Oxford ocelot 113 nov 2015

No: 113 November 2015

Oxford & Newbury Edition

FREE

Twenty One Pilots fly into The O2

p23

Plus....

Lights Festival Oxford gets festive p10

Walter White?

One man Breaking Bad p15

Audioscope

A very different festival p26

Biscotti

Mouth-watering recipe p34

FOOD AND DRINK / THEATRE AND ARTS / COMEDY / LIVE MUSIC

#113

NOV ISSUE

For Starters

04 Michael Bosley 06 Our Man in Iraq Arts and Culture

09 Are You Talkin’ To Me? 10 Christmas Lights Festival 12 Theatre List 15 One Man Breaking Bad 16 North Wall Arts Centre 18 Local Scribblings Music

21 Groovers on Manouevres 22 This is New Music 23 Twenty One Pilots 24 Gig Monkey 26 Audioscope Festival 27 The Gig List Food and Drink

33 Brewery Bird 34 Delicioius biscotti recipe 36 International Pan of Mystery The Final Bit of the magazine

38 Agony Girl and Twisted Peel

The Positive News Force - from left - Roger Ogle, consultant editor, owner James Phipps, TBE editor Anita Jaynes and group editor and Ocelot editor Jamie Hill

Positively brilliant.

Do you want to hear some positive news?

Well, as you probably know, from all the stuff I’ve been blathering on about for the past few months, The Ocelot has become part of Positive Media Group which is made up of several publications including Swindon Link and The Swindon & Wiltshire Business Exchange. We’re now like a print-based version of The Avengers.

And we had our official launch at the start of October with lots of Champagne and nibbles and there was even some speeches on how we’re going to be spreading ‘positive’ news across the region.

The Ocelot is still like the mischievous little brother though and it’s still as random as ever. We’ve just got a few more resources behind us now so that we can make things even better for you lot out there.

When I say better, there are some pretty sweet plans in the pipeline as we approach our tenth anniversary year.

Anyway, it’s a packed issue this time with loads going on from theatre to gigs and we even make room for a cat wearing a scarf.

Write into me at jamie@theocelot.co.uk

Jamie Hill

Editor: Jamie Hill - jamie@theocelot.co.uk Sales: Dave Stewart dave@theocelot.co.uk 07872 176999 Telephone: 01793 781986 Publisher: Positive Media Group, Arclite Building, Peatmoor, Swindon SN5 5YN Printers: Acorn Print, Swindon

www.theocelot.co.uk

For Starters

This column will make you reassess your life A Nerd’s Last Word

by Michael Bosley

“Everyone is Losing Their Minds Over Ashton Irwin’s New Haircut”.

“Shit!” I thought, leaping up from my desk and rushing to my window, bracing myself for the grim scenes that would no doubt be presented to me; cars overturned, houses being looted and the thick, acrid smoke of burning tyres hanging in the air as the news of Ashton Irwin’s new haircut proliferates amongst the masses.

But the streets are calm; the buses are running as normal and my neighbour busies himself in blissful ignorance under the bonnet of his car.

“Poor sod” I mutter. The news must have only just hit. In no time at all he’ll be swarmed by bloodthirsty gangs of anarchists, hell bent on destruction.

I reach for the door and turn the lock and then work my way around every window, ensuring every blind and curtain is closed, so as not to advertise myself as a willing victim to the imminent lynch mob.

Under the glow of my laptop I frantically jab “Ashton Irwin haircut”, desperate to find some news as to why everyone is losing their minds.

As the truth begins to unravel, the fear and panic slowly ebbs away, replaced by relief and confusion. As it

4 www.theocelot.co.uk

happens, Aston Irwin is one fraction of the band 5 Seconds of Summer; an identikit clone of One Direction hailing from Australia. For those of you old enough to chew solid food and therefore none the wiser as to who these people are, think Busted but with more vests.

It appeared I had been duped once again by the hyperbolic stylings of another entertainment and listicle driven website article, designed to lure me in with over exaggerated promises of “blowing my mind” or “being the best thing I’ll ever see, ever, in the whole entire history of the world” only to be presented with a picture of a cat wearing a scarf - which would still be pretty cool, but, I mean, not exactly the best thing I’ll ever see in the whole entire history of the world. (Though note to editor: Please use a picture of a cat in a scarf as the feature image).

These websites are all competing for hits and a sure-fire way of doing so is to ensure the story goes viral on social media, even if that means telling a few white lies.

“Amy Schumer eating a peanut will make you reassess your whole entire life!” will, apparently, draw a larger audience than “Woman eats Peanut with little or no repercussions”.

With all these publications screaming for our attention in this way, it loses its impact. Then before we know it, we’ll all start talking like that - which would be the absolute worst thing to happen in the whole world, ever!

For Starters Escalating tensions in Kurdistan amidst the gloomy news Off The Grid with Luke Coleman Our Man in Iraq Our Man in Iraq is how this column is grandiosely titled, although if you’ve read it before you would agree that ‘That Dick in Kurdistan’ is more accurate. And while I’d love to be bringing you great tidings from the Iraqi part of the Kurdish areas (KRI) of the Middle East, this month I’ve got another slice of shit pie for you, so put on your bib, open wide and be thankful that democracy in the UK is more palatable than it is here, a semi-autonomous region often lauded for “democracy”, “progressive attitudes” and “freedom”.

Because, no matter how much I love the people, the politicians in charge don’t respond well to protest. As I write, three weeks before publication, demonstrations have been taking place in the east of the KRI, where teachers and other public sector workers have been protesting the fact that they’ve

not been paid for months.

Coupled with resentment towards the ruling KDP (out of favour in towns and cities in the east) and their President who has been ruling without mandate since his term expired in August it was always going to be quite a forthright protest. Slogan shouting turned to tyre burning turned to rock throwing which led to disproportionate response from security and in three

days, five are dead. There will be no investigation, no one will be held to account and protest will be violently shut down with tear gas, water cannon and live rounds.

All this amidst a war with lunatic jihadists, Kurdish peace marches turning into massacres in Turkey and Russia bringing their noise....

Still, I’m walking the hour to and from work now that the weather is cooler, so there’s that. Small mercies.

Map of Displacement website finally launched We don’t pay our writer Luke Coleman (above).

It’s not because he doesn’t deserve it but because the generous scribbler would prefer that we make a donation to a charity of his choice each month.

This is something that we’re glad to do and this process itself sometimes takes us to some quite interesting places.

A few months back, we helped fund something called The Map of Displacement - a website that is a written account of the plight of displaced people within Iraq.

And finally it is live.

Since January 2014, Iraq’s war against ISIS has displaced over a tenth of the country’s population. One and a half million Iraqis have fled to the relative safety of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Editor Stefano Carini said: “I am personally extremely proud of the work. The website turned out to be even more

6 www.theocelot.co.uk

stunning than I thought. But mainly I am happy because the vision we had last year, has come true, and the stories we have heard, photographed and written are finally out there all together, not only as a journalistic documentation, but far more importantly as an undeniable record of history, a written and visual document so that nobody will ever be able to say: it did not happen.

“We now have new ambitions for this important project, including continuing the documentation and adding new stories, as well as the production of a book and an exhibition.”

For us at The Ocelot, we believe this is proper journalism, keeping the human stories of the conflict alive as the displacement spills over into Europe.

To see what it is all about visit

www.mapofdisplacement.com

Film

Are superheroes superfluous?

The remake of Clint Eastwood’s The Dead Pool has gone down a bit of a different route especially when it comes to Dirty Harry’s new look

Are You Talkin’ To Me? A Film column by Jamie Hill Genres are funny. The ebb and flow of their popularity is totally dependent on mass market tastes.

There’s been a lot of talk recently that the past decade’s obsession with superheroes is bound to crash and burn in the coming years as we head to overkill.

A particularly evil supervillain called ‘Audience Apathy’ is threatening the genre’s time at the top.

We’ve already had the Fantastic Four reboot prove, urm, not so fantastic at the box office this summer and there’s bound to be a few more superhero movies not exactly being up to scratch.

In my opinion though, the genre can take a few punches and they might even be beneficial in the long run as it takes away studio complacency.

Every good superhero knows, when facing increasingly stark odds there’s really only one thing to do and that is adapt or die. And that is why I don’t think this genre is going anywhere any time soon and has probably got good legs for the long term.

The superhero model, in the original comics and graphic novels, has been an ever-changing landscape of different takes and genres within genres. The writers have known that to keep it fresh the stories have to be adaptable with different themes and cater for the constantly mutating tastes of the audience.

This has created a wealth of material for the studios to raid when addressing the superhero movie - all with a different take on how to approach the genre.

The problem with The Western as a long term genre, although brilliantly done, really comes down to one simple thing - that it is essentially one type of story. White knight

saving community. I know that is a huge generalisation and don’t get me wrong I absolutely love Westerns but we can now only take a handful a year.

The fact that The Western is set solely in the wild west probably didn’t help it as a genre that could stay at the top as there’s only so much tumbleweed action that audiences can take.

The superhero genre also does exactly the same with this ‘white knight’ business but is able to do it in a myriad of different ways that addresses different issues and stories that a modern day audience can really relate to.

We’re already seeing the adaptability of the superhero genre. This year’s Ant-Man is a case in point. This was not your normal superhero movie of cities being threatened and heroes flying to the rescue. In fact it was a comedy heist movie. Great stuff.

Another example was the high sci-fi of last year’s Guardians of the Galaxy which was basically The Usual Suspects does Star Wars. And over on Netflix, Daredevil went all dark, brooding and adult to amazing results.

But one film that we’re really looking forward to is next February’s Deadpool starring Ryan Reynolds. The film that will see Marvel go down the ‘R’ rated route. If you’ve ever read the comics you’ll know that this particular superhero is a swearing, fourth-wall breaking violent sociopath and is funny as hell. With a good script this could well be the Porkies of superheroes.

DC and Warner Bros as always are a bit behind Marvel when it comes to adapting but with the forthcoming Suicide Squad that could all be about to change as well.

Superhero films have a long way to go before they run out of steam and I think there’s definitely a bit of life in the old dogs yet.

www.theocelot.co.uk 9

Christmas Light Festival

Oxford Christmas Light Festival

People line the streets for last year’s Christmas Light Festival

The plans for this year’s Oxford Christmas Light Festival are now well under way and as usual Oxford is inviting its residents in to explore spaces around the city and enjoy hundreds of free events over the Festival weekend.

The Festival will be held from 20 to 22 November and is open to all. It is one of the highlights of Oxford City Council’s Culture Team and is put on in partnership with Ian Nolan Events on behalf of communities and cultural organisations across the city.

The Christmas Light Festival is an annual event that brings the community together with an exciting programme of art, music, dance and performance. Now in its third year in this three-day format, the Festival is, thanks to funding from The Arts Council, seeing the return of the popular Lantern Procession which winds through the city and ending in Broad Street, which will be closed especially for the event. There will also be a stage in Gloucester Green providing a performance hub for a wonderful cross section of artists – something for everyone.

The Light Festival’s wide ranging programme of art, music, dance and performance takes place at over 20 of the city’s venues and involves hundreds of people who make this a wonderful event! Many of the city’s best loved venues including its museums, galleries and theatres welcome you to start the festive season with unique late night viewings, exhibitions and inspiring events, most of which are free. In addition, every year local community groups come together in the spirit of the festive season

10 www.theocelot.co.uk

and create magical events for the Festival. Local artists, dancers, performers and musicians are busily working with many of the venues to create an exciting programme ofevents with this year’s theme of ‘Light and Energy’.

To help some of the more ambitious projects to take place, the Christmas Light Festival offers funding to local groups to help them stage their events. This year it has awarded a total of £5000 across six local creative groups to produce an exciting and inspiring event for the Festival. These community and creative groups were invited to apply and the successful applicants are now able to create their innovative projects which will be free for everyone to enjoy over the weekend.

Another exciting project is the series of lantern making workshops in local schools. This year eight of the city’s primary schools, involving up to 250 children, will be working with a local artist to create lanterns for the parade. 2015 sees them being encouraged to make them from recycled materials during workshops in the schools during October and early November.

Keep an eye on the website and you will then be able to plan your weekend, making sure you do not miss out on any of these spectacular events. www.oxfordschristmas.com @OXChristmas

Christmas Light Festival Lantern Parade City Streets, finishing in Broad Street Friday 6.30pm-7.15pm The best viewing positions are in Queen Street and Cornmarket Re:action Broad Street Friday 8.30pm and 9.30pm Saturday hourly from 4.30pm 9.30pm This is a fantastic new piece of artwork involving both architectural video mapping and an interactive element designed by Anomic Multimedia.

Umbrella Project Oxford’s Castle Quarter - Friday 6pm-6.30 & 8.30-9pm Visit the Oxford Castle Quarter and witness Cirque Bijou’s ‘Umbrella Project’ with stunning Castle as the backdrop. Watch the umbrellas scroll through a rainbow of colours alongside a choreographed piece performed by contemporary dancers.

Festive on the Green Gloucester Green - Friday, 5pm-10.30pm A vibrant atmosphere with live music, choirs, dance stage, story-telling, mulled wine, hot chocolate and much more. www.dancinoxford.co.uk Christmas Making Space The Old Fire Station - Friday 17.30pm-19.30pm A festive exhibition. There’ll be craft activities, special offers, a live window installation and plenty of Christmas cheer, as well as a great selection of handmade gifts OU Museum of History of Science Friday 6pm-9pm The late-night opening offers music, activities and tours all themed around the mysterious energy that is light!

When the Lights go Out! Oxford Town Hall/Museum of Oxford - Saturday 10.30am-3.30pm Explore how people lived with war, the comradeship and how to function in time of blackouts.

Bright Sparks Saturday & Sunday The lanterns made in Fusion Art’s workshops will be displayed on Plain Roundabout.

Instant Orchestra Weston Library - Friday, 8pm The Instant Orchestra, which could involve you, gives a performance of Handel’s Messiah, reworked by Max Reinhardt.

Ice Station Digital Oxford Ice Rink Friday 6.00pm – 7.30pm FREE Friday 8.00pm – 10.30pm Charge £2.00 Saturday 1.30pm – 4.00pm Charge £2.00 An interactive Christmas Lights Spectacle – soundscapes, DJs and multi-screen projection.

Light Night Pitt Rivers and Natural History Museums - Friday 6pm-9pm - This event needs to be booked at the museums The legendary light night is back, but for the first time, both museums will be plunged into darkness, ready to be explored by torchlight. Twinkling lights and atmospheric choirs will create a magical, mysterious evening.

Advent Carols St Ebbe’s Church - Friday 7pm-7.30pm and 8pm8.30pm – followed by hot punch & refreshments. Last’s 30 minutes.

Weston Library Cafe Friday, 7.45pm-10.15pm Serving up festive food and drinks with the traditional printing press, will be working throughout the evening.

St Michael at the North Gate Tower Open - Friday 5pm-9pm Come and enjoy a great view of the Christmas Light Festival or for a quiet space for reflection.

Narnian Storytelling Story Museum - Friday 6pm-9pm Enjoy story telling sessions in the magical Narnia installation combined with a torch-lit tour of the museum, festive crafting, live music and performances in the courtyard and warming food and drink.

Arkitektoniske Kramper’ Exhibition - late opening OVADA - Friday, Saturday and Sunday (6pm-9pm Friday and 12pm-6pm on Saturday & Sunday) UK artists brook & black collaborate with Danish artists Christina Bredahl Duelund and Natascha Thiara Rydvald.

Friday Late at Modern Art Oxford Modern Art Oxford - Friday and Saturday 6.30pm8.30pm A special, one-off, late night opening of British artist Anne Hardy’s major solo exhibition FIELD, the project Film Studio, and merriment in the shop and café.

For more details: www.oxfordschristmas.com

www.theocelot.co.uk 11

Theatre & Comedy List Fri October 2 to Sat November 14 ART: And Breathe… - Exhibition 10am to 5pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ Fri October 16 to Thurs November 12 THEATRICAL SCREENING: NT Encore: Hamlet Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD Sunday November 1 FAMILY EVENTS: Comedy Club for Kids 2pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE

FAMILY EVENTS: Ministry of Science Live 7pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD

CONCERT: Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Mon November 2 to Sat November 7 THEATRE: Macbeth 7:30pm - Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury Tuesday November 3

TALKS: National Drama Conference ‘Which Board To Tread?’

11:30am to 4:30pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD

THEATRE: Shakespeares Schools Festival 7pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD THEATRE: Leys CDI presents: The Journey 7pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ THEATRE: I Puritani WNO 7pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Wednesday November 4 DANCE: ManMade 2015 6:30pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD ART AND FILM: And Breathe…. Film Night 7:30pm to 9pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ THEATRE: Orlando WNO 7:15pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford THEATRE: Pentecost 7:30pm - Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford Thurs November 5 to Sat November 7 THEATRE: Sweeney Todd WNO 7:15pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Thursday November 5 TALKS: Forensics of a Flat 7:30pm - Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford THEATRE: Kennet Opera: La Traviata 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare School, Newbury RG14 3BQ

12 www.theocelot.co.uk

THEATRE: Kill the Beast presents: He Had Hairy Hands 7pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ Friday November 6 TALKS: Putting The Higgs Boson in its Place – The Charles Simonyi Annual Lecture 5pm - Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford

COMEDY: Ed Byrne: Outside, Looking In 7:45pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD CONCERT: Polly and the Billets Doux 8pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE COMEDY: QI: No Such Thing As A Fish 8pm - North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford THEATRE: Leys CDI presents: The Journey 7pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ COMEDY: Tommy Tiernan – Out of the Whirlwind 6:45pm - Glee Club, 3-5 Hythe Bridge St, Oxford OX1 2EW Saturday November 7 FAMILY EVENTS: Nick Cope – Family Music 10:30am - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD

in association with Wychwood Brewery www.wychwood.co.uk Clark + Stephen Bailey + Comic To Be Confirmed 7:15pm - Glee Club, 3-5 Hythe Bridge St, Oxford OX1 2EW Sunday November 8 THEATRICAL SCREENING: Bolshoi Live: Jewels 3pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD FAMILY EVENTS: Funday Sunday: Baby Boogie 10:30am - Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford Mon November 9 to Sat November 14 THEATRE: Sunset Boulevard 7:30pm - Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford Tues November 10 to Sat November 21 THEATRE: The Bodyguard 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Tuesday November 10 COMEDY: Josh Widdicombe - What Do I Do Now? 7:45pm- Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD Weds November 11 to Sat November 11 THEATRE: Gormenghast 7:30pm - Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury Thursday November 12 CONCERT: Danny Bryant 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare School, Newbury RG14 3BQ CONCERT: Wild Ponies 8pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE COMEDY: On The Edge 7:30pm - Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford

COMEDY: One Man Breaking Bad: The Unauthorised Parody 7:45pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD

CONCERT: Laura Jurd – DINOSAUR & LABtrio 7:45pm - North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford

CONCERT: St Giles Orchestra 7:30pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE

COMEDY: Phil Buckley’s Big Idea 7:30pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ

FAMILY EVENTS: Once Upon a Snowflake 11am - Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford

COMEDY: James Acaster – Represent 7pm - Glee Club, 3-5 Hythe Bridge St, Oxford OX1 2EW Friday November 13 DANCE: Beauty of the Beast 7:45pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD Saturday November 14 DANCE: Maayan – The Colours of

THEATRE: The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha 8pm - North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford COMEDY: The Best In Live Stand-up Comedy with Ian Smith + Damian

Theatre & Comedy List Krishna 2pm - Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford CONCERT: Emily Portman Trio 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare School, Newbury RG14 3BQ DANCE: Solid Gold 70s Show 7:45pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD THEATRE: The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha 7:30pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE COMEDY: The Best In Live Stand-up Comedy with Ryan Cull + Comic To Be Confirmed 7:15pm - Glee Club, 3-5 Hythe Bridge St, Oxford OX1 2EW Sunday November 15 FAMILY EVENTS: Puss in Boots 2pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE

Friday November 20 CONCERT: Zervas & Pepper 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare School, Newbury RG14 3BQ COMEDY: Jongleurs Comedy Club 7:45pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD COMEDY: James Acaster 8pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE FAMILY EVENTS: Christmas Light Festival 5:30pm to 9pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ Saturday November 21 CONCERT: Big Boss Man ’15 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare School, Newbury, RG14 3BQ

FAMILY EVENTS: Our Teacher’s A Troll 2pm - North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford Mon November 16 to Sat November 21 THEATRE: Rebecca 7:30pm - Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford Wednesday November 18 DANCE: Beauty Of The Beast 7:30pm - Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford

CONCERT: Carols at the Corn Exchange 7:45pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD Sunday November 22 CONCERT: Calan 8pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE Monday November 23 CONCERT: Caro Emerald 7pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Tuesday November 24 DANCE: Oxford Dance Forum presents: Dance Scratch Night 7:30pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ

CONCERT: Hugh Cornwell 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare School, Newbury RG14 3BQ

TALKS: Playground 7pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ

COMEDY: Matt Forde 6:45pm - Glee Club, 3-5 Hythe Bridge St, Oxford OX1 2EW Thurs November 19 to Sun January 3 FAMILY EVENT: Alice In Wonderland 7:30pm - Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury Thursday November 19 DANCE: Paradise Lost (lies unopened beside me) 8pm - North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford

CONCERT: Will Young 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Wednesday November 25 DANCE: Diversity: Up Close & Personal 7pm - New Theatre, Oxford

CABARET: Tatterdemalion 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare School, Newbury RG14 3BQ THEATRICAL SCREENING: NT Live - Of Mice and Men 7pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD

14 www.theocelot.co.uk

THEATRE: Disco Pigs 8pm - North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford Thursday November 26 CONCERT: The Listening Room 7:30pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ COMEDY: An Evening with Noel Fielding 8pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Fri November 27 to Sun January 3 FAMILY EVENTS: Dick Whittington Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West

in association with Wychwood Brewery www.wychwood.co.uk Berkshire RG14 5BD Fri November 27 to Sun January 10 FAMILY EVENTS: Aladdin 7pm - Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford Friday November 27 COMEDY: Hardeep Singh Kohli: Big Mouth Strikes Again 7:45pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ CONCERT: Gareth Malone 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Saturday November 28 TALKS: Meet the Maker: Anabelle Lou 1pm to 3pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ CONCERT: Red Butler 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare School, Newbury, RG14 3BQ THEATRE: Disco Pigs 8pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE CONCERT: Sarah Nicolls: Moments of Weightlessness 7:30pm - North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford CONCERT: Beyond the Barricade 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford COMEDY: The Best In Live Stand-up Comedy with Funmbi Omotayo + Comics To Be Confirmed 7:15pm - Glee Club, 3-5 Hythe Bridge St, Oxford OX1 2EW Sunday November 29 FAMILY EVENTS: Up in the Attic 2pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE CONCERT: The Carpenters Story 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Monday November 30 CONCERT: The Sensational 60’s Experience 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Tues December 1 to Sat December 5 THEATRE: Oxford Theatre Guild presents: Season’s Greetings by Alan Ayckbourn 7:30pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ FAMILY EVENTS: Horrible Histories – Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders 7pm - New Theatre, Oxford

The White Stuff?

By Mike Barham Following sell-out runs at comedy festivals in Melbourne and Edinburgh, and following his first UK tour this spring, LA actor Miles Allen will tour the UK again this autumn with his hit solo show One Man Breaking Bad - The Unauthorised Parody. The show will be coming to Newbury’s Corn Exchange on Saturday November 7.

The LA actor smacks the senses with his super-charged, hilariously accurate renditions of all the iconic characters, including Walter White, Jesse, Saul, Skyler, Hank, Walt Junior, Mike and Gus Fring.

Allen’s incredible impersonations break all five seasons down into one, exhilarating, and uproarious tour-de-force parody performance.

So to dive a little deeper into this unique show, we sat down for a chat with Mr Allen to get an idea of the man behind the monster: How would you describe One Man Breaking Bad? It’s a farcical love letter to all the people who went through the bloodbath and tears of Breaking Bad and who are wanting to kind of go on a nostalgia trip and laugh at all the different things that made it so special to them. It follows roughly the same timeline and the same plot points, condensed into a much shorter time frame. It’s like a fusion of solo theatre and stand-up.

Why did you feel Breaking Bad was ripe for parody?

When the show ended, as I’m sure it was for many other people, it was like ‘What am I gonna watch now Breaking Bad just ended?’ I realised there was this huge love and desire to see the characters re-enacted through the YouTube video of mine that went viral in September 2013. It sort of developed from there.

How would you sum up the essence of, say, Walter and Jesse?

[Doing an impression of the voices] Walt is very determined and he feels underappreciated so he’s constantly trying to prove himself but always for his family, he says. Since he’s so smart he really believes he’s the best and that comes out in his alter ego Heisenberg. He’s this over-qualified high school chemistry teacher who could have been making millions or billions of dollars with Grey Matter, the company he left and then became very successful. So he’s got this huge inferiority complex he’s trying to get over.

And with Jesse it’s so funny how he starts out like this character who we all perceive as a lowlife with not much going for him. Originally [creator] Vince Gilligan and the writers were going to kill him off at the end of the first

Theatre

‘Meth’od actor Miles Allen brings the Walt and Jessie show to Newbury

season, but his character become so much more complex in terms of why he chose to go into the drug business and how he actually is this really talented craftsman. He actually becomes more of a protagonist for us towards the end of the show than Walt is. We sympathise with him more because he’s still trying to do good and he experiences a lot of pain, whereas with Walt’s character it’s weird because our protagonist becomes more distant from us. We start to disassociate ourselves from him. I don’t know many shows that have done that and it’s what I find so riveting about the show.

Was there anything that surprised you about the audience reaction when you did One Man Breaking Bad in Melbourne and Edinburgh?

I was entirely shocked because it’s the first one-man show I’ve ever done. I’ve been an actor and a comedian but it was my first attempt at doing an hour-long-format and I was surprised by how much fun they had.

Are you looking forward to taking the show around the UK? I’m really excited about that. I did it in Scotland but I’ve not been to other parts of the UK. I think it’s an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to go around all the various regions of the UK and perform. Hopefully they’ll enjoy it as much as everyone else has. www.cornexchangenew.com

www.theocelot.co.uk 15

Theatre

God, a pig and a whole load of poo

Leftfield performances at North Wall The North Wall Arts Centre hosts two uniquely influenced and differing shows this November, with poetically influenced Paradise Lost (lies unopened beside me) and a friendship story in Disco Pigs that quickly spirals out of control.

Paradise Lost (lies unopened beside me) is set to re-tell the story of the beginning of everything inspired by Milton’s epic poem of the same title, but adding “music, fewer words, more dance, and never before seen levels of divine incompetence.” It promises to be a refreshing reimagination of the poetic classic, and tackles the story of creation with a modern twist and sense of humour.

Following the performance there will be a post-show talk with Dr Margaret Kean (Fellow in English at St Hilda’s College, Oxford) and Lost Dog’s Artistic Director, Ben Duke. The talk will give a short introduction to Milton and his epic poem, Paradise Lost, followed by a discussion about how the work inspired the making of the show.

On almost the total reverse side,

16 www.theocelot.co.uk

Disco Pigs is shaping up to be a “furious, funny and violent dash through a friendship too close to survive”. An expectation of this show being a Hollywood style ‘buddy comedy’ is likely misplaced, as the story takes a dark turn when the fantasy world that the characters surround themselves in violently collides with reality after a 17th birthday binge gone wrong. This rather dystopian image of teenage friendship and the regrets that can follow one night of madness and excess could prove to be a potent mix, and definitely piques the interest.

Both shows clearly offer something different from your theatre experience; one based almost on the ‘classic’ theatre formula of reimagining poetic works in refreshing

Disco Pigs isn’t actually about pigs

and exciting ways, and the other exploring the dark drama that can be created within character relationships.

Paradise Lost will be performed on Thursday 19 November at 8pm Disco Pigs will be performed on Wednesday 25 November at 8pm Tickets are available from www. thenorthwall.com

The Written Word

Oxfordshire and Wiltshire have quite the pedigree when it comes to the written word with some of the UK’s greatest writers on our doorstep from your Pratchetts and Tolkeins to your Goldings and Haddons. At The Ocelot we do like to harp on about some of the great works of literature happening right under our noses from self-publishers to litfests. Over the next two pages we look into a few of these in a bit more depth.

First time author launches sci-fi trilogy Imagine a world of magic. A world of war. A world like you’ve never seen before.

This is the setting for Jamie Martin’s debut novel. It is set in a landscape of intrigue with embattled humans trying to survive in a struggle against a terrifying race of creatures.

The book called The Anomaly Crystal took Swindonian Jamie three years to write and is the first novel in a planned trilogy.

Jamie achieved a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Psychology during his time at University but always wanted to be a writer.

He said: “The Anomaly Crystal is an action-packed science fiction, fantasy war story lasting over 200 years spun from the highly gripping issues of armed conflict and ancient sorcery upon a mysterious planet.

“It’s an epic story with countless shocking twists, exciting scenes and incredible action that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

It tells the story of a great war between humans and terrifying creatures which will be decided by the courage and emotions of a few honourable and worthy individuals.

The plot tells the story of Raven, who is the last bloodline descendent from the greatest wizard known as Grackle, and has found himself living in a time of endless uncertainty, magic and sorcery between the humans and a terrifying creature race residing upon the mysterious Planet of Phoenix.

It is available to loan from Swindon Library within the

Jamie Martin with his debut novel The Anomaly Crystal

Science Fiction section.

You can buy it from Amazon at www.amazon.co.uk/ Anomaly-Crystal-JAMIE-MARTIN

Charles Williams; The Third Inkling by Grevel Lindop The Inklings were some of the most celebrated writers in British history, including C.S Lewis and J.R.R Tolkein.

However little has been mentioned of the most controversial member of ‘The Inklings’ – namely Charles Williams.

That is, until Grevel Lindop decided to delve deeper into the fascinating history of the pioneering fantasy writer, who still has a cult following.

C.S. Lewis thought Williams’ poems on King Arthur and Holy Grail-lore were among the best poetry of the 20th Century for the “soaring and gorgeous novelty of their technique,

18 www.theocelot.co.uk

and their profound wisdom”. Joining the Inklings at the outbreak of the Second World War, Williams had risen to become an influential publisher, a successful dramatist and an innovative literary critic.

He became the most admired lecturer in wartime Oxford with his ‘Romantic Theology’ focusing on an approach to God through sexual love, and believed that the Christian churches had dangerously undervalued sexuality. This influenced many young writers before Charles Williams died suddenly at the height

of his powers.

The biography my Grevel Lindop holds never before published letters from T.S. Eliot and C.S. Lewis, a wealth of documents, letters and private papers and vividly recreates the bizarre and dramatic life of this strange and uneasy genius.

Available in all good book shops.

A mystery novel set in the paradise of Goa

The Written Word

The beaches and infamous party scene has been synonymous with the small state of Goa since the sixties, but rural Goa or the real Goa, as locals often refer to it as, is the setting for Marissa de Luna’s new novel, Under the Coconut Tree.

On a recent holiday, Marissa visited her father’s ancestral home, located deep in the village of Zossvado.

Inspired by the tranquil beauty of the area and the vibrancy of the Goan people, Detective Chupplejeep was born, her father’s house now the setting for the detective’s home. This light-hearted novel gives readers a glimpse into Goan village life as Detective Chupplejeep and Police Officer Pankaj sift through rumour and gossip to solve the murder of Sandeep Shah.

Reviewers of Under the Coconut Tree have said, ‘You’ll fall in love with the characters and the setting’, ‘delightful cosy crime, leaving you desperate to get your hands on the next in the series.’

Marissa de Luna is an up-and-coming young author with a passion for writing and travel. Under the Coconut Tree is her third novel and the first in the Chupplejeep Mystery series.

Under the Coconut Tree (ISBN: 978-151-2252163) is available as a paperback and e-book. For more information about Under the Coconut Tree or about the author see www.marissadeluna.com

Swindon Youth Festival of Literature is coming...

Authors, poets, illustrators and storytellers will be visiting schools for readings, workshops and performances to encourage children to expand and enjoy their writing and reading from November 6 to 13 for the Swindon Youth Festival of Literature.

Award winning author Phillip Reeve will open the festival at Isambard School with students from across all of the participating schools, and performance poet Ash Dickinson will once again visit each of the 11 secondary schools to perform his poetry to all Year 7 students and encourage their ‘inner poet’ by supporting them to create lines of prose.

Illustrator and author, Fred Blunt, will host a series of illustration

workshops for Art & Design students, and finishing off the week will be a scare filled event with a multi school audience, as horror author David Gatward hosts a session on the 13 November at Highworth Warneford School.

Cross school activities will also be part of the fun as schools challenge each other in literary based competitions including an inter-school book quiz, a creative writing competition and a contest for illustration.

The headline event of the festival will take place on the 12 November with Steve Cole, the new author of the ‘Young James Bond’ series previously written by Charlie Higson. The event promises thrills, excitement, action and glamour – all

the ingredients of a classic Bond adventure to round out the festival.

Authors such as ‘The Two Steves’ have previously heaped praise upon the festival saying: “The Swindon Youth Festival of Literature is a brilliant festival – it brings authors and students together to celebrate all that is good about books and reading. We love it!”

Supported by the Swindon Association of Secondary Heads, the list of sponsors includes Santander, WHSmith, Bower&Bailey, Browns Books for Students and Micro Librarian Systems. These companies are very generously offering their sponsorship for prizes and printing to make the festival bigger and better than any previous year. For more info www.swindonyfl.co.uk

www.theocelot.co.uk 19

Groovers on Manouevres

Dave Franklin is our man about town when it comes to the Swindon music scene. This month he looks at the mysterious Mr Dog The Bear

I Am Jack’s Broken Heart - Mr Dog The Bear

By Dave Franklin Who is Mr Dog The Bear?

It is the product of two Italian college friends. It is the sideline project of a famous musician maintaining their anonymity. It is the experimentation of a group of Japanese students. It is the secret communication between two ostracised Americans. It is based on truth, it is all a lie, it is none of the above and it is not what you think.

I love the fact that even the small amount of on-line information the band/artist/studio/project has is clearly a smokescreen. But I do know that maybe if we stopped fixating on the people who make music, their every move and utterance and just embraced their product we might be in an altogether better place

culturally speaking.

I Am Jack’s Broken Heart is the soundtrack to a film that is yet to be made or maybe one that exists in the head of each person listening to it.

A series of instrumental statements that conjure scenes and scenarios of a fleeting cinematic memory or a glimpse of the future. Ranging from atmospheric minimalism, though slowburning post-rock dynamic builds, to soaring anthemic crescendos, it covers a lot of ground even within each individual track.

It is music based on mood rather than message, music that depicts scenes rather than tells stories, music about images rather than ideas. It is music of the immersion tank, just exist within it, become one with it, heavy meditation, a solitary experience.

Some music is aimed at the brain, intelligent and intricate, some at the heart, emotive and alluring, Mr Dog The Bear does nothing less than aim for your very soul.

Who is Mr Dog The Bear? Who cares, just listen.

Truck Store gets a makeover

Truck Store in Cowley Road, Oxford has a brand new look and it’s now strutting its stuff like it’s cock of the walk.

That’s right. Oxford’s brilliantly fantastic record store now looks bloody good.

Their new wall racking has really opened the shop up and it feels really open and spacious in-store right now.

Part of the reason behind the recent makeover of course is the further establishing of their new in-store coffee shop Mostro Coffee.

A spokesperson, speaking between taking sips of

delicious coffee, said: “We’ve been working hard to create the perfect cosy environment to accompany the exquisitely crafted drinks served by Louis and his baristas and feel the new look makes our store the perfect place to hang out on Oxford’s most vibrant street.”

It all sounds perfect.

To keep up to date with all the record store’s goings on, you should sign up to their newsletter at their rather nifty website www.truckmusicstore.co.uk

www.theocelot.co.uk 21

This is New Music

Discovering the acts of tomorrow with our new music specialist Mark Muggeridge

This is... Holy Holy Frontman Timothy Carroll and guitarist Oscar Dawson were both leading somewhat transient lives when they started writing music together. However luckily something clicked between the two and a set of demos became the nexus which coalesced into a debut album, When the Storms Will Come which is getting music fans and critics really quite excited. The two selfdescribed ‘music tragics’ bonded over Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and contemporary acts like Midlake, Band Of Horses and Grizzly Bear. However don’t expect imitation from Holy Holy who give us a unique take on transcendental,

nu­-progressive power rock. In the studio they worked with reclusive producer Matt Redlich who encouraged them to follow their instincts giving us sonorous, sublime melodies augmented by strong powerful guitars and big vocals.

Holy Holy’s live show is as exciting as the recordings, rhythmically­dense drumming from Ryan Strathie and fine bass work from Graham Ritchie add an atmosphere which will help make this outfit a festival favourite very quickly. When Storms Will Come is out now.

Key Tracks: House of Cards, ­Like a Dog holyholymusic.com

This is... Royce Wood Junior Soul as a style of music has continued to have a revival via a number of young artists whom in many ways are reinventing what it’s all about. Fitting right into that category is Royce Wood Junior but that’s where the comparison ends because the producer and multiinstrumentalist really does have a unique sound that defies comparisons. His latest single, Honeydripper is treacly funk exaggerated by a sticky drum stomp and gloriously squelchy, metallic guitar work. It comes off the album, Ashen Tang which was released back in June this year. As a side note, check out the artwork on RWJ’s

22 www.theocelot.co.uk

This is...Kolidescopes Dance music genres come and go, but House music in all it’s various guises is still the one style that will get the most reluctant dancer up on the floor for a shuffle and sway.

Soundtracking those moves could soon be new production duo Kolidescopes.

Their debut offering, Back to You is a reflective look back at Summer past and fun times remembered. Laid back and wistful it will bring a smile to your face whilst the solid driving beat will take you into the future, chasing away the chance at any melancholy. The duo comprises of producers Dan Dare and Yeah Boy. Dan is the hitmaker responsible for some cracking tracks from the likes of Wiley, Wretch 32, Charli XCX and Marina And The Diamonds. Its super early days for the boys so it will be interesting to see what else comes of this collaboration.

For now check out Back to You via Waxploitation Records. facebook. com/Kolidescopes/

previous releases. He’s a man who clearly enjoys a bit of commercial design ­see if you can name the various logo’s he’s tipping his hat to. Prior to stepping into the limelight with his own genre­bending electro­soul jams, Royce cut his teeth behind­the­scenes working as a songwriter, producer and remixer. It’s experience that has served him well with many of the other tracks on the album providing resplendent listening. His live shows have been getting great word­-of-­mouth and as an artist in his own right Royce is sounding like he will appeal to a very wide. Key Tracks: Clanky Love, Midnight roycewoodjunior.com

Live Music

Twenty One Pilots crash land at The O2 Academy in Oxford

Twenty One Pilots are making a few people see red.

By Mike Barham Global phenomenon Twenty One Pilots are coming to Oxford on Saturday November 7, and have unveiled their brand new video for single ‘Lane Boy.’ The video, partly shot at a live show in the States, reflects the lyrical content of the song – this is a band who will not conform, they do things their own way.

With their forthcoming November UK tour already sold out, the band announced their biggest UK show to date at Brixton Academy on 25 February 2016 and tickets are already close to selling out!

Sold out shows in their home town of Columbus, Ohio, brought the band to the attention of Fuelled by Ramen, a subsidiary label for Atlantic Records, and since then they have supported Fall Out Boy, and have performed at SXSW and Lollapalooza, so Oxford shouldn’t scare them too much!

Blurryface, their latest offering after their debut Vessel, entered into the world just over a month ago to mind blowing response, with sales now reaching a quarter of a

million worldwide.

The bands use of electronica, rap infused pop and classic big choruses have stood them out from the massed crowd, and the success of their touring is only adding to their credentials as a band to watch as they rocket onwards and upwards.

Support for the Oxford gig comes in the form of Jeremy Loops. If you don’t know Jeremy, he’s pretty damn big in his native South Africa.

Juxtaposing booming city rhythms with lilting folk, Jeremy Loops (we’re not sure that was the name he was born with) perfectly captures the duality of his South African life.

The extremes aren’t new to the singer, who by day travels to the furthest corners of Africa to battle deforestation through his organization, Greenpop, and by night resumes as raconteur for raucous fans around the world. This sounds all pretty damn impressive.

Twenty One Pilots and Jeremy Loops are at the O2 Academy Oxford on November 7.

www.theocelot.co.uk 23

Gig Monkey Gig Monkey, AKA Ed Dyer, is a primate on a mission to discover as much quality original music as possible. Send your reviews to ed@theocelot.co.uk

Gig Monkey goes review crazy

The Kaos really need to learn how to spell ‘chaos’

No live review this month. Instead I have some cracking records (well, CDs and downloads mostly, although the Case Hardin album is available on vinyl) to let you all know about. If you like the sound of something, please do go and buy it, it is what keeps all these bands going. I have helpfully included links to make this easy for you, so no excuses!

The Kaos – The Philosophy

These guys are one of the first bands I ever reviewed live, so it was nice to check out their new material and see how they have progressed.

The answer in some ways is not far, in others its miles!

They still ply a very recognisable, generic trade in poppunk.

If you are familiar with Blink 182, New Found Glory or All Time Low then you are half way there - certainly not particularly original stuff.

But, the intervening years (four, almost exactly, since that night at The Swan in Wantage) have seen big strides in the quality of the songs, and there is a great, jump up and down, smile on face, sense of fun with these tunes, which, let’s be honest, is what you expect and want from a pop-punk record.

To find out where you can catch them locally visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheKaosOfficial

24 www.theocelot.co.uk

Middlenamekill – Choose Your Own Adventure Once again Salisbury alt-rock monsters Middlenamekill land us with a full album. Never any messing around with these guys, it is long format or nothing it seems, even if it takes forever to arrive -predecessor When Lions Fight Bears was released over 4 years ago! But, the wait is more than worth it as this is another superb album, wellcrafted and very much nurtured into existence. Like the previous record it is loaded with killer melodies, huge hooks and massive riffs. Loaded to such an extent in fact it is reminiscent of what I imagine having a kung fu fist fight with a naked Scarlett Johansson is like – leaving you battered and bruised but oh so happy and elated. Whilst there is nothing as immediate as Eject Eject Eject or In the House Of The Witch, this a more consistent, developed record and something that if life was fair would propel these guys upa musical division or two. Get it at: www. middlenamekill.com

Gig Monkey

Case Hardin - sublime stuff from the live stalwarts

Case Hardin – Colours Simple

Much more immediate and upbeat (musically, certainly not in tone) than predecessor PM, Colours Simple ups the ante considerably, swapping the melancholic acoustic guitar, piano and violin focused musical base for a more raucous, electric guitar led sound that makes so much more of the whole group’s musicality. In short, this is much more of a “band” record, less reliant on the whisky soaked drawl of Pete Gow and the artistry of his words to steer the songs, much more driven by Jim Mavin’s pitch-perfect guitar work and the slick work of the rhythm section. That’s not to say that this lyrical aspect of the band is missing, it is still there, proudly front and centre as always with atmospheric tales of broken lives, hapless characters and the cruelty of fate. This flawless combination of world weary tales flawed characters and more rocked up country tunes have created possibly the finest album I have heard for some time. You really need a copy of this in your collection. Get it at www.casehardin.com

Raze*Rebuild – Sting Like a Butterfly

This band was once called Coasters, but musically unlikely confusion with the 50’s Doo-Wop band has necessitated the moniker change. This isn’t all that has changed however as the music is better, bigger and much bolder than before (and it was damn good in the first place).

Taking copious notes from the Chuck Ragan / The Bronx / Gaslight Anthem book of rock n roll instruction this is a muscular, melodic masterpiece of punk-americana. The songs are heartfelt, confessional and honest, built around outrageous hooks and massive guitar riffs but somehow also layered, delicate and accessible. Frontman Si Hall, as well as being possessed of one of the best razor-blade voices in the business, has turned out to be a songwriter of depth, skill and precision, which when teamed with the musical chops of the rest of band results in a project that has some serious potential. Get it at: razerebuild. bandcamp.com

With Ghosts really like hanging around haunted houses

With Ghosts – Endings

More local pop-punk, this time from Swindon. Despite having plenty stacked against it, this is looking increasingly like it is this the genre that refuses to die, which is no bad thing. This record, the band’s debut, is exactly what you want from that genre – upbeat, melodic and fun with contagious hooks, crunching guitars and thumping rhythms. It is pacey too; it shifts along at a hell of rate, the songs not hanging round long enough to be anything other than catchy and leaving you wanting more. I wasn’t really expecting to like this quite as much as I do, which is always a nice experience. Surprises like this are what is so great about new music. Get it at: www.withghosts.bigcartel.com

www.theocelot.co.uk 25

Live Music Plaid. Urm. Right.

The season for festivals may feel like it’s over, but no-one seems to have told the guys at Audioscope Festival, who are gearing up for their 15th Anniversary on November 21.

One of Oxfords major entertainment events, Audioscope was set up in 2001 and has raised over £28,000 for Shelter, the charity dedicated to helping people in difficult living conditions or homelessness. Showcasing leftfield and alternative music from international, national and local acts, the event prides itself on raising money for a good cause, and every act that has contributed to the festival by performing or donating tracks has done so without a fee because of their belief in this charitable ethos.

You could almost refer to Audioscope as a Shelter for underground and alternative music in its own rite!

Previous acts to grace the festival include Public Service Broadcasting, Four Tet, Wire and Explosions in the Sky The main festival is usually held in the Autumn at the Bullingdon, but events throughout the year keep Audioscope fresh and visible in Oxford. Electronica legends Plaid are heading an outstanding lineup of the best underground and alternative artists at the fifteenth anniversary, joined by synth shaman Gazelle Twin, performing this intimate show just days before her headline date at the Barbican, and the Oxford scene is represented

by Kone, who are one of the most hotly-tipped outfits in the city with their brand of ‘art music for guitars’. The full line-up can be found at www.audioscope.co.uk Gazelle Twin said: Shelter’s work is especially vital

26 www.theocelot.co.uk

Gazelle Twin

today - with the cutthroat economics of the current government and with homelessness on the rise in every corner of the UK. I genuinely hope this gig raises awareness further and a lot of cash for this amazing charity as we approach winter.

Co-organiser Stuart Fowkes said: “When we started out in 2001 with the idea to bring as much amazing music as we could find to Oxford, we didn’t even know there’d be a second edition. To have been able to present some of our all-time favourite artists from around the world and fight homelessness at the same time is an incredible achievement and a privilege for us, especially when homelessness continues to be a problem in Oxford.”

AUDIOSCOPE Festival will be held on November 21 @ The Bullingdon.

in association with Wychwood Brewery www.wychwood.co.uk Sunday November 1 Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Dappy 8pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Tuesday November 3 Blackalicious 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Wednesday November 4 Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

Oxford Round Table’s 48th Annual Fireworks Display 4:30pm - South Park, 75 Hill Top Rd, Oxford OX4 1 Sunday November 8 Lucy Rose + Flyte + C Duncan 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Monday November 9 Jay Electronica 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Mark Harrison 8pm - Jericho Tavern, 56 Walton Street, Jericho, OXFORD, OX2 6AE

Songs of Praise (unplugged): Drew Bryant 9pm - The Roaring Donkey, 6 Albert St, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 3HJ

Tuesday November 10 Patrick Watson + Thus Owls 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

Thursday November 5 Clean Cut Kid 8pm - Bullingdon, 162 Cowley Road, Oxford

Thursday November 12 Danny Bryant 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare, Newbury RG14 3BQ

Friday November 6 Polly and the Billets Doux 8pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE

Wild Ponies 8pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE

Keston Cobblers Club 8pm - The Bullingdon, Cowley Road, Oxford Bars and Melody – Album Tour 6pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

Laura Jurd – DINOSAUR & LABtrio 7:45pm - North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford The Fratellis + The Crookes 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

Prides + Fatherson 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

Dreaming Squires Present… Popes of Chillitown + Last Edition + Joe Wynn 7:30pm - The Cellar, Frewin Court Oxford OX1 3HZ

Saturday November 7 SWITCH Presents Blonde: Live 11pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

Friday November 13 We’re Going To Ibiza Ft. Vengaboys Live 11pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

St Giles Orchestra 7:30pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE

BOSSAPHONIK – THE TURBANS + Resident DJ Dan Ofer 10pm - The Cellar, Frewin Court Oxford OX1 3HZ

Sigma + Karen Harding + Majestic 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Definitely Mightbe (Oasis tribute) 6:30pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford twenty one pilots + Jeremy Loops 6pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Rorkes Drift 9pm - Fat Lil’s, 64a Corn Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6BS

Vice Versa 8pm - The Victoria, Victoria Road, Swindon Songs of Praise present: All Ears Avow + Freefall 10pm - The Locomotive, 59 Fleet Street, Swindon Y&T 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Striking Matches

Gig List

6:30pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Stormfly + Support 8pm - The Winchester Gate, Rampart Road, Salisbury

Poplar Jake & The Electric Delta Review 9pm - Rolleston Arms, 73 Commercial Rd, Swindon SN1 5NX Grubby Jack 9pm - The Tunnel House Inn, Tarlton Road, Cirencester GL7 6PW High-On Maiden 9pm - Fat Lil’s, 64a Corn Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6BS Saturday November 14 Emily Portman Trio 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare, Newbury RG14 3BQ Solid Gold 70’s Show 7:45pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD Saedly Dorus & The Hoolie Band 7pm to 10pm - O2 Academy Oxford, 190 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1UE Saedly Dorus and the Hoolie Band 6pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Monday November 16 Albert Hammond, Jr. 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Mandolin Orange 7pm - Fat Lil’s, 64a Corn Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6BS Wednesday November 18 Hugh Cornwell 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare, Newbury RG14 3BQ Thursday November 19 Johnny Payne + The Thunder 8pm - Fat Lil’s, 64a Corn Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6BS Friday November 20 SWITCH Presents Wilkinson – Sleepless House Party Tour 11pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford The Balkan Wanderers EP Launch 7:30pm to 11pm -The Bullingdon, 162 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1UE Zervas & Pepper 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare, Newbury RG14 3BQ Bon Giovi 8pm - The Northcourt, Northcourt Road,

www.theocelot.co.uk 27

Gig list Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1PL Scouting for Girls + Mike Dignam 6:30pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Saturday November 21 Big Boss Man ’15 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare School, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 3BQ Carols At The Corn Exchange 7:45pm - Corn Exchange, Market Pl, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 5BD Heaven 17 6:30pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Skeletor + Severance + 13 Burning + Contek + Glass Cannon 6pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Breeze 9pm - Fat Lil’s, 64a Corn Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6BS Sunday November 22 Calan 8pm - Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE Monday November 23 Caro Emerald 7pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Tuesday November 24 Will Young 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford

in association with Wychwood Brewery www.wychwood.co.uk Saint Raymond: The Young Blood Tour with Louis Berry + Shannon Saunders 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Thursday November 26 The Listening Room 7:30pm - Old Fire Station, 40 George Street Oxford OX1 2AQ The Wailers – Performing the album “Legend” in its entirety 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

7:30pm - North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford Beyond the Barricade 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford Breathe In The Silence + Amaryllis 7:30pm to 11pm - 56 Walton Street OX26AE Antarctic Monkeys + Youth Club for Rich Kids + Haze 6pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

Friday November 27 Garage Nation 10pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

Fishy Fingers Christmas Party 11pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

Gareth Malone 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford

Nine Below Zero + Little Brother Eli 7:30pm - Fat Lil’s, 64a Corn Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6BS

It’s All About The Music present Storyteller + The Mighty Redox + Des Barkus & Country For Old Men + The Relationships + Osprey 6pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford

Sunday November 29 The Carpenters Story 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford

Wolfbait 9pm - Fat Lil’s, 64a Corn Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6BS Saturday November 28 Red Butler 8pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare School, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 3BQ Sarah Nicolls: Moments of Weightlessness

Zebrahead + Patent Pending 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Modestep 7pm - O2 Academy Oxford, Cowley Road, Oxford Monday November 30 Monthly Blues Jam 3pm - Fat Lil’s, 64a Corn Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6BS The Sensational 60’s Experience 7:30pm - New Theatre, George Street, Oxford

Dan Owen coming to The Bullingdon on first headline tour It has been a ground-breaking year for young singersongwriter Dan Owen. The 23-year old has gone from playing to tiny audiences in backrooms of pubs to a run of impressive festivals dates, including Bushstock, The Great Escape and Glastonbury.

Having clocked up hundreds shows to date, the Shrewsbury-native is now gearing up for his own first headline UK tour across September, October and November. Dan has been handpicked by the criticallyacclaimed Rae Morris as support for her upcoming Autumn tour, including London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 8th Oct. Dan has also been chosen to be part of the well respected Communion New Faces Tour.

When Dan first started out on the live circuit, an audience member filmed his live cover of ‘Ballad Of Hollis Brown’ – this is now sitting on 500k views on YouTube.

Following those early live shows, he went on to win Best Young Artist at the British Blues Awards and a surprising accolade came from another audience member, Mick

28 www.theocelot.co.uk

Dan is forever blocking stairwells

Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac), who hailed Dan “at the forefront of the new wave in British singer-songwriter talent”. Now, stepping away from the blues and writing new material, Dan is getting ready to release his first EP late this year – produced by Cam Blackwood (George Ezra).

Frankly, we can’t wait to see what he brings to the Bullingdon when he arrives on November 23.

Gaz Coombes

Tuesday 17 Nov £16 Gaz returns for a solo performance

Hugh Cornwell

Wednesday 18 Nov £20

UK Punk’s darklord Zervas & Pepper

Friday 20 Nov £12

Cosmic Folk Rock Red Butler

Saturday 28 Nov £12

“Best New Blues UK”

Brewery Bird

Can You Taste The Difference?

Yes we can!

The Beer Column by Brewery Bird Following on from her foray last August into the uncharted underworld of canned beer, and news of the country’s first ever Indie Beer Can Competition (hats off to Adnams who took first place with Ghost Ship), Brewery Bird has this month mostly been drinking from said aluminium receptacles in order to bring you an update – it’s a dirty job etc. But with more breweries turning to tin in order to access markets previously closed to the bottle/glass option due to various ‘elf n safety’ considerations, and the continuing rise of ‘craft beer’, has a year made any difference to the selection on offer?

Firstly, let’s look at the can itself. For years these have been seen as the cheaper product in comparison to their bottle counterparts – not helped perhaps by the humungous pallets of cheapy canned lager the supermarkets are always keen to press upon thirsty and cash-strapped customers. Of course, beer in cans has been around for decades, but for the majority, it’s pretty main-stream, consisting of big-brand bitters with, shall we say, little to tickle the taste buds. And then there’s ‘real ale in a bottle’ which many purist beer drinkers consider the only way to drink beer outside of a cask.

Bottle conditioned beer as its otherwise known allows for a secondary fermentation which creates fuller flavours and natural carbonation. But wait, what’s this? Canconditioned beer? Shut. The Front. Door.

The Beers

The Wild Beer Co. Somerset – Fresh Pale Ale 5.5% Funky yellow and black can packaging. Canconditioned. Beer pours cloudy golden, with aromas of zingy grapefruit and lemon. Lashings of smooth yet zingy fresh hops assault the mouth, followed by a light, spicy bitter finish. Very refreshing and very drinkable.

Moor Brewery, Bristol – Return Of The Empire (English IPA) 5.7% Pours a deep golden, with a light haze and enticing floral, hoppy notes. Toasted malt, citrus, grapefruit and grassy hops gently caress the mouth. Light carbonation carries hedgerow hops to a dry bitter finish. A great example of this style of beer.

Harbour, Cornwall - Antipodean IPA 5.5% The aroma is musty-sweet with hints of caramel and citrus. The flavour is predominantly malty with hints of grapefruit, resinous hops and light caramel. A bittersweet finish. Not can-conditioned.

Beavertown, London - Black Betty Black IPA 7.4% Jet black ale, with a lovely creamy tan head. Strong aromas of grapefruit and pineapple with underlying roasted malts assault the nose on opening, teasing the taste-buds. And it doesn’t disappoint. A lovely blend of dark chocolate, liquorice, coffee and zesty bitter hops balanced with a smooth, grassy bitter finish.

Verdict

Labelling-wise the Moor can stands out with clear instruction on how best to store and pour.

When pouring, the opaque packaging means it’s harder to determine how close the sediment is to hitting the glass, but with careful monitoring, it can be done, if this is your preference.

If I didn’t know otherwise, I would have automatically assumed I was drinking bottle-conditioned beers in three out of the four beers tasted. (I hadn’t realised the Harbour wasn’t can-conditioned until I’d taken a few mouthfuls and checked the legend more closely). It just didn’t have as much depth as the others and of course was clear as a bell with no sediment.

www.theocelot.co.uk 33

Food and Drink

Chocolate Orange & Hazelnut Biscotti

by Cat Morley With the nights drawing in, something sweet, nutty and appropriately autumnal to brighten the mood this most dark of months – with this guest recipe from www.cutoutandkeep.net – one of the world’s largest craft websites and longtime friends of The Ocelot. We can personally attest that these biscotti are both delicious, and, considering how impressive they look, relatively easy to make. Just watch how fast they fly off the plate on bonfire night!

Ingredients 50 g Ground Almonds 20 g Cocoa 180 g Plain Flour 50 g Chocolate Chips 50 g Toasted Hazelnuts

1 Orange(s) 100 g Sugar 2 Eggs ½ tsp Baking Soda .... And that’s it!

The Step by Step Guide Step One

Whisk together the ground almonds, cocoa, baking soda and plain flour.

Step Two

Whisk together the eggs and sugar.

Step Three

Mix the flour into the eggs.

Step Four

Step Six

Knead the dough into a loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step Seven

Bake at 180’C for half an hour.

Step Eight

Slice the biscotti and place each slice face up on the baking sheet.

Step Nine

Grate in the zest from the orange and then squeeze in the juice.

Bake at 130’c for 15 minutes and then serve!

Step Five

Step Ten

Add the toasted hazelnuts and chocolate chips.

34 www.theocelot.co.uk

Eat them!

International Pan of Mystery

Chilli Bean Paste

Your new best friend. Deeply savoury and utterly addictive, this little jar of wonders will take your Chinese cooking (particularly Sichuan-style dishes) to a whole new level.

Made with fermented broad beans and a good kick of those old flavour-boosters chilli, garlic and our good old friend MSG (yes, it’s absolutely fine to use), it’s added to the wok, usually quite early on, as it benefits from cooking into the oil a bit, much like the way whole spices are used in the initial stages of many Indian dishes.

Not only does this turn the cooking oil in your wok a

vibrant red colour, but it starts to release the aromas and give a slight toasty note to the finished dish.

Once it’s at this stage (which in a hot wok, only takes seconds) you simply add your spring onions, ginger, and then your meats and/or vegetables and proceed as normal. It’s an essential ingredient in that most famous of Sichuan ‘homestyle’ dishes – mapa tofu, and twice-fried pork dishes.

Confusingly, the product is sometimes labelled ‘Chilli Bean Sauce’ (as with the popular Lee Kum Kee version shown), but this is interchangeable whenever a recipe calls for ‘chilli bean paste’.

British Sausage Week - Monday November 2 to Saturday November 8 Whilst the British can’t take credit for having invented the sausage, they do hold a special place in the hearts of many Britons. There’s even a British Sausage Appreciation Society which boasts over 7,000 members.

According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Meat

36 www.theocelot.co.uk

Services, 90% of British households buy sausages, 50% at least every four weeks, every day, five million Britons will eat sausages but despite being known worldwide for their wonderful cooked breakfasts which often include sausages, 46% of the total amount of pork sausages consumed are eaten in the evening.

Agony Girl Eight year old Annabel has been answering your questions for four years now. But she’s still a bit mad. We ask her the questions and these are her honest answers.

Dear Annabel, My son seems to be going off the rails. He’s rude and he never listens. He turned 13 this year and I’m worried that we’ll have a serious falling out if he continues to act like this all the time. Should I just let him get on with it and put it down to teenage angst or should I really come down hard on him?

Rosie, Abingdon That sounds like my brother George. Ban him from stuff. His bike if he has one. His computer and his electronics. Send him to the moon if he’s really naughty. Ground him otherwise.

Dear Annabel, I really want to be a pop singer. Do you know any good songs that I could use?

Dierdre, Salisbury Starry Eyed. Or Lady Gaga. I think that’s a song. My cousin Henry fancies her. I know a song ‘Ginny, ginny, ginny is the best, Ginny, ginny, ginny is the best.” That’s a good song.

Ginny’s my cat.

Dear Annabel, What’s it like being eight years old? I’m eighty and I can’t remember it any more!

Eric, Swindon Fun. You can fit in small cracks and hide from people. When my friends were over for a night we were playing hide and seek and they couldn’t find me even though I was just under some pillows with my sister Amy sitting on me. She didn’t fart which was good.

Dear Annabel, I can’t believe that Russia is involving itself in the Syrian

Annabel taking her kitten for a walk

problem and coming down on the side of Assad.

I know his regime might be the lesser of two evils when you compare it to ISIS but it’s still evil and has killed a lot of people. How can we make it so there’s no more war?

Quentin, Oxford Go and fight for yourself and beat everyone up so they don’t fight anymore. Tell the police on them or even the Queen to make it stop.

Dear Annabel, What’s the point in a nuclear missile deterrant if when you use it, it means the end of life as we know it anyway?

Jeremy, Islington I don’t know what detergant means. It all seems rather silly.

Twisted Peel (twistedpeel.thecomicstrip.org )

38 www.theocelot.co.uk

By Peter Roy