platform the
spring/summer 15
music | comedy | dance | theatre | cabaret children’s shows | Community events
Central Promenade, Morecambe | www.lancaster.gov.uk/platform Ticket Line 01524 582803 /MorecambePlatform @theplatformlcc
KEY Cabaret seating 16+ (over 16 years only)
Nucleus Roots Theatre style seating
Standing concert (limited seating)
18+ (over 18 years only)
No age restrictions under 14s must be accompanied by an adult
Tickets Call
Group discounts
Purchase tickets with a credit/debit card on 01524 582803 (see VIC opening hours below). Booking fee applies.
Sales of 20 or more tickets will receive one 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 for more information.
Click All tickets are on sale at: www.lancaster.gov.uk/platform-tickets 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 Open: May-Sept: Mon - Sat, 9:30am - 1pm / 1.45-5pm Sun, 10am - 1pm / 1.45-4pm Oct-April: Mon - Sat, 9.30am - 1pm / 1.45-5pm Sunday closed Lancaster Visitor Information Centre open all year round Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm Sunday closed The box office is open 30 minutes before an event. The venue operates a no refund policy. Tickets may be exchanged or gift vouchers issued.
Disabled facilities 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 and their carers are entitled to the concession price when available.
Family discounts Family tickets admit two adults and two children (under 16 years) or one adult and three children. There is no charge for ‘babes in arms’.
Accommodation The VIC can assist with accommodation enquiries on: 01524 582808.
Nucleus Roots have a massive stage presence and produce a contagiously danceable, uplifting reggae roots sound. The vibe harks back to the 80s ‘digitalised’ sound as well as looking forward to a positive musical future. Supported by brother Steve Jah:vis of Lancaster’s OneLove sound system. Saturday 28 February 8pm £12. 18+
Gordon Buchanan - Lost Adventures Join Gordon Buchanan, the highly acclaimed wildlife cameraman and presenter, as he lets you into his world of weird, wild and wonderful wildlife. With twenty years’ experience of travelling across the globe, Gordon has a reputation for relishing dangerous and tough assignments. Listen to his adventures as he leads you through his challenging expeditions. Thursday 5 March 7.30pm £17.50, £13.50 concession.
Public transport Morecambe railway station is only a few minutes walk away. Timetable and fare enquiries: 08457 484 950.
VFM Scooter Rally
There is a bus stop outside the venue. For timetable enquiries: 08712 002 233.
The pre-season scooter rally comes to the Platform with an evening of DJs and live music.
There are public car parks adjacent to the venue. Parking is free after 6pm Cycle parking is available outside.
Parts Fair 11am - 4pm Keep up to date with what’s on via www.vfmscoot.co.uk
For events taking place around the district download the Lancaster Arts City app www.artscity.co.uk
Saturday 14 March 8pm-2am £6 on the door. 18+
Martin Simpson Contact us Venue hire: 01524 582829 Admin: 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 the latest news /morecambeplatform.
There is no doubt that after 35 years as a professional musician Martin is, right now, better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. Friday 20 March 8pm £14.
© David Bailey
Centre Stage - Dance School/Fashion show Centre Stage is bringing together local dance and gymnastics clubs to raise money for a local charity. The evening will showcase performances from JB School of Dance, Laura Sandham School of Dance, NRG Dance, Strawberry Dance studios, Heysham High School and City of Lancaster gymnastics club. Featuring a fashion display. All profits from the evening will be donated to Unique Kidz. Saturday 21 March 7pm £5.
Promenade Concert Orchestra ‘Music from the Palm Court’ Sit back and enjoy another evocative and historical programme of lovely spa and seaside music spanning over 100 years. With pieces old and new, featuring euphonium soloist James McLeod, from Leyland Band, PCO piccolo soloist, Suzanne de Lozey, and xylophone soloist, Max Heaton, performing real ‘orchestra at the end of the pier’ solos. Sunday 22 March 3pm £14 adults £12 concession £6 child.
Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders Andy Fairweather Low first came to prominence as the lead singer in Amen Corner. They had success in the 60s with; ‘Bend Me Shape Me’, ‘Hello Suzy’ and ‘(If Paradise is) Half As Nice’. His first solo album in 24 years ‘Sweet Soulful Music’ was released late in 2007 followed by The Very Best Of Andy Fairweather Low. He is one of the UK’s most distinctive artists, endorsed by many of the world’s greatest talents. Saturday 4 April 7.30pm £20.
Club Tropicana RELAX! Its the areas best 80s night. Recreating the music from the electric eighties and capturing all the fun of the decade. A great night of DJs and dancing. Expect hits from Madonna, Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Michael Jackson and more. With DJs Steve Middlesbrough, Trevor Cooke, Mark Swindlehurst and Phil Haywood. Sunday 5 April 8pm 18+ £10.
The Sooty Show
Swing Commanders
Izzy wizzy let’s get busy – It’s the Sooty Show! Joining the nation’s favourite bear will be: Sweep, Soo and Richard Cadell - who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief! It’s Sooty’s birthday party and things aren’t going to plan. Sooty and Sweep get messy baking the birthday cake and will Soo ever decide which dress to wear? Meet and greet Richard and Sooty after the show.
The Swing Commanders are back! This Lancashire based quintet have travelled the world with their brand of classic and Western swing, entertaining listeners and dancers alike. Expect classic songs from the likes of Glenn Miller, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Cab Calloway, wonderfully arranged and energetically performed. Come along and experience their lovely harmonies, their hot solos and their nice dresses.
Saturday 28 March 11am & 2.30pm £14 adult £12 child £42 family.
Friday 10 April 8pm £13, £12 concession.
Morecambe Brass Band Easter Concert
Hank, Cash and Cline
Enjoy this annual performance of traditional brass band music. Keep up-to-date with Morecambe Band’s performances at www.morecambeband.co.uk
Friday 3 April 7.30pm £10 adults £8 concession £6 child.
Three Legends of Country Music in one Wild West Show! From Hank’s classics: ‘Jambalaya’ and ‘Hey Good Lookin’ through to Johnny Cash’s ‘Get Rhythm’, ‘Walk the Line’ and ‘Ring of Fire’, to the velvet country voice of Patsy Cline with ‘Sweet Dreams’, ‘I Fall to Pieces’ and ‘Crazy’. This is a tribute to the best of southern soulful Country and Rockabilly music, all driven by ‘The Driftwood Cowboys Band’. Friday 17 April 7.30pm £18.50, £16.50 concessions.
Stuart Maconie - The People’s Songs
Disco Inferno
Spend an evening in the company of this popular and prolific TV and radio presenter, journalist, columnist and author as he tells the story of modern Britain through the records that we listened to and loved during the dramatic and kaleidoscopic period from the Second World War to the present day. The People’s Songs, a social history told through pop singles, is a project that Stuart is both proud of and passionate about.
The party to end all parties with soulful disco tunes from 1974-1984 from the resort’s finest DJs. Creating this boogie wonderland are: DJ Steve Middlesbrough who will be recreating his Dixieland days! DJ Ian Simpson - Ex Crystal Ts and DJ Phil Hayward - Formerly of 42nd Street in Heysham Plus performances from Dance Factory.
Saturday 18 April 7.30pm £14, £12.
Sunday 3 May 8pm £10. 18+
The Young’uns The Young’uns are a force of nature on stage. Their irrepressible humour, infectious love for harmony singing, passion for storytelling and commitment to maintaining the tradition of social commentary has quickly made them one of the most sought after acts on the English folk scene with the rare ability to make audiences laugh and cry in equal measure. Friday 24 April 8pm £12.
E! E R F Lunchtime CONCERTS cepted
Donations ac
Enjoy a lunchtime concert performed by local musicians.
Voulez Vous - 25th Anniversary Tour
QUAY CHANGE: Tuesday 5 May 12.45pm
In true theatrical form Voulez Vous reincarnate all of ABBA’s hits that have stood the test of time since that unforgettable Eurovision performance back in 1974. With an added selection of more obscure ABBA songs for the die-hard Voulez Vous fans, once again they have included ‘The Visitors’ and ‘Head Over Heels.’
Val Baulard and the Boscats: Tuesday 12 May 12.45pm La Serenata ensemble: Tuesday 19 May 12.45pm Galina Vale: Tuesday 26 May 12.45pm
Friday 1 May 7.30pm £16 / £15 concession.
Model Railway Exhibition Model enthusiasts can marvel at the featured layouts. There will be plenty of nostalgia from the Hornby clockwork system in O gauge and the Hornby Dublo layout featuring trains that would have carried visitors to the Midland Hotel. In addition there will be 00 scale layouts with classic steam heritage and modern engines and rolling stock on display. A great display for all the family. Saturday 2 May 12pm-4.30pm, Sunday 3 May 10am-3.30pm FREE ENTRY.
Talon ‘The Best of The Eagles’ Now in their eighteenth year together Talon have been recognised by the ‘Agents Association of Great Britain’ as the ‘official UK No. 1 Eagles tribute show’. This tour will feature 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. Friday 8 May 8pm £20.
The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra To commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra invites you to re-live the glorious sounds of the 1940s. Come and listen, dance and sing along to the swing music that kept the dance halls full and possibly shed a tear or two in celebration with us. Saturday 9 May 7.30pm £14.
Snake Davies and his Band ‘Classic Sax Solos’ Snake gives us over 20 classics, including: ‘Baker Street’, ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Respect’ and his own solos from ‘Million Love Songs’, ‘Search for the Hero’, and Lisa Stansfield’s ‘Change’. Friday 22 May 7.30pm £14.
The Manfreds
Celtic Fiddle Festival
The Manfreds, with original front man Paul Jones, will be performing many of their hits, along with a mix of Jazz and Blues songs, from some of their best-known albums.
Called “three of the finest folk violinists anywhere” by The Washington Post, Celtic Fiddle Festival celebrates the violin in all its globe-trotting variations. Fiddlers Kevin Burke (Ireland), Christian Lemaître (Brittany, France) and André Brunet (Quebec, Canada) showcase a fascinating juxtaposition of international and individual styles.
Friday 15 May 7.30pm £19.50.
Saturday 23 May 7.30pm £15.
North Lancs Soul Festival
Country Kickback
A free 5 hour classic Sunshine Soul session as part of the weekend-long North Lancs Soul Festival. Celebrate soul music in all its genres brought to you by over 30 of the country’s finest soul DJ’s. For more information about the festival visit: www.northlancssoulfestival.co.uk/ or www.facebook.com/NorthLancsSoulFestival
Yee Haw it’s the 10th anniversary of Country Kickback. See Morecambe become Nashville and celebrate with us for a day and night of the best in country and western music, including live performances from Double Trouble, Colt Murphy, Magill, Lainey West and special guests.
Saturday 16 May 12pm-5pm FREE.
Sunday 24 May 1pm-12am £10. 14+ (after 9pm)
Promenade Concert Orchestra ‘Family Favourites’
The League of Splendid proudly present: “A Splendid Day Out”
A programme of enjoyable favourites of the 50s and 60s as heard on the wireless. Featuring composers and pieces long forgotten about but heard so often these days in period dramas and retro advertisements as well as popular pieces by Coates, Farnon and Binge. Come along and share in the fun.
Enjoy a Victorian Steampunk festival featuring free outdoor entertainment with Ichabod Steam and his Animatronic Band, carnival drum group ‘Deetbeats’, fire eating, magic and much more. Step inside and browse the Artisan Market and be spellbound by The Palace of Curiosities, the Marcus Island Mermaid, Balladeer Ash Mandrake and Tea Dueling.
Sunday 17 May 3pm £14 / £12 concession / £6 child.
Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 May 11am-4pm £3 on the door, under 12s go FREE.
A Summer Showtime Spectacular
Lewis Schaffer comedian – ‘Free Until Famous Tour’
Charity variety show in aid of St. John’s Hospice presented by Des Day – one of Lancashire’s top comedians. Featuring vocalists and live music, plus dancing, magic and mystery. It will be a great family night of true variety entertainment.
The award-winning New York comic takes on England. Lewis Schaffer isn’t a tourist. He isn’t here on business. He’s a hostage. Lewis Schaffer was one of the top comics in New York City, but a short visit to London in 2000 went very wrong. Now trapped in Nunhead, a suburb of Peckham, Lewis Schaffer is making the worst of a bad situation.
Thursday 4 June 7.30pm £8.50.
Friday 12 June 8pm FREE (Pre-book and ltd to 2 per person) A voluntary collection will be made at the end of the show. 16+
Woody Mann
The Neville Staple Band - with support
Woody Mann is a New Yorker who plays an enticing mix of American acoustic blues, roots and jazz guitar. He is an outstanding singer/songwriter who plays with passion and a deep sensitivity to his music with an easy, laid-back style. Visit his website and see for yourself his sublime, warm, witty and hugely talented songwriting. www.woodymann.com
Neville Staple’s thirty five year career is well documented. From the early days with The Coventry Automatics, The Specials and FunBoy3 to The Special Beat and various other collaborations, he continues to be a forerunner of the ska movement. Expect to hear original material, arrangements of his very favourite old school Ska numbers, as well as some classic hits in the mix.
Friday 5 June 7.30pm £14.
Saturday 13 June 8pm £14.
The Three Degrees
The Raymond Froggatt Show
The Three Degrees are well known for their soulful voices, beautiful gowns, and fabulous stage shows. They are known all around the world for songs like ‘When will I see you again’, ‘Dirty Ol’ Man’ and ‘Take Good Care Of Yourself’. They have been continuously touring for more than 40 years and are still touring to this day. The Three Degrees are Helen Scott, Valerie Holiday and Freddie Pool.
He has written songs for world class musicians; Sir Cliff Richard, Dave Clarke, Gladys Knight and many more. He has toured with Rod Stewart, ELO, Jerry Lewis and Johnny Cash. Froggie writes and sings his own songs mesmerising his audience, making them laugh or cry with a song that touches the heart like no other.
Saturday 6 June 7.30pm £25.
Friday 19 June 7.30pm £15.
Jaleo Flamenco ‘A Compás’
Blueswater
A scintillating fusion of vocals, explosive footwork and virtuoso guitar playing, brimming over with the intoxicating rhythms, palpable energy and joie de vivre.
A whole mess of Chicago and delta-style blues music with performances from The Extras, Blue Swamp, Courtland Bresner, The Section and other bands and solo artists.
‘A Compás’ (in rhythm) charts an evocative musical journey through the diverse flamenco regions of Andalusia. Thursday 11 June 8pm £17 / £16 concession.
Sunday 21 June 12pm-5pm FREE Outisde (weather permitting).
Vin Garbutt Powerful, hugely moving, warm, humane, inspired, funny and gut wrenchingly honest. His songs are inspired by the folk tradition, but have transformed into gritty social comment and life observations. He is renowned for his hilarious intros, but for him his song lyrics are the crux of his performance. Friday 3 July 8pm £14.
Lancaster & District Male Voice Choir The choir was founded in 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. A collection for Cancercare will be made at the concert. For more information visit www.ldmvc.org.uk Saturday 4 July 7.30pm £8 adults £1 child (with accompanying adult).
Morecambe Jazz A big band extravaganza also featuring smooth quartets, jazz funk and swing. Bring the family along! Featuring top local talent from the Lancaster Royal Grammar School Big Band. Sunday 5 July 12pm-5pm FREE.
Rock Back the Clock Wild Weekend 2015 Bright-More Promotions presents two great nights of fabulous music from the 1950s - 1960s. Starring and hosted by TV and radio stars; ‘The Paul Hayes collection’, with special guests: ‘Joe Marcel and the Sweet Aspirations’, ‘Tommy J and the Midnights’, ‘Revive 45’, ‘Monkeymen’, ‘Mersey Mix’, ‘Durty Hands’ and ‘Reelin and Rockin’. Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July 7pm-midnight £14 per night includes hotpot supper. 14+
The Basil Brush Show ‘The Full on Fox Tour’ Basil Brush is a star with an outstanding ability to entertain and make people of all ages laugh and smile. He’s cheeky, irreverent, charming, naughty, quick-witted, scheming and foxy, but at the same time he’s kind, caring and affectionate. Come and join in the mayhem, along with Mr Stephen who is continually interrupted by naughty uncontrollable Basil! A show for all the family and you’ll also be able to meet Basil and Mr Stephen after the show. Saturday 8 August 11am & 2.30pm £14 adult, £12 child, £42 family.
Counterfeit Sixties Re-live the sounds of the swinging 60s, as Britain’s No. 1 tribute show brings alive the magic of the past, with their tribute to over twenty five bands of that era. The show encompasses everything from the period, from the clothes that were worn, to flashbacks from television history, coupled together with their unique lighting show and video footage making it the ultimate sixties show.
Morecambe
Saturday 15 August 7.30pm £16 / £14 concession.
Live!
Motown Magic
Park Life
Expect music from Detroit record label Berry Gordy for the funkiest and most soulful Sunday of the year. Featuring Harry Cambridge and Dr Truth and other performers recreating some classic tracks from this era.
Celebrate the Bank Holiday weekend with an afternoon of live music as part of Morecambe Live Weekender. Enjoy the best young bands and local talent around including Jay Blackburn, Ben Simpson and Georgia Winrow and Soul Purpose.
Sunday 16 August 12pm-5pm FREE Outside (weather permitting)
Saturday 29 August 12pm-5pm FREE Outside (weather permitting)
Solid Gold Country Legends
Juke Box Jive
Solid Gold Country Legends brings you the perfect mix of old and new country hits from the classics of Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette to Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and Shania Twain to name just a few. Combine all of this with stunning costume changes, fantastic live band and an amazingly authentic country barn stage set and you have a great night of Solid Gold Country music guaranteed
We’re gonna rock around the clock all afternoon with great music from The Black Cat Trio, Ricky Aron and more on stage. Happy Feet dancers will also be performing.
Sunday 30 August 12pm-5pm FREE Outside (weather permitting)
Saturday 22 August 7.30pm £17.
You are invited to: Marty MacDonald’s Farm for Pongo’s Party! Today is the day that Pongo the Pig has been waiting for - it’s his birthday! He’s been dropping hints all year... but the trouble is, nobody seems to remember! Come and join in a show full of fun, songs and laughter and take part in Morecambe’s biggest ever game of pass the parcel. With CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis as the voices of Pongo the Pig and Molly-Moo the Cow. Wednesday 26 August 2pm £7 adult / £6 children / £20 family.
Disco Inferno The party to end all parties takes place at The Platform, with soulful disco tunes from 1974-1984 from the resort’s finest DJs. Creating this boogie wonderland are: DJ Steve Middlesbrough, DJ Ian Simpson, DJ Phil Hayward. Plus performances from Dance Factory
Sunday 30 August 8pm-midnight £10. 18+
Community Events Morecambe and Heysham Canine Society Dog Show Sunday 29 March Doors open 9.30am judging starts at 10am. Contact Sally Lines on 01524 415479. Give Blood: 7 April, 1.45pm - 3.45pm & 5pm - 7.30pm Please call: 0300 123 23 23 to register or at www.blood.co.uk Morecambe Stamp Fair 25 April 10am – 4pm Free entry. Stamps, postal history, post cards and accessories. Refreshments available. Organised by the Morecambe and District Philatelic society Catch the Wind Kite Festival 27 – 28 June
Morecambe Bay Flower Club, Floral Art Demonstration 1st Wednesday of every month at 6.45pm £5 unless advertised alternate price. Old Time Modern Sequence Dancing Every Thursday 2pm-4pm £3 including tea and biscuits. Craft Fairs 8 March, 26 April, 14 June, 26 July, 23 August Beautiful stalls and delicious home baked cakes and refreshments on sale.
Coffee mornings: 25 June 10am-12pm Bare and District WI 9 July 10am-12pm Federation of Townswomen’s Guild 20 August 10am-12pm RAF Association Morecambe and Lancaster £1 entry
at a glance!
platform the
Morecambe
February
may
28 Nucleus Roots
1 Voulez Vous
march 5 Gordon Buchanan 14 VFM Scooter Rally
2-3 Model Railway Exhibition 3 Disco Inferno 5 Lunchtime Concert 8 Talon
20 Martin Simpson
9 The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra
21 Centre Stage Dance Show
12 Lunchtime Concert
22 Promenade Concert Orchestra
15 The Manfreds
28 The Sooty Show
april
16 North Lancs Soul Festival 17 Promenade Concert Orchestra
23 Celtic Fiddle Festival 24 Country Kickback
17 Hank, Cash and Cline 18 Stuart Maconie 24 The Young’uns
12 Lewis Schaffer 13 The Neville Staple Band 19 The Raymond Froggatt Show 21 Blueswater
26 Lunchtime Concert 30-31 A Splendid Day Out
june 4 A Summer Showtime Spectacular 5 Woody Mann
August
8 The Basil Brush Show 15 Counterfeit Sixties 16 Motown Magic 22 Solid Gold Country Legends 26 Pongo’s Party 29 – 30 Morecambe Live Weekend
july 3 Vin Garbutt 4 Lancaster and District Male Voice Choir
More to Come...
5 Morecambe Jazz 24-25 Rock Back the Clock
22 Snake Davies
4 Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders 10 Swing Commanders
11 Jaleo Flamenco
19 Lunchtime Concert
3 Morecambe Brass Band
5 Club Tropicana
6 The Three Degrees
STEVE GIBBONS BAND • GERRY MARSDEN • INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL
THE PLATFORM
Station Buildings Marine Road Central Morecambe LA4 4DB
01524 582803 - platform@lancaster.gov.uk
/MorecambePlatform
@theplatformlcc
www.lancaster.gov.uk/platform
More to Come…
Kast off Kinks • King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys • Showaddywaddy From the Jam • Lady Sings the Blues • Lindisfarne Story • Sounds of Simon • Magic Lantern Tales.
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