Exposed Magazine April 2023

PROUDLY SUPPORTING

A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, ART, FOOD & DRINK HEADS TO KELHAM ISLAND

SKYLINE // JIM GHEDI // JIM CONNOLLY // JESSICA RANSOM // RUMBI TAURO // NEW OPENINGS + MORE INSIDE!

THE BIG SWING IN APRIL!

FREE Swing Dance Class from 8pm.

Live music starts from 8.45pm.

Swing & Jazz DJ sets from 11pm

BIG SWING EVERY WEDNESDAY IN APRIL!

THE BIG SWING IS AN EXCITING NIGHT OF UPBEAT JAZZ AND SWING FROM 8pm IN THE CUBANA DOWNSTAIRS LOUNGE BAR.

ALL LEVELS - STARTS 8pm FREE ENTRY ALL NIGHT!

WEDNESDAY

5

JJ’s COCKTAIL CLUB

A swing dance with a twist - JJ’s Cocktail Club will have you swinging to the sounds of pop music throughout the ages. Fronted by ‘Big Swing’ regular, Jenny Chamberlain Smith is joined by her toe-tapping band playing a collection of specially arranged hits - nothing is off-limits!

WEDNESDAY

APRIL 12

APRIL

THE BIG EASY

An energetic swing band from Leeds, consisting of vocals, trumpet, sax, guitar, piano, double bass and drums. They give a lively and varied performance of the best swing from throughout the 20th century Their dynamic, energetic and often virtuosic performances make them great to watch. This no-nonsense music will get your toes tapping and onto the dance floor without question!

WEDNESDAY

19

BOB LUDLAM BAND

Playing old-fashioned jazz and swing, from Louis Armstrong to Frank Sinatra this group of musicians bring a real sense of fun to the party. Easy improvisation and spontaneity gets everyone singing and dancing and the skilful and accomplished musicians convey their own enjoyment in every tune.

WEDNESDAY

APRIL 26

APRIL

LA POMPE

Local guitarists Danny Maddocks and Dan Lowndes Smith were brought together during lockdown through their mutual love of hot club jazz. They are now ready to unleash their take on swinging classics with a full live band. Expect plenty of dancing and foot tapping!

“A raucous mix of live music and dancing that everyone can’t help getting involved in!”

PRESENTS

TA PA S RES TA URANT & CUBAN

BANK HOLIDAY SUNDAY 30 APRIL 2023

Latin music & dance FIesta!

FREE Outdoor Salsa Spectacular in Leopold Square from 5pm until 10pm.

For the first Salsa in the Square of 2023, we’ve pulled out all the stops and are flying in from Barcelona the amazing 7 piece all Cuban band ‘EL

NEGRITO XULAS’

> Maikel Cardoso (vocals and band director)

> Luis Alberto Diaz (Keys)

> Geovanis Palacios (Congas)

> Guelmi Solis (Bass)

> Justino Miranda (Percussion)

TA PA S RES TA URANT & CUBAN

PLAYING IN THE SQUARE FROM 6PM EL NEGRITO XULAS

> Sadyct Calderon and Joel Brooks Galindo (Trombone)

Plus DJ ANNA DE ORTE (Direct from Barcelona) and DJ Roly Caballero (Havana,Cuba).

Samba Dance Show, Latin Dance Animations, and so much more.

The party continues inside CUBANA from 10pm through until 2am with

BARRIO LATINO

BANK HOLIDAY FIESTA

- Four top DJs playing over two floors.

> DOWNSTAIRS

DJ ANNA DE ORTE and DJ ROLY CABALLERO

- REGGAETON, SALSA, SAMBA, MAMBO AND LATIN HOUSE

> UPSTAIRS

DJ ANTONIO SABROSA and DJ CHANQUETY

- KIZOMBA, SEMBA, KUDORO

Formed in 2017 in Barcelona, all El Negrito Xulas band members are native Cubans and are quite simply, an array of brilliant musicians with a wealth of musical experience.

Maikel Cardoso, is the band director, composer, musician and singer. His improvisation, high energy and true Latin passion speaks for itself culminating in what will undoubedly be a unique and very special event.

This top Latin band fuses the musical styles of authentic Cuban Son, Timba and Reparto with Salsa, Bachata and Reggaeton - a wonderful variety of Latin musical tastes including the latest trends out of Cuba.

In the recent years Maikel and his band have toured all over europe playing at some of the best Latin clubs and festivals. Visit Barcelona and you’ll find El Negrito Xulas performing at their weekly Saturday night residency at the popular nightspot Bar Samba Eventos.

Maikel Cardoso

DINE

Contemporary British cuisine served with the finest Yorkshire hospitality RESTAURANT MAIN COURSES FROM £14

Quality late night dining featuring burgers, grills, small plates selection & more BAR FOOD AVAILABLE DAILY 5PM - 3AM

www.napoleons-casinos.co.uk/SHEFFIELD

CONTENTS

FEATURES

19: LAST ORDERS

Gerrem in! It’s now your final chance to have a say in this year’s Exposed Awards, which will be heading to Peddler Warehouse next month for a glitzy celebration of all things Sheff. Don’t miss out!

22: GET TOGETHER

One of Sheffield’s favourite festivals is returning for its third edition, this year taking over venues all across Kelham Island for the first time. Read for the run down of the stellar line up and the local food and drink connoisseurs who are set to brew up a storm.

38: JIM GHEDI

Folk aficionado Jim Ghedi talks about his influences, future and love for Sheffield ahead of his headline performance and biggest gig to date at Firth Hall.

66: OPEN UP SHEFFIELD

Ever wanted to take a glimpse into the world of your favourite artist’s studios whilst they work? Well, Sheffield’s annual ‘Open Up’ event is back this year for two bank holiday weekends, giving you the chance to do just that. 115 artists are opening the doors to their workshops giving people a chance to experience their creative flows in action and inviting you to interact with their art on a new level.

72: THE FUTURE OF ART?

Augmented reality is evolving the Sheffield art scene, with two recent AR powered projects pushing the boundaries of creativity in the city. Local artist Kunstity, who is the creative mind behind one of these projects says AR is generating exciting new possibilities for artists and is unlocking art for a much wider audience.

Another month, another national accolade for Kelham Island. On this occasion, it’s The Sunday Times waxing lyrical about the place, listing it as one of the best areas to live in the UK and in the top ten neighbourhoods across the North and Northeast. Praise indeed for an area that continues to grow with plenty of potential left over to tap into (despite what you might hear in some quarters about expensive eggs on sourdough toast).

As a daily worker (our HQ is handily situated behind The Fat Cat) and former resident here, it’s been exciting to watch the place thrive. Even since the Exposed team moved down here in 2017, Kelham Island and neighbouring Neepsend have changed almost beyond recognition. Some of the more recent additions such as Alder Bar, Neepsend Social Club, The Parrot Club, Happy’s, Heist Brewery and Factory Floor have really increased the variety of what’s on offer, promoting a real sense of cohesion amongst venues old and new while cementing its weekend destination tag.

It’s no surprise, then, that big events are flocking to the area to take advantage of the feel-good factor. This month you’ve got multi-venue bank holiday party Skyline bringing 2,000 ravers to the neighbourhood, and in May the ever-popular Get Together festival will be swapping the University of Sheffield for the warehouses, breweries and bars of Kelham. You can read all about both events on pages 22-27 and 16-17 respectively.

While we’re on music, our pick of the local gigs goes to Sheffield folk innovator Jim Ghedi, who’ll sadly be departing these shores for the Emerald Isle soon, but not before something of a farewell gig at Firth Hall. Jim had a natter with Charlie Sweeney last month (p.38) about the impact of the Steel City on his career, while there’s plenty of other South Yorkshire music talent and news across the music section courtesy of Rumbi Tauro (p.49), the Rock N Roll Circus (p.46), Mosfest (p.45) and Pax in the Park (p.35).

Our culture section is also fairly chocka: citywide art events, theatre interviews, artist spotlights and intriguing chats about the future of combining alternative reality with various art forms.

That’s yer lot from me. Have a flick through and get your perfect April planned out!

Joe @josephfood

GAFFERS

Phil Turner (MD) phil@exposedmagazine.co.uk

Nick Hallam (Sales Director) nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk

FINANCE

Lis Ellis (Accounts) accounts@exposedmagazine.co.uk

GRAFTERS

Joe Food (Editor) joe@exposedmagazine.co.uk

Ash Birch (Online Editor) ash@exposedmagazine.co.uk

Lizzy Capps (Content Creator) lizzy@exposedmagazine.co.uk

Marc Barker (Design dogsbody)

GI’ US A HAND PLZ

Iago Castro Charlon, Olivia Warburton, Charlie Sweeney, Adele Parr, Heather Paterson, Cal Reid

THE BUSINESS STUFF

Exposed is published monthly by Blind Mice Media Ltd Unit 1b, 2 Kelham square Kelham Riverside Sheffield S3 8SD

6

VENUES WILL BE HOSTING EVENTS AS PART OF SKYLINE’S DAY AND NIGHT PARTY: PEDDLER WAREHOUSE, FACTORY FLOOR, YELLOW ARCH, ALDER BAR, PARROT CLUB AND HAPPY’S.

ARTISTS AND DJS WILL BE SPREAD ACROSS THE 10 STAGES AT GET TOGETHER FESTIVAL, RANGING FROM NOSTALGIC INDIE FAVOURITES TO LATE-NIGHT SOUNDSYSTEMS.

70

THE NUMBER OF PEDDLER MARKETS WE WILL HAVE REACHED BY THE TIME THEIR BIG APRIL BANK HOLIDAY SHINDIG BEGINS.

It’s all go in one of Sheffield’s coolest neighbourhoods as the summer months draw ever nearer. Highlights include Peddler kicking things off with a bank holiday special (Apr 7-8), followed by multivenue DJ extravaganza Skyline (Apr 9) and the freshly relocated music, beer and art festival Get Together (20 May). Grab your sunnies and get stuck in!

SHARROW LANTERN FESTIVAL

We can’t all afford to get to Mardi Gras in Rio De Janiero, but the next best thing has been available on our doorstep for quite a few years now, in the form of the Sharrow Lantern Festival.

The spectacle of hundreds of lanterns slowly processing through the streets of Sharrow has become an annual fixture in that part of town, and word seems to be spreading across the city, as the crowds seem to get larger every year.

As usual, the spectacularly pink Sheffield Samba Band led the procession, and as well as their infectious take on samba, they excelled themselves this year with some stunning costumes. The rhythms did not end there though, and this year the procession featured two more

UPFRONT

Brazilian-inspired groups: the University of Sheffield Samba Band and the Sheffield Youth Samba Band. How much samba can one city take?

Of course, the lanterns were the star of the show, as ever, and featured an incredible array of characters and animals. This year the party procession started as usual in Mount Pleasant Park but ended for the first time in Lowfields Park. There the lineup was joined by fire spinners and everyone had the chance to dance and admire the lanterns as they made one final lap of the park. A great night, not just for local residents, who love to hang out of windows, or sit in their gardens and celebrate, but also for the wider city who bring their families every year to dance and party.

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Words: Mark Perkins

Photo: Phil Thorns

Like many, I made the pilgrimage to Sheffield for uni. I spent the summer of 2021 oozing with excitement for my move. I can remember when I went to Reading Festival, as is tradition when you finish your A-Levels, two weeks before I was about to leave home, and I happened to meet someone in the crowd at Sam Fender who was already studying in Sheffield. “You’ll love it, mate. It’s class,” they shouted, before disappearing into the depths of a mosh pit.

That’s all anyone had ever told me. My uncle and auntie who met studying in Sheffield some 20 or so years earlier. A customer I got talking to at the cosy little pub I work in at home as I pulled him a pint. All I had ever heard about the city were songs of praise from its chorus of fans. This only excited me more, but I was still scared. What if my Sheffield wasn’t like everyone else’s Sheffield?

BY OLIVIA WARBURTON

(which only resulted in hospitalisation once). We have become all too familiar with ROAR Wednesdays and developed an unrequited love affair with Tiger Work’s five pound round, which is probably the culprit to what we have dubbed the ‘postFoundry depression’ that plagues us on dreary Thursday mornings.

Me and my flatmates were inducted into Sheffield’s Hall of Fame when our picture was put up on the wall of Aslan’s Kebabs. We found it absolutely hilarious, yet at the same time also felt a sense of pride. That picture has cemented us in an albeit microscopic but still, to the student population anyway, iconic snippet of Sheffield culture. This was over a year ago now, so it has probably been covered by another picture group of flatmates grinning through drunk eyes, but we will always be up there somewhere.

It wasn’t like I was moving far, but I was nervous to be somewhere new, somewhere a whole lot bigger than home. I had many petty disagreements with my mum about just how far away the tiny town of Droitwich Spa was from Sheffield. “Google Maps says it will take one hour and 50 minutes, so it definitely won’t take more than two hours,” she would say. Thanks to the traffic on the M1, I still believe we have never done the journey in under two hours.

But, when hanging up my Polaroid pictures on the bare walls of my room in Endcliffe Student Village, displaying 18 years of friendships and memories, it really hit me that I was almost 120 miles from where most of those memories had been made, without any of the people who I had made them with.

Very quickly, however, those 120 miles seemed like they could be just down the road. I was immersed in a city that soon felt friendly and familiar. It took me a matter of weeks to realise I had found my people and found a genuine homeaway-from-home. It may be the ‘Steel City’, but Sheffield has this inexplicable character, reminiscent of a warm embrace.

I found comfort in the way my calves burnt from tackling the many, many hills in the city (new ones always seeming to spawn overnight). I established a routine packed with independent coffee shop dates and summer days spent basking in Crookes Valley Park. Even the late night sessions stressfully cramming in the IC library hold a special place in my heart; those random conversations fueled by delirious laughter will be the ones I smile about when they pop into mind in five years’ time. It’s easy to romanticise your life here: look past the ring roads and grey high-rises and you’ll encounter a treasure trove of beauty.

My friends and I soon became regulars at several West Street staples. We would, and still do, spend our nights belting out some quintessential anthem in Molly Malones or dancing until one of us falls off the benches in Bierkeller

I proudly boast about my adventures in the city to my friends from home, constantly trying to convince them to visit. After their first trip to Sheffield, they soon understood the hype I had managed to create. There is something special about watching my two worlds, life at home and life at uni, collide and complement each other so well. I will always remain indebted to the 18-year-old me who made the choice to come here. This place has gifted me many ‘firsts’ in my life, for which I will be forever grateful for. I had my first baby Guinness in Sheffield. I caught a tram for the first time in Sheffield. I did my first food shop for myself in Sheffield. I spent my first day in my twenties in Sheffield. I had my first date in Sheffield. I fell in love with someone for the first time in Sheffield.

I still have one year left studying in the city, but there is a voice inside me that knows this won’t be my last year here. Amongst those Polaroid pictures which I still have hung on my wall, albeit now in my second year house, are portraits of the amazing people I have met and the amazing city into which I have been adopted. I’m having too much of a ‘reyt’ good time to think about leaving it all behind just yet.

"LIKE MANY, I MADE THE PILGRIMAGE TO SHEFFIELD FOR UNI. I SPENT THE SUMMER OF 2021 OOZING WITH EXCITEMENT FOR MY MOVE"

I PROUDLY BOAST ABOUT MY ADVENTURES IN THE CITY TO MY FRIENDS FROM HOME, CONSTANTLY TRYING TO CONVINCE THEM TO VISIT. AFTER THEIR FIRST TRIP TO SHEFFIELD, THEY SOON UNDERSTOOD THE HYPE

Hungry Buddha owner Dev was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. He worked as a trekking guide, leading treks in the Nepalese and Indian Himalayas and has walked two of the most sought-after routes in the world: Everest and Annapurna.

It was while working as a trekking guide that Dev met Jan: she was in the group he was guiding at Gokyo, circa 5,300 metres up with an aweinspiring 360-degree vista. This chance encounter later led to Dev arriving in Sheffield to be with Jan. Living in South Yorkshire, the thing he missed more than anything was good traditional Nepalese home-cooked food, especially his mum’s cooking. He started experimenting, trying to recreate the flavours and aromas from his childhood with a little help from the folks back home, who provided plenty of tips and recipes.

Dev decided to train for a career as a chef, and after finishing college he worked in several Nepalese, Indian and British eateries in Sheffield, London, Birmingham and Litchfield. In 2016 he took the plunge and started Hungry Buddha, the authentic Nepalese street food café in The Moor Market.

Hungry Buddha brings home-cooked, flavoursome, subtly spiced, fresh Nepalese cuisine to Sheffield. The café, where you can eat in or take out, aims to showcase food served on a thali plate, buffet style. It also offers the most popular street food in Nepal: momo. These are steamed bitesize dumplings with a chicken or vegetable filling, served with chilli and tomato or sesame dipping chutney.

hungrybuddha.co.uk

@hungrybuddha1

PHOTOS BY TIMM CLEASBY

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Skyline is the muti-site bank holiday party taking over Neepsend and Kelham Island on April 9th, bringing with it a diverse set of genres and immersive parties held across Sheffield’s coolest district.

After five sold-out events in 2022, organisers are taking the event to a new level and will be bringing the big vibes to Peddler Warehouse, Factory Floor, Parrot Club, Yellow Arch, Happy’s and Alder on Easter Sunday.

Event organiser Phil McCue told Exposed: “When we launched Skyline in April last year, we couldn’t have imagined how quickly it would evolve and just how much people would get behind it. It’s been amazing

to see!”

Due to unprecedented demand, this year sees Skyline pulling together its biggest instalment yet with festivallevel standards of production including state-of-the-art lighting, mind-blowing soundsystems and some of the finest musical talent in the city on the decks.

Phil continued: “This year’s event is a real testament to the incredible local talent we have here in Sheffield, which continues to be the backbone of our DJ line-ups for every event.”

Festival-goers will be able to collect wristbands from 2:30pm at Peddler Warehouse, and from then on they get free roam of all

events taking place across the venues – right through to the afterparties lasting until 4am in the morning.

Peddler Warehouse will be something of a focal point for proceedings, hosting some of the finest selectors in the UK on the main stage from 3pm-11pm, including headlines sets from Finn Eden, Gamble and Joe Fenwick. The warehouse venue will be receiving a special makeover as the world-class decor company behind Creamfields, Parklife and Boomtown transform the space into a veritable rave shrine. Pop next door and you’ll find the second stage at Factory Floor, where they’ll be putting their state-of-the-art audio system to use with DJ sets and dancing right through ‘til the wee hours.

Sticking with Burton Road and late-night cocktail joint Parrot Club will be playing hip-hop and RnB bangers from 2pm-3am, while their recently arrived neighbours Happy’s are cooking up a mouth-watering feast combining an all-day BBQ with all manner of tunes up until 4am.

You can expect old-school vinyl sessions in the spacious courtyard at Alder from 12pm1am, and last but by no means least, iconic music venue Yellow Arch will be pumping out Ocean Beach classics and Ibiza anthems from 8pm-3am.

Speaking of the preparations leading up to the event, fellow organiser Simon Tomlinson said: “Neepsend and Kelham Island are home to some brilliant independent venues which have made hugely significant contributions to the musical history of Sheffield and beyond. The opportunity to work alongside them and welcome thousands of people to the showcase of Neepsend is a massive privilege and we can’t wait to show everyone what we have in store for 2023.”

TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST AND NOW DOWN TO FINAL RELEASE (£25). GET YOURS BY SCANNING THE QR CODE

6 stages, 6 venues, over 2,000 ravers – Sheffield’s biggest day & night party is back!

IT’S YOUR FINAL CHANCE TO SHOUT ABOUT SHEFF

We’re just a few months away from the return of our annual do bigging up the very best of the Steel City. Yup, the Exposed Awards 2023 is around the corner and there are literally days remaining for you to cast a vote.

All you need to do is scoot over to the LIVE VOTING PAGE at exposedmagazine.co.uk (there’s a handy little QR code on this page an’all) and fill out your choices before the closing date on 11th April. We’ll announce shortlists the following day.

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

It’ll be the usual big night craic, taking place at Peddler Warehouse on Thursday 19th May and celebrating the best of the local scene spanning food, drink, culture, nightlife, music and beyond –with all winners on the night chosen by you lovely lot, the Exposed readership and a handpicked selection of local judges with expertise across a number of sectors: hospitality, music, broadcasting, fashion and events.

WHEN DOES VOTING OPEN?

Voting is open now and you’ve got up until 11th April to cast your votes. Once the votes are counted, we’ll announce the shortlist for each category. The votes are split 50/50 between you guys and the judging panel (the ‘Strictly’ method).

‘OW MUCH?

Tickets are £40 a pop (£20 standing), which includes entry to the awards, drinks on arrival and food from a range of street food traders – as well as plenty of live entertainment to get you in the party mood. Contact nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk to bag yours.

FANCY A BIGGUN?

The (in)famous Exposed afterparties will be held just around the corner at Neepsend Social and Parrot Club, before the real party animals can head over to Firepit Rocks! until 5am. Pro tip: don't be caught slipping and book the Friday off!

IN A NUTSHELL…

Exposed Awards 2023

May 19th

Peddler Warehouse £40 seated // £20 standing Contact:

Get Together will be making it a Sheffield hat-trick next month, returning for their highly anticipated third edition held across various Kelham Island venues.

The popular festival, previously held at Sheffield University’s Students’ Union, has earned a reputation as one of the best local events for discovering original and independent music, art, food and drink, with this year’s edition taking place on Saturday 20th May promising to be bolder and braver than ever before.

Get Together announced the move to Kelham Island last year, meaning their jampacked programme will be taking over the area’s various warehouses, breweries and unconventional spaces by teaming up with the best local independent businesses.

Festival organiser Kieran Crosby said of the move: “The original concept for Get Together was planned to happen in Kelham, but we had to rethink when the world turned upside down in 2020. Since then, there’s been an explosion of new independent businesses opening and giving us the opportunity to make the festival bigger and more exciting than ever before. We keep our audience in mind with every decision we make, and we know they’ll love all of the new elements.”

SCAN TO LISTEN TO THE GET TOGETHER PLAYLIST:

WHO’S PLAYING?

On the music side of things, a characteristically genre-spanning lineup has been announced, headed up by none other than beloved indie darlings Friendly Fires, who’ll be heading to the main stage in Peddler Warehouse to celebrate 15 years of their self-titled debut album which spawned nostalgic hits like ‘Jump in The Pool’, ‘Paris’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’, alongside plenty more bangers from the band’s back catalogue.

They will be joined by 40+ other artists, including Dublin’s CMAT. The global pop star has gained an adoring and loyal fanbase since the release of her first album If My Wife New I’d Be Dead. CMAT is set to follow on from the likes of Self Esteem and Confidence Man and bring her giant pop songs, sang through country tinted sunglasses, to the Get Together main stage. Also joining the line-up is 6 Music favourite, Hamish Hawk. Having sold out tours across the UK and critical acclaim for his 2021 debut album Heavy Elevator, the Leith singer is back with ‘Angel Numbers’, which was released to great acclaim earlier this year.

Kieran said of this year’s lineup choices: “The support and love from our audiences over past two festivals has been amazing, and we wanted to make sure the 2023 Get Together is the best yet.

“I’m so excited by the new artists that are playing and urge everyone to check out our playlist to discover something that will blow their mind. Partnering with some of Sheffield’s best independent venues, traders and breweries has meant that there’s an unbelievable number of creative plans in the process. People won’t be disappointed!”

The festival has gained a reputation for being a home for brand new music, and this year sees the likes of Panic Shack, Antony Szmierek, THE GOA EXPRESS and Prima Queen take to one of the 10 stages of music spread across the event.

There are plenty of familiar names within the line-up too. After reaching unfathomable levels of success with nu-rave originators Klaxons, James Righton morphed into a one-man pop sensation Shock Machine, before releasing two solo records under his own name on Soulwax’s label DEEWEE. The latest, ‘Jim, I’m Still Here’ features singles like ‘Release Party’ and guest vocals from ABBA’s Benny Andersson.

Naturally, you’ll also find a few Sheff favourites on the billing. Alt-pop purveyor Luxury Goods, Sheffield-Welsh pysch-rock quartet Sister Wives and queer-led DIY music collective Gut Level will all be performing on the day.

The full list of acts playing Get Together this year

FRIENDLY FIRES

CMAT

HAMISH HAWK

COACH PARTY

DO NOTHING

FAT DOG

H.HAWKLINE

JAMES RIGHTON

KEG

PANIC SHACK

THE GOA EXPRESS

ANTHONY SZMIEREK

BUTCH KASSIDY

CATHY JAIN

DIVORCE

DRASTIC//

AUTOMATIC

EYES OF OTHERS

HALLAN

HEARTWORMS

KAI BOSCH

LUXURY GOODS

MELIN MELYN

MF TOMLINSON

MICKEY CALLISTON

O.

PALE BLUE EYES

PORCHLIGHT

PRIMA QUEEN

PUSHPIN

PREEN

SERAPHINA SIMONE

SISTER WIVES

SOUP!

SPIELMANN

STRABE

TAPIR!

TEEN JESUS AND THE JEAN TEASERS

THE JOY HOTEL

THE UNDERGROUND

SOUND SOCIETY

TROUT

ZIYAD AL-SAMMAN

ON A LATE’UN?

Lovely stuff: the new festival site now allows Get Together to go late into the night. Peckham DJ duo Raw Silk return to the festival after joining last year’s headliners Confidence Man on their much talked about European Tour. Grace and Steph made a name for themselves after playing records they loved from the Melbourne dance scene where they met. They’ll be joined by Queer House Party, a collective that have been at the centre of grassroots, radical queer art since their kitchen live streams in 2020. Other late night party vibes will be provided by Big Wett, Heavenly Jukebox and Pete Fowler B2B with Ben Rymer.

KELHAM ISLAND BREWERY AND PURITY BREWING CO. PRESENT THE KELHAM BEER MILE

WITH TAP TAKEOVERS FROM VERDANT DEYA STONE BREWING CO. BOXCAR THREE LEGS PURITY BREWING CO. + PLENTY OF PALE RIDER!

EATING AND SUPPING

Beyond music, the festival continues to bring together the very best in independent food and drink. Last year, Kelham Island Brewery, one of Sheffield’s oldest beer producers, closed its doors. But a collective of local supporters have now brought it back to life (huzzah!) and Get Together will be proudly stocking its most famous beer – Pale Rider. Not only that, but they will be teaming up with Purity Brewing Co, and some of the best breweries across the country to run ‘The Kelham Beer Mile’ at the festival, with tap takeovers from the likes of Verdant, Deya, Stone Brewing, Three Legs and more.

When it’s not the main stage of Get Together, Peddler Warehouse is home to one of the original street food markets. They will be curating a selection of their favourite food traders at the Peddler Food Village to keep everyone going during the festival; so you can expect tasty scran from the likes of Colombo Street Food, Get Wurst, Lick Dairy-Free Ice Cream, New Yorkshire Pizza, Mormor and The Gravy Train.

If that isn’t enough to tantalise the tastebuds, much-loved vegan and veggie restaurant V or V will be hosting a special popup kitchen at Alder Bar where you’ll be treated to some plantbased delights. While over at Heist Brewery, Slap & Pickle will be complementing a frankly mouthwatering craft beer offering with some of the finest burgers you’ll find in Sheff.

ART & SHOPPING

In-between sets and filling up on food and drink, you’ll be able to explore this year’s art strand which showcase Sheffield-born, Londonbased artist Corbin Shaw in residence, hosting an exhibition and discussing his work.

Using his South Yorkshire upbringing as inspiration, Corbin investigates masculinity and how that was defined to him growing up, often seeking to break stigmas and stereotypes through his re-imagination of masculine ‘icons’ and objects. The artist pays homage to the people and places that have shaped his northern identity – the pub, football pitches and boxing gyms.

Corbin’s work will be displayed across Kelham, with an open gallery of his work spread across the whole area; and closer to the main festival site, his work will fill the rafters, windows and outdoor spaces of Burton Road.

Elsewhere you can while away sometime with a spot of cratedigging, as much-loved independent Sheffield record store Spinning Discs will be hosting a pop-up shop selling everything from new, reissue and select second hand vinyl for a wide range of musical tastes as well as records from the bumper list of artists playing the festival.

LISTEN UP

The Get Together team pick out some of the new artists they recommend checking out…

BIG WETT

Not for the easily offended, and that’s why we love her! Big Wett is one for the straight through crew who plan on partying into the early hours. Her lyrics may be explicit, but the beats will drive you wild. For fans of: Confidence Man, Peaches, Roisin Murphy, Chicks on Speed

MICKEY CALLISTO

If there’s one artist that’s going to put a massive smile on your face, it’s Mickey. He’s Sunderland’s answer to Freddie Mercury. His music will be stuck in your head all day, and he treats every show like he’s headlining Wembley Stadium. Totally unmissable!

For fans of: Queen, Lynks, Georgia, George Michael

KEG

KEG are an unstoppable 7-piece force of fun. Within seconds of their live shows starting, you can guarantee the room will be jumping. Their tongue-in-cheek songs, big horn sections and catchy choruses will be sure to entertain.

For fans of: LCD Soundsystem, Palma Violets, Opus Kink, Talking Heads

HEARTWORMS

Heartworms, AKA Jojo Orme, is one of the most capitvating new artists to be breaking out of the South London music scene. She’s just released her first EP on the iconic Speedy Wunderground and had her first tour sell out. It’s no surprise as the dystopian, post-punk live performances are spell bounding.

For fans of: PJ Harvey, Joy Division, Squid, The Murder Capital

SERAPHINA SIMONE

Having literally just finished touring as one of Self Esteem’s incredible singers/dancers, Seraphina will be joining us to perform her totally brilliant, anthemic pop performed with plenty of heart. Expect to be dancing into the night.

For fans of: Self Esteem, Robyn, Connie Constance, Lykki Li

ALL OF THAT IN A NUTSHELL

What: Get Together Festival

When: Saturday 20th May

Where: Across Kelham Island

How much: £35 from gettogether.com

GI’ EM A FOLLOW!

Stay abreast of all the latest Get Together news, including fresh announcements, split times and venue info by following them online @getogetherfest

THE VENUES

A rundown of all the places who will be participating in Get Together 2023

PEDDLER WAREHOUSE

YELLOW ARCH

HEIST BREWERY

NEEPSEND SOCIAL CLUB

ALDER

PIÑA GRAFTERS

kelu

Kelu, which is Sardinian for the word “Sky” is an oasis of warmth, mystery and cocktail mastery, where in the space of an evening visitors can enjoy a sense of disconnection from the outside world.

A cocktail bar at the gates of Kelham Island, hidden above street level... Find your way up the steel stair case & prepare to be transported to a Sardinian paradise with a twist of modern indulgence.

EVENING APERITIVO

Cleverly formed dishes & appetisers, designed to transport you to a warm evening on a Sardinian terrace.

Join us Wedensday to Saturday between 5pm & 7pm for aperitivo, where cocktails are 2 for £12 and Sardinian nibbles are on the house.

AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE

Kelu is the perfect venue for any occasion with seating for up to 80 guests we can help make your celebration one to remember

CELEBRATE MOTHERS DAY AT KELU

We are open Mother’s Day March 19th for a one o special. Please book online

Weds - Thurs: 5pm - 11pm Fri - Sat: 5pm - 1am

KELU 294, Shalesmoor, Sheffield S3 8UL @ k_e_l_u

Exposed visits The Forum to try out their latest menu offering, smoked to perfection by the kitchen’s new pièce de résistance: a stunning woodfired grill and fire pit.

With a push towards sustainable cooking and sky-rocketing energy costs being at the forefront of most restaurateurs’ minds these days, it’s perhaps unsurprising that a trend is developing towards a return to traditional cooking methods using woodfired grills and menus inspired by a live-fire concept.

Niklas Ekstedt is one popular Michelin-starred chef whose London-based restaurant, Ekstedt at The Yard, uses Nordic wood-fire cooking techniques combined with a fire pit, woodfired oven and a wood stove to create a kitchen that doesn’t

need gas or electricity to run. Another example is Francis Mallman, an Argentinian chef who focuses primarily on Patagonian methods of open-fire cooking.

Both were partly behind the inspiration for Richard Setchell, head chef at The Forum, to install their own firepit and grill before heading down the route of combining Nordic/Scandi cuisine with British influences, cooked in a way that allows for natural, authentic flavours to come through in the food.

Richard, who has been at True North for six years and previously worked at the AA

SCAN HERE TO CHECK OUT THE MENU AND MAKE A BOOKING

Rosette-awarded La Bonne Auberge in Glasgow, told Exposed that while sustainability and using renewable fuel sources is a key driving factor of the shift, it also opens numerous benefits in terms of taste and experience.

“We’re not a fully analogue kitchen yet, but we’re getting there and that’s the direction we’re moving in,” he explained. “This menu is really to break customers in with what we’re doing, so we’ve gone for rotisserie chicken, belly pork, pulled briskets, charred aubergines – the flavours we can use through different woods and coals are fantastic. We use a South African hardwood called Kameeldoring, softer woods like Birch for some things and even smoked woodchips from old whisky barrels.”

Not only that, but Richard spoke of how the experience of cooking with wood and fire can also be deeply satisfying and

FOOD & DRINK

even meditative, providing a sense of connection to nature, nostalgic memories and a general homely feel to the process.

“For me, the idea of having a fire pit grill is quite nostalgic. The smell of food cooking over the burning wood brings back memories of being at my Nanna’s house when she used to cook over an aga. There’s just a real feel-good vibe to it.”

After being invited into the kitchen to see Richard’s fiery pride and joy in action, we were then able to sample some of its work first-hand. Sumptuous flame-grilled burgers were served up alongside a deliciously smoky Mexican-inspired half chicken, which had been salt brined for 24 hours and basted in a tangy Adobo sauce, and the charred aubergines marinated in a fermented chilli sauce were another winner (it’s worth mentioning here that practically every meat on the menu can be substituted for a vegan option).

The real standouts for us, however, were the British burritos: smoked shredded belly pork or tender pulled beef brisket with traditional Sunday lunch trimmings wrapped in a giant Yorkshire burrito, with a large side of homemade gravy for good measure. It was grilled comfort food at its finest, positively bursting with those aforementioned big-pit flavours and great fun to tuck into.

“It’s kind of going back to basics in a way,” added Richard. “We’ll get the fire going as we get in, then you’re choosing the different styles of wood to use, but this style of cooking also allows for small bursts of creativity. Moving forward, we’re going to build on this and start making our own breads and baguettes, then really start honing in on the summer sharing plates ethos with our next menu: homemade tapenades, salsas, caramelised vegetables and sharing skewers –that sort of thing.”

That sounds like a summer barbeque invite to us, and you can bet that we’ll be back soon to see what the Forum team have been grilling up for us.

@theforumsheffield

Save Pax in the Park

Popular Victoria Quayside venue

The Dorothy Pax ‘s owners are calling for the lovely folk of Sheffield to help them continue running their ‘Pax in the Park’ fringe festival for free, as it faces funding issues.

‘Pax in the Park’, which is one of the various fringe events that runs in Sheffield in July during the Tramlines weekend, takes place in Heeley People’s Park, where attendees are able to enjoy ‘a stunning line up of world-class artists’, as well as drinks provided by ‘Sheffield’s best breweries’ and food from various street food vendors.

The Dorothy Pax, who operate the festival, funded it last year using its own reserves, as well as remnants of money received from the Arts Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund. However, due to a lack of outside funding this year, they are asking for donations, as well as volunteers, to enable them to keep the festival going, and

maintain its free-entry policy.

Part of their statements reads: “As all of you will know, it’s been an extremely tough time for all of Sheffield’s independent businesses, and it’s been tough for the DPx. This is why we’re reaching out for help to fund this event.

“We’ve managed to survive the last few tricky years— and now we’re fighting to keep our

doors open under the cost of living crisis like you and the rest of the nation. We’re extremely proud to still be here, and we’re proud of our kind community who are very much at the centre of all we do.

“The fact remains that we don’t have anywhere near the £85k it costs to host this event.

“We’re not going to lie to you and say that this event won’t

go ahead without a successful crowdfund, but we believe in being honest and have no reservation about letting you know that funds are extremely tight.

“We always pay and play fairly with our artists, crew, techs and suppliers.

“We would never turn our community-spirited, free event into a closed-off, ticketed commercial venture and create an inaccessible space. It’s just not how we roll, and we believe that especially right now, free community events are critical to all of our wellbeing.

“We love hosting the good people of Sheffield and beyond. It’s you that make the DPx such a uniquely joyful melting pot of vibe, open and accessible to all.

“And nowhere was that more obvious than at Pax in the Park last year.”

The full statement can be found on the Dorothy Pax’s website, where it also has details of their crowdfunding efforts.

They are attempting to raise £10k towards the running of this year’s event and if you are able, you can chip in to help get them there by visiting gofundme.com/f/freepaxpark

EXPERIENCE OUR LIVE TEPPANYAKI STATION.

GUESTS WILL HAVE FRONT-ROW SEATS TO OUR EXPERT TEPPANYAKI CHEF PUTTING ON A SPECTACULAR SHOW OF ROARING FIRE, IMPRESSIVE TRICKS AND FUN WITH FOOD WHILST SERVING AN 8-COURSE SET MENU OF YOUR CHOICE ON A TRADITIONAL TEPPAN HOT PLATE.

APPLES AND BEARS

Two of the city’s most popular micro-bar owners are joining forces to open a new city centre venue in Orchard Square this summer.

Mike Pomranz, who runs The Cider Hole, Sheffield’s only dedicated ciderhouse; and Matt Beety, who owns popular Abbeydale Road micro pub The Bear, have announced plans to take over the former Schuh unit to create a unique city centre bar, cider distillery and retail space.

Combining their vast knowledge and experience, the pair hope to create a venue at its heart will be a craft beer and wine bar that opens onto the square. The bar will boast a rotating cast of 20 handselected, craft beer tap-lines, as well as the city’s most comprehensive cider list, and an unusual organic, fruit wine list featuring rhubarb, blackberry, cherry and sparkling strawberry wines.

There will also be room for a retail space offering takeaway beers from a carefully curated collection of independent breweries, plus speciality coffees in the daytime, relevant fermentation-related products and merch, as well as vinyl records, which will be spun in the bar until 1am at weekends.

The Cider Hole’s chief apple-botherer Mike Pomranz, who moved from the Big Apple to Sheffield in 2016, told Exposed: “The Cider Hole has been great, but for me, I really wanted to be able to expand and offer a much bigger range of beverages. The idea was to create a more well-rounded bar that can appeal to a broader audience.”

Matt added: “When Mike came to me with the idea, it was something I already wanted to do, and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather work on a joint project with than him. Mike will bring the cider and the wines, and I’ll be bringing the beer side of things, as well as a friendly Yorkshire accent!”

Matt and Mike are hoping for a summer start for the new bar, which will initially open five days a week from 11am. @theciderhole // @thebearsheffield

JONI CONTINUES TO BLOOM

Work will be starting in the next few days to refurbish the old Curators House Team Rooms, within the Botanical Gardens, as the lovely folk behind Joni’s café look to open their newest site this summer.

Joni, who already boast popular cafes in Oughtibridge and Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, are planning a full refurbishment of the former Curators House Tea Rooms, including providing public access to improved toilet facilities at the Clarkehouse Road entrance to the gardens.

Joni’s Amy Hagues said: “We’re incredibly excited to announce our Joni family is

expanding and will be opening a new site to bring you our signature breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee and bakes in the most beautiful setting imaginable – the Botanical Gardens!”

“Since opening our little shop in Oughtibridge we’ve been overwhelmed by support from our locals and the wider reach of Sheffield and have continued to grow our family when we opened Joni at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet last year. We can’t wait to serve up spritz brunches and sunset tapas overlooking the gardens. More details coming soon!”

@_myjoni

March was a good month for the Sheffield beer scene as two local breweries bagged awards at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Independent Beer Awards 2023. Abbeydale Brewery were announced as overall champion of the bottle and can competition for their speciality 6.6% IPA ‘Black Mass’, while Triple Point Brewery received a gold award for their 4.8% Vienna Lager.

Sheffield Food Festival will return for May Bank Holiday weekend for 2023 to celebrate all things food, drink, music and more. This year’s new festival producers Swan Events want to work with the local community to deliver the very best street vendors and artisanal produce between 26th29th May.

Welcome to The Hillsborough Refill Hub.

A Low Waste & Low Packaging Refill Store in the heart of Hillsborough, S6.

Bring your own containers, jars and bags to fill up on food cupboard essentials and cleaning products.

Whilst you’re at it, grab a few reusable household items like safety razors, bamboo toothbrushes, soap bars and more. Every Ounce Counts.

It’s not about a few people doing it perfectly, it’s about everyone trying their best.

Our shop's story starts when we moved to Hillsborough in 2020 and immediately fell in love with the area, the people and the sense of community here.

In 2022, we took the chance on a business idea that had been growing in the back of our minds for a little while – and thus, with much excitement & nervousness, we opened The Hillsborough Refill Hub on the Hillsborough high street with enormous help from family & friends.

We’ve both always been passionate about the environment, but like many others we’ve not always had the means to live as eco-consciously & sustainably as we would have liked, often due to location and available shopping options, and recently the added difficulty caused by the cost of living crisis we all face.

This is what the store was built on; a desire to make low waste & sustainable shopping more accessible in our community, whilst allowing customers to save on money, food waste, and of course the environment.

85 Middlewood Road, Hillsborough, Sheffield, S6 4GX

www.hillsboroughrefillhub.co.uk

MUSIC: JIM GHEDI

Ahead of his headline gig at Firth Hall on 28th April, Sheffield folk innovator Jim Ghedi talked with Exposed’s Charlie Sweeney about his biggest gig yet, the Sheffield music scene and what’s next for him.

So Jim, your upcoming gig at Firth Hall is set to be your biggest ever. Can you tell us a bit about what we can expect from this show?

I am dead nervous to be playing Firth Hall, actually. It’s one of those Sheffield landmarks and, growing up in Crookes, I always walked past it as a kid on my way to just about anywhere, so it is a bit intimidating. But I’ve made peace with it now. No matter the venue or the crowd size, I’m one of those artists where I’ll just do my thing as normal. I am just focused on delivering the best show possible, and my best shows are always in Sheffield, so it’ll definitely be a good one. I am currently in the midst of moving to Ireland, so it’ll be the last gig with the full band for a while, and as we’re currently recording the next album there’ll be a few new songs played. All in all, it’s sure to be a great gig.

Sheffield obviously means a lot to you personally then?

Definitely, yeah, as in I am from here! But whenever I go on tour to other cities it does make me really appreciate how special Sheffield is. In terms of music, it really does punch above its weight. It makes its own spaces, finds the best venues and just helps the artists.

Would you say that living here has influenced your career as a musician?

Sheffield has played a massive part in my music career. Without the DIY scene in Sheffield, I definitely would not have kept making music. They really inspired me to get out there and do shows. I grew up in these DIY collectives, like the Audacious Art experiment (who are now involved with Hatch), and they were really helpful. Everyone was doing

their own thing, and this had the knock-on effect of new venues springing up afterwards. There were some other great venues operating at the same time as Audacious Art as well like Lughole and Delicious Clam. These DIY venues are definitely important for me personally, but are also so important for the city in general. The network of these venues is crucial for facilitating young talent, and the amount of effort they put it is really crucial.

Sheffield as a city is really interesting, as it is a very industrial city surrounded by this expansive natural landscape. You have all these factories and warehouses, and then practically next to it you have the Peak District. I have always loved this dichotomous nature of Sheffield, and it definitely inspired what I want to do with the music: bridging the heavy, industrial vibe with the softer sound of folk. I think this idea definitely came out of my time with the DIY collectives as well, where you had all this different music being performed in these huge, old factory warehouses.

So was the DIY scene how you initially came upon your folk sound?

Sort of, yeah. Naturally, because of the DIY scene at the time, I was really into the experimental music, which had an effect on me in a creative sense, inspiring me to actually make music. However, as I got older, I sort of stumbled into folk music and just got really into it. I didn’t want to just copy these other folk artists, however, and so I wanted to try and marry folk with the DIY stuff I was into.

Have you got anything else planned for the future? Yeah, so I am halfway through recording my next album. It’s definitely taken the longest so far, out of all my previous albums, just because I want to really give it my all and focus on this one. I typically don’t like setting deadlines for myself but I definitely want the album recorded by summer, so the wait shouldn’t be too long now! I think I have definitely done everything I could with the last album, so I want to give that some space and some closure.  I suppose the gig at Firth Hall will almost be a sending-off for that album, as well as showing off some of the newer stuff and some stuff that’s never been heard before.

@jimghedimusic

JIM GHEDI WILL BE PLAYING FIRTH HALL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD ON THURSDAY 28TH APRIL. GRAB A TICKET BY SCANNING THE QR CODE ABOVE

WHENEVER I GO ON TOUR TO OTHER CITIES IT DOES MAKE ME REALLY APPRECIATE HOW SPECIAL SHEFFIELD IS. IN TERMS OF MUSIC, IT REALLY DOES PUNCH ABOVE ITS WEIGHT.

sunday 2 april 2023

black honey

£13, Doors 7:30pm

friday 14 april 2023

wargasm

£16, Doors 7:00pm

saturday 15 april 2023

peter hook & the light joy division: a celebration

£32.50, Doors 7pm

friday 21 april 2023

k.o.g

£15, Doors 19:30

friday 28 april 2023

big country

£30, Doors 7pm

friday 28 - sunday 30 april 2023

sheffield su’s

beer & cider festival

free entry, 2pm - 12am

thursday 11 May 2023

foundry art club

£13/15, Doors 7pm

friday 19 May 2023

lucy spraggan

£21, Doors 6:30pm

saturday 20 May 2023

frankie beetlestone

£9, Doors 7:30pm

pigs pigs pigs pigs

thursday 5 oct 2023

pigs pigs pigs

£17.50, Doors 7:30pm

wednesday 25 october 2023

dust coda

£14, Doors 7:30pm

friday 3 november 2023

flash & the

darkniss

£20, Doors 7pm

Friday 27 October from the jam

“all mod cons” tour

£32.50, Doors 7pm

thursday 30 november 2023

starsailor

£24.50, Doors 7pm

friday 1 december 2023

the view

£24, Doors 7:30pm

saturday 2 december 2023

definitely oasis vs the complete stone roses

£17.50, Doors 7pm

all shows open to the public (14+ unless stated otherwise) tickets available from foundrysu.com box office: 0114 222 8777

THE GO TEAM @ LEADMILL

There are few certainties in this life. Death and taxes are two of them, but that’s all a bit too depressing, so I’m adding one more. Whatever else happens in your day, you are certain to have the time of your life at a Go! Team gig. There are only two possible feelings at the end of their shows: you’ve never seen them before, and you’re astonished at how good it was; or you have seen them before, and you knew to expect a fantastic night.

Having seen them several times before, they, unsurprisingly for me, blew the roof off the Leadmill tonight. It’s been a good few years since main man Ian Parton came up with the sound of the Go! Team by sampling and compiling music on a laptop in his parent’s kitchen. The infectious blend of hip-hop and dance grooves, combined with a wall of sonic rhythms, ended up as the surprise hit of the mid-noughties, to the point where he had to recruit a band and teach them the music so they could play live.

Seven albums later, they’ve built up a catalogue of tunes that could easily have had the Leadmill audience dancing until dawn. There was the statutory requirement of several tunes from their latest album, such as ‘Divebomb’ and ‘Gemini’, but the night really belonged to their tried and tested hits. They finished off the night with an early favourite, ‘TORNADO’, which is a song that sums up the Go! Team sound with its chanted chorus, electrifying horn arrangements and irresistible hooks. I love it when the band change things around onstage, and several times throughout the set, band members swapped instruments. Sometimes, Ian Parton put down his guitar and pounded out the beat on the second of the two drum kits on stage, or they’d line up three guitarists to belt out the rhythms.

Whatever the combination, we knew we were expected to have a party and dance. The fun they all clearly have on stage is so infectious that you can’t help but be drawn into the feel-good world of the The Go! Team.

WORDS: MARK PERKINS PHOTOGRAPHY: EMMA THOMPSON

SHAME @ LEADMILL

The Leadmill have started selling La Croix. In American sober circles, there’s a lot of hype about La Croix and it’s not often found in these parts. My partner is keen to try it, and equally, ever-keen for new experiences, I brave a sip of hers, ready to have my mind expanded by its peachy goodness. Alas, dear reader, it’s basically just fizzy water that tastes a bit like when you’ve dissolved aspirin in dilute pop!

A below par start, then. But we’re not here to review La Croix. No, tonight we’re here to catch the similarly hyped Shame. Now three albums in, after bursting onto the scene with their 2018 debut, Songs of Praise, the South London five-piece are growing up.

I mean, they’re still pretty fresh-faced, still in their early-20s (how?), but their output has evolved from those early, angst-ridden post punk riots into a slightly more anthemic indie rock, a sound that at times veers into La Croix-approved Americana.

And I guess whether you like that or not very much depends on what you like about Shame.

For me, my intro to the band was through their early stuff, and their latest offerings have left me a little cold at times. However, having said all that, their opening song this evening, ‘Fingers of Steel’, taken from their latest album, Food for Worms, is an undeniably catchy banger, which gets the singalong reaction from The Leadmill it fully deserves.

It’s not long before we’ve got a shirtless lead singer, Charlie Steen, stage diving into the crowd and telling us how we’re the best crowd of the tour. Awh shucks, *kicks feet* I bet you say that to all the venues, Charlie.

He’s not necessarily wrong though. The Sheff crowd is pretty on it tonight. Helped admirably by the crisp Leadmill sound, there are circle pits of sweaty yoots stretching nearly as far back as me and the other grumpy 30-year-olds, head nodding into our La Croix at the back.

While the crowd doesn’t stop, for me, the gig loses momentum around the midpoint. They’re down to play for an ambitious 90-minutes, which given the amount of material and the short poppy length of their songs, was always set to be no mean feat. They end up playing for around an hour and 15 mins, but they might have been better served shaving off 15 mins and lowering the track count.

They pick it back up towards the end, and the meandering riff of 'One Rizla' hits the spot, but I can’t help feeling like Shame’s performance this evening, much like a peach La Croix, hasn’t quite hit the spot.

I’m excited to see where they take it, there’s much more to be seen from them, and given the crowd reaction, I’m very much in the minority. Grandpa out!

WORDS: ASH BIRCH PHOTOGRAPHY: SAHAR GHADIRIAN

MOSFEST MAKES IT TEN!

Following a three-year absence, Popular Sheffield music festival Mosfest returns to Don Valley Bowl this summer to celebrate its tenth edition. Renowned for its charity work, affordable ticket prices and drinks, the team have put together what they’ve described as their best lineup to date.

Taking place on June 3rd, the gates will open at 11:30am and two stages will host 50+ acts playing throughout the day. Headlining the festival are Sheffield’s own Little Man Tate, with ska legends Bad Manners and Manchester alt-rockers Inspiral Carpets in support. Also putting in a main stage performance will be popular indie-pop outfit The Lottery Winners, up-and-coming Midlands rockers The Assist and 10-piece reggae partystarters Jungle Lion, plus plenty more.

The inside stage has been curated by Away Day Radio and will be headlined by The Skinner Brothers and Billy Sullivan.

Over the years, the event has featured the likes of The Selecter, The Pigeon Detectives and Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, while it has also given slots to nowestablished local bands on their way up such as The Reytons, Sherlocks and Apollo Junction.

Organiser Steve Cowens told Exposed: “After three very tough years we are delighted to be back to celebrate our tenth festival in style. Lockdowns and restrictions

SCAN HERE FOR TICKETS

meant that we couldn’t organise the festival for two years, and following that I suffered a serious health issue. It was a very tough time for events, hospitality and me personally, but we are back now and I’m delighted.”

“I’ve got to say that the three main bands, who I know personally, have been brilliant in agreeing to play this year. When I organised a small charity music event in Mosborough to raise money for a lost friend’s son some twelve years ago, I never thought it would grow to what it is today. Our loyal festival attendees make Mosfest what it

is: a great family festival in a safe and friendly environment. I’m really proud of this event and its ethics.”

Mosfest are also delighted to partner up with iconic venue The Leadmill, who will be hosting the festival’s official after party. Tickets are available online from www.mosboroughmusicfestival. co.uk or by calling in at Birley Moor News, The Cabin newsagents on the Moor and Glistening Kicks in Woodseats. @mosboroughmusic

PHOTOS BY KEVIN WELLS

MUSIC

JOIN THE CIRCUS

Noel Gallagher brings his High Flying Birds to Sheffield’s Don Valley Bowl on Friday 1st September as part of Rock N Roll Circus, a full weekend of live music staged in a bespoke Big Top structure holding thousands of revellers.

Currently joining Noel on the line-up will be Happy Mondays, The Cribs, The Joy Formidable and Somebody’s Child. Alongside the music, Rock N Roll Circus will feature fire performers, aerialists, contortionists, stilt walkers and acrobats making for an unforgettable festival atmosphere.

However, things are just getting warmed up! This is very much a three-day event, with a whole host of fresh names to be announced for the Saturday and Sunday. You can safely say that the bar has been set high, so we’re stoked to see what they come up with and will be keeping a close eye on their socials this month (@randrcircus).

A spokesperson for Rock N Roll Circus told Exposed: “We’re proud to be bringing our event to South Yorkshire. Sheffield has such a strong tradition for live music; we’re delighted to be able to host our touring concept there.

“Noel is a living legend; his live shows are always amazing, featuring songs across his 30 year career. The first tracks to be heard from his new album Council Skies are great with the album to be released before he arrives in Sheffield. Stay tuned for more major artist announcements.”

With a new album Council

THE ROCK N ROLL CIRCUS

Where: Don Valley Bowl

When: Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd September

Who: Noel Gallagher, Happy Mondays, The Cribs, The Joy Formidable and Somebody’s Child – plus TBA lineups for Saturday and Sunday!

More info: rocknrollcircus.co.uk

Skies set for release on 2nd June, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Bird’s appearance in Sheffield is the conclusion of an extended run of summer concerts in the UK.

Having had Noel headline the inaugural Rock N Roll Circus in Newcastle last summer, the event organisers are looking forward to bringing the touring circus concept to music fans in Sheffield.

Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffielld City Council, added: “This is an incredibly exciting event which combines the best artists of the UK music scene with the top circus performers, it will be an immersive experience you won’t want to miss.

“Sheffield’s reputation as the music city is growing, and this event is a fantastic new element to the city’s varied major events calendar, featuring the best of music, sport, outdoors and entertainment. I’m so excited for the year ahead.”

SCAN HERE FOR TICKETS

Tickets for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds at Rock N Roll Circus are on sale now, priced at £27.50 – £64.90. You can get yours by heading to rocknrollcircus.co.uk or scanning the QR code on this page.

SHEFFIELD’S REPUTATION AS THE MUSIC CITY IS GROWING, AND THIS EVENT IS A FANTASTIC NEW ELEMENT TO THE CITY’S VARIED MAJOR EVENTS CALENDAR, FEATURING THE BEST OF MUSIC, SPORT, OUTDOORS AND ENTERTAINMENT. I’M SO EXCITED FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

CRAFT BOTTLE

RUMBI TAURO

THE FIRST RECORD I BOUGHT…

As I Am by Alicia Keys. This album has been a constant musical reference point during my life so far, and I’ve been in love with Alicia Keys since hearing it. I was able to see Alicia in concert during 2022 and it was incredible hearing some of the tracks from the record live. Genuinely, this is truly ten out of ten and was so ahead of its time.

MY

FIRST GIG…

Drake with support from The Weeknd – and I think tickets were like £20.00 back then! This was in the Sheffield Arena, which made it so exciting that these international artists were performing live near my hometown.

THE FIRST SONG I PERFORMED…

‘True Colors’ by Cyndi Lauper when I was about six years old! I still remember it to this day; it was for a church talent show and I was so, so nervous. I just looked at my parents the whole time I performed and tried my best to enjoy it.

A SONG I WISH I’D WRITTEN…

I wish I’d written ‘Mountain O’ Things’ by Tracy Chapman. To be honest, I wish I’d written the whole self-titled album by the legend! It’s such a pure album and I take a lot of my songwriting inspiration from Tracy Chapman.

I FIRST FELL IN LOVE WITH MUSIC WHEN…

I started to learn the piano around the age of five years. It was during that time that I began to hear of artists like Alicia Keys and Ciara, both of whom were big inspirations for me to start singing.

ONE SONG THAT I CAN’T GET OUT OF MY HEAD AT THE MINUTE…

‘Intimidated’ by Kaytranada ft. H.E.R. It’s such a feelgood song, I love the production and this collaboration is so fun.

A RECORD THAT REMINDS ME OF A SPECIFIC TIME AND PLACE…

‘One and Only’ by Adele was one of the first songs for which I learned how to sing and play the piano at the same time. It’s a forever song for me, as it helped me realise the passion I had for

music and made me want to work towards performing in front of people.

Rumbi Tauro is Zimbabweanborn singer/songwriter who grew up in South Yorkshire. She won the highly regarded Pattern + Push music competition in 2021 and has since released an EP and three singles: ‘Run Run’, ‘Bloodline’ and ‘Take Care’. Rumbi will be returning to Sheffield in June to perform at Tramlines Festival.

@rumbitauro

The award-winning South Yorkshire artist talks us through her formative music experiences and the songs that mean the most.

I PERFORMED TRUE COLORS’ BY CYNDI LAUPER. IT WAS FOR A CHURCH TALENT SHOW AND I WAS SO, SO NERVOUS. I JUST LOOKED AT MY PARENTS THE WHOLE TIME I PERFORMED AND TRIED MY BEST TO ENJOY IT.

IF YOU’RE A SHEFFBASED STUDENT LOOKING FOR A PAD TO RENT FOR NEXT YEAR, OR MAYBE YOU’RE JUST LOOKING FOR A NEW PAD FOR YOUR AND YOUR MATES, HERE ARE A FEW TOP SHOUTS STILL ON THE MARKET…

COSMOS

Vibrant student accommodation in the heart of the city, Cosmos provides the perfect environment to enhance your university experience!

What you get:

• All-inclusive utility bills and free Wi-Fi and broadband throughout.

• Variety of room types: cluster en-suite rooms (from £130 per week), studios (from £149 per week) and one-bed apartments (from £225 per week).

• A range of unique on-site facilities, including a sports centre with half basketball court, two rooftop terraces, a cinema room, study spaces as well as games and karaoke rooms.

• City centre location (Moore Street) within walking distance of both Sheffield Hallam and the University of Sheffield. Book a viewing and find out more information on crmstudents.com/Cosmos

ELECTRIC PRESS

Ooh, la la! Welcome to Electric Press – a brand new student accommodation based in central Sheffield!

What you get:

• All-inclusive utility bills and free Wi-Fi and broadband throughout.

• The offer of both cluster en-suite rooms (from just £118 per week) and spacious studios (from just £210 per week).

• A number of modern on-site facilities, including a free gym, cinema room, study spaces, games rooms, secure bike storage and laundry facilities.

• City centre location (Henry Street) with both Sheffield Hallam and the University of Sheffield within easy reach.

Book a viewing and find out more information on crm-students.com/ElectricPress

SHEFFIELD STAR

With all the bells and whistles included, Sheffield Star offers perfectly located student accommodation for students to experience city centre life at its finest!

What you get:

• All-inclusive utility bills and free Wi-Fi and broadband throughout.

• The offer of both cluster en-suite rooms (from just £126 per week) and spacious studios (from just £180 per week).

• Several on-site facilities, including a free gym, cinema room, study spaces and a communal lounge.

• City centre location (York Street) means both Sheffield Hallam and the University of Sheffield are within easy reach, as well as a huge number of restaurants and shops on your doorstep. Book a viewing and find out more information on crmstudents.com/SheffieldStar

It’s student living that’s more than a room in Sheffield

Welcome to Sheffield 3

Part of a vibrant ‘student village’, you’ll be joining a welcoming, diverse community at Sheffield 3. Located just a 10-minute walk from the University of Sheffield and with a tram stop right outside your door, enjoy extra snooze time each morning – not to mention ‘The Snug’, a cosy social hub with a TV/games room and lounge where you can chill after lectures. Find a room to suit you: book a contemporary, self-contained studio or en-suite room with a communal kitchen and living area.

Discover a place where memories stay

Beyond Sheffield 3, you can find the Roost for you when you book at one of our other properties in Sheffield:

Whether you’re looking for Sheffield Hallam or University of Sheffield accommodation, each offers a unique student experience within walking distance of the city centre, keeping you right in the thick of student and city life. Want to enjoy your own space or live with friends? Choose from en-suite and studio rooms, apartments and houses.

Excellent value student living

Enjoy added value extras to enhance your student experience when you stay with Student Roost in Sheffield. All bills are included in your rent for the length of your tenancy so you don’t have to worry about rising energy prices and unexpected costs – plus you’ll have access to Insta-worthy spaces and free-to-use facilities, 24/7 support and wellbeing provision, no deposit at selected properties, free dual occupancy options and so much more. We’ve got you!

We can’t wait to meet you!

To book a viewing or find out more, scan the QR code or visit www.studentroost.co.uk

Hollis Croft

Central Place

Cornerhouse

Laycock Studios

Hosting kitchen, Hollis Croft

En-suite room, Hollis Croft

LEADMILL POINT

Looking for city centre living in Sheffield, at a great price? Leadmill Point is for you. From here, it’s less than a five-minute walk to Sheffield Hallam University and the train station. Handy, eh?

What you get:

• Leadmill Point offers several room options. If you’d like a private bathroom, choose an en-suite. Don’t mind sharing? The property has rooms with shared bathrooms available too.

• Away from your room, you’ll find a shared common room with pool table, table football, a TV, and comfy sofas - ideal for chilling out in the evenings.

• The whole city is on your doorstep here. Local highlights include The Leadmill (Sheffield’s oldest live music venue) and four-screen independent cinema The Showroom.

• Not only can you enjoy a great location, but all utility bills are included in your 2023/24 fixed rent as well as free high-speed Wi-Fi and contents insurance, plus staff are available on-site 24/7. Book today at unitestudents.com/

sheffield

BRASS

FOUNDERS

Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre and the University of Sheffield, and 15 minutes from Sheffield Hallam, Brass Founders is the ideal place to call home as a student.

What you get:

• Whether you’re on the hunt for an en-suite room in a shared flat or a self-contained, private studio, you’re sure to find a room you’ll love. Brass Founders boasts the best amenities with a washer/dryer in every kitchen and studio, reducing costs so you have more money to spend on the fun stuff!

• Brass Founders is a special place to live with a beautiful boutique-style common room, a gym, cinema room, indoor basketball and a huge outdoor courtyard - not forgetting solo and group study spaces too.

• Living with Unite Students you’ll also benefit from all utility bills included in your 2023/24 fixed rent, free high-speed Wi-Fi and contents insurance, plus staff are available on-site 24/7.

Book today at unitestudents.com/

sheffield

EXCHANGE WORKS

Exchange Works is a popular city-centre home for 430 students, located just a 5-minute walk to Sheffield Hallam University, and 20 minutes to the University of Sheffield.

• Looking to live with others? Choose an en-suite room to get your own bathroom and share a kitchen and lounge with your flatmates.

• You’ll find a common room with games tables, TV, and seating as well as a study room. When you need some fresh air, there’s an amazing garden at Exchange Works featuring artificial lawn, ping pong table, badminton court, benches and even palm trees!

• Living with Unite Students you’ll also benefit from all utility bills included in your 2023/24 fixed rent, free high-speed Wi-Fi and contents insurance, plus staff are available on-site 24/7.

Book today at unitestudents.com/Sheffield

HOLLIS CROFT

Discover excellent value student living at Hollis Croft from Student Roost. Located close to the heart of the city, Hollis Croft Sheffield is only a five-minute walk from both the University of Sheffield Diamond Building and the main campus, and just 10 minutes away from Sheffield Hallam.

• With a wide variety of social spaces, their 24/7 on-site team and amazing views across the city from their 17-storey tower block, discover the brand-new student community that has something to offer all residents.

• From a communal lounge fitted with table football and ping pong, to a hosting kitchen to learn new recipes, cook for friends and attend events in, there’s something for everyone. With a free on-site gym, a cinema room with comfy chairs, designated spaces for solo or group studying, and karaoke and a games room, you can truly live your best student life here.

• One of the most popular aspects of Hollis Croft is their fantastic shared flats for larger groups. They can accommodate shared living for up to nine friends!

Arrange a viewing and book your room at studentroost.co.uk

SHEFFIELD 3

Part of a vibrant ‘student village’, join a welcoming, diverse community in the heart of the city at Sheffield 3 from Student Roost. Located just a twominute walk from the bars, restaurants and gyms in the popular Kelham Island area, Sheffield 3 is great for those wanting a well-rounded student experience.

• A perfect living space during your studies for anyone looking for ensuites or studios in Sheffield and is just a three-minute walk from the local Tesco supermarket for when you’re low on food!

• There’s plenty on offer at Student Roost’s Sheffield 3 – from bustling social events calendar to a cosy games and TV area for you to sink your teeth (or rather, thumbs) into.

• With a communal courtyard and seating area that is situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city – you’ll be able to relax in the sun and spend time with friends in the privacy of your own home.

Arrange a viewing and book your room at studentroost.co.uk

SOLLY HOUSE

Based just a five-minute walk away from the University of Sheffield, Solly Houses Sheffield is a cluster of bright and airy refurbished one to seven bed houses for you and your friends to share.

• From access to the Central Place’s Yoga and Fitness Studio to a yearwide social calendar, there are plenty of extras that come with living in these Sheffield student houses.

• Light bulb not working and you can’t reach it? Shower a little colder than you’d like? At Solly Houses Sheffield, you won’t have to wait for days until your landlord has logged the issue, their maintenance team will be on hand to help!

• Get the very best of independent living close to campus, but with bills included, free Wi-Fi and free on-site maintenance, all from £135 per week. Arrange a viewing and book your room at studentroost.co.uk

CORNERHOUSE

Welcome to Cornerhouse, Sheffield, the perfect place for students who want the best of what the city has to offer, right on their doorstep but without the hustle and bustle of one of Student Roost’s bigger properties. Soak up the boutique vibe where you’ll be part of our small community of happy residents who come back year after year.

• Just a short walk to the University of Sheffield, you’ll be able to enjoy the social areas like the cosy lounge, study space, and our garden and courtyard – the ideal setting for relaxing summer days.

• Cornerhouse Sheffield is a perfect social hub, offering an exciting social calendar, places to relax (and to get your head down and learn) and full access to more facilities at Hollis Croft.

• With availability from ensuite shared flats, two bed apartments and studios, ranging from £125 to £195 per week, Cornerhouse has something for everyone.

Arrange a viewing and book your room at studentroost.co.uk

Open Up is an annual open studios event in and around Sheffield. The event will run across five days including the bank holiday weekends 29/30th April, 1st May and 6/7th May 2023.

FILM BY CAL REID

THE LONG GOODBYE (1973)

Robert Altman’s satirical neonoir mystery masterpiece (and my favourite film) celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Released in 1973 to mixed and dismissive critical reception, the film has been reassessed in the years since as a triumph of 1970s cinema, as well as one of the greatest mystery films of all time. Penned by Leigh Brackett, who also adapted Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep for the screen in 1946, The Long Goodbye received harsh criticism for its changes to Chandler’s 1953 source material, although it wasn’t too far removed from the book’s narrative beats, and certainly concerns itself with the same contemptuous criticisms of Hollywood’s vacuous, insincere lifestyle.

As in Chandler’s novel, largely considered to be his best, the central mystery takes a backseat

to social observations and explorations of moral dilemmas. Transplanted to the 1970s, Elliott Gould’s enigmatic Philip Marlowe is a man out of his own time, as though having awoken from a long sleep (the film quite literally begins with Marlowe being woken up by his hungry kitty); his ideals and code of ethics are at odds with the world around him. It is his own misplaced sense of loyalty to dubious friend Terry Lennox that leads him to encounters with Sterling Hayden’s alcoholic writer Roger Wade, indifferent police officers and a small-time albeit vicious gangster Marty Augustine, brilliantly played by actor/director

Mark Rydell.

Philip Marlowe has been played by a variety of actors: Robert Mitchum (joint-best with Gould), Dick Powell, James Garner, Philip Carey (in a short-lived TV series from 1959), James Caan, Powers Boothe and most recently Liam Neeson. But none quite have the energetic affability of Elliott Gould, who jokes smirks, and charms his way through the proceedings… until he’s crossed, and we’re reminded of just how coldly tough Marlowe is as a character. Gould captures these distinct, sometimes contradictory qualities of Chandler’s down-at-heel gumshoe with effortless ease.

The Long Goodbye also boasts subtle, never static cinematography from Vilmos Zsigmond, and a wonderful jazz score by John Williams (amongst a host of others performing their renditions of the main theme). It is an indisputable all-time classic. 5/5

BUCK AND THE PREACHER (1972)

A 1972 Western rerelease from star Sidney Poitier, who also directs. Buck and the Preacher marks a critical point in Black American cinema, produced by a major studio and starring two African American A-listers in Poitier and Harry Belafonte as the two titular characters. There still isn’t a Western like it, and certainly at the time there wasn’t anything comparable. Studio Westerns of that time were increasingly dull, and the Spaghetti Westerns were beginning to become tiresomely repetitive.

There’s everything you’d expect from a classic Western including sharp shootouts, and audacious bank robberies, but the American socio-political climate of the early 1970s is infused in the film’s DNA. A sense of lost hope hangs over the proceedings for the freed slaves desperate to claim their rightful part of the West following the Civil War. One cannot help but draw comparisons with the despair in the wake of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination; that sense of great promise

mercilessly snatched away. Buck and the Preacher is one the best films about marginalised Americans put to film, and yet, thanks to the skill of its leads, highly empowering. Whilst Sidney Poitier had done Westerns and tougher roles, he always carried that air of educated sophistication, evidenced in Duel at Diablo and In the Heat of the Night. Buck is a simpler hard man figure, one might think more suited to Jim Brown, himself having built his own career as an African American man-of-action in Rio Conchos, The Dirty Dozen and The Split.

Harry Belafonte has the showier role, allowing his tremendous range as an actor to really come through. Not-so-virtuous preachers weren’t uncommon, certainly not in Westerns. In 1968 Robert Mitchum had played a similar figure in the lacklustre mystery-Western 5 Card Stud, but Belafonte is a joy to watch.

The cast, no nonsense but poignant direction and fabulous score by Benny Carter make Buck and the Preacher a standout film of the 1970s, as well as one of the most unique Westerns of all time. If you missed it at the cinema, check out the Criterion Blu-ray! 4/5

IN CINEMAS THIS MONTH

THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE (5th April)

Animated adventure starring Chris Pratt as Nintendo’s pipebothering main character. Can it make up for the infamously bad 1993 version?

AIR (7TH April)

Directed by Ben Affleck, AIR is a true story based on a Nike salesman signing rising superstar Michael Jordan.

RYE LANE

RENFIELD (14th April)

A modern monster comedy starring Nicholas Cage as Dracula and Nicholas Hoult as his tortured devoted servant.

THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY (28th April)

Based on the novel by Rachel Joyce, a retired salesman (Jim Broadbent) embarks upon an eventful 600 mile journey to visit a dying friend.

Charming and hilarious romantic comedy from director Raine Allen-Miller, Rye Lane follows two young people who bond beautifully over the course of a single day in the wake of painful breakups from toxic relationships.

Director Raine Allen-Miller has expressed reservations about the romcom in interviews, insisting the film at its heart is about two people just having a lovely day together. Whilst undoubtedly true, Rye Lane is also a romcom, but of a totally different breed. It’s a light-hearted film about the power of healing through genuine human connection. Dom and Yas meet by chance in a unisex toilet during a mutual friend’s art exhibition and, despite being contradictory in their professional pursuits, their sense of humour and core values as human beings align perfectly. This makes Rye Lane more intelligent than your average romcom. The element I enjoyed most was the staging of Dom and Yas’ breakups in flashback, which in Yas’ case literally takes place on a theatre stage with a packed house of supportive Doms reacting to the breakup.

Affectionately shot throughout various locations in South London, with cinematography reminiscent of Peep Show, Rye Lane is a rich little film exploring the nuances of relationships in the most unique and surprisingly therapeutic fashion. 5/5

COCAINE BEAR

In

It’s Easter, a time for the sacrilegious to overconsume deceptively expensive reshaped and repackaged shit chocolate while perpetuating lies to children about giant snack depositing lagomorphs. For me, Easter is usually an opportunity to indulge in something a little closer to God: a triduum of cinema’s finest ecclesiastical Easter retellings. Every Good Friday I watch The Last Temptation of Christ (1988); on Saturday, The Passion of the Christ (2004); and I top it all off on Easter Sunday with Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace (1998).

However, this Easter is different. Not only am I now incapable of eating chocolate (Xiang Kim, a world renowned gastroenterologist specialising in chemical trauma and radiation sickness recently said my popcorn-battered large intestine

was the worst internal organ he’d ever seen) but through hypnosis-led therapy I’ve also unearthed a mass (pun intended) of childhood trauma routed in the church. As a result, I will henceforth not be consuming any sugary treats and only watching films with overtly antireligious sentiments. Enter: Cocaine Bear.

Cocaine Bear tells the true story of Pablo Eskobear, a large black bear that fatally overdosed on cocaine in 1985. In Elizabeth

Banks’ horror debut (if you class Pitch Perfect 2 as something other than horror) we are shown what might have happened if Pablo Eskobear never died, if he somehow survived the cocaine overdose to compound his Russel Crow-tier anger issues with a Russel Brand-tier drug problem. The result is a laughout-loud, scream-out-loud-also 95-minute comedy horror for all/some of/none of the family.

This film is great! Forget the tightly written scripts, impressive practical effects, underrated casts and charmoozing performances of old monster movie trash like The Blob (1988) and Tremors (1990), and bring on the lazily assembled stories, misjudged

over-the-top performances, and soulless computer generated visual effects of the modern monster flick! Goodbye Frank Darabont, you scrub. Hello Elizabeth Banks, from Scrubs! I’m going to break character briefly – not that anyone cares. This thinly vailed sarcasm is not exactly the enigma code anyway. Plus I can’t find a way to say this in Matt Karmode’s voice… How do you fuck up Cocaine Bear? How is that possible? A cocainefuelled bear murdering drug lords and park rangers – how do you make that unwatchable? How can Frank Darabont make a blob sleep-alteringly horrible and mist (fucking mist!) fistclenchingly tense, and yet you failed to make a literal drug addicted serial killing caniform remotely interesting? Shame on you. What a waste of an outrageously good premise. Stick to ruining remakes, ya hacks. Oh, and while I’m out of character, could somebody please give me a job? Something creative that doesn’t require me to talk to people? Thanks. Back to Matt now…

Cinema! Big words! Divorce! Etc. MK x

a break from Easter tradition, Sheffield’s foremost film critic casts his cinematic eye on a new and noteworthy drug-fuelled horror.

Hello all! Welcome to the April edition of my comedy column, and I hope you’ve enjoyed a few laughs this month!

On a personal level, I’ve had a very busy one with hosting nights and plenty of gigging. I also had the bonus of being asked to help four fantastic Sheffield Hallam University students with promoting a comedy night as part of their events management degree (so, no pressure then!). This was all made even more special as all the proceeds from the night were going to the amazing Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

It was brilliant to see what these four young people could do. Kirsty, Phoebe, Rose and Anna were great to work with and everyone who knows them should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved! The night was a lovely, glamorous night at Genting Casino and they whacked it out the ball park, raising a whopping £2,357.19. We organised some great stand-up comics and the feedback for the whole night was nothing short of magnificent! I would have handed them a first for the event alone.

As you may know through reading my column, I love to salute and thank the audiences we get in Sheffield. The fact that we are seeing so many regular faces on the nights is one thing, but when those regulars are coming up to me and saying they have brought new people along is just superb. I know a few of them read this, so you know

COMEDY: A STAND-UP GUY!

who you are – and thank you so much for your continued support.

My one to watch for April is a comic called James Crook. James has gigged in Sheffield a few times and is one quarter of the team that runs one of the top nights in Manchester: Laughienda (of course). He always brings the house down and did so most recently at Hagglers Corner; he’s a laugh-asecond storyteller that will have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know WHAT THE HECK IS COMING NEXT? He is coming back to headline our Yellow Arch Comedy Club night this month, on Thursday 20th April, and I really don’t want any of you to miss this – it’s going to be electric! It’s so good that the days are staying lighter for longer now. I always feel that having a laugh when we know the weather is going to start getting better is a nice tonic (I will have gin in that too!). But seriously, there are some top class comics coming to the city over the coming months, so please make sure you get to witness some if not all of these nights. I GUARANTEE – no, I PROMISE – you will not be disappointed. Have a great month and I’ll see you at one or more of these superstar venues, then back here again next month!

By Daniel Inniss Comedian & promoter

The Ship Inn, Shalesmoor (1st Mon of the month)

Hagglers Corner – No Haggling, All Comedy (1st Weds of the Month)

Picture House Comedy (2nd Mon of the month)

The Yorkshireman (1st Thurs of the month)

Yellow Arch Comedy Club (3rd Thurs of the month)

Indie-go (last Thurs of the month)

Toolmakers (last Fri of the month)

SHEFFIELD STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHTS

SPRINGING FORWARD

Spring has finally sprung! And as beer garden weather returns and the nights get lighter, they are also getting queerer. First up, following the success of their megahit, Unholy featuring Kim Petras which debuted at number one in the UK official charts, non-binary icon Sam Smith (12 Apr) heads to the Arena as part of their UK and Europe headline tour celebrating their fourth studio album, Gloria. We have more live music from our own local talent Adam Heyes (1 Apr) at The Abbey in Woodseats singing live acoustic covers, joined by Tommy Jones on guitar/keys.

The creators of CYB3R  head to Sidney and Matilda for R3lm – The Fall of Eden (14 Apr), a queer lead party of electronic/hyperpop music featuring DJ sets and performances by Blue Raspberry, Lindsay Losam, Gnarkill, Jordan Windows, Poor Spice and Rosa Limonata of DDY. Over at DINA, Rainbow Blades, Sheffield United’s LGBTQ+ supporters club, celebrate their 3rd birthday with Shiny Disco Balls (8 Apr) raising money for their charity partner SAYiT, hosted by drag DJ Anna Kissed with special guest DJ Jaydee and introducing Miss Blayde Raine

The latest entourage of RuPaul queens sashay their way to City Hall for the Drag Race UK Series 4 Tour (23 Apr) featuring Danny Beard, Cheddar Gorgeous, Black Peppa, Jonbers Blonde, Pixie Polite, Dakota Schiffer, Le Fil, Baby, Sminty Drop, Copper Topp, Starlet and Just May. And Season 3

Alumni Chroriza May joins our own Emma Maezin and one half of The Funky Beaver Show, Miss Cleo, for a night of fun and games at Big Drag Bingo (8 Apr) at the OEC.

Emma Maezin will be making multiple appearances around the steel city this month, hosting Bottomless Brunch and Drag Show (2 Apr) and Drag Bingo (12 Apr) at Revolucion de Cuba, two instalments of Drag Karaoke [14/22 Apr] at the Ball Inn and her spring drag extravaganza, A Maezin Spring Fling [Fri 21 Apr] where she will be joined by drag queen Ditzy O’Darlin and singing sensation Jenny Anne. The other half of The Funky Beaver Show, Vivian Twist, will be making her debut as she joins the team of resident acts and DJs at the Malin Bridge Inn (15 Apr). Also on Malin Bridge’s lineup this month we have Tanya Minge’s Drag Queen Bingo (7/28 Apr), DJ Brooke’s Fireball Friday (Fri 21 Apr) and Sassy Saturday (29 Apr) and Electric Blue’s Easter Drag Queen Show (8 Apr).

And last but by no means least Sheffield’s very own Connie-Dom is back in town with her very first solo show, Connie’s Comedy C*ck Out, at Crookes Social Club (29 Apr) bringing you laughs, singing, dancing and looks.

That’s your lot for this month, as always keep an eye on the Sheffield LGBT+ events page on Facebook www.facebook.com/sheffieldlgbtevents for updates and announcements on the latest events and news.

TOP PICKS:

Emma Maezin

Revolucion de Cuba

Sun 2 Apr: Bottomless Brunch

Wed 12 Apr: Drag Bingo

Ball Inn

Fri 14/Sat 22 Apr: Drag Karaoke

Yorkshireman

Fri 21 Apr: A Maezin Spring Fling

Malin Bridge Inn

Fri 7/28 Apr: Tanya Minge Bingo

Sat 8 Apr: Easter Drag Queen Show

Sat 15 Apr: Vivian Twist Drag DJ

Fri 21 Apr: DJ Brooke Fireball Friday

Sat 29 Apr: DJ Brooke

Elsewhere

Sat 1 Apr: Adam Heyes @The Abbey

Sat 8 Apr: Shiny Disco Balls @ DINA

Sat 8 Apr: BIG DRAG BINGO with CHORIZA MAY @ OEC

Wed 12 Apr: Sam Smith @ Utilita Arena

Fri 14 Apr: R3lm – The Fall Of Eden @ Sidney & Matilda

Sun 23 Apr: RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series 4 Tour @ City Hall

Sat 29 Apr: Connie’s Comedy C*ck Out @ Crookes

Social Clu

OPEN UP SHEFFIELD 2023

Open Up Sheffield is the great annual opportunity for anyone interested in the arts, making and creativity to meet over 115 artists and makers (not all at once!) and take a peek into their studios and worklives in and around Sheffield. This year’s event, taking place over two bank holiday weekends (29 Apr-1 May and 6-7 May), again provides you with a chance to engage with talented artists and makers who open their studios to the public, inviting you to witness first-hand the incredible craftsmanship and diversity of creative work on display.

Organised by a group of dedicated volunteers and the artists/makers themselves, Open Up proudly showcases the diversity of the city’s creative community. It is an annual event, now in its 25th year, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in creative environments and learn all about different art forms, techniques and mediums: you’ll find sculpture, installation,

painting, printmaking, textiles, ceramics and photography, just to name a few.

The key pull for the event is the opportunity for visitors to explore workshops, homes and studios tucked away across the city, providing a rare insight into the working processes of the participating artists (as well as the chance to soak up the festival atmosphere and discover hidden Sheffield gems while doing so). The artists love to talk about their work, offering insights into their techniques and motivations and putting the sharing of skills and knowledge at the heart of the event. It’s the perfect way to find some creative inspiration yourself and benefit from some experienced advice – for free!

The spaces themselves are often fascinating, many being based in old buildings steeped in history, creative hubs of art or even the artists’ own back gardens! It’s all about experiencing art at its source, engaging with passionate creatives and – most importantly – having plenty of

fun while doing so!

Many of the studios are gathered in natural clusters across Sheffield which are ideally located for a whistlestop tour and, as they’re all handily listed in the free event brochure and on the website www.openupsheffield.co.uk, you’re likely to find somewhere nearby to pop down and pay a visit to or something new and interesting a little further afield to see.

Beyond the opportunity to meet artists and makers in person, Open Up Sheffield offers visitors the chance to touch, feel and buy unique,

high-quality works of art directly from the creator. This makes for a much more enjoyable retail experience and the perfect antidote to our online worlds that maybe we’re all perhaps getting a bit fed up of! Bringing it all together, you can even have a real chat with that artist whose work you’ve been admiring for so long on social media.

It all makes for a fantastic day out and a very social event, popular with groups and families, where thousands of people join in with this city-wide festival using the free event guide and website to plan

ART HOUSE EVENT

The Art House are holding a preview event on Friday 28th April (18:30-20:30) with a drinks reception and opportunity to meet the artists. Entrances are on Carver Street and Backfields in Sheffield city centre, S1 4HJ. No RSVP required.

There are also free pottery & art taster workshops taking place on Saturday 29th April and Saturday 6th May (11:3013:00 & 14:00-15:00). Again, just turn up!

I MAINLY WORK ON MY OWN AND ENJOY THE REPETITIVE, MEDITATIVE PROCESS OF WEAVING. BUT IT’S ALSO GOOD TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP THE STUDIO TO TEACH AND TO SHARE IDEAS, SO THE SPACE IS LARGE ENOUGH TO COMFORTABLY TEACH UP TO THREE STUDENTS. AND SO I LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING VISITORS TO THE STUDIO FOR OPEN UP.

SUSI CLARK, WEAVER AND TEXTILE DESIGNER. THURGOLAND.

local trips and excursions to different neighbourhoods. You may even surprise yourself by discovering something new on your doorstep!

Overall, it’s a great opportunity to meet up with talented artists and to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for a unique aspect of the city’s thriving cultural scene: all bubbling away in a variety of interesting spaces and places.

Offering the perfect excuse to grab a few friends and spend some time exploring Sheffield’s rich vein of innovation and creativity, as well as the opportunity to discover parts of the city you might not know so well, it’s one of the hottest dates on the city’s cultural calendar and a must-attend event for anyone interested in the arts and crafts.

We’ll see you there!

For more information and to download the brochure for this year’s Open Up, head to www.openupsheffield.co.uk.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Sam Groom, a printmaker who mostly makes woodcut and linocut prints.

Where is your studio and why is it important to your creative process?

My studio is based in what was the front bedroom of my house. I love working from home because it’s so convenient; I can work early in the morning, late at night, in my pyjamas if I want! I feel comfortable here and really like looking out the window and watching the world go by. I think feeling safe in my space encourages me to take risks with my work.

Does the studio space have an interesting history?

The house is a terraced house based in Hillsborough, so it’s quite ordinary in that respect. But I suppose a nice story is that when we were looking around houses to buy, I walked into this room, which was a bedroom at the time, and instantly thought to myself: this would make an amazing studio. It’s kind of what sold the house to us really.

How is the studio set up and how do you use the space in your practice?

So, this space has to work pretty hard for me. Even though it’s a nice big room, I have all of my equipment, inks and printmaking tools in here; I keep all my stock

in this room as well as doing all the admin work in here. I had a sink fitted, got my printing press set up in the corner and my shelving unit to keep my stock. I have a large table for cutting blocks and another table by the window where I film my work, do my admin and gaze out of the window a lot!

Are there any tools or bits of machinery in your studio that may be of interest?

I’ve got my roller press, which is a wonderful machine that I use to mostly do my woodcut printing. I’ve got durathene rollers, which are great for inking up blocks of wood. On the shelves, you’ll find all of my inks – these are also very important!

SAM GROOM, PRINTMAKER

OPEN UP SHEFFIELD 2023

OUR GRADE 2 LISTED PROPERTY WAS CONSTRUCTED MAINLY IN THE 17TH CENTURY AND THE AGE AND HISTORY OF THE BUILDINGS AND THEIR SETTING IN 7 ACRES OF GARDENS AND WOODLANDS IMPACT ON OUR CREATIVITY AND THE WORK THAT WE PRODUCE. NIGEL CUNIS, POTTERY. SILKSTONE.

MARY SEWELL, CERAMICS

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Mary Sewell, and I’m a ceramic artist who works at Portland Works, where I’ve been for about 15 years. I used to be a painter but moved into working more threedimensionally. About three years ago, I bought a kiln, and now I fire my own sculptures and work.

Where is your studio, and why is it important to your creative process?

Portland Works is an old cutlery works, and there have been lots of changes in the 15 years since I’ve been here, so I’ve sort of grown with it as an artist. It’s a very old Victorian building, very textured with lots of old brickwork, and apparently, the first place that produced stainless steel. It’s an inspiring place to work.

Are there other people nearby that you work with, or is it

important that you’re on your own?

I work quite on my own quite a lot, but it is obviously a shared space, so there will be breaks for conversations and chats with others, which is nice.

How is the studio set up, and how do you use the space in your practice?

Everybody has their own part of the studio to work in. My bit consists of a large worktable where I build my sculptures. There’s also a kiln in the corner where I fire the sculptures, behind which you’ll find shelves displaying my work.

Are there any tools or bits of machinery in your studio that may be of interest?

The kiln is used to fire pieces, which I usually do twice over. Then there a lot of interesting tools for making the actual pieces – maybe I’ll do a demonstration with those during Open Up!

CATH DUNN, PRINTMAKER

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Cath Dunn, and I’m a semi-abstract printer and printmaker. I’m based in Walkley, but I also spend a lot of my time in Edinburgh, so I’m split between the two. A great deal of my inspiration comes from the Peak District, but what I’m really interested in is patterns, rhythm and abstraction.

Where is your studio, and why is it important to your creative process?

My studio is based in Walkey, and it’s one of these so-called garden house mentioned in architectural guides because Carr Road, where it’s based, was one of the land associations of 1815s. The small studio was one of the garden houses: temporary houses people would build while they saved up money for their ‘forever house’. Many of those houses have been lost since, but this is one of the few that remains. So, the studio itself is small, but it’s a nice space when it’s tidy! And Walkley itself is full of artists; it seems that almost every road has an artist living on it. Many of us are a member of something called Walkley Edge Artists, and that’s been important to me and others as it gives you moral support, you can discuss techniques and where to exhibit. Just meeting up with artists is important because you’re often working on your own. It’s also an important location with it being so close to the Peak District, and that could be a reason why there are so many artists here.

How is the studio set up, and how do you use the space in your practice?

When we took over the plot for this studio, it hadn’t been lived in for 30 years. It had one gas light, no inside loo and was in rather rough shape. We worked on it and extended it, so it now has a little kitchen and a bathroom. There are two spaces in the studio: I do most of my painting at back of the studio, and I use the front for printmaking. The back is better for light, but the front has plenty of room for wall space, so that’s very handy for hanging prints for either showing to people or looking at them to see what’s wrong (or possibly right!).

Are there any tools or bits of machinery in your studio that may be of interest?

I have a Hawthorn etching press, which are made near York, and I think a large handpress like that is certainly of interest.

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Augmented reality has the potential to revolutionise the way art pieces are created and experienced. By blending the physical world with digital components, artists can create immersive experiences that engage the viewers on a number of different levels. Excitingly, the possibilities for combining AR with displays of art are only just beginning to be explored, from gaming apps and museum installations to live music performances and interactive street art.

It means that rather than observing a static artwork, viewers can engage with and explore the digital elements of the piece, allowing the artists themselves to explore new ideas and perspectives. With the use of sensors and other technologies, interactive art pieces can respond to the viewer’s movements and actions, creating a unique experience for each person who engages with the work.

Last month, Sheffield City Council announced the launch of ‘Look Up’, the first augmented reality art trail of its kind in the UK, which allows smartphone users to download an app that guides them to viewing points showcasing live artworks based on rooftops across the city.

Mark Mobbs, place brand and marketing manager for city

campaigns at Marketing Sheffield, said of the project: “What this has created is a platform for the city of Sheffield. As far as we are aware, no city has used augmented reality in this way before, turning their centre and buildings into a permanent and free, fun art trail.

“We want the trail to grow over time – it would be incredible if Sheffield became known around the globe as the only major city to have an AR art gallery as part and parcel of the city itself.”

However, while it may the first attempt at an interconnected AR art trail in the country, it wasn’t the first art installation of this type commissioned in the city. In November 2022, Sheffield-based artist Alastair Flindall (AKA Kunstity) unveiled Sheffield’s first augmented reality mural in Manor Park.

“The project was really about making a piece of art for the people of the area in conjunction with local residents,” Alastair told Exposed. “We wanted to celebrate the area through a piece of interactive art.”

Working closely with local organisations such as Manor & Castle Development Trust, the Green Estate and Sheffield Archives, as well as members of the public and community action groups, the artist sourced a wide variety of images reflecting the area’s history and culture. Sound

CULTURE THE GALLERIES OF THE FUTURE?

Over the last six months, two significant art projects powered by augmented reality have been commissioned in Sheffield: the Look Up art trail in Sheffield city centre and the Manor Park mural by local artist Kunstity. Joseph Food takes a closer look at the potential of AR to create exciting opportunities for the Steel City’s art scene.

recordings were provided by a local school and volunteers, while the piece itself was animated by 3D artist Nick Bounds.

The resulting combination of sound, technology and artwork makes up the final package: upon pointing a camera at the mural, the wall springs to life and the viewer is provided with content to explore.

According to Alastair, the benefits from an artist’s perspective are clear to see. “A mural can only go so far; I wouldn’t have been able to include the added technology involved without hiring an indoor venue, putting on an exhibition and expecting people to turn up,” he explained.

“I feel like augmented reality pieces, much like street art, can allow people to enjoy art who perhaps might not have the time,

access or inclination to visit indoor galleries.”

While opening up art to a potentially wider audience, Alastair tells us that another exciting prospect is the collaborative nature of AR murals allowing a wider pool of artists to get involved. People across the world can quite easily submit digital elements to a given project, and there’s even the potential to ‘update’ these pieces at a later date to tell new stories or build on what’s gone before.

“The idea was that this would be a living piece, a living archive, and perhaps in ten years’ time, it could be updated. But another key aim was that we’d produce a piece that had a cross-generational element to it, something that could reflect the pride that the people we spoke to had in the area, and I think we’ve managed to

achieve that.”

While AR has been employed in advertising and gaming for some time (the Pokemon Go app is perhaps the most famous example), exploration for its use in murals and virtual art galleries is still very much in its infancy.

“It may be relatively new for the art world, but [AR] is not new when it comes to everyday use for most people,” says Alastair. “Think of filters on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat – it’s kind of where we’re heading in general and AR is almost certainly going to become a bigger part of our day-to-day. I guess there’s always going to be some sort of backlash with anything new, whether that’s in the art world or any walk of life. The reactions I had from people while working in Manor Park, however, were overwhelmingly positive and when I explained there was an

interactive element to the mural, it made it feel a bit more special.”

It would seem that AR is not only here to stay, but will grow to play an ever more significant role in our daily lives. It has already demonstrated its potential to transform various industries such as healthcare, education, entertainment and retail. When it comes to how we view and consume art, the possibilities could lead to hugely exciting results in terms of greater access, collaboration and interaction. With members of Sheffield’s creative populace currently at the forefront of exploring that future, who knows where it might lead in years to come?

To see more of Alastair’s work, follow him on socials @kunstity. The Manor Park Mural is located at Manor Park Centre, S2 1WE.

SCAN HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE LOOK UP APP.

HOME, SWEET HOME

How happily married are the happily married? Every couple needs a little fantasy to keep their marriage sparkling. But behind the gingham curtains, things start to unravel, and being a domestic goddess is not as easy as it seems…

Ahead of opening night at the Lyceum, BAFTA-winner and proud Sheffielder Jessica Ransom speaks to Iago Castro Charlón about leading the cast of ‘Home, I’m Darling’ – a thought-provoking new comedy by Laura Wade about one woman’s quest to be the perfect 1950s housewife.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and Sheffield. How was it growing up and pursuing your acting dreams here?

Well, I love Sheffield; it’s always home, even though I don’t live there anymore. And I guess I wouldn’t be an actress if I didn’t find so many brilliant people on my way. I went to High Storrs School and had brilliant drama teachers there. I’m very fortunate, as they were the ones who encouraged me to do acting and develop myself through the school plays.

How does it feel to be returning for a stint at the Crucible?

I’m really looking forward to it! It’s wonderful going on tour; we’re on a sixteen-week tour, going to a lot of different places, and it’s always lovely to go to new cities, but I’m really excited to be able to come home and perform. I can also stay with my parents, which is nice and saves me some money! There are lots of people I know here at home who are coming to the show, and very I’m excited about taking the cast out and showing them Sheffield.

Home, I’m Darling has been received really well since its premiere in 2018, notably receiving a 2019 Olivier award for Best New Comedy. What can you tell us about the show?

It’s a brilliant play by Laura Wade and a brilliant comedy. It’s the story of the relationship of a couple, Johnny and Judy, who are completely obsessed with the 1950s: they love the aesthetics of it, they love the values of it and decide to live their lives today like they were in the 1950s. And the play is an examination of whether that’s a good idea, and whether their relationship can survive doing that.

What key themes and messages are explored?

Well, I think a big part of it is a play about choices, and it’s definitely underlined with a feminist argument. Judy’s mom, brilliantly played by Diane Keen, thinks she fought for Judy to have choices: being able to be a feminist and being able to do

whatever she wants to do. However, Judy made her choice, her free choice, of staying at home, making the house look beautiful and herself pretty for her husband. So there’s the question of whether making that free choice is a feminist one. There is also a lot to unpick about the gender roles within a relationship: is it okay to change this every time? If somebody put the bins out three weeks in a row, is it okay to expect them to do it a fourth? It’s very much about negotiating those politics, but there is also a big lesson about fidelity: about how much you tell your partner, what happens when they’re not there and what you want to be aware of. All of this leads to some very interesting discussions.

Finally, why would you recommend your fellow Sheffielders come along to catch the show this month?

There’s a lot to be said here - there’s so much in it! As mentioned, there’s comedy tp enjoy, but it’s also very moving, plus a lot of dance, and all of the cast are brilliant! It also makes you think and have important conversations. It looks stunning because the set and costumes are amazing. So, yeah - come and be entertained, but also have a big discussion about it after!

Home, I’m Darling runs at the Lyceum 18-22 April and tickets (£14- £45) are available from sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

WILDFIRE ROAD @ PLAYHOUSE, SHEFFIELD THEATRES

I didn’t know what to expect from Wildfire Road, a new play written by Eve Leigh and directed by Sheffield-born Laura Keefe, but it turned out to be a rollercoaster hour of brilliant theatre that I’d wholeheartedly recommend.

As you share the (literal) ups and downs of a hijacked flight to Tokyo with some of its passengers and crew, the bigger picture starts to emerge alongside each individual’s hopes and dreams – one of the most impressive things about this play was how much it managed to say in such a short space of time.

Equal parts hilarious and horrifying, Wildfire Road moved so deftly between comedy, nail-biting tension and moments of real emotion that there wasn’t a single lull as the story built towards a thrilling and ultimately joyful resolution.

The short format, small cast – just six actors, some of whom alternated with two other roles – and intimate space of the Playhouse at The Crucible all served to heighten the sense of urgency and immediacy.

A clever set design, featuring plane seats that swivelled so the actors could talk directly to each other and the audience, as well as a cockpit that switched between transparent and opaque to focus your attention on different areas of the stage, really gave you the feeling of being right there on the plane.

The lighting and sound design, by Amy Mae and Benjamin Grant respectively, used minimal but evocative effects to recreate sensations like the take off and the impression of wildfires raging below incredibly effectively.

One of my favourite elements in this surprising and thoroughly entertaining play was music, employed at key moments to break – or occasionally increase – the tension. This involved singing and other choreographed movement from the actors; the surreal combination of flight protocols and jazz hands was a bold move but the audience loved it!

You couldn’t help but laugh which made the twists all the more effective as everyone was shocked back into silence. This perhaps wouldn’t have worked so well if the actors hadn’t been able to present such believable characters, who had us all rooting for everything to work out and enjoying their company along the way.

From ecological disaster and time travel to human relationships and reactions, Wildfire Road presents an ambitious story in a thought-provoking yet fun and accessible way.

WORDS: KATIE FISHER

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN MURRAY

ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT JIM CONNOLLY

HI JIM, COULD YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE EXPOSED READERS WITH A BIT OF INFO ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR WORK?

I’m an illustrator best known for my work on the Sheff beer scene. I did a decade of artwork for Kelham Island and the past few years with Little Critters Brewing. I also work with a creative agency on varied online materials and a couple of years ago I made a comic called ‘Made of Steel’, which is the story of a teen female hero from Sheff. My style varies from a darker graphic novel style to a more cartoony look.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEDIUM TO WORK WITH AND WHY?

I love the freedom of working digitally and the lack of commitment to any mark made. That said, I still work in pencil at the offset and it’s tough to replace the relationship with paper when it’s how you grew up working. I have a fancy brush pen I’d love to get better with; it gives amazing textures which I’d love to master. A lot of my process is about time, as working digitally tends to speed things up considerably. I ink in Clip Studio Paint and colour/compile things in Photoshop. I sometimes use Illustrator for some bespoke text. I like to avoid using fonts, which adds time but makes a picture feel more mine.

OF COURSE, YOU COMBINE YOUR LOVE FOR MUSIC AND COMIC BOOK ART WITH YOUR BAND, THE BAT CREEPS. COULD YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW THE GROUP CAME TOGETHER AND WHAT YOU’RE ALL ABOUT?

I’m 45 now but somehow this is easily the most fun I’ve ever had making music! It’s quite punky sounding with themes about buying comics to escape life’s pitfalls, a song from the perspective of the Terminator and another about a toxic waste mutant thug reflecting on his crap life. We wear masks and give it plenty on stage so it invariably goes down well with a crowd of fellow drunk idiots. We have a support slot coming up soon with Leeds underground legend Mik Artistik at the Dorothy Pax which is guaranteed to be a mad one!

HOW DO YOU HANDLE CREATIVE BLOCKS OR CHALLENGES IN YOUR WORK?

Ideas are rarely in short supply for me but I do struggle with depression which can be very debili-

The man behind immersive Sheffield-based comic strips, Batmaninspired punk moshpits and probably the beer clip on your favourite pint: Jim Connolly steps forward as this month’s Artist Spotlight.

tating and sap the fun out of everything. I guess walking my dog Ernie helps lift the haze and crack on. Somehow a Diet Coke always give me a creative kick in the head too, stupid as that sounds.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST ARTISTIC INSPIRATIONS?

I tend to like the comic-book artists whose style harks back to simpler-looking times like Tim Sale, Darwyn Cooke and Mike Mignola. I really admire Jamie Hewlett who most will know via Gorillaz but cut his teeth on the uber-cool Deadline Magazine. Being a Nirvana fan always felt like a creatively inspiring thing too, especially with their push on

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT A SPECIFIC PIECE THAT HOLDS A SPECIAL MEANING OR STORY FOR YOU?

My Pale Rider redesign from 2018 is a very special one for me. The rider’s origin is in the Book of Revelations as death approaching, which was a difficult theme to draw as my sister’s life appeared to be drawing closer to the end. A Frank Miller picture I found inspired me to draw him more as a force of nature than anything evil. It wasn’t really intentional but after I drew it I realised I’d really captured how that deeply sad situation made me feel.

WE HEAR YOU’VE GOT A FOLLOW-UP TO YOUR ‘MADE OF STEEL’ COMIC BOOK IN THE WORKS. COULD YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT THAT PROJECT?

I financed the first issue using crowdfunding platform Kickstarter and, frankly, it was a big success! I thought that our hero Steel Bolt deserved a sequel and another chance to trash half the city battling some baddies again. It’s big brash upbeat superhero fun aimed at all ages and genders. Issue #1 was an intro to teen hero Steel Bolt and her mentor Hephaestus (Vulcan) and I want to explore who they both are more and develop their bond. The new big baddie is a bear called ‘Billy Berserk’ who has been encased in steel within the Botanical Gardens Bear Pit for many centuries. An explosion unleashes him to go on a Hulk-like rampage. The project will be crowd-funding later this year for those who want to get involved and even physically be in the comic!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING ARTISTS OUT THERE?

I think making your own opportunities is a BIG one and building your own name rather than waiting for some golden opportunity to land. I did lots of freebies for bands at my offset just to build a folio of work and get noticed on the streets. Go into cafes and bars and ask if you can put some work up then throw an opening do. Chances are the venue will relish the attention it brings. I got a gig for rock mammoths Iron Maiden simply by chatting to a friendly bloke in a pub in Macclesfield and giving him my card, which ended up in the right hands. Stick your head over the parapet, basically. @jimconnollydraws78 // jimcportfolio. co.uk