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VALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE Sweet treats for your sweet
THE RING OF TRUTH Let a beautiful Lydia ring from Alexis Dove reflect your love page 16
STEVE MASON Former Beta Band man talks RULE OF LAW Madcap comic Tony Law’s in town HENRY NORMAL Insight from the poet & producer PRENUP PREPARATIONS Wise up with Sherwood Solicitors
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CITY GIRL
IN THE CITY
VICTORIA NANGLE
Modelworld
y phone is doing my nut in. Nobody would really think that I need a new phone, and I don’t usually confuse ‘need’ with ‘want’. but my phone is being a mare. Several years ago I had a meltdown at my service provider when my last phone died a death and my contract insurance didn’t cover it. ‘Reasonable wear and tear’ it was called and I was asked to buy a new phone. I did. And got a phone-free rolling contract. I was pleased with myself, I won’t deny it, and relished the idea of having bought the hardware outright and a very cheap monthly bill. Fast forward to now and as much as I’ve tried to carefully manage what is held on my vital part of modern-ish tech, I’ve now got to the point where I can’t take pictures of the sea and listen to music at the same time. I tried. It crashed. Twice. It’s doing my nut in. So I put a shout out on social media for a ‘new’ phone. It just needs to be newer than mine and less inclined to crash under the pressure of soaring melodies and beautiful scenery – just like a
This year the organisers are bringing a fresh new show to the
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city featuring the worldrenowned Titan – an 8ft futuristic robot! Brighton Centre, 19-21 February 2016, £9.50/7.50/5.50, www.brightoncentre.co.uk
weepy auntie at a Merchant Ivory marathon. I’ve given things with shout outs in my day too. Actually, in the day of only last week – when my defunct chest of drawers was claimed by the flatmate of the friend that helped me move it to the curb. Convoluted but in a good home. I’ve also had boxes of video tapes claimed when I finally realised my video player had given up the ghost. It wasn’t like I found a fellow fan of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, but that a filmmaker pal was still working with tape and was running out of cassettes to record onto. It’s always worth offering what you’re losing, and equally asking in return. Someone just might bite. And I know this because someone’s just offered me an iPhone 5.
Soul II Soul ft Jazzie B & Caron Wheeler They’ve performed in over 20 countries, and appeared at some of the most famous venues in the world and now they will bring their funk and soul performance to Brighton Dome. Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 21 February 2016, £26/24.50, brightondome.org
IN THIS ISSUE 4 Latest TV Growing Concerns, Digital Nation & highlights 7 Andrew Kay Yak Yak Yak Spinning around landmarks 8 Valentine’s Gift Guide Tips to make your special someone feel magical 11 Hot List Restaurants, cafes & takeaways 13 Sherwood Solicitors The lowdown on prenups 15 Henry Normal interview Poet, producer and celebrator of The Joy Of Frogs 17 Science/Brighton’s Arty Leaving marks Memories, emotions & more 18 Guy Thoughts Guy hears the morning call 18 Entertainment news What’s on for stage, film, comedy, art & music – plus the chart 21 Mike Ward At Large/Reviews Star-struck restrain, Plus what’s been happening around our city
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MALCOLM COOK
VICTORIA NANGLE
thelatest.tv 1 things you didn’t know about Brighton’s very own Seedy Sunday!
here are many ways to get from A to B. Some people say it doesn’t even matter what ‘B’ is like, it’s the journey that matters – and Digital Nation might just agree this week. Hop over to Leeds to join Tom Bosworth – three time British record holder and current UK champion at Race Walking – as he
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1. It’s the largest, original and best heritage seed swap in the UK! 2. Little in this world feels better than an abundant home grown crop. 3. It started in 2002 and this is its 15th year. 4. Local seeds are best suited to grow locally, amazed yet? 5. It originated from Salt Spring Seeds from Salt Spring Island in British Columbia in Canada. 6. Dan Jason created Salt Spring Seeds to specialise in heritage and heirloom open-pollinated and non-Genetically Modified Origin varieties of plants. 7. Sharon Rempel organised the Seed Swap there.
took place in St George's Hall in Kemptown in February 2002.
helping to protect not only your local communities, but also the planet's bio-diversity.
12. At first in the Old Market in Hove then to Hove Town Hall and now at the suitably named Corn Exchange.
19. We’ve lost over 75% of the world’s plants in the last century say the United Nations
The UK's first ever seed swap took place in St George's Hall in Kemptown in February 2002
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8. A couple of locals from the Brighton and Hove Organic Gardening Group or ‘the BHOGGers’ went on holiday there in brought the idea back. 9. A seed swap is a style of market or fair where growers exchange seeds from plants they have grown themselves. 10. Kindred spirits share knowledge with each other about their home-saved seeds. 11. The UK's first ever seed swap
puts Beth Krysta Wilson through her paces at the UK Centre for Race Walking. How fast do you reckon you could walk without running? Give it a go! Some people prefer to put their feet up when they travel, take their time, take in the views. Maybe take the train... or tram... or tram train. That is a thing! Just ask the folks at Sheffield Live as they investigate a new scheme
Education, Scientific, & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
13. It’s still run entirely by volunteers.
20. Thousands of people attend to donate and rummage through all those trays and boxes of hand filled, home grown seeds in envelopes.
14. The event now includes talks, food demonstrations, plant sales, cafe and other activities that make it the vibrant event that it is.
21. You can bring your own and bag them up on the day at our Seed Packing table, beside the Seed Swap Stalls. Find out more by watching Growing Concerns this Sunday at 3.30pm on Latest TV. www.seedysunday.org
15. A community seed swap is a place where seasoned and would-be growers alike share seeds for the following year's crop and share tips on how to grow.
set to revolutionise travel across the city with transport moving without a hitch from train to tram tracks and back again. Clever stuff.
16. Little beats the fulfilment of an abundant crop from seeds you have gathered, saved and sown yourself. 17. There is pleasure in sharing them with other growers and sharing their successes in return. 18. By saving these garden varieties from extinction, you are
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HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE LATEST TV
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thelatest.tv Of course, just putting one foot in front of another is also the perfect time for a little personal reflection, to share a story, and to hear a deep truth – as witnessed by NVTV in Belfast. Testimonies from survivors from all over Europe have been recorded and are being shared via sound installations for you to listen to as you walk symbolically across a bridge. Walking through storms, blue skies and more has never been shared by so many, so poignantly. Stories of walking and travelling are as old as time, and almost mirroring these contemporary tales is the 200 miles trek from Southampton to Canterbury recorded as Pilgrim’s Way. Former teacher Steven re-enacts the journey step by step – including walking back on himself – incorporating historical accuracy and a jovial sense of humour. Plus there’s the glory of the Russian State Ballet of Siberia in Cardiff, Glasgow’s stories of witches and warlocks entwined in its Tollbooth Steeple, and a black pudding makeover in Lancashire – including a vegetarian variety! Tune in and travel around the country in style with Digital Nation, picking up tales of wonder... as well as a few travel tips. Digital Nation, 8.30pm, Tuesday 9 February
52%, Tuesday 9 February, 9.30pm Rita Jones from the Liverpool Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) joins the panel today. Having started up initially meeting around a kitchen table, the need for such a group has seen it grow, recognising the social stigma, social and educational problems young people face when struck by mental problems.
hustle and bustle of it all then join Frances Finn and John Stirland as they take an exclusive behind-the-
documentary-style showcase of up-and-coming dance acts from across Europe and closer to home.
Jessica Kellgren-Hayes and Joseph Gunn
Film Live Academy, Wednesday 10 February, 1pm Want to make a film? Don’t think you know how? Here’s how! The ultimate guide on all aspects of filmmaking turns its attention to
scenes look at the historic country house Hodsock Priory. From
cameras, shooting techniques and moving photography. Life through a lens can happen for anyone, and it’s up to you to decide which side of the lens you want to be.
exploring the primroses to the gargantuan effects behind the scenes preparing for February’s 100,000 visitors – well, it is only open for that one month a year – it’s another world. How nice.
At Home At Hodsock, Thursday 11 February, 7pm If you fancy a step away from the
DJ Box, Friday 12 February, 10pm Get your dance on with this
With no host, it’s all about the talent, getting up close and personal with each of them in this brand new series. And if you want to hear more of the music you like – tune in on Saturday at 12.30am for the live session. Movie Line, Saturday 13 February, 8.30pm It’s the weekend, so that must mean it’s movie time! Whether you’re after reviews of current releases, or a recommendation from the vaults, Jessica KellgrenHayes and Joseph Gunn have you covered. Under The Radar, Sunday 14 February, 5.30pm Not so much ‘under the radar’ this week, as enjoying guilty pleasures. Paul Mex and Jeff Hemmings turn their attention to Abba’s ‘Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A Man After Midnight)’ – Paul’s hidden vinyl during the postpunk era – and ‘Take It Easy’ by The Eagles – all the more timely in light of Glen Frey’s passing last month. The Vote, Monday 15 February, 8pm Stay abreast of the local issues – and the big ones – with Frank Le Duc as he invites topical guests in to discuss them all. A great way to get the little grey cells going at the start of the busy week.
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Specialising In Gorgeous Hand-Tied Bouquets, The Perfect Gift For Your Special Someone This Valentine's Day. 63a Holland Rd, Hove BN3 1BA Near Palmeira Square 01273 911 760 07873 280522 kikishove@gmail.com
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ANDREW KAY YAK YAK YAK
SPONSORED BY Bardsley’s Fish & Chips
Follow me: latestandrew ANDREWKAY100
THE EARLY TRAIN L
andmarks in your life can be epic in proportion – and pathetically mundane. A first watch at age seven, then not much at 14, then a huge to-do at 21, even though the age of consent had been changed to 18. Yes 18, I’m not that old, well not that old quite yet thank you very much. For me getting into college was a massive milestone at the tender age of 17 years old, but not as monumental as the moment I was given a grant to actually take that place. Graduating four years later was equally massive, but at Chelsea School of Art there was no graduation ceremony, no caps and gowns and the certificate looked more like a gas bill than a BA Honours document. I didn't much care but I think mum and dad would have like a bit of gold embossing and a picture of me looking like a right prat. Hats of any kind on hair like mine look far too 'Coco the clown'. The next landmark I guess was the first job. It came fast, a day after finishing my education, but not in the most glamorous of ways. I had taken a job washing up in a posh Knightsbridge cafe and chocolate emporium – to make ends meet. Fortunately through a kind tutor they managed to track me down. Now remember, this was pre-mobile phones and email so it was not that easy and had they not found me that day my life might have been very different. The next day I was sat at a desk in Clapham High Street and stayed there for nearly six years. It remains one the happiest periods of my life. It wasn't the money, well £3,792 per annum was hardly earth shattering, but it did finally give me some independence. A year on and I bought my first car. It was a maroon Fiat 850, old but fun, and it served me well for several years. That first car is a real milestone I guess but I was not a petrol head, it was a means of getting about more than a watch on
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status symbol. That came later when the MD of the firm made it possible for me to upgrade to a director’s cast off company car. Well an Alpha Romeo was quite special and I did love it even if in the end I could not afford to maintain the poor old thing and had to let it go. Earning a decentish salary also led to another milestone. For Eventually I did years and years I was a it, I gathered up launderette kind some laundry and of guy. Initially sitting there and after consulting the reading as the manual put on a wash and tumble mixed coloured process chugged wash. Well, I was away. I then too nervous to go discovered the service wash, a for a hot white wash far more sophisticated process by far and no not I. I drew up a chair and I one that I wholly embraced. watched, I watched as my But one day I decided it was washing swirled around before time to buy a washing machine. my eyes – and I cried. Tears It was a major decision and a streamed down my face. major expense, a washer back I cried, I wept because this big then cost about as much as it white machine marked a major does now. It came from John turning point in my life, white Lewis and arrived on time. The goods and the ownership of poor guys had to carry it up four them marked the move into flights of winding stairs to my adulthood – and in such a drab tiny South London garret and way. As landmarks go I could not install it in my tiny kitchen. For think of anything more drearily quite some time I sat and stared depressing. My youth was over – at it, not summoning up the but my washing was clean. courage to plug it in and turn the At the time I was 25, so I had thing on. prolonged youth for perhaps Eventually I did it, I gathered more time than most people up some laundry and after would, but I felt flat for weeks, consulting the manual put on a really low. mixed coloured wash, well I was Of course I got over it, I too nervous to go for a hot white realised that 25 was no age at all wash. and that a washing machine was So what did I do next? I should a useful thing that was going to have gone and relaxed, made a save me so much time. I pot of tea or poured a G&T, but ploughed on to thirty, a good
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year, followed by a less good one and then fast forward to 39 which was terrible, forty which was better and fifty when things took a serious dive. The last ten years have had their ups and downs, good times, really good times, and some really lousy times too. I won't dwell on them, I don’t regret them either but they are gone and I have moved on. So now, as I am only a few days from 60 I was looking for the major landmark. It happened on a dull Sunday afternoon. I had made lunch, washed up my dishes and settled down to a few games of online Scrabble. Suddenly my email went ping and it was a message from a friend, a contemporary, to say that she had booked a train ticket to visit me using her new Senior Rail Card. I had just renewed my Network Rail Card so I was a little cross with myself for wasting that money, but undaunted I went online and set about registering for the card. It was a big form and I had to prove that I was about to turn 60, but half an hour later I was done and the card was ready to be dispatched. I went for the three year option, I felt that it was not too optimistic an investment, surely I will make 63? Surely? So there we have it, the landmark for hitting sixty will be a card that defines me as a senior person. I don't know what else would mark the occasion in a less cheery way but I have a few days left to find something a little less downbeat. I will no doubt be out and about, having drinks with friends, eating of course in my all time favourite place, Bardsley’s in Baker Street, and there is a chance that I may even get a little tipsy. If you see me in any of these places or states then please say hello, but please do not say hello old timer. There’s life in the old dog yet!
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LOVE ME DO S
tuck for ideas this Valentine’s Day? Find inspiration from our hand-picked selection of Brighton's brilliant array of unique gifts in our double-page guide. You're sure to find something to make your sweetheart go weak at the knees...
KIKI'S FLOWER SHOP
JULIAN STEPHENS CONTEMPORARY BESPOKE JEWELLERY
Specialising in elegant hand-tied bouquets, the perfect gift for your special someone this Valentine's day.
For him: Optix cut green amethyst cufflinks £250.00
For her: Large solid silver heart pendant ￡81
63a Holland Rd, Hove BN3 1BA Near Palmeira Square 01273 911 760 07985425306 kikishove@gmail.com
01273 692 110, www.julianstephens.com
RIDGEVIEW ESTATE WINERY LTD Cavendish 2013 RRP ￡24.95 A rich golden colour with exceptionally fine bubbles. The nose is expressive with hints of red fruits. The Pinot dominance brings depth and complexity to the palate with a long-lasting finish, whilst the Chardonnay adds finesse and freshness. Available at Butlers Wine Cellar 247 Queens Park Road Brighton BN2 9XJ watch on
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SHE SAID BOUTIQUE
BRIGHTONS MOST LOVED UP COUPLE 2016
Beautiful designer lingerie from She Said: Fuschia silk & peach lace bra ￡56.99, Bow Back Thong ￡38.99, Suspender Belt ￡38.99, Stockings from ￡6.99
The Winners!
Steve and Gina Smith – Nominated by Kayleigh Smith: "This is my dad Steve and step mum Gina and I'm nominating them as Brighton's most loved up couple because they have been together for 15 years and married for 12. If you ask anyone who knows them they will tell you they are meant for each other. They are best friends and soulmates and they have a relationship that I one day want." Congratulations to winners Steve & Gina Smith who have won themselves a dinner for two with wine at Donatello Restaurant.
Get Tassle-tastic & show your love with these custom made heart shaped nipple pasties from ￡15
Runners up
Saskia Hadley and Ben Bramley – “Me and my fella, Ben have been together for the last two years, some of it spent long distance while I was living in Paris. It was pretty tough but it was an amazing feeling when he drove to Paris to bring me home for Christmas. When we got back, we saved up and decided to go travelling for four months together across Europe which was the best experience of my life!”
32 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AD Tel: 01273 777 811 www.shesaidboutique.com
O WOW BRIGHTON Sweeties for your sweetie! Bespoke chocolate for Valentine’s Day, have any design or logo!
Kayleigh Shaw and Megan Hassan – “Me and my fiancée are definitely loved up. We are getting married next year and have been saving up which means no treats for us.”
Natasha: 07598479458 Colleen:07719793016 Facebook: www.facebook.com/owowbrighton Twitter: @OwowBrighton watch on
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The perfect treat for your Valentine – from Cocoon ow about trying something totally different this Valentine’s Day? The gift voucher above is a ticket to Brighton’s only floatation centre and they have special experiences lined up for the romantic celebration!
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You can buy a gift voucher like the one pictured and treat your loved one to one of the following offers: Valentine Couple Float – £69 One hour cabin (single) – £35 One hour pod float (single) – £30 Special Deal 4 anytime floats – £90
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Cocoon offer a profoundly luxurious and relaxing experience in a stateof-the-art pod or a luxury cabin. The cabin includes unique LED Galactic Ceiling for a superior floatation experience. There are a host of other treatments to try out too, including: Winter warming aromatherapy / Ayurvedic massage Head massage Salt scrubs Yummy facials Spiritual readings & more Cocoon, 20–22 Gloucester Place, Brighton, BN1 4AA 01273 686882, www.cocoonhealthcare.co.uk
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HOT LIST CAFE Kiki & Flowers “Kiki’s Kitchen offers simple, healthy fresh lunches such as slow cooked Vietnamese beef with rice or grilled haloumi salad all at really reasonable prices. The lunch boxes special is just £5. Once the evenings get lighter they will be opening later and later perfect for an after-work glass of wine." Opening hours Monday to Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 10am-3pm 63 Holland Road,Hove www.kikisflowershop.co.uk
INDIAN The Chilli Pickle The Chilli Pickle is a local favourite with national recognition which combines traditional Indian methods with local produce and an individual style. Their ample Thalis spice up a midday meeting or a catch-up with friends, whilst the evening menu offers inventive street food, decadent Tandoori dishes and tasty regional curries, served in a vibrant and bustling setting. The Chilli Pickle featured in the National Restaurant Awards’ UK top 100 in 2011–14 and has retained its Michelin Bib Gourmand from 2010 to 2015. The Chilli Pickle, 17 Jubilee Square, Brighton, 01273 900383, www.thechillipickle.com
The Chilli Pickle Canteen The definitive delivery service from The Chilli Pickle launched this year. Bold, Indian-inspired design, specially commissioned artwork and smart delivery stake out new ground in home dining. Meanwhile, the menu showcases some of the restaurant’s familiar touches, with regional curries and homemade pickles and chutneys, plus superb ice creams. The Chilli Pickle Canteen: order online at thechillipicklecanteen.com, 01273 900384
Chaula’s Lewes Chaula’s is renowned for its signature dishes, distinctive décor and friendly staff. All meals are made fresh to order and every curry has its own distinctively flavoured sauce. Also a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan as well as gluten and wheat-free dishes. Buffet available 12pm–3pm Monday to Saturday. Chaula’s, Eastgate House, 6 Eastgate Street, Lewes, BN7 2LP, 01273 476707, www.chaulas.co.uk
Chaula’s Brighton A second venue for this brilliant Indian restaurant is now open here in Brighton. Superb regional dishes, fresh tasting and exciting. Chaula and her team breathe fresh air into the idea of Indian food with authentic recipes served in bright and stylish surroundings. The cooking is executed with a light touch too, no heavy ghee-based sauces here but an altogether healthier approach – but not at the cost of flavour. Both delicious and affordable. Thali Deals available 12pm-3pm; Meal Deal for £9.99. Chaula’s, 2–3 Little East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HT, 01273 771661, www.chaulas.co.uk
ITALIAN Donatello Flagship venue of this local family-run business serving excellent Italian food in stylish surroundings. Brilliant value meal deals on blackboards – two courses £7.95 or three for £9.95 – as well as à la carte. The haunt of celebs in season from soap stars to politicos. Fun, friendly and fabulous value. Donatello, Brighton Place, Brighton, BN1 1HJ 01273 775477, www.donatello.co.uk
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POST-VALENTINE PLANNING Sherwood Solicitors discuss the basics of Prenuptial agreements re they binding? Prenuptial agreements are commonly recognised in many European countries, however, at the moment, these agreements are not currently binding in the UK. That said, with many family arrangements now including an international element, there is mounting pressure on the UK courts to maintain consistency with other jurisdictions, and so, it can only be a matter of time before the courts here follow suit. In 2014 the Law Commission released their recommendations for Qualifying Nuptial Agreements (QNAs) to be incorporated into English law to replicate agreements being entered into across Europe. This report suggested that such agreements, whether entered into before or after marriage (commonly referred to as pre or post nuptial agreements), should generally be upheld provided they are drawn up in accordance with specific requirements. In practice, whilst those recommendations have not yet been enshrined in law (the proposals still to be debated in Parliament), the courts have become much more willing to take such properly prepared agreements into account and uphold the terms without significant variation where appropriate. Do I need a prenup? Entering a QNA in accordance with the Law Commission’s recommendations is not a decision to be taken lightly. Pre-planning is vital and you should each take independent legal advice at the earliest opportunity as the agreement may take considerable time to perfect. There must also be a detailed process of financial disclosure which requires openness and honesty on all sides. Therefore, QNAs will not be appropriate for all couples as the time
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and expense of drawing up such an agreement may outweigh any benefit to be gained. What to think about beforehand: As a general rule, you must consider whether the disparity in the respective wealth of each party is such that it warrants the additional layer of protection offered by a QNA. Factors such as having children or moving abroad should also be considered as many courts (whether here or abroad) will still retain a wide discretion when it comes to making financial provision for children and so, failure to pre-empt these future events may render the QNA unenforceable. Sherwood Solicitors The Little Globe, 153 Edward Street, Brighton, BN2 0JG www.sherwood-solicitors.co.uk, 01273 608221 mail@sherwood-solicitors.co.uk
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HENRY NORMAL INTERVIEW enry Normal was once described by The Telegraph as “The funniest man you've never heard of”. While this may be true, you will be familiar with the vast array of comedic gems he is responsible for. Our television screens would have been a lot less funny without Gavin and Stacey, The Mighty Boosh, Moone Boy, The Royle Family, Mrs Merton and anything Steve Coogan related (with the exception of Alan Partridge). He also wrote and produced the Oscar nominated, incandescent film Philomena. This Valentine’s Day Henry will be reading his own poetry at Latest Bar in: The Joy of Frogs – “A poetic celebration of love, romance and other unrealistic expectations”. The event is a fund-raising benefit for Amaze, a charity that provide information, advise and support to parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The charity is close to his heart as he and wife screenwriter, Angela Pell, have an autistic son, Johnny, who is now 15. The family reside happily in Brighton.
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How did you come up with the name – The Joy Of Frogs? The Joy Of Frogs is the title of a poem I wrote 20 years ago. It’s a play on the idea of the two aspects of love being ‘the joy of sex’ and ‘the fairytale nature of kissing frogs to find your true love’. My Son Johnny drew the frog for the poster so it seemed a fun idea for the Amaze Benefit. Can you give an example of the kind of poetry we can expect to hear on the night? The Joy Of Frogs Frogs need kisses like anyone else Not all of them want to become handsome Princes Some prefer a more pond-based lifestyle What if you turn into a handsome Prince and the Princess really Prefers frogs? What if you're not that handsome a Prince? Maybe you're more handsome a frog? watch on
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without compromising truth. Truth is the basis of both poetry and comedy. Which is true and poetic but
Let's face it, chances are If you can get kissed fairly regularly by a Princess And remain a frog You've got it made If she gives you tongues Then go for it The event will be a poetic celebration of romantic love. I’ve researched St Valentine, Cupid, Chicago massacres and all things traditionally romantic. As I am now happily married and have no reason to lie or perpetuate any myths I can explore this subject with a healthy critical eye. There will be plenty of upbeat love poetry and some live music to get us all in the mood. Cynics are welcome and encouraged.
How have amaze supported you as a family? It was difficult at first understanding how we cope with the challenges of autism and Amaze were invaluable in putting us in touch with local people and services. At times like those you really need friendly advice from people who are informed. It makes a big difference. The obstacles seem daunting. Then when we needed to understand the schooling options available Amaze helped us negotiate the system.
I read that writing poetry is your first love – is this true? And if so why? I’ve been lucky to make a living working in TV comedy but poetry is definitely my first and one true love (apart from my wife and child of course). It allows a person to communicate their perception of the world to others efficiently channel 159 or at thelatest.tv
to Amaze since he was diagnosed as autistic 14 years ago. They do a great job working with families that have special needs. Angela and I have been patrons for several years now and have helped establish The Big Cheer comedy gig as an annual event. I’d like to see if we could do a similar job with making poetry a great night out.
unfortunately not comic. Don’t worry if you are not classically educated on poetry, you’ll be in good company. I used to think Bathos and Pathos were two of the three Musketeers. How long have you been a patron for Amaze? My wife Angela, myself and my son Johnny have been connected
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How will you be celebrating Valentine’s evening after the event? Angela will be coming to the event. I’m hoping my performance so moves her that I can warm my feet on her back when we snuggle into bed. Now that is true love. Interviewed by Sam Harman
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016_LH765_AlexisDove_FP Ad 05/02/2016 10:56 Page 1
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017_LS765_science/brighton'sarty_Layout 1 05/02/2016 10:54 Page 1
SCIENCE UNLOCKING POTENTIAL
BRIGHTON’S ARTY ALISON KROG
Dr Caroline Oprandi keeping you up to date with science & technology at PACA
EMOTIONAL CHARGE
while back I was looking at the shocking suggestion made by private schools’ Head Teachers to scrap GCSEs and replace them with, well nothing, leaving all exams until pupils are 18. Very few other countries have anything like the GCSE and yet GCSEs are very expensive to implement. We are led to believe that pupils only want to learn if there is an exam or grade at the end of it. From the evidence we have gathered so far; this is far from the truth. We now teach STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) on the KS3 curriculum. It is a project-based approach and the only assessment that takes place is peer assessment when the pupils have to present their work to their classmates. We have demonstrated that children are very motivated to learn when they are allowed the freedom to develop a project their way. Not once has any pupil asked the STEM teachers for a grade; yet they all We are led to completed the tasks set. believe that Furthermore, pupils only want to pupils (even learn if there is a challenging ones!) ask if they grade at the end can take the work home with them. The answer is always yes but we never mention the homework word! Here are some comments from the students: “I think STEM lessons are great. They open up the student imagination. I love STEM lessons. They can get us used to entrepreneurial attributes.” “The team worked well as a team and we were able to create a masterpiece with a brilliant teacher.” “The project was a lot better than I thought as not only was it fun but it was interesting.” A comment from a parent: “when my son has STEM he always says he feels like a proper scientist!” Implementing the STEM strategy is not for the fainthearted and has involved some risk taking and creativity. We are after all kicking back against the traditional Victorian model of education and are introducing 21st century elements into the classroom. However, the success of the STEM centre is not solely down to me but thanks to a whole host of fantastic people whom I have met along the way. The list is a long one but to name a few: STEMSussex, Aj from STEMNet, Phil Avery from Bohunt Academy, Scott Atkins from Midhurst Rother Academy, East Sussex Astronomy Society, Gill Collinson National STEM Centre, Ricardo Engineering, Dr Howland and Dr Baskill from University Sussex, the science technicians and the wonderful science/maths teachers at PACA who deliver the STEM curriculum. Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) is a college offering sixth form, 11-16 years, youth centre, adult learning, community education, sports centre and pre-school. Find out more at www.paca.uk.com
emories. Emotions. People. I’m not sure I could better that as the perfect triumvirate to inspire a powerful body of art. And coming up are two brilliant exhibitions by local artists underpinned by just these themes. At Naked Eye Gallery in Farm Mews, Hove, be awestruck by latest drawings by Ian Hodgson – an artist whose work engages with identity and place Heads and exploring the transformative process of bodies journey filtered through represent memory. The depiction of internal conflict light in space and on surface plays with the and resolution divisions between the physical and psychological, the solid and the ethereal. Heads and bodies represent internal conflict and resolution regarding his place in the world, and Mary Beaney look out for the recurring fingerprint motif, which Ian uses to signify the self. Working primarily in graphite on paper, Ian finds that restricting his material choice allows him to fully explore the Ian Hodgson properties of this medium. Applying sandpaper and embossing tools to work on the paper adds further layers of texture and mark-making. His drawing process often leads to redrawing objects, figures and spaces, and this repetition has inspired the title of the show – ‘Refrain’ – where certain passages and phrases are replayed in order to underline meaning. From 12 to 28 Feb. Out of town: For the past three months Mary Beaney has worked tirelessly producing a Ian Hodgson new collection for her first solo show at Eastbourne’s Lily Clifford Gallery. Entitled ‘Emotions’, the works dig deep into her past and use members of her family as the starting point to depict a state of feeling. Mary’s work is full of texture, in mixed media comprising everything from acrylic paint, polyfilla, glue, tissue paper, bleach, ink, salt, sand, tea and coffee... to gold and silver leaf, which expresses the richness and passion she feels. The gallery space is well worth a visit, housing cutting-edge artworks and promising a warm, friendly welcome. From 15 Feb to 6 March. www.artymagazines.com Twitter @brightonsarty
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018_LS765_guy_joe_Layout 1 05/02/2016 14:11 Page 1
GUY THOUGHTS GUY LLOYD
ENTERTAINMENT JOE FULLER
A dreaded call from the boss
Valentine's Day concert for Gaza Music School students
hen I get the call from my boss at the radio station, I know it’s unlikely to be an offer of a pay rise or an interview with Rihanna. The chances are, I’ve done something wrong or I’m going to be asked to do something that I don’t want to do. Call me pessimistic but I’m nearly always right on this one. And so it proved yesterday, when I was out filming with my other work, Latest TV and I got THE CALL from my boss. I knew Rihanna was on the verge of releasing a new single but I also knew that she’d probably want to chat with ‘Grimmy’, rather than me. Fair enough Grimmy, she’s yours. Have you interviewed Dr. Karl Kennedy from Neighbours? You can only dream boy. Anyway, back to the call from my boss. It wasn’t so Would you much bad news, more like to get catastrophic. It was only up at 3.30am Tuesday and this call had pretty much written off the every morning rest of my week and probably this week? screwed up my weekend too. And it was the six words that I dreaded most: “Can you cover Breakfast this week?”. Which translated means, “would you like to get up at 3.30am every morning this week?”. How can you reply to that sensibly? “Yes, please. I was planning on having three hours sleep a night anyway, so we may as well throw in a radio show in to the mix.” Being the consummate professional, I kept these thoughts to myself and gave him this classic delayed response, “can I get back to you after I’ve finished filming?”. Which translated means, “I’ve got an hour to make an excuse up and get out of this”. The hour passed. I couldn’t really think of anything to do, apart from walking in to the sea. And that felt a little drastic. And very choppy, this time of year. I bit the bullet, rearranged all my school runs, meetings, etc. and gave him the answer he was looking for. Through gritted teeth. Now this may sound very ungrateful. Don’t get me wrong, I’m fully aware that I am doing my dream job and I feel lucky to still be doing it after ten years. But getting up at 3.30am? Seriously? I remember the days of getting in at that time. Something I can occasionally still do when I’m on Drive. Who are these people listening to the radio at this time? Vampires? I quickly realised the negativity was creeping in and I had to cut that out, to get in the zone to actually entertain these creatures of the night. Luckily, I have a fantastic co-host (the lovely Hana Neter) and she brought me grapes (I’m such a diva) and she made everything alright. And actually, despite the extreme lack of sleep, I’m never happier than when I am on the radio (apart from hanging out with my family, if my wife is reading this). Yes, I feel jet-lagged and I’m not really sure what I’m doing. But it’s still the radio. And I love it.
t Paul's Church hosts a unique concert this Sunday, when young musicians from Brighton will perform to raise funds for a fascinating project. Brighton and Palestinian Artists Together has invited children from the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music to play in Brighton Fringe, in a concert at St Michael and All Angels Church on the 4th June 2016. Four of the young musicians are students at the Gaza Music School and three of them are students at ESNCM branches in the West Bank.
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This Sunday however will see young musicians aged from 11 to 19 perform a wildly eclectic range of music to raise funds for the June concert. Bach's Double Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C Minor is first on the bill, and we'll then have the starker, stranger violin solo sonata (by Bartók) followed by a Chopin Nocturne. A new piece from local composer Guy Richardson called 'Houryia' (Freedom) will be premiered and there will also be some Mendelssohn, Jean-Baptiste Barrière and a Beethoven piano trio. The programme therefore straddles at least five centuries by my count, so there really is something for The programme everyone to enjoy. Three of the straddles at performers are least five centuries through to the String category finals of this year’s BBC Young Musician Competition: Louisa Staples (violin), Joe Pritchard (cello) and Sheku Kanneh-Mason (piano). The smorgasbord of talent will also include musicians from Brighton Youth Orchestra String Ensemble, Royal Academy of Music, Yehudi Menuhin School and Purcell School of Music. I've attended several youth performances before and the standard is always astonishing. This performance will be all-the-more impressive since Brighton violinist 16 year old Ayla Sahin and her friends are not only performing, but have arranged this concert too. The three boys pictured above are also 16 years old, and play ganoon, oud and guitar whereas 12 year old Najlaa has an extraordinary singing voice. These are the children who the organisers hope to bring to the Fringe. That’s for the June concert mind you, not the one this Sunday, keep up! All the money raised this Sunday will go directly to paying for the flights and visa costs for the young Palestinian musicians. The concert is superb value and promises to be a fun, exciting evening. Valentine’s Day Concert, St Paul’s Church, 14 February, 6pm Tickets on the door £10 or £7 concessions. Children under 16 free. For information or advance reservations, text or telephone Tracey Felsham on 07909 244198.
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019_LS765_STAGE_Layout 1 05/02/2016 11:17 Page 1
STAGE ANDREW KAY
SHUT THAT DOOR
The life of Larry Grayson is celebrated at Eastbourne’s Royal hippodrome Theatre
n an age when being gay is pretty well accepted and our TV screens are filled with openly homosexual men and women it is hard to imagine that once upon a time such things were taboo. Actors like Frankie Howard and Kenneth Williams suffered massively from the oppressive forces of homophobia as did so many others. Then along came Larry Grayson with his undeniably camp act littered with fictitious comedic friends. Amazingly Grayson managed to pull it off, on TV at least and the country took him to heart when he took over as the host of The Generation Game. Now Slack-Alice and Everard, his two most famous creations, are once more brought to life in this behind the scenes peek at TV presenter Larry Grayson. Said to be ‘waiting for the right woman to come along’ in a time when presenters could not be openly gay, the Generation Game host’s personal life has had a muted public attention. Three Days and Three Minutes with Larry takes the audience backstage at his last performance in 1994 at the Royal Variety Show, when the camp comedian befriended a spiritual healer to help him get his three minute act together. The team behind Cissie and Ada: An Hysterical Rectomy have been researching the Grayson family archives to bring audiences closer to the beloved Generation Game host and relive some of his best loved material and characters. Three Days… will star Ian Parkin as Larry. Ian is one of the founding members of 4 Poofs and a Piano, made famous by their long career on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross. With 4 Poofs, Ian also toured nationally from sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, six years in a row at Glastonbury Festival and supporting Joan Collins on her one woman show. Solo, Ian has appeared in the West End in Call Me Madam with the late Noele Gordon, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Peter Pan the Musical with Lulu and George Cole. Like the character he plays, he has also appeared in the Royal Variety Show. Lee Peart will play his spiritualist friend Mark. Lee is a Manchesterbased comedian, presenter and actor. He has hosted Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend main stage for the past three years, and performed as a warm up act for TV shows such as Loose Women and The Jeremy Kyle Show. Larry Grayson first appeared on our TV screens in the 1950s, which led to complaints that his act was too outrageous. He returned in the 1970s with Shut That Door! and The Larry Grayson Show, but his
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popularity was at its highest when he replaced Bruce Forsyth as the host of The Generation Game, where he stayed for four years. His last TV appearance was on 3rd December 1994 at the Royal Variety Performance; he suffered from a perforated appendix later in the month, and died in January 1995. Writer Chris Mellor said “I first met a spiritual friend of Larry's, who told me about the way Larry made his big life decisions like giving up the Generation Game after consulting a Medium. After researching his archive I soon found that Larry's creative work was heavily influenced by those psychics who enjoyed his company. The play is a fun way of exploring the comedian's spiritual journey, and of course his hidden camp.”
The Campiest Workshop in Town. For followers of Camp and Comedy there promises to be one of the Campiest workshops in Eastbourne for some time, when locals will be given a chance to do their best Larry Grayson impersonation. A London Theatre Producer will launch his new script on the Gay older group – the Eastbourne Rainbow. The project to engage older gay people in theatre has been launched by the Royal Hippodrome Theatre working with Cutting the Strings Theatre Company. The Workshop takes place on Wednesday 24 February at 2pm at the Venton Centre on Junction Rd Eastbourne and involves group members playing out the role of comedian and Generation Game host Larry Grayson. The members will be using the newly written script from the play ‘Three Days and Three Minutes with Larry’ which will be showing at the Hippodrome during Easter week. Darren Weir, Community Engagement Director of the RHT says,"We are working with Age Concern and the Rainbow group to devise new ways to help older people keep active and creative. Supported by the Arts Council the project will use the group to help shape and develop the new script for the show, which looks at the last performance by Larry at the Royal Variety show in 1994. The show Three Days and Three Minutes with Larry will be at RHT on March 24-26th at 7.30 pm with a Saturday Matinee at 3 pm. Tickets from 01323 80 20 20
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020_LS765_comedy/music/chart_Layout 1 05/02/2016 11:03 Page 1
MUSIC JEFF HEMMINGS
LATEST MUSIC CHART
Steve Mason – Former Beta Band man is now Brighton-based, as he tells Jeff Hemmings moved down here in May 2014,” says Steve. “I was living in the woods in Fife. I don't know if you have ever lived on your own in the woods in Fife... it’s great for a bit, but then it gets a bit long. I had enough. As the album title says, I wanted to meet the humans, re-introduce myself into polite society,” he laughs. Indeed he has. The new album ‘Meet The Humans’ is once again being released on the highly regarded Domino label, home to Arctic Monkeys, Villagers, Robert Wyatt, Anna Calvi, Hot Chip et al. While his previous album, ‘Monkey Minds in The Devil's Time’ was a more overtly political and angry affair, ‘Meet The Humans’ sounds more like a sigh of relief, with Mason in a better
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welcoming place, very relaxed. There's a lot of people doing **** all here, but there's a lot of people doing some great stuff. A lot of interesting characters, and I like that. I certainly feel a hell of a lot more positive than I have done for many many years. I enjoy being able to say I feel happy.” As well as the album, and a date at Concorde 2 this month, you can see him DJ at Cooper's Cask in Hove, one a month. “I have a guest every month, play records and have a good time! It's whatever the hell you feel like playing at any given time. At Cooper's, from midnight to one is the mad hour, when everyone goes mental. Dancing, screaming...” Concorde 2, Thurs 11 Feb, 7.30pm, £16
frame of mind than for many years. “It’s things that people who live in towns and cities take for granted, things I haven't experienced for a long time; walking to a pub, or walking to a record shop, or walking to see a mate. Little things like that. For me, it's a bit like coming out of jail, you take the time to do the simple things again... I’m really enjoying having a social life. Brighton has been a very
Latest Brighton Download Chart
TOP 20 Another week and another great music chart for you! Listen online to get your favourite to the top and to submit your own tracks.
1 The Black Fields The Fighter 2 Gudjohr Hey Gurl 3 The Fooley Mantras The Truth 4 MIGHT Fate 5 Asher Fynn Love is a Dependency 6 John Maher Over the line 7 Sweet Jonny Carpe Diem 8 Tony Blair Witch Projekt Let’s Have Some Good Times
COMEDY VICTORIA NANGLE
9 SuicideDefects With A Title Like This You’d Think This Was A Song By Fall Out Boy
Tony Law brings his own brand of fresh surreal joy to Brighton t’s great when someone a bit ‘different’ rolls into town after an absence of a few years filled with promise and expectation. When it’s a show that’s only played to half a dozen cities before arriving here so the show is fresh and unknown, intriguing and exciting. It’s really great when it arrives from a Chortle award-winner and Fosters award-nominated comedian known for the absurd and refusing to give too much away ahead of time. Let’s raise a glass to Tony Law, arriving at The Old Market on Wednesday. The Edinburgh Fringe in August is great at showcasing and polishing shows from top of the bill and fresh to the circuit comedians alike. It does mean that the rest of the country can miss out on that frisson of excitement a comic has about their brand new baby of a show, as it makes its first few outings after having been previewed into one shape and then another until
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it’s the perfect form. Tony’s Law’s ‘Frillemorphis’ made its debut at the tail end of last month in Aldershot, and with promises of getting back to his shouty roots, including powerful ideas, air hugs and general hysterical chaos, this is the best kind of show to see while its creator is still enamoured with it. It may still feel like the beginning of the year, but it won’t be long before works-in-progress will start turning up from respected names in comedy. Wednesday night over at the
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10 The Speak Diggin a hole Ropetackle will see Ross Noble’s sold out warm up show for his next big tour. Next Tuesday pairs Sean McLoughlan’s new show ‘Kamikaze’ with Phil Jerrod’s tried and tested show that stormed last year – ‘Hypocrite’ – over at the Caroline Of Brunswick. There’s plenty to keep your eye out for in terms of previews, and the Spring months and Brighton Fringe’s May will be peppered with them. So check out the websites and jump on those tickets online for your favourite comedians as they work through their interesting ideas. Just check Komedia, Caroline Of Brunswick, Otherplace, The Old Market and the Brighton Fringe. And keep your purchasing finger primed. Tony Law: Frillemorphis, The Old Market, Wednesday 10 February, 8pm, £14/11, theoldmarket.com Phil Jerrod & Sean McLoughlan, ` 16 February, 7.45pm, £4, carolineofbrunswick.co.uk 20
11 Nick Conroy Forever 12 Left Hand Red Rope Burn 13 The Popguns BN3 14 The Last Cry Rebekka 15 Freudstein Sister Sleaze 16 Swarf Parlour Tricks 17 Moonlighter Every Time I Fall 18 Slipp Electro ft Osaro It’s Lifting Me (Remix) 19 Digitalis No Control 20 Surrender Monkeys EWith Friends Like These?
TO LISTEN TO TRACKS & TO SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC & VIDEOS GO TO www.thelatest.co.uk/music-chart
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021_LS765_mikeward/reviews_Layout 1 05/02/2016 12:04 Page 1
MIKE WARD AT LARGE
REVIEWS
SELFLESS DISDAIN FOR SELFIES ou'll never guess who I bumped into the other day. Which is why I'm going to tell you. It was Brett Anderson, lead singer of Suede. How cool is that, eh? I love Suede. I realise they're all about 107 years old now, but what the hell, so am I. And besides, their latest album, ‘Night Thoughts’, is genuinely fantastic. I say "bumped into". What I actually did was spot him through a pane of glass. I was up in London, at the BBC's New Broadcasting House – ooh, get me – waiting to pop into the studio to do the TV review for 5Live's Afternoon Edition thing, when I realised the guy already in there looked familiar. "Hey, that's Brett Anderson from Suede!" I exclaimed to Emma from the TV Times, who was there to do the programme with me. "When he comes out, do you reckon I should ask him for a selfie?" Emma clearly hadn't a clue who Brett Anderson was ("Suede? Should I know any of their songs...?" she'd later ask me), but clearly didn't want to burst my bubble, which was awfully sweet of her. "Yeah, go on, Mike," she replied. "You'll only regret it if you don't..." So I took out my iPhone and excitedly anticipated the big moment. As we waited for Brett's interview to finish, however, the doubts began to creep in. Why? Well, for one thing, I'd never actually asked anyone famous to pose with me for a selfie before. Was there a certain etiquette I'd need to observe? Also, perhaps even more significant, I remembered that I hate the whole idea of selfies. I also hate the actual expression "selfie", come to that. The quiet As for asking a famous respect this person to actually pose for one, wasn't that a would earn me commonly recognised meant more than sign that you're an utter twonk? I believe so. Oh, some daft photo he'd have politely agreed, I don't doubt that. And I dare say he'd have pulled an appropriately enthusiastic face. Brett is from Sussex, after all, so he'll have been brung up dead proper. But I fear his expression would have been concealing a rather different thought. Such as: "Is this what my life has come to? Being forced to pose for pics with random speccy middle-aged fatsos?" So eventually I abandoned the idea. When Brett Anderson of Suede stepped out of the studio, I simply let him walk straight past me. Way more dignified, right? The quiet respect this would earn me, I'd decided, meant a thousand times more than some daft, self-indulgent photo. "Wow!" he probably thought to himself when he got to the lift. "That random speccy middle-aged fatso just completely ignored me. What a rude git." Mike Ward is the TV Critic of the Daily Star and the TV Editor of the Daily Express Saturday magazine. Hear him every Monday afternoon with Guy Lloyd on Brighton’s Juice 107.2 Twitter: @mikewardontv
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Dynamo Brighton Centre, 27 January 2016, ★★★★★ It takes real talent to make a venue as large as the Brighton Centre feel intimate but this talented young magician did just that. His cleverly scripted show brings a gentle and, dare I say it, ordinary charm to the world of magic. No showbiz razzamatazz or glitter for him, just a very matter of fact story about his childhood, the bullying and his grandparents giving him the means to carve a career as a magician. And what a magician, his tricks and illusions are captivating, the manual dexterity is awesome and the mind play is more than fascinating – it’s unbelievable. The show may be called Seeing Is Believing, but for the most part seeing is simply mystifying, how does he do it? That of course is the key to a great magic show, not working out how it is done, leaving drowned in a sense of mystery and of course disbelief. Dynamo is charmingly ordinary which makes what he does seem even more extraordinary. That’s not to say the show is ordinary, far from it. It may not come with sequins and leggy dancers but it does come with very high production values, slick lighting and animation and wonderful film footage of his Nanna! From intimate TV to arena spectacle, Dynamo is the exciting face of modern magic. Andrew Kay 13th Annual Poets Vs MCs Concorde 2, 28 January 2016 ★★★★★ This was a staggering feat of the meeting of communities, billed as a battle and born from a heckle, the event was an inclusive embrace that was inspiring and warming. Presented in three parts, the first section introduced us to some of the players, MCs and poets with some good-natured side-swipes at the opposition as well as musings on everything from death and cynicism to the joy of seals, as well as some slamming rhymes in Spanish, succinctly done and enjoyably performed. The middle section served as an open mic for MCs, but was also a brilliant showcase for MC-in-chief Heinz’s school-liaison work giving a voice to the next generation of MCs in this impressive setting. The actual battle was in the final part, which suffered a little from timing issues and a few personal non-rhyming/poetic shots, but once they were away showed exactly why this joyfully vocal confrontation has continued to grow each year. Wit, banter, smart beatbox and glorious performance were all in evidence as events played out. Who actually won wasn’t entirely clear, or entirely important. Stereotypes were challenged, minds met and it was a great night. Boom. Victoria Nangle
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