colston hall spring/summer
| april | may | june | july
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www.colstonhall.org | 03
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
contents
| rock and pop / 06 | leftfield / 12 | classical / 18 | comedy / 25 | light entertainment / 28 | community / 31 | education / 32 | coming up / 33 | become a member / 34 | weddings & events / 36 | season planner / 38 | travel & booking / 40
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news from around colston hall classical goes digital Colston Hall’s classical fans can now receive updates, share highlights and chat about events on Facebook and Twitter. Head to @ClassicalLIVE or search ‘Colston Classical’ on Facebook to join our classical community.
take a shot Calling all photographers. We’ve just launched an Instagram account filled with fantastic photos from around the Hall and we want you to add to our growing collection. Whether it’s an artful snap from our roof terrace or an action shot from one of our live shows, share your pictures with us at instagram.com/colstonhall
join the club Do you long for exclusive deals, great benefits and priority booking on all your favourite shows? Become a member today and you’ll receive all these things plus invitations to special events, a Pocket Planner delivered straight to your door and more. Turn to page 34 for further details.
save the trees... and booking fees with our new save-to-phone e-tickets and print-at-home service. For further details, email boxoffice@colstonhall.org
www.colstonhall.org | 05
don’t miss this season’s highlights
James
rock & pop James / Echo & The Bunnymen p07 Paper Aeroplanes p09 Elvis Costello p10 Eliza Carthy & Jim Moray
leftfield King Creosote p13 Pink Martini p15 Eliza Carthy & Jim Moray p16 Snarky Puppy p17
Ludovico Einaudi
classical Philharmonia p18 Ludovico Einaudi p19 Moscow State Symphony p23 light entertainment Strictly Confidential p30 comedy Julian Clary (right) p26 Reginald D Hunter p27
rock and pop
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emeli sandé saturday 6 april hall 1, doors 7pm, sold out
In 12 months the Scottish chanteuse with the “weapons grade” voice (New York Times) has bagged three topfive singles, sold more albums than anyone else in Britain with Our Version Of Events, performed at the opening and closing Olympic ceremonies, and picked up three MOBOs and two Brits. Oh, and she also sang at the Royal Albert Hall – "a place made for huge voices like hers", says The Huffington Post.
www.colstonhall.org | 07
record fair saturday 6 april and saturday 1 june foyer performance space, 10am-4pm, free
james wednesday 17 april hall 1, doors 7pm, sold out
counting crows saturday 20 april hall 1, doors 7pm, sold out
The region’s largest record fair returns giving visitors the chance to dig through thousands of LPs, singles and CDs. Rare collectibles and re-releases can be found among the crates.
“We will be re-working old songs and revealing some new steps – expect the unexpected,” says Tim Booth of the legendary band’s Gathering Sound tour. Sing along as they perform classics likes Come Home, Sit Down, Born Of Frustration, Sound, Sometimes and more. They’re joined by post-punk pioneers Echo And The Bunnymen.
The band that gave us Mr Jones and the Oscarnominated Accidentally In Love may have been quiet of late, releasing only one album since they left their major label in 2008. But with album sales exceeding the 20 million mark, their popularity remains firmly intact, thanks to “adhesive melodies and the irresistibility of [their] choruses” (Uncut).
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mick hucknall monday 22 april hall 1, 7.30pm, £50, £40, £35
simple minds monday 29 april hall 1, doors 7pm, sold out
omd sunday 5 may hall 1, 8pm, £32.50
The Simply Red frontman gives us his take on American soul classics like I Only Have Eyes For You, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, If You Don’t Know Me By Now (which was, of course, a hit for Simply Red in 1989) and I’d Rather Go Blind.
“They treated us to over two hours of pulsating industrial rhythms and layers of synthesised melodies that, at times, bordered on the ethereal,” says The Telegraph of Simple Minds’ acclaimed 5X5 tour. Now they’re back, treating fans to a selection of their greatest hits, including Don’t You (Forget About Me), Alive And Kicking and Belfast Child.
OMD are back on the road following the huge success of 2010’s comeback album and world tour. The Guardian called History Of Modern a “forensic re-creation of [their] early 80s sound”. “Turns out that OMD’s brand of futurism actually was the future, and watching them wrestle so remarkably with that is nothing short of enlightening,” says The Fly. Expect a seamless blend of new music and old classics like Enola Gay, Souvenir and Joan Of Arc.
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the fureys and davey arthur saturday 11 may hall 2, 8pm, £19.50, £18.50 concessions
mcfly monday 13 may hall 1, doors 7pm, sold out
paper aeroplanes tuesday 21 may hall 2, doors 7.30pm, £8 adv
Irish music legends The Fureys And Davey Arthur have been entertaining audiences for over 35 years with hits like I Will Love You, When You Were Sweet Sixteen, The Green Fields Of France, The Old Man, Leaving Nancy and Steal Away. Hear their trademark folk/MOR sound in the intimate surroundings of Hall 2.
Described as “the greatest pop band of our time” by The Guardian, McFly head out on tour to promote their latest release, Memory Lane. Drawing on material from their five top 10 albums, fans can hear energetic renditions of Five Colours In Her Hair, Obviously, Star Girl, All About You, One For The Radio and more from the irrepressible foursome.
If “disarming, breezy pop that’s tinged with melancholy” (The Guardian) is your thing, get to know Paper Aeroplanes, the Welsh alt-pop duo who “deserve a wider audience”, according to the BBC. Expect “easy-riding, folkish indie with a pop sensibility that’s been compared to Fleetwood Mac … and Lisa Loeb” (BBC).
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elvis costello sunday 2 june hall 1, 8pm, £42.50, £37.50
friday night live with john cooper clarke friday 7 june hall 1, doors 7.30pm, £18.50
Following his sell-out tour last year, Elvis Costello brings the “delightfully zany” (LA Times) Spectacular Spinning Songbook back to Colston Hall. During the show audience members are invited to spin a huge, 15ft wheel containing the names of Costello classics, from Oliver’s Army and Pump It Up to Peace, Love And Understanding and Shipbuilding.
After spending the last couple of decades out of the limelight, the Bard of Salford and punk poet returns to the live stage to perform a selection of his satirical verse. Tonight’s audience will be in good company: Cooper Clarke counts Steve Coogan, Billy Bragg and Alex Turner among his fervent fanbase. See also page 17.
over 16s only
joe satriani wednesday 12 june hall 1, 7.30pm, £37.50, £33.50
Former lead guitarist for Mick Jagger and Deep Purple, Grammy Award-nominated guitar hero Joe Satriani returns to Colston Hall (and the live stage) for the first time since 2010’s Black Swans And Wormhole Wizards Tour.
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sandi thom thursday 13 june hall 2, 8pm, £14.50
steve winwood saturday 22 june hall 1, doors 7pm, £29.50
factory studios and colston hall present thursday 11 july hall 2, 7pm, £5
The Scottish singer-songwriter, perhaps best known for her 2006 single I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair), performs material from her "exquisite" (The Times) fourth album, Flesh And Blood.
He's a rock 'n' roll legend and master of innovation, spending almost 50 years in the music business and picking up countless accolades along the way. Hear this "quiet legend" (The Guardian) work his way through a back catalogue of hits from the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith alongside tracks from his solo albums.
Factory Studios join Colston Hall once again to celebrate the best in local talent. Tonight's live show features performances from the area's upand-coming talent.
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johanna juhola friday 12 april hall 2, 8pm, £12, £10 concessions
leftfield
The dreadlocked accordionist from Finland (a well-known figure in her homeland thanks to her appearance at the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest) blends tango, electronica and traditional Finnish folk sounds to create “golden-rimmed and sunny” (Trad Mag) music that is “unforgettable and impossibly beautiful” (Anna Magazine).
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ludovico einaudi saturday 13 april hall 1, 7.30pm, £27.50, £25
the global folk friday 19 april hall 2, 8pm, £10
king creosote monday 22 april hall 2, 8pm, £10 advance
Ludovico Einaudi is a prolific film score composer and pianist whose work can be heard on the soundtracks of This Is England, Untouchable and more. Tonight, he presents a range of work from a glittering career that covers almost 15 years in the music industry. See also page 19.
Respected singer-songwriters Rodney Branigan, Philip Henry and Nibs Van Der Spuy perform folk, blues and world music from three continents. The evening will consist of three solo performances, showcasing the musicians’ individual styles, followed by a group improvisation at the end.
“Mischievous, amiable folk raconteur” (The Independent) Kenny Anderson performs tracks from It Turned Out For The Best, the third in his trio of vinyl-only EPs. The Scottish singersongwriter has penned over 40 albums in the past 15 years, including the Mercury-nominated Diamond Mine, co-written with Jon Hopkins and praised for its “pinpoint emotional accuracy” by The Guardian.
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classico latino thursday 25 april hall 2, 8pm, £12 advance
martin simpson friday 26 april hall 2, 8pm, £15 advance
mopomoso saturday 27 april hall 2, 7.30pm, £12
Featuring Colombian pianist Ivan Guevara-Bernal and British classical stars Lizzie Ball (violin) and Graham Walker (cello), Classico Latino is “a bold marriage of classical and Latin-inspired music” (Blues And Soul Magazine). Hear their own arrangements alongside vibrant new compositions.
“Guitar hero, accompanist, folk singer and songwriter” (The Guardian) Martin Simpson has been nominated a staggering 29 times at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. His current album Purpose + Grace received rave reviews from The Guardian and The Telegraph, the latter calling it “simply a great album from start to finish”. Hear stories of love, loss and home all incorporating that sublime guitar playing for which he is now renowned.
Guitarist John Russell and pianist, trumpeter and composer Chris Burn founded Mopomoso over 20 years ago to promote improvised music. Tonight, they're joined by a number of guests including "one of the UK's most inventive solo improvisers and composers" (The Guardian), the legendary jazz pianist Keith Tippett.
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pink martini wednesday 1 may hall 1, 7.30pm, £26.50, £23.50
kit downes quintet and lund quartet thursday 9 may hal 2, 8pm, £10
the bad plus sunday 12 may hall 2, 8pm, £17.50
Watch a performance pitched somewhere between a 1930s Cuban dance orchestra, a classical chamber music ensemble, a Brazilian marching band and a Japanese film noir. The Sun describes this 12-piece as “classy, charming, sexy, elegant [and] sophisticated” while the Daily Telegraph says they “are on a mission to bring back romance and beauty”. Tonight’s show features original Pink Martini vocalist China Forbes.
A fantastic double-bill tonight features the dark and detailed, colourful and chaotic sounds of the Kit Downes Quintet, which is headed up by “the most impressive jazz pianist from England since John Taylor” (Time Out). They’re joined by the Bristol-born, Scandinavian-inspired Lund Quartet, whose music blends traditional jazz, hip-hop and electronica.
This "audacious, rule-breaking jazz trio" (Billboard) from the US have spent the past decade smashing down the walls of jazz convention. The result is what they describe as a 'personal brand of avant-garde populism', where original music mixes with deconstructed pop, rock and country songs. "It's about as badass as highbrow gets," says Rolling Stone.
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spiers and boden saturday 18 may hall 2, 8pm, £15 advance
ed harcourt wednesday 29 may hall 2, 8pm, £12.50
claire martin with the montpellier cello quartet friday 31 may hall 2, 8pm, £16
eliza carthy and jim moray saturday 1 june hall 2, 8pm, £16.50
The founders of riotous live outfit Bellowhead are asking the audience to choose the playlist for them. On this new tour, John Spiers and Jon Boden are calling on fans to post suggestions for songs that have particular local significance on their website – they will then perform a selection of this material at the live show. Visit www.backyardsongs.com for more.
The Mercury Prize-nominated “underrated national treasure” (Uncut) airs his sixth studio album, Back Into The Woods, which was recorded in just six hours at Abbey Road Studios. “Harcourt’s lovely oaken voice rustles and creaks as if he’s singing directly into the listener’s ear, while the piano chords seem to tremble through your skin,” says the BBC.
Jazz vocalist Claire Martin OBE and the Brightonbased Montpellier Quartet perform a mixture of popular classics, brand new arrangements and songs from the Great American Songbook. This chamber-jazz fusion promises a new take on classics like Tom Waits' Old Boyfriends and Lennon and McCartney's She's Leaving Home.
In the best two-for-one deal you’ll see this side of the January sales, a brace of fine folk musicians come together to celebrate a couple of very special landmarks. “Demon fiddler” (The Telegraph) and acclaimed singer Eliza Carthy celebrates 21 years in the music industry while Radio 2 Folk Awardwinner Jim Moray marks his tenth anniversary. Both artists will play crowd-pleasing ‘best of ’ sets and are ably backed by an all-star band.
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friday night live with john cooper clarke friday 7 june hall 1, doors 7.30pm, £18.50 over 16s only
wren band: when the moon is full saturday 29 june hall 2, 8pm, £10 advance
snarky puppy thursday 4 july hall 2, 8pm, £10 advance, £12 on the door
“You’ve either never heard of him or you love him,” says Bill Bailey of the poet laureate of punk. True or not, John Cooper Clarke’s influence is indisputable – a recent BBC4 documentary featured Billy Bragg, Kate Nash and Alex Turner extolling the virtues of a man whose “verse was venerated by people who didn’t like poetry” (The Independent). The Bard of Salford is joined by Mike Garry, Luke Wright and others. See also page 10. The Wren Band is a collection of award-winning and respected musicians and vocalists, including acclaimed duo Marilyn Tucker and Paul Wilson. Together, they explore the myths and legends of Dartmoor and the writings of 19th-century folklorist Sabine Baring-Gould in this new concert.
Snarky Puppy, says The Guardian, "sound as if they've absorbed and reinvented almost the entire history of jazz fusion". The result is an expert blend of soul, funk, gospel and lounge, which the 30-strong Texan ensemble describe as music "for your brain and your booty". No wonder The Independent have called them the "band of the moment".
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philharmonia orchestra wednesday 3 april hall 1, 7.30pm, £31, £26, £21, £15, u26s £8, u18s £1, BSO Vibes £5
Conductor: Paavo Järvi Violin: Lisa Batiashvili Haydn – Symphony No. 85 Brahms – Violin Concerto Sibelius – Symphony No. 1
classical
Grammy-winning conductor Paavo Järvi leads the Philharmonia Orchestra through Marie Antoinette’s favourite Haydn Paris symphony, Sibelius’s Tchaikovsky-inspired symphonic debut and Brahms’s mighty concerto. pre-concert interview
Louise Mitchell Hall 2, 6.25pm, free with ticket Peter Yeman will interview Colston Hall and Bristol Music Trust’s Chief Executive, Louise Mitchell, for her thoughts on the highlights of the coming classical season.
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bristol ensemble beethoven series
Conductor: Ben Gernon Violin: Nicola Benedetti Brahms – Academic Festival Overture Beethoven – Violin Concerto Beethoven – Symphony No. 8
friday 12 april hall 1, 7.30pm, £27, £24, £19, £15, u26s £8, u18s £1
The second concert in this series features superstar Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti as she takes on Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Book all three concerts in the series for £49.
bso
discovering music talk
saturday 13 april hall 2, 11am, £5, £3 with concert ticket, free to classical subscribers
Bristol Ensemble’s Jonathan James gives us his take on the music that will feature in the forthcoming concert by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (see listing below).
Ludovico Einaudi
ludovico einaudi saturday 13 april hall 1, 7.30pm, £27.50, £25
The prolific film score composer and pianist found popular and critical acclaim in 1992 with the release of Stanze, a collection of solo compositions for the harp. Now celebrating almost 15 years in the music industry, Einaudi will showcase work from his recently completed new album. See also page 13.
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bournemouth symphony orchestra thursday 18 april hall 1, 7.30pm, £31, £26, £21, £15, u26s £8, u18s £1, BSO Vibes £5
Conductor: Andrew Litton Violin: Vadim Gluzman Korngold – Schauspiel Overture (Overture To A Drama) Bruch – Violin Concerto No. 1 Wagner – Three excerpts from Die Meistersinger R Strauss – Rosenkavalier Suite Andrew Litton and Vadim Gluzman’s rendition of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 was described by Audiophile Audition as “one of the finest performances ever committed to disc”. Elsewhere, it’s Strauss’s delectable Rosenkavalier and the burnished majesty of a Meistersinger-in-miniature. pre-concert interview
Vadim Gluzman interviewed by Peter Yeman Hall 2, 6.25pm, free with concert ticket
bso saturday 27 april hall 2, 11am, £5, £3 with concert tickets, free to classical subscribers
discovering music talk
Jonathan James explores the themes behind the work of Sibelius, Brahms and Dvořák in this educational, highly insightful series. The programme discussed will be performed by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on Thursday 2 May.
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bournemouth symphony orchestra thursday 2 may hall 1, 7.30pm, £31, £26, £21, £15, u26s £8, u18s £1, BSO Vibes £5
Conductor: Kirill Karabits Piano: Sunwook Kim Sibelius – Valse Triste Brahms – Piano Concerto No. 2 Dvořák – Symphony No. 7 Just 18 when he won the 2006 Leeds International Piano Competition, Sunwook Kim has a wise Brahmsian head on young shoulders – it was with Brahms he secured first prize. Kirill Karabits’ last concert of the season completes the Dvořák trilogy, which began in October. pre-concert interview
Sunwook Kim Hall 2, 6.25pm, free with a concert ticket
Peter Yeman talks to star soloist Sunwook Kim about Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
Nigel Kennedy
nigel kennedy presents: bach plus fats waller friday 3 may hall 1, 7.30pm, £39.50, £34.50
“Playing Bach and Fats Waller on one show is a dream for me,” says Nigel Kennedy, “two amazing keyboard players, both masters of harmony and melody.” The combination is a winning one, according to LondonJazz, who called the live show: “Entertainment and inspiration driven by an intense energy, but above all, phenomenal musicianship.”
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bristol ensemble beethoven series
Conductor: Ben Gernon Piano: Freddy Kempf Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue Beethoven – Symphony No. 9 with Bristol Choral Society
wednesday 8 may hall 1, 7.30pm, £27, £24, £19, £15, u26s £8, u18s £1
Bristol Ensemble complete their survey of Beethoven’s nine symphonies with an exploration of the composer’s deafness and a new appreciation of his genius. Book all three series concerts for £49.
bso: chilled out classics
Conductor: Pete Harrison
friday 10 may hall 1, 7.30pm, £25, £22, £18, £14, u26s £8, u18s £1, BSO Vibes £5
moscow state symphony orchestra saturday 11 may hall 2, 11am, £5, £3 with concert ticket, free to classical subscribers
Wake up and smell the coffee with Greig, sidle up to Satie and enjoy a spot of languorous moon-bathing with Debussy, all woven around some of the most beautiful piano concerto slow movements ever committed to paper.
discovering music talk
The latest in his popular series of talks sees Jonathan James explore the programme from the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra’s concert on Thursday 16 May.
www.colstonhall.org | 23 Nina Kotova
moscow state symphony orchestra thursday 16 may hall 1, 7.30pm, £31, £26, £21, £15, u26s £8, u18s £1, BSO Vibes £5
Conductor: Pavel Kogan Cello: Nina Kotova Rimsky-Korsakov – Introduction and Three Miracles from The Tale Of Tsar Saltan Shostakovich – Cello Concerto No. 1 Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 We’ve had to wait all season but in the nick of time that cornerstone of a Bristol series rides into town: a Russian orchestra with a Russian programme. “A musician of high seriousness and real talent” (The Scotsman), Nina Kotova plays the Shostakovich before the Tchaikovsky delivers the explosive coup de grace. pre-concert interview
Moscow State Symphony Hall 2, 6.25pm, free with concert ticket
contemporary music venture sunday 19 may hall 2, 8pm, £10, £7
The Contemporary Music Venture (CMV) is a series of concerts giving fledgling composers and musicians the chance to perform. This concert will feature student compositions alongside work from British composer, pianist and conductor Graham Fitkin.
24 | +44 (0)117 922 3686 Alison Gillies
cello on the edge wednesday 5 june hall 2, 7.30pm, £10, £7 concessions
colston praise saturday 29 june hall 1, 7.30pm, £12, £11 concessions
bso classical extravaganza friday 12 july hall 1, 7.30pm, £25, £22, £18, £14, concessions apply, plus Early Bird Offer
Conductor: Jolyon Laycock Solo cello: Alison Gillies CoMA Bristol Ensemble Bristol Ensemble’s virtuoso cellist, Alison Gillies, teams up with the CoMA Bristol Ensemble to perform cutting-edge music, including works composed by the Severnside Composers Alliance.
A night of Christian music and celebration with Bristol Emmaus Choir, Bristol Cambrensis Choir and the Colston Praise Choir.
Conductor: Maxime Tortelier Presenter: Mark Forrest A feast of some of classical music’s best-known melodies, including excerpts from Carmen, Barber’s emotional Adagio, the stomping Radetzky and Liberty Bell Marches, and patriotic music to end the evening. There will also be lasers, lights and an indoor fireworks display. Buy your tickets before Friday 19 April for a £5 discount.
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micky flanagan: back in the game wednesday 24 – saturday 27 april hall 1, 8pm, sold out
comedy
The East End boy heads out west for four nights of “side-splitting” comedy (The Sunday Times). The former window cleaner has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame after bringing the house down at the Royal Variety Show in 2010. On top of this, his debut tour was the fastest-selling stand-up show in the West End since Eddie Izzard. “His is an unpretentious, cheerfully direct working-class voice that taps into a high-yield seam of blokeish, impish humour,” says The Guardian.
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russell kane: posturing delivery friday 5 april hall 1, 8pm, £17.50
marcus brigstocke: the brig society tuesday 16 april hall 1, 8pm, £15
Russell Kane takes his Edinburgh Festival show on the road and asks why broodiness is seen as an exclusively female trait. Posturing Delivery is “consistently funny and engaging”, says The Telegraph, and his jokes are “delivered with perfect timing and the stage persona of a bendy toy in a T-shirt”.
“One of the cleverest and most engaging stand-ups you’ll see” (The Mirror) turns his satirical gaze on David Cameron’s Big Society, restructuring every aspect of British life while telling a few jokes. Expect “intelligent, dark, subtle stuff ” (The Observer) from the Radio 4 presenter.
over 15s only
julian clary wednesday 15 may hall 1, 8pm, £20, £18 concessions over 16s only
stand up (again!) for slapstick monday 20 may hall 1, 7.30pm, £25
Celebrity Big Brother winner, pantomime star and “flippin’ national treasure” (Time Out) Julian Clary is looking for love. By the end of this evening’s performance, he promises to have found the man of his dreams and will marry him live on stage. With all the saucy innuendoes and cheeky banter you’ve come to expect, Position Vacant: Apply Within is “hilarious… vintage Clary” (What’s On Stage). Some of the biggest names in UK stand-up come together to raise money for Bristol’s Slapstick Festival. Host Rob Brydon welcomes comedy stars Lee Mack, Shappi Khorsandi, Henning Wehn and Boothby Graffoe to the stage. Over the next few weeks at least one more very special guest will be added to the bill so book early to avoid disappointment!
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lee nelson monday 3 june hall 1, 7.30pm, £22.50 over 16s
reginald d hunter wednesday 5 june hall 1, 8pm, £23, £21 concessions over 16s
al murray the pub landlord: the only way is epic sunday 23 june hall 1, 7.30pm, £25.50 over 14s only
After extending his Lee Nelson… LIVE! tour three times to meet demand, “the hottest creation since Ali G and Vicky Pollard” (The Mirror) heads to the Hall with brand new material. Experience his legendary audience interaction, hear his unique take on the world and enjoy guest appearances from Dr Bob, Jason Bent and more.
The “comically astute, rewardingly provocative” (The Times) comic from the Deep South tackles everything from global politics to relationships in his latest tour. “Don’t be deceived by his quiet charisma and laid-back style: he uses that honeyed drawl to deliver some pretty edgy riffs,” says The Telegraph.
He may have been propping up the bar for 20 years but The Pub Landlord still has some things he’d like to get off his chest. Britain may be going to the dogs, but fear not – Al Murray can offer some insightful solutions to our collective woes. “It’s wickedly witty stuff,” says The Telegraph, while The Times calls it “satire with scope and a real sting”.
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light entertainment
prodijig presents footstorm friday 17 may hall 1, doors 7pm, £35, £25, £17.50
The winners of Sky One’s Got To Dance bring Irish dancing kicking, hopping and rocking into the 21st century with genre-redefining choreography and breathtaking performances. Each of the eight dancers has toured professionally with Riverdance as well as winning every Irish dancing competition around. In their brand new show, unveiled at Dublin’s Olympia, Prodijig will tell the tale of Irish dancing as you’ve never seen it before.
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cesar millan live tuesday 23 april hall 1, 7.30pm, £39.50
michael ball thursday 9 may hall 1, 7.30pm, £37.50
westenders saturday 18 – sunday 19 may hall 1, 2.30pm (sun only) and 7.30pm, £18, £16, £12 concessions/u16s
Cesar Millan – AKA the Dog Whisperer – returns to the UK to dispense treats and tips on how to build happier and healthier relationships between owners and pooches. Learn how to read your dog’s body language, tune in to its instincts, resolve aggression and more.
Fresh from his knockout performance as demon barber Sweeney Todd at London’s Adelphi Theatre last year, Michael Ball presents his Both Sides Now tour featuring a selection of the biggest hits from his recorded and stage careers.
Bristol Light Opera Company celebrate their 80th anniversary with a show that promises to bring all the excitement of the West End to the South West. Featuring a 20-piece orchestra, this show promises to be a musical extravaganza celebrating the best of musical theatre.
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strictly confidential friday 14 june – sunday 16 june hall 1, fri 7.30pm, sat 2.30pm/7.30pm, sun 1.30pm, £42.50, £32.50, £22.50
romany journey: music of the gypsies saturday 6 july hall 1, 7.30pm, £10, u18s £2
the spooky men’s chorale tuesday 30 july hall 1, 7.30pm, £16, u16s £10
Stricken Strictly fans will no longer have to wait until September to get their ballroom and Latin fix as Craig Revel Horwood presents his new show. Featuring series 10 favourite Lisa Riley alongside professionals Artem Chigvintsev, Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite, you’ll get a personal insight into the dancers’ lives as they perform ‘fab-u-lous’ dance routines.
The Gurt Lush Choir, St Mary Redcliffe All Star Orchestra and Mass Youth Choir present a concert dedicated to the music of the Romany people. Special guests include the Gypsy Stars, a 12-piece ensemble dressed in traditional costume, and the Bristol Gypsy Collective, who promise an after-concert performance in the bar.
Armed only with their harmonious voices, pointless grandiosity, a sly collection of hats and a staggering diversity of facial hair configurations, this is an all-male choir like no other.
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community Young performers and established stars share the stage at Colston Hall’s community events gathering voices: jubilation 2013 saturday 20 april hall 2, 7pm, £5, £2 concessions
project zulu gala concert thursday 6 june hall 1, 7.30pm, £8, £5 students/ senior citizens, £3 children
As part of the Jubilation 2013 event, the REMIX Youth Ensemble will be performing their latest work. The pieces have been composed by the Ensemble and arranged by local composers including Tony Briscoe, Jim Barr and Roni Size. Guest bands from BIMM and Access To Music will also be performing.
Members of the choir and dancers from Sithobelumthetho Primary School in South Africa peform at this fundraising event.
stages gala 2013 sunday 21 april hall 1, 7.30pm, £11, £7.50 concessions
School and youth dance event featuring over 2,000 performers.
fusion festival ‘fun day out’ saturday 13 & sunday 14 july halls 1 & 2, 9am-6pm, free
Patchway Community College presents a free two-day event with a vintage holiday camp vibe. Find a wide range of family-friendly performances, exhibitions and activities created by nine local primary schools, with support from local community groups.
bristol’s big green week saturday 15 – sunday 23 june
The festival of environmental ideas, arts and culture returns with another fantastic line-up of events, including talks from the likes of scientist Alice Roberts, architect George Clark and poet Susan Richardson.
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education Remix offers a range of opportunities for all ages and abilities, including music making, performance and music technology saturday sessions 11-18 years
Weekly workshops for young aspiring musicians and performers. For those aged between 11 and 18 sessions take place every Saturday in Unicorns rehearsal studios and include singing, guitar, drums, keyboard, bass, production skills, DJing, beatboxing, and MCing. get inspired 4-6 & 7-10 year olds new generation takeover
NGT is Bristol Music Trust’s young event managers and producers initiative. With a passion for promoting Bristol’s emerging talent, they provide opportunities for local DJs and bands to perform alongside headline acts. NGT are on the lookout for new members and school and college brand ambassadors. If you want to get involved or for further information, please contact cathy.gremin@colstonhall.org
Get Inspired! Saturday mornings lay the essential foundations for the start of your child’s musical journey. 4-6 year olds: Music making, performance, storytelling and interactive play, your child can discover their creativity and musicality. 7-10 year olds: Exploring songwriting and composition, writing and recording your own songs, performance, music technology. Check the website for times and costs. http://www.colstonhall.org/getcreative/get-inspired/saturday-club
For more information on these opportunities and more, check out our website www.colstonhall.org/get-creative, ‘like’ us on Facebook www.facebook.com/remix.youth.music.bristol or follow us on Twitter @remixbristol
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coming up Our hottest tickets for the months ahead saturday 5 october
sam carter
The BBC Radio 2 Folk Awardswinner with the “killer voice” (Nitin Sawhney) performs material from his new album, The No Testament. tuesday 8 october
la boheme
A sparkling production of Puccini’s tale of love and loss, performed with a full orchestra. Directed by Ellen Kent. Sponsored by Wessex Water.
tuesday 19 november
paul merton’s impro chums
Paul Merton, Richard Vranch, Lee Simpson, Suki Webster and Mike McShane create witty, clever and unique routines based entirely on audience suggestions. wednesday 20 november
billy bragg
The enduringly popular troubadour and activist performs tracks from Tooth & Nail, his first studio album in five years. thursday 28 – saturday 30 november
sarah millican
saturday 16 november
bryan ferry
The Roxy Music frontman (above) 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 highly acclaimed album The Jazz Age, which the BBC says is “anything but obvious, and therefore to be applauded”.
In her brand-new show, Home Bird, the British Comedy Award’s Queen Of Comedy discusses settling down and domestic bliss. Learn how to teach a pensioner to swear, what to take with you on a dirty weekend and much, much more. wednesday 18 december
bootleg beatles
The hugely popular tribute band return to the Hall to perform “flawless” (Mojo) renditions of The Beatles’ best-loved hits.
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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 all your favourite shows. Membership starts at ÂŁ30 a year with benefits including priority booking, invitations to exclusive members events, a free Pocket Planner posted direct to your door, e-updates letting you know when your favourite artists are performing, and 10% off food and snacks in the stalls and terrace bars (excluding H Bar CafĂŠ and Restaurant). Find out more at www.colstonhall.org/support-us or ring the box office on 0117 922 3686
join up for exclusive deals, great benefits and priority booking on your favourite shows*
* like Sarah Millican
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supporters Bristol Music Trust and Colston Hall kindly thank the following funders and supporters for their generosity which helps us to undertake our work principal sponsors
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
Bristol Music Trust ‘putting music at the heart of Bristol life’
Colston Hall is run by Bristol Music Trust, an independent charity created to develop the Hall’s artistic programme and promote music and music making in Bristol.
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weddings Create your bespoke dream wedding at Colston Hall Looking for a unique city centre location to hold your big day? Whether it’s a grand event or an intimate affair, Colston Hall has a number of spaces in which you can host your wedding or civil ceremony. We offer happy couples a stunning venue where modern design meets heritage architecture in an unbeatable central location. Our highly experienced and flexible staff
are dedicated to creating your dream day from scratch, offering a bespoke experience for each couple’s requirements. We will help you plan everything down to the finest detail so your wedding is everything you dreamed it would be. Full bespoke wedding service also available. Call 0117 204 7104 for more information or email Naomi.easy@colstonhall.org colstonhall.org/venue-hire
conferences & events Holding your meeting in the centre of town? Need a venue with free Wi-Fi access in every room? Why not impress your delegates and hire one of our conference rooms? From launch parties to board meetings, Colston Hall has a space for every occasion. We can hold intimate meetings for two or conferences for 1,800 in Hall 1. 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. Contact 0117 204 7104 for more information or email Naomi.easy@colstonhall.org www.colstonhall.org/venue-hire
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food & drink we offer a variety of spaces to help you make the most of your downtime Whether you fancy a quick drink, lunchtime coffee or dinner out with friends, H Bar Café, in the heart of our iconic foyer building, serves a selection of Mediterraneaninspired dishes from 9am until night. There’s a wide range of wines, beers, and cocktails, fair trade tea and coffee, live music and free Wi-Fi for customers to use all day. Our stalls and terrace bars are great places to enjoy a drink before or after the show. Find draught and bottled beers, cider, organic wines, spirits and more. And don’t miss our stunning rooftop terrace, which comes complete with spectacular panoramic views of the city. A varied menu of Latin American dishes can be found in H Bar Restaurant. Run by Humberto Benevenuto, it’s the perfect destination for a light lunch or indulgent evening meal. Opening times Café: Mon-Fri 9am-late, Sat 9am-10pm, Sun open when show is on. Restaurant: Wed-Sat and Sun/Mon when there is an evening show. Lunch Wed-Fri 12-2.30pm, dinner Tue-Sat 5-10pm. Call 0117 204 7131 to book or visit thehbar.co.uk
Free Wi-Fi throughout the Hall!
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april wed 3
6.25pm
pre-concert interview: louise mitchell
wed 3
7.30pm
philharmonia orchestra p18
p18
fri 5
8pm
russell kane: posturing delivery
sat 6
10am-4pm
record fair p07
sat 6
doors 7pm
emeli sandĂŠ
p06
fri 12
7.30pm
bristol ensemble beethoven series
p19
fri 12
8pm
johanna juhola p12
sat 13
11am
discovering music talk: bso
sat 13
7.30pm
ludovico einaudi p13/19
tue 16
8pm
marcus brigstocke: the brig society
p26
wed 17
doors 7pm
james with echo and the bunnymen
p07
thu 18
6.25pm
pre-concert interview: vadim gluzman
p20
thu 18
7.30pm
bournemouth symphony orchestra
p20
fri 19
8pm
the global folk p13
sat 20
doors 7pm
counting crows p07
sat 20
7pm
gathering voices: jubilation 2013
p31
sun 21
7.30pm
stages gala 2013
p31
mon 22
7.30pm
mick hucknall p08
mon 22
8pm
king creosote p13
tue 23
7.30pm
cesar millan live p29
p26
p19
wed 24-sat 27 8pm
micky flanagan: back in the game
thu 25
8pm
classico latino p14
p25
fri 26
8pm
martin simpson p14
sat 27
11am
discovering music talk: bso
sat 27
7.30pm
mopomoso p14
mon 29
doors 7pm
simple minds p08
tue 30
7.30pm
south gloucestershire music showcase
p20
may wed 1
7.30pm
pink martini p15
thu 2
6.25pm
pre-concert interview: sunwook kim
thu 2
7.30pm
bournemouth symphony orchestra
p21
p21
fri 3
7.30pm
nigel kennedy presents: bach plus fats waller p21
sun 5
8pm
omd p08
wed 8
7.30pm
bristol ensemble beethoven series
thu 9
7.30pm
michael ball p29
thu 9
8pm
kit downes quintet and lund quartet
p15
fri 10
7.30pm
bso: chilled out classics
p22
sat 11
11am
discovering music talk: moscow state symphony p22
sat 11
8pm
the fureys and davey arthur
sun 12
8pm
the bad plus p15
mon 13
doors 7pm
mcfly p09
p22
p09
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wed 15
8pm
julian clary p26
thu 16
6.25pm
pre-concert interview: moscow state symphony p23
thu 16
7.30pm
moscow state symphony orchestra
p23
fri 17
doors 7pm
prodijig presents footstorm
p28
sat 18
7.30pm
westenders p29
sat 18
8pm
spiers and boden p16
sun 19
2.30/7.30pm
westenders p29
sun 19
8pm
contemporary music venture
p23
mon 20
7.30pm
stand up (again!) for slapstick
p26
tue 21
doors 7.30pm paper aeroplanes p09
wed 29
8pm
ed harcourt p16
fri 31
8pm
claire martin and the montpellier cello quartet p16
june sat 1
10am-4pm
record fair p07
sat 1
8pm
eliza carthy and jim moray
sun 2
8pm
elvis costello p10
mon 3
7.30pm
lee nelson p27
wed 5
7.30pm
cello on the edge p24
wed 5
8pm
reginald d hunter p27
thu 6
7.30pm
project zulu gala concert
fri 7
doors 7.30pm friday night live with john cooper clarke p10/17
wed 12
7.30pm
joe satriani
thu 13
8pm
sandi thom
fri 14
7.30pm
strictly confidential p30
p16
p31
p10 p11
sat 15-sun 23 tbc
bristol’s big green week
sat 15
2.30/7.30pm
strictly confidential p30
p31
sun 16
1.30pm
strictly confidential p30
sat 22
doors 7pm
steve winwood
sun 23
7.30pm
al murray the pub landlord: the only way is epic p27
fri 28
7pm
south gloucestershire schools music festival
sat 29
7.30pm
colston praise p24
sat 29
8pm
wren band: when the moon is full
p11
p17
july thu 4
8pm
snarky puppy p17
sat 6
7.30pm
romany journey: music of the gypsies
thu 11
7pm
factory studios and colston hall present p11
fri 12
7.30pm
p30
bso classical extravaganza
p24
sat 13-sun 14 9am-6pm
fusion festival ‘fun day out’
p31
tue 30
the spooky men’s chorale
p30
7.30pm
we are here Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5AR how to book By telephone on 0117 922 3686 Online at www.colstonhall.org In person at Colston Hall box office booking fees Booking fees apply. All telephone and online bookings are subject to a £1.50 handling charge. 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 for listings Search headfirstbristol.co.uk for what’s on
box office +44 (0)117 922 3686 www.colstonhall.org