Platform 2014

platform the

spring/summer 2014

music | comedy | dance | theatre | cabaret children’s shows | Community events

Central Promenade, Morecambe www.lancaster.gov.uk/platform /MorecambePlatform @theplatformlcc Ticket Line 01524 582803

KEY Cabaret seating 16+ (over 16 years only)

Theatre style seating

Standing concert (limited seating)

18+ (over 18 years only)

No age restrictions under 14s must be accompanied by an adult

Platform Booking Call Tickets can be purchased over the telephone with a credit or debit card on 01524 582803 via the Morecambe Visitor Information Centre (see below for opening hours). Booking fee may apply.

Click All tickets are on sale at www. lancaster.gov.uk/platform-tickets or limited shows are on sale at www.seetickets.com (Booking fee may apply)

Call in Morecambe Visitor Information Centre The Platform, Marine Road Central, Morecambe LA4 4DB Tickets also available from Lancaster Visitor Information Centre Open: May-Sept, Mon - Sat, 9:30am-5pm.

Sun, 10am-4pm.

Oct-April, Mon - Sat, 9.30am-5pm.

The box office is open one hour prior to an event. Doors open 30 minutes before show time. The venue operates a no refund policy.

Exchanges may be considered with a £1 administration charge.

Post The Platform Box Office, Station Buildings, Marine Road Central, Morecambe LA4 4DB. Cheques should be payable to Lancaster City Council.

Disabled facilities Facilities for people who have disabilities include full level access, toilet facilities for wheelchair users and hearing loops. Guide dogs and registered service dogs are welcome. We appreciate advance notice if customers will be arriving in wheelchairs so that arrangements can be made.

Customers with a disability are entitled to the concession price when available.

Party discounts If you purchase 20 or more tickets for a Platform show you will receive 1 free ticket. No other special offer can be used with this offer and discounts do not apply to workshops. School parties are entitled to the concessionary rate and one adult/teacher per 10 children will be admitted free.

Ask at the box office at the time of booking.

Accommodation The Visitor Information Centre can assist with enquiries for accommodation on 01524 582393.

Public transport Trains Morecambe’s railway station, situated on Central Drive, is only a few minutes walk away from the venue. Timetable and fare enquiries call: 08457 484 950.

Buses A regular service runs along the Promenade with a bus stop outside the venue. For bus timetable enquiries call: 08712 002 233.

Car parking There are public car parks adjacent to the venue. Parking is free after 6pm.

Bike The Platform is just at the end of the Lancaster and Morecambe Greenway – a shared use path that connects Morecambe to Lancaster. The venue is easily accessible from Morecambe Promenade – which you can now cycle the full length. Cycle parking is available outside.

For events taking place around the district download the Lancaster Arts City app www.artscity.co.uk Have your own event hosted at the Platform The Platform is available to hire at reasonable cost for all events including parties, weddings, receptions, conferences and meetings. Bar facilities are always available and catering can be organised if required.

For enquiries call: 01524 582815.

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure total accuracy in this publication, Lancaster City Council can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All details are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. Readers are advised to check times and prices in advance with the venue. The venue reserves the right to make changes to seating arrangements. Follow us on Facebook for Platform updates.

The Promenade Concert Orchestra ‘Music for You’ ‘New Year Viennese Concert’ Brighten up your winter Sunday afternoon with a musical trip to Vienna to celebrate the New Year! The PCO returns with another lively concert of Viennese music and some dancing from Turning Point Theatre Arts of Lancaster, directed by Gail Johnstone. As always, there will be a few surprises to ‘pop open the champagne bottle’! Book early for this ever-popular concert programme!

Sunday 26 January 3pm £14 / £12 concessions, £6 child.

Limehouse Lizzy Renowned for an action-packed pyrotechnic-fuelled explosion of a show, Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive and well.

The band has also added a tribute in their set to the late Gary Moore. Attention to detail, playful audience interaction and that all important X-factor that leaves you with the feeling of witnessing the real thing have led to their performance being described as “beyond tribute”, by both audience and critics alike.

Saturday 1 February 8pm £13 advance £15 on the door.

Travels with a Camera Join Peter Logan as he presents weekly slide shows from his travels: Week one: Nepal and Tibet Week two: Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands Week three: Around the Black Sea Week four: Java and the Komodo Dragon Monday 3, 10, 17, 24 February 7pm £3 per show.

LDN Wrestling Boo the bad guys and cheer on your favourites, as you get the opportunity to get up close and personal with the rip-roaring action. Meet the stars and maybe even grab yourself a souvenir or two! See the highest quality, fastest paced, non-stop wrestling action ever seen on these shores. Don’t miss out with top names including British Heavyweight Champion ‘Hakan’, Wrestling politician ‘Richard Parliament’, the masked man of mystery the ‘Dark Lord’ and many more.

Saturday 22 February Doors 6.30pm Bell time 7pm £15 adult, £12 child, £45 (for a family of 4).

Swing Commanders The Swing Commanders is a stunningly vibrant and versatile group that performs an exciting mix of 1940s classics, boogiewoogie, western swing, 50s jump jazz and more!

Every member of the Swing Commanders sings and plays at least one instrument, sometimes three, yet what makes them stand out even above their incredible music ability and performing skills is their joie-de-vivre.

Friday 7 March 8pm £13 / £12 concessions.

Hal CruttendeN The Tough Luvvie Tour Following stand out performances at The Royal Variety Show, ‘Live at the Apollo’ and ‘Have I Got News For You’, Hal is being tipped as the next big thing.

“Tough Luvvie is his best solo stand up show to date” The Telegraph.

His comedy is warm and catty, straight and camp. It’s a lovely mix that has made him a regular on comedy shows.

Saturday 8 March 8pm £14 / £12 concessions.

16+

Moonlight Serenade Orchestra The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra UK returns to its favourite venue with an evening of Sinatra, Basie and the big bands featuring special guest Andy Ellison.

Showcasing the great numbers of the Swing Era, the MSO UK promises a night of foot tapping, gentle humour and room to dance. Creating that ‘night in Vegas’ vibe in the Platform.

Saturday 15 March 7.30pm £13.

The Manfreds ‘The Five Faces Tour The Manfreds, with original front man Paul Jones, will be performing tracks from the highly acclaimed album: ‘The Five Faces Of Manfred Mann’, along with a mix of their biggest hits and the jazz and blues songs for which they are famous.

Paul Jones, with his award winning harmonica sound, will be joined

by Mike Hugg on keyboards, Tom McGuinness on lead guitar, Rob Townsend on drums, Marcus Cliffe on bass guitar and Simon Currie on saxophone/ flute.

Friday 21 March 8pm £19.50 / £17.50.

VFM Scooter Rally The pre-season scooter rally comes to the Platform with an evening of DJs and live music.

Keep up to date with what’s on via: www.vfmscoot.co.uk Saturday 22 March 8pm-2am £6 on the door.

18+

Promenade Concert Orchestra presents ‘Music from the Palm Court’ The PCO presents another of its historic programmes of charming music from the Palm Court often found at seaside and spa towns in the 19th and 20th century, where old favourites rubbed shoulders with new compositions of the day. Featuring a rare clarinet piece by Lancashire composer and doyen of light music, Ernest Tomlinson, now 90 years old. Plus a xylophone solo from 1903 and a Victorian piccolo solo, played by PCO members.

Sunday 30 March 3pm £14 / £12 concessions, £6 child.

Half Moon & Full House Theatre present

Big Red Bath Rubba-Dubba-Giggle, Rubba-Dubba-Laugh, there’s magic to be found in the Big Red Bath. It’s the end of a busy day and it is almost time for bed, and Ben and Bella are in the bath.

Come with us on a bubbly, barmy bath time adventure around the world and home again celebrating all things bath time.

A humorous adaptation of Julia Jarman and Adrian Reynolds’ popular children’s picture book.

Friday 4 April 12pm & 3pm £7 adult, £6 child, £24 family.

Voulez Vous – 40 Years of Waterloo The Anniversary Tour For the last 23 years Voulez Vous have been masters of the ABBA scene with their devotion to the original group, incredible replica costumes and a talented team of performers. Dance to hits incl: ‘Take a Chance’, ‘Dancing Queen’, and of course ‘Waterloo’ plus many more. Dust off your platform boots, get your flares prepared and come and join Voulez Vous on a nostalgic journey commemorating 40 years of ABBA’s hit ‘Waterloo’.

Friday 18 April 8pm £16 / £15.

Morecambe Brass Band Association Easter Concert Enjoy this annual performance of old favourites mixed with exciting new arrangements.

Keep up to date with their performances at www.morecambeband.co.uk and be a friend at www.facebook.com/MorecambeBrassBand

Lancaster and District Male Voice Choir - Spring Concert The choir dates back to 1899 and continues to entertain a varied audience and raise money for charity. Its repertoire is drawn from a mix of styles and includes male voice arrangements by its musical director, Derek Walters. Expect a rousing and fun musical evening to suit a wide range of musical tastes including some nautical items. A collection for the Morecambe RNLI will be made at the concert. www.lancasteranddistrictmalevoicechoir.org.uk Saturday 26 April 7.30pm £8 adult £1 child (with accompanying adult)

North Lancs Soul Festival Celebrate soul music in all its genres. Bring the family along for an afternoon of free music as part of this three day festival taking place in Morecambe. Visit their website for other events www.northlancssoulfestival.co.uk www.facebook.com//NorthLancsSoulFestival Saturday 17 May 12pm – 5pm Free

Talon - The Best of Eagles Now in their seventeenth year together, their latest production features all the classic Eagles hits from the timeless back catalogue including ‘Hotel California’, ‘Lyin’ Eyes’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘Desperado’, ‘Take It To The Limit’, ‘Life In The Fast Lane’ and many more.

Although the show now features a host of world class musicians it is the immensely powerful four part vocal harmony and exact musical production on which Talon have built their reputation.

Early booking is advised.

Friday 16 May 8pm £18.50.

www.talonmusic.co.uk

Photo courtesy of N Rasmussen

Saturday 19 April 7.30pm £10, £8 concession, £6 child.

E! E R F Lunchtime CONCERTS cepted

Donations ac

Enjoy a lunchtime concert performed by local musicians.

Charles Edmondson - vocal duets with Wendy Sharrock and Tracie Penwarden: Tuesday 6 May 12.45pm Galloway’s Choir: Tuesday 13 May 12.45pm Galina Vale: Tuesday 20 May 12.45pm TBC: Tuesday 27 May 12.45pm

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Horrible Histories books are published by Scholastic Ltd. Horrible Histories is a trademark of Scholastic Inc. & is used under authorisation. All rights reserved. Illustration copyright © Martin Brown 2008

Billy Pearce National treasure and without doubt one of Britain’s most talented and best loved comedians and performers and winner of just about every comedy award going. He was on just about every variety show during the 1980s and since then has been working in pantomime and musical theatre appearing alongside Jimmy Osmond in Boogie Nights. He is also a fine actor and appeared on numerous shows including Heartbeat and BBC drama ‘The Street’.

Saturday 17 May 7.30pm £17.

16+

The Promenade Concert Orchestra presents ‘Housewives’ Choice’ To celebrate this famous and popular radio programme, the PCO presents a ‘Housewives’ Choice’ programme with pieces chosen by members of our audiences during this season. So there should be evocative music from the 1930s onward with soloist, Valerie Baulard, to sing some light vocal numbers with the orchestra. Make sure you get your requests in before the end of January and book your tickets to come and hear them in this concert!

Sunday 18 May 3pm £14 / £12 concessions, £6 child.

Showaddywaddy SHOWADDYWADDY have long been established as Europe’s most successful ever exponents of retro-inspired rock & roll. Twenty three top forty hit singles, including ten top five hits and fifteen massive selling albums.

An incredible live show - acclaimed the world over!

After 40 incredible years, rock and roll music is truly alive and kicking in the hands of this amazing band.

Saturday 24 May 7.30pm £17

Dotty the Dragon Dotty is a baby dragon. She lives on a mountain with her grumpy dad. In the village below, everyone fears for their lives, for dragons eat children! But, Dotty would never eat children! Not ever...

Instead, she loves to gaze down and watch the children playing, one day, she decides to pay them a surprise visit. Everyone loves surprises - don’t they?

Blunderbus presents this enchanting adventure with a very happy ending, perfect for little people aged 3 - 7.

Monday 26 May 11.30am & 2.30pm £7 / £6, family £24.

Mike McGear McCartney: Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll (I wish!)

Take a nostalgic and hilarious trip in words and photos from World War II Liverpool up to the White House. Mike opens his family album with pictures and stories from his childhood with brother Paul McCartney and friends George Harrison and Derek Hatton.

He recounts his entry into showbiz becoming an integral part of the 60s Merseybeat era. Then from Scaffolder to photographer exhibiting at the National Portrait Gallery.

Friday 30 May 8pm £17.

18+

Steampunk Festival A splendid day out to include: Markets, live music, magic, Morris dancing and lots of other splendid happenings.

Evening event: Live Music featuring: Ghostfire and BB Black Dog. Vaudeville Magic with Kevin Cunliffe and DJ Sets.

For further information email: asplendiddayout@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Splendiddayout Saturday 31 May Daytime 12pm – 4.30pm Evening event 7pm – midnight (over 18s only). £8.

John Coghlan’s Quo Since leaving the Quo, John has worked with many diverse musicians and toured throughout Europe and the UK. This is definitely not a ‘tribute’ act, expect to hear authentic 70s Quo sounds and classic tracks and a selection of their greatest hits.

Saturday 7 June 7.30pm £18.50.

The Reflections in Concert Five world class musicians, singers and songwriters who, after years of touring and recording with some of the most iconic bands in the world, bring you a great new show featuring some of the best British rock and pop music of a generation including: ‘Nights in White Satin’, ‘He Ain’t Heavy (He’s My Brother)’, ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ and ‘Do Wah Diddy’.

Saturday 14 June 8pm £17.50 / £15.

Chris Packham ‘Wild Night Out’ Chris Packham brings an entertaining and informative look at some of the most interesting species from around the world and the UK. He explains the fascinating ecologies and behaviours of animals from Leopards to Barn Owls, from Cheetahs to Pond Skaters. His conversational style, irreverent humour and sometimes controversial opinions make for hugely rewarding entertainment. He tells of close shaves, the often bizarre lengths he’ll go to get the picture and challenges people to think again about the conventions of conservation.

Thursday 3 and Friday 4 July 7.30pm £15.50 adult / £10.50 child.

Worbey and Farrell ‘Deviations on a Piano’ Worbey and Farrell are internationally acclaimed concert pianists with a wicked sense of humour. Combining musical thrills with a deep love of laughter, they have played with the world’s leading symphony orchestras, achieved a million hits on YouTube and entertained audiences all over the globe with their barnstorming blend of sparky comedy and utterly sensational piano playing.

“Incredible” Eamonn Holmes, This Morning.

Saturday 5 July 7.30pm £15 / £13 concessions.

Three Bonzos and a Piano 50th anniversary year Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band fans will be delighted to learn that Roger Ruskin Spear, Rodney Slater and Sam Spoons have teamed up with super-pianist Dave Glasson to create more fun, music and subversive diversion in the spirit of the ageless band. ‘A sort of Bash Street Bonzos’ Roger RS Dadaism for the New Age delivered by the Old Sculptors of Surrealism - Vivian Stanshall’s legacy is heartily celebrated.

Saturday 12 July 7.30pm £16 / £15.

Tutti Frutti Great acts are lined up to perform at this rock and roll music festival.

Friday: Memphis Riders and the Black Cat Trio Saturday: The Buddy’s / The Firebirds Free entertainment on Saturday afternoon with Wayne Gee! Friday 25 and Saturday 26 July 7pm £16 single night £26 weekend.

Horrible Histories Live on Stage Barmy Britain Part Two We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Can you beat battling Boudicca? Has William Wallace met his match? Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Will King Charles keep his head? Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in! After the sell-out success of Barmy Britain comes the brand new world premiere of BARMY BRITAIN – PART TWO! Horrible Histories books are published by Scholastic Ltd. Horrible Histories is a trademark of Scholastic Inc. and is used under authorisation. All rights reserved. Illustration copyright © Martin Brown 2008 -

Sunday 27 July 2pm & 4pm £16 / £12 Family £52

The Johnny Cash Roadshow The UK’s number one tribute, fronted by Clive John, with The Spirit Band recreate with astounding accuracy and truly capture the essence of what it was like to be at a real Cash show! Also featuring Jill Schoonjans as June Carter.

The show takes the audience from the 1950s to 2002 and all the stops in between. All the greatest hits are included accompanied by an amazing video back drop with evocative images and shots from Johnny Cash’s life.

Saturday 2 August 7.30pm £18

Marty MacDonald’s Farm Marty MacDonald’s Farm is a live puppet show full of songs, nursery rhymes, comedy and laughter set in an imaginative farmyard. It stars Martin Parsons (Playdays Live, Sooty’s Magic Castle) and Kate Ashmead (Tweenies, Thomas and Friends Live) Justin Fletcher is the BAFTA award winning children’s favourite who voices the character of Pongo the Pig. Molly-Moo the Cow is voiced

by CBBC star Nicole Davies (Topsy and Tim and School of Silence).

Please note that Justin and Nicole do not appear in this production.

Saturday 23 August 11.30am & 2.30pm £9 adult, £8 child, family £32.

Community Events

21-22 June - Morecambe Kite Festival

23 March Morecambe and Heysham Canine Society Dog Show.

Contact Sally 01524 415479. Doors open 9.30am.

Judging starts at 10am.

10 July – Coffee Morning: Morecambe and Lancaster Townswomen’s Guild

24 March & Tuesday 22 April Give Blood: 1.45 - 3.45pm & 5 - 7.30pm Please ring to make an appointment: 0300 123 2323.

Morecambe Bay Flower Club, Floral Art Demonstration 1st Wednesday of every month at 6:45pm £5 unless advertised alternate price

26 June - Coffee Morning - Bare & District W.I

Old Time Modern Sequence Dancing every Thursday 2pm-4pm £2.80 including tea and biscuits

14 August - Coffee Morning - RAF Association

EXCITING ACTS BOOKED FOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 OMID DJALILI DARKSIDE - PINK FLOYD LADY BOYS OF BANgKOK HUGLESS DOUGLAS mICHAEL PORTILLO BLUES BAND

More to come‌

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