Best of Liverpool magazine - April 2014

SUPPLEMENT

FASHION l BEAUTY l FITNESS l CHILDREN l TALENT l CULTURE l EVENTS l FOOD

GIT AWARDS Countdown to the Mersey Music prize

EASTER EGGSTRA

OF LIVERPOOL APRIL ISSUE 2014

Events to entertain your little bunnies

LEARN TO PLAY DAY Unleash your musical talents!

MELLOW YELLOW Spring home style

RETURN OF THE MAC The fashionable way to face those April showers

ROAR TALENT

RACES READY Last minute style tips to ensure you’re firmly fancied on Ladies’ Day

Liverpool lioness Ava Brennan gets her claws into her role in The Lion King HOT HAIRSTYLES//SPRING BEAUTY//KNOWSLEY SAFARI PARK//HEALTH HOMEGROWN TALENT//EASTER RECIPES//SALON SPOTLIGHT//WHAT’S ON

WIN

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Your chance to celebrate with the uK’s top sporting stars...

SpORTS SPORTS AWARDS

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!

aWaRdS

Monday 28th April 2014 Crowne Plaz a, Liverpool

awards ceremonY dinner

plus celebritY guest speaKer

0151 472 2570

or email: events@liverpool.com

follow us on twitter @EchoSportAwards

echosportsawards.co.uk

Revealing new book

OU NO T W !

THE STORY EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT TO ORDER CALL: 0845 143 0001 VISIT: www.mirrorcollection.co.uk SEND: a cheque made payable to Mirror Collection to Trinity Mirror Media, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, L69 3EB

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

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Contents

BEST

08

20 30

GET IN TOUCH

LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray MAGAZINE EDITOR Michelle Rushton DEPUTY EDITOR Katie McLoughlin WRITERS Paul Baker, Pam Bloom, Sarah Hooley, Sue Kelbrick, Katie McLoughlin, Emma Thompson, Vicky Andrews PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers COVER SHOT Gareth Jones DESIGN Vicky Andrews Colin Harrison COMMERCIAL FEATURES EDITOR Sally Jones SALES MANAGER Ros McGuire COPYRIGHT Best of Liverpool is published monthly by Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales/ Liverpool ECHO. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

APRIL 2014 NEWS

O F L IVERP O O L

STORIES 0151 330 5035 EMAIL magazine@liverpool.com ADVERTISING 0151 330 5039 WEBSITE www.liverpoolecho.co.uk FOLLOW US twitter@BestofLpool

18

04-05 TALK OF THE TOWN City soirees, launches and news

FASHION

06 APRIL SHOWERS Wonderful waterproofs 08-09 RACES READY Last minute style advice 15 SHOPPING FOR HIM Double denim

BEAUTY

26

10 SCOUSE NAILS Talons on trend 11 SPRING BEAUTY Bold and beautiful 12 SALON SPOTLIGHT Mother and daughter pampering 13 HAIR TIPS Step by step styles

HEALTH

14 PLANTASTIC Vegan and raw food diets

Welcome...

THE style stakes are high this weekend as the fashion conscious people of Liverpool grace Aintree Racecourse for The Crabbie’s Grand National 2014 Festival.

And on day two of the festival, the ladies take centre stage. As well as the breathtaking action on the racecourse, Ladies’ Day will include the search for the most stylish racegoer.

Renowned as being one of the most glamorous days in the social calendar, Ladies Day is not a time to be shy when it comes to fashion!

If, like me, you’ve left it to the last minute then fret you not as we have lots of style advice from local experts in our April edition of Best of Liverpool. From accessories to hair, nails and make-up, we’ve got it covered so you’re bound to have a winning number.

We’re finally seeing the first glimpses of spring but with the great British weather, you can’t always guarantee sunshine and April is renowned for its showers, so Katie brings you some marvellous macs to keep you high and dry on page 6.

Blokes are embracing the double denim look this season but it can go so wrong. Luke Trevaskis explains how to avoid looking like a Status Quo reject on page 15.

It was Mother’s Day last Sunday and we hope you spoiled your mum rotten. I took mine for a spot of girlie pampering – see how we got on – page 12.

With the event of spring, Sue has come over all healthy and has been exploring vegan and raw food diets on page 14.

Meanwhile, there has been a rumble of excitement in the city as theatrelovers prepare for The Lion King to come to the Liverpool Empire next month.

Best of Liverpool was treated to a sneak preview and got the chance to meet Liverpool

performer Ava Brennan who is starring in the show, see page 16.

The countdown is on to the GIT Awards 2014 when we will find out who has been crowned the kings or queens of the Mersey music scene.

Paul unveils the line-up on page 18 and brings you a shortlist of must-do events for April on page 19.

After being hooked on The Magaluf Weekender, Sarah got chance to meet one of its stars, Imogen Townley who is relishing her new role as a radio presenter on page 20, while Katie speaks to Izzi Feld who is appearing in Escorts – The Musical on page 21.

Emma has been getting egg-cited about Easter (see what we did there?!) and has been on the hunt for egg-cellent events on pages 22-23 plus Paul sources some tips on how to make the perfect Easter Sunday roast on pages 24-25.

I enjoy some exquisite Indian cuisine on page 26 and Sue samples the delights of Neon Jamon on page 27.

Ear plugs at the ready as Pam learns to play the drums on page 28 while Vicky takes her drum all the way to the Caribbean on page 30.

Lastly, Emma discovers there’s nothing perilous about yellow interiors on page 29.

Happy Easter!

PS – Best of Liverpool is waiting to hear whether we’ve won Coldset Colour Supplement of the Year in the 2014 Newspaper Awards!

Keep everything crossed for us – we’ll keep you posted!

ENTERTAINMENT

16 PRIDE OF MERSEYSIDE Interview with The Lion King star, Ava Brennan 17 WILD AT HEART A trip to Knowsley Safari Park 18 GIT AWARDS Mersey Music Prize 19 WHAT’S ON Things to do, by day or by night 20-21 HOMEGROWN TALENT Presenter Imogen Townley, actress Izzi Feld and DJ Jemmy

CHILDREN

22-23 EASTER FUN Cracking crafts and egg-cellent events

FOOD & DRINK

24-25 EASTER FEASTS The perfect Easter Sunday roast 26-27 RESTAURANT REVIEWS Balle Balle and Neon Jamon

HOBBIES

28 LEARN TO PLAY DAY Unleash your musical talents

HOMES

29 MELLOW YELLOW Spring home style

TRAVEL

30 ISLAND IN THE SUN A Caribbean adventure Michelle Rushton Best of Liverpool Editor

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 03

Talk of the town

OutANDabout

From swish soirées to gatherings, launches and more, Katie McLoughlin and Michelle Rushton take a look at what the city’s glitterati have been up to...

Photo: National Museums Liverpool

CRAIC-ING CELEBRATION CITY shoppers were given a craic-ing good surprise on March 17 as Liverpool-based Movema World Dance Company organised a Ceili Dance Flash Mob for St Patrick’s Day! The dance company held free ceili classes in the run-up to St Patrick’s Day at North Liverpool Academy and The Black-E. Those who took part then got to perform in the impromptu Irish flash mob dance.

Liverpool boasts the highest population with Irish ancestry of any city in England, and Maria Malone, co-director of Movema, was thrilled to be able to celebrate that heritage with an Irish inspired flash mob dance.

She says: “We’re really happy to be celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Liverpool. The more people who join in the more fun it gets – so we wanted to give more people the chance to get involved and have fun with Ceili.”

To find out more about this and other Movema classes, visit www.movema.co.uk

MUSEUM MILESTONE LAST month saw Wirral’s Lady Lever Art Gallery mark its centenary, as March 25 marked 100 years since King George V laid the foundation stone in 1914 for what was to become one of the UK’s finest art venues.

Sandra Penketh, director of art galleries, says: “One hundred years on from the laying of the foundation stone, the gallery has seen its various changes but it remains true to Lever’s original belief that art can be an inspiration to everyone.

It’s in this spirit that we’re taking the gallery through its next exciting stage of development.”

SUPERSONIC VISIT

THE BLOODHOUND Supersonic Car greeted guests at Knowsley Community College’s new facility in Princess Drive, Huyton campus to showcase their new engineering, logistics and construction curriculum to more than 100 employers.

The car is shortly aiming to break the land speed record and travel at 1000mph.

We’re loving PINK FIZZ PERFECT for those with a sweet tooth, this pink bubbly is deliciously fruity, refreshing and totally drinkable.

Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato bursts with aromas of Mandarin orange and sweet jasmine and has hints of tropical cherry, raspberry and peach which lead to a sweet flavourful experience.

This Californian wine is lovely and light, and ideal for a night in with the girls or paired with Chinese or Asian cuisine or fresh fruit.

RRP £9.49, available from Asda or at www.barefootwine.co.uk

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

BIG LOVE FOR EXHIBITION HUNDREDS of inspirational women gathered at the Huyton Suite, in Knowsley, recently as Big Love Sista unveiled its new exhibition.

Produced by creative therapist Clare Campbell, from Toxteth, alongside her diverse ‘sisterhood’ – the one hundred six-foot tall creations depicted moving self-portraits from those suffering with mental health issues or previous trauma.

Backed by chief executives from Knowsley Council, Liverpool Housing Trust and Merseyside’s Probation Service, the exhibition provided visitors with an intimate look into the mind empowered journey, which was carried out over a three month period.

Clare says: “The aim of the exhibition was to share with women from around the UK

the notion of finding healing in art. The day was both motivating and enlightening for all that attended and we are so grateful for the remarkable public response towards the creative project.”

Throughout the day, attendees were also treated to an array of inspiring speeches from women who had changed their lives through the project, it also included a chance for everyone who attended to have a go at painting a mini picture and have a dip in a bath of glitter!

Clare adds: “Following the success of the exhibition, Big Love Sista will soon see the arrival of a monthly gathering, for women seeking to continue drawing on the shared group experience and the100 six 6 foot goddesses are going on tour around the UK!”

DESK DELIVERY

HOW BAZAAR

SOMETIMES, no matter how healthy you’re trying to be, the same boring old butties just don’t cut the mustard.

And with deadlines galore, the Best of Liverpool team didn’t have time to go scouring the city for a tasty lunch and decided to treat ourselves to a takeaway.

So we turned to the Fifth Avenue pizza joint, American Pizza Slice. We wasted no time in ordering three 18-inch pizzas and as we couldn’t decide on toppings – with some wanting a complete meat-feast and others opting for a veggie – they even split them into different flavours to avoid office fisticuffs! The BBQ pulled pork pizza is my personal fave.

Plus Mondays just got happier as APS will give you a free side or cake with every order, or two free sides/cakes when you order a whopping 18” pizza!

American Pizza Slice Whitechapel Road is on 0151 707 1333 or visit www.americanpizzaslice.co.uk

SPRING cleaning our make-up bags at Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar, as spend £135 on fragrance, skincare, beauty or cosmetics and receive a limited edition beauty gift with purchase – while stocks last.

Packed with products from some of the Beauty Bazaar’s most sought-after brands, the limited edition gift with purchase contains over £200 worth of goodies in a limited edition Harvey Nichols cosmetics bag designed by illustrator Darren Wall - the London-based art director who has been making waves as the creator of Hot Chip’s latest album artwork. His unique design of bright colours and graphic 3D illustration make this limited edition item one not to be missed!

The gift bag contains everything you need to freshen your look this spring and the gift with purchase is only available while stocks last.

APRIL 14 STUDENTS at Liverpool College went head-to-head recently to create a prize-winning hairstyle, as part of a new competition organised in partnership with Lush Cosmetics.

Each Level Three Theatrical, Special Effect, Hair and Media Make-up student had to create an avant garde hairstyle inspired by the fresh and natural ingredients used in Lush hair products.

Sophie Anders, 23, wowed the judges with her colourful creation and scooped the first prize with a creative coiffeur dubbed ‘The Happiest Hippy’ which was inspired by Lush’s Happy Hippy shower gel.

She says: “I’m really happy to have won the Lush prize. Make-up and hair is my passion and it’s my goal to have a career working in the fashion industry designing the complete looks for people from hair down to make-up and accessories.”

Photo: Eric Phillips

LUSH HAIR

GET YOUR KICKS AT 66 BEST of Liverpool is looking forward to the opening of one of the UK’s biggest drive-in outdoor cinemas in the city this weekend.

The new Route 66 cinema will be sited at on the waterfront at Canning Dock, the Atlantic Pavilion, and will have a capacity for approximately 200 people.

It will feature one of the biggest outdoor or indoor screens in the UK and will show the latest movies as soon as they go onto general release (in addition to special screenings of the classics).

The drive thru cinema will offer excellent digital picture quality on a massive screen measuring 20 metres long and 15 metres high and will thrill cinemagoers with

Photo: Adam John

excellent sound as they tune in on their car sounds systems or hand held devices.

With a cost of just £20 per vehicle, no matter how many passengers you have, it’s a surprisingly cost-effective way to enjoy a trip to the cinema. www.route66driveincinemas.co.uk

Photo: Anthony Proctor

PANCAKE FOR PUTIN A LIVERPOOL businessman, Luke Trevaskis, caused a bit of a stir recently when he posted a rainbow-flag pancake to Vladimir Putin.

The LGBT activist wanted to make Russia’s Prime Minister think again about the anti-gay law that was passed last year banning homosexual propaganda.

On Pancake Day, he cooked up his own pancake inspired by the universal rainbow flag that represents LGBT communities all over the world and posted it directly to the heart of the Russian Senate.

His gay Pancake post on Twitter was retweeted as far as Thailand and viewed in over 30 countries around the world by over 100,000 people as his #PancakeForEquality campaign went viral.

He says: ‘’I hope Vladimir Putin and leaders all over the world take note as it is my intention to see total equality in this world in my lifetime. The world is becoming less tolerant to such unjustifiable laws and global leaders should always fear the power of the scorned.”

MORE TEA, VICAR? THE BEST of Liverpool team enjoyed a fabulous afternoon tea at Brown’s this month to celebrate eagled-eyed sub-editor Pam Bloom, notching up 25 fabulous years working with Trinity Mirror.

With delicate finger sandwiches of smoked salmon and cream cheese, cucumber, and egg and watercress, there were also traditional scones with jam and

cream as well as a selection of delicious home-made cakes including lemon drizzle cake, fruit cake, vanilla cheesecake and the naughty but most definitely nice rich chocolate cake. All washed down with a pot of tea and a glass of fizz to raise a glass to Pam’s achievement. The Brown’s Afternoon Tea is available from 2.30pm every day.

ROAD TO RIO LIVERPOOL and England striker, Robbie Fowler, launched Continental Tyre’s – official sponsors of the FIFA World Cup 2014 – Road to Rio roadshow at Albert Dock.

Visitors to the Dock had the chance to meet the LFC legend, as well as Fuleco, the Brazil 2014 mascot, send the England team a message via a unique photo booth, and test their goal scoring prowess to win official FIFA World Cup merchandise.

In the next seven weeks the Continental roadshow will visit hundreds of locations across England and give thousands of fans the chance to get involved.

KNOCK OUT TEAM FIERCE FRINGE OF FASHION AFTER wowing industry professionals with hair-raising creations, Hooka has secured an impressive six places in the forthcoming L’Oreal Colour Trophy North West Regional Final 2014.

The highly-acclaimed Liverpool hair brand, which has two city centre salons, is in the running to be crowned winner of the prestigious Men’s Image, Colour Trophy and Young Colourist awards.

Following a series of challenging hair recreations and colour tests throughout the competition finals – the style directors and colour technicians from both Hooka salons will compete amongst the UK’s finest hairdressers, in the hope of becoming the winners of all three

categories in the L’Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy awards.

The overall victors will pick up a once-ina-lifetime prize package, which includes a photoshoot in London to showcase their winning look, a day training with an experienced session stylist, a fashion shoot with Elle Magazine, as well as lunch with their hairdressing idol.

L’Oreal Professionnel senior account manager, Nichola Scott-Challinor adds: “Fashion, fun, music and hairdressing run through the veins of this amazing city and Hooka are the new breed of Liverpool cool. Both salons are truly going places as they have their eye firmly on the fashion ball.”

SPORTS stars and celebs were amongst the 300 guests who attended a glitzy charity event at the Britannia Adelphi Hotel in March.

The event, held to raise money for Kirkdale boxing club Rotunda ABC, was co-organised by exclusive jewellery designer, Lisa E Moss.

Lisa, who sponsors Rotunda ABC says: “We have so many talented young boxers at the gym that might otherwise be hanging around on street corners – but at Rotunda they thrive.

We currently have two kids that have been selected to train for Rio in 2016 along with Olympic boxer Natasha Jonas, but we need to raise funds to keep the club going.”

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 05

Fashion for her

APRIL 14

Return of the mac

RAIN OR SHINE Tan heart super-slim umbrella, £12, from Accessorize

COME rain or shine these on-trend accessories will help you spring into the new season...

Sunglasses, £15, from Next

April showers needn’t wreak havoc on your style with a classic mac in your wardrobe, says Katie McLoughlin

KIN by John Lewis heeled ankle boot in marine, £120, from John Lewis

IT’S the spring staple that makes a welcome return every year – the mac is a must-have for any style-conscious woman.

Come rain or shine, this classic cover-up is a spring essential that never goes out of fashion.

Pair with skinny jeans and a pastel shirt for a pretty weekend look, wear with a Breton-stripe top for a classic French-style or a polka dot shirt for an on-trend look. Add ankle boots or brogues on rainy days, a floral print scarf and some stylish sunglasses on bright spring days and you’re good to go – whatever the weather...

Bag, £14.99, from H&M

Ovoid mac, £60, and belt, £14, from Next

Patent brogues, £36, from Next

Butterfly silk scarf, £25, from Accessorize

Venetia trench, £749, Kaye shirt, £119, and Cora slingback, £169, from Hobbs Dolce & Gabbana polarised sunglasses, £204, from John Lewis

Short trench, £25, bleachwash ankle-grazer jeans, £14, quilted ballet pumps, £10, and tote bag, £15, from Matalan

Jonathan Saunders mac, £149, from Debenhams

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Contrast metal flap clutch, £12, from Primark

Coat, £249, bomber, £175, and trouser, £119, from Marks & Spencer

Belt trim mac, £78, from Lipsy

Aubrey Rose walking umbrella, £30, from Cath Kidston

Do you know a ‘mum in a million’?

PrizeS

The ECHO Mum of the year is your chance to recognise, reward and celebrate the best mums in Liverpool. This could be for her tireless charity work, dedication to the community, or improving the lives of others. She could be a compassionate foster carer, someone who has battled against all the odds, or is just always there when you need her.

Prize Package worth over £3000 • Family holiday to the French Riviera with Newmarket Holidays • 3 course meal for 2 & bottle of Prosecco at Alma de Cuba • VIP Tickets to ‘Once in a lifetime’ at the Echo Arena • Hair restyle & luxurious manicure at Barbara Daley Hair & Beauty • Wine tasting at Delifonseca • Makeover for you & a friend including lashes from Lkr Makeup • A year’s supply of Typhoo Gold Tea • Ti Sento translucent espresso ladies pendant from Wongs Jewellers

How to Enter To enter please complete the form below and return it to us with a separate sheet telling us in no more than 1000 words why you think the mum you are nominating deserves to win. Tell us about her and don’t forget to include what she means to you and how she has influenced your life, or the lives of others.

Closing date: Friday 25th April

Don’t forget to include a separate sheet telling us all about the mum you are nominating YOUR DETAILS...

NOMINEE DETAILS...

NAME:

NAME:

DAYTIME CONTACT:

DAYTIME CONTACT:

EMAIL:

EMAIL: ADDRESS:

ADDRESS:

POSTCODE:

POSTCODE: RELATIONSHIP TO THE NOMINEE:

Return your entry to... Email: events@liverpool.com Post: ECHO Mum of the Year, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, L69 3EB If you would like further information or need any help please call 0151 472 2826 or email eventsdepartment@liverpool.com Trinity Mirror Group companies would like to keep you informed about other events and offers. Please tick this box if you would prefer not to be contacted

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 07

Fashion for her

Best in show

Win an exclusive holiday to the Dominican Republic, this Ladies’ Day at Aintree...

LIVERPOOL ONE, official style partner of The Crabbie’s Grand National Festival 2014, is launching a competition to find the most stylish racegoer.

The Ladies’ Day Best Dressed competition will be held tomorrow and the competition is set to be judged by three of the UK’s most influential style bloggers: Prince Cassius, Fashion Influx and Two Shoes One Pair.

On Ladies’ Day, stylish racegoers will be invited to have their photograph taken in the Liverpool ONE ladies’ lounge.

The hand-picked judges will each select their 10 ‘best dressed’ racegoers from the photo entries. The 30 shortlisted will take to the catwalk, where each judge will choose their finalist. The public will then be invited to contribute to the final vote via social media and the overall winner selected.

The winner of the Ladies’ Day Best Dressed competition will be announced live tomorrow and awarded an exclusive holiday to the Dominican Republic worth £10,000, as well as receiving a £250 gift card to spend at Liverpool ONE every month for a year.

Donna Howitt, marketing and business performance director at Liverpool ONE says: “The Ladies’ Day Best Dressed competition is an iconic part of The Crabbies’ Grand National and this year Liverpool ONE is delighted to be running the event in collaboration with Aintree Racecourse.”

John Baker, Aintree and North West regional director for Jockey Club Racecourses says: “Our partnership with Liverpool ONE brings an extra dimension in the fashion stakes this year, so we are delighted to welcome them to Aintree. The Ladies’ Day Best Dressed competition is always a fantastic addition to the festival and I’m confident that this year will be even better.”

For additional information on Ladies’ Day Best Dressed competition, visit www.liverpool-one.com/ bestdressed.

Tickets and hospitality packages for The Crabbie’s Grand National Festival are available to purchase at www.thecrabbiesgrandnational.co.uk and by telephone on 0844 579 3001 and via TicketQuarter in Queen Square, or at www.ticketquarter.co.uk

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

McARTHUR Glen Cheshire Oaks is the one-stop shop for everything a girl could possibly need for the races so with this in mind, the designer outlet has come up with its own advice to guarantee being odds on favourite for the most stylish lady at the races... l Embrace the spring/summer trends.

Metallics are huge this season as are feminine florals which is set to be a key look. If you are wearing a skirt, then opt for pleats to channel the catwalk trends. l The right hat will complete a racing outfit but make sure you try on as many as possible to find the most flattering style. An asymmetrical brim compliments a rounder face while an oval face will suit almost all styles.

Pick the right colour. Whether you are going for romantic pastels or pop brights, always make sure the colour does suit you. Add some interest to your outfit with an embellished necklace or handbag. l Avoid sinking into the grass. Opt for chunky block heels or wedges rather than towering stilletoes. Midi-block heels look great in bright colours and are bang on trend this season. l Relax and have fun in your outfit.

The races are a great day out and your outfit should reflect that as well as your personality. Bring an umbrella with you in case of showers and if you’re feeling optimistic, then put a pair of sunglasses in your handbag too! l

TURNING HEADS THERE’S nothing worse than turning up to a special occasion such as a wedding or the races to discover someone wearing the same outfit or accessories as you!

When it comes to headgear, make sure you’re ahead of the fashion crowd by commissioning your own bespoke design.

Liverpool-based milliner, Janice Charles, has been creating couture hats for 10 years. Last year, she launched her new business with an amazing collection of statement hats. House of Charles creates your own unique piece to order and uses innovative techniques to create unique outstanding products.

Trained in 3D Design, product design and interior architecture, Janice worked as an architect before moving into the world of fashion.

She says: “My inspiration is all around me, from architecture, nature, interesting shapes, or even the fabric itself. I have the ability to visualise my creations without having to draw them. I can see the blue print in my head.

Winning style

When a client comes to me for a consultation to create them a bespoke piece, I love transferring their ideas into reality.

“Whether it is a more subdued design, something unique for the races that will make a statement, or a piece that acts as an extension of the outfit itself.

“I also love bridal commissions for the more adventurous bride who wants something unique and is not afraid to stand out. I’m very pleased to be able to showcase my designs on my new website.”

Janice personalises all of her hats by giving them a name although, because each one is handmade to order, it is impossible for her to make exactly the same hat twice.

She was selected to be in the final 12 out of 2,500 people who entered the national ‘Who Wants to be a Milliner?’ competition in 2010 and her hat was sold in John Lewis on Oxford Street.

Visit www.houseofcharles.co.uk

APRIL 14

Odds on favourites Make sure you are on form for the races with some last-minute styling tips from wardrobe genie Maria Blanchard at StylistaUK.com The shoes

The outfit

The aim is to look elegant, sophisticated and feminine so very tight fitting clothing, thigh skimming hemlines and bearing lots of flesh are a no-no. The length of your outfit is key and this season there are lots of lengths to suit every taste from over the knee, mid-calf and maxi lengths. A-Line shapes in separates or dresses work well for all ages. They help to disguise big hips and thighs whilst drawing in the waist.

Silk ‘Scapoli’ hat trimmed with silk and organza ruffle and five curled quills and Swarovski beads, £310, by Rosie Olivia Millinery, Woolton

The hat

This can be a huge dilemma and comes down to personal style and preference, but my general rule is to keep your hat simple or paired down if you are wearing a bold statement print or voluminous outfit If you want to wear a big, elaborate hat then make sure your outfit is nice and simple.

Classic heels elongate the legs. However to still gain the height and avoid the squelch of the muddy ground, a more favourable option would be wedges or platforms. The good news is that the latest trend for this season is flats so choose from updated ballet shoes to more formal loafers and brogues.

The accessories

Your handbag should be big enough to fit your key essentials – there’s no point taking a small purse if you end up carrying your keys and mobile phone separately. And nothing screams glamour more than a pair of oversized sunglasses. Take yours in the hope of a sunny day…

For more information on Stylista, telephone 0777 928 2499 or visit www.stylistauk.com

Juke Box (yellow), £55, from Office

Top Hat By Stephen Jones, £85, from Debenhams

Cannes statement necklace, £29, from Accessorize Silver rhinestone clip, £10, from Dorothy Perkins

LK Bennett’s Leoni Rainbow clutch, £195, from Metquarter

Cream tear drop stone bracelet, £10, from Dorothy Perkins Pale pink No.1 Jenny Packham belt with floral embellishment, £30, from Debenhams

Ewirl clutch bag, £75, from Dune

Pink Part 2 Stiletto, £15, from Matalan

Ribbon thread through gem necklace, £5, from Primark

Gold earrings, £8, from River Island

Silver sparkle loop disc, £22.50, from BHS

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 09

Beauty

Fashion at her fingertips

Katie McLoughlin meets Hannah Jones, the Liverpool beautician who’s nailing the latest trends...

FROM nails embellished with Swarovski crystals at Giles’ SS14 show to studded nails on Marc Jacobs’ catwalk and religious symbols painted onto the nails of models in House of Holland’s show – nail art was a key trend to emerge from the SS14 catwalks.

It’s a trend that’s been quick to take in Liverpool too, as Liverpool girls like to stay a step ahead of the crowd.

“Liverpool girls like to be different,” says Hannah Jones, a nail technician from Aintree who has been creating statement Scouse nail designs for years.

Hannah, who has seven years’ experience, started to experiment with nail art as a way to fuse her love of fashion and beauty. “I like to link my clothes in to my nails,” says Hannah, who creates designs for clients based on their outfit for the weekend or something they’ve seen and like.

“Liverpool girls like to be the first to do something or the only one to have a style, so I like to do designs differently for every client,” says Hannah, who is based at Nicola Harris Beauty in south Liverpool.

Hannah, who trained at Creative in St Helens, continues: “I can do nail art on acrylic using nail polish on the top, which is a cost effective way for clients to experiment with different designs as they can take the nail art off without having to have a new set of acrylics every time they want to change the style. I can also do nail art in Shellac, or put a top coat of Shellac over nail art so it’ll last.”

Her designs range from subtle to bold statements, as she explains: “I have a lot of clients who want simple, elegant nails like classic French manicure acrylics with a jewel or two on, but the more mad designs tend to be with clients who I’ve had for years who’re always trying to think of something different.”

Of course, some clients want to be more different than others, as Hannah reveals: “Creme Egg nails are the most unusual request I’ve had so far! They wanted their nails done for the Easter holiday so I used a combination of Shellac, hand-painting and embedding the Creme Egg wrapper into the acrylic to create ‘Creme Egg nails.’”

This design also came with an added bonus; “My client and I also got to eat loads of Creme Eggs before she had her nails done with the wrappers,” laughs the 23-year-old nail technician.

To book an appointment with Hannah, visit Nicola Harris Beauty, 2 Greenbank Road, Liverpool, L18 1HN, call 0151 733 3363 or tweet @Hannahnails_NHB

Show Pony package offers a galloping start GETTING ready for the races is serious business in Liverpool which is why Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols in Liverpool ONE has pulled out all the stops to ensure its fillies are on their finest form this weekend and will be open from 7am!

Its expertly created Aintree Pamper Packages ensure you’re groomed from tip-to-toe ahead of the ‘big day’. Best In Show (£240) includes a blow dry at The Electric Hair Lounge, makeover at your chosen beauty counter (£25 redeemable on product purchased

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on the day), Champagne Double Decker at Nails Inc, an eyebrow shape at Blink Brow Bar, Classic Lash Extensions at Blink Brow Bar and a glass of Champagne at The WOW Bar. Or if time is of the essence, choose the Show Pony package (£95) comprising a Champagne express manicure and pedicure at Nails Inc, blow dry at The Electric Hair Lounge or makeover at your chosen beauty counter (£25 redeemable against product bought on the day).

Meanwhile, the Martini Mani (£25) 15 minute express manicure or pedicure will ensure that your tips and toes are Aintree-ready whilst you sip a Beauty Bazaar Martini.

And if you book in for treatments and makeovers in the run up to the event (from today to Saturday, April 5) you will be served complimentary breakfast canapés, as well as a glass of Prosecco.

To book treatments, email spa manager Helen Pardoe-Mathews or call 0845 606 0342.

APRIL 14 Polka-dot press-on nails from Jameela Jamil’s Express Nails collection for Elegant Touch, RRP £7.99, from Boots

This vibrant gel-like nail varnish from British brand Bad Apple Cosmetics is non-drip, no chip, high gloss and does not contain Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP or Parabens. Plus it lasts for ages!

Priced £6.95, from badapplecosmetics.com

Barry M Coral Lip Gloss, £4.49, available in Boots and Superdrug

Spring beauty TO help you put a spring in your step, Candice Booth, local beauty expert and Avon Make-Up sales leader for Liverpool, shares her top five beauty tips for the new season.

1. Pastel pouts are huge this spring, why not opt for Ultra Colour Absolute Lipstick in Lovely Fuchsia to stay ahead of the beauty pack?

Ultra Colour Absolute Lipstick in Lovely Fuchsia, £8, from Avon

Barry M Lip Paint in Palest Lavender, £4.49, available in Boots and Superdrug

Skin deep

2. Flutter your lashes this season and try Avon’s Mega Effects Mascara, for wide-eyed panoramic volume – and not to mention fabulous lashes.

Blush, £6.50, from Avon

This spring there are two distinct schools of thought on make-up – the bold and the beautiful and pretty spring fling.

BOLD looks this season include daring nail art designs, statement lips in orange, scarlet and lilac, bright pops of colour on cheeks and bold blue eyeshadow.

For a more subtle take on spring beauty, nude and white nails are also big, while a sheer

wash of rose eyeshadow, peachy cheeks and petal pink lips offers a more pretty spring look.

Whichever trend you opt for, don’t forget the basics – with well-groomed brows and fresh, dewy skin essential whatever the season.

3. For the ultimate spring flush go for a soft pink or peach hue to suit your cheeks, don’t forget your angled blusher brush.

Angled blusher brush, £7, from Avon

Elegant Touch’s new House of Holland nail collection features geometric brights, quirky kitsch photographic prints, ice cream cones and glitter talons.

Priced from £7.99-£8.99, available in Boots

Add intense colour with a velvety soft finish with YSL’s new multi-tasking marvel – Babydoll Kiss & Blush, RRP £27, available in Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar, Liverpool ONE

4. Nail the art of pretty manis that stand out, grab your nail decoration tool and personalise those nails. Stay on-trend by trying out designs that make a statement.

Nail art tool, £3, from Avon

Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer Light contains light diffusers to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, vitamin C to even out skin tone and oil absorbers to leave your complexion smooth and shine-free, £25, from Boots and www.smashbox.co.uk

Clinique’s new Cheek Pop blushers provide sheer coverage with a vibrant colour that’s long-lasting, buildable and leaves no trace of powder on cheeks. RRP £16.50, available on Clinique counters

Give your brows instant definition and polish with Smashbox Cosmetics’ Brow Tech To Go, which has an angled, waterproof pencil at one end and a soft-hold gel with a brow brush applicator at the other. RRP £19, available from Boots

5. A natural glow can only be achieved by starting with a good moisturiser. Opt for a simple formula that’s kind to your skin!

ANEW Vitale Day Cream, £19.50, from Avon

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eye Liner in Black Ink, RRP £17, from John Lewis

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

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Salon spotlight

A girly treat Michelle Rushton takes her mum to Urban Calm in the Metquarter for some Mother’s Day pampering I DON’T get to see much of my mum as she lives two hours away in Anglesey so I invited her up to Liverpool for Mother’s Day. And what better way to spend some precious time together than a luxurious pamper day? We headed to Urban Calm Inner City Spa in the Metquarter for some uninterrupted bliss and bonding.

The spa’s Mums and Daughters Girly Treat package was the perfect way to unwind.

On arrival, we were welcomed by the team of friendly therapists who brought us a coffee while we filled in an extensive consultation form about our skin and health in general and explained about the Dermalogica products which they would be using on us which are free from irritants, artificial colours and fragrances and not tested on animals.

They also asked us if we had any problem areas we would like them to work on. I explained how, due to working on a computer at my desk all day, my shoulders were feeling so tense, they

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Sharon Doyle and Nicola Byrne, owners of Urban Calm Inner City Spa

were up by my ears! So the therapist recommended a back neck and shoulder massage. Meanwhile my mum was worried about her ‘laughter lines,’ so she opted for a Dermalogica facial.

Next, we were invited to the treatment rooms. I disrobed and snuggled under warm fluffy blankets on the bed. My therapist decided to give me a hot lava shell massage on my back, neck and shoulders.

She poured warm hydrating oils onto my back which felt so good I could feel my knotted muscles start to melt into

submission. She then set to work releasing the tension, using smooth heated tiger clam shells from the Tropics to perform an intense, deep tissue massage. She applied just the right amount of pressure without causing any pain and I felt myself relaxing and letting go, to the point where I nearly nodded off!

Then, the therapist turned her attention to my face. She carried out face mapping skin analysis to look at the condition of my skin and diagnose any areas of concern. She noted breakout areas on my forehead, dilated capillaries on my nose and sensitive areas on my chin and cheeks and recommended Dermalogica products to improve the health of my skin.

She then performed a facial to calm, soothe and replenish my skin, using oils to clear my sinuses, as I was suffering from a cold. I emerged feeling calmer and invigorated and best of all – unknotted! Plus my skin was positively glowing.

I rejoined my mum who had been enjoying a facial and luxury manicure and admired her freshly painted talons

WHERE IS IT?

Urban Calm is situated on the Upper Tier of the Metquarter, 35 Whitechapel, Liverpool, L1 6DA

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Urban Calm offers a range of spa and beauty treatments from facials and massages to waxing, tanning, lashes, manicures, pedicures and much more.

It is home to a Dermalogica Skin Bar where skin therapists can prescribe personal treatments tailor made to your skin and its needs.

CONTACT:

Telephone 0151 236 0537 email info@urbancalmuk.com www.urbancalmuk.com

before we both settled down in the massaging pedicure ‘thrones’ – flicking through magazines and sipping Buck’s Fizz while we bathed our tootsies in the relaxing foot spa.

This was followed by a thorough pedicure as the therapist groomed our feet, tending to our nails and cuticles before applying gel polish.

We left the spa feeling perfectly groomed and energised with a goody bag of Dermalogica products our therapist had prescribed for us and are already planning our next visit!

Urban Calm’s Mums and Daughters Girly Treat package takes an hour and a half and costs £110 for two people.

Hair & beauty

APRIL 14

Retro style that’s right now As the 2014 Crabbie’s Grand National canters into Aintree Racecourse, fillies throughout the city are preening themselves in preparation for the stylish event of the year, Ladies’ Day. This do it yourself guide from Russell and Brown shows you how to get perfect forties hair up, complete with a chic chignon roll. Follow these easy steps to wow the crowds and get lucky!

Step 1 Section the hair starting with an oblong on top of the head from crown to hairline. Then section an oblong on each side of both ears, leaving one large back section from crown to nape.

Step 2 Curl the top oblong section forwards and two side sections on either side of the head.

Step 3 Clip the curls from the top oblong section in a barrel shape to the head and allow to cool completely. Then twist the curls from each side panel section into small buns and clip to the side of the head.

Step 4 Moving to the back of the head, line up a fine slice of the back section lifting hair up above the head and backcomb from midlengths to roots as show to gain height and volume around the back of the head. Continue for the whole section.

Step 5 Collect the backcombed hair and smooth over the outside layer, being careful not to take out your back combing and form into your chignon shape, curling the hair underneath itself to create a large barrel at the neck and securing with Kirby grips and hair spray.

Step 6 Once you’ve secured your chignon roll at the back, release the curls from each side panel. Take a small piece from each side of the chignon at the bottom of the hairline and cross over to the opposite side, creating a ribbon-like effect. Secure these pieces discretely with Kirby grips and spray.

Step 7 Take each remaining curl from the back two side panels and roll up, pin-

ning each curl flat to the back of the head as desired, and spray as you to go secure.

Step 8 With the front left hand section continue to roll up each curl and pin flat to the head as before, working round from the back to the front of the head.

Step 9 Take the barreled top section and the front right hand side section, and combine the two by sweeping together across the top of the head, to form a large victory roll. Secure this on the top of the head with Kirby grips and spray. If you have a side fringe, sweep to one side and secure with Kirby grips.

Step 10 Now to customise your Russell and Brown’s vintage hair up, fix your favourite fascinator to the front of the head and secure with pins!

Hair by: Amy Russell and Carl Brown, directors/stylists of Russell and Brown’s Vintage Hair Photography: Ben Roberts photography Model: Jasmine Rooney

GET A HEAD START ART-DIRECTOR, Cheryl Coburn of Williams & Coburn Hair Company on Aigburth Road has designed a glamorous yet edgy look with a Gwen Stefani influence for the races this year.

She says: “If your hair is wavy or curly, blow it out first. Your goal is to create some quick, soft curls from the middle to the ends of your hair so you look dishevelled as opposed to polished.

“Divide your hair into four sections. Curl each sections with tongs, placing the mid-length hair around the barrel and spray with a memory spray like Bumble & Bumble spray de mode.

“Take a parting far over along the temple to the crown, and use a bristle brush like a Mason Pearson brush to pull out the curl, and brush out to the sides rather than down.

“After each brush, run fingers through hair with a little wax, like Bumble & Bumble styling wax or Brilliantine. Give a final spritz with memory spray and go!”

For the golden 1940s smokey eyes, Cheryl advises: “Use a primer on your eyelid before applying the eyeshadow and use good quality shadows, like mac or Illamasqua, with three eyeshadow shades from light to dark.

“Use the lightest colour on the brow bone. Take the second lightest eyeshadow and apply on the inner corner of the eye until about three thirds across the lid.

“Take the darkest coloured eyeshadow and apply it on the outer corner of the eye.

“Blend with a brush to obtain a uniform transition from one colour to the other.

“Apply the darker colour over the outer corner of the lighter eyeshadow continuing up towards the outer corner of the eye.

“Take a liquid eyeliner and draw a fine smooth line on your upper lid starting close to your lashes, going from the inner towards the outer corner of the eye.

“Curl your eyelashes and apply plenty of mascara.”

Williams & Coburn is offering a Grand National Ladies package today, Thursday, April 3 to Saturday, April 5. A hair up or blow dry and full make up is £35, plus the salon will be serving macarons from The Little Macaron Shop and Champagne and every lady will receive a goody bag.

To book call 0151 427 6333 or visit www.williamsandcoburnhaircompany.co.uk

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Healthy eating Retired professional footballer Neil Robinson says vegan is the way to go

Vegan diet full of raw power

Food for sport Sue Kelbrick meets Neil Robinson, ex-Everton footballer and virtuous vegan...

I COULD spend hours droning on about the benefits of being a vegetarian and/ or vegan and even then, you would probably still need further convincing.

But let’s say a professional footballer started extolling the virtues of a plantbased diet and you might well sit up and listen. After all you can’t get fitter than a professional footballer, right?

Well ex-Everton footballer, Neil Robinson is doing just that. He became a vegetarian at the age of 13 and never looked back.

Four years later, he signed as a professional player to his beloved Everton and after moving to Swansea City in 1980, Neil decided to go the whole hog and become a vegan.

He retired in 1990 and was a vegetarian/vegan throughout his entire professional playing career. Neil was the first known player to demonstrate that a vegan diet could actually be an aid to being a professional football player at the top level.

Neil is passionate about the benefits of a vegan diet and is taking part in the forthcoming vegan lifestyle show, Live a Better Life (LABL) fair which is coming to St George’s Hall on April 12.

He hopes to inspire others to follow his lead and he talks with great feeling about the benefits of veganism, saying: “I’ve lived on a vegan diet for over 34 years, that’s 60% of my life, and I am fit, healthy and well. I played professional

football as a vegan for 10 years of my career.

“It is my personal belief that animal foods are the main cause of a multitude of health problems including heart disease, strokes, cancer, Alzheimers, diabetes, asthma, arthritis and osteoporosis, to name a few. So why would I feel the need to pollute my body with meat, fish and dairy products when I already have what I see as a truly balanced diet?”

Neil Robinson is taking part in a nationwide tour to demonstrate his belief that plant-based diets are beneficial to longevity and well-being but without undermining fitness and performance. In his opinion, he is living, breathing proof that a vegan/vegetarian diet works.

He has teamed up with Live A Better Life (LABL) and VegFest UK, organisers of some of the Europe’s biggest vegan festivals, and will be appearing at St George’s Hall on April 12 for the LABL Fair Liverpool.

For more information visit www.labl.org.uk or vegfest.co.uk

A healthier way to take-away YOU would think the phrase ‘healthy take away’ was a contradiction in terms but not any more thanks to local lad, Dan Kirkham, who has come up with the ultimate food delivery service which brings healthy eating right to your door.

With a background in personal training and food preparation, Dan is passionate about ‘eating clean’ which, in a nutshell, means eating foods in their most natural state.

This means no wheat, minimal dairy, raw fruit and vegetables, no processed food, nothing artificial, minimal salt and no alcohol.

Sounds pretty healthy right? But that doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on taste or flavour. Dishes included in Dan’s ComplEAT Clean service could be salmon and egg oatcakes for breakfast, turkey satay for lunch and even

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tasty fish and chips with spinach for dinner.

And, even better, you are allowed snacks such as cocoa and orange brownies or date and coconut energy balls.

Dan is excited about launching his new service in Liverpool saying: “One of the reasons I started ComplEAT Clean is to educate people.

“So many people think that eating low fat foods, margarine, diet drinks and ‘sugar free’ foods are good for you but in my opinion that just isn’t the case. I wanted to bring an easy, simple and cost-effective way of eating healthily to the market and hopefully change people’s lives.”

Facebook: ComplEAT Clean Twitter: @complEAT CLEAN

Dan Kirkham of ComplEAT Clean

FOR the ultimate in good health, a growing number of people are advocating the benefits of a raw vegan diet. This is a diet that combines the concepts of veganism and raw foodism, which excludes all food and products of animal origin and food cooked at a temperature above 48 degrees Celsius. Many vegans opt for a diet that is 80% raw.

With more and more people in Liverpool advocating this diet, raw vegan, Gill Torres decided to organise her own evening for other enthusiasts. Liverpool Uncooked: Raw Food Friday is the city’s first raw vegan feast night and is held on the last Friday of each month at Siren restaurant in the Baltic Triangle.

The event has been a huge success with the restaurant packed out every month. Diners include dedicated vegans as well as some committed carnivores keen to try out this food phenomenon for themselves.

Tasty tapas dishes include courgette pasta, buckwheat pizza with cashew cheese and sprouted chickpea falafel. The highlight of the last event was the dessert of raspberry mojito cheesecake.

Gill says: “There is a large vegan community in Liverpool and with the exception of a few great restaurants, they are largely under served. If you eat raw – forget it.

“The food is fantastic – much more exciting than people might think – but nobody in Liverpool was serving it, so we decided to fill that gap. By hosting these nights we also hope to offer people who perhaps haven’t eaten these foods before, the opportunity to try something tasty and new.”

If you would like to receive an invitation to the next Liverpool Uncooked event, email liverpooluncooked@gmail.com For raw vegan recipes and information on the lifestyle, check out www.rainbowcityuk.com

Fashion for him

APRIL 14

Jean genie

Love it or hate it, double denim is back. Luke Trevaskis shows us how to work the look

Denim jacket with acid wash, £40, from ASOS

DOUBLE denim has always been given a lot of stick. Yes, there are countless public fashion crimes committed in its name but these don’t totally have to destroy its credibility.

It’s time we forget about double denim’s checkered past of misfortunes and navigate around the hazards of this polarising look.

We turned to Liverpool style-guru Luke Trevaskis for direction on how to pull off the double denim look.

He says: “I will show you four looks to bring your shades of blue bang up to date, making sure you never again resemble Danny from The Script!

He advises: “Everything in moderation.

Always opt for slim-fit. Never try triple denim!”

Look TWO

Look One Contrast shades

Superdry sunglasses, £49, from My Optique Group

Luke advises: “The most effective way to pull off double denim, no matter what your shape or size, is to go for contrasting tones.

The difference in shades make it simpler to pull off the look, with the various washes drawing focus away from the likeness of the fabrics.

“I would always opt for a deeper hue (bordering on black) for your jacket choice, coupled with brighter wash jeans.

“The timeless white crew neck T-shirt plays a perfect role in this look and a pair of retro shades will make you good to go.”

Shirt and jeans

Bronx Contrast Collar Chambray shirt, £85, from Reiss Men’s Twisted Soul cobalt slim fit denim jeans, £32.99, from Blue Inc

Look THREE

Says Luke: “If you want to push the boat out with your foray into double denim, replace the jacket with a shirt but instead of choosing a darker number – always go lighter and look for something with as much detail as possible. This will keep you looking fresh when paired with grey-white jeans.

“You can always throw on a leather jacket for good measure if you want to go for the Made In Chelsea look.”

Injecting colour Luke declares: “Colour has proven itself as the most important element in a modern metrosexual’s wardrobe.

“The domination of monochrome and subtle tones is nearing its end and nowhere is colour more welcome than residing in the double denim kingdom.

“For the more daring, go for a bright colour such as an electric yellow.

“Burgundy is a great alternative for the individuals who prefer a more versatile hue.”

Super skinny burgundy jeans, £25, from ASOS Denim shirt, £25, from Burton 1971 Virgil leather bombar jacket, £395, from Reiss

Denim shorts, £20, from Next

Denim quilted shorts, £45, from Topman

Look FOUR

Double denim cut-up Suggests Luke: “Put a spin on double denim by moving away from the traditional jeans and jacket/ shirt recipe and towards something more unorthodox.

“For this look we’ve braved the elements and gone for shorts with a denimchambray twist. Not your everyday denim piece, that’s for sure.”

Skinny jeans, £20, from Topman Spearmint Stulip shirt, £120, from Diesel Solid burgundy long sleeve denim shirt, £30, from Topman Denim & Chambray shorts, £25, from Burton

Belt, £14, from Burton

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

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Animal attractions

Michelle Rushton meets Liverpool’s own lion queen, Ava Brennan who is starring in The Lion King

AS the Lion King comes to The Liverpool Empire in May, there has been a stampede of theatregoers eager to get their claws on tickets.

The multi-award winning stage musical version of the Disney movie classic is the biggest musical production ever to tour the UK and it has certainly caused a roar of excitement in the city.

A spectacular visual feast, this adaptation of Disney’s classic film will transform The Empire’s stage into the majesty of the Serengeti Plains.

Audiences will be transported to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and the evocative rhythms of Africa. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

And alongside him will be courageous lioness Nala played by talented Liverpool performer, Ava Brennan.

Best of Liverpool recently had the chance to meet Ava and some of the main cast members as they popped into the city to give the local media a sneak preview of the show.

Ava has been a member of the cast for the last four years in Germany and the West End, but she’s most excited about performing in her home city.

The actress, from Bootle, says: “It’s the first time I will have performed at the Empire and my family and friends will all be coming so I can’t wait!”

Ava’s own cub, her two-year-old son will also be in the audience watching his mummy playing the part of Nala, Simba’s childhood friend and confidante.

The Bootle-born actress confides: “I first saw The Lion King in Hamburg and I knew I wanted to play the part of Nala – she has such strength and I can relate to her in many ways. I was told I had won the role after my first audition and it was a dream come true!”

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Ava had her sights set on a career on the stage from an early age. The former Belvedere girls’ school pupil trained at the Loretta Legge Theatre School in Maghull.

A trained dancer, specialising in ballet, modern dance and tap, Ava later joined the National Youth Music Theatre, appearing on stage in London aged 15 in Oklahoma.

Since then she’s had the lion’s share of roles in shows such as Aida, Hairspray and The Count of Monte Cristo before winning the part of Nala.

So what can we look forward to in the show?

Ava reveals: “It’s such a unique story, so visual and expansive and will appeal to everyone from adults to children, it’s a show the whole family can enjoy.”

After chatting to the cast, the media were taken to the stage where they enjoyed a short film of how the musical was put together including insights into how the puppets and masks and elaborate costumes were designed, before being treated to a few songs from the show.

From what we saw, the musical looks set to be a roaring success!

The Lion King is at the Liverpool Empire from May 15 to July 5. To book tickets visit The Empire Box Office, call 0844 871 3017 or go to www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

Photos: Andrew Teebay

The lion queen

APRIL 14

Michelle Rushton and her family go wild at Knowsley Safari Park...

WITH all this talk of The Lion King coming to town, my own little cubs were eager to see some big cats for real.

So I took my pride for a truly wild day out at Knowsley Safari Park. One of the North West’s major attractions, the park offers a safari space covering 550-acres, where you can get up close and personal to over 700 wild animals including zebras, lions, tigers, boisterous baboons, white rhinos, and much more.

On entering the park, we decided to embark on the Safari Drive where we firstly spotted lots of deer or ‘Bambis’ as my five and two-year-old like to call them, as well as rhea and a Bactrian Camel.

Before long, we spotted tigers, cape hunting dogs and a pair of Iberian wolves named Maria and Morena which recently arrived from Gaia Zoo in Holland and are the first wolves to live at the park in its 42 year history.

Then it was the moment the kids had been waiting for as we drove close to the majestic African lions lazing in the sun. The children were truly mesmerised especially when one strolled right past our car. It was truly breathtaking to be so close to such magnificent creatures and hear them roar.

Next we spotted a wide variety of beasts and birds, from bongo and emu to antelopes and oryx.

We rather bravely chose to shun the ‘car friendly route’ in a bid to get a closer look at the baboons in their glory. Who needs windscreen wipers anyway?! And a few did choose to hitch a ride with us, much to the children’s amusement, including a mother and her tiny baby clinging on for dear life.

Luckily, our car escaped intact and we were soon brushing past ostriches and white rhinos, cape buffalos and wildebeest.

As the Safari Drive came to an end, we parked up and stretched our legs in the Walkaround Area, craning our necks to look up to the giant giraffes and gazing fondly at the elephants plodding around their enclosure.

We chuckled at the sea lions showing off their tricks in the pool, marvelled at the Flight of the Talons birds of prey display and venture into the nocturnal forest to see the Egyptian Fruit Bats, before boarding the Equatorial Express, an exciting train ride around the natural Mizzy Lake where we saw water loving tapir, capybara and sitatunga.

Then we let the kids loose to explore the playground and rides while we sat back and enjoyed a well earned cuppa. It was a fabulous family day out and the kids can’t wait to go again!

ON SAFARI

Knowsley Safari Park is hosting some great events for children over the Easter holidays. From April 15-17, they can take part in Zoo School, an exciting three day kids club for children aged 12-14 who can qualify as a Knowsley Safari Junior Ranger. Over the three days, the children can experience life as an animal keeper, conservationist and zoologist, meeting the sea lions, mucking out the rhinos, feeding the giraffe and much more. From April 5 - 27 visitors to the Safari can save 25% if they book their tickets online. Regular admission: adults £16.50, children (315) £12.50, under threes free of charge; online prices: £12.30, children £9.30, under threes free of charge.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

17

GIT Awards

THE MERSEY MUSIC PRIZE As the rest of the UK watches on, it’s almost time to reveal which local artist has won this year’s GIT Award. Paul Baker counts down the nominees CAN you hear it? The GIT Award is prowling near.

On April 11, almost a year on from the electric eclectic happenings of GIT 2013, it will be time to crown the new kings or queens of the Mersey music scene.

Last time out at Leaf on Bold Street, Baltic Fleet walked off with the big prize and helped themselves to a £1,000 cash prize along with a slot at London’s Meltdown festival, curated by none other than Yoko Ono. GIT stands for Getintothis – the title of ECHO journalist Peter Guy’s blog, which has covered our booming local music scene for eight years now: www.getintothis.co.uk Last year’s award was certainly noticed around the UK, with the likes of the NME covering it and Peter appearing on BBC Radio 6 Music to promote it.

Now that the country has an eye firmly fixed on a resurgent Liverpool scene, the GIT Award 2014 looks set to deliver a set of rather special artists to the nation’s attention.

For 2014, the award ceremony will take place at The Kazimier for the first time. The Wolstenholme Square venue promises a unique atmosphere, a decadent

All We Are

Circa Waves

Dan Croll FROM budding Merseyside songwriter to emerging global pop star, Dan Croll’s meteoric rise has been unstoppable during the last 12 months.

Endorsed by Paul McCartney, Dan has headlined tours on both sides of the Atlantic, racked up four million online plays, featured on Radio 1 and 6 Music, while his music appeared on recent games Grand Theft Auto V and FIFA 2014. www.dancroll.com

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ELLESMERE Port producer Joshua Leary, aka Evian Christ, was discovered in 2011 through a series of dark electronic tracks he uploaded to YouTube which spread like wildfire over the internet in a single day.

Signing to Brooklyn’s Tri Angle Records, his first mixtape led to Leary co-writing and producing a track for Kanye West. www.facebook.com/evianchrist

Ex-Easter Island Head THIS Liverpool collective, driven by Aigburth multi-instrumentalist Benjamin Duvall, uses electric guitars struck with percussion mallets!

They’ve performed both as a small collective and large ensemble with commissions from World Museum Liverpool, The British Cultural Olympiad and Tokyo Experimental Festival. www.exeasterislandhead.com

All We Are

Mad Brains

Bill Ryder-Jones

MAD Brains is the guise of 21-year-old emerging hip hop artist Cameron Toman.

Schooled in the North West, Toman learnt his craft in Liverpool, cutting his teeth on the live circuit before garnering international recognition. www.madbrains.bandcamp.com

Ninetails PHILIP Morris, Jake King and Washington DC’s Jordan Balaber are Liverpool-based trio Ninetails.

Having formed in 2012, the band has evolved from a math-pop quartet to their current, fully realised sound, blending expansive orchestration, field-recordings, idiosyncratic samples and concrete textures. www.facebook.com/ninetailsband Photo: Andrew Ellis

IN a little over six months, Kieran Shudall, Sian Plummer, Sam Rourke and Joe Falconer, aka Circa Waves have become a UK music sensation. From the bedroom demos of singer/guitarist Shudall to being championed by Radio 1’s Zane Lowe as the hottest band in the world, life’s been a whirlwind for this Liverpool quartet. www.facebook.com/CircaWaves

Evian Christ

Mad Brains

Photo: Andrew Ellis

NORWEGIAN bassist Guro Gikling, Irish drummer Richard O’Flynn and Brazilian guitarist Luis Santos formed in 2011 while studying at LIPA. The trio’s rhythmic grooves and irresistible pop melodies drew praise in NME and the Guardian. Their efforts were rewarded when they signed to Domino Records’ imprint Double Six. www.facebook.com/thisisallweare

design scheme and some unmissable set piece spectacles, alongside live performances from some of the shortlisted acts at the invite-only event. Plus there are 50 passes to the event to be won by surfing over to The Kazimier’s website: www.thekazimier.co.uk Dubbed the ‘Scouse Mercury Prize’ the award aims to recognise significant local artistic achievement across a range of musical styles. The shortlist was selected by respected Merseyside music leaders alongside national music industry figures including former Creation Records’ boss Alan McGee, 6 Music’s Camilla Pia, and Guardian journalist Jude Rogers.

Alongside the main prize, an Inspiration Award, recognising services to Liverpool’s music industry will be presented.

New for this year, an under-18 artist will receive the One To Watch prize, receiving studio time at Liverpool’s legendary Parr Street Studios, mentoring from sponsors Merseyside Arts Foundation and a slot at the Liverpool International Music Festival.

So, without further ado, here are the 12 acts battling it out for the 2014 GIT gong...

THIS West Kirby songwriter began his musical career as lead guitarist of The Coral and was the touring guitarist on Arctic Monkeys’ recent arena tour. Signed to Domino Records, Ryder-Jones draws influences from contemporary cinema and the classic songwriting canon. www.dominorecordco.com/artists/ bill-ryder-jones-/

Tea Street Band JAMES Albertina, Dominic Allen, Nicholas Otaegui, Lee Smith and Timo Tierney are The Tea Street Band. Marrying Photo: Mark McNulty acid house, Balearic beats and shimmering guitar-flecked rock and roll, they’ve been a staple on the Merseyside live circuit for two years. www.facebook.com/TeaStreetBand

Forest Swords

VEYU

THE alter-ego of Wirral producer Matthew Barnes, Sasha Forest Swords has garnered unanimous acclaim from both sides of the Atlantic in little over two years. His textured, gauzy music is as indebted to the region’s rich musical heritage as it is the windswept and beautiful coastal environment from which it was born. www.forestswords.tumblr.com

WIRRAL quartet VEYU are Adam Bresnen, Thomas McCabe, Chris Beesley, Donovan Collins and James Tidd. In six short months they’ve set Merseyside alight with a soundscape underpinned by glorious, reverbdrenched hooks and soaring harmonies. www.facebook.com/weareveyu

Outfit OUTFIT are a Liverpool based art rock group who released their debut album Performance in 2013 to widespread critical acclaim. Their music takes the style and poise of new wave, the clatter of collaged electronica and articulates a very modern sense of ennui. www.everynightidressupasyou.com

What’s on

APRIL 14

APRIL looks set to spring some must-attend events on the city – Paul Baker rounds them up!

BY NIGHT

BY DAY SCIENCE FICTION @ FACT

IT’S not all little green men and flying saucers in the science fiction field. Running until June, FACT’s new exhibition explores how our relationship with technology has blurred the lines between the real and the virtual; making our everyday lives feel increasingly like science fiction!

Taking author JG Ballard as an influence, the exhibition explores technological dystopias and the growth of the cult community. Award-winning British science fiction author, China Miéville, and those arty folks from The Kazimier are heavily involved too, plus there’s a programme of top sci-fi movies to enjoy! www.fact.co.uk/sciencefictionseason

LIVERPOOL DOES VINTAGE THE grand setting of Liverpool Town Hall is the venue for the first ever ‘Liverpool Does Vintage’ this month.

Taking place on Saturday, April 26, from 10.30am, expect hand-picked vintage stallholders offering a wealth of knowledge gained from years of experience with each one bringing quality, affordable vintage clothing, jewellery and kitchenalia. Don’t miss the vintage tearoom, a pop-up beauty parlour, live music and much more – all for just £2! www.britaindoesvintage.co.uk www.facebook.com/liverpooldoesvintage

DOCK WALKS

DISCOVER the Albert Dock anew by joining one of the new guided walks along the waterfront destination.

On now and continuing throughout the year, the 90 minute Albert Dock Walk will be taken in the company of Liverpool City Walks who will enlighten visitors with facts about the waterfront docks, why Liverpool became a UNESCO World Heritage city, and more about the famous emblems of our city.

The walk starts at the Tourist Information Centre (TIC), Anchor Courtyard, Albert Dock, 2pm daily. Tickets cost £10 per adult, £5 for children (aged 5-15), and are available from the TIC or online at www.liverpoolcitywalks.com

ICE SPECTACULAR DISNEY’S favourite characters skated in to ECHO Arena Liverpool this week.

Feld Entertainment’s action-packed ice spectacular, Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy, whisks audiences on a captivating adventure to four magical locations, including the auto-racing terrain of Cars and a visit to Andy’s bedroom for some fun with the stars of Toy Story 3.

This production delights audiences with a journey under the sea to Ariel’s world from The Little Mermaid and then into the mystical land of Pixie Hollow for a presentation of Tinker Bell.

The show takes place until Saturday, April 6. To book tickets call the ECHO Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com

SANCHO PANZA

QUIRKY and unmissable events like this are the reason we love living in Liverpool so much!

From 7.30pm on April 17, the Kazimier will be the venue for Sancho Panza – a night combining music, wrestling and writing!

Local creative crew, The Wild Writers, have invited some of the city’s fastest, strongest and most nimble-fingered writers to enter the literary wrestling ring, and battle it out for the title of Sancho Panza World Heavyweight Champion. The masked writers will face each other one-on-one to write the ultimate short story in five minutes. The stories will be projected live for all to read and keep up with the action, each round being decided by independent judges.

Between rounds there will be amazing live Mexican-style wrestling to enjoy with live music from the band Spanish Announcement Team who specialise in wrestling intro cover songs! Tickets are just £4 in advance from seetickets.com. wildwriters.co.uk/sancho-panza

SNØKRYSTALL

LIVERPOOL, prepare yourself for an evening of ethereal sounds and visual wonderment in the beautiful surroundings of The Scandinavian Church on Park Lane.

Scandinavian noir might be all the rage on our TVs these days, but the city’s Scandi-influences will be showcased in an extraordinary night of music this Friday, April 4.

MUST DO MUST SEE...

MUST TRY...

ONE of 2013’s most critically-acclaimed plays as it comes to the new Liverpool Everyman this month.

David Greig’s The Events runs from Tuesday, April 8 to Saturday, April 12. The production uses a soaring soundtrack sung by an onstage local choir and explores how a small community copes and moves on in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy. The Events will include a different local choir drawn from different parts of Merseyside at each performance. www.everymanplayhouse.com

‘BE Bop A Lula’ – a brand new rock’n’roll show celebrating the lives and music of legendary rockers Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury and Roy Orbison.

Premiering at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre on Friday and Saturday, April 4-5, the audience will be treated to engaging performances from four incredible performers backed by an amazing band. Songs such as Summertime Blues, Blue Jean Bop, C’mon Everybody and Be Bop A Lula will have you rocking in your seat and screaming along for the duration! www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk

MUST DO...

MUST REMEMBER...

THIS completely unique one off event. Waiting outside The Pilgrim pub, Pilgrim Street, on Friday, April 11 at 8pm will be four costumed actors, arms open, ready to greet you! They will take you around the Georgian Quarter of Liverpool relating amazing factual and historic stories. After the walk The Pilgrim’s private event room, themed in Victoriana, will host a macabre event about Liverpool’s gruesome past!

Tickets are £5.

Book online: pilgrim.bpt.me or call 0800 411 8881.

Facebook: LionheartParanormalInvestigators

HOT Water Comedy Club is launching on Thursday, April 24 at The Florrie in Toxteth.

Set to be a right roaring laugh, The Hot Water Comedy Club presents Boiling Point, featuring some of the finest professional comedians on the comedy circuit around today, tomorrow and maybe even the day after that! Kicking off at 8pm, tickets are £6, or £4 for NUS. For more information visit www.theflorrie.org or telephone 0151 728 2323.

WIN

Silent Cities, Ragz Nordset, Henry Pulp & The Sons Electric, will be providing the captivating soundscapes, allied to artist and designer Wunderkammer’s amazing visuals.

There’s DJ sets from X-Ray Katt and Beaten Tracks too, and the event has the Mellowtone & Rebel Soul seal of approval.

Doors open at 7pm and tickets are £8 on the door. Bring your own drink! http://skdl.it/NdMAyg

ONLY CHILD ALBUM LAUNCH

TALENTED singer-songwriter and exTrestles frontman Alan O’Hare’s new outfit Only Child release their debut album ‘From Muddy Water To Higher Ground’ on Crosstown Records on Saturday, April 26.

They mark its release with a gig at The Zanzibar on Seel Street, joined by the Liva String Quartet. O’Hare says of the album: “The acoustic guitars and strings are there – but there are also flutes, horns, drum machines and all sorts of funny keyboard and organ noises too. There were no rules making the album - just whatever suited the song.”

Only Child plus special guests; Saturday, April 26, Zanzibar, Seel Street, from 7.30pm, tickets £5 in advance. www.youtube.com/onlychildmusic

TICKETS FOR THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN

CELEBRATING 50 years of UK number one hit singles, the Magic of Motown brings its brand-new 2014 REACH OUT Tour to The Liverpool Empire this Saturday, April 5 from 8pm.

Featuring songs like Dancing in the Street, My Girl, Where Did Our Love Go, My Guy and Baby Love, this hit show comes direct from the USA, and promises five-star performances that will authentically revive the style and sophistication of the Motor City’s legendary artists.

Expect classic hits from the Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and The Supremes packed into the two-hour spectacular, complete with dazzling dance moves and glittering costumes galore!

As many Motown legends are either no longer with us or no longer touring, The Magic of Motown is the nearest you’ll get to authentically capturing their incredible musical legacy in a live show.

Tickets are priced £25 and available from liverpoolempire.org.uk or by calling 0844 871 3017.

Best of Liverpool has two pairs of tickets to give away to this superb show. For a chance to win answer the following: Name an act from the world-famous Motown record label...

Send your response via email to: magazine@liverpool.com with the subject ‘Motown Competition’. Please include your name and a contact number. The deadline for entries is Friday, April 4, at 1pm.

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Homegrown talent Photos: Colin Lane

Bootle beau gets juicy Sarah Hooley talks sun, sea and swapping Magaluf for Merseyside with Imogen Townley, the latest member of 107.6 Juice FM's Big Breakfast show...

WITH her over-sized bows and bubbly personality, 23-year-old Imogen Townley won the hearts of many viewers on ITV2's The Magaluf Weekender.

And now, with a new role as presenter on 107.6 Juice FM's Big Breakfast Show, the loveable Liverpool lass is winning over thousands of Merseyside listeners too.

"I am literally still pinching myself," she says with a huge smile on her face.

“I honestly couldn't believe it [when they asked me to be a presenter], I was so overwhelmed that they'd even considered me and when they offered it to me, I was grinning from ear to ear. The team at Juice, from day one, have just been so warm and welcoming.

Obviously it's a completely different industry to TV but they've helped me every step of the way, guiding me. You know, if I ever have a little wobble or think 'can I do this?', they've always encouraged me on so I'm very lucky to have become part of the team.

“It's very rare,” she continues, “that you can get a job where your job title is to be yourself. So to be able to come into work and have them say, right, today you're going to be yourself for four hours is absolutely amazing.

“And,” the starstruck presenter adds with glee, “I can't complain about interviewing a few celebrities! It's only over the phone, but oh my god it's amazing. I'm very Scouse, I love my city and [this] is definitely one of the biggest achievements of my life.”

Speaking of being Scouse, Imogen,

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like any Liverpudlian-girl, loves fashion, and one accessory in particular – the bow. Be them sequinned, floral or neon, the fledgling radio presenter can't get enough of them.

“One girl actually made me a bow which I wore for my dad's 50th birthday party,” she says excitedly, “and she named it after me on her ASOS account so you could actually buy a bow called the Imogen! Now loads of people tweet me pictures of their dogs in bows, their kids in bows, their boyfriends in bows!

I've had a little break from them at the moment with the winter, but they're all still there in their own massive drawer.”

Imogen, from Bootle, started her career doing promotional work for some of Magaluf's biggest nightclubs

before joining the cast of The Magaluf Weekender in 2012. A fly-on the wall reality TV show, The Magaluf Weekender captures the antics of young revellers as they spend a weekend in the aforementioned party resort. It doesn't just follow the guests' experience though.

The show also documents the lives of the four holiday reps – Imogen, Jordan, Ali and Tobi – charged with looking after the tourists. And, with plenty of booze, sun-kissed shenangians and laugh out loud narration from stand-up comic Joe Lycett, the programme has proved a winning formula.

So does she miss the sun, sand and sangria? "Do you know what, I think no-one can deny they hate the rain. It took me so long to buy a coat when I first came back because I'm anti-coats. I'm not even joking!,” Imogen laughs. “My dad was like 'you need a coat' and dragged me to Debenhams at Christmas, but I don't like them, they just don't suit me!

It's one of those things though, you just adapt. If you love the job you're doing and you're happy where you are, I think it compensates for that. If it turned out now that I'm never ever ever going to go back to Magaluf I'd be happy because I feel like I've achieved so much. Juice FM, career-wise, for me, is that next step and this is a new adventure – and I'm always up for a new adventure.”

The early mornings on the other hand are taking a bit of getting used to. “It is literally a role reversal,” laughs the star who's more used to going to bed, rather than getting up for work, at 5am. “But

you know, if it's something that you love – and I have absolutely fallen in love with radio already – it's something that you'll drag yourself out of bed for no matter what.”

The door isn't closed on Spain just yet though: “We don't know yet [if they'll be another series of The Magaluf Weekender],” she explains, “and I haven't made a decision whether, if I got it, I'd go back or not but Juice have always been 100% supportive.”

And what about Imogen's relationship with the show's resident bad-boy Jordan?

At the end of series three, viewers watched in despair as Imogen discovered Jordan, her best friend on the show and sometimes beau, had hooked up with fellow colleague Ali earlier in the season.

Totes emosh. So have they made up?

"You'd think after the end of the last episode where he did this whole 'I'll never be able to forgive myself' thing, he'd come home and be a bit of gentleman about it,” Imogen says earnestly. “But he's one of them, he never changes. He's doing really well, which obviously, well done to him for, but I think we've just gone on completely different career paths. It's just one of those friendships that dried up, like some friendships do.”

Well Imogen, Jordan (and Magaluf's) loss is certainly Liverpool's gain – welcome home!

Listen to Imogen, Adam, Gemma and Chambo on 107.6 Juice FM's Big Breakfast (6am-10am) every weekday.

APRIL 14

Gee up for a comedy win A smut-laden comedy is a safe-bet for laughs a plenty this month, says Katie McLoughlin, as she meets one of the stars of the show...

SHE’S 19 and starring in a black comedy about the sex trade – written by her mum and her aunties. As embarrassing situations go, they don’t get much worse.

“It is, at times, a bit awkward,” confesses Izzi Feld, who is appearing in Escorts – The Musical this month.

A new musical version of the play Liverbirds.com, which was written by Izzi’s mum Gina Mayer and her aunties Carol Mayer and Pat Mayer, Escorts is a black comedy set in the Liverbirds Escort Agency during the Grand National weekend.

“It’s a play surrounding an escort agency in Liverpool and the everyday shenanigans of escorts,” says Izzi, from West Derby. “It probably sounds more awkward than it actually is because it’s more about the situational comedy than the sex really.”

Despite brushing off the embarrassment, Izzi does admit that some of the scenes make her cringe; “There was one time when my mum gave me scenes to

read through and there was a bit that I was just like ‘eughhh’ at!”

And the young actress also reveals that the name of the play had to be changed to spare the audience any blushes – because some people got more than they bargained for when they came to watch the show when it was last staged as Liverbirds.com.

“Some people thought it was like an old group called Liverbirds, and it wasn’t what they were expecting, so we thought we needed a title that summed it up more, like Escorts,” laughs Izzi.

“Although people seem to think that it’s dirtier than it is now, but it’s not, it’s just a joke. The rehearsals are brilliant because I just sit and laugh at everything!”

The play follows Emmy Bright, played

by Izzi, as she returns to Liverpool to uncover the secrets of her childhood.

There’s plenty of hijinx and hilarious antics to be had as her search for answers takes her to the Liverbirds Escort

Izzi and Gabriella Feld

Agency – during its busiest weekend of the year.

As well as being a little bit blue and full of situational comedy, Escorts features original songs written by Izzi and her sister, Gabriella, 23.

“There’s a massive family connection [to the play],” says the former Broughton Hall pupil.

“It was originally written by my aunty Carol as a drama, but when she put it on people started laughing, so my mum and aunty Pat were like – ‘this is a comedy!’ They rewrote it, rejigged it and put it out as a black comedy.”

The Mayer sisters staged two sold-out productions of the play as Liverbirds. com, then decided to turn it into a musical to utilise Izzi’s songwriting skills.

Izzi, who has been writing songs since

she was seven, continues: “We put some of the songs that I’d already written in it and then I wrote some new ones for the actual show with my sister, Gabs.

"I’m confident and like to sing, but Gabriella likes to be behind the scenes and she’s really good with lyrics and witty, so we work well together on the songs.”

Escorts – The Musical will be staged in St Helens, Liverpool and New Brighton this month. “We’re calling it a mini regional tour,” jokes Izzi.

Escorts – The Musical is at St Helens Theatre Royal on April 2-4 (tel: 01744 756 000); Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton on April 11-12 (tel: 0151 666 0000) and Epstein Theatre, Liverpool on April 24-25 (tel: 0844 888 4411).

City Jem shines on As Freeze prepares to host its first major event of 2014 this month, Katie McLoughlin catches up with resident DJ Jemmy...

AFTER an epic 2013 teaming up with Cadenza, Bedrock, Innervisions and Kompakt to bring the likes of Luciano, Ame, Dixon, Michael Mayer, Argy and more to Liverpool, city promoters Freeze have something rather special in-store for their first big event of 2014.

On Saturday, April 26, Freeze bring Bedrock Records to the city for a 10 hour session at the Garage in Liverpool’s Baltic District. Headlining the event will be Bedrock founder – John Digweed.

A DJ and producer who needs little introduction to dance music fans, Digweed has been at the very apex of electronic excellence since the early 90s.

Berlin native Ellen Allien, from the BPItch label, will take Digweed’s peak-time extended set into the dawn for what will be Freeze’s first-ever 8am finish. Setting the tone for proceedings will be Liverpool’s own Jemmy, who’ll warm up the crowd before the eminent Dig-

weed and Ellen take to the decks.

Having spent the last few months working on new music, Jemmy, who is co-owner of 3B Records on Slater Street, is looking forward to playing for a home-crowd, saying: “It’s always a special gig for me because it’s in Liverpool and the crowd is always a good party crowd and know their music.”

Since the last time Best of Liverpool caught up with Jemmy, he’s been signed to Bedrock label, released new music and got to warm-up for the likes of Dixon, Ame and Gui Boratto.

He also warmed up for Digweed in February 2013, a day which he describes as “a Carlsberg day".

“That was the day my EP got signed to the Bedrock label,” reveals the Freeze resident.

“Digweed was playing a set in my shop, 3Beat, during the daytime before the event and he closed his set with my EP then said he was signing it!”

Getting signed to the Bedrock

imprint – a label he’s followed for years – and releasing an EP with the label last year has been “like a dream come true” for the local lad and he’s now busy working on new music after the success of his Quarry Bank Rainbow and Waterloo Blues EPs. “Since I got signed to Bedrock I kind of feel part of the Bedrock family now, which was quite a moment for me because I’ve always followed Bedrock,” says Jemmy.

“Quarry Bank got a really good reaction, that came out on the Bedrock 14 album, and the Waterloo Blues EP after that did well too.

I’m working on something else now which I can’t talk about yet but it’ll be out in June/July time.”

You can catch Jemmy, Digweed and Ellen Allien at Freeze presents Bedrock Records Warehouse Party at The Garage, Greenland Street, Liverpool on Saturday, April 26, 10pm-8am.

Tickets are priced at £16 from www.skiddle.com

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Children

Princess of panto

Emma Thompson catches up with leading lady Laura Gregory as she stars in Aladdin PANTO time is here again, “oh no it isn’t – it’s not Christmas yet, I hear you shouting”, but it really is!

A special Easter panto of Aladdin is ready to take you on a magical journey at the Epstein Theatre this month.

LHK Productions is all set to put a modern twist on this much loved family classic and is sure to include striking sets, sparkling costumes, magic and gags, not to mention a touch of Scouse style!

The panto stars Liverpool’s Laura Gregory as Princess Jasmine. I caught up with 22-year-old Laura, a relative newcomer to the world of professional acting, as she prepares for her royal role.

She says: “I’m really looking forward to the show, pantos are great fun. I love musical theatre, but you can be a bit more relaxed with pantos.

The kids love it too, both in the audience and on stage. On stage, the kids do a lot of the dance routines and they’re always really excited about wearing all the amazing costumes.

“Lee (Lee Kelly, producer from LHK Productions) makes sure all the songs and dance routines are modern and really up-to-date pop songs, it’s not like an old fashioned panto. And I have a really nice new costume!

“Jane is our costume designer and she’s brilliant, this time I have a new sparkly

costume which is nice because usually they’ve been worn before by other actors.”

At the age of 18, Laura went to train at The Hammond dance and drama college in Chester and completed her course in musical theatre last summer.

It wasn’t long before she landed her first professional role in the Christmas panto Snow White at the Epstein Theatre.

Laura, who grew up in Huyton and Roby, says: “It was my first proper role as Snow White and I was really nervous when we started that production, but I’m a lot more relaxed this time around. I’ll be performing on the same stage for Aladdin at the Epstein so now I know what to expect I can relax and enjoy it more.”

She adds: “I always loved dance and drama, and knew it was something I wanted to do professionally. I wanted to audition for dance college when I was 16 but my mum made sure I got my

A-Levels first. My mum and dad are really supportive and love watching the shows.”

As the Epstein Theatre’s first Easter panto there’s a fun-packed performance planned and Laura, as Princess Jasmine, is cast alongside former Emmerdale actor Kurtis Stacey as Aladdin and Leanne Campbell from the Radio City breakfast show as The Slave of the Ring.

Plus, after a show stealing performance in 2013’s Christmas panto, the hilarious Michael Chapman returns as he takes on the iconic role of Widow Twanky.

Also bringing some glitz and glamour to the stage is Liverpool model and star of Desperate Scousewives Amanda Harrington who’ll perform as the allpowerful genie.

“I’ve met some of the cast before and everyone seems really nice, so I’m looking forward to rehearsals,” says Laura.

She adds: “We only start rehearsals around five days before the show starts and it can be hard work because we’re then rehearsing all day. But I’m really looking forward to getting the script and starting to practice with the rest of the cast.

“Although I played a princess as Snow White, Princess Jasmine is a different style character and I’m excited to see what they’ll do with the magic carpet!

5

CRACKING CRAFTS TO help keep your little ones entertained this Easter we asked The Crafting Table how to make the perfect Easter basket.

The Crafting Table hosts weekly craft workshops at Active Adventures Liverpool, on Otterspool Promenade, including children’s Easter craft workshops every day during the holidays from April 5 to 27, 2014. Log on to www.thecraftingtable.co.uk for details.

1

What you’ll need: l l l l l l l l l l l

2

Sheet of A4 coloured card White card Felt tips or coloured pencils Shredded tissue paper Mini fluffy chicks Stickers or sequins Mini eggs Glue Pencil Scissors Ruler

Method: l Draw a template on the A4 card (Step 1). Simply use the width of a 1.25 inch wide ruler to space out the lines. l Cut out the handle and leave to one side l Cut along the remaining 4 lines and then fold along the dotted lines l Fold into a box shape and glue the flaps (Step 2) l Glue the handle to the inside of the basket (Step 3) l Make 2 bunny heads using the white card by drawing a circle then adding 2 long ovals for the ears. Add bunny features and then colour in. l Glue the bunny heads to the side of the basket and glue on stickers or sequins to the sides of the basket and the top of the handle to decorate. (Step 4) l Finish off by putting the shredded tissue paper into the basket together with the mini fluffy chicks and the mini eggs. (Step 5)

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3

4

“I’m sure the nerves will start as the performance gets closer to opening night but Lee loves to put on a big show and I imagine it’ll be really fun and extravagant, so I can’t wait.”

So, will Aladdin spoil the evil Abanazer’s plan to rule the world? Will he find his girl and will everyone’s dreams come true?

Plus, more importantly, will Twanky get a new pair of knickers?

See Aladdin at The Epstein Theatre, from April 15 to 21, call 0844 888 4411 or go to www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk

APRIL 14

Easter eggstravaganza!

Hop along to these eggsellent Easter activities this April, says Emma Thompson EASTER BUNNY PARADE

FOR little ones eager to meet the Easter Bunny, St George’s Hall has set up a special Easter grotto experience from April 5 to 21.

The Easter Bunny Parade is an enchanting treat with a walk-through trail in Easter Bunny Land created within the hall. On route, the parade is filled with over 17 delightful animatronic fairy-tale scenes telling a captivating Easter story. Each child will meet and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny and also receive a chocolate Easter egg.

Tickets, available on the day, cost £6 per child (including photo and Easter egg), plus maximum two adults free with each child. Closed Good Friday.

CROXTETH HALL

DON’T be late for these very important dates as Croxteth Hall will host Mad Hatter’s tea parties and Easter egg hunts, from April 5 to 21.

The Mad Hatter parties take place inside the Hall at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Bring the children to meet and party with the Mad Hatter, Alice and the White Rabbit.

Suitable for ages four to 12. Tickets for the Mad Hatter’s Party cost £10 per child (in addition to normal Hall admission prices).

From April 8 to 15 you can discover all about Easter traditions while enjoying a stroll around the Country Park with a ranger. Tickets cost £3. www.croxteth.co.uk

SPEKE HALL

Delamere Forest

DELAMERE FOREST

TAKE part in this special Easter egg hunt themed teddy bears’ picnic on April 14 and 15 in Cheshire.

Children, aged two to five, can bring along their favourite teddy and a picnic to the forest for a special bear Easter hunt, from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm.

Tickets cost £5.70.

On April 16 is fancy dress Easter madness from 10am to noon for ages five to seven and, then 1pm to 3pm for eight to 11-year-olds. Tickets cost £9.70 for this treasure hunt.

On April 17 from 10am to 4pm (over age four) is a forest Easter hunt, solving clues over 1.7miles to collect your chocolate egg prize. Tickets cost £5.20. www.forest-explorers.co.uk

THIS Easter, from April 16 to 18, unleash your creative side and take part in Easter bonnet making at Speke Hall.

Once you’ve created your Easter bonnet (noon to 4pm) you can enter the parade at 4pm and prizes will be awarded for the best bonnet. Normal admission prices apply – the event is free.

From April 20 to 21, children can take part in the Cadbury’s Easter Egg Trail from 11am to 4pm. Enjoy fun and games in the orchard, solve the clues and then claim your Cadbury’s Easter egg prize.

Tickets cost £2. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall

MARTIN MERE

THIS wetlands nature trust in Burscough has plenty of egg-citing activities to keep your little ones entertained over the Easter holidays.

From April 5 to 21, there will be duck themed crafts, where you can have fun painting a rubber duck (for £2.50) ready for the Easter Sunday duck race at 3pm.

You can also design a pond, go on a giant duck hunt, build a den, enjoy a boat ride (£3 each), explore the pond zone and have fun in the adventure play area. www.wwt.org.uk

PALM HOUSE

ON Tuesday, April 15 kids can take part in an Easter egg hunt and party with Jumping Jacks at Sefton Park Palm House.

From 2pm to 4pm there will be an Easter egg hunt, party games and dancing with Jumping Jacks, crafts with Underwater Street and a bouncy castle.

Tickets £3 (except under 1s).

Additionally, on April 17 from 11am, there will be a performance of The Ugly Duckling in the Palm House which is recommended for ages up to seven-yearsold. Tickets cost £4. wegottickets.com/SeftonParkPalmHouse

Easter fun at Albert Dock

Martin Mere

NESS GARDENS

HOP along to Ness Gardens in Neston this Easter, from April 5 to 27, so little ones can take part in an Easter egg hunt.

Great fun for all the family, scamper around the gardens following the clues and find all the hidden eggs! It’s just an extra £1 for the trail as well as normal garden admission prices. There is no need to book, just turn up, the hunts take place from 10am to 5pm. www.nessgardens.org.uk

ALBERT DOCK

ALBERT Dock will be buzzing over Easter with family entertainment including dancing Easter eggs with legs, live music, face-painting, and an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday and Monday.

An Easter Bonnet Parade is on Easter Monday at the Anchor Courtyard at 3pm, wear your dazzling creation and receive a special treat.

There’s Easter craft workshops at Merseyside Maritime Museum on April 16, 17 and 19, from 1-4pm and an Easter Rummage on April 18, 20 and 21, from 1pm.

Create inspirational artwork at Tate Liverpool on April 9-12, 16-17, 19 and 21, from 1.30-4.30pm, while the Beatles Story will be running a series of Fab Fourinspired workshops on April 8, 10, 15 and 17, between 2 and 4pm.

Plus, What’s Cooking? is giving out free Easter eggs with every child’s meal from Good Friday to Easter Monday. There’s also a spectacular Easter Family Fun Day on Sunday, April 20, from 1pm at Circo Bar and Restaurant. www.albertdock.com

VIVA BRAZIL

YOUNGSTERS, aged five to 15, are being encouraged to send in their most creative Easter egg designs to Viva Brazil, from April 4 to 21, with a chance of winning a giant chocolate egg.

Kids can use coloured drawings, stickers, glitter or whatever they feel to be the most creative. The best entries will go on display in the restaurant and the winning design and recipient of the giant egg will be chosen at 5pm on Easter Monday, April 21 and smaller eggs will be presented to children who excel in individual age categories.

There will also be various offers for families dining at Viva Brazil between April 4 and 21, including lots of Easter goodies for the young diners.

Children can hand deliver their entries at Viva Brazil on Castle Street, marked for the attention of Aiste Jokubonyte or email them to Aiste.Jokubonyte@ vivabrazilrestaurants.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 23

Food & drink

Easter feaster

Fragrant leg of lamb with soy glaze THE addition of an aromatic mix of soy sauce, lemon juice and honey lends this roast lamb a deliciously crisp outer crust. Recipe from kikkoman.co.uk Serves 6 Ingredients: l 1.6kg / 3 and a half lb leg of lamb l 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary l Freshly ground black pepper l 2 tbsp Kikkoman Soy Sauce l 2 tbsp clear honey l 1 tbsp lemon juice

Paul Baker picks out the recipes that will really satisfy your guests this Easter holiday

Method: l Preheat the oven to 230°C/Gas mark 8. Place a rack inside a roasting tin. l Make small cuts all over the skin with a sharp knife, break two of the rosemary sprigs into small pieces and push into the cuts. Tuck the remaining rosemary under the joint and lift onto the rack. l Season the lamb with pepper and place in the oven.

Immediately lower the temperature to 180C/Gas mark 4 and roast for 1 hour. l Mix together the soy sauce, honey and lemon juice and spoon evenly over the lamb. Roast for a further 30 minutes or until the meat is cooked to your liking, basting occasionally with the pan juices. l Serve with gravy made from the pan juices, plus roast, creamed or new potatoes and vegetables. l Tip – the lamb crust should be well browned and crisp but if it darkens too much, cover with foil for protection.

EASTER is certainly all about stuffing yourself with yummies but, while gorging on the Easter Bunny’s goodies, remember to save some room for lunch.

After all, there’s much more to Easter than choccie eggs. Take a glance at Best of Liverpool’s wonderful spread of recipes and be inspired to invite family and friends over for an unforgettable spring luncheon this Easter.

Redcurrant, horseradish and mustard glazed turkey crown TURKEY is a popular choice at Easter and a roast turkey crown makes for a superb centrepiece to the table with little wastage! Recipe from TV Chef Phil Vickery and britishturkey.co.uk Serves 4-6 Ingredients: l 1 x 1.3kg boned British turkey crown l 850ml boiling turkey or chicken stock l 275ml dry white wine l Salt and freshly milled black pepper Glaze: l 4 tbsp redcurrant jelly l 2 tbsp creamed hot horseradish l 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard Watercress mayonnaise l 8 tbsp mayonnaise

Gressingham Duck breast with mint, lemon and red chilli For an alternative Easter roast, try a game bird. Fresh lemons and mint bring a zingy flavour to this simple and extremely tasty dish. Recipe from gressinghamduck. co.uk Serves 2 Ingredients: l 2 Gressingham Duck breasts l 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder l 4 tbsp olive oil l 1 tbsp dried or fresh thyme l 2 tbsp fresh mint l Juice of half a lemon l 1 red chilli l Salt and pepper Method: l Preheat oven to 220°C (fan 200°C, or Gas Mark 7). l Mix 3 tablespoons of the oil with the fivespice and thyme and then set aside. l Finely chop the mint and chilli and mix with remaining oil and lemon juice, and set aside. l Score each duck breast 6-8 times across the skin and season.

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Place the duck breasts skin-side down in a pan on a low to medium heat using no oil.

Cook for about 6 minutes or until the skin is golden and crisp. l Turn the breasts over and quickly seal. After pouring off any excess fat, put the duck in a roasting tray skin-side down and place in the preheated oven. l Cook for 10-20 minutes depending on how you like your duck, from rare to well done.

5 minutes before the end of the cooking time, turn the breasts over and lacquer with the five-spice mix prepared earlier. l Once cooked, place the duck breast on a chopping board and rest for 5-10 minutes (this is really important and makes the duck even more succulent). l Then slice the breasts and pour over the mint, lemon and chilli mix. Serve with crusty bread and salad, or seasonal vegetables and new potatoes. l

Duck breast cooking times (guide): 10 minutes for rare 15 minutes for medium 20 minutes for well done

l l l l

1 x 150g bag watercress Dash white wine vinegar Dash water Cracked black pepper

Method: l Preheat the oven to 180°C, Gas 5. l Season the turkey crown, place in a deep roasting tray with a 4cm gap around the edge. l Pour in the boiling stock, add the white wine, cover tightly with foil and place on the hob. Turn the heat to high and bring to the boil, you will hear the stock bubbling inside. Then carefully transfer to the hot oven for 1 hour. l Prepare the glaze, place the redcurrant jelly, horseradish and mustard in a bowl and whisk together to form a loose paste.

After the turkey has been cooking for an hour, carefully remove from the oven. Lift off the foil and pour off the stock.

Spread the glaze evenly over the crown. l Return to the oven and cook for a final 30-40 minutes to colour, making sure that it does not burn (re-cover with foil if necessary). Then remove from oven and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. l Meanwhile place the mayonnaise into a liquidiser with the watercress, a dash of vinegar and water then blitz to form a thick green puree. Season to taste.

Transfer to a bowl for handing around the table. l Serve the turkey with roast potatoes and green vegetables such as broccoli or beans. l

APRIL 14 Viva Easter cocktail

Chocolate peanut butter cake COURTESY of Viva Brazil, Castle Street.

RECIPE courtesy of The Brink, Parr Street.

Serves 6 Ingredients: l 2 and a half cups self-raising flour l Half a cup of unsweetened cocoa l 1 tablespoon of bi-carb l 4 egg whites l 1 cup brown sugar l 1 cup superfine sugar l 8 tablespoons peanut butter l 1 and a half cups boiling water l Nutella and peanuts (for topping)

Ingredients: l 25ml Finlandia Vodka l 25ml Frangelico hazelnut liqueur l Dash of vanilla Monin syrup l Dash of chocolate cookie Monin syrup l Double cream l Chocolate powder l Edible glitter (to garnish) l Chocolate syrup (to garnish) Method: l Add all the ingredients, except the garnish, in a Boston shaker. l Shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled Martini glass, rimmed with edible glitter. l Garnish with a chocolate syrup.

Dulce De Leche flavoured chocolate speckled egg with mini eggs, £12, from Marks and Spencer

Gold Bunny, 100g, £2.99, from Lindt

Method: l Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a 20x10cm round cake tin. l Dissolve sugars and peanut butter in boiling water. l Add sifted flour, bi-carb soda and unsweetened cocoa in a bowl and beat with a mixer for 1 minute or until all totally combined. l Add egg whites and beat for 30 seconds. l Pour into cake tin and bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through (test with a skewer). l Once cooled, top with Nutella and peanuts.

Heavenly Hazelnut egg, 350g, £19.99, from Lindt

You Crack Me Up extra thick Easter egg, £28, from Hotel Chocolat in Liverpool ONE

Sweet sensations Whether you’re young or old we all love to dive into a yummy chocolate Easter egg, here’s a mouthwatering selection to get those tastebuds going...

Loved by Us milk chocolate and popping candy Easter egg, £5, from The Co-operative Milk chocolate Harry Hopalot model, £6.99, from Thorntons

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Belgian Dark Egg and Dark Chocs, 320g, £10, from Sainsbury’s

Fudge Brownie Easter egg, £14.99, from Thorntons

Egg on My Face, £8, from Hotel Chocolat

Cookies and Cream Squegg, £5.49, from Thorntons

Eric the Elephant Egg filled with soft gummy sweets, 165g, £1.25, from Sainsbury’s

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 25

Food & drink

Time to celebrate Balle Balle Creative Indian Bistro curries favour with Michelle Rushton

BALLE Balle is the Punjabi term for celebration. It is also the name of a new Creative Indian Bistro on Blundell Street which is definitely worth celebrating!

Sneaking off for a rare night out without the kids, my partner Mike and I were eager to try Balle Balle as we had read good reviews about the Indian restaurant.

Newly opened by esteemed chef, Uday Seth, the bistro offers a fresh new take on Indian cuisine as all the dishes are made using organic fruit and vegetables.

A little off the beaten track, Balle Balle is based at 57 Blundell Street in the city’s burgeoning Baltic Quarter. But it has its own private carpark which is a real bonus as there’s nothing worse than trying to find a parking space and scrabbling round for coins for the Pay and Display!

The restaurant itself is housed in a large traditional brick warehouse which, thanks to clever lighting, emits a warm and inviting glow.

There’s also a decked al fresco area outside lit up with fairy lights which will be great in the summer when you can sit outside and enjoy a refreshing pint of Cobra!

Inside, the decor is a mix of contemporary and traditional with modern red leather chairs and colourful Indian wall hangings.

In the centre is a dance floor, where belly dancers and DJs entertain diners at weekends.

A courteous waiter showed us to our table and brought us the menu which offers home cooked Indian dishes which promise to be true to their basics but lighter and healthier and easier on the old cholesterol levels!

The chefs grind their own spices and extract natural colours from ingredients without resorting to artificial colouring agents and cook their own ‘gravies’ in-house.

To whet our appetite while we hungrily scoured the menu, the waiter brought us a pre-starter consisting of Chana Jor Garam, £1.50, crisp flattened black gram tossed in tangy masala and freshly squeezed lime juice, served in a papadom cone. It was crispy, light and very tasty.

As we were struggling to decide on starters, he suggested we opt for a vegetarian and non-vegetarian sharing platter so we could try a bit of everything.

I have to admit, I would never normally choose a veggie option but it was amazing! It featured Hara Tawa Kebab, a spinach, cashewnut and cottage cheese patty, Paneer Tikka Lalmirch, cubes of cottage cheese layered with red chilli chutney, and Aloo Tikki, fried potato patties stuffed with crushed chickpea

lentils and finely chopped ginger.

But my absolute favourite was the Tandoori Salad, chunks of apples, pineapple, pears, potato and water-chestnut drizzled with a blend of dried pomegranate seed, roasted cumin and fennel powders, and grilled with a jumble of vegetables.

It was so sweet and refreshing.

The non-veggie sharing platter featured Scallop aur Calamari, Seared king scallop served on curls of squid, Bhatti da Murga, boneless chicken thigh marinated in exotic spices and Chaand Chakori, mild chicken tikkas plus Gilaf-e-Seekh, – skewered lamb mince deftly coated with bell peppers and chargrilled.

It was all expertly cooked, colourfully and artistically presented and full of flavour although I preferred the veggie version which was unusual for a diehard carnivore like me!

For my main, I chose Rogan Josh with pilau rice, £11.95, a hot curry of diced boneless lamb. The sauce was rich and spicy with creamy yoghurt and ginger flavours coming through.

Mike chose one of the house favourites, Dum ki Chãp, £13.95, chunky lamb chops marinated in a paste of herbs and spices and oven cooked in a sealed container.

Although a little messy to eat, the chops were devine with the lamb falling off the bone and a very moreish sauce.

As we both had opted for lamb, the waiter recommended we try a chicken dish so being total gannets, we shared a Neelgiri Chicken Korma, £10.95, herbed chicken chunks simmered in cashew gravy with roasted spices and minced coriander, which was superb. A little less spicy, this milld korma was sweet and creamy, a lovely contrast to the spicy lamb dishes.

We mopped up the sauces with Peshawari naan bread which was so fresh and sweet, we didn’t need a pudding!

The whole meal was excellent and a credit to chef director Uday who, as well as being a talented chef who has brought something new and exciting to Indian cuisine, is a real gentleman and hospitable host.

Balle Balle, 57 Blundell Street, Liverpool, L1 0AJ. Telephone 0151 709 3161 for reservations and 01517093060 for home deliveries, email info@balleballebistro.com or visit www.balleballebistro.com

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

APRIL 14

NEON NIGHTS Sue Kelbrick checks out some authentic Spanish tapas at Neon Jamon

TO be honest, I wasn’t really in the mood for going out. It was a Friday night and it had been a hard week. All I really wanted to do was put my pyjamas on and curl up in front of the telly with a copy of Heat magazine and a packet of chocolate Hob Nobs, sophisticated person that I am.

But in the interests of research, I felt I should make the effort and drag myself out. And I certainly didn’t regret it...

Within minutes of walking into a bustling Neon Jamon on Smithdown Place in south Liverpool, I began to feel completely refreshed and raring to go.

It’s hard not to pick up on the energy of the place. With an uplifting soundtrack providing the backdrop, the place was buzzing with life as people jostled for space either at the bar to enjoy an aperitif and some nibbles, or sitting down and enjoying a spot of people watching.

The staff looked as if they were having as much fun as the punters and their enthusiasm was quite infectious.

Having been shown to a table, I was given a fizzing glass of Cava whilst my other half went for a refreshing pint and we set about perusing the menu.

Owner Dom Levi is passionate about all things Spanish and this really comes across in his menu. On his travels throughout Spain he has picked up an eclectic range of dishes so there is something to suit everyone’s taste buds.

As well as the extensive every day menu, there is also a fabulous specials menu so I was already planning my return visit before I’d even ordered!

After much deliberation, we opted for a mix of dishes which included chuletas de cordero con higos (lamb cutlets in a sticky fig and honey sauce), pastelitos de bacalao (fried salt cod, potato, garlic and fresh herbs), hand-carved Iberico belloto capa negra ham (ham from pigs fed entirely in the wild on acorns and grass and then cured locally), Malaga style chipirones (little squids with red chilli, fried garlic and lemon alioli) and pimientos del piquillo rellenos con oueso de cabra y hierbas (stuffed piquillo peppers with herbs, goat’s cheese and mint served on a bed of watercress).

All the dishes came swiftly to our table and looked almost too good to eat.

But only almost. We soon got stuck in and even though it looked like a huge amount of food, we still managed to polish it all off, which is testament to how delicious it was rather than us having gargantuan appetites.

The lamb cutlets were absolutely delicious, the meat literally melting in

A True Italian Experience

Early Doors Menu

THE BEST IN ITALIAN FOOD

Express Lunch Menu

Francos 0151 236 3375 bookings@francosliverpool.com www.francosliverpool.com

Tuesday-Friday 5.30pm - 7pm only

Special Reduced Priced Lunch Options - Mon-Fri Only New tapas Menu available

the mouth and the sticky sauce was lip smackingly sweet, whilst the ham was really tender and had more flavour than any I’d ever tasted. Not being a fan of squid, I left it to my boyfriend to sample, which he was more than happy to do, declaring it to be soft and tender with a lovely little kick at the end from the chillies. We both enjoyed the stuffed peppers which were really light and refreshing after the richness of the other dishes.

After a short break to soak up the atmosphere (and a little more Cava!), we decided we did have room for dessert after all. Well it would be rude not to, right? I opted for a traditional crème Catalan, a beautifully sweet and creamy custard with vanilla which was really light and just what I needed whilst my boyfriend plumped for the churros which came with a sumptuous rich chocolate dipping sauce.

It is hard to believe that Neon Jamon

has only been open for a year, so firmly established on the vibrant south Liverpool dining scene is it.

People often say that the best way to find a decent restaurant is to see where the locals eat. Well I think the same could be said for finding out where restaurateurs eat – after all, they must know a good restaurant when they eat in one?

So when I found out that Neon Jamon was the Liverpool Restaurateurs’ Choice of Best Restaurant 2013 at the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival I knew I’d found a little gem. With a friendly and lively atmosphere, stylish, contemporary décor and outstanding service, it really does tick all the boxes. And the food isn’t bad either.

Neon Jamon, 12 Smithdown Place, Liverpool L15 9EH, call 0151 734 3480, visit www.neonjamon.com

Evening Menu

Special Menu available ever y evening £ 20.95 inc Half Bottle of House Wine per couple

Francos Restaurant is situated at 48a Castle Street in the heart of Liverpool. Open daily for lunch and dinner - until 11pm on Saturdays

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 27

Learn to Play Day Photos: Gareth Jones

I’ve got rhythm Pam Bloom bangs the drum for Learn to Play Day by having her very first try at a staple musical instrument JUST call me Cozy. Or Paicey. (But not Ringo. Please).

After an hour trying my hand at the drums, I was ready to grace the stage of Wembley Stadium like any other Rock God. Phil (Sell-Out) Collins, eat your heart out.

The lesson was arranged to help publicise Learn to Play Day, an annual event organised by musical instrument industry charity Music for All, with the aim of encouraging people of all ages to have a go on an instrument for the first time.

To mark the day, music shops around the country will be holding free taster sessions on Saturday, April 12 in everything from pianos to flutes, guitars to violins.

As I’ve always fancied myself as a stick(wo)man, I was invited along to Dawsons music shop in Liverpool city centre to have a go, ably taught by young drum tutor Anton Eager, talented drummer with local band The Cheap Thrills.

After helping me with the basics, from how to sit and hold the drumsticks to how to count (“If you can count up to four, you can play the drums”), Anton showed me a few rhythms and ‘fills’ – the fiddly bits in-between the beats.

His method of teaching includes a bizarre but effective way of assigning the names of drinks to the number of beats – hence, four beats is ‘co-ca-co-la,’ three ‘le-monade,’ two is ‘co-ffee’ and one ‘tea.’ So I found myself making little songs out of beverages, and by the end of it all was really quite thirsty.

Anton said I was excellent, and learnt a lot in our limited time. I was sitting behind a rather expensive digital drum kit, which may have had something to do with it.

The hardest part was hitting the bass drum with the foot pedal at the same time as hitting the snare drum or cymbal, but not actively thinking about it seemed to help.

At the end of the hour, despite being rudely interrupted by an elderly gent crooning U2 on the store’s karaoke, I felt quite comfortable at keeping a beat and could cheerfully have continued all day.

But I just stood up, threw my drumsticks to the cheering crowd and left the stage.

Maybe there’ll be an encore...

Anton Eager can be contacted on 07828 093561, or visit the website www.liverdrumlessons.co.uk for more information.

Get your groove on at free workshops THIS year’s national Learn to Play Day is being held on Saturday, April 12 at various venues throughout the country.

In Liverpool, Dawsons Music, in the city centre, is offering free workshops throughout the day in everything from drums to woodwind.

If you’ve ever wanted to strum a guitar or tinkle the ivories, but have

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never had the opportunity, now’s your chance to have a go – for free.

Pop along to Dawsons in Williamson Street on the day for a taster lesson in your chosen instrument. Experienced teachers and musicians will be on hand covering drums and guitar in the morning, and piano, brass and woodwind in the afternoon.

National Learn to Play Day, now in its

third year, aims to encourage anyone, of any age, to pick up an instrument for the first time.

Jools Holland and Al Murray are among the charity’s patrons, and more than 100 stores across the country have pledged their support.

For more information on the event, visit learntoplayday.com or www.dawsons.co.uk

Homes

Mellow yellow

Emma Thompson discovers bold pops of yellow are brightening up our homes this spring...

APRIL 14 Camelia from Johnstone’s, 2.5lt £12.99 and 5lt £21.99, in both matt and silk, from Taskers in Long Lane, Aintree

Henrietta Hen shortbread bites, £16.99, from Lakeland

Union Jack cushion, £9, from George at Asda

Bud lime vase, £13.95, from www.annabeljames.co.uk

Betty Jackson yellow supremely soft towels, from £3.50 - £28, from Debenhams in Liverpool ONE

Heart print cushion in mustard, £40, from Letitreign.co.uk

Le Creuset ‘Dijon’ honey pot and dipper set, £24, from Debenhams in Liverpool ONE

Flair Infinite Splinter Ochre rug, £39.99, from Taskers in Long Lane, Aintree

Yellow kitchen scales, £29, from house-envy.co.uk

Penelope task lamp, Quince, £45, from John Lewis

Wandere yellow with blue rim mug, £6.99, from www.creative-tops.com

Kenwood Kmix kitchen machine, £399; Kenwood Kmix hand mixer, £64; Kenwood Kmix hand blender, £69; Mason Cash 24cm mixing bowl, £18; Great British Bake Off 5kg kitchen scales, £42; and Anneka light shade, £19, all from Isme.com

French two-drawer bedside table in yellow, £390, from www.outthereinteriors.com

Thomas Snuggler sofa in Ruben Yellow with light legs, £699, from John Lewis in Liverpool ONE

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

29

Travel

Paradise found

La Soufrière volcano watches over a parade in Basse-Terre

Members of Batala Liverpool, Gwada and Austria, in Le Moule Photos: Caroline Kunzinger, Kathryn Lamey, Andy Fu

Vicky Andrews follows the beat of the Caribbean heart, in the hidden gem of Guadeloupe...

“WHERE on earth is that...?” was the response I received over and over, when announcing my forthcoming trip away with Batala Liverpool.

I had to admit that when I hit ‘YES’ to that particular email, I wasn’t really sure myself, but I knew that I wouldn’t need to pack a winter coat and that seemed enough reason to head to the Caribbean for two weeks.

Viewers of the BBC drama ‘Death in Paradise’ might be familiar with the landscape of Guadeloupe, which plays the fictitious island of Saint-Marie in the series. A university pal had spent five months as an onset producer on the show and I had viewed his Facebook photostream of heavenly beaches, crystal blue seas and strange tropical beasties, with a wistful envy.

In a bid to spend less time anti-social networking and more time socialising, I’ve been drumming with samba-reggae band Batala Liverpool for around 18 months now. The group, which has over 70 members, is part of a much bigger family of over 20 Batala bands worldwide, presenting a unique opportunity for members to travel and visit any of the sister bands around the world. Having already visited the bands in France and Austria, I knew that an invitation from the Gwada group to play carnival season was just too good to turn down.

And so on a bleak February morning, I joined our ten-strong Liverpool gang as

Chilling out at the beach in Sainte-Anne

we began the journey from Manchester Airport to Paris, meeting up with Batala members from Vienna and Nantes, before embarking on the eight-hour Air France flight into Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s main city and port.

We were welcomed by Batala Gwada’s Nathalie Cruaud, Jean-Philippe Adélaide and Dorothée Kunzinger, who would become our closest family for the next two weeks as we shared laughter, tears, blood, sweat...and quite a lot of rum.

The Gwada band was established by Nathalie – a multi-talented percussionist and former member of Batala Paris – who moved to Guadeloupe in 2008. Carnival season here begins on the first Sunday of January and ends on Ash Wednesday, and it has now become a tradition for the band to invite Batala members from around the world to join in this unique experience.

In contrast to the Caribbean islands regularly visited by the superliners, the Guadeloupe archipelago is far less spoilt.

Grand Camp

‘Rocky’ the raccoon

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Kamodjaka

An overseas region of France, they use the Euro, speak French, and shop in Carrefour. But Paris this is not. Lush and green, with diverse terrain that spans from volcanic earth to rocky islets and crashing waterfalls, Guadeloupe is a nature lover’s tropical paradise.

We had come prepared for the mosquitos, armed with DEET and sleeping nets, but the discovery of a hand-sized spider in our kitchen caused squeals of mild hysteria, despite Gwada band leader Olivier informing us sagely that, “It might bite you, but it probably won’t kill you.” (I’m still not sure if he was joking.) Other uninvited guests were less threatening – a giant hermit crab, geckos, tree frogs, goats and a raccoon we named Rocky, who returned night after night to be hand-fed the crumbs of our evening meal.

Our accommodation was in Le Moule, on the North-East side of Grande Terre, a fairly sleepy town where the rugged beach became the place to sun-worship in the day and rehearse during the evening (much to the bemusement of some of the locals) and within a short driving distance to the big carnivals we played in Pointe-àPitre, Saint-François and Basse-Terre.

This, of course, was why we were here and the parades proved to be a walk on the wilder side – a kaleidoscopic explosion of music, dance and costume with hundreds of performers and thousands of crowds.

Playing non-stop for four hours in the intense heat proved an endurance test for us sunburnt Brits, but with the cheering faces of revellers at every street corner, each carnival was a spine-tingling thrill from start to finish.

As well as the major events in the cities, we were privileged to play Handival carnival in Le Moule, an event dedicated

Above, carnival time in Pointe-àPitre. Right, playing the repinique drum during a parade in Basse-Terre

to people with disabilities and their families, and also at Grand Camp, an ambitious housing project in an area of social deprivation, where we were welcomed into the lives of others with an impassioned generosity. In this part of the world, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Brazilian rhythms are a major part of their culture from an early age, and it was a joy to perform on the beach with children from local dance group Kamodjaka, who were keen to get involved in drum workshops and teach us some of their moves.

It’s true that music transcends all languages and barriers. I knew hardly anything about the country or its people before I visited Guadeloupe, but each one of us returned home feeling as if we had experienced a unique insight into a different way of life.

We drummed; we partied; we made lifelong friends. And we shared some moments that will stay with me forever.

Just 15 days in such a beautiful place could never be enough, but one day I hope I can return to this hidden gem in paradise.

APRIL 14

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Who killed Eleanor Rigby..?

Suites Hotel Knowsley launches a whodunit with a difference!

DO you fancy yourself as Poirot or Miss Marple? Then dig out your magnifying glasses and head over to Suites Hotel Knowsley where your detective skills are needed urgently!

There will be a number of murder mysteries to solve at the hotel over the next few months. After a highly successful event on February 14, The Valentine’s Day Massacre, the hotel will be hosting an Eleanor Rigby Murder Mystery Evening on Friday, May 2.

Lyndsay Tyer, sales and marketing director, at the hotel explains: “Our murder mysteries are a little bit different from a normal murder mystery.

“Together with Love History Theatre Group who specialise in interactive historical murder mysteries, our managing director, Peter Tyer, has developed a new murder mystery concept similar to that of a musical. So the whole play/murder is set to music!

“Therefore, as you can guess, the Eleanor Rigby event is set to the music of The Beatles. We are also planning a following event on October 31, the theme of which is Murder at Graceland which will feature the music of Elvis.”

The ‘whodunit’ events include a three course themed meal with coffee and while you wine and dine, you can also ponder and speculate to try to catch the killer.

As you cast the eye of suspicion at each suspect you will be entertained by a team of professional actors who will join you and give clues. You will have the chance to interrogate them in a quest to put the pieces together until you can identify the murderer!

As well as enjoying The Beatles famous hits, guests are invited to come along in 60s fancy dress and there will be a prize for the winner who will receive a voucher for a double suite including full English breakfast.

Tickets cost £36 per person. There will be dancing ‘till 1am so why not make a real night of it and stay over with breakfast which is only £59 per room (based on two people sharing).

The family-owned four star hotel offers an impressive 96 suites, a lounge, 18-metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Launching in August 2014, will be a stunning new spa that will be the only spa within a 25 mile radius to offer the stunning Celebrity secret treatments and

products from Carita.

Guests can dine in the fabulous Handley’s Restaurant and there is a new bistro launched this week. Plus there are conference facilities, banqueting facilities for up to 240 people and exclusive 400 Club Leisure facilities.

For more information contact Suites Hotel Knowsley is situated on Ribblers Lane, Knowsley.

Call 0151 549 2222 or visit www.suiteshotelgroup.com *Tables of less than 10 will be shared

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