ISSUE 115. OCTOBER 2014
ISSUE 115. OCTOBER
70
6 WhaT’S hOT! 10 SOCIETy phOTOS 20 ZOE BaLL 23 BRIGhTON FaShION WEEK
23
Contents
54
26 FaShION 39 hEaLTh & FITNESS 44 pETER JaMES 47 JULIE BURChILL 48 FOOD & DRINK 54 aGaTha ChRISTIE MURDER MySTERy 58 SIMON aMSTELL 62 BRIGhTON COMEDy FESTIVaL 64 MUSIC, aRTS & CULTURE 70 SI CRaNSTOUN 72 TRaVEL
58 72
44
74 EDUCaTION
SARAH PROCKTER – SALES MANAGER
sarah@absolutemagazine.co.uk
Sarah has strong experience having worked on publications such as Marie Claire, the FT and the Mail on Sunday. Her aim is to help Absolute’s advertisers to succeed and achieve their goals through their advertising.
From the
editor
DAVID HALL – SALES MANAGER
david@absolutemagazine.co.uk
Dave does exactly what it says on the tin. He’s a straight up, no-nonsense sales manager, working to make sure clients get the best results.
SAM HARRINGTON-LOWE – MANAGING EDITOR
sam@absolutemagazine.co.uk
As editor Sam is responsible for the content of all the Absolute magazines and works closely with the publisher to develop the brand and support relationships with all partners and clients.
DANIEL WHITE – DEPUTY EDITOR
dan.white@absolutemagazine.co.uk As deputy editor Dan writes feature interviews and articles, edits copy and runs the Absolute website. His strong passions are music, sport and culture.
FRIDA CLEMENTz – SENIOR DESIGNER
frida.clementz@absolutemagazine.co.uk Frida is the creative force behind the magazines. Apart from being our head designer, she also works closely with our clients to ensure they get the look and feel they want from their campaigns.
CONTRIBUTORS Julie Burchill, Peter James, Stephen Grant, Marcella Whittingdale, Pete Vincent, Anya Zervudachi, Sarah Hitchman, Erika Szostak, Caraline Brown, James Ross, Matt Ryan, Phoebe Oliver, Bill Murray, Kirsten Holt, Amanda Horlington, Charlotte Horlock, Noel Preston, Danny Cobbs
As autumn comes knocking and the season changes, so things continue to change and grow at Absolute. We say a fond farewell to long-time stalwart Anya Zervudachi and hello to new sales and marketing teamster Sarah Prockter, and from next month we take the bold step to spread our wings and move into Sussex. It’s a decision that’s been driven by our advertisers, but we’re really excited about it; it means we can cast our net a bit wider. Details of where the magazine will be distributed will be live on our website at some point, but if you’d like to be kept up to date on Absolute news, join our newsletter mailing list. You can drop an email to dan.white@ absolutemagazine.co.uk with the subject ‘NEWSLETTER’ and he’ll make sure you get it. Plans for world domination aside, this issue is looking just lovely. We’ve got some really interesting and incisive interviews with Zoe Ball, Theo Paphitis, Simon Amstell and a whole host of others as well as regular columns from the wonderful talents that are Stephen Grant, Peter James and Julie Burchill. The business section of the magazine just seems to have expanded organically, and that’s an exciting new development for us, and following some amazing fashion photography in the September Absolute, our fashion section is just stunning this month, and set to just grow and grow. The introduction of our newsy pages What’s Hot, and business and education news has also hit the right note so from November we’re going to be adding food and drink news, and fashion too. I hope you enjoy this issue. Each time we finish one I think it looks better than the last, and I hope we keep heading that way. Our next issue is a bumper November/December edition before we take a little break for Christmas. See you on the dancefloor!
COVER SHOT Photography: Erika Szostak Styling: Laura Powell for Hearts and Guns Makeup: Elloise India Willett Hair: Raf Blosinski Model: From Profile Model Management Assistant photography: Robert White Assistant stylist: Hannah Powell Shot on location at Rottingdean BeachShot on location at St Helens Church, Trowell, Nottinghamshire
Sam
- EDITOR sam@absolutemagazine.co.uk
Absolute Lifestyle Limited, Tower Point MWB, 44 North Road Brighton BN1 1YR, Tel: 0870 005 2211, Fax: 08700 052 082 info@absolutemagazine.co.uk, www.absolutemagazine.co.uk
Absolute Magazine would like to thank the advertisers that appear in this publication for their support, and wish them every business success. The contents of this publication are believed to be correct at the time of printing; nevertheless, we cannot endorse, and readers should not rely solely upon, the accuracy of any statements or claims contained herein, without prior consultation with the service provider.
wedding Fair
sunday 26th octoBer 11am - 4pm - Free entry
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What’s
Hot
NUMber ONe FOr NOSH!
If you’re reading this in a restaurant or eaterie in Brighton & Hove, rejoice. Readers of Condé Nest Traveller magazine have voted Brighton & Hove the ‘Best UK city for restaurants and bars’. In their annual travel awards, which invite readers to vote for the places they love to visit and stay in, Brighton & Hove came out ahead of the rest for its variety of bars and choice of eating out in 2014. Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chair of the city’s economic development and culture committee, said: “This is yet another feather in city’s cap. It is a great accolade to be recognised by the readers of such a prestigious travel magazine and is a testament to the amazing variety and quality of Brighton and Hove’s bar and restaurant offer.”
NEW READS (AND GIN) AT BOOKISH
SCREAM IF YOU WANNA GO SHOCKTOBER! Shocktober Fest, the UK’s award winning scream park, is returning to Tulleys Farm this Halloween. And with the celebration of its 20th anniversary, we have a feeling Shocktober will be more of a scream than ever before. Prepare for the release of seven riveting new attractions, mercilessly played out over 18 nights. Among them is terrifying new haunt ‘The Tunnel’, which will separate the mice from the men in your group. Be warned, deep underground no one can hear you scream… Think your other half ’s a monster? Why not check out the ‘Silver Scream Drive-In Movie’ for the real deal? Just be careful who you cuddle up with! There’s also ‘Zombie Paintballing’ for anyone who fancies a hack at some real life walking dead. The scream park also incorporates three food courts, street theatre and a live show stage. Voted the ‘Number One Scare Attraction in the UK’ for the last six years, and with over 51,000 visitors in 2013, you’re guaranteed a bloody good time at Shocktober 2014.
and author Laura Lockington, Bookish is a cross between a pop-up supper club and literary salon. A guaranteed stonkingly good night out, as described by previous bookish star and author Julia Crouch, and as the notorious Julie Burchill states, “Bookish combines two of my favourite things; booze and Brighton, what’s not to love?”
The Bookish Supper Society is meeting for a very special event on October 29th at Naked Eye Gallery in Farm Mews. Author Leslie Thompson will be there with her new book Ghost Girl, and Olivia Williams with the whimsically sophisticated Gin, Glorious Gin. The evening is sponsored by local Blackdown Artisan Spirits, so expect tastings of this very English and delicious tipple. Organised by award winning literary producer Sarah Hutchings
Tickets: £25 to include supper, a glass of wine and a sweet treat, from Dome Ticket Shop 01273 709709 or Tabl.com
WABI RISES LIKE A PHOENIX… Wabi – one little word that says it all about Japanese cuisine. Named after Wabi-sabi, which is a Japanese term all about just ‘being’, and enjoying the moment and life’s simple pleasures, this stylish restaurant and cocktail lounge in Horsham has already won several awards, including two AA Rosettes. After a devastating fire in May, guests thought Wabi had given up the ghost. But it’s since risen from the ashes and is re-opening its doors to a whole new look this September. Guests don’t just go to Wabi for the great taste of Japan – they go for the atmosphere and authenticity. The new design is contemporary Japanese, and boasts a new mezzanine level and garden. For a cool night out this autumn, Wabi is where you need to be.
Shocktober Fest, Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill, Crawley Saturday 4th October – Sunday 2nd November 2014, 5pm - Midnight £9.95 – Street Pass, £24.95 Xscream Pass, £34.99 Xscream + Fast Track Pass www.screams.co.uk
www.wabi.co.uk 01403 788140
- News|What’s hot -
OctOber 2014
│7
! What’s
Hot NEW APP TAKES THE HEADACHE OUT OF DRINKING Ever woken up after a heavy night out to find your wallet is missing? This kind of headache is now easily avoidable thanks to a new app that allows clubbers to order and pay for their drinks directly from their mobile phones. The X-Press Drink app is being pioneered by Brighton’s PRYZM nightclub and is designed to take the stress out of buying drinks in more ways than one. The app allows customers to pay for their drinks using their PayPal account or a debit or credit card and will also avoid the boredom of queuing, as drinks can be collected as the X-Press Service area or delivered straight to your table or booth. The app has already been highly commended at the Best Business Initiative at prestigious industry awards and for more information on how to download the app visit www.ukcn.com/app
Photo: www.7two9.com
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OctOber 2014
SÁSTA’S WONDERFUL WEIGHT LOSS
How can you drop a clothes size in just four weeks? The answer is now simple thanks to the state-of-the-art sásta fitness pods located in the sásta studio at Brighton Marina. They are so confident that their sásta programme works that they are offering a 100% money back guarantee if you don’t manage to hit the target. A 30-minute walk or run in the sásta pod gives the sensation of running in water and the studio at the marina is the seventh to open, but only the first in the UK, after becoming highly popular in Ireland. It is the brainchild of acclaimed entrepreneur Fiona Egan, who is confident it is excellent for those needing to lose weight and for personal fitness. “The most important thing is that exercise needs to be safe, enjoyable and non-intimidating,” explains Fiona. “I know from personal experience that when you are overweight, it can be so hard to make that first phone call or to visit your local weight loss facility or gym. That’s why we insist that our studios are staffed by caring team members who are there to help, motivate and support customers.” They have an exclusive launch party coming up so if you’re interested in attending to find out more, we have a limited number of spaces available on our guest list. Please email us on sam@ absolutemagazine.co.uk. Alternatively please call the studio 01273 610660 for a free trial on their unique pods.
GET WILD AND WOOLLY ON THE ICE The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink will be celebrating its fifth birthday when it opens on November 8th until January 18th, and to commemorate the occasion, the ice rink team have launched a woolly hat knitting competition. Craft lovers out there are encouraged to get knitting, with great prizes on offer for the winners; including a free skating season ticket, dinner for two at the Bar & Kitchen and family skate tickets, as well as the ultimate prize – seeing your hat worn by the rink’s ice marshals. Knitting expert Peter Allison and the team of ice marshals will judge the best hats before picking the winner, which will be modelled on ice before being auctioned to raise funds for charity. In order to enter the competition all you have to do is create your adult sized woolly hat and submit a photograph of it to www.facebook.com/pavilionicerink by October 17th. Please look at the terms & conditions at www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk Here at Absolute we also have two tickets to giveaway for a skating session on the ice rink this winter and to enter all you have to do is email your full name and telephone number with the subject ‘ICE COMP’ to sam@absolutemagazine.co.uk
ABSOLUTE ROLLS WITH THE PUNCHES Absolute Magazine’s very own Frida Clementz is risking life and limb to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Our head designer will be stepping into the ring as she takes part in the Ladies Ultra White Collar Boxing event this month after taking part in an eight-week training course at The Stables Boxing Gym. Ladies from around Brighton and Hove have volunteered to take part in the training that will culminate in an evening of competitive boxing at a black tie event at The Grand Hotel on Sunday 5th October. to donate text ‘HeNS87 £5’ to 70070 to donate £5 to cancer research or donate online at www.justgiving.com/Frida-clementz/
- News|What’s hot -
Stephen
Grant
Runway success
Stephen Grant wades into the Gatwick v Heathrow battle
B
ad news everyone. Britain is a runway short of a future. Already, I appreciate this sounds like a modern-day replacement for ‘a sandwich short of a picnic’, but this is no idiom for eccentricity, this is serious stuff. In order for Britain to compete in the global market of airline business, we need to expand our capacity. Specifically, if we don’t build another runway in the South East, we’re doomed. Or at least, we’ll need planes to land on top of each other before
look like military warnings, and are now in the sort of friendly font someone uses when designing a home-made poster. And most importantly, you can get to and from it relatively painlessly. People forget that the whole point of an airport is that it’s somewhere you go through, not to. Heathrow looks accessible on a map but as we all know, you’re inviting the nightmare of a stationary M25 or weaving train and tube to the centre of London and back out again. I find the journey so fraught when I finally get there I
land in Gatwick might seem a little pointless when those poor souls would probably have to brave the wayward trip to Heathrow. Another potential two hours. That’s right, UK visitors; ‘London’ Gatwick to ‘London’ Heathrow is not a short jog. ‘London’ sits in front of Gatwick in the same way ‘Great’ does with Yarmouth. In fact, I’d wager that many readers hadn’t realised that Gatwick currently only had one runway. Our gateway to the world hasn’t even got a separate entrance and exit, just a
“Let me nail my colours to the mast early on. I love Gatwick. Or at least, I hate Gatwick significantly less than I hate Heathrow.” touching down. And we have to do all this by 2030 (16 years from now. Not half past eight this evening. This is real life, not 24.) At the time of writing, the airport’s commission has written off Boris Johnson’s idea of a £90bn airport in the Thames Estuary, quoting a variety of reasons that can easily be boiled down to the word ‘silly’. And yes, you read that right, 90 billion pounds. Is it even possible for that much money to exist, let alone be spent? So the race to expand Britain’s airport capacity has become a two horse race between Gatwick and Heathrow. Let me nail my colours to the mast early on. I love Gatwick. Or at least, I hate Gatwick significantly less than I hate Heathrow. It’s small enough to not get lost in. It’s got an M&S. It’s got a monorail - so you can briefly feel like you’re in the future. They’ve even had a marketing revamp so the signs no longer
don’t expect check in desks, I expect to see Frodo chucking his ring into a pit of fire. Getting to Heathrow is a pre-journey journey so bad that if I had the option of flying there from Gatwick, then I’d do that instead. I’d hope that many Sussex-based readers would agree with me. But it’s likely half of them would still prefer to see this new runway in Heathrow. Because with it would come additional noise, congestion, pollution, and the destruction of numerous homes around the airport. Note: those people have been told they will be compensated to the tune of market value plus 25%. Maybe that’s why none of my friends in Crawley seem to bother with interior decoration. They’re playing the long game. And realistically, Britain needs a hub. That’s an airport where people landing just get on another plane. So to have additional planes
- Culture|Column -
single two-way swinging door. That’s a busy set of hinges for 34 million people a year. So, if you’re now wondering where you’d land when a plane breaks down while taxiing on the runway at Gatwick... erm, that would be Heathrow. I personally hope Gatwick gets it. Sussex could well do with the tens of thousands of jobs it would create, and the knock-on effect could be better transport links and economy for everyone. And on top of that, like many people, I’ve flown from France to Heathrow on quite a few occasions, and looked out the plane window to see Brighton in all its glory. It would be nice for once to not have to do a sad little wave while muttering, “see you in four hours.” @stephencgrant
OCTOBER 2014
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ABSOLUTE RE-LAUNCHES
Heidi and Richard Skerritt
Absolute Magazine celebrated its re-launch at Hotel du Vin in August with a fantastic party featuring some of Brighton’s biggest names and faces. Sponsored by the hotel it was a perfect warm summer’s evening with wine and canapés on tap, live swing music and close up magic.
Gilly Smith Hannah Harvey and David Camici
Tim Cobb and James Dempster
Alisha Pandya and Seb Cole
Miles and Zoe Cunliffe
Laura Barnes
Ernestine Lee-Smith and Paula Seager
Julie Graham
Anya Zervudachi and Bryony Mcgill
Robert Searle Jon and Daisy Gilham
Sue-Kim Steele, Andrew Kay and Laura Lockington
Rachel Hutchinson, Penny Mitchell and Gillian McGraffin
Dante Peters
Will Cotton and Dave Laraway
Nicky Chisholm
Chris Cooper
Mark Zandler and Michael Rogers Sarah and Justin Brown
Diana Bayley and Mike Cooper
Marcella Whittingdale
Robert Searle and Tom Middleton
Chris Matsfield
Dr Tom and Amanda Horlington
Dave Day with Mark ‘Doc’ Harper
Penina Shepherd
John Borroughes
Singer Matt VanKan
Caraline Brown and Michael Wilkins
Hannah Cowie, Pascal Benamali and Jessica Wratten
Sam Harrington-Lowe and Sarah Hitchman Photos: www.okuszko.com
Kerstine Ellitiot and Gayle Martin
guestlist What
The two-day Shoreham Airshow
1
Where
2
Shoreham Airport
Why Celebrating its 25th year, the show aids the Royal Forces Association (RAFA)
Who 1. Two and a half year old Mason with his eight year old brother Cody Creed, loving the Spitfire
2. The Real Dad’s Army
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4
3. Charlotte White from 212 Squadron 4. Dorothy Saul-Pooley, Master of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots 5. Chris Bannister and Kathy Chapman 6. Sarah Smart from The Real Dad’s Army 7. Haurel and Lardy with Cindy Periam 8. Patron of the airshow, Group. Capt. Johnny Stringer with Mrs Susan Pyper, The LordLieutenant of West Sussex
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9. Patron of the airshow, Group. Capt. Johnny Stringer 10. The Road Menders with airman Johnathan Wilkins 11. Don’t lose that hat Lee Longhurst
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OCTOBER 2014
Photos: Graham Franks Photography
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BRIGHTON
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guestlist What
VIP and press members celebrated itsu’s special pre-opening launch party
1
2
Where itsu on North Street, Brighton
Why To preview the new 112-seat itsu shop
Who 1. Aneela Rose and her ARPR team 2. Michelle, Lucy, Courtney and Kerry from Pretty Eccentric
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3. Councillor Denise Cobb with itsu’s Jonathan Dockrell, Nicolas Barnoin and Tom Byng 4. From Brighton Fashion Week Alex Thirwell and Lizzie Bishop 5. Rachel Aumann and Naomi Matthews 6. Brighton artist Julie Anne Gilburt getting to grips with Jason Palmer 7. Simon Fanshawe with the founder of itsu Julian Metcalfe 8. itsu’s Sophie Meyer with Julian Caddy and Kimberly Butler of Brighton Fringe
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OCTOBER 2014
9. A full house for the launch of Itsu
Photos: www.snapitnow.co.uk
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Goodwood
Revival Absolute’s intrepid reporter Marcella Whittingdale went to meet the great and good of Sussex society and the racing world.
Goodwood Revival was especially glorious this year, thanks to a sell-out crowd of nearly 150,000 and sizzling sunshine. This year was also special due to three big anniversaries – the 60th birthdays of both the beautiful Jaguar D-type Le Mans racer and the Maserati 250F Formula One car. But it was also 50 years since Jackie Stewart made his debut on the Goodwood circuit. Stars like Carol Vorderman, Geri Halliwell and supermodel David Gandy turned out watch the racing. Others, like funnyman Rowan Atkinson, were actually driving. The vintage festival outdid itself with a display of 600 military cars and lorries, and a sensational flypast that featured the world’s only two remaining airworthy Lancaster Bombers. Brighton got a special mention too – the Pier was perfectly recreated to mark the 50th anniversary of beach clashes between Mods and Rockers – and the whole festival kicked off with a parade of 100 Mods on their Vespas, led by Quadrophenia star Phil Daniels.
Marcella Whittingdale in the retro press office
Geri Halliwell
Eric Combalbert, Mathieu Planchon, Herve Mathons and Laurent Chevalier had all driven on old bikes over from Bordeaux Lilly Eustace from Shipley nr Horsham
Zoe Turvey, Toby Moxham, Kerry Kinvin from Portsmouth John Robinson andVictoria Khorish, Brighton
Peregrine Wolstenholme from Bognor Regis and his excellent moustaches
David Gandy
Goodwood Revival – every year • www.goodwood.co.uk • @goodwoodrevival
Jackie Stewart
Carol Vorderman
D -Type Jags
Elise Maillet from Rouen won best dressed woman
Rowan Atkinson Henry and Victoria Whitford from Bedfordshire
Karen Elliott and Debra Smart, Weston Super Mare
The girls from the Glam Cabs
Geri Halliwell and Rowan Atkinson photos by Adam Beresford, Goodwood. David Gandy and Carol Vordeman photos by Dominic James, Goodwood. All other images Pete Vincent.
Strictly Off Air with ZOe
As Strictly fever grips the nation once again, Sam Harrington-Lowe caught up with Zoe Ball to go behind the scenes, and find out more about her new YouTube channel ►You’re very busy at the moment, tell us what you’re up to… I love this time of year when Strictly season starts. Each year you think the celeb dancers couldn’t get any better at wowing us with the entertainment they bring us all every Saturday and yet each year there are more amazing couples. This year’s group are going to dazzle us. ►Is being busy your default setting? I love being busy especially with my job and the kids, which takes some good organising skills and some wonderful support from Norm. We have a good deal going though, he’s busiest in summer festival season, and I’m busier in autumn. The balance seems to work well. ►How do you relax? Cooking, cycling with the kids; we recently bought an old Triumph Stag which we love to take on spins in the countryside. Love a bit of Celebrity Big Brother and Orange Is the New Black. ►How is the new YouTube channel going? The new channel is so exciting for me! I was really inspired by many of the young YouTube vloggers who are setting the pace for the rest of us. How we watch television is changing and you can learn a lot from the likes of PewDiePie (computer game vlogger based in Brighton) and Zoella. You can make television yourself about the things you love, in an instant. The internet is brilliant. ►What plans are there for it from October for the next few months? We have some great music sessions from Luke Sital Singh and Dry The River coming up, filmed in The Oak Room at The Hospital Club in London, and we’re making a guide to all my favourite things to do in Brighton, as people always ask me what they should do on a weekend down here. Also some good autumn recipes. We’re also still featuring the fantastic cooking series ‘Fakeaways’, with local restaurateur Ben from the Ginger Man group. He showed me how to create some quick and easy to make tasty takeaways and naughty dessert cocktail recipes! I’ve always been a huge fan of Ben and his brilliant culinary wizardry and his fine establishments, and he makes cooking fun and sociable. He’s my favourite redhead for sure! We also have some great videos from a ‘Zoe Off Air’ weekend at Jamie Oliver’s Feastival. I met all his food YouTube
family and cooked up a storm with the likes of Levi Roots, DJ BBQ and food busker John Quilter – a delicious weekend of food, music and shenanigans. ►What was the thinking behind the Off Air channel? The idea was that I could make YouTube videos about all the things I love like film, food, music and so on and make it easily accessible. You can subscribe to the channel for free. It’s been a great learning curve, and it’s early days, but I’m so excited about what we’ve got planned now I know what people have enjoyed so far. ►What has been the most fun part of doing it? We had a fantastic time at The Big Feastival, meeting the great Food Tubers DJ BBQ, John Quilter, Jamie Oliver and Alex James, and of course my husband…. He said on air my cooking was rubbish. I did protest! If I follow a Jamie Oliver or Ottolenghi recipe it’s always delicious.
“You can never tell who will be brilliant or not until they’ve danced a couple of times together.” ►Tell us more about your involvement with Strictly. You’re presenting It Takes Two again this year aren’t you? I love presenting It Takes Two; we are the naughty little sister programme to Tess and Claudia’s big Saturday night show. We have so much fun with the celebs and their incredible dance partners. And Ian Waite my darling dance partner teaches me some moves, which I love and Craig Revel Horwood, whom I adore, and the divine Karen Hardy gives us great critique. Our VT team knows everything there is to know about the couples…. It’s always great fun to gossip. And I love seeing the daft high heels and the glittery tops come out the attic again. I have started the shopping already…. ►How much time does recording the shows take? Give us a bit of ‘behind the scenes’ We rehearse in the afternoon and we’re live from 6.30-7pm, recording at London Studios - CULTURE|INTERVIEW -
on the South Bank – you must come up (we’d love to! Ed). It’s fun. We do about 65 shows in a run… which is lots, but they’re so much fun. I love my production team they come up with loads of daft things to do. ►Can you tell from the start who will do well and who will fall at the early hurdles? What sets people apart? You can never tell who will be brilliant or not until they’ve danced a couple of dances together, as some are shy initially, and some are brilliant immediately. It’s better to be a grower…. Everybody loves a journey and seeing the hard work and improvement. But some are funnier when they’re not as perfect, but so entertaining and we still love to watch them. ►Any hot tips for this year’s contestants?! Who do you think we should look out for? I’m thinking Thom Evans and Iveta could be fab; he’s fit and looks like he can move and Iveta danced with my Dad and also was brilliant with Mark Benton last year. Jake Wood and Janette look good. I want Scott Mills to do well as he’s a mate and he’s dancing with Kevin’s sister Joanne, she’s amazing. I love Alison; she’s a disco diva so Alijaz will have a wicked time with her. I love Steve Bachshall and Ola, I’m liking Jenny Murray and Anton and Pasha with Caroline Flack… Frankie Bridge with Kevin from Grimsby….. there’s so many goodies! Oh, and Jennifer Gibney with new boy Tristran. HOT. ►Once Strictly is over, what’s next for Zoe? I’m looking forward to a lovely Christmas with the family, try and sneak in some winter sun, and then it’s the exciting lead up to BAFTA Film Awards in Feb 2015. I love working with BAFTA and presenting their online coverage of red carpet and exclusive winner’s backstage interviews – having to watch all the nominated films over Christmas, such a treat and pleasure! More BBC R2 action across the year and a couple of other exciting projects popping up along the way too!
BBC Strictly It Takes Two from Mon 29th Sept, BBC2 18.30 Zoe Ball: Off Air YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/OffAirChannel
OCTOBER 2014
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www.simoncarter.net
THE KING OF CUFFLINKS COMES TO BRIGHTON Simon Carter clothing and accessories is tailor-made for Brighton, as Daniel White finds out WHO IS SIMON CaRTER? I moved to
London in the eighties to study immunology. I soon realised that a career in immunology wasn’t for me, so got myself a job in a trendy boutique and that’s really when I fell in love with the ‘glamour’ of the fashion industry. In 1985 the Simon Carter company was established. Initially Simon Carter was a wholesale brand, but by the early 90s it was doing so well that I decided to open my first store in Quadrant Arcade just off Regent Street.
WHaT IS UNIqUE aBOUT SIMON CaRTER? I would have to say British wit,
I try to incorporate a light hearted side into every collection; from the early days with the Aspirin cufflink to the latest collection which features quirky shirts and Wellington Boots cufflinks. I think it is this attitude that also sets our stores apart from others, from the manner of the staff to the decoration; everything is done with a personable and fun attitude.
WHy WaS IT yOU CHOSE TO OpEN IN BRIGHTON? I have loved
Brighton since I was a child – it has a wonderful creative energy and gifted individuals are drawn here. We feel that the Simon Carter style will be appreciated. Plus it will give me an excuse to spend my weekends here! HOW WITH
Simon Carter
dOES yOUR SHOp FIT BRIGHTON CULTURE? I
think that we both combine an ebullient, quirky English style - just look at the Pavilion! Brighton has classical roots and a thriving, lively and thoroughly contemporary artistic culture, which really echoes our own values. WHaT dOES THE FUTURE HOLd FOR SIMON CaRTER? To continue
doing what I love, designing beautiful clothing and accessories. I also hope to continue expanding the brand and open more stores around the country and internationally.
WT2201 BLACK – WT2201 Watch £130.00 RAF Rye Satchel – Messenger Bag, Rye Satchel, £175.00 5 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
The new app is here. Download it now. Search “James Ross” in the app store.
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and receive a FREE single item jewellery or watch written valuation* *Value £20 + 1% of the item’s value
www.jamesrossjewellers.co.uk
Brighton Fashion Week Events diary after a sell-out event last year, the must-see event on the fashion calendar returns. Brighton Fashion Week promises to deliver a style manifestation that continues to resist the unconventional, and unashamedly flaunt raw creativity in its place. Labelled ‘europe’s number one fashion week for breakthrough international designers’, this is the place where you can witness one-of-a kind designs, bold innovation and immaculate tailoring. Come, discover and embrace the leading fashion event of the south. SUSTAIN CATWALK SHOW – 10th October £14 6:30pm - The Old Ship Hotel, Kings Road, Brighton The ‘sustain’ show returns for the second consecutive year, promoting sustainability through showcasing designers and practitioners; that combine innovative fashion design and ethical thinking. Brighton is a city that overflows with morality and strong ethical values, making it an ideal setting to unveil collections designed to test the boundaries of sustainable fashion as we know it. ZEITGEIST EMERGING TALENT CATWALK SHOW – 10th October £18 9pm – The Old Ship Hotel, Kings Road, Brighton Zeitgeist is the here and the now. Showcasing breakthrough designers, Brighton Fashion Week proves that boundaries can and will be broken within fashion. This show proves originality is not an unobtainable thought. It takes more persistence and a fresher outlook to explore limitless creativity. THE FASHION MARKET - THE OPEN MARKET – 10am – 7pm 11th October (free event) A pop up fashion market set in the historic Open Market’s newly covered square, offering you the chance to pick up one-of-a-kind originals from up to 40 talented designers and artists across a range of disciplines. The Fashion Market offers a laid back festival vibe with live music, art, instillations and food, supporting the small business owners of Brighton. SHOWREEL – 12th October £20 6pm & 8.30pm (repeat shows) - Sussex Masonic Centre, Queens Road, Brighton Combining the traditional performance space of a fashion collection with the concepts and thought processes of stage costume; ShowReel will be the residence of costume designers seeking to transform their creations onto the catwalk. For this reason, ShowReel is a spectacle of eccentric individuals, developed characters and bold statements, practically unfit for everyday wear. THE SUSTAIN DEBATE – 10th October (free event) 3:30pm – 4:30pm – Sallis Benney Theatre The Sustain Debate involves key influencers including Caroline Lucas and Purna Sen, Head of Fashion Revolution Carrie Sommers, the CEO of the Ethical Fashion Forum and Ben Ramsden of Pants to Poverty. They will discuss the ethics and sustainability of the fashion industry alongside a participating audience of 200 guests.
BRIGHTON FASHION WEEK 2014 8th – 12th october 2014 www.brightonfashionweek.com
NoT jUsT A preTTy fAce
Reigning Mrs UK World Lindsay Hills is preparing to compete in the Mrs World Finals this November and host a fashion show at Brighton’s No.32. Absolute are proud to be media partners with her. Read more about her aims and how she supports a healthy body image. Photos by MBuchanan Photography
Tell us who you are I’m a local girl, born in Brighton, but I moved to Canada when I was five and stayed for ten years; hence my transatlantic accent and love of winter sports. What is your background? I have a degree in Advertising & Marketing and am still passionate about ads. I’m also a semi-professional ice skater and although I no longer compete, I have appeared in TV commercials on ice. This is what originally led to being signed as a model to a London agency and I was asked if I would represent Brighton in Miss England in 2004 based on a photo shoot I did. Tell us about Mrs UK World, what’s it all about? In 2013 I married George GC Hills after a beautiful whirlwind romance. As a married woman I was approached to compete in Mrs UK World. This is an event for married women. The rules for Miss World are quite strict, with no marriage, divorce or children allowed, and you must be 24 years or younger. And you won! Were you surprised? I was surprised I won but I think I was so relaxed I was able to enjoy myself. When I competed internationally ten years ago I was insecure and too focused on winning. I forgot to shine and show the real me and realise now it’s not just about how you look. It’s about who you are and how you can play an active role in society; ‘Beauty with a purpose’. Tell us a bit about your ambassadorship for healthy lifestyle I would, ideally, like to break down the
misconception that this is archaic and simply involves prancing about on a stage. Mrs World involves months of preparation, dedication and demonstrating that you have the strength and knowledge to be an ambassador not only for your country but also for your cause. I support b-eat and the Dove Self Esteem Project. The media bombards us with images of unrealistic women and I simply want to raise awareness that healthy living is essential and some form of awareness of how comparing yourself to anyone can have an impact on how you perceive yourself. It’s a real concern that nowadays young men and women feel the need to be ‘flawless’ and this is neither attainable, nor real. Imperfection makes us unique and that is beautiful!
It’s a lot of fun but exhausting. Your ankles and feet swell from wearing heels all week and as soon as I’m home I think I will be living in a tracksuit for at least a month. finally, regardless of winning or not, what’s in the pipeline for the next 12 months? I love being busy and although I have a full time job working for a long-haul airline, I’m also in the early stages of building my fashion PR company LKH-PR. Mrs Universe is a possibility but then again so is starting a family and this would be the greatest and most rewarding of challenges. I live my life by seizing every opportunity, so Carpe Diem!
The finals for Mrs World are in November, tell us a bit more about that The final for Mrs World will take place in Washington from November 11th-19th. I will be representing the UK against 60 other delegates from around the world. The week will involve TV, radio and newspaper interviews, gala dinners and of course the grand final on stage. We want to know about the clothes! Tell us about those Chrissie Nicholson-Wild, owner of Curve Couture, is designing my final gown. I am so excited and this has taken months of design discussions, meetings and fittings. Natalie Courtois from Hybrid Boutique, another incredible international stylist, has agreed to put my outfits together. During my bid to become Mrs UK World I was also lucky enough to be supported and dressed by Mazelino Gowns.
Fashion event at No32 on the 29th of October. Contact lkhills11@gmail.com for details
Available at
10 East Street, The Lanes, Brighton, BN1 1HP 01273 227775 - www.astonbourne.co.uk
SirenS
White Lace ‘Lily’ Dress £185
Local designer Hearts and Guns is channelling all things deep sea in this season’s Mermaid Collection. All items are unique and handmade from vintage and individually sourced fabrics, and the garments take inspiration from nature and the elements. Shimmery reflections with metallic materials, shapes and embellishments complete the magic and mystery of this ocean theme.
White White Lace Lace ‘Lily’ ‘Lily’ Dress Dress £185 £185
Precious Metals Silver Dress £225 1920s Purple Sequinned Dress £195 Lace Neck Ruff £55
Teal Treasure Jacket £175 Gold Leotard - model’s own Deep Sea Metallic Two-Piece £175
Photography: Erika Szostak, www.erikaszostak.com Styling: Laura Powell for Hearts and Guns, www.heartsandguns.co.uk Makeup: Elloise India Willett, www.eiwmakeup.com Hair: Raf Blosinski, r.blosinski@yahoo.co.uk Models: Deqa Warsame; Tia Benbow at Profile Model Management, www.profile-models.com Assistant photography: Robert White, www.marinepix.com Assistant stylist: Hannah Powell
Shot on location at Rottingdean Beach
Blue & Gold Structured Minidress ÂŁ95
Ahead of its time W
ristlets, as they were called, were reserved for women and considered more of a passing fad than a serious timepiece. In fact, they were held in such disdain that many a gentlemen were actually quoted to say they “would sooner wear a skirt as wear a wristwatch”. This all started to change in the nineteenth century, when soldiers discovered their usefulness during wartime situations. Pocket watches were clumsy to carry and thus difficult to operate while in combat. Therefore, soldiers fitted them into primitive “cupped” leather straps so they could be worn on the wrist, thereby freeing up their hands during battle. It is believed that Girard-Perregaux equipped the German Imperial Naval with similar pieces as early as the 1880s, which they wore on their wrists while synchronizing naval attacks and firing artillery. Decades later, several technological advents were credited with the British victory in the Anglo-Boer War (South Africa 18991902), including smokeless gunpowder, the magazine-fed rifle and even the automatic or machine gun. However, some would argue that it was a not-so-lethal device that helped turn the tide into Britain’s favour: the wristwatch. While the British troops were superiorly trained and equipped, they were slightly outnumbered, and at a disadvantage while attacking the Boer’s heavily entrenched positions. Thanks to these recently designed weapons, a new age of war had emerged, which, now more than ever, required tactical precision. British officers achieved success by using these makeshift wristwatches to coordinate simultaneous troop movements, and synchronize flanking attacks against the Boer’s formations. In fact, an “Unsolicited Testimonial” dated June 7, 1900, appeared in the 1901 Goldsmith’s Company Watch and Clock Catalogue as follows: “… I wore it continually in South Africa on my wrist for 3 ½ months. It kept most excellent time, and never failed me.— Faithfully yours, Capt. North Staffs. Regt.” This testimonial appeared below an
32│
OctOBeR 2014
Wristwatches have a storied history as James Ross explains
“When the war heroes were seen wearing them, the public’s perception quickly changed, and wristwatches were no longer deemed as feminine.” advertisement for a military pocket watch listed as The Company’s “Service” Watch, and was further described as: “The most reliable timekeeper in the World for Gentlemen going on Active Service or for rough wear.” Even with their success in combat, the popularity of the wristwatch was still limited to ladies’ models. They didn’t reach the mainstream market until some two decades later, when soldiers from around the world converged on Europe to help defeat the German Empire in WWI (1914-1919). Due to the strategic lessons learned in the Boer War, the demand for reliable, accurate wristwatches was now at its peak. While German troops at this time were largely issued the more primitive “pocket watch” designs, Allied troops had a wide range of new models to choose from. Many examples featured small silver pocket watch cases fitted with leather straps and displayed radium-illuminated porcelain dials protected by the aforementioned shrapnel guards. Wristwatches were no longer considered a novelty but were now a wartime necessity, and companies were scrambling to keep up with the demand. One company that enjoyed - CULTURE|JEWELLERY -
success during this time was Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd., founded in 1905, and later renamed The Rolex Watch Company Ltd., in 1915. After the Great War, many soldiers returned home with souvenir trench watches—so named for the trench warfare in which they were used. When these war heroes were seen wearing them, the public’s perception quickly changed and wristwatches were no longer deemed as feminine. After all, no one would dare consider these brave men as being anything but. At Newhaven Fort they have in their collection a wristwatch from the Great War belonging to a chap called Henry King; after his death his wristwatch was returned to his family. The time had stopped at the moment of his death and inside the casing was soil from the explosion that had killed him! 29 Station Road Portslade BN41 1GB www.jamesrossjewellers.co.uk
NOW OPEN IN BRIGHTON Simon Carter Menswear & Accessories 5 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL | T. 01273 626 978 www.simoncarter.net
Relax and restore together…
BUY onE GET onE frEE on ESPA TrEATmEnTS The Sp@ The Grand have Teamed up wiTh abSoluTe maGazine To excluSively offer 2 for 1 on eSpa TreaTmenTS. Whether you need some precious time together with your partner after the hectic school holidays or you and a friend are looking for the perfect reason to catch up, a pampering spa treatment together or even a special treat for you is an experience not to be missed! Enjoy a choice of two 30 minute ESPA treatments for only £35! from a neck, back and shoulder massage to relieve tense muscles to a rejuvenating personalised facial, there is a pampering treat to suit all.
ABoUT ThE SP@ ThE GrAnd Open daily, the spa offers plenty to fill a day of blissful down-time with a full menu of decadent treatments and express add-ons, including face, body and bespoke choices, carefully tailored for women and men, by natural skincare specialist ESPA, plus a range of luxury Carita face care treatments. final flourishes such as manicures and pedicures by chic nail care brand, Jessica, waxing by Lycon and MII make-up are also available. There is a sumptuous Thermal Suite comprising steam room, sauna and a peaceful relaxation lounge in which to simply stretch out and enjoy the escape. The spa offers a choice of five fantastic membership packages from the off-peak membership which starts from £60 per month to the exclusive (invitation only) Grand membership. The Sp@ The Grand undoubtedly is the perfect antidote to a bustling lifestyle and is a hidden luxury that everybody deserves.
FAB EXCLUSIVE rEAdEr offEr! Email: spa@grandbrighton.co.uk Tel: 01273 224313 Please quote ABSOLUTE 2 FOR 1 SPA OFFER at time of booking
The Sp@ The Grand, The Grand Brighton, 97-99 King’s Road, Brighton BN1 2FW
Visit www.grandbrighton.co.uk to find out more about the spa and explore the treatment menu To redeem this offer simply complete the voucher below. Offer ends 31st October 2014.
2 for 1 on ESPA TrEATmEnTS AT ThE SP@ ThE GrAnd
Name....................................................................................................................................... Email.......................................................................................................................................... Phone...................................................................................................................................... Postcode............................................................................................................................. How many occasions per year do you visit a spa for treatments or relaxation?.................
Offer valid on all ESPA express treatments (30 minutes) only. Entitles the bearer to two treatments for just £35 (usually £70). Please complete voucher and present to the receptionist on arrival. Please ensure you quote Absolute 2 for 1 spa offer at time of booking. Offer valid Sunday to Thursday only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers and promotions. Both treatments must be taken on the same day. Subject to availability. Other terms and conditions may apply. Offer ends 31st October 2014. The Grand Brighton process personal information collected for the purposes of: dealing with your requests, providing reservation services, tailoring our services to your requirements and preferences, conducting market research surveys and providing you with information about products and services we offer. We will NOT sell this information. Tick the box if you do not want to be contacted
The sun has taken its toll on our delicate skin and tans begin to fade. Here’s ten of our favourite ways to achieve that healthy, flawless look Editor’s favourite
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5. 6.
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8. 10.
1. Origins Ginzing Mineral Make up £25. This is a new product, which is a lightweight buildable foundation powder. All-natural mineral micro-spheres, this is an instant lift. From Origins. 2. Corn Silk £7.40. It’s back! This fantastic vintage product is having a total renaissance – and with good reason. We still love the translucent cover it gives. From Boots, Superdrug etc. 3. Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque £35.30. A powerful calming masque of vitamins and botanicals to calm stressed skin. Beta glucan soothes irritated skin, nutrient-rich algae extract moisturises, and liquorice, comfrey and burdock decrease sensitivity. From www.dermalogica.co.uk. 4. Bourjois CC cream Foundation £9.99. A really fabulous formula containing three colour correcting pigments to even out the skin and conceal imperfections. From Boots. 5. Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Treatment Scrub 600g £70. Perfect for lifting that post-tan skin all over. Beneficial anti-oxidant Vitamin E is combined with salt to encourage a youthful glow. From Jo Malone Brighton. 6. Clarins Double Serum 30ml £55. This unique hydric+lipidic system combines 20 of the most powerful known plant extracts in a single product. Some remarkable effects from this. From Debenhams and Clarins counters. 7. Orico Streetwise City Face Scrub £16. A facial polish to purify, restore and replenish skin, with coconut shell powder to unclog pores and gently buff away dead skin cells. Yummy tangerine and orange essential oils too. From www.oricolondon.co.uk. 8. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Eye Gel £25. Don’t forget your eyes. Tired eyes can bring your whole face down. From Arden counters nationwide. 9. SkinPep Brightening Enzyme & Acid Peel 30ml £29.99. A great peel that dissolves dead skin to reveal exfoliated, soft, beautiful skin. It’s safe and natural with pineapple and papaya enzymes (keratin protein), plus glycerin and aloe vera. From www.skinpep.com. 10. Chanel Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation SPF15 £55. A combination of two specific powders whose shape allows them to adhere to the skin surface, giving a really smooth surface. For stockists call 020 7493 3836.
LOCAL
. TO YOU
FOR YOUR HEALTH, FITNESS & WELL-BEING Enhance your lifestyle with an affordable & unrivalled Membership. INDOOR & OUTDOOR TENNIS
SWIMMING
CLASSES
SAUNA & STEAM
GYM
SOCIAL SCENE
PLUS MORE
15 MINUTES NORTH OF BRIGHTON & HOVE - Wickwoods is very accessible, located 2 minutes off the A23, near Hurstpierpoint.
WICKWOODS, LOCAL TO YOU!
FREE OFFERS UPON JOINING, QUOTE “ABSOLUTE WICKWOODS ” • • • •
No Joining Fee. All-Inclusive Facilities. Guest Passes. Free Bag & Bottle.
• • • •
Free Bespoke Gym Programme. Free Personal Training Session. Free Tennis Coaching Session. Free Nutritional Consultation.
HURSTPIERPOINT
6 minutes
HASSOCKS
11 minutes
PARTRIDGE GREEN
13 minutes
COWFOLD
14 minutes
STEYNING
15 minutes
BRIGHTON & HOVE
15 minutes
CUCKFIELD
15 minutes
SOUTHWATER
20 minutes
HAYWARDS HEATH
20 minutes
For more information visit: Wickwoods.co.uk or call 01273 857567. T&C’s Apply. Offer subject to availability, management reserves the right to withdraw or amend the offer at any time. Other T&C’s apply, please contact Wickwoods.
For more information or to tour Wickwoods call: 01273 857567 Wickwoods Country Club, Hotel & Spa, Shaves Wood Lane, Albourne, W. Sussex BN6 9DY
your lifestyle
LEARN, PLAY &
ENJOY TENNIS
Imagery by
DISCOVER AN EXCEPTIONAL
TENNIS DIRECTOR, EX JUNIOR CHAMPION
TENNIS VENUE
Mark Weaver, Tennis DirecTor.
Mark was ranked top 5 in
No matter what your standard of Tennis, whether you are
Great Britain and within the top 80 in the world (18’s). With elite sponsors he travelled internationally, representing GB and even competed at Junior Wimbledon, playing in the tournament that Federer won.
a complete beginner, intermediate or advanced...discover Wickwoods Country Club, an exceptional tennis venue. Enjoy the benefits of a welcoming tennis environment that includes a mixed social programme, annual tournaments, top international coaching and a vibrant social scene.
SUSSEX’S LEADING LIFESTYLE CLUB
Many tennis venues charge additional fees for floodlighting
and the use of indoor tennis courts, at Wickwoods these services are included in the price. As a member, you also gain full access to all other Club facilities. Members benefit from a complimentary offers such as free health checks, bespoke fitness programmes, as well as fitness and nutritional consultations. There are over 60 complimentary exercise classes a week and 26 group tennis coaching sessions. (Group tennis sessions are subject to fees). Members also receive discounts on a range of services, including spa treatments, event tickets as well as dining offers in the Club’s restaurant, The Glass House. Wickwoods is very accessible, located 2 minutes off the A23, near Hurstpierpoint. 15 MINUTES NORTH OF BRIGHTON & HOVE.
W
“ ickwoods is a wonderful place to learn, play and enjoy tennis. Our programme is suitable for beginners through to advanced and includes innovative tournaments as well as social group sessions. The programme has ben developed from my experience of coaching and playing at world class tennis clubs, such as “La Manga” and “The Marbella Club”.
A WELCOMING & VIBRANT SOCIAL SCENE
T
hroughout Wickwoods you will experience a tranquil setting, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Meet like-minded members and relax with friends at the Club or take advantage of our varied social calendar. Events include themed nights, live music, quizzes, murder mysteries, and an extensive tennis tournament diary. For more details contact 01273 857567 or email reception@wickwoods.co.uk.
LTA APPROVED INDOOR LIGHTING
For more information or to tour Wickwoods call: 01273 857567 Wickwoods.co.uk | e: yourspa@wickwoods.co.uk
Your Smile Says It All ... General and Cosmetic Dentistry Teeth Whitening Sedation For Nervous Patients Children’s Dental Care Dental Implants Orthodontics
New Patients Welcome Dr P.W. Grobbelaar 39a Salisbury Road
Hove East Sussex BN33AA T: 01273 711507 E: hove@concordiadental.co.uk W: www.concordiadental.co.uk
Sarah
HITCHMAN CAN YOUR DIET CUT OUT THE WINTER BLUES? it only seems like yesterday i was offering you advice on how to prepare and look after yourself over the summer months; however it seems the time has come to start considering repairing and healing after all that fun in the sun. So as we are all aware, spending time in the sun has its advantages and disadvantages. We benefit hugely from the feel good factor of the sun and I am sure we all take care to protect ourselves from its harmful rays. However, our mood, skin, hair and nails can all suffer through other activities undertaken whilst the days are long and warm. Mood and general well being are up there with the biggest negatives when facing the cold damp days after an amazing summer. Sunlight increases our intake of vitamin D which has a lot to answer for in the smiling stakes, add some of these to your daily diet to maintain if not boost the feel good vitamin levels: 1. Oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel are brilliant providers of vitamin D, with an increase of omega 3 fatty acids, which are believed to raise levels of the brain chemical serotonin. 2. Eat five Brazil nuts daily as they are full of the mineral selenium which will reduce symptoms of irritability, anxiety and tiredness. 3. Oats that are low in glycaemic index provide slow releasing energy stabilising blood sugar levels and therefore keep you in a consistently happier mood. 4. A banana contains vitamin B6 and the important amino acid tryptophan. Uplifting
carbohydrates assist in the absorption of this acid in the brain and, paired with vitamin B6, convert into high levels of serotonin.
“Mood and general well being are up there with the biggest negatives when facing the cold damp days after an amazing summer.” Now onto the other issues such as skin, hair and nails as these can really be damaged during the summer months. Over exposure to the sun, sea, salt and chlorine can cause tissue damage; incorporate the following suggestions into your diet to gain a noticeable improvement: 1. Bone broth from a chicken or turkey is full of amino acids, collagen and minerals that not only reduce inflammation but nourish your cells. Try making your own soup to warm the autumn month’s repair.
3. Increase your protein intake by adding meat poultry and eggs to your daily plan. Protein acts as a building block and is therefore essential in the healing process. 4. Epsom salt are a favourite of mine as they have so many benefits; firstly the salts are good for balancing blood sugar levels; beneficial after an increased intake of sugary drinks and alcohol over the summer. The salts are proven to add body to your hair, provide excellent healing for insect bites or uneven patches caused by the sun and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. 5. Milk thistle is an effective herb obtained from health food shops. Its qualities detoxify the liver, which will make you feel more energised and the cleaner your liver the more fat it will metabolise. I often see a decrease in training during the winter months, and I do understand that once we no longer have to bare all constantly we can relax and finally breathe out. However, fitness levels shouldn’t suffer. It is vital for not only cosmetic reasons that we maintain a healthy body but also as it is moderate exercise that keeps our joints, muscles, bones and respiratory system well. Following these simple and easy suggestions can help you to say goodbye to the effects that the lovely sunshine has on us and prepare for a snuggly winter in front of the fire.
2. Vitamin C assists with iron absorption which promotes collagen production. It is obtained from foods such as citrus fruits, broccoli and spinach but most efficiently in supplement form.
Sarah Hitchman is our monthly fitness writer and lifestyle guru so if you would like to contact her for more information please email s.hitchman@googlemail.com or call 07702 224451. - Fitness -
OCTOBER 2014
│39
Caraline Brown
On the fat-busting trail…
I have one thing in common with Cheryl and Mel B; we are all jumping on the HYPOXI band wagon. I have long despaired of getting rid of my wobbly tummy but HYPOXI promises to be ‘one of the most effective and proven cellulite and FAT burning therapies ever!’ So when I heard that LA Fitness were offering this new treatment I thought I’d give it a go.
requires 6ft 4in Johnny to literally bounce me in. The suit comes up to my neck and down to my wrists, and yes it is VERY hot and tight. I climb onto the treadmill and long pieces of what looks like garden hose are attached to the front of the suit. The machine starts and I begin to walk. This is not cardiovascular so you keep walking in your fat burning zone.
How does it work? HYPOXI uses the principle of lipid metabolism to systematically reduce fat deposits. Using a combination of vacuum pressure and low grade exercise, HYPOXI Therapy forces the body to use its own fat stores as fuel. The treatment metabolises stubborn fat deposits so it isn’t just a water loss treatment.
Immediately there is a slight pulling sensation on my abs as the machine starts to suck at my belly. But it’s not an uncomfortable feeling and it is easy enough to walk. Johnny keeps an eye on you the whole way to make sure you are comfortable with the process. Forty minutes later and I am done. The leotard goes in the laundry bucket and I go off for a shower.
wHat Happens? I change into a loose fitting leotard and Johnny takes my measurements. Then comes the fun bit – clambering into a scuba diving suit with the feet cut off. This
DOEs It wORk? I’ve now had three treatments and it is definitely making a difference. with a 4cm loss all round I’m definitely going back for more!
Thai Massage / Beauty / Well-being
A visit to Chutima Therapy promises to be a rejuvenating experience. An ideal place to unwind, shape up and discover a renewed sense of well-being. ts
106 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ER Tre at m
en
Book online www.chutimatherapy.co.uk e-mail : chutima@chutimatherapy.co.uk as sa
ge
or call 01273 682129 10
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of
fa
ll M
Follow us on Facebook / chutimatherapy
►Contact Johnny on 07752 420065 www.hypoxi-brighton.com
WorKinG body And mind
Students need to make sure their health is worked on as much as their studies
W
ith all the lectures, essays and revisions, students spend much of their time sedentary, which we know is not great from a health perspective. Although long hours of studying will burn a large amount of mental energy, it is crucial to keep your body fit to maintain physical and mental performance at its peak. Exercising will not only make you feel better but will make you more efficient at studying too! So WhAt A cAn A modErn dAy, buSy StudEnt do to fit ExErciSE Around thEir AlrEAdy hEctic SchEdulE? At lA fitness brighton, we cater for busy lifestyles. We have great classes starting as early as 7am. The best way to start your day and wake up your body and mind is a fast paced 45min spin class to some great tunes. you’ll use up to 800 calories during this high intensity interval workout, so it’s great to burn off those weekend indulgences! if you’re not a morning person, no worries:
“Getting moving will bring benefits to your wellbeing, academic performance and of course improve your self confidence.”
TWO MONTHS
FREE WHEN YOU JOIN TODAY
we have classes running as late as 8pm, so why not join in a body Pump class to tone up your muscles or body combat to kick and punch away the stresses of your day? during the difficult exam period, you should also remember to look after yourself. our balancing and rejuvenating yoga classes will help you stay strong and focused. Exercise should be fun and you’re more likely to stick with it if you work out with a friend so do try to team up with a gym buddy. if you prefer to do it on your own and are very motivated, we are here to keep you on track and our fitness staff of personal trainers and Pt coaches can offer professional advice on how to achieve your fitness aspirations. Getting moving will bring benefits to your wellbeing, academic performance and of course improve your self confidence, so you can be at your best both at university and while socialising. There’s no excuse not to start exercising now!
Get 2 months FREE membership + exclusive student rates at LA fitness Sign up for all the kit, all the classes, none of the lectures at LA fitness Brighton, the all inclusive gym that givesyou everything! New term, new start. Beat the rush and secure our exclusive student offer this September by joining LA fitness Brighton for only £33 per month and get two months FREE membership.* Plus, we’re offering you the chance to try us FREE for 3 days! Simply visit www.laftness.co.uk/fitness and download your FREE 3-day trial membership for LA fitness Brighton. To find out more about our membership offers visit us in club or call us on 01273 685868! LA fitness Brighton, Tower Point, North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YR
**Terms and conditions apply: £33 per month rate is based on a 12 month contract and is subject to availability. LA fitness has the right to remove/change this offer at any time. Joining fees will apply. For full terms visit lafitness.co.uk/terms.
Beauty news
Bourjois rouge edition VelVet in rosewood £8.99 For natural-looking lips. An incredibly simple nude, the ideal solution for everyday wear. From Boots, Superdrug elemis FrAngipAni monoi sAlt glow £36.50 A warm glow-in-the-bath feeling with hints of summery scents. Bridging the gap to autumn perfectly. From www.timetospa.co.uk
warm colours abound as autumn sets in. Give yourself a warm hug by the fireside.
jo mAlone just like sundAy sCented CAndle – inCense & emBers £39 Curls of smoky incense, with silver fir and white pepper. sensual with napa leather on a base of elegant vetiver and golden amber. Fireside bliss. From Jo Malone, Brighton
dArphin nourishing sAtin oil £38 A luxurious and innovative dry oil formula that combines an enriched blend of essential oils. www.darphin. co.uk
Stephanie Marie BeSpoke hairdreSSing offers tailor-made bridal hair packages, including in-depth one to one consultations, thorough prewedding hair trials, and above all else, the expertise in creating that perfect hair for the perfect day. For more information on our Bridal Hair Packages and for bridal hair inspiration please feel welcome to browse on our website www.smbespokehair.com Tel: 07815 718577 Twitter - @SMBespokeHair Email - info@smbespokehair.com Facebook - Stephanie Marie Bespoke Hairdressing Website - www.smbespoke.com
ClArins eye QuArtet minerAl pAlette £32 This new ‘skintones’ shade collection is a harmony of natural shades perfect for autumn. From Clarins counters, Debenhams
My night at
HOTEL PELIROCCO Anya Zervudachi spent a night at Brighton’s Hotel Pelirocco with a few surprises in store
I
t is a very rare occasion indeed that I decide to treat myself to a lavish weekend away in a boutique hotel, especially when the hotel in question is just half a mile up the road from my own flat! Feeling my birthday weekend is as good a time as any to shower myself in extravagance, I booked myself and my dear friend and colleague Frida, into the ’Kracken’s Lair’ the newest suit at the famous Hotel Pelirocco in Regency Square. I have wanted to book a stay at the hotel for years, being Brighton’s original boutique hotel with its 19 individually themed bedrooms - it has always been right up my street (both metaphorically and literally)! The hotel has a long-standing reputation for being pretty ‘out there’ and is definitely one of the many places I have wanted to scratch off my bucket list. I have enjoyed a few cocktails at the Pelirocco over the years so I knew what to expect in terms of the garish wallpaper and walls covered with quirky artwork. We were greeted warmly at reception by a member of the team and directed to our room. I have to admit, on entering the suite, Frida and I were both a little taken back by quite how ‘sexy’ the suite was. Things didn’t get any more demure as we discovered the round super king bed (complete with mirrored ceiling) and striper’s pole in the beautiful bedroom. Once we had discovered the huge double bathtub in the bathroom, it was pretty clear that any chance of Frida leaving this place with her innocence intact had gone completely out of the window. We decided to treat ourselves and got on to ordering a bottle of red wine and running a bubble bath. I won’t go into the details of the rest of the evening, but after another couple of bottles of wine it has to be said it was one of the better evenings I’ve ever experienced in a hotel. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the suite to a single suited businessman looking for bog standard bed to stay in, but to almost anyone else. The suite was full of curious knickknacks, but equally well equipped with widescreen TVs and other essentials, not forgetting the bed itself – which was quite literally the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in.
“The hotel has a long-standing reputation for being pretty ‘out there’ and is definitely one of the many places I have wanted to scratch off my bucket list.”
10 Regency Square Brighton BN1 2FG 01273 327055 www.hotelpelirocco.co.uk
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Peter
James WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Peter James is captivated by lunch at Riddle and Finns Champagne and Oyster Bar
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hat’s in a restaurant’s name? I think quite a lot actually. Names conjure up images and expectations. Hotel du Vin I’ve always thought is very clever, because it hints of a hotel full of joie de vivre and a bit of naughtiness. Similarly, Havana hints at something sultry, something exotic. Fishy Fishy is rather – well fishy – but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed eating there. Probably the worst name I know is a joint close to my London home in Notting Hill called ‘The Bloody French.’ I’ve never set foot in there and I don’t intend to. It may be utterly brilliant – not that I’ve any particular reason to think that – but I don’t care if it is. I dread sitting down and looking at a menu brimming with Franglais puns, as I assume might be the case here. The name gives me no expectations at all other than mediocrity with cringing humour. I don’t go out to eat for either of those things. And besides, I like the French a lot. I find them, on the whole, charming, courteous, fun and with a passion for food unmatched by many other countries. So to enter a restaurant called The Bloody French would be to make a statement I don’t actually subscribe to. Now The Fat Duck, on the other hand, gives a totally different image. What could be more enticing to many of us than the prospect of eating a fat duck? Especially with crispy skin and a sweet sauce. If you should find yourselves in Bray and want a truly great dining experience, Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant will do you proud. He’s a man who
knows how to manage expectations. Simple restaurant name, makes you smile, makes you hungry. Gives just a tiny clue to the happy atmosphere of the temple of gastronomy and hedonism beyond its doors. Allow several hours, go there starving and come away with a massive smile. They know a thing or two about service – our waiter even emailed me the following day to thank us for coming! But I have to admit to imbibing rather a lot – and I cannot remember whether duck was even on the 12-course menu that day or not… Riddle and Finns bills itself as a Champagne and Oyster Bar and operates a strictly no reservations policy. The name is odd but
“A sign saying ‘champagne and oyster bar’ acts as much of a magnet to me as ‘The Bloody French’ does a repellent.” 44│
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rather endearing, sort of aquatic in a missspelt way, unless it is owned by someone from Finland, which it isn’t. It was that miserable genius, Evelyn Waugh’s brother, Auberon, a travel and food journalist, who wrote dismissively, years ago that, “The first thing any Englishman does when arriving abroad is to look for the nearest queue and join it.” I share his pathological hatred of queuing. No one ever looks good standing in a queue, especially in the rain, and even worse when hungry, and there are a few if any properly constructive things to do in a queue, other than wishing you weren’t in it. Queuing demeans us and steals one of our most precious commodities, time. Further, once you are inside, you know you will be processed as quickly as possible, maximum money taken off you in the minimum of time, so you can be shoved back out the door and the next sodden punters reeled in. I don’t like multiple sitting restaurants either, which tell you that you have to vacate your table by a certain time.
Fortunately, due to lunching there with one of its former shareholders, Mike Holland, we didn’t have to queue on our visit, and indeed on a busy Friday lunchtime they seemed to have the balance pretty much right. I like this place a lot and I’ve eaten here a few times in the past. It reminds me of a number of oldestablished City of London restaurants, and I almost expect to find sawdust on the floor when I enter. It’s an intimate, comfortable place, where you sit up at stalls and where you instantly feel you are in a place that knows exactly what it is doing and what its punters want – indulgent, quality food from the sea, to be washed down with equally indulgent wines. A sign saying ‘champagne and oyster bar’ acts as much of a magnet to me as ‘The Bloody French’ does a repellent. And the menu delivers. There is a good selection of quality oysters and even better, a terrific range of preparations, including two of my favourite cooked styles, Kilpatrick and Rockefeller. Light bites and starters include another favourite, done with a deft touch here, New England Clam Chowder, Monkfish Cheek Tempura, Brighton Scallops (hooray for local produce), Riddle and Finns Ceviche, Whitebait and the now ubiquitous Squid with Chorizo priced from a very reasonable £5.75 to £12.95. There is a good assortment of shellfish, including Whole Gambas, and a platter of Fruits de Mer with either fresh Crab or Lobster, and mains include a Squid and Shellfish Risotto, Keralan Fish Curry, Riddle
@peterjamesuk and Finns Bouillabaisse – properly made and richly filling – and a delicious and delicately flavoured wok-fried crab. As well as seafood salads and three good vegetarian alternatives – available as starters or very reasonably priced mains – around the £12 mark, there is a short selection of very well made desserts and cheeses. As with all seafood restaurants you can spend modestly on main at £13.50 or splash out on the lobster seafood platter at £45 – and you can down as many oysters as takes your fancy at a fair £2.20 each. There is, as its name hints, a fine Champagne list and an excellent, no-nonsense list of white and red wines, including a wine that has been long out of fashion and is now deservedly making its way back onto lists, a dry white Bordeaux. I came away and realized I’d forgotten to ask what Riddles and Finns actually stood for. But hey, it will be good having an excuse to go back – not that I feel this place needs one. It’s great. - Food & drink|Review -
InTERnaTIOnal BEsT-sEllIng auThOR, PETER JamEs, Is OuR IndEPEndEnT REsTauRanT REvIEwER. ThE REvIEws aRE 100% ImPaRTIal and fREE fROm advERTIsIng. In faCT, hE dOEsn’T EvEn TEll us whICh REsTauRanTs hE Is gOIng TO REvIEw!
Riddle & finns Champagne and Oyster Bar 12b meeting house lane Brighton Bn1 1hB Tel: 01273 721667 web: www.riddleandfinns.co.uk
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Special 2-course menu ÂŁ9.75 3-course menu ÂŁ11.75 (not available Saturday)
10% discount if you mention Absolute Magazine
Julie
Burchill Barfly on the wall
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’m not a sentimental sort, but when Harry’s English Restaurant of Hove closed down a couple of years back after being my local for more than a decade, I felt as though a part of my heart had turned to hardened bubble-andsqueak forevermore. Harry’s wasn’t just a restaurant - it really was one of those dream joints you generally only see on American TV sit-coms, where everybody knows both your name and your brand of bourbon. (Personally, I find the latter more flattering.) But then Le Nantais Bistro opened on the hallowed site last year, and I never looked back. Harry? He can go and DO ONE, with Tom and Dick! The food at Nantais is gorgeous (like the staff, who are that glorious breed of beautiful people who don’t behave as if they know they’re beautiful) starting with the astoundingly varied and tasty breakfasts (everything from Eggs Benedict to sweet Chantilly crepe) right through to the eyewatering Assiette de Gourmand. But my
“My favourite thing to do there is drink with a bunch of broads and listen in to the various neighbouring conversations.” favourite thing to do there is drink with a bunch of broads and listen in to the various neighbouring conversations. Gorgeous boy to gorgeous boy: ‘It was the strangest thing I’ve ever come across in my life - I just didn’t know how to deal with! I tried SPITTING on it, but THAT didn’t help…’ Pretty girl to pretty girl: ‘I saw a fit boy wearing a T-shirt saying BITE ME - if I had, and he’d reported me, could I have had him done under that Trades Prescription Act?’ Pretty girl to gorgeous boy: ‘But do you love me? Like, REALLY love me?’ - ‘I shag you every day, don’t I? So what do you reckon?’ Unusually for the Bermuda Square that is Palmeira for restaurants generally, the paying public are always fair pouring in at Nantais, from early in the morning till late at night. (I believe the word ‘bistro’ is psychologically savvy, taking away any trepidation that one may be set upon and offered a whole suckling pig when one was only in search of an espresso.) Ladies of a certain age dining alone or in pairs, business lunchers, gossiping media whores like me - though it’s such a smart establishment (harpist on a Tuesday night - get you!) it’s somehow impossible not to feel at home there. Both airy and cosy, - Food & drink|Column -
which is quite a hard act, it’s equally alluring for all seasons, with outside tables at the front and a garden at the back. Hove used to be a byword for hearing aids and incontinence mattress covers, but Le Nantais more than any other place I know makes the trek into hectic, hen-party-heavy Brighton seem somewhat wearisome. Sitting at a window table on a Friday night - Lobster Night! - drinking two-forone cocktails (Sexy Alligators? Japanese Slippers? Painkillers? Two of each, please!) and scoffing the king of crustaceans washed down with Picpoul de Pinet, gazing at the church opposite and vowing to be A Better Person while eavesdropping like a fiend, you really will wonder why we ever fought with the French in the first place. C’est la vie!
► Le Nantais bistro 41 church rd, Hove bN3 2be 01273 723334
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Brighton’s foremost independent venue, Audio, is now open for ChristmAs pArty venue hire Bookings for 2014 Since opening in 2004, Audio has established itself as one of the city’s most impressive locations, with its stunning heated seafront terrace, legendary cocktail bar, and stylish yet intimate club space offering a wealth of options for private parties of all sizes. Our award-winning cocktail mixologists will ensure that the drinks are flowing in style, while your guests soak up the bar’s renowned retro-grandeur vibe. With luxury leather seating, classic chandeliers and a range of displays from acclaimed local artists, our bar famously maintains an unpretentious ambience that’s made it an annual hit with companies looking for a professional venue with a unique, independent atmosphere for their Christmas event. Our bespoke Christmas packages can be designed around your event’s needs, and we can arrange everything for you from welcome cocktails/bubbly to canapés, buffets, or indeed something more substantial. Meanwhile, our extensive experience hosting some of the finest bands and DJs around means that we can tailor music and entertainments to your exact requirements, whether you’re looking for drinks after work, hosting a 300-strong blow out, or anything in between. With our friendly, experienced staff on hand to guide you through the process both in the run up to Christmas and on the night itself, we can provide all the support you need to ensure your party runs without a hitch.
10 Marine Parade, Brighton 01273 606906 www.audiobrighton.com
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The Foragers
“While many pubs are trying to serve up local grub with a seasonal twist, The Foragers have gone a step further. Several steps in fact,“ The Observer. Winners of the Brighton and hove Food & Drink awards 2013 and the sussex Food and Drink awards 2012 and awarded a aa rosette for the past four years. The Foragers are trailblazers in both sustainability and fine pub grub and are, therefore, a must for all foodies. Now offering their Summer menu and alfresco dining, both outside the front or hidden away round the back of The Foragers in their sunny garden oasis. 3 Stirling Place, Hove 01273 733134, www.theforagerspub.co.uk
Crafty Chooks Crafty Chooks is a new bar and rotisserie located just off Church Road in Hove. The venue offers a fresh and modern feel with a contemporary menu that has a strong focus on free range rotisserie-cooked chicken and some other favourites. There is an interesting range of craft beers alongside a really well-thought-out wine list. 10 Victoria Grove, Second Avenue,Hove, BN3 2LJ 01273 722846 www.craftychooks.co.uk
Drink, Drink anD be merry it was ‘all aboard’ as kirsten Holt leapt on the brighton Food Festival Wine Tour bus…
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he day dawned bright and sunny and there was excitement in the air when we found a beautifully restored Routemaster glinting in the sun at the bottom of Grand Avenue. By 9.30 we were all on board and headed off to the first stop, about 45 minutes’ drive outside Brighton. I’d thought this part might drag, but little did I know we were all to be given fresh croissants and local apple juice to send us on our way.... and before we knew it the bus began winding its way down a small country lane to reach the gates of the Bolney Estate. The first part of the tour had begun! We were greeted by the Bolney team and after a quick pit stop, we were taken around the vineyards, learning about the different grapes, how the wines are prepared and stored and where they are bottled. And after about an hour we were ready to start sampling and my gosh, did we sample! A sample was a full wine glass! We made our way through a very smooth, non-acidic Chardonnay vintage sparkler, a delicate, floral Rosé, and a fantastic Pinot Noir
before we went on to have lunch. The finest buffet I’ve seen for a while was paired with another two varieties of wine. By this stage, we’d been given whole bottles of wine rather than just a glass so we could enjoy the full experience with the appropriate dish and looking round at the happy faces, I think it was fair to say this was more than anyone expected! We then had the joy of tasting their red Cuvée Noir – an exceptional sparkling red that will be a treat at Christmas… and then of course we all found ourselves in the shop – I mean who couldn’t after their generosity?! The bus was then loaded up to head to Ridgeview, in spite of a near panic by the tour facilitator who thought we’d left someone behind, where we were treated to another tour, learning the art of creating a decent bottle of bubbly before trying our way through an array of them, all named after London destinations. These were accompanied by some delightful cheese from Le Cave à Fromage; a lovely goat’s cheese, a
Sussex Camembert, a cheddaresque cheese and some blue cheese… again, beautifully chosen in terms of matching the crescendo of tastes. We were a bit sad that in comparison to Bolney our portions seemed slightly sparing at Ridgeview; however, undeterred we still all found ourselves buying some bubbly, some of which was enjoyed on the return trip to Brighton! All in all this was a great day. It was much better value than we envisioned when Final wine tour this year is on 25 October 2014 £75 per person www.brightonfoodfestival.com/events
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Bohemia
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A Christie Crime-fest Photos: Matt Ryan
Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and each year the town celebrates its most famous citizen with a week-long festival of events. Christie fan Sam Harrington-Lowe couldn’t resist the murder mystery dinner…
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hose of you who are familiar with Torquay will know that whilst it isn’t actually home to herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the plain, it is a kind of Mecca for Agatha Christie fans, being not only the place she was born and sporadically lived, but also the inspiration for many of her stories and the locations in her books. It’s also home to this annual, week-long festival celebrating her life and works throughout the town and surrounding areas. From literary events to a range of murder mysteries, both on stage and staged around eating experiences, it’s a must-do series of activities for anyone who counts themselves as a fan of the Queen of Crime. Torre Abbey is at the centre of this folklore, a stunning abbey and art gallery dating back to 1196 which also houses a botanic garden filled with the Potent Plants collection
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inspired by the poisons and potions in Christie’s books, and is the main hub for the festival itself. It’s also the venue where we experienced the rather excellent murder mystery dinner, but more about that later. Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that getting to Torquay from Brighton isn’t fun. Google maps pronounced the journey to be roughly a four hour trip, which didn’t sound too bad. But the reality was a nine-hour endurance exercise filled with ‘Let’s try this alternative route’ games, nose to tail traffic throughout, and culminating with the eventual pinnacle of ‘now the effing engine’s overheated, let’s pull over and lift the bonnet’. There is, however, a railway station right in the middle of Torquay, and if I went again, I’d definitely go by train. I just wish we’d known about it before we leapt in the car. We stayed at the Grand Hotel, which I was looking forward to, particularly as I’d read that Christie spent her honeymoon night
CHRISTIE FACTS • The Princess Pier was a favourite spot of Agatha’s for roller-skating. • Agatha Christie’s daughter Rosalind gifted Greenway to the National Trust in 1999. • You can book a ferry trip to visit Christie’s beloved estate Greenway. • The Princess Gardens feature in the ABC Murders. • Beacon Cove, once known as Ladies Bathing Cove, was where Agatha got into difficulty whilst swimming and almost drowned. • The Imperial Hotel is featured in several novels. • The Torquay Museum is home to the UK’s only dedicated Agatha Christie Gallery. • In 1971 Agatha was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. • Agatha Christie died on the 12th January, 1976 at the age of 85. • She had published 79 crime novels, 19 plays, 22 short story collections, 6 romantic novels and 2 non-fiction works including her autobiography.
there after her wedding to Archie Christie in 1914. Sadly, with the exception of Anthony on reception, whose professional welcome and support at the end of our tortuous journey was like a metaphorical soothing hug, the standard and service at the Grand is more Fawlty Towers than five star finesse. The entire venue has a ‘must have been lovely once’ feel about it, and from the inebriated bartender on Friday night, to the incoherent breakfast waitress with scant grasp of the English language on Saturday morning – rather like a female Manuel – we found the chaotic service to be strangely fascinating. The second night we moved to a resort hotel, the Toorvak. From the ‘Aztec’ swimming facilities to the northern performer in a sequinned waistcoat doing rope tricks for an octogenarian audience and the club singer murdering The Way to Amarillo next door, it was a rather wonderful step back in time, harking back to the days of the British seaside holidays and family entertainment that didn’t involve a screen. And worth noting that the service and cleanliness of this little old three star hotel outdid the Grand on many counts. The main reason for going however was to experience the Agatha Christie murder
mystery dinner event on the Friday night, as well as getting a feel for the festival as a whole, and the dinner was great fun. The Christie estate keeps very close tabs on who can use the hallowed name, and the theatrical group After Dark who created the interactive murder mystery are officially licensed by Agatha Christie Ltd. The bestselling author’s characters Tommy and Tuppence come to life for a change in an interactive theatre experience where it’s up to the diners to solve the crime. The scenes unfold around you, you have a chance to question the performers as witnesses, examine the evidence and seek out the clues as you attempt to solve the murder. The actors were really excellent, weaving the story around the tables, always in character, allowing guests to ask questions as they tried to fathom out who the murderer was. They didn’t make us sign anything to promise not to tell whodunit, but I’m not going to anyway. There were some very committed joiners-in on our table who got the right answer, but failed to make the top five winning tables due to not citing enough clues. It’s pretty cutthroat, this mystery solving. I didn’t really have a clue what was going on, my little grey cells battered to death by the insane drive down. But the food was lovely and the actors - Review -
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“There were some very committed joiners-in on our table who got the right answer, but failed to make the top five due to not citing enough clues. It’s pretty cut-throat, this mystery solving.” were great. I just let it flow over me and applauded enthusiastically when I was supposed to. The true story of Agatha Christie’s life is every bit as intriguing and fascinating as her books, and nowhere can you get closer to her legacy than on the English Riviera, in South Devon’s beautiful bay. Christie was born in Torquay, and spent many of the most important chapters of her life here, as well as using real places in the area as settings for her murder mysteries. The whole place is littered with little signs – not exactly ‘Agatha Woz Ere’ but not far off. The bay is really lovely though – we sat and ate some very good seafood at a place called On the Rocks and watched the world go by. There are signs of regeneration on the seafront, and in truth, Torquay looks like it could do with a bit of love and attention. But there’s a real slow, pre-war feel about the place. It would be easy to lose a few days here. We fell in love with it quite a lot. The Agatha Christie festival this year offered fans the chance to attend readings by crime writing masterminds, meet Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie’s grandson and see him in conversation with Ben Stephenson, the man responsible for commissioning all drama on the BBC. Also to visit Greenway, Christie’s glorious riverside residence on the River Dart by steam train and boat, walk the Agatha Christie mile, enjoy tea dances and attend many other unique events. Torquay’s sister towns Brixham, Paignton and Babbacombe Bay also hosted stylish Agatha Christie themed events. It’s a veritable crime-fest. Interestingly, at the centre of the literary aspect is novelist Sophie Hannah, who was commissioned and licensed by the Christie brand to write new Poirot novel, The Monogram Murders. Released to critical acclaim last month, the new book sees Poirot plunge into a new and ‘diabolically clever’ puzzle set in 1920s London, and I’m sorry we didn’t get to see her. We did however bump into Martin Gaisford, the only official Hercule Poirot allowed to use the famous name! In summary, the journey was scarier than the murder mystery, but the Torquay experience was charming and gentle. I’d definitely go again, but I’d let the train take the strain. For the Agatha Christie festival: www.agathachristiefestival.com For details on Torquay: www.englishriviera.co.uk 56│
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Petworth House, West Sussex Saturday 1 November, 7pm – midnight A delightfully dark and decadent country house ball in the sensational state rooms of Petworth House. Summon fiendish friends and don dramatic costumes for an unforgettable evening of dining and dancing, inspired by the macabre and histrionic Macbeth and the Witches engraving, hanging in the dining room. Festivities begin in the Chapel Courtyard, with a surprise display of flamboyance. A traditional ball supper then follows, alongside cabaret in the Carved Room and dancing ’til the witching hour to the sassy sounds of the Brighton-based Swing Ninjas. Tickets are £85 per person. For further information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house
Box office 0844 2491895
National Trust/ Colin Barker
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BREAKING
FREE Simon Amstell visits Brighton this month as part of his to be free tour and Daniel White spoke to him about the highs and lows of being a neurotic stand-up comedian
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uring Simon Amstell’s last stand-up show there was a fiercely honest moment when he tells the audience that he is currently living on his own and that, “if you live alone and you don’t make plans, here is what happens. You wake up, and it just gets darker.” The show was called Numb and he explains, “it was about not being able to feel, not being able to connect with human beings and not being able to love or be loved. And all the endless problems with being an anxious, depressed human being.” Which, his staged theatrics aside, is the side of Simon Amsell that has been on display throughout his career. The awkward, needy side of Simon Amstell has been well documented. It first appeared on our screens when he was presenting TV station Nickelodeon, where he was sacked for being “sarcastic and mean to children”. As the host of Popworld he produced gawkily pleasurable entertainment by roasting his interview subjects as well as the interview itself, before moving on to host Never Mind the Buzzcocks. High-profile falls outs on Channel 4’s panelshow included Ordinary Boys singer Samuel Preston and The Towers of London frontman
Donny Tourette, while numerous pop stars were targets of relentless ridicule. Following three awards-soaked seasons hosting the show he quit. After eight years of “taking the piss out of pop stars” he had had enough. “What was funny about that show was that I was like this weird kid in the middle of this big studio and the things I was saying were occasionally quite shocking or inappropriate.” There’s a stock-taking pause. “Once it became appropriate to be inappropriate because it’s the expectation then it’s not funny any more. “I wanted to be funnier. I really wanted to explore what was going on in my own life a bit more, I had lost interest in celebrity; I had totally lost interest in it,” he pauses to reflect. “I felt like I was reaching for something that I didn’t quite know how to do properly.” Numb brought Amstell’s collection of intimately soul-bearing stories to life as he covered first-hand experiences such as isolation, depression, envy as well as romantic and family break-ups. He describes how these issues were manifested in anger and frustration, regularly directed towards pop stars and fellow standups, “I used to be really annoyed with people I felt were lying, because I was out there baring my soul and expressing all my pain and I was
really angry with these other comedians for doing one liners,” there’s a slight sigh. “Also there were points when I would be making fun of someone and I realised what I was really doing was having a go at something within myself.” Depression is a theme that arises again and again in his stand-up and he is characteristically forthcoming in his handling of it. “I had a therapist who lived in Brighton and so I popped to Brighton a few times on the train and there is nothing that makes you feel worse about the situation you’re in, than having to get on a train for an hour to see a therapist who lives somewhere else,” he lets out a high-pitched squawk of a laugh. “I said to her ‘I can’t keep coming on a train because it’s making me feel like there is something really wrong with me’ and she said ‘well you have depression, there is something wrong with you’. Hopefully she’ll come and she can see all her good work because really I’m much better now.” He is better. Despite making misery his life’s work, Amstell is now in a much better place. That much is blindingly clear as we talk, and one theme that continuously runs through his responses is the joy of living in the moment.
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“I was out there baring my soul and expressing all my pain and I was really angry with these other comedians for doing one liners.” “What I’ve learned recently is that trying to do it is the problem; for example, we are not trying to breathe in and out, these things are just happening. The problems come from us trying to be better, trying to live in the moment. “I’m just trying not to get in the way of my own brilliant creativity. My ambition is just to stay connected and joyful and alive and funny and all that that stuff. That’s all really… and then die,” he unleashes another squawk. Amstell spent the best part of last year touring the United States and in his attempt to break America he admits, “it’s quite joyful to be the special new boy”. His new show is called to be free and gives a clear indication of how far he has come since writing Numb. “It’s about feeling alive and spontaneous and present and all the things that stop that feeling; either my own insecurities or fears of the culture and their insistence on various conventions”. He does however makes it clear that it doesn’t mean a complete step away from the neurotic, humiliating stand-up that made him so watchable. “It’s all coming from a place of real truth, every moment of it is coming from a real feeling and all the stories are true. I suppose what I’m doing is I’m exploiting the most shameful, embarrassing, ridiculous parts of myself each night.” 60│
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He finally seems comfortable in his own skin and, aided with his therapy and the spiritual retreats in Peru, he believes this public form of confession is a cathartic experience; one which has helped aid his ability to feel free. “We’re all fine exactly as we are and that’s another reason why it is quite handy getting to express some of the more shameful, embarrassing things of my sordid life,” he pauses to consider. “It’s quite freeing; for me definitely and also for the people listening because they’re able to go ‘oh yes we also have that disgusting habit, we’re also that weird person’. “It’s great, because the truth sets you free right? The bloody truth, not one-liners; one-liners won’t set you free.” ►Simon Amstell will be performing his stand-up show, to be free, at the Brighton Dome on October 17th as part of the Brighton Comedy Festival. For more information visit www. brightoncomedyfestival.com
- BRIGHTON COMEDY FESTIVAL|interview -
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The Brighton Comedy Festival bursts into life this month as the best of the international stand-up circuit make their way down south for a fortnight of fun. The second largest comedy festival in the UK attracts over 30,000 people every autumn and, now in its 13th year, is set to take over Brighton’s biggest comedy venues. Daniel White sat down with some just some of the great talent that will be delighting audiences this October to find out what’s in store.
Doc Brown Are you excited for the Brighton Comedy Festival? It’s just a great place to perform: open minded people who think outside the box - that’s what I tend to thrive off so yeah, always excited for Brighton. What is your show about? It’s just the ramblings of an old hippy really. Peace, love and the ever-antagonistic challenge of these values by p***ks. What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a gig? Probably reaching into my pocket onstage and only realising as I pulled my hand out that I was clutching a pair of five year old girl’s knickers (my daughter’s by the way). What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Just enjoy it.
Jimeoin
Chris Ramsey Are you excited for the Brighton Comedy Festival? I love comedy festivals. Most cities can pull one off quite well. But Brighton is an awesome place and the comedy festival is always awesome here. I can’t wait! What is your show about? This show is an in depth analysis of the time I got kicked off Soccer AM and my other failures in life. What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a gig? A woman in Norwich once chatted the whole way through a gig, offered sweets to everyone around her and then left before the end... She left a jar of marmite on her seat. I still think that may have been her review of me. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? ‘Stand clear of the closing doors’- saved my life. 62│
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Are you excited for the Brighton Comedy Festival? Yeah I like Brighton. Brighton’s always a good night out; it’s often too good a night out. I just have a lot of vague memories of Brighton. What is your show about? Jokes really. It’s just got as many jokes as I can put into it as possible and as stupid as possible. I just keep it as fun and as irrelevant as I can think of but I don’t really have any point to make, I just tell jokes. What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a gig? There’s too many too mention really but I got into a fight once on stage in Western Australia, as you do. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t take advice.
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Dave Gorman Are you excited for the Brighton Comedy Festival? I am yes. Brighton is a rare place in Britain because most people think where they’re from is s**t and everywhere else is better but Brighton is rare because it has a good view of itself. Also, the difference with the festival compared to the rest of the tour is that there’s an atmosphere that is buzzier and nicer to be a part of. What is your show about? Basically I talk about some stuff that sounds like it won’t be funny but is. What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a gig? The compere introduced me by saying ‘the first act, I’ve never heard of him, he might be s**t, please welcome Dave Gorman’ and I walked on stage to a full house chanting ‘f**k off, f**k off, f**k off ’. I was 19 and at one point I was getting heckled by the bar staff. I refused to retreat and I died completely; there’s no redeeming feature to this story. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Turn up on time and carry a pencil.
Vikki Stone Are you excited for the Brighton Comedy Festival? I’m MEGA excited for the Brighton Comedy Festival. Don’t tell the rest of the UK, but Brighton was my favourite tour date last year. I love the crowds in Brighton - I’ve always been lucky to have a really electric audience every time I’ve played here! What is your show about? My show is about music and my family, and growing up, and in addition I play 20 musical instruments as an underscore to go with it! What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a gig? There have been so many. Audiences can be very weird things. I’ve had marriage proposals, obscenities shouted, a man standing on a table and taking all his clothes off whilst I sang a song, a man banging on the wall behind me, and a one-woman standing ovation from Sue Pollard. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? My old dad always use to say to me ‘Always go everywhere twice. Second time to apologise.’
Jason Cook Are you excited for the Brighton Comedy Festival? Oh yes, I’ve always had great fun there, Brighton has SUCH a cool crowd when it comes to comedy. What is your show about? It’s about how I am broken and how all the things I have in my life, while positive, have taken their toll on me and broken me. But it’s not a sad show in any way. There are tons and tons of jokes. What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a gig? I like to think of the show as a conversation with the audience, not a bullying one though, I’m not that kind of comedian, so something different happens in every show that always amazes me. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? If you’re driving anywhere on a Friday, leave an hour and a half early.
The Brighton Comedy Festival runs from October 10th – 25th and for tickets or more information visit www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
THE MAN THAT KAN Matthew vanKan knows how to get a Brighton audience swinging, as he explains to Daniel White
Website: www.vankan.co.uk Twitter: @matthewvankan Facebook: www.facebook.com/matthewvankanmusic
I sing are all heavily laden with memories for most people; memories of their childhood, Christmases past, old movies etc. People get very focused on family, their partners and friendships so there’s a lot of love in the air. What are your favourite christmas songs to sing? We do a blues version of the Aled Jones song ‘Walking In The Air’ from the animated film The Snowman. I love a bit of ‘Silent Night’ or swinging ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ but the sentiment of ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ gets me every time.
What style of music do you sing? Swing and jazz. All the Great American Songbook tunes that everyone knows and loves. The pop music of the 1940s and 50s made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra. do you have any crazy stories from your time in the industry? I was singing at The Savoy Hotel one evening and Craig Revel Horwood came along with a friend of his to hear me. When I was singing ‘Mr Bojangles’ I gestured to him to take to the floor not thinking that he would and he actually got up and tap-danced his way through the rest of the song. He’s a really lovely guy! What is it about brighton that makes you continue to perform here? It’s my hometown. It’s where it all started. It’s where my family and friends are and it’s where I’ll probably end up when I’ve hung up my microphone for good – hopefully that won’t be for a very long time.
What is your favourite brighton venue to perform in? It has to be The Grand. They gave me a monthly residency in 2012, in 2013 and again this year. I perform in the main hotel bar from 8pm to 11pm on a Thursday towards the end of the month. My remaining dates this year are 23 October, 20 November and 18 December. There’s no entry fee so everyone’s welcome. What has been your favourite performance you’ve played in brighton? I think my show ‘Let’s Face The Music’. It was at The Grand Hotel during the Brighton Fringe Festival 2013. The show sold out and included the burlesque dancer Liberty Sweet, Marilyn Monroe impersonator Laura Nixon and my five-piece band. My sister Virginia joined me for a duet which is always a real treat for me.
do you alter your performance during the festive season? The Great American Songbook is packed full of songs about romance, relationships and love. Although they’re not specifically Christmas songs they’re pretty universal, ringing true with everyone at that time of year. I tend to pull out all the stops for my December shows. What advice Would you give to aspiring singers? Don’t think that shows like X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent are the only platforms for any kind of success. There are so many ways to be creative and get heard. YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, busking, charity gigs, restaurants and bars. You just have to get yourself out there and learn your craft. What does the future hold for mattheW vankan? Hopefully new destinations and stunning venues. Bigger audiences and maybe even an album release – watch this space!!
What do you enjoy most about performing around christmas? The nostalgia. The songs
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Nick Mulvey – Mon 20th Oct @ Komedia A founding member of Portico Quartet now gone solo, Nick Mulvey will be mesmerising Brighton with his acoustic guitar and resonating lyrics. His recently released 12-track EP is inspired by the irregular rhythms he studies in Cuba and is a tender collection of trance-like hooks that maintain their momentum with rolling basslines and harmonic high notes.
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GIG guide
Elaine Paige – Wed 22nd Oct @ Brighton Dome St. Vincent – Thu 23rd Oct @ Winter Garden Bird Eats Babies – Fri 24th Oct @ Komedia Shane Filan – Sat 25th Oct @ Assembly Hall Mogwai – Sun 26th Oct @ Brighton Dome Sara Petite – Mon 27th Oct @ The Greys Il Divo – Tue 28th Oct @ Brighton Centre
Bad For Lazarus – Sun 19th Oct @ Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar This Brighton five-piece embrace elements of rock, indie, funk and electronica in their sound that, although not categorised, is a refreshing hi-energy mix producing addictive rhythmic loops. With their July album release, Life’s a Carnival Bang! Bang! Bang!, there is sure to be a range of fresh tracks on offer. The Seekers – Wed 1st Oct @ Brighton Centre Amy in the Winehouse – Tue 2nd Oct @ The Brunswick
Rachael Dadd – Thu 30th Oct @ Latest Music Bar Heather Peace – Fri 31st Oct @ Brighton Corn Exchange
Aswad – Sat 11th Oct @ Concorde James Yorkston – Sun 12th Oct @ Komedia
Ian Hunter – Fri 3rd Oct @ Concorde
Glass Animals – Mon 13th Oct @ The Haunt
Mark Morriss – Sat 4th Oct @ Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar
Katherine Ryan – Tue 14th Oct @ Komedia
Mike Newsham – Sun 5th Oct @ The Ranelagh
Sivu – Wed 15th Oct @ The Hope
Treetop Flyers – Mon 6th Oct @ The Hope
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Harry Manx – Wed 29th Oct @ The Hope
Charlotte Carpenter – Thu 16th Oct @ Latest Music Bar
Tom Vek – Tue 7th Oct @ The Haunt
Gregory Alan Isakov – Fri 17th Oct @ Komedia
Neil Crowley Trio – Thu 9th Oct @ Brighton Dome
Timber Timbre – Sat 18th Oct @ The Haunt
Willie And The Bandits – Fri 10th Oct @ The Green Door Store
Agnes Obel – Tue 21st Oct @ All Saints Church
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Moddi – Wed 8th Oct @ Komedia Moddi, aka Pål Moddi Knutsen, will be bringing his quietly intense acoustic melodies to Brighton this month. The Norwegian singer-songwriter will be performaing a set that is sure to include and a selection of songs from his recently released EP Live at Jakob Church of Culture.
Brighton Early Music Festival – Fri 24th Oct To 9th Nov Attracting an audience of over 4,000, the BREMF has firmly established itself as part of Brighton’s autumn cultural calendar. In its 13th year you can be transported to Rome, Paris, Warsaw or Santiago thanks to the festival’s 2014 theme: Cities, Musical centres and the journeys between them.
OctOber Best of the Rest The Importance of Being Earnest – Wed 1st Oct @ Theatre Royal
Tom Wrigglesworth – Wed 22nd Oct @ Brighton Dome
The Daruis Brubeck Quartet – Thu 2nd Oct @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Colin Hoult’s Carnival of Monsters – Thu 23rd Oct @ Otherplace at Bar Broadway
Toyah Willcox – Fri 3rd Oct @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
An Inspector Calls – Sat 25th Oct To 1st Nov @ Brighton Little Theatre
Stowaway – Sat 4th Oct @ Studio Theatre, Brighton Dome (Theatre) Stowaway is a story about a man from India who finds himself far from home and adrift from everything he knows. It is the story of an extraordinary journey in search of an impossible future. Chilled to the Bone: Ice Age Sussex – Sun 5th Oct @ Brighton Museum & Art Gallery Artista Studio & Café Gallery Presents “Six Photographers Under One Roof” Mon 6th Oct To 2nd Nov @ Artista Studio Michael Palin: Travelling to Work – Tue 7th Oct @ Theatre Royal Danny Bhoy – Thu 9th Oct @ The Old Market Ceri Dupree – Fri 10th Oct @ Theatre Royal Skeptics in the Shark Tank – Sat 11th Oct @ Brighton Sea Life Centre 30 Years On: Beyond Right and Wrong and the Brighton Bombing – Sun 12th Oct @ The Old Market The Sum of Our Parts – Mon 13th Oct To Sun 2nd Nov @ Ground Coffeehouse The Boy Who Kicked Pigs – Tue 14th Oct to Wed 15th Oct @ The Old Market Arthur Smith Sings Leonard Cohen – Wed 15th Oct @ Theatre Royal
The Grand Drawing Circle – Sun 26th Oct @ The Old Market Feral – Tue 28th Oct @ The Old Market Lamb – Wed 29th Oct @ Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome Dobet Gnahore Na Dre Dance – Wed 8th Oct @ Studio Theatre, Brighton Dome Hailed as one of the freshest talents in new African music, Dobet Gnahore can sing in seven different languages and embraces a wide variety of musical styles. The Cote d’Ivoire singer released her new album earlier this year and will be sure to feature a range of new tracks in this performance. Doc Brown – Thu 16th Oct @ Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome Phil Kay - Fri 17th Oct @ Otherplace at Bar Broadway
Elio Pace performs The Billy Joel Songbook – Thu 30th Oct @ Theatre Royal Copperdollar: The Back Of Beyond – Fri 31st Oct @ The Old Market
The Temple – Mon 27th Oct @ Komedia It is 1917. When a strange ivory head comes into the possession of the commander of the U-29, the submarine becomes cursed, as nightmares and visions of dead sailors begin to haunt the crew. Appealing to a cult audience, The Temple has been a huge influence on the horror/sci-fi genre; with Michael Sabbaton adding his own psychological depth to the character.
Think Floyd – Sat 18th Oct @ Theatre Royal Marcus Brigstocke – Sun 19th Oct @ Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome Kirk Fletcher and Katie Bradley – Mon 20th Oct @ Komedia The Shee – Tue 21st Oct @ Ropetackle Arts Centre - ARTS & CULTURE|best bits -
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c i s u M
s w Ne nd-up u o r e t solu The Ab sic news from mu of local ss the city acro
lutine release DeBut alBum Brighton-based duo Lutine released their debut album White Flowers on September 29th through Front & Follow. Emma Morton and Heather Minor, aka Lutine, only released their debut single Sallow Tree in August and have continued to mesmerise listeners with their tender vocals and supreme songwriting with this much anticipated release.
oxjam set to takeover Founded in 2006 to bring music lovers together to raise money to fight poverty, Oxjam returns to Brighton this month bigger than ever before. On October 18th Oxjam will be taking over venues in Brighton, with more than 50 acts expected to perform. Local band Departure From Normal will be opening the main stage, with more Brighton favourites expected to follow.
Brighton reigns top in uk music cities Brighton provides the best chance for fledgling music acts to make it, according to research produced by live music discovery app Timbre. With more than three times as many concert venues per person than London, Brighton outdoes the country’s capital as well as the rest of the UK.
thieves to launch neW alBum at pelirocco If you like hard, strange, bluesy and melodic rock you are in luck. Local band Thieves by the Code, after years of knocking audiences dead on the live circuit, launch their majestic debut album, Tales From the Green Muse and Beyond, with a live set at Hotel Pelirocco on Saturday 4th October from 8pm – 2am. Entry is free so go early to avoid disappointment. The album is released the same day on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify, with CDs direct from www. thievesbythecode.com great pagans to release DeBut alBum Brighton locals Great Pagans will be releasing their debut album Cupid in Error on October 20th. Released through local record label, AntiGhost Moon Ray, the four-piece have already released a track from the EP titled So Pure, available through their Bandcamp page.
Blues singer Best in Britain Brighton singer Jo Harman has won the Female Vocalist of the Year award at this year’s British Blues Awards. Harman, who released her debut album Dirt On My Tongue in March last year, has risen spectacularly in the music industry. Following a schedule of over 40 festival performances in 2013, she is now widely regarded as one of Europe’s foremost female blues artists. 68│
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Wytches Drop neW alBum Brighton-based trio The Wytches have released their debut album Annabel Dream Reader through Heavenly Recordings. The album was co-produced by frontman Kristian Bell along with The Coral’s Bill Ryder-Jones and the group, who were recent recipients of government funding to promote their music around the world, will be stopping by Brighton as part of their worldwide 2014 tour, with dates to be announced. - Music|News -
Absolute CinemA Guide with Bill Murray On the eve of all things spooky i offer three modern classics this month
Maps to the Stars The Weiss family is the archetypical Hollywood dynasty: father Stafford is an analyst and coach, who has made a fortune with his self-help manuals; mother Cristina mostly looks after the career of their son Benjie, 13, a child star. One of Stafford’s clients, Havana, is an actress who dreams of shooting a remake of the movie that made her mother, Clarice, a star in the 60s. Clarice is dead now and visions of her come to haunt Havana at night... Adding to the toxic mix, Benjie has just come off a rehab program he joined when he was nine and his sister, Agatha, has recently been released from a sanatorium where she was treated for criminal pyromania and befriended a limo driver Jerome, who is also an aspiring actor. Directed by the maestro that is David Cronenberg and penned by edgy writer Bruce Wagner, it stars the powerhouse that is Julianne Moore, the super talented Olivia Williams and Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson. It co-stars the evergreen John Cusack and Carrie Fisher and is just about the finest and best work that Cronenberg has offered for some time.
5/5 from me and a total must-see.
Dracula Untold This action-packed monster movie looks set to steal the vampire genre back from the teens. Even if those involved aren’t calling it a vampire film. This is Vlad’s backstory and the film takes its inspiration from Braveheart, Game of Thrones, Spielberg and even Clint’s classic western Unforgiven. The star of this £100m movie Luke Evans explains that, “We’re telling a different story, vampire films aren’t really my cup of tea!” “It’s a historical epic first and foremost,” adds director Gary Shore. “There are scares and elements of horror in there, but it’s more of a journey story, an action adventure with a big historical backdrop.” Filmed entirely in Belfast/NI due to huge incentives offered by NI Screen it’s ably co-directed by family friend Stephen Darragh. This ‘mega munch of a movie’ helps inject the good into the bad without
The Equalizer In The Equalizer (based on the long running 80s and 90s TV series starring Edward Woodward) Denzel Washington plays McCall, a former black ops commando who has faked his death to live a quiet life in Boston. When he comes out of his self-imposed retirement to rescue a young girl, Teri, he finds himself face to face with ultra-violent Russian gangsters. As he serves vengeance against those who brutalize the helpless, McCall’s desire for justice is reawakened. If someone has a problem, the odds are stacked against them, and they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer. This is great stuff from Mr Washington where he takes the genre into a new dimension. Killers with hearts are hard to find nowadays but the star of Training Day and Flight handles a crisp script and punchy action scenes with great plot.
This action-packed yet melancholic offering opens late September. It’s 4/5 from me and certainly worth a visit.
ever being ugly.
A perfect warm up for what awaits you this ‘witching season’ at Tulleys Farm’s Shocktober Fest and a huge 5/5 from me. Opens on October 13th naturally so still time to squeeze in a visit to Tulleys at Turners Hill, Europe’s largest immersive Halloween event before you go!
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SI’S MODERN MOTOWN Si Cranstoun talks to Daniel White about his life-long struggle to bring contemporary soul to the masses “The harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph.” This famous quote by author Swami Sivananda is never truer than in the case of Si Cranstoun. The doo-wop singer-songwriter has spent the last 20 years busking on street corners but, after catching the attention of a music expert during a street performance, the 38-year-old has seen his life turn upside down. Si recently signed a five-album contract with industry giants Warner and is set to release his new album Modern Life in October; an outcome that has made his struggle all the more worthwhile. “It’s what everybody dreams of and that dream has come true for me and I am absolutely over the moon about it,” there’s an increasing sense of energy as he talks. “I’m still pinching myself that I’ve got this far and I’m buzzing from it.” With musical idols including Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield, Si’s sound is undoubtedly influenced by the American soul of the 60s, and it is evident in his new album which offers a contemporary twist on the Motown-style. “It’s designed to get you feeling better, it’s all about lifting people’s spirits. It’s almost medicinal,” he produces a jittery laugh. “I’ve been doing something I’ve enjoyed since I was a kid; buying the Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson records and that’s my passion. My hobby was in American rhythm and blues and it comes out in this new record, which for me is a celebration of everything that got me interested in it in the first place.” He has been acclaimed by Jackie Wilson’s son, Boobby Brooks Wilson, as “sounding so much like my father it scares me,” with the product producing an instant sense of nostalgia, despite its recent conception. And this, he explains, has been developed during his time playing to the public. “Being on the streets and busking for people has been a wonderful experience for me,” he explains earnestly. “It’s been a great training ground to read people and really understand what it is about myself as a performer that will get their attention and, furthermore, please them and get them feeling uplifted.”
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However, it is not just the moguls of Warner that he has won the heart of with his music. While playing his self-penned song Beautiful Stranger he met his future wife Tamu. “She was visiting from Brighton that day and I was performing outside the Drummond Centre in Croydon. She bought a CD and I was bowled over by this stunning face. There I am, a busker and this beautiful girl wants my CD. “So as I signed it I added my email address and said ‘let me know what you think’ and I thank my lucky stars that she did,” he continues. “As a result of that, about a year later we went on our first date and then started dating; we got married, had kids and have been married for six years.” As a result Si, who grew up around the Sussex area, spends most weekends in down by the seaside and may one day make the move down south. “We’re always down in Brighton, it’s one of my favourite haunts,” says the father of two. “I take the kids down literally every Sunday if the weather is dry and we just wander up to Brighton from Hove along the seafront. My wife wants to move there and I love to visit it and relax so you never know.” With his album Modern Life set to be released on October 13th there is plenty of work to keep him busy. Yet, despite getting A-Listed on Radio 2 and receiving support from radio stars Chris Evans and Terry Wogan, the king of the vintage scene is not getting carried away. “When I’m on stage I’m all out rock startastic but when I’m home I’m just dad or husband to my wife,” he confesses. “Being more mature and that far down in your life keeps you grounded. It helps you to really appreciate how lucky you are to have this
kind of attention doing something you really enjoy.” After spending more than two decades performing on the streets, learning how to understand and connect with his audience, his struggle is now paying off. But Cranstoun admits he is unlikely stay away for too long. “I love playing on the streets, some of the happiest times of my life were spent on the streets and it’s a great opportunity to connect with the people,” a slight smile appears as he reflects. “Ultimately, the people are the reason musicians and people like myself have a living in music; it’s their enthusiasm that we all owe a debt to and we all owe a great amount of gratitude and thanks for. So the next opportunity I get to go out there and play on the streets I will jump at.”
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Si Cranstoun’s news album Modern Life is released through Warner on October 13th and for more information visit his website www.sicranstoun.com
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FAMILY FUN IN THE FALL October brings the joy of half term, so why not take this chance to squeeze in some late sun or get away with the family before the weather gets cold and the festive season kicks in. Phoebe Oliver looks at options for all the family, at home and abroad, whether your kids are little explorers or potential farmers. There is even a place where the kids can stay in their very own mini-hotel, just in case a bit of extra peace and quiet is needed!
TURKEY Sail on a traditional gulet from Bodrum across the Aegean Sea from Knidos to Symi and Rhodes. Budding junior classicists, archaeologists and architects (plus a parent or two) will be inspired by this tour of the ancient world with plenty of time for fabulous swimming in clear turquoise waters in idyllic bays. Amal Asfour (D.Phil. History of Art, Oxford) leads this tour of castles, islands, knights, medieval towns, plus visits to classical sites including The Acropolis and the Temple of Athena.
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£1,800 includes all meals, drinks and visits. Flights to Bodrum/from Dalaman with Easyjet are not included. To book Ancient Deities and Medieval Knights with Westminster Classic Tours - 25 Oct-1 November 2014 call 0208 286 7842 or go to www.westminsterclassictours.com. Suitable for ages 8+
GREECE Costa Navarino is a luxury destination in the largely unspoilt Southwest Peloponnese in Greece that is excellent for families; offering fun and interactive programmes year-round for toddlers and older kids. They even have an on-site education centre called the “Natura Hall” which is an interactive indoor space dedicated to teaching visitors about the region’s flora, fauna and how we can be sustainable. In fact, it is so family friendly that the kids get their own mini-hotel called the SandCastle for children aged from four years to 12 years. With spacious game areas, slides, design and drawing workshop and a theatre style court yard, SandCastle is the ultimate play area and is truly innovative, offering younger guests the opportunity of overnight stays as well. They enjoy their own bedding and room and gain their independence while an experienced hotel team member is always on their side to guide them and help their nights be fearless and make it a fun sleepover. Original Travel offers seven nights at Westin Costa Navarino from £2,750 B&B, based on two adults and two children sharing a junior suite, including international flights and transfers www. originaltravel.co.uk
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JAMAICA Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica is the perfect family resort with an unrivalled choice of onsite activities as well as specialist facilities for children of all ages. The luxury resort is set in 400 acres with two miles of beaches to enjoy. In addition the resort offers a host of activities that families can enjoy together such as swimming with dolphins, horse riding, water sports, golf, tennis and cycling. The Anancy Children’s Village offers daily supervised activities such as storytelling, steel pan playing, cookery, arts and crafts for three to 12 year olds. Parents can also arrange a bedtime tuck in and storytelling treat for youngsters. Nannies and babysitters are also available. The Hype Zone was created just for teenagers aged 13 to 19 years and includes a games room and a cyber-lounge with internet access, while special events such as karaoke, movie or disco nights are held in the Vybz Lounge.
WALES This October half term (18 October - 1 November) families can become farmers looking after their own chickens and pigs under the watchful eye of Farmer Rob at Cwmcrwth Farm in Carmarthenshire. Families can help milk the Golden Guernsey goat and brush the horses and will spend the whole day on the farm getting involved, learning about rare breed animals and experiencing the good life! There will be loads of quizzes and treasure hunts and if the weather takes a turn for the worse then everyone heads back to the farmhouse for the sausage making course.
Caribtours (020 7751 0660: www.caribtours.co.uk) offers 7 nights from £8,649 per family, based on two adults and two teenagers under the age of 17 years sharing two Superior rooms on an all inclusive basis including return scheduled flights, private transfers and use of a lounge at Gatwick. Price for travel 26 October to 2 November.
Three or four night Junior Farmer breaks from £475. Three cottages sleep up to seven people. To book call 01558 669160 or go to www. cwmcrwthfarm.co.uk
ENGLAND Lunedale Cottage in the Yorkshire Dales is a stone-built cottage on a smallholding amongst the stunning countryside of Teesdale. Perfect getaway for a small family who want to escape the hustle and bustle, relax and get away from it all in this lovely holiday home. The location is ideal for family walking opportunities such as the Teesdale Way, which offers many circular walks, and also Hamsterley Forest which is fantastic for cycling. Available for 7 nights from 24th October for £378.00. Sleeps four. To book call Sykes Cottages 01244 356 695 or go to www.sykescottages.co.uk.
Phoebe Oliver is the founder of travel specialist PR firm Oliver Relations, www.oliverrelations.co.uk @oliverpr - Culture|tRavel -
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Education NEWS SPRINGBOKS HEAD SOUTH FOR THE AUTUMN Eastbourne College will be the South African Team Base during the Rugby World Cup 2015. In partnership with the University of Brighton, the college is one of 41 official team bases and will provide the Springboks with an outdoor training pitch, while the university will provide indoor training facilities to the team currently ranked second in the world. Eastbourne College has a history of hosting international rugby teams after the All Blacks trained on the college field and the British Lions used the college during their preparation for the tour of South Africa in 1955.
GETTING BRIGHTON’S YOUTH INTO FILM Young people throughout Brighton have the opportunity to get involved in the world’s biggest youth film festival completely free next month. Into Film Festival comes to the city between November 4th–21st during which time Brighton’s 5-19 year olds can enjoy a selection of free screenings and events. The festival uses the power of film to captivate young minds and bring learning to life. This UK-wide event intends to enable 300,000 young people to watch, make and learn through and about film. “When you’re watching a film it feels like you’re being entertained but at the same time it’s a window to the world of other cultures, other possibilities,” says actor and Into Film supporter Michael Sheen (pictured below). “The Into Film Festival is a great thing for young people to go to as together with their peers they can sit in a cinema watching a whole range of films; films that they usually wouldn’t have access to or wouldn’t choose for themselves.”
For more information or to book please visit www.intofilm.org/festival 74│ OCTOBER 2014
HOLLY TAKES LANCASHIRE TO TASK The Sussex Women U17s Cricket team were crowned National Champions for the second year in a row after overcoming Lancashire at Moseley Cricket Club. The side featured Burgess Hill School for Girls’ Sixth Form student Holly Tasker who, along with the rest of the side, set a target of 195 for 8. After a rain delay reduced Lancashire’s target the girls were able to bowl them out and secure back-to-back titles. “It feels fantastic to be crowned National Champions for the second year in a row and to remain unbeaten since 2012,” said Holly. “It has been a real team effort all the way, requiring a lot of hard work and commitment. I am just so pleased and proud to have been part of this team and I am really looking forward to the new season.”
LITTLE BIRDS GET BIG OPPORTUNITIES The Bird Studio Stage Academy opened its doors this summer showcasing three new dance studios and a fully equipped recording studio. The BSSA, a stage school designed to prepare young performers for the world of music and show business, will now be able to offer their students a wider range of facilities, including the opportunity to record their own demo. Students who enter this year will take part in a song writing competition, tutored by new teacher and member of Brighton rap group MOK Gracie Croucher, with the winner getting to record a demo in their new music studios. The students will also be treated to master classes from renowned actor Cameron Jack, while there will also be Christmas and end of term performances to showcase their abilities in front of agency casting directors and of course mums and dads. Bird Studios take on everyone from kids to young adults up to 18 as well as providing plenty of classes for adults as well. For more information visit www.birdstudios.co.uk or call 01273 699902.
- Education|News -
SPOILT FOR CHOICE
Through-school or stand-alone prep school – the choice is yours When considering independent education for their children, parents firstly have to decide at what point they wish to enter an independent school. And, for younger children, whether to choose a stand-alone prep school or a ‘through-school’ where prep school children, for the most part, move on to a senior school from Year 9. Through-schooling provides a smooth transition through the important phases in a child’s school life. It offers children stability and consistency and minimises the disruption of moving schools. League tables show that academic attainment is likely to be high in through-schools. Importantly, it allows teachers and parents to track the child’s progress from the age of 4 -18 with prep school teachers and senior school staff working cohesively towards a smooth transition for the child from one school to the other at 12 or 13 years of age. Senior School teachers are subject specialists and in some independent
“Through-schooling provides a smooth transition through the important phases in a child’s school life.” through-schools may teach across both schools, which benefits younger children greatly. The move up into Year 9 can prove a little daunting for some children. Whilst some children take this move in their stride, for others, the continuity of ‘moving up’ to the next stage in a school they already call ‘home’, can increase a child’s confidence. Such children will understand how the school runs and help those who have joined from other schools to settle in. Not many stand-alone prep schools offer the same range of extracurricular activities that a through-school can. Shared campus facilities are generally much more extensive in a through-school and allow younger children access to senior school facilities such as swimming pools, theatres, sporting equipment and the general outdoor space. Through-schools offer busy parents a ‘one stop shop’ for their families, not to mention a discount for siblings attending the school at the same time. Many employ a wrap-around care scheme which allows working parents to drop off their child at school before the school day commences and to collect them after supervised prep or activities at the other end of the school day. The idea of a through-school does not, of course, suit everyone. Some parents prefer to keep their options open by choosing a stand-alone
prep school that prepares its pupils for Common Entrance, thus the decision about their child’s next step can wait until the family has time to consider which senior school would best suit their child – not always easy to decide when the child is only seven years old. Others may find that the smaller, more intimate community offered by a stand-alone prep school is a more comfortable introduction to school life for their particular child. One of the most important factors for parents in choosing a school is to consider, “Will my child be happy here?” If they are happy and thriving, then the right decision has been made. Hurstpierpoint College offers through education from Reception to the end of the Sixth form years with key entry points at Reception, Year 3, Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth form. Pupils are welcome to join Hurst, subject to the College’s admissions procedures, at any of these points and sometimes in other year groups, provided there is space available (unlikely at the present time) and again subject to testing and a reference from the child’s current school. Hurstpierpoint College, College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9JS www.hppc.co.uk
- education|Feature -
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Hurstpierpoint College
Excellent education for girls and boys aged 4-18
Hurst Hurstpierpoint College
Pre-Prep | Prep | Senior School | Sixth Form
Hurstpierpoint College
Hurstpierpoint
Autumn Open Morning 27th September 2014 We invite you to see what Hurst can offer your child To find out more, visit our website www.hppc.co.uk
West Sussex BN6 9JS
Admissions 01273 836936