says The Huffington Post.
A return to the UK for the “flawless and astounding” (LA Times) World's Greatest Pink Floyd Show as they present The Pink Floyd Ultimate Light & Sound Experience. This three-hour spectacular features lovingly crafted performances of five full album sides. Hear Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Wall, The Division Bell and The Dark Side Of The Moon in this “gem of a rock show” (LA Times). Following the huge success of Genesis Revisited II, legendary guitarist Steve Hackett performs tracks from the band’s golden era in his biggest production of recent years. Hackett promises “tons of classic faves including Supper’s Ready, Dancing With The Moonlit Knight and Musical Box”.
10 | 0844 887 1500
roy harper sunday 27 october doors 7pm, £43, £34.94, £29.56 incl. BF
bill wyman’s rhythm kings monday 4 november 7.30pm, £45.69, £34.94 incl. BF with special guest maria muldaur
lisa stansfield thursday 7 november doors 7pm, £40.31, £29.56 incl. BF
One of the “most original and most underrated” (The Guardian) singer-songwriters of his generation performs tracks from Man & Myth. It’s his first album in over a decade and adds to his astonishing tally of 33 albums in 44 years, which showcase the “unerring quality and startling originality of his writing” (The Guardian). Harper will also perform work from his seminal album, Stormcock. Lock up your daughters as the rock ’n’ roll icon brings his Rhythm Kings all-stars to Colston Hall. The former Rolling Stones bassist takes us back to his roots with a nostalgic set of classic rhythm and blues sounds that made him pick up the guitar as a teen. Wyman is joined by Maria Muldaur, best known for the hit single Midnight At The Oasis.
"Rochdale's finest is back on the stage where she belongs" (Manchester Evening News). The Brit Award-winning northern star, who's sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, reboots some of her most famous songs and showcases material from her new album. Stansfield is a "powerful live presence, a singer with range and ability and a joyful performer," says The Scotsman.
www.colstonhall.org | 11
jools holland and his rhythm and blues orchestra friday 8 november 7.30pm, sold out
The legendary pianist and his hugely talented orchestra of 20 return to the Hall. They’re joined tonight by pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C, former Squeeze drummer Gilson Lavis, vocalist Ruby Turner and trombonist Rico Rodriguez. DJ Double Agent 7 will be playing in bar level 1 from 10.15pm. Sponsored by
kt tunstall saturday 9 november doors 7pm, £29.56, £24.19, £18.81 advance incl. BF under 14s must be accompanied
zappa plays zappa tuesday 12 november 7.30pm, £42.46, £31.71 incl. BF vip package available – contact box office
texas wednesday 13 november 7.30pm, £52.14, £39.78 incl. BF
KT Tunstall performs songs from her fourth album, Invisible Empire//Crescent Moon, in this acoustic set. It was recorded in Arizona with Giant Sand frontman Howe Gelb and documents two events that would change her life: the death of her dad and her divorce. The result is a collection of melancholy, reflective songs that come infused with a heavy dose of atmospheric Americana.
Dweezil introduces his dad’s “spiky wit” (The Telegraph) to a new generation. Frank Zappa recorded almost 80 albums before his death, his sound melding “intricate progressive rock, ferocious avant jazz, demented time signatures and pun-heavy surrealist lyrical musings” (The Guardian). Get transported back to the height of Frank’s fame with faithful renditions of Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow, Apostrophe and more. It’s been a long time coming but Scottish altrockers Texas are back with their eighth studio album, The Conversation. It follows a long line of bestsellers from the band that gave us gargantuan hits like Say What You Want and Black Eyed Boy. Lead singer Sharleen Spiteri will deliver songs filled with “bluesy twangs and woody vocals, evoking convertibles, liquor-swigging and Johnny Cash” (Evening Standard).
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bryan ferry saturday 16 november doors 7pm, sold out
scouting for girls sunday 17 november doors 7pm, £24.19 incl. BF
Join the Roxy Music frontman as he celebrates 40 years in the industry by performing a selection of his favourite tracks with The Bryan Ferry Orchestra. The tour follows the release of the highly acclaimed album The Jazz Age.
Exuberant indie-pop from the hugely successful trio that gave us She’s So Lovely, Heartbeat and This Ain’t A Love Song. Hear a selection of the most memorable tracks from the boys’ three studio albums in this Greatest Hits Tour.
over 14s only
billy bragg wednesday 20 november 8pm, £21.50 incl. BF
The enduringly popular troubadour and activist performs tracks from Tooth & Nail, his first studio album in five years. With this record, Bragg draws on the sounds of soul, country and folk as he explores the ups and downs of relationships. It is, says The Guardian, “his classiest-sounding album to date. His voice sounds better than ever.”
www.colstonhall.org | 13
deacon blue wednesday 11 december doors 7pm, £42.46, £31.71 incl. BF
the waterboys tuesday 17 december 7.30pm, £30.64, £28.49 incl. BF
bootleg beatles wednesday 18 december 8pm, £29.56 incl. BF
Following their sell-out concert last year, Deacon Blue return to the Hall to play a selection of material from their seven studio albums, including 2012’s The Hipsters. “Their tightlydefined chemistry, accomplished storytelling and knack for melodies have been finely honed over the past 25 years,” says BBC Music.
The masters of ‘Big Music’ – who count screenwriter Richard Curtis as an ardent fan – visit the Hall following the “triumph” (The Guardian) of 2011’s poetry-pop fusion album, An Appointment With Mr Yeats. Hear frontman Mike Scott performing the album Fisherman's Blues.
“Flawless” (Mojo) renditions of The Beatles’ bestloved hits by the hugely popular tribute band and their eight-piece orchestra. “The band are as similar to their namesake as it is possible to be,” says NME. “They can safely say they look and sound as good as The Beatles.”
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simple things festival saturday 12 october 2pm-1am, £55, £49.50, £44, £38.50, £33 incl. BF info: simplethingsfestival.co.uk tickets: tickets.crackmagazine.net
Over 60 acts play across 10 stages over the course of this musically diverse weekend festival. Appearing at Colston Hall for the first time, Simple Things will take over the whole building with a world-class showcase of groundbreaking new music. Expect pulsing beats and top DJs in almost every quarter plus an art exhibition with a musical twist and extra bars throughout. Headlining the main room are German electronic royalty Moderat (pictured)– the collaborative effort between Modeselektor and Apparat – whose intense yet melancholic strain of live techno has wowed
audiences around the world. They will be joined on the main stage by the theatrical, ambitious and newly orchestral sounds of These New Puritans, the Mercurynominated and technically jawdropping tech-jazz of Portico Quartet and the Bristol debut of Pantha Du Prince. Away from the main stage, other artists to appear at Colston Hall include Tall Ships, The Invisible, Ital, King Midas Sound, Typesun, Jon Hopkins, The Field, No Age, Darkstar, Jazzy Jeff, Craig Richards, Dopplereffekt, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Hyetal and more.
jazz,folk & world
www.colstonhall.org | 15
paloma faith and the guy barker orchestra tuesday 22 october 7.30pm, £31.71, £28.49, £24.19 incl. BF
The sparkling chanteuse with the “soulful voice [and] … winning stage presence” (The Independent) teams up with respected jazz conductor Guy Barker. Their most recent collaboration, at last year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival, was described by The Independent as “sensational”, with Barker’s superlative arrangements giving Faith’s material a jazzed-up, pop-drenched vibe. The compelling and stylish performer treats us to material from her second album, Fall To Earth, alongside well-chosen covers of soul classics.
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the magic numbers tuesday 10 september the lantern, 7.30pm, sold out
krystle warren and gwyneth herbert saturday 14 september the lantern, 7.30pm, £13.44 incl. BF seated show
caro emerald thursday 19 september doors 7pm, sold out
bella hardy sunday 22 september the lantern, 8pm, £15.59 advance incl. BF seated show
An intimate acoustic set from the closeknit quartet who gave us Forever Lost and Love’s A Game. Almost a decade has passed since The Magic Numbers released their “sparkling” (The Guardian) debut album. Hear them perform some of their most popular hits alongside new material from their forthcoming album.
Your chance to catch the “remarkable” (The Guardian) singer from Kansas City. Krystle Warren “has an octave-hopping voice that glides between languid and urgent, and music that hovers between funk, folk and jazz” (The Observer). She’s joined by jazz singer Gwyneth Herbert, whose “casually commanding voice” (The Guardian) had fans queuing around the block at Rochester Jazz Festival in New York. Following her sell-out gigs earlier this year, the jazz, swing and pop songstress heads back on tour with her second offering, The Shocking Miss Emerald.
The BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winner tours her “stunning” (The Sunday Times) new album, Battleplan. Five years on from her “wondrous” debut (Taplas Magazine), Hardy has become one of UK folk’s leading voices thanks to a series of critically acclaimed albums. “There are many levels on which to admire Bella Hardy,” says fRoots. “That voice, of course … will always be her greatest weapon.”
www.colstonhall.org | 17
baka beyond saturday 28 september the lantern, 8pm, £16.13 advance, £17.74 on the door incl. BF seated show
the carrivick sisters and special guests friday 4 october the lantern, 8pm, £10.75 incl. BF seated show
sam carter trio saturday 5 october the lantern, 8pm, £14.51 incl. BF seated show
adriano adewale and benjamin taubkin sunday 6 october the lantern, 7.30pm, £12.90, £10.75 concessions incl. BF seated show
“Listening to Baka Beyond live is like being transported to a joyful village,” says WOMAD of this energetic ensemble. With musicians hailing from Brittany, Cameroon, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Congo, Ghana and the UK, this truly is a global party featuring soul-stirring African rhythms, Celtic harmonies, traditional rainforest singing and spectacular dancing. “The party atmosphere is irrepressible,” says the Evening Standard. Join the precociously talented BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards finalists at their Over The Edge album launch party. It’s the Devonshire duo’s fifth release since their 2006 debut, which they recorded while still at school, and showcases the “rare instrumental and vocal superiority that puts their colleagues to shame” (Maverick Magazine). A “superbly talented pair o’ lasses" (Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2). “The finest English-style finger-picking guitarist of his generation” (Jon Boden, Bellowhead) performs material from his lauded new album, The No Testament. Three years on from his exciting debut, Keepsakes, Carter infuses his narrative-based songwriting with the sounds of shapenote, gospel and work song.
Famed Brazilian pianist Benjamin Taubkin teams up with innovative percussionist and countryman Adriano Adewale. During this experimental and improvised performance, the “superlative Brazilian duo” (Jazzwise) use their instruments to create sumptuous and beautiful soundscapes. Part of Making Tracks – series discounts available, please contact box office.
18 | 0844 887 1500
roller trio & gogo penguin wednesday 9 october the lantern, 8pm, £10.75 advance incl. BF seated show
tunng friday 11 october the lantern, doors 7.30pm, £13.44 advance incl. BF standing show
bright phoebus revisited wednesday 16 october 7.30pm, £24.19 incl. BF
A “brilliantly young piano trio” (The Daily Telegraph) joins forces with “the new sound of UK jazz” (Gilles Peterson) at this night of exciting new music. Manchester piano trio GoGo Penguin cite influences as diverse as EST and Shostakovich, and are being tipped as the rising stars of UK jazz. Experimental jazz ensemble Roller Trio blend rock riffs, angular drums, electronic loops and vocal multiphonics. Purveyors of “gently experimental, pastoral-shaded pop” (The Fly), Tunng return with a new sound and a new album, Turbines. Formed in the basement of a Soho boutique 10 years ago, Tunng have been amassing fans ever since with their “charming, spontaneous-sounding blend [of] gently picked guitars and almost-bumbled percussion” (BBC Music).
Eliza Carthy, Richard Hawley (pictured), Marry Waterson, Norma Waterson, Olly Waterson and others celebrate the life and work of Lal and Mike Waterson. Hear songs from Bright Phoebus, their great ‘lost’ album that was released in 1972, performed live for the first time alongside previously unreleased work by the Watersons. The concert is directed by composer and multiinstrumentalist Kate St John.
www.colstonhall.org | 19
smoke fairies monday 21 october the lantern, doors 7.30pm, £9.68 advance incl. BF seated show
agnes obel tuesday 22 october the lantern, doors 7.30pm, £14.51 incl. BF part-standing show
tamikrest wednesday 23 october the lantern, 8pm, £17.20 advance incl. BF standing show
“These madrigal maidens have charmed the likes of Jack White with their spartan and spectral songcraft” (The Guardian). Richard Hawley’s a fan too, asking them to provide backing vocals on his EP, False Lights. Hear Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies’ “intoxicating dark prairie folk” (NME) as they play tracks from the “hypnotically compelling” (The Independent) album, Through Low Light And Trees. After receiving huge critical praise for her bedroom-made debut, Philharmonics, the Nordic pianist and singer presents follow-up Aventine. Obel’s “gorgeous, spare compositions for piano and voice” (The Guardian) have been described as “slow, somber, sepulchral even” (BBC Music). Hear “deceptively simple songs around soft piano motifs and ghostly, multi-tracked vocals” (The Telegraph).
A long-overdue visit from the “superstars of African desert blues” (The Guardian) following performances at Latitude and WOMAD. Often described as fellow Saharan band Tinariwen’s little brothers, these “young rebel dudes” (Telegraph) play bluesy, soul-stirring songs that bear the hallmarks of their traditional Tuareg sound but with a modern twist.
20 | 0844 887 1500
Sponsored by
orquesta buena vista social club thursday 24 october 7.30pm, £34.94, £30.64 incl. BF
a touch of acoustic friday 25 october the lantern, 7.30pm, £10.75 incl. BF seated show
aar maanta plus guests saturday 26 october trinity arts centre, doors 8pm, £8.60 advance incl. BF
Celebrate the “timeless, indestructible beat of Cuba” (WOMAD) with this legendary collective. It’s been over 15 years since the Buena Vista Social Club burst on to the world stage with their “entrancing” (Observer) and “sublime” (Mojo) eponymous album. While few of the founding figures remain, the spirit lives on – particularly in singer Omara Portuondo and thrilling guitarist Eliades Ochoa. Musician John Miles says: “In 50 and 100 years from now the people of Bristol will be playing Barry Walsh songs.” We say: “Why wait that long?” Catch Colston Hall favourite Barry Walsh perform At The Curzon, Road To Portishead, Sunset At Walton St Mary, Woods Of Leigh and more with his faithful band.
“The creator of Afro hop” (ukinnit.com) mixes traditional Somali sounds with pop, house, r’n’b and reggae on his debut UK tour. Aar Maanta’s performance takes place at Trinity Arts Centre, Bristol, and is part of Track Change, a three-year programme of tours that sets out to present some of the best underground stars of Africa and Asia. Produced by Way Art West.
www.colstonhall.org | 21
jamie cullum saturday 26 october doors 7pm, £40.31, £37.63, £26.88 incl. BF
Sponsored by
full english study day sunday 27 october level 3 bar, 9.30am5pm, £10.75 incl. BF
the full english sunday 27 october the lantern, 8pm, £19.89 incl. BF seated show
nick harper friday 1 november the lantern, 8pm, £13.44 advance incl. BF seated show
Witness “the remarkable return of Jamie Cullum” (GQ) as the wildly successful singer-songwriter performs tracks from his new album, Momentum. According to The Independent, the new record “may be his best … [going] beyond his retro-jazz comfort zone, with piercing electric organ and electric piano lending a vibrant, visceral edge”. See a performance filled with “boyish charm” and “infectious energy” (The Telegraph). This one-day course is aimed at those who want to learn more about the roots and development of traditional English folk music. Hear rarelyplayed field recordings of singers from across the country and watch archival film as you learn about the historical, social and personal contexts of folk singing.
Seth Lakeman, Martin Simpson, Fay Hield, Nancy Kerr and other worldleading performers come together to celebrate The Full English – the world’s biggest free digital archive of traditional English folk and dance music. Folk singer Hield has trawled The Full English collection, creating new work and arrangements that will be performed tonight.
The “prolific and robust” (BBC Music) folk singer presents songs from Riven, his eighth studio album. The son of ’70s troubadour Roy Harper, and former member of Squeeze, has been variously described as “Dylan for the iPod generation” (Guitarist), “somewhere between Rufus Wainwright and Jeff Buckley” (Mojo) and “the closest thing we’ve got to Lewis Carroll” (Maverick).
22 | 0844 887 1500
owiny sigoma band wednesday 6 november the lantern, 8pm, £10.75 advance incl. BF standing show
robyn hitchcock friday 8 november the lantern, 8pm, £16.13 advance incl. BF seated show
radical face and special guests
saturday 9 november the lantern, doors 7pm, £10.75 advance incl. BF standing show
show of hands with miranda sykes sunday 10 november 8pm, £19.35, £17.20 concessions incl. BF
“Their debut was one of the best fusion experiments of recent years … and here’s a second set to prove how well the collaboration works” (The Guardian). With Power Punch, the Kenyan-London collective meld traditional Kenya nyatiti and Luo music with Western songwriting and production techniques. They call it a “confident, radiant record packed with stirring, frisky jams”. Love From London is the 19th studio album from the former Soft Boy and “eccentric sexagenarian tunesmith” (PopMatters). BBC Music describes Hitchcock’s latest as “Syd Barrett-via-Edward Lear neo-psych-rock whimsy, with a side order of Paisley Underground guitar swirl and chime”. DJ Double Agent 7 will be playing in bar level 1 from 10.15pm. “Bucolic, antiquated indie-folk” (BBC Music) from the Florida-raised singersongwriter. Following the release of album The Roots last year, Radical Face steps out of the tool shed (where he recorded the album) to share his beautiful but heartbreaking songbook. His sound has been likened to Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens, the “frail Americana vocalese … relating his grim tales of hardship” (The Independent). Your chance to see “one of the greatest English bands” (Peter Gabriel) perform alongside vocalist and double bassist Miranda Sykes. With their “compelling, attacking and increasingly sophisticated style” (The Guardian), Show Of Hands have spent over 20 years honing their genre-blending style and building up a devoted fanbase as they go.
take me out! remove the middle pages, unfold and see our entire season at a glance – perfect for popping in your bag or sticking on your fridge
+ become a member beat the crowds with a Colston Hall membership
Become a member of Colston Hall and help us to continue to bring the best music, comedy and performing arts to Bristol. Get exclusive deals, great benefits and priority booking on some of your favourite shows (like Russell Brand, above). Membership starts at £30 a year with benefits including priority booking, invitations to exclusive members’ events, this free Pocket Planner posted direct to your door, e-updates letting you know when your favourite artists are performing, and 10% off drinks and snacks in the stalls and terrace bars. Find out more at www.colstonhall.org or ring the box office on 0844 887 1500
www.colstonhall.org
september tue 10 the magic numbers
p16
fri 11
m people
p08
fri 11
tunng
p18
sat 12 simple things festival
sat 14 krystle warren and gwyneth herbert p16
sun 13 senior citizens charity concert
sat 14 doors open day
p42
sat 14 micky flanagan
p29
sun 13 the bristol hicrec awards and showcase 14-18 voices in the hall
thu 19 livas quartet thu 19 caro emerald
p16
fri 20
room on the broom
p36
fri 20
justin currie
tue 15 lunchtime concert
p06
sat 21 room on the broom
p36
sun 22 room on the broom
p36
sun 22 bella hardy
p16
mon 23 manic street preachers
p06
p14
tue 15 steven wilson
p09
wed 16 bright phoebus revisited
p18
thu 17 crosby, stills and nash
p05
fri 18
paul foot
p30
fri 18
milton jones
sat 19 alison moyet
p30 p09
tue 24 bristol and district organist associations p42
sat 19 the best in uk stand-up
p30
sun 20 alexei sayle
p31 p09
wed 25 live_transmission
p07
sat 28 61st festival of male voice praise
sun 20 brit floyd presents p-u-l-s-e 2013
p42
sat 28 baka beyond
p17
mon 21 fascinating aĂŻda: charm offensive
p36
mon 30 sam gray
p06
mon 21 smoke fairies
p19
tue 22 lunchtime concert
october tue 1 lunchtime concert tue 1
lawson
tue 22 agnes obel
p19
tue 22 paloma faith and the guy barker orchestra
p15
p06
wed 23 steve hackett p09 wed 23 tamikrest
p19
wed 2 fat freddy’s drop
p08
thu 24 orquesta buena vista social club
p20
wed 2 robin ince
p29
fri 25
a touch of acoustic
p20
thu 3
tchaikovsky symphony orchestra of moscow radio p26
fri 25
stewart lee: much a-stew about nothing
p31
fri 4
sixties gold 50th anniversary p36
sat 26 jamie cullum
fri 4
the carrivick sisters
sat 5
discovering music: wagner gala
sat 26 a ar maanta plus guests at trinity arts centre
p20
sat 5
jimmy carr
p29
sun 27 full english study day
p21
p17
tue 1 stephen johnson & english piano trio: tchaikovsky
sat 5
sam carter trio
sun 6
adriano adewale and benjamin taubkin
sun 6
reginald d hunter
p17
mon 7 bastille tue 8
lunchtime concert
tue 8
la bohème
sun 27 roy harper
p10 p21
p17
mon 28 russell brand
p31
p28
tue 29 lunchtime concert
p08 p25
p21
sun 27 the full english
wed 9 roller trio and gogo penguin p18 thu 10 bso: wagner gala
p27
tue 29 russell brand
p31
tue 29 peacock and gamble
p32
thu 31 lunchtime concert thu 31 seann walsh
p32
n rock and pop n jazz, folk & world n classical n comedy n light entertainment n community
november fri 1
daz’s rock 4 charity
p42
fri 1
nick harper
p21
sat 2
marcel lucont
p32
sun 3
poppy appeal commemorative festival
mon 4 bill wyman’s rhythm kings
sun 24 carl donnelly
p34
sun 24 greg davies
p34
tue 26 lunchtime concert tue 26 ballaké sissoko
p24
wed 27 raf in concert
p37
p42
thu 28 sarah millican
p35
p10
fri 29
lunchtime concert
tue 5
lunchtime concert
fri 29
hidden orchestra
p24
tue 5
the michael nyman band: music from and for film
fri 29
sarah millican
p35
sat 30 sarah millican
p35
wed 6 owiny sigoma band
p37 p22
thu 7
lisa stansfield
p10
december
thu 7
shappi khorsandi
p33
sun 1
fri 8
jools holland and his rhythm and blues orchestra
p11
fri 8
robyn hitchcock
p22
wed 4 kings oak academy christmas extravaganza thu 5
sat 9
radical face
p22
sat 9
kt tunstall
p11
sun 10 show of hands with miranda sykes
p22
mon 11 TEDx bristol: failure
p42
royal marines band christmas concert p38
north somerset schools christmas extravaganza
fri 6
trevor noah
p35
fri 6
ed byrne
p35
sat 7
deck the halls
p38
tue 12 lunchtime concert
sat 7
the best of the west end
p37
tue 12 stephen johnson & english piano trio: dvorˇák
sun 8
uwe singers and symphony orchestra
tue 12 zappa plays zappa
mon 9 the post carol concert
tue 10 bristol cathedral choir school xmas concert p39
wed 13 texas
p11
wed 13 gary lucas
p23
thu 14 what the frock!
p33
fri 15 czech national symphony orchestra
p38
p11
wed 11 deacon blue fri 13
p26
sat 16 discovering music: britten 100 weekend
r ussian patriarchate choir of moscow
p39
p13 p39
sat 14 colston christmas ceilidh
p39 p40
sat 16 bryan ferry
p12
sun 15 c hristmas with the salvation army
sat 16 the best in uk stand-up
p33
tue 17 the waterboys
p13
sun 17 scouting for girls
p12
wed 18 bootleg beatles
p13
fri 20
p37
tue 19 paul merton: impro chums
p34
sat 21 mini messiah family concert p40
wed 20 john smith and william adamson
p23
sat 21 b ristol choral society: handel’s messiah
p40
wed 20 billy bragg
p12
thu 21 martyn joseph
p24
sat 28 last night of the christmas proms
p40
tue 19 lunchtime concert
thu 21 madeleine peyroux
p23
fri 22
p27
britten and his friends
sat 23 britten war requiem
p27
only men aloud
mon 30 bso: new year viennese gala p40 tue 31 colston hall new year’s eve party
p41
around the hall weddings Looking for a unique location to hold your big day? Whether it’s a grand event or an intimate affair, we offer a striking space with bags of potential and great facilities for all your guests to enjoy. From lighting and catering to theme and style, we’ll help you plan everything down to the finest detail so your event is everything you hope it will be.
events From launch parties to board meetings, Colston Hall has a conference space for every occasion. We can hold intimate meetings for two or conferences for 1,800. Our on-site team will be on hand to make sure your event has the star quality you’d expect at Colston Hall. Call to get a quote for this unique venue.
visit www.colstonhall.org or contact Naomi Easy on 0117 204 7104 / naomi.easy@colstonhall.org
food and drink We offer a variety of places and spaces in which to enjoy your free time. Head to the café for a light bite or drink and make the most of our free Wi-Fi, available for customers to use all day. Our stalls and terrace bars serve drinks before or after the show – and don’t miss our wonderful rooftop terrace with its spectacular views of the city.
www.colstonhall.org | 23
gary lucas wednesday 13 november the lantern, 8pm, £15.59 incl. BF seated show
john smith and william adamson wednesday 20 november the lantern, doors 7.30pm, £12.90 incl. BF seated show
madeleine peyroux thursday 21 november 8pm, £26.88 incl. BF
“One of the best and most original guitarists in America” (Rolling Stone) talks about his new book, Touched By Grace: My Time With Jeff Buckley. The Grammy-nominated songwriter and composer shares what it was like to work with Buckley on the songs Mojo Pin and Grace, which featured on the two-million-selling album Grace. He’ll then perform a solo set.
Following support slots for the likes of Richard Hawley, Iron And Wine and Seth Lakeman, the “staggeringly good” (Acoustic) and “spellbinding” (Time Out) guitarist and songwriter takes top billing tonight. Playing tracks from his third album, Great Lakes, Smith showcases some of the “fluent guitar work and stimulating songs” (The Telegraph) for which he’s become renowned.
Her busking days must seem like a distant memory as “the enigmatic Madeleine Peyroux” (Evening Standard) makes her Colston Hall debut. In her new album, The Blue Room, Peyroux brings her “distinctive languid jazz style” (The Independent) to some iconic songs by Ray Charles, Leonard Cohen and Warren Zevon.
24 | 0844 887 1500
martyn joseph thursday 21 november the lantern, 7.30pm, £17.20 incl. BF seated show
ballaké sissoko tuesday 26 november the lantern, 8pm, £12.90, £10.75 concessions incl. BF seated show
hidden orchestra friday 29 november the lantern, 7.30pm, £13.44 incl. BF standing show
“A profound experience” (The Boston Globe) awaits as the “charismatic and electrifying” (Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music) performer returns. Joseph’s latest album, Songs For The Coming Home, has been described as “Springsteen-indebted Americana” (Mojo). Don’t miss your chance to see “one of our most intelligent writers” (Financial Times) perform songs from his extensive archive. “Mali’s broken heart strings played for the world to hear” (No Depression) by one of the world’s best-known kora players. In his latest project, Sissoko reunites with French cellist Vincent Segal to present At Peace, “a subtle and beautiful layering of instrumental textures” (NPR Music). Part of Making Tracks – series discounts available, please contact box office.
Edinburgh-formed quartet Hidden Orchestra perform “an array of undeniably beautiful sounds” (BBC Music) from their second album, Archipelago. This is no ordinary four-piece. Two live drummers, a DJ and a violinist/pianist combine to create layers of intense soundscapes containing elements of jazz, classical, hip-hop, drum ’n’ bass and rock.
www.colstonhall.org | 25
la bohème tuesday 8 october 7.30pm, £34.40, £27.95, £23.65 incl. BF Sung in Italian with English surtitles
classical
A sparkling production of Puccini’s tale of love and loss, starring international soloists and performed with a full orchestra. The “authentic, tender and passionate” (Daily Telegraph) performance features the famous arias Your Tiny Hand Is Frozen and Muzetta’s Waltz. Directed by Ellen Kent and supported by Wessex Water.
26 | 0844 887 1500
symphony project Celebrate the power of the symphony with our unique concerts dedicated to the masters of the form and performed by the leading orchestras of their home nations
tchaikovsky symphony orchestra of moscow radio
Conductor: Vladimir Fedoseyev Piano: Andrei Korobeinokiv Tchaikovsky Symphony No.1 Winter Daydreams Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.1 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 part of the symphonyproject
thursday 3 october 7.30pm, £33.33, £27.95, £22.58, £16.13, students £8.60, u18s £1.08 incl. BF
Under its Principal Conductor of 40 years, the orchestra wraps up warm for a wintry journey in Tchaikovsky’s symphonic debut, and battles fate in No. 4 with his folk-song-fuelled finale and champagne cork-popping Scherzo. In between there’s the concerto with which the young Prokofiev bagged the Anton Rubinstein Prize – and to play it a multi-prize-winning pianist described as “nothing short of miraculous” by the San Francisco Classical Voice.
don’t miss the english piano trio chamber concerts that accompany each symphony project performance – see the classical brochure for more
czech national symphony orchestra friday 15 november 7.30pm, £33.33, £27.95, £22.58, £16. 13, students £8.60, u18s £1.08 incl. BF
Sponsored by Conductor: Libor Pesek Violin: Chloe Hanslip Dvorˇák Symphony No. 5 Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 Dvorˇák Symphony No. 7 part of the symphonyproject The Czech National Symphony Orchestra delves into Dvorˇák and Bruch.
www.colstonhall.org | 27
bournemouth symphony orchestra: wagner gala thursday 10 october 7.30pm, £33.33, £27.95, £22.58, £16.13, students £8.60, u18s £1.08 incl. BF
Conductor: Kirill Karabits Piano: Valentina Lisitsa Works by Wagner: Die Meistersinger Prelude Rheingold Entrance of the Gods Tannhaüser Grand March Tristan and Isolde Prelude and Liebestod Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3
britten weekend britten and his friends
britten war requiem
friday 22 november 7.30pm, £33.33, £27.95, £22.58, £16.13, students £8.60, u18s £1.08 incl. BF
saturday 23 november 7.30pm, £33.33, £27.95, £22.58, £16.13, students £8.60, u18s £1.08 incl. BF
Marking to the day the centenary of Britten’s birth, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra celebrate with an Anglo-Russian programme featuring Tchaikovsky Prizewinning cellist, Johannes Moser.
A passionate and iconic masterpiece brought to life by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Bristol Choral Society.
Sponsored by
comedy
28 | 0844 887 1500
reginald d hunter sunday 6 october 8pm, £24.73 incl. BF over 16s recommended
Another chance to catch the “hottest stand up living and working in Britain today” (The List) as he philosophises about life as an American living in the UK, relationships and more. “There’s no cooler comedian in the country than Reg D,” says Time Out. “He’ll charm you silly whilst being controversial, challenging and intelligent with top notch material. He really is a master craftsman.”
www.colstonhall.org | 29
micky flanagan saturday 14 september 8pm, sold out over 16s only
robin ince wednesday 2 october the lantern, 8pm, £15.05, £12.90 concessions incl. BF over 14s only seated show
jimmy carr saturday 5 october 8pm, £26.88 incl. BF over 16s only
Get ready to go ‘out out’ once again with “the man of the moment, comedy’s meteoric success, Mr Popular” (Telegraph). His “terrifically funny” (The Post) four-night stint at the Hall back in April was a sell-out, and the popularity of this “diamond geezer” (Chortle) looks set to continue.
“Being self-conscious in a big universe is a darn good thing,” says the award-winning comedian, writer, science buff and big thinker. In this new show Ince will celebrate the work of some of his favourite scientists – Charles Darwin, Richard Feynman – and share the answers to such head-scratching questions as ‘why do we have eyebrows?’, ‘why do bald dogs have bad teeth?’ and ‘why does spaghetti snap into four pieces?’. “One of the hardest working comedians in Britain” (Metro) returns for a brace of shows peppered with near-the-knuckle one-liners, lightning-quick comebacks and masterful wordplay. His shows are like “listening to a triple X-rated Bob Monkhouse on acid”, says The Guardian. The easily offended need not apply.
30 | 0844 887 1500
milton jones friday 18 october 8pm, £21.50 incl. BF Sponsored by
paul foot friday 18 october the lantern, 7.30pm, £13.44 incl. BF over 14s only seated show
the best in uk stand-up saturday 19 october the lantern, 8.30pm, £12.90 incl. BF under 18s must be accompanied by an adult, seated show
He’s the Radio 4 presenter and one-liner specialist who rattles off “deliciously eccentric” (Chortle) material at a rate of knots. “It’s like a big dipper for the brain,” says The Guardian. “By the end of an evening in his company, you’ll doubt there are any expressions in the English language that he couldn’t invert, subvert or mine for deeply buried dual meanings.”
The Guild of Paul Foot Connoisseurs rejoice as the “subversive and surreal” (The Daily Express) comic offers up a typically esoteric treat. Following last-year’s sell-out Edinburgh show, Foot is back on the road with an “expertly crafted set” (British Comedy Guide) that The Mighty Boosh’s Noel Fielding describes as “choked to the brim with jokes and ideas”.
Your chance to see some of the fastest rising stars on the UK comedy circuit. Stuart Goldsmith is your host for the evening, perfectly marrying “pitch-perfect audience repartee with cleverly woven tales of the everyday” (The Independent). Up-and-coming Canadian comedian Peter White shares the stage with the “ultra sardonic” (Chortle) funny man Romesh Ranganathan.
www.colstonhall.org | 31
alexei sayle sunday 20 october the lantern, 7.30pm, £18.81 advance incl. BF over 14s only
stewart lee: much a-stew about nothing friday 25 october 8pm, £21.50 incl. BF
russell brand monday 28 & tuesday 29 october 7.30pm, sold out over 12s only Sponsored by
The “fearlessly funny” (Metro) godfather of alternative comedy presents his first full-length stand-up show in 17 years. Following two sold-out seasons in London, Sayle is as splenetic as ever, ranting about the proliferation of Old Etonians, laying into Alistair Campbell and ruminating on how life has changed since those glory days of the 1980s.
Following the sell-out Carpet Remnant World, “probably the cleverest comedian working in Britain” (The Guardian) presents a mixed stew of unrelated ideas in preparation for his 2014 TV series. See it live so you can begin the backlash ahead of transmission.
The superstar comedian with the “grasshopper mind” (Evening Standard) turns his thoughts to the Messiah complex. Were Jesus, Gandhi, Malcolm X or Hitler sufferers? Should we care that great people can be flawed? And do we need heroes in this age of atheistic disposability? Given that the Brand we know and love is “grubby and clever in equal measure” (New Age), expect plenty of profanity scattered among the profundity.
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peacock and gamble tuesday 29 october the lantern, 8pm, £12.90 incl. BF parental guidance recommended
seann walsh thursday 31 october the lantern, 8pm, £12.90, £10.75 concessions incl. BF over 16s only
marcel lucont saturday 2 november the lantern, 8pm, £13.44 incl. BF over 14s only
“Expect plenty of bizarre arguments, stupid uses of technology and general arsing about” (The Guardian) from this irrepressible Chortle Award-winning duo. Sit tight for a knockabout hour of electrifying stupidity (their words) as the pair take us through “moments of stupendous invention” (The List).
“This generation’s Dylan Moran” (Time Out) wants to prove he is the lie-in king. The Brighton comedian’s brand of “sharp, creative observational comedy” (Sunday Times) has seen him pick up a brace of Chortle award nominations (Best Breakthrough Act and Best Compère). “He is technically brilliant,” says Chortle.
Raise a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the self-styled “flâneur, raconteur [and] bon viveur” who made waves at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Listen as the “poet, philosopher [and] world-class lover” (The Guardian) prowls around the stage, red wine in hand, teaching us English a thing or two about joie de vivre. He’s “quick-witted and exceedingly sharp” (British Comedy Guide), not to mention “debauched, delightful and debonair” (Perth Now).
www.colstonhall.org | 33
shappi khorsandi thursday 7 november the lantern, 8pm, £13.98 incl. BF over 16s only
what the frock! thursday 14 november the lantern, 8pm, £13.98, £11.93 concessions incl. BF
the best in uk stand-up saturday 16 november the lantern, 8.30pm, £12.90 incl. BF under 18s must be accompanied by an adult
She’s “Britain’s best young female comic by any yardstick” (The Guardian) who “always [finds] the funny side to life” (Evening Standard). In this new show, the author of A Beginner’s Guide To Acting English and panel show regular uses her “engaging, conversational style” (The Arts Desk) to share stories about her life.
See the “witty, charming, amazing” (Chortle) Lucy Porter headline at the region’s only regular all-female comedy night. This fundraising event, in support of the Whiteladies Picture House campaign, features Time Outnominated, beatboxing comedian Jayde Adams, the “next generation Lucy Porter” (Chortle), Laura Lexx, and “talented, self-deprecating” (Evening Standard) compère Rosie Wilby. The bespectacled compère with the “neat turn of phrase” (The Scotsman), David Morgan, gets the crowd primed for “consummate idiot savant” (The List) Michael Fabbri and Tom Allen – “a great storyteller whose ability to provide riotous entertainment deserves to net him a wider audience” (The Guardian).
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paul merton: impro chums tuesday 19 november 8pm, £22.58, £20.43 concessions incl. BF
“Howl with laughter” (Edinburgh Reviews) as Paul Merton, Richard Vranch, Lee Simpson, Suki Webster and Mike McShane cultivate witty, clever and unique routines based entirely on audience suggestions.
Sponsored by
carl donnelly sunday 24 november the lantern, 7.30pm, £12.90 incl. BF parental guidance recommended
greg davies sunday 24 november 8pm, sold out Sponsored by
Chortle’s 2009 Breakthrough Act “mixes up the banal and the bizarre” (The Guardian) in his new show. Having cut his teeth on the live circuit (Edinburgh Festival, Montreal Just For Laughs) and landed the TV gigs (Mock The Week, Russell Howard’s Good News), Donnelly is now firmly established as one of comedy’s hottest new stars thanks to his laid-back, conversational style.
The former schoolteacher and star of recordbreaking BBC Three comedy Cuckoo has been described as “comedy’s puerile Zeus” (London Is Funny) and “rude, substantial, heartfelt [and] cunning” (The Times). In his extended second solo tour, Davies gives us his trademark slapstick and self-deprecating humour that’s “a joyous celebration of our shared idiocy” (The Guardian).
www.colstonhall.org | 35
sarah millican thursday 28 – saturday 30 november 8pm, sold out over 16s only
trevor noah friday 6 december the lantern, 7.30pm, £16.13 incl. BF over 16s only
ed byrne friday 6 december 8pm prompt, £24.19 incl. BF over 14s only latecomers will not be admitted to the show
We welcome back the British Comedy Award’s Queen Of Comedy as she talks settling down and domestic bliss in this brand new show. Learn how to teach a pensioner to swear and what to take with you on a dirty weekend. “Funny and defiant, cheeky and bawdy, Millican’s material defies both public decency and the opinion of beauty magazines,” says The Guardian.
We’ve got Eddie Izzard to thank for tonight’s performance by “one of South Africa’s most exciting stand-ups” (Chortle). The much-loved comedian flew Noah over to the UK to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2012, where the show received rave reviews: Time Out called it a “slick, intelligent, blissfully funny hour” while the Scotsman said it was a “fascinating and frequently hilarious show”.
The self-confessed “miserable old git” takes time out from baking biscotti (as evidenced on the Great Comic Relief Bake Off) to talk about some of the things he finds important, annoying and funny now he’s in his forties. “It is rare for a comic to merit the word ‘masterful’ but in this case it is no overstatement,” says The Scotsman.
36 | 0844 887 1500
light entertainment
room on the broom friday 20 – sunday 22 september times vary (see diary), £12.36 incl. BF (sat & sun sold out) over 3s
sixties gold 50th anniversary friday 4 october 7.30pm, £31.71, £29.56 incl. BF
fascinating aïda: charm offensive monday 21 october 7.30pm, £21.50 incl. BF
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s enchanting tale goes from page to stage in this “truly theatrical feast” (The List). When a gust of wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand, along comes a helpful dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog to help her find them. But then a very hungry dragon appears – and he wants witch and chips for his tea… Adapted for the stage by Tall Stories (www.tallstories.org.uk). Merseybeat band Gerry And The Pacemakers headline this sparkling celebration of the music of the 1960s, performing I Like It, You’ll Never Walk Alone and more. Joining them are The Searchers (Sweets For My Sweet), trouser-splitting singersongwriter PJ Proby (Hold Me), The Fortunes (You’ve Got Your Troubles) and Brian Poole and Chip Hawkes, who'll be sharing the stage.
“Cabaret heaven” (Metro) from the global internet sensation who gave us the YouTube smash hit Cheap Flights. Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pullman perform a selection of old and new songs that celebrate 30 years in the business and counting. “This is a feelgood show that engages the brain as well as the funny-bone,” says The Times while The Telegraph calls them “sharp enough to be considered a dangerous weapon”. Illustration: copyright © Axel Scheffler & Macmillan Children’s Books
www.colstonhall.org | 37
the michael nyman band: music from and for film tuesday 5 november 7.30pm, £37.63, £31.71, £26.34, £24.19, £19.89 incl. BF
raf in concert wednesday 27 november 7.30pm, £24.19, £20.96, £17.74 incl. BF
the best of the west end saturday 7 december 7.30pm, £26.88, £23.11, £19.89 incl. BF
The famed composer is perhaps best known for penning the award-winning score for Oscarwinning film The Piano, alongside the soundtrack for The Cook, The Thief, His Wife And Her Lover. Tonight, Nyman and his band perform a selection of his most recognisable work alongside new compositions. There will also be screenings of Nyman’s own films.
BBC Radio Two’s Alan Dedicoat compères as the Central Band of the RAF perform at this popular event. Hear a soul-stirring programme that pays tribute to the members of 617 Squadron who, 70 years ago, carried out the now-famous attack on German dams – the squadron subsequently became known as the ‘Dambusters’. Includes work by renowned composer Nigel Hess alongside classic war film scores. Four of the West End’s brightest stars will join the orchestra of the Welsh National Opera for this night of showstopping numbers. Featuring songs from The Phantom Of The Opera, Les Misérables, Wicked, Mamma Mia!, The Lion King and more.
child concessions available – contact box office
only men aloud
Welsh folk songs, hymns, opera, barbershop and pop await as the Last Choir Standing winners return. The Welsh male voice choir will perform friday 20 december an eclectic mix of material drawn from their three doors 7pm, £37.63, albums, Only Men Aloud!, Band Of Brothers and £28.49, £20.96 incl. BF In Festive Mood, including singles All By Myself vip package available – and Total Eclipse Of The Heart. contact box office
38 | 0844 887 1500
christmas at colston hall
royal marines band christmas charity concert sunday 1 december 2.30pm start, £18.28, £16.13, £13.98, incl. BF, concessions available
deck the halls
One of the jewels in Colston Hall’s festive crown is the arrival of the Band Of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. This year’s rousing show of military marches, big band hits and seasonal numbers will be performed in aid of Seafarers UK, the UK’s leading maritime charity that raises money for the maritime sector, including the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Merchant Navy. In aid of Seafarers UK.
on sale 30 august
Ronald McDonald House Bristol (RMH) is hosting an evening in support of families of critically ill children this Christmas. Enjoy special performances by classical artist Sarah Kempe and the Out There Choir (curated by Bristol’s own Tom Jones). RMHB provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families of children receiving treatment at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
uwe singers and symphony orchestra
UWE’s talented symphony orchestra and singers perform a range of popular classics including John Williams’ Star Wars Symphonic Suite and Holst’s The Planets.
saturday 7 december the lantern, 7pm start, £10.75, £8.60 concessions, £34.40 family ticket incl. BF
sunday 8 december 4pm, £16.13, £12.90, £10.75 (concessions £13.98, £10.75, £8.60), u16s free incl. BF on sale 1 october
www.colstonhall.org | 39
the post carol concert in aid of the lord mayor of bristol’s children appeal
monday 9 december 7.30pm, £6.45 incl. BF
bristol cathedral choir school xmas concert tuesday 10 december 7.30pm, £7.53, u18s £4.30 incl. BF
Head to this annual carol concert to help raise money for the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal. Each year the charity helps underprivileged children in the city with gifts of vouchers that can be redeemed for food and clothing. Visit www.lordmayorofbristolappeal.co.uk for more information.
Bristol Cathedral Choir School shows off its prodigious talent in this popular festive concert. The choristers and BCCS students head to the Hall as part of their challenging and busy timetable to perform renditions of a wide range of seasonal pieces.
on sale 30 september
russian patriarchate choir of moscow friday 13 december 7.30pm, £22.04, £19.35 incl. BF
colston christmas ceilidh saturday 14 december the lantern, 7.30pm, £11.83 advance, £13.98 on the door incl. BF standing show
Founded in 1983, the Russian Patriarchate Choir Of Moscow has led the way in the rediscovery of Orthodox church music, much of which had been unheard for centuries. “The fine male voices of the choir … create a powerful atmosphere of energy and devotion, of fluency and a spontaneity that effectively blends refinement with rawness,” says the Daily Telegraph.
A riotous evening of live music and energetic dancing comes courtesy of Hopping Mad and caller Tony Slinger.
40 | 0844 887 1500
christmas with the salvation army sunday 15 december 3pm, £6.45 incl. BF
bristol choral society: handel’s messiah saturday 21 december 7.30pm, £26.88, £21.50, £16.13, £10.75, u25s £5.38, OAPs 10% discount incl. BF
last night of the christmas proms saturday 28 december 7.30pm, £37.09, £33.86, £29.56, £20.96, £17.74 incl. BF
bso: new year viennese gala monday 30 december 7.30pm, £26.88, £23.65, £19.35, £15.05, students £8.60, u18s £1.08 incl. BF
Join The Salvation Army as it celebrates 40 years of Christmas spectaculars at Colston Hall. Special guests join The Salvation Army’s own band, choir and young people for an inspiring and uplifting mix of carols and festive music. All proceeds will be donated to a local charity.
“An absorbing and thoroughly entertaining evening” (Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres, bachtrack. com) awaits as Bristol Choral Society sing Handel’s masterpiece from memory. Don’t miss the Mini Messiah Family Concert taking place earlier in the day (4.30pm, £5, u18s free incl. BF) – this condensed performance is a great way to introduce children to Handel’s work.
Conductor: Hilary Davan Wetton Tenor: Philip O’Brien Baritone: James Cleverton Orchestra Of The Welsh National Opera A programme of rousing classics culminating in a grand flag-waving finale. Includes Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite and Holst’s Finale from St Paul’s Suite, plus Rule, Britannia! and Nessun Dorma. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra present their much-loved and highly-anticipated New Year’s Eve event, featuring a dazzling selection of dance-hall favourites, whirling waltzes and popping polkas. Arrive early to see BSO Woodwind Ensemble give a free recital in the foyer before the main concert begins.
www.colstonhall.org | 41
colston hall new year’s eve party tuesday 31 december doors 7pm, £48.38 incl. BF under 16s must be accompanied
If there’s a better way to see in the New Year than with Bellowhead (pictured), “the greatest live act in Britain” (BBC Radio 2's Simon Mayo), we’re all ears. The multi instrumentalist BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winners will perform twice, taking us into 2014 with a bang. The festivities continue throughout the Hall with pop-up performances filling every nook and
cranny. Catch rambunctious septet Brassroots, who “make a mighty fine racket” (WOMAD) with their brass tinged pop covers alongside acoustic outfit Spiro. Bristol theatre pioneers Mayfest turn The Lantern into The Blind Tiger – a 1920's cabaret speakeasy featuring unique performances, late night DJs and vintage cocktails set in truly decadent surroundings.
42 | 0844 887 1500
community doors open day saturday 14 september 10am-4pm, free
daz’s rock 4 charity friday 1 november doors 7pm, £10.75 incl. BF
See where the superstars tread, explore the spooky cellars and feel like a star on our main stage as we open our doors to the public. There will be 12 tours starting at 10am with the final tour at 3.30pm. Patrons must arrive five minutes before their allotted time and assemble at the Level 3 bar. We regret that the tour is not suitable for patrons with mobility issues due to stairs and access to the cellars. Tickets are free with a limit of four per booking. Booking is essential. Get tickets from the box office or online. If booking online there will be an additional £1.50 booking fee.
Popular fundraising event. Local musician Darren ‘Daz’ Sims brings together local acts to raise money for Bristol-based charity PROPS, which provides opportunity and support to children and young people with physical and learning disabilities.
bristol and district organist associations tuesday 24 september 7.30pm, free 61st festival of male voice praise saturday 28 september 6.45pm, see website for more info
Featuring Philippa Hanna, a talented singer-songwriter who has appeared on Songs Of Praise and supported soul legend Lionel Richie on his 2012 tour. For booking details, visit www.colstonhall.org
poppy appeal commemorative festival sunday 3 november 7pm, £10.75 incl. BF
The Regimental Band of The Royal Welsh, Military Wives Choir and the Royal Mail Choir perform in support of the poppy appeal.
tedx bristol: failure monday 11 november 10am, £26.88, £10.75 concessions incl. BF
TED is a non-profit organisation dedicated to ‘Ideas Worth Spreading’. They hold annual conferences where world-leading thinkers, speakers and doers talk for 18 minutes. The theme of this year’s conferences is ‘failure’: hear local speakers share their tales of failure and discuss how it’s shaped their ideas, outlooks and businesses.
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education It’s all change at Colston Hall Education as we launch Bristol Plays Music Bristol Plays Music (BPM) is Arts Council England’s Music Education Hub for the city of Bristol. It will ensure that the legacy of Bristol City Council Arts and Music Service’s (BAMS) success in delivering highquality music education to over 8,000 children a year is preserved and is strengthened by the partnership with Colston Hall Education. As part of the Bristol Music Trust, BAMS and Colston Hall Education will work together to create a single programme of work that spans formal and non-formal music education. BPM aims to ensure that every young person has access to music education activities and a platform for musical expression. BPM will join up the opportunities for teaching, learning and performance and will promote
an inspiring shared culture of music making whilst drawing upon the extraordinary richness of talent across the city. The Remix Academy is a new creative development programme run by BPM at Colston Hall. It aims to help young people between the ages of 4 and 25 get the most out of their passion for music. Professional Music Leaders will support individual progression through weekly workshops with regular sharing and performance opportunities. Young people can develop their musical skills in a positive and supportive environment with fully equipped facilities including the latest in music technology. The Remix Academy launches at Bristol Doors Open Day on Saturday 14 September.
For more information go to www.bristolplaysmusic.org.uk
we are here Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5AR how to book By telephone on 0844 887 1500 Online at www.colstonhall.org In person at Colston Hall box office booking fees All prices include a 7.5% booking fee (BF) – for more details visit www.colstonhall.org box office hours Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm feeling social? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for ticket competitions, first news on event updates and much more www.facebook.com/ColstonHall @Colston_Hall instagram.com/colstonhall
box office 0844 887 1500 www.colstonhall.org