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Issue 05 April â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;17

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The Digital Issue

20,000 copies printed every issue

We delve into Derby's virtual worlds

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WELCOME TO IN, DERBY'S BEST INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE

DERBYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ORIGINAL

SMOKE AND CRAFT HOUSE 150 Craft Beers and Ciders

FREEZE! NO, REALLY.

VIRTUAL SUCCESS

THE PLACEMAKER

LIFE AFTER LARA

A ROOM OF NERDS

WHAT TO DO?

CHEAP THRILLS

THE ESCAPISTS

APRIL IN FILM

We write some words about a potential ice rink.

Has Derby's game dev scene done a runner?

A student's guide to drinking right in Derby.

Mixed Realities explain themselves to us.

We talk to MAINFRAME.

We review Derby's 'Make Your Escape'.

John Forkin considers the merits of 'place'.

We tell you what's happening this month.

IN's film geek guides you through April.

House Smoked Menu DEAR READERS

Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Well, well, well. What an issue we have in store for you!

Walled Garden and Roof Terrace Hand Selected Real Ales Private Hire Function Room Heated Year Round Garden Room

I would hope that you might have figured out by now that this issue has a distinctly digital focus. Over the past month, we've kept up (and built upon) our tradition of digging into some of Derby's best kept secrets. Indeed, this month's digital theme has allowed us to dig deeper than we have ever have before.

JACK WILLIAMS EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, IN @FINDJACKHERE

(coming soon)

INDERBYMAG

^FOREVER NEEDING A HAIRCUT

www.greyhound-dbc.co.uk 75-76 Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1FN

ISSUE 05 PUBLISHED BY IN Publications Sadler Bridge Studios Bold Lane, Derby DE1 3NT 01332 742 536 EDITOR Jack Williams editor@thisisin.co.uk @FindJackHere

Personally, I've found writing this month's pieces more pleasurable and surprising than I have before. The longform(ish) piece on the travails of Derby's video game development scene is a case in point - it's a fascinating tale that hasn't ever really been told in the way we've attempted to do so here. I hope that it's obvious to all that the narrative we've put together isn't just about one company - or one famous gaming heroine - it's a story about Derby's game development 'scene'; its trials, tribulations and seeming renaissance.

STAFF WRITERS

Our digital theme also extends to covering an exciting Derby-based company's VR world first and the announcement of a new digital community (MAINFRAME).

DESIGNERS

That's not to say that we don't have stories from elsewhere of course. There's our usual underground guide to what's on and what's good, a story about ultra-hikers and a review of our team's experience being locked in a room with a witch.

James Hopka Carly Swift DIGITAL MEDIA Ollie Burrows ADVERTISING We'd love to talk to you. sales@thisisin.co.uk 01332 742 536

Archer Hampson archerhampson.com PRINT Russell Press Bulwell Lane Nottingham NG6 0BT

Anyway, I'll leave it there. My 'millennial' brain's telling me it's likely you haven't read this far anyway, and god knows how I managed to write this many words.

LIFE

SAVE THE DATE

LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS DERBY ICE RINK PLAN BY OLLIE BURROWS (WRITER, IN)

THE ALCHEMIST BALL

SALES EXECUTIVE FULL & PART-TIME ROLES AVAILABLE We're hiring. If you're a great communicator - with experience in selling - we'd like to hear from you. As our magazine continues to grow, we need to support it by maintaining and developing brilliant relationships with the businesses that support us. If you're interested in finding out more about this role please get in touch (details below).

sales@thisisin.co.uk www.thisisin.co.uk/careers

Saturday 14 October 2017 THE SILK MILL | DERBY

WE’RE NOT USUALLY IN THE BUSINESS OF REPORTING ‘HARD NEWS’, PREFERRING TO KEEP OUR PAGES LIGHT AND AIRY. BUT RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS WHICH ARE SET TO GIVE A REAL BOOST TO THE CITY CENTRE SIMPLY CAN’T PASS BY UNMENTIONED. The first centres on Derby City Council’s plans for a new £10m ice rink on Duckworth Square, a key regeneration site. Specialist consultants have argued there’s demand for this type of facility in Derby with operators throughout the country showing an interest in running it. The last few Christmases have seen a seasonal ice rink take space in the Market Place. It attracts thousands of skaters every year, demonstrating a “good base level of skating in the area” according to the consultants. 04

IN understands the aim is to have the rink up and running by 2020 .

Martin Rawson, who is responsible for city centre regeneration, explained:

It’s reckoned the development will generate about 250 direct and indirect jobs and attract further investment. Great news! Measuring up at 56m x 26m, the rink will hold 500 people and also include a gym, dance studio, changing rooms and café bar. The idea is to attract public skaters and offer training space for ice hockey teams and professional skaters.

"The derelict state of the area has blighted the city landscape for decades as private sector plans were unsuccessful.

Whilst the Cathedral Quarter and Friar Gate areas are flourishing, with a good number of new businesses opening, the area we now know as Becketwell has struggled. The Duckworth Square site has been pretty much derelict since the old shopping centre closed and was subsequently demolished. Since then, that area of the city has seen further decline with the Debenhams store moving into what is now the INTU shopping centre in 2007. It's great to hear that the former Debenhams site is now being earmarked for development too, with potential new residential and retail premises planned for 2021. City Council Deputy-Leader Councillor

"Since September 2014, the council has been consolidating land ownership in what has become known as the Becketwell area of the city by buying up former shopping precinct Duckworth Square, acquiring Debenhams and also purchasing properties in Green Lane and Macklin Street. "We are taking the lead to reinvigorate Becketwell into a vibrant leisure, retail and residential area.” Away from the plans for the Duckworth Square development, Derby is also due to get a slice of the action when it comes to Government funding with a further recent announcement that some £11 million is being earmarked for schemes such as the creation of a new performance venue on the site of the Assembly Rooms, new homes and commercial space. We - just like everyone else in the city watch with interest! - IN 05

LIFE

THE YEAR’S 2003, AND FANS ARE EXCITEDLY AWAITING THE RELEASE OF A NEW TOMB RAIDER TITLE FROM DERBYBASED DEVELOPER CORE DESIGN. THAT EXCITEMENT WOULD NOT LAST. 2003's 'Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness' would be the sixth instalment of the series, and the last Tomb Raider title to be developed in Derby. Seven years later, Core Design would close its doors and in a moment of dark irony, 27,000 of Derby’s citizens would vote to name part of the city’s newly expanded ring-road, Lara Croft Way, just over a month after the studio’s demise.

As a result, in 2013 Derby’s “vibrant creative industry” said goodbye to its last big game developer, nearly ten years after the loss of its world-famous icon. In a cruel twist of fate, 2013 would also see Tomb Raider achieve its biggest ever sales success, as the title was rebooted and re-tooled to fit the expectations of a modern gaming audience. Where did this leave the city, and what happened to all of the redundant talent left to pick themselves up after their moments in the sun? Furthermore, where does the city’s historically successful game development scene find itself in 2017? In the immediate aftermath of '...Angel of Darkness’ commercial and critical failure, a group of Core’s staff would go on to form Circle Studio in October 2003.

In the aftermath of Eurocom’s closure, directors Mat Sneap, Hugh Binns and Tim Rogers would go on to form EightPixelsSquare; a developer of games for Android and iOS devices. Since 2013, the company has seen considerable success in what is an exceedingly competitive division of the gaming market. The 40-plus strong team are responsible for a series of titles, including 'Lawless', 'All Gun’s Blazing', 'Cartel Kings', 'Raid HQ' and 2017’s 'Retro Soccer'. Collectively, their games are played by over 12 million people. There’s been critical recognition of their efforts too. 2016’s 'Raid HQ' was selected for Apple’s Editor’s Choice Award; the company’s weekly effort to promote the best games available in their massive library of App Store titles.

"WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL OF THE REDUNDANT TALENT LEFT TO PICK THEMSELVES UP AFTER THEIR MOMENTS IN THE SUN?"

HAVE ALL OF OUR GAME DEVELOPERS DISAPPEARED? BY JACK WILLIAMS (EDITOR, IN) 06

At the time of the new road’s opening, Councillor Matthew Holmes would say that “Derby is proud of its place as a vibrant creative industry and Lara Croft Way is a fantastic way to celebrate that”. From where the now ex-members of Core Design sat, one could imagine how much that seemingly hollow sentiment might sting. Indeed, whilst Councillor Holme’s words seem curiously chosen in respect of Core Design’s recent closure, it’s a relief that they didn’t come two years later. For in 2012, the city’s game development scene would be on the receiving end of another huge blow.

Eurocom – which at its height employed 200 staff at its Mackworth-based studio – would cease trading in December 2012. This was a developer boasting a 25-year history (an eerily similar length of existence to Core Design’s 26-year run) and a number of successful projects, including the wellreceived re-imagining of 'Goldeneye 007' for the Wii. In truth, Eurocom’s closure was not entirely a surprise when it was announced. The studio’s output had received an increasingly lukewarm reception from critics and consumers, leaving them in a tight spot when competing for contracts in what is a brutally fast-moving industry.

One of the key figures who drove Lara Croft’s creation – Toby Gard – would end up working on Tomb Raider for the Californian studio Crystal Dynamics, who inherited the ongoing development of the franchise for publisher Square Enix. Sadly for Circle Studio, their lifespan would be a short one. Less than four years – and nine little-known titles later – the studio would be liquidated, bringing an end to the Derby-based history of the team that had previously worked to bring Lara Croft to life at Core. As of 2017, many of the Core Design and Circle Studio members appear to be spread across the globe, working across a variety of industries. All have long since left Lara behind them. But what of Eurocom? Surely some of those 200 talented staff remained living in Derby, utilising their proven skill. Thankfully, this is where Derby’s recent game development story begins to read a little bit sunnier.

The city of Derby has also invested in EightPixelsSquare.

In 2014, the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund provided EPS with a £162,000 grant and a £235,228 loan in order for the company to expand its development capacity. In a press release announcing the DEGF’s funding, EPS company founder and Chairman, Mat Sneap, pointed to one of the problems Derby faces as a game development hub. Sneap asserted that: “traditional funding routes such as venture capital tend to invest in geographical clusters of companies in the same industry. Although Derby and the East Midlands have the potential to become a recognised cluster such as London, Helsinki or San Francisco, we are not there yet." It has to be said that it is to the DEGF’s credit that they realise the lineage of Derby as a centre for game development, even if much of the city’s talked about links to the industry mired in references to Tomb Raider. Derby City Council Deputy Leader Martin Rawson made reference to this struggle at the time that DEGF’s funding of EightPixelsSquare was announced. Rawson noted that “although the gaming industry has had a tough time recently, it is excellent to see that companies such as EightPixelsSquare are taking up the mantle and building up Derby’s credentials again in this field. Innovative companies such as these are just what we need in the city to provide [CONTINUES] 07

LIFE

DEVELOPING DERBY’S DIGITAL & CREATIVE COMMUNITY

MAINFRAME MONTHLY’S

Hold a relaxed, bespoke, at home wine tasting hosted by sommelier Samuel Walker.

Join in, take-part, influence and shape this growing hub.

We’re not merchants, so won’t ask you to buy a case of wine after the event!

27TH APRIL 2017 8.00AM - 11.00AM

A fantastic way to discover new wines, and how to taste them, in the comfort of your own home. Call 07453 482186

Derby QUAD Ltd, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby, DE1 3AS

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BATTALION 1944 WILL RELEASE ON PS4, XBOX ONE AND PC THIS MAY

graduates from the University of Derby with the break they need to enter into the industry, maintain the skills base in the city and attract new and established companies into the area.” In December 2016, EightPixelsSquare would go on to be acquired by Britain’s largest independent mobile games developer, Outplay Entertainment. The Dundee-based developer has (thus far) retained EPS’s entire staff (and Derby-based studio), preferring to expand its staff and range of intellectual property as Outplay’s own audience continues to grow. As with Core, however, it remains to be seen whether Outplay and EightPixelsSquare will stand the test of time. The mobile gaming market is a crowded one, with a multitude of titles releasing on both the App Store and Google Play every day, leaving both marketplaces over-saturated. That is not to say that Derby’s game development scene cannot compete on a world stage, however. In Bulkhead Interactive (the result of a merger between Deco Digital and Bevel 08

"WE SHOULD BE LETTING EVERYONE KNOW THAT THEY'RE HERE"

Studios) Derby may well have found itself another game developer with a truly international following. Bulkhead released 'The Turing Test' in August 2016 via Steam and on Xbox One, before then releasing the game on PlayStation 4 in January of this year. The game received positive reviews from well-respected gaming outlets like IGN and Game Informer, a point which may seem insignificant to those who don’t follow the industry, but is a sign that the studio could well be treading a path towards serious success. In fact, Bulkhead Interactive already find themselves treading well down that path. 'Battalion 1944', Bulkhead Interactive’s next title, will be released in just over a month’s time on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The game was announced as a Kickstarterbacked project in February 2016, and has since attracted over £317,000 in funding via the platform. Bulkhead’s title has attracted a large community of gamers, eager to play a first person shooter with gameplay comparable to famously heralded

INmag_Ad_v1.indd 1

27/03/2017 12:29

titles like 'Call of Duty 2' and 'Battlefield 1942'. Interestingly, 'Battalion 1944' will be published by Square Enix – the very same publisher that bought Eidos (and the rights to Tomb Raider) as Core Design neared its end over a decade ago. As a Derbeian ‘millennial’ it is perhaps no surprise that I’ve taken a keen interest in the city’s game development story. Gaming is a pervasive medium, and has only grown in its relevance and mainstream cultural acceptance as the years have ticked by since the emergence of home consoles. For me, living in a city that has woven itself into that success story is a point of pride, just as it should be for the city as a whole. Lara Croft’s tomb raiding adventures were at the vanguard of the PlayStation popularising video games, and now we find the city’s developers once again emerging from the darkness to find their own global audience. We should be letting everyone know that they’re here. - IN

LIFE

CAN YOU HAVE A GOOD (CHEAP) NIGHT HERE? BY LUKE SADLER (GUEST WRITER, IN)

THE ONLY THING MORE SYNONYMOUS WITH A STUDENT’S LACK OF MONEY IS SPENDING WHAT LITTLE MONEY THEY HAVE ON BOOZE. Student or not, we all like to save some money on a night out and avoid waking up with a headache for all the wrong reasons. With that in mind, we asked local student, Luke Sadler, to explore the cheapest way to have a proper good night out in Derby.

The Clubs Being a student city, Derby has its fair share of cheap clubs, but it pays to plan your final destination before you head out. After a thorough investigation, I came to the conclusion that Mosh on Friar Gate offers you the best bang for your buck.

Guest-List This is your free pass to entry and a shot upon arrival... the Holy Grail of a night out on a budget. Mosh offers you three floors of varying music and a shot all for nothing, provided you have a Facebook account. Simply go onto their Facebook page, find the event for the day you want to go out (Monday, Friday or Saturday) and click that

Go to the Winchester? You’re not going to be waiting for things to ‘blow over’ Shaun of the Dead-style, but who doesn’t love a good trip down the pub? The trouble is, some of them can be expensive.

"AFTER A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION, I CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT MOSH ON FRIAR GATE OFFERS YOU THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK."

We at IN - Derby’s Best Independent Magazine - are out to prove the naysayers wrong. We write about the stories no-one else is telling in the city, because there really is a lot here.

PRO TIP #1 If you can go to The Blue Note on Sadler Gate before you visit Mosh, you might be just able to get a stamp and maybe get free entry to the later opening club once Mosh has closed its doors... (just saying!)

Fear not, I’ve got you covered for this one too. The Bless offers 3 for £6 on Budweiser, £2 Jagërbombs and something called a “Lemon-bomb” which will change your life

People say that about Derby a lot. People are wrong.

We believe this so much that we print 20,000 copies of our magazine every month, before then distributing them to you for FREE.

you are “going” to the event before 8pm on that same day. There you go... free entry and a shot between the times of 11PM and 11:30PM.

for £2. With pool, music and a few drinks what more could you ask for?

INDERBYMAG THISISIN.CO.UK

That being said, The Friary is also a great choice and is located right next to Mosh. With The Student Saver card (available for

just £1) you can get all sorts of deals such as 2 for £6 on bottles of Desperados and £2.25 for pints of Carling and Strongbow. You can even get a bacon cheese burger and chips for £3 if you think the drink is going to your head a little too fast!

In The Club So, you’ve stumbled out of the pub and made it into Mosh, well done. In Mosh the music changes on each floor depending on the day, however there is a constant throughout the nights - cheap drinks! You can get a Carlsberg for as little as £1.20 whilst VHF bottles are £1.30. Meanwhile double vodka & mixers and Jagërbombs are available for just £2.

Ending the night Lights came on in the club? Bouncers slowly ushering you towards the door? Congratulations you’ve made it. Assuming you’re done with partying and don’t want to carry on at The Blue Note, you can either splash a little cash and go get a kebab from Sarry’s or simply head home, drink some water and hope you don’t wake up hungover. PRO TIP #2 Don’t get carried away. Cheap drinks or not, it’s important to know your limits on a night out. Take your time and look after your mates, too. Your safety is something money can’t buy. - IN 11

BY RICHARD SHAW (MIXED REALITIES)

DERBY ROUNDHOUSE - THE WORLD'S OLDEST SURVIVING RAILWAY ROUNDHOUSE, IS THE FIRST BUILDING OF ITS KIND TO BE SCANNED IN 3D VIRTUAL REALITY. The Roundhouse itself has been scanned in fully immersive 3D VR as part Derbybased VR company Mixed Realities' new 3D Derby Project designed to promote Derby as a vibrant and modern leisure and business tourism destination. [CONTINUES]

LIFE

"A VITAL TOOL FOR ANY FUTURE WORK AT THE ROUNDHOUSE"

The Roundhouse is the focal point of Derby College's flagship vocational campus on Pride Park. The campus was opened in September 2009 following a £48 million restoration to bring the collection of former locomotive carriage works buildings back into use.

“The Roundhouse scheme is one Maber's most prestigious accomplishments in Derby and the practice has worked hard to find the right partner to collaborate with to unearth the deep history that lies behind the scenes.” “The VR package will help us gain a better understanding of the structure and become

"The city is also our business home so I

The shoot for the Derby Roundhouse is part of Mixed Realities' 3D Derby Project one designed to use the latest 3D scanning technology to showcase the beautiful spaces which Derby has in abundance.

a vital tool for any future work at the Roundhouse.”

wanted to pioneer our innovative capabilities to showcase our wonderful city in 3D!”

John Kirkland, Chairman to Derbyshire based construction firm: Bowmer and Kirkland, who undertook the Roundhouse regeneration project (completed in 2009) noted:

The Mixed Realities Team was introduced to the Derby Roundhouse at Marketing Derby’s Annual Business Event 2017.

Laura Wilkinson, Event Planner at Roundhouse Events noted: "The creative work was done overnight when the Roundhouse is at its quietest and most atmospheric. "The results are stunning and we were delighted that this iconic building as taken centre stage in such an innovative project." Steve Basran, Associate Director at Maber, the architects who designed the restored Roundhouse stated: “We have been absolutely delighted with Mixed Realities 'nothing is too much trouble' approach to creating a Virtual Reality simulation of The Roundhouse.”

“It is fitting that the Roundhouse should be the first building in Derby to be recorded as part of this project.” “It is a landmark building and a piece of history which we had the honour to restore and renovate.” “We know the building so well but to see it in 3D gives it a whole new perspective and reveals it in all its glory.” Richard Shaw, Business Development Director of Mixed Realities said: “I love

Derby as it has an enviable cultural heritage. "From being a large influence during the industrial revolution to being home for some of the brightest companies in the world, Derby certainly has a lot to offer.

Creative Director Joe Clark remarked: “We cannot thank Marketing Derby and Derby College enough for allowing us to take on this amazing project. "I was born in the city, educated in the city and doing an amazing project here in a stunning venue. We’re running our business near Derby and we want to give something back to it as a thank you for nurturing us.” Mixed Realities have also worked on scanning other locations within Derby including the well-known Book Café in the Cathedral Quarter; all as part of their 3D Derby Project. - IN

- A BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF MIXED REALITIES' ROUNDHOUSE SCAN

CULTURE

HOW IN ESCAPED FROM THE SUPERNATURAL BY JAMES HOPKA (SENIOR WRITER, IN)

WE ALL LOVE FINDING CLUES AND SOLVING PROBLEMS. IT’S WHY MURDER MYSTERIES REMAIN SO POPULAR AND NEWSPAPERS PRINT CROSSWORDS AND SUDOKUS EVERY DAY. It’s no surprise then that ‘escape room’ experiences have started to spring up all over the country, offering those that enjoy a good mental challenge the chance to pit

THIS IS HOW TO ACCESS DERBY'S MAINFRAME BY HANA YORK (MAINFRAME)

WE KNOW THAT SOME OF THE UK’S MOST TALENTED DIGITAL & CREATIVE BUSINESSES CALL DERBY AND DERBYSHIRE HOME. Mainframe is a new initiative that aims to bring together a community of digital and creative businesses in the local area. Based at QUAD, we’ll be hosting ongoing monthly meet-ups covering topics ranging from the inspirational to business growth to the downright futuristic and forward thinking.

The good news for us is that regional digital and creative growth is hot on the lips of everyone, even the Prime Minster, Theresa May. She stated in the recently published TechNation 2017 report: “The number of digital tech jobs across the UK has grown at more than twice the rate of non-digital tech sectors ..... As Prime Minister, I am determined that we will build on this success... support for the digital tech sector is an important element of the government’s modern industrial strategy, helping to deliver a high-skilled, high paid Britain where opportunity is spread across every community, not just the traditional areas of London and the South East”.

"WITH AN OPEN SOURCE ATTITUDE, WE WANT YOU TO JOIN"

Those of us who live and work locally, know that some of the UK’s most talented digital & creative businesses have been born, bred and continue to thrive here. From software designers and app developers to film producers, photographers, product designers and creative agencies of all shapes and sizes.

However, we rarely seem to get a pin in the proverbial map when talking about the UK’s digital & creative landscape. Let’s be honest - how many even know where Derby is?

On paper, at least, it seems the world is waking up to the potential (that I’d like to think we’ve known is there all along) for regions outside of London to be a significant digital and creative force. So how does Mainframe fit into all of this? Supported by the members of The Big House consortium and funded via the European Regional Development Fund and Arts Council England; Mainframe is tasked with enabling real growth and jobs in the digital & creative industries in our area.

Whilst hugely positive, I’d argue, however, that’s not what’s at the heart of it. Our hopes for Mainframe are that it will become a sustainable community of our local digital & creative people, sharing their talent, knowledge and inspiration and lasting well beyond our current three years of funding. We want you to join, take-part, influence – make it your own and make it work for you. Most of all we want to help you put a digital & creative pin in the map for Derby. For more information about Mainframe and how to join our community, please visit www.mainframe.derby.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @mainframederby. - IN Mainframe is receiving £137K of funding from European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body of Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.

their wits against a variety of brain teasing puzzles. You can now take on one of these experiences in Derby too, and we recently went to check out the city’s first, Make Your Escape. Three years ago the idea for Make Your Escape was born following a visit to Budapest by owner Shelly Burton, and her partner Tim Horwood. Bringing in technical effects director James Voakes, and linking up with a group of talented Derby artists Further From The Sea to help create this world, their dream became reality. After months of self-funding, writing the stories and designing the games, the doors were finally unlocked in June 2016. Shelly told us: “Make Your Escape is about escaping daily life and embarking on an adventure with your friends, family and work colleagues. You won’t find our games anywhere else. We are from Derby, we set out games in Derby, we aren’t a franchise, and we love escape rooms. We hope this shines through with our passion for what we build, in giving people unique experiences from the moment they walk through the door to the moment they escape.” For those not familiar with the escape room concept; players are locked inside a room with various clues and puzzles to solve before they can make an exit. This can be from simple hints leading to the combination on a lock, or special items hidden away where you wouldn’t usually expect to find anything. However, Make Your Escape have upped the ante from selftitled “Generation 1” escape rooms centred

around finding codes and keys, to bring Derby “Generation 2” rooms with the use of technology, effects and automation to increase the immersion factor. Make Your Escape has two of these rooms, with three more on the way, each offering differing levels of difficulty, and appealing to a mixture of ages. Ever eager to test ourselves, we decided to take on both of the current games. Now, we’ve promised not to divulge secrets so you won’t find any tips for beating either room here. What we will tell you though, is that both are fantastic immersive experiences that encourage teamwork. We started out with the smaller and supposedly easier of the two rooms which is titled “The Signal”. We found ourselves in a room mocked up to be a military bunker with plenty of files, books and charts to search through to find our clues. As we worked together to solve puzzles, more and more of the science fiction storyline behind the room was revealed, with the choices we made having a direct effect on the outcome of the tale. The second room “Spellbound” is based on the true story of two women convicted of witchcraft, and hanged in Derby, in 1607, despite protesting their innocence. This room is larger and saw our group break off as we each gathered numerous clues either

individually or in pairs. When we got stuck, hints were fed to us from a screen in the corner of the room, helpfully ensuring we didn’t waste too much time chasing a red herring. The brain teasers are varied and incredibly well thought out and both rooms took us the full allotted hour to complete. There were plenty of surprises along the way too, which saw us having to interact with a number of impressively sophisticated props and interactive items. Make Your Escape is an enormously fun way to spend an afternoon or evening, and one that has the added benefit of encouraging true teamwork. It left our team with a real sense of accomplishment whilst providing plenty to discuss and laugh about in the pub afterward. - IN

It's COMPETITION Time! Three lucky winners will win an escape room experience for themselves - and their friends - by correctly unlocking the 4-digit code asked for by the questions below: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Number of games currently on offer at Make Your Escape? Third number in the year the witches were hanged? The "Generation" number for the use of technology, effects, immersion and automation is called Generation...? Number of seconds remaining for the IN team in the above photo?

SEND YOUR ENTRY TO INFO@MAKEYOURESCAPEDERBY.COM T'S & C'S APPLY - WWW.MAKEYOURESCAPEDERBY.COM/FAQ

WHAT'S ON

CULTURE

FINDING OUR PURPOSE; HOW TO MAKE A PLACE

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE EVENTS LISTED HERE ARE GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU HAPPY?

BY JOHN FORKIN (MD, MARKETING DERBY)

IN WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE HIS FINAL FILM, THE ETHEREAL 'BEING THERE', PETER SELLERS PLAYED THE ROLE OF CHAUNCEY GARDNER, A SIMPLE-MINDED GARDENER WHO BECOMES ACCIDENTAL ADVISER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The film is an allegorical tale, packed with Chauncey’s salt-of-the-earth observations on the effects of seasons on gardening - first comes spring and summer, but then we have fall and winter - being misinterpreted as pillars of economic wisdom by the Washington DC elite.

activity, that they are just as they are but, in truth, every city is the product of conscious intervention.

Remember, contrary to common belief, King Canute was not trying to stop the tide, but rather he was showing his subjects the limit of his powers.

After 700 years of relative quiet came an explosion of activity in the 18th century -

"WHO DECIDES WHAT A PLACE CAN BECOME?"

Like empires, cities rise and fall, but they can then rise again – witness, for example, the stories of Rome or Istanbul. A city does not have any given right to success - fate can deal a brilliant or terrible hand - but the most consistently successful cities do share a common feature, they adapt, they change and duck and dive with circumstances. We often tend to think that cities are the product of free market 18

1 - 16

The country's number one touring cabaret show returns, with a bang! *cough*

Whilst it’s easy to scoff at Chauncey’s homespun recurrent natural cycles, their essential truth can be applied in so many circumstances.

In my experience, this approach is applicable to the evolution of cities.

APR

THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK (MARKET PLACE)

Derby exists because the Romans identified it as a low crossing point of the River Derwent. The Danes liked its central location, establishing it as one of the 5 Danelaw Boroughs, a status it lost in the 10th century.

Attempts to resist natural rhythms can be futile – remember Gordon Brown’s ‘no boom or bust’ – so surely the trick is not to resist but to try and influence.

THINGS TO DO IN DERBY THIS MONTH

the establishment of the world’s first factory at the Silk Mill, the failed invasion of Bonnie Prince Charlie and becoming a vibrant centre of enlightenment. All of this helped shape the city of Derby we inherit today. The disadvantage for the UK of being first out of the industrial revolution blocks means we are first to face the challenge of de-industrialisation. The reason that lay behind the growth of so many places – especially in the Midlands and the North – has disappeared and, over the past few decades, cities have been

seeking a new purpose. In the business world, this is called placemaking. But, who drives it? Who decides what a place can become?

APR

10 - 12

NORTHANGER ABBEY (DERBY THEATRE)

DERBY BOOK FESTIVAL LAUNCH (QUAD)

THE MOCKING JAYS (THE VENUE)

A stylish, witty and fast-moving adaptation of Jane Austen's earliest novel.

Taster readings from books which will feature in this year’s Derby Book Festival.

Five local lads bring their brand of diverse and dynamic indie funk to The Venue.

In Victorian times this was very much the domain of businessmen such as Joseph Chamberlain in Birmingham or Thomas Bass in Derby.

APR

In the 20th century, the role became subsumed into local government. Today, there are very few Chamberlains or Basses – accumulation of personal wealth seems to overrule civic philanthropy – and local government has been curtailed. Yet, one could argue, the need for has never been greater and we urgently need to find new models that make this happen.

DERBY COMEDY FESTIVAL (MARKET PLACE)

FARMERS' MARKET (MARKET PLACE)

STEVE PARRISH (THE GUILDHALL)

A superhero-themed and super humorous family fun day launches DCF.

A unique and delicious range of locally and internationally sourced produce for sale.

One of the most colourful characters left in motorsport shares his funny stories.

It’s not just the fabled millennials who demand interesting and vibrant cities, but so does Generation X and the Baby Boomers.

APR

The 21st century city needs to be vibrant and dynamic, urbane and cultural. It’s not a nice-to-do, it’s a must-do as over the next 50 years cities that remain dull cultural deserts, places of convenience, and not choice, will slowly fade. - IN

MORGAN & WEST (DERBY THEATRE)

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB (THE BLESS)

Morgan & West present an evening chock full of jaw dropping, brain bursting magic.

The club’s famous ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’ show sees 12 acts get 2 minutes on stage.

NORTHERN SCHOOL OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE (DÉDA) Four dance works presented by Verve. 19

WHAT'S ON

APRIL HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN A QUIET TIME FOR MOVIES. IT’S USUALLY A MONTH WHERE THE ALL-CONQUERING AWARD WINNERS FROM EARLY IN THE YEAR HAVE FINISHED THEIR RUN, WHILST THE BIG STUDIOS ARE SAVING THEIR MEGA BLOCKBUSTERS BACK FOR THE SUMMER. Judging by this year’s release schedule, that certainly no longer seems true, with a number of highly anticipated films making their way to our screens over the next few weeks. First up, the hugely successful Fast & Furious franchise is set to roar back into cinemas for its eighth instalment titled ‘The Fate of the Furious’. Vin Diesel, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Michelle Rodriguez return once again but are this time joined by Charlize Theron in proper evil villain mode. Many would be forgiven for having grown wearisome of the Fast & Furious formula of loud car chases by now, but the series has become endearingly bonkers over the years as each entry tries to outdo

the last with increasingly over the top scenarios. Expect autonomous cars, tanks, submarines, torpedoes and lots more explosions this time around. More of the same but bigger and better, you say? Well, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ might be right up your street. The first instalment’s mixture of comic-book adventure, comedy and a retro soundtrack made it a surprise mega-hit when it was released three years ago and Marvel will hope the sequel will help continue to expand its wildly lucrative cinematic universe. Chris Pratt will strengthen his claim as Hollywood’s number one leading man, returning as Star-Lord, whilst the rest of his team of Guardians will also be back, although some in a slightly different form.. Hello Baby Groot! Having also appeared in ‘The Fate of the Furious’, Kurt Russell is set to join the Guardians, continuing his career renaissance or ‘Russellnaisance’, appearing as Star-Lord’s father. Recent appearances in 'The Hateful Eight' and 'Bone Tomahawk' prove he’s still as brilliantly watchable as he was in the eighties. If galaxy saving superheroes and submarines chasing cars all sounds a bit far-fetched, then Brit crime thriller ‘The Hatton Garden Job’ might just be for you. It tells the true story of the infamous Hatton Garden heist from 2015 which saw four men drill their way into a vault

wall in order to steal gold, diamonds and sapphires worth up to £200m. The film features a cast full of familiar British faces including Larry Lamb, and former 'Downton Abbey' star, Matthew Goode. As is customary with the Easter school holiday period there will be a few animated features hitting the screens this month, too. Whilst ‘Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience’ may have limited appeal to anyone over the age of five, Dreamworks’ latest computeranimated comedy might have what it takes to pull in the bigger kids amongst us. ‘Boss Baby’ features the voice of Alec Baldwin as a suit-wearing, briefcase-carrying, wise-talking baby who teams up with his initially mistrusting seven-year old brother to foil the plans of an evil corporation called Puppy Co. Finally, why not book a night out to go see ‘Raw’? The visually striking body-horror flick tells the story of a young vegetarian college student who becomes a cannibal after undergoing a bizarre ritual at her veterinary school. The film has already garnered quite a reputation on the festival circuit, allegedly causing people to faint at some screenings. Of course, tales of this nature have long been used to help build the hype surrounding a new horror film, but ‘Raw’ also comes with a huge backing of very positive reviews from across the globe. - IN

"CHRIS PRATT WILL STRENGTHEN HIS CLAIM AS HOLLYWOOD’S NUMBER ONE LEADING MAN." DERBY'S APRIL IN FILM BY JAMES HOPKA, (SENIOR WRITER, IN)

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LIFE

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HERE'S A STORY ABOUT ULTRA-HARD MAD MEN BY JACK WILLIAMS (EDITOR, IN)

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ON APRIL 15TH TWO INTREPID ADVENTURERS WILL SET OUT ON A 48HOUR ULTRA-ENDURANCE CHALLENGE THAT WILL BLOW YOUR TINY MIND. Warren Towers and Ben Chambers are two very hardy (and possibly unhinged) men. They're also two men with good intentions, which is why we at IN have taken a keen interest in the 48-hour charitable adventure they're branding as the "Ultra Six Peak Challenge". This test of sufferance is no vanity mission either, as Ben and Warren are undertaking this effort (supported by sports nutrition outlet MET-RX) in order to raise money for Derby City Mission. All of this extreme fortitude will be starting on April 15th, with the continuous punishment finishing on April 17th. Anyway, let's break down exactly what this challenge entails, shall we?

STEP #1 CLIMB AND COMPLETE YORKSHIRE'S "THREE PEAKS" 22

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is considered to consist of the peaks of Pen-yghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Ben and Warren will kick their journey off with these three; meaning that the start of their incredibly ambitious journey will be 24-miles long, and includes 1,585m of climbing. That's a decent day's work in anyone's book, isn't it? Anyway, Ben and Warren clearly didn't think that raising money off the back of that effort was enough for them. Let us introduce you to USPC's second step.

STEP #2 CLIMB AND COMPLETE THE NATIONAL "THREE PEAKS" As many of you reading this article will know, the national Three Peaks Challenge comprises climbing the three highest peaks in England (Scalfell Pike - 978m), Wales (Snowdon - 1085m) and Scotland (Ben Nevis - 1345m), often over a period of 24 hours. Each mountain is traditionally climbed in turn, with around 460 miles of driving required in order to complete the challenge. That means that any team embarking on the national Three Peaks Challenge are battling serious sleep deprivation, as well

as the obvious fatigue that comes with climbing any of Britain's tall peaks. Now, if you already had the 24 miles of hiking in the bag, you might well be within your rights to suggest that attempting just the drive would be a stretch too far. Ben and Warren are clearly not of this earth, so their challenge includes a third step. Yup. That's right. Step. Three.

STEP #3 COMPLETE A 160 MILE CYCLE FROM SNOWDON TO DERBY Assuming Ben and Warren haven't passed on over into another realm - which I'm sure they won't, they really are made of granite - the final leg of their adventure will be a punishing 160 mile ride from Snowdon to Derby, immediately following their descent of the Welsh peak. At this point I'd like to ask you to picture riding your bike for over 100 miles. Unless you're a seasoned rider, chances are that you'll never propel yourself over that kind of mileage - it's bloody hard work. Needless to say, Ben and Warren will soon be able to tell you just how hard it is to ride that kind of distance, after over 4,900m of climbing. Good luck gentlemen. - IN TO DONATE VISIT: justgiving.com/fundraising/warren-towers 23

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BECKET STREET | DERBY

1ST APR

2Q FESTIVAL || £22.50 ADV

2ND APR

THE BAR STOOL PREACHERS + SYSTEM OF HATE || £5 OTD

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THE TOASTERS + LIAM O’KANE || £10 ADV

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ZAPPATIKA (FRANK ZAPPA TRIBUTE) || TBC

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THESE WICKED RIVERS || £4 ADV

29TH APR

MULTI CLIMEX + HYPERJAX + HOWLIN’ BONES + HEADSTONE HORRORS || £10 ADV

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DJ LETHAL (HOUSE OF PAIN/LIMP BIZKIT) + PHATTFOXX || £15 ADV

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101% PANTERA + RAPTORGEIST || £7 ADV

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DIRTBOX DISCO || £10 ADV

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PET CROW + BRUNCH + MODERN RITUALS || PAY WHAT YOU CAN

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STEVE IGNORANT’S SLICE OF LIFE + CHRIS BUTLER || £10 ADV

27TH MAY

THEE DEADTIME PHILHARMONIC || TBC

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