WOW What's On Where December 2010

Issue 27

Complimentary Copy (£2.50 where sold)

Music Gig listings Live music for December

December 2010

Events in December Days (and nights)out

Eating out A WOW look at places to eat

Angelic

WOW looks at fashion with feathers as we head into the party season

Win With WOW Win tickets to : Aladdin Annie

THEATRE • CINEMA • COMEDY • MUSIC • FASHION • SHOPPING • ART • EVENTS • MOTORING

The essential guide to what’s on in the Midlands

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Ladies do Coffee - page 30

The essential guide to what’s on in the Midlands 2

UP FRONT – latest news.

4

THEATRE – We look at a few productions coming the stage this month.

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PANTO – Oh yes it is!

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MOVIES – Previews of releases for this month

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MUSIC – Gigs in the region.

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WOW Interview - WOW talks to Port Vale Manager, Micky Adams

22 WOW KIDS – Making music with Young Voices

All Angels - page 22

24 FASHION – Feathering the nest!

26 HAIR & BEAUTY – Looking towards Christmas.

28 COMEDY – Gags & guffaws 30 LADIES THAT DO... make time for a Coffee.

34 WOW KIDS – Make festive Mazda - page 42 WOW What’s On Where is published by WOW Publishing Limited, 50 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7DU. TEL: 01858 439999.

FAx: 01858 469008.

EMAIL: sales@wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk.

WEBSITE: www.wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk

biscuits EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Tracy Webber.

FEATURE WRITERS: Derek Hammond, Elaine Lavender .

MOTORING EDITOR: Tim Barnes-Clay MOVIES EDITOR: Jaz Cox CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Reg Cox. DESIGNERS: Tracey Flaxmer, Paul Condie, Leigh-Anne Bott SALES DIRECTOR: Paul Calcott.

© WOW Publishing Ltd 2009/10.

PICTURE CREDITS: Cover; iStock photo. pp36; Dreamstime.

This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Liability: while every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information herein, or any consequence arising from it.

36 EVENTS – Things to do in December.

39 EATING OUT – WOW’s pick of the eats this month 42 MOTORING – Oooo Alfa 46 WIN WITH WOW – Competitions and reader offers 47 CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY – Big ones & small ones.

48 SECRET MIDLANDS – WOW visits Stamford.

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D? 5A>=C WOW TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON

Take action to save the Arts.

1VCMJD VSHFE UP TIPX IPX NVDI UIFZ WBMVF UIF BSUT A new campaign, I Value the Arts, went live on Monday 13 September 2010 urging the public to voice their support for the arts. Anyone who values the arts in their community is being asked to register their details on a new website: w w w. i v a l u e t h ea r t s . o r g . u k .

All those who register will be kept in touch with plans that could affect arts provision nationally and in their local neighbourhood, with practical suggestions on what they can do to strengthen the arts in their area.

I Value the Arts is led by the National Campaign for the Arts (NCA), the independent umbrella body for all the arts in the UK. Industry bodies are lining up to support the promotion of the campaign, including the Society of London Theatre, the Theatrical Management Association, Visual Arts and Galleries Association, the Association of British Orchestras, Equity and Audiences UK. The campaign

website and associated technology has been made possible thanks to generous donations of skills, time and resources by industry suppliers. No public money is being used to fund the campaign.

Louise de Winter, Director of the NCA commented: “Three quarters of the adult population attend or participate in arts activities every year and an even higher proportion of young people. At a time of recession,

more and more people are turning to the arts and culture.

Reduced opportunities to take part in the arts could have a major impact on the quality of people’s lives and the vibrancy of their communities. As the Government is encouraging us all to get engaged and create a ‘Big Society’, we believe it is important for those people who care about the arts to get involved in the decision making about what their communities will look like. This campaign

gives everyone who cares a chance to have their voice heard and collectively show that the arts provide a valued public service.

“This is a really simple and straightforward campaign. It will take thirty seconds for someone to visit the www. ivaluethearts.org.uk website to register their email address and postcode, and then we’ll be able to keep them up to date with information about plans for their local area. The website will go live from 9am on Monday, 13 September.

With a wide base of support within the sector, we hope this campaign will gain public momentum and snowball throughout the UK.”..

For further information please contact the NCA, 1 Kingly Street, London W1B 5PA. Telephone: 020 7287 3777. Fax: 020 7287 4777. Email nca@ artscampaign.org.uk.

Website: www.artscampaign. org.uk

Subscribe to WOW What’s On Where for only £20 a year, and get all the latest news hot off the press. For details see the ad on our classifieds pages.

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Support Rainbows and stay green this Christmas.

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Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People is urging business to stay green this festive season and donate to the charity rather than send Christmas cards to work colleagues.

The Loughborough-based hospice has created a free ‘Christmas Greetings Poster’, which can be put up in a place of work. It invites people to leave a special message for friends and colleagues they work with rather than send expensive Christmas cards.

Those leaving messages on their workplace poster will be invited to leave a donation in a Rainbows collection box

that will make its way to the hospice, which offers care and support to life-limited children and their families.

Scott Lea, Marketing Manager at Rainbows, said: “The Christmas Poster is a brilliant way for East Midlands businesses to stay green this festive season, whilst donating to charity, too. “The Poster allows people to offer their Christmas wishes to friends and colleagues without the cost and environmental damage of Christmas cards and also contribute to essential funds needed to run Rainbows 365 days a year.�.

For further information on Rainbows, or to request a free Christmas Greetings Poster, visit www.rainbows.co.uk/shop or call 01509 638009

The One Millionth Range Rover -BOE 3PWFS EPOBUFT MBOENBSL WFIJDMF UP )FMQ GPS )FSPFT Land Rover have chosen to give Help for Heroes their millionth Range Rover. This is a real

milestone in their history and so a very special donation, made even more special because the money raised at auction from the sale of the car will be used to provide much needed funds to help our wounded heroes on their road to recovery.

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C740CA4 WOW TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE LATEST THEATRICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Magical &OUFS UIF NBHJDBM XPSME PG /BSOJB UIJT $ISJTUNBT WED 11 DEC - SUN 9 JAN 2011 “The wardrobe is magic.

There’s a wood inside it, and a lamppost, and a country called Narnia where it’s snowing all the time. And I met a faun called Mr. Tumnus, and we had tea together..�

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, CS Lewis’s wonderful tale of the magical land of Narnia, has delighted children and families for over fifty years. Recent blockbust-

er film The Chronicles of Narnia revived the much-loved classic, with iconic characters brought to life on the big screen. Now Royal & Derngate are delighted bring this enchanting tale of good versus evil to the Royal stage for its Made in Northampton Christmas show from Wednesday 1 December.

Join evacuees Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they step through an old wardrobe into

the mysterious land of Narnia, where the ruthless White Witch ensures it is always winter but never Christmas. Alongside a host of forest friends, including Mr. Tumnus the faun and Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, the four siblings join with the majestic lion Aslan to battle the Witch and bring happiness – and Christmas – to the land of Narnia once again.

C.S Lewis’s magical children’s fantasy was voted the best children’s book of all time

in a poll by literary charity The Book Trust, and is presented in an evocative adaptation by Theresa Heskins. Under the direction of Dani Parr, who brought 101 Dalmatians to life for Northampton audiences at Christmas in 2007 and is renowned for her work with children and young people including sell outs Wish Wash and Mini Break, this is sure to be another Christmas delight on the Royal stage!

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe casts its magic spell over Royal & Derngate from Wednesday 1 December to Sunday 9 January. For more information on performances times and tickets prices, or to book, call the Box Office on 01604 624811, or visit www. royalandderngate.co.uk.

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It’s not square.

5IF $PSF BU $PSCZ $VCF SFWFBMT JUT äSTU TFBTPO PG FWFOUT As the iconic new civic hub, the Corby Cube, opens its doors to the public, the new arts venue housed within, The Core, announces an exciting programme of events and activities for its inaugural season. With family shows, comedy, music, theatre and spoken word, and a wide range of workshops and classes, The Core at Corby Cube has something for everyone to enjoy.

The first professional production created by The Core will be the witty and wickedly entertaining re-telling of the magical fairytale Hansel and Gretel, a fast-paced show which will have the whole family in stitches this Christmas. An energetic cast of incredible professional actors will bring a host of hilarious characters to life, from a corkscrew that sings, and a Humbug in love, to a sassy young girl who might just save the day. On stage at The Core from 3 to 26 December, this non-stop musical journey will take audiences deep into the darkest forest and back again.

When the spring season gets underway, there will be the chance to enjoy some great entertainment for children and their families. Theatre of Widdershins explores some of the more perplexing questions raised by popular fairytales with their delightful puppet show, Three Billy Goats Gruff and Other Furry Tails. Another premier children’s company, Little Angel Theatre, present their fascinating show The Fabulous Flutterbys, exploring the journey from camouflaged caterpillar to beautiful butterfly.

Music events include the veteran performer Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen, proponents of

WOW December 2010

traditional jazz for the last 50 years, one of this generation’s most inventive folk bands, Lau (Best Group at BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards three years in a row), the ever-popular Counterfeit Stones and Clive John as the ‘Man in Black’ in The Johnny Cash Roadshow.

Comedienne, and Grumpy Old Women regular, Jenny Eclair brings her brand new stand up show, Old Dogs New Tricks, to Corby, and celebrated broadcaster, writer and raconteur Hardeep Singh Kohli combines comedy with inventive cuisine in a laid back evening’s entertainment, The Nearly Naked Chef.

Hotly-tipped theatre collective Pen-ultimate take audiences to a seedy spokenword underworld where gangsters, high-rollers and con-men compete in the high stakes Scrabble game to end them all. A Night on the Tiles is a Tarantino-esque tale of revenge, murder and Devonshire cream teas!

In the New Year, The Core’s

regular Sunday Sessions will get underway, with four themes of activity. The first Sunday of the month sees Word Furnace, hosted and compered by Joel Stickley, bringing the stars of UK Spoken Word scene to Corby, to perform alongside the best of new local writers. The second Sunday of the month will be Barb Jungr and Friends, where Barb will introduce top musical performers from the genres of jazz, traditional music and singer-songwriting, who will also be joined new local talent. On the third Sunday of the month Laughing Boy Comedy Club will feature some of the best names from today’s live stand-up circuit along with up-and-coming comedians. On the fourth Sunday of the month it will be open house for local artists to come together to create new work at The Core, and experiment with creative ideas.

There will be plenty of other opportunities to get involved and actively participate in activities at The Core with

sessions on Urban Arts, ranging from Hip Hop, digital art, music production and song writing. Youth Theatre classes will cover a wide range of ages and styles, and there will also be the opportunity to work with top theatre companies such as Frantic Assembly when they have a residency at The Core.

Regular Family Fun sessions will cater for the under fives and their families, and a range of other community activities will be available.

Local groups will also be performing at the venue throughout the season, starting with Corby Amateur Theatrical Society’s pantomime, Cinderella, which runs from 29 December to 2 January. Other community performances include Everyone Loves Variety, SHAPE Dance Show, Cross School Dance Showcase, and Wendy Sharpe and Sharon Potter School of Dance Showcase.

The COre aT COrby Cube, The Corby Cube, George Street, Corby, NN17 1QG Ticket Office: 01536 470470 www.thecorecorby.com

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Annie 5IF XPSMEoT CFTU MPWFE $ISJTUNBT NVTJDBM MOn 20 Dec - Fri 31 Dec This heart-warming rags-toriches story of Annieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventures, from Miss Hanniganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orphanage to the luxurious home of Oliver Warbucks, has been told all over the world for decades. First seen on stage in 1976, it really has become one of the best loved family musicals of all

time!

With a memorable score including Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Hard Knock Life, Easy Street and, of course, the legendary Tomorrow, brilliantly visual choreography, and a side splittingly hilarious script, Annie is a spectacular treat for the whole family.

Book nowâ&#x20AC;Ś donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait until tomorrow.

Annie is at De Montfort Hall, Granville Road Leicester LE1 7RU. For tickets call the box office on 0116 233 3111 or visit www.demontforthall.co.uk

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?0=C> WOW LOOKS FORWARD TO PANTOMIME SEASON... OH YES WE DO!

Beans means ray 3BZ 2VJOO TXBQT TLBUFT GPS B CBH PG CFBOT UIJT $ISJTUNBT Fri 10 Dec - Sun 9 Jan 2011 Following last year’s hugely successful production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this Christmas Royal & Derngate stages the spectacular giant of a pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk. Heart throb, TV and West End star Ray Quinn will

lead the cast in the role of Jack, while Emma Stephens plays the Princess.

Ray has become one of the UK’s much loved performers appearing in the X Factor finals and winning Dancing on Ice. In 2008 he starred in the West End production of Grease at the

Piccadilly Theatre playing Danny.

Ray will be taking a break from his current West End role in Dirty Dancing to appear in Jack and the Beanstalk.

Emma trained at Laine Theatre Arts and shot to fame when she starred with Ray in the West End musical Grease as Sandy. Her previous credits include Starlight Express and Saturday Night Fever, and she can currently be seen in the West End production of Dreamboats and Petticoats.

Joining Ray and Emma on stage will be Nick Weir, best known for hosting the popular TV quiz show Catchphrase, who will be playing the hilarious Simple Simon. Renowned TV and theatre star Hilary O’Neil, will take on the role of the

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hysterical good fairy.

Jack and the Beanstalk is staged by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s largest pantomime producer. Featuring magnificent scenery, beautiful costumes, an abundance of comedy, a larger than life beanstalk and one very mean giant at the top of it, this favourite fairy tale will be brought magically to life in Northampton’s biggest pantomime. With ticket prices to suit all pockets you won’t have to sell the family cow to enjoy spectacular pantomime at Royal & Derngate.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Royal & Derngate from Friday 10 December 2010 to Sunday 9 January 2011. Tickets can be booked on 01604 624811 or www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

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Sugar Cube. " UBTUZ USFBU UIJT $ISJTUNBT BU 5IF $PSF BU $PSCZ $VCF RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 31 Tickets are booking fast for Hansel and Gretel, the funfilled Christmas show for all ages taking place at The Core at Corby Cube, the brand new arts venue situated in the iconic new building in the centre of the town. This witty and wickedly entertaining re-telling of the magical story can be seen

from Friday 3 to Sunday 26 December.

With plenty of slapstick fun this will be an energetic and physical production, under the direction of Gary Sefton, whose experience includes working as movement director for the Royal Shakespeare Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beauty and the Beast. The cast of hilarious characters includes

a gang of Glaswegian bats, a singing corkscrew, a Humbug in love, and a feisty young girl who is determined to save her brother from the clutches of the evil and greedy witch!

Tickets prices range from ÂŁ7 to ÂŁ13, making this an affordable treat for all the family. All tickets are just ÂŁ7 for the preview performances

from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 December, so why not enjoy an early Christmas treat and be among the first to see this fastpaced fairytale at The Core?

Free schools workshops are also be available for the first 20 schools booking for groups of 40 or more.

Proud to be a brand new centre for live entertainment serving Corby and the surrounding areas, The Core will welcome top class comedy, drama, dance and music, plus a host of exceptional family and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shows.

Tickets for Hansel and Gretel are available from The Coreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ticket Line on 01536 470470 or online at www.thecorecorby.com.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not Scared! .JDIBFM 3PTFOoT "XBSE 8JOOJOH TUPSZ MJWF PO UPVS the thick oozy, squelchy mud!

Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure - plus a few special surprises!

Are they scared? Of course not!

21 DEC 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 JAn 2011 Michael Rosenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning book Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Going On A Bear Hunt is brought vividly and noisily to the stage in director Sally Cooksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s versatile lively score.

Join our intrepid adventurers on their quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and

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WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE GOinG On A BEAR HunT * London Cadogan Hall Tue 30th November - Sat 18th December BOX OFFICE 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com * Leicester Curve Tue 7th - Sat 11th December BOX OFFICE 0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk * Birmingham Town Hall Tue 21st December - Wed 12th January BOX OFFICE 0121 780 3333 www.thsh.co.uk

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2 aladdins! *UoT .BHJD SaT 4 Dec TO Sun 16 Jan 2011 Pantomime at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal will enter another and very exciting dimension this year as television personalities Stephen Mulhern and Gray O’Brien lead the cast, alongside a very unusual 3D co-star, in Aladdin.

Aladdin has all of the elements of traditional family pantomime but with the added surprise of an array of outstanding and unmissable visual effects, including a 3D Genie! Wearing 3D glasses at points throughout the pantomime, you can see the magical Genie rise from his lamp and move around the auditorium, rub the magic lamp as it hovers right in front of your nose and further 3D wizardry will transform the stage into a 3D cave of riches, where

Aladdin finds his fortune. The show also features a wonderful 3D magic carpet ride sequence and other visual surprises.

) 4UFQT *OUP "MBEEJOoT 4IPFT The Theatre Royal Nottingham has announced a short-term celebrity cast change for their seasonal pantomime. For eight performances in mid-January, Stephen Mulhern’s role of Aladdin will be taken by Ian H Watkins, best known as ‘H’ from ‘90s pop super-group Steps.

Ian will be stepping in to the role whilst TV presenter Stephen Mulhern films for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent.

Check the website (www.royalcentre-nottingham. co.uk) for details.

alaDDin runs at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal from Saturday 4 December 2010 to Sunday 16 January 2011. Tickets can be booked by calling the Box Office on 0115 989 5555 or online at www.royalcentre-nottingham. co.uk

Men in tights.

3PCJO )PPE CSJOHT UIF HPPE UIJT $ISJTUNBT MOn 6 – Thu 30 DeceMber Have you seen the man who goes by the name of Robin Hood?

According to folk lore, he steals from the rich to give to the poor!

All your favourite characters will be there, with Friar Tuck, Little John, and of course the love interest Maid Marion. You’ll see all the action unfold with the Sheriff of Nottingham and

you can decide – who’s the real baddie after all?!

Emmerdale’s Richard Grieve will be taking on the role of the Sheriff of Nottingham! Richard played the role of Jonny Foster in the popular soap from 2007 to 2009. Audiences may recognize him from his roles in favourite Australian soaps, playing biker Sam Kratz in

Neighbours in 1994 and then Dr Lachlan Frazer in Home and Away in 1996.

Artistic Director Nik Ashton says, “Following the huge success of our 2009 production The Jungle Book, I am delighted to announce this year’s Christmas offering will be an energetic and entertaining version of Robin Hood. I can

promise our audiences a high quality musical adventure suitable for all the family.” rObin hOOD runs from Mon 6 – Thu 30 December with tickets starting from £8.50. Tickets for public sales are now on sale, so call the Box Office on 01933 270 007 or online at www.thecastle.org.uk

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Aladdin at The Lighthouse " QSPGFTTJPOBM GBNJMZ QBOUPNJNF BEWFOUVSF Fri 10 - SUn 26 DEcEmbEr When Aladdin arrives at The Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering this pantomime season, expect a fantastic musical Show full of festive family fun in colossal quantities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with bucket loads of boos and hisses, huge doses of heckling â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behind youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, panto dames, and maybe even a wish or two from the Slave of the Ring.

Opening on Friday 10th Sunday 26th and continuing until Sunday 26th December, more than 25 festive performances are in store for audience members at The Lighthouse this year.

Expect to see a flying magic carpet, marvel at a host of magic tricks, watch out for

Aladdin (played by JOSH DUBOVIE, Eurovision star); Abanazar (played by DAVID VAN DAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the man we all love to hate!) on his journey from rags-to-riches, winning the heart of the beautiful princess (played by Big Brother winner NIKKI GRAHAME). The kids will love Wishee Washee (played by TV favourite FRAZER HINES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Emmerdale and Doctor Who) and the hilarious policemen including PAUL DRAYTON and DANIEL FOX (2009 X-factor finalist).

With a live band and a host of other familiar faces, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pantomime cast promises good old fashioned family entertainment fit for all ages, a trip to The Lighthouse shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be missed.

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David Van Day stars as Abanazar ALADDin is at the The Lighthouse Theatre Kettering Conference Centre Thurston Drive, Kettering NN15 6PB. For tickets, call the Box Office: 01536 414141 or Email: enquiries@ lighthousetheatre.co.uk

beastly tale.

"U /PSUIBNQUPO .VTFVN TUES 21 DEcEmbEr On the 21st December 2010 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery will host the Beauty and the Beast pantomime showing at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Through her great capacity to love, a kind and beautiful maid releases a handsome prince from the spell, which has made him into an ugly beast. Enjoy this well loved fairytale performed by the Looking Glass Theatre.

Tickets are available from Northampton Museum & Art Gallery in person or by telephone 01604 838111 and cost ÂŁ3.50 (for children up to the age of 16) and adults ÂŁ5.

cinderella $JOEFSFMMB BOE .S %BWJE ,FOU BU -VUPO -JCSBSZ 5IFBUSF 10 TO 30 DEcEmbEr This year Luton Library Theatre is proud to present the brightest, boldest and most dazzling pantomime of them all, Cinderella, from 10 to 30 December 2010.

Cinderella is this Christmasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; must see show for lovers of glitz and glamour. This lavish, traditional re-telling of an old favourite has all the necessary panto ingredients. The well loved heroineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dreams come true; Prince Charming promises a great pair of thighs ripe for the slapping and the hilarious ugly sisters will have you groaning at their bad jokes and their disgustingly outrageous outfits!

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Then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ever lovable Buttons, encouraging everyone to join in with all the OOOOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and AHHHHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and of the course the obligatory, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behind youâ&#x20AC;?. But do not fear there will also be some unexpected twists and turns thrown in for good measure when you come to see the full cast of gifted musical theatre performers this Christmas season.

Luton Library Theatre Luton Central Library St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 2NG Box office: 01582 547474

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<>E84B WOW’S JAZ COX LOOKS AT SOME OF THE NEWEST CINEMA RELEASES

Little Fockers Christmas

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FriDay 24tH DECEMBEr The test of wills between Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) and Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) escalates to new heights of

comedy in the third installment of the blockbuster series-Little Fockers. Laura Dern, Jessica Alba and Harvey Keitel join the returning all-star cast for a new

chapter of the worldwide hit franchise. It has taken 10 years, two little Fockers with wife Pam (Polo) and countless hurdles for Greg to finally get “in” with his tightly wound father-in-law, Jack. After the cash-strapped dad takes a job moonlighting for a drug company, however, Jack’s suspicions about his favorite male nurse come roaring back. When Greg and Pam’s entire clan-including Pam’s lovelorn ex, Kevin (Owen Wilson)-descends for the twins’ birthday party, Greg must prove to the skeptical Jack that he’s fully capable as the man of the house. But with all the misunderstandings, spying and covert missions, will Greg pass Jack’s final test and become the family’s next patriarch... or will the circle of trust be broken for good?

DirECtOr: Paul Weltz GENrE: Comedy CaSt: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Jessica Alba, Owen Wilson, Barbra Streisland.

CErtiFiCatE: TBC ruNtiME: TBC

MEGaMiND Megamind is the most brilliant super–villain the world has ever known... and the least successful. Over the years, he has tried to conquer Metro City in every imaginable way.

Each attempt, a colossal failure thanks to the caped superhero known as “Metro Man,” until the day Megamind actually defeats him in the throes of one of his botched evil plans. Suddenly, the fate of Metro City is threatened when a new villain arrives and chaos runs rampant, leaving everyone to wonder: Can the world’s biggest “mind” actually be the one to save the day?

SECrEtariat against all odds, housewife and mother Penny Chenery (DiaNE LaNE)-with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (JOHN MaLKOViCH)-navigates the male-dominated horseracing business, ultimately taking Secretariat on a spectacular journey to become the first triple Crown winner in 25 years and perhaps the greatest racehorse of all time.

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Tron Legacy -JGF JO UIF % GBTU MBOF

The WarriOrs Way The Warriorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way, a visuallystunning modern martial arts western starring Korean actor Dong-gun Jang who plays an asian warrior assassin forced to hide in a small town in the american Badlands. rounding out the ensemble cast are Kate Bosworth (superman returns), Oscar(r)-winner Geoffrey rush (shine), Danny huston (The Kingdom), and Tony Cox (The hustle).The fantasy action film was written and directed by newcomer sngmoo Lee, and is being produced by Barrie M. Osborne (Lord of the rings), Jooick Lee (seven swords) and Michael Peyser (hackers).

FriDay 10Th NarNia- vOyaGe OF The DaWN TreaDer Lucy and edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. along the way they encounter dragons, dwarvf camps, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world.

FriDay 17Th aNiMaLs uNiTeD in the Okavango Delta, Billy, the little mischievous meerkat, and his best (and only) pal socrates, the friendly lion, wait for the annual flood, essential to the Delta and all the animals living there. Wanting to prove

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FriDay 17Th DeCeMBer The 1982 film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tron,â&#x20AC;? was about hacker/arcade owner Kevin Flynn who is digitally broken down into a data stream by a villainous software pirate known as the Master Control Program (MCP) and reconstituted into the internal, 3-D graphical world of computers. It is there, in the ultimate blazingly colorful, geometrically intense landscapes of cyberspace, that Flynn joins forces with Tron to outmaneuver the MCP that holds them captive in the equivalent of a gigantic, infinitely challenging computer game.

The new movie is acting as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;next chapter.â&#x20AC;?

TRON is a 3D highâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;tech adventure set in a digital world thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (GARRETT HEDLUND), the techâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;savvy 27â&#x20AC;&#x201D;yearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;old son of Kevin Flynn (JEFF BRIDGES), looks into his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loyal confidant (OLIVIA WILDE), father and son embark on a lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;andâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;death journey across a visuallyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous..

DireCTOr: Joseph Kosinski GeNre: Sci-fi fantasy adventure CasT: Jeff Bridges, Michael Sheen, Olivia Wilde, Garrett Hedlund.

CerTiFiCaTe: PG ruNTiMe: TBC

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Burlesque *UoT TIPXUJNF FRIDAy 17th DECEMBER Ali (Christina Aguilera) is a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes hardship and an uncertain future to follow her dreams to LA. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Loungea majestic theater that is home to an inspired musical revue, Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress from Tess (Cher), the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proprietor and headliner. Burlesqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outrageous costumes and bold choreography enrapture the young ingenue, who vows to perform there one day. Soon enough, Ali builds a friendship with a featured dancer (Julianne Hough), finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer

(Kristen Bell), and garners the affection of Jack (Cam Gigandet), a bartender and fellow musician.

With the help of a sharp-witted stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and gender-bending host (Alan Cumming), Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice restores The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, though not before a charismatic entrepreneur (Eric Dane) arrives with an enticing proposal....

DIRECtOR: Steve Antin GEnRE: Drama, musical.

CAst:Cher, Christina Aguilera CERtIFICAtE: TBC RuntIME: TBC

6.40Pm S2 peeping tom 15 9pm

Wed 1 S1 the girl who kicked 15 the hornetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest 4pm, 7pm S2 chico and rita 15 4.20Pm, 6.20Pm S2 burke and hare 15 8.20Pm Thu 2 S1 the girl who kicked the hornetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest 15 1pm, 4pm, 7pm S2 burke and hare 15 4.20Pm, 8.20Pm S2 chico and rita 15 6.20Pm Fri 3 S1 disability film festival: the best of oska bright 11.30Am, 12.30Pm S1 disability film festival: short film selection 2pm S1 disability film festival: raspberry ripple 4pm S1 the girl who kicked the hornetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest 15 8.15Pm S2 the american 15 4.15Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm Sat 4 S1 the girl who kicked the hornetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest 15 8pm S1 a celebration of the work of stewart charles 6.30Pm S2 the american 15 2pm, 4.10Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm

S1 slackistan tbc 7pm S1 we are what we are 159pm S2 the american 15 4.15Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm Fri 10 S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 4.15Pm, 7.15Pm S2 london boulevard tbc 4pm, 9pm S2 uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives 12a 6.30Pm Sat 11 S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 1pm, 4.30Pm, 7.30Pm S2 london boulevard tbc 2pm, 7pm S2 uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives 12a 4.30Pm, 9.30Pm S3 nightmare before christmas pg 4.45Pm S3 the muppet christmas carol u 6.30Pm S3 gremlins 15 8.30Pm

Sun 12 S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 12pm, 3pm, 6.15Pm S2 london boulevard tbc 1pm, 6pm Sun 5 S2 uncle boonmee who can S1 the girl who kicked the horrecall his past lives 12a 3.35Pm, netâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest 15 12.30Pm, 8pm 8.35Pm S1 slackistan tbc 3.30Pm S3 nightmare before christmas S1 we are what we are 15 5.45Pm pg 4pm S2 the american 15 11.30Am, S3 the muppet christmas carol u 8.15Pm 1.45Pm, 6.25Pm S2 bygone leicester 2.30Pm, S3 gremlins 15 8.15Pm 5.30Pm Mon 13 Mon 6 S1 harry potter and the deathly S1 the girl who kicked the hallows - part 1 12a 1.10Pm, hornetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest 15 1pm, 8.15Pm 4.05Pm, 7pm S1 slackistan tbc 4pm S2 london boulevard tbc 1pm, S1 we are what we are 15 6.15Pm 8.40Pm S2 the american 15 1.15Pm, S2 uncle boonmee who can recall 4.15Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm his past lives 12a 4pm, 6.20Pm Tue 7 S1 the girl who kicked the hornetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest 15 8.40Pm S1 slackistan tbc 2.30Pm S1 we are what we are 15 4.30Pm S1 exit through the gift shop 15 (public marooned) 6.30Pm S2 the american 15 4.15Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm Wed 8 S1 the girl who kicked the hornetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest 15 4pm S1 slackistan tbc 7pm S1 we are what we are 15 9pm S2 the american 15 4.15Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm Thu 9 S1 the girl who kicked the hornetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest 15 4pm

Tue 14 S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 4.25Pm, 7.20Pm S2 london boulevard tbc 8.45Pm S2 peeping tom 15 4.15Pm, 6.35Pm Wed 15 S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 3pm, 6pm, 9pm S2 london boulevard tbc 3.45Pm, 6.15Pm S2 peeping tom 15 8.45Pm

Fri 17 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pm S2 let me 15 in 2pm, 8.30Pm S2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 4.20Pm S2 an ordinary execution 12a 6.15Pm Sat 18 S2 family christmas event 10.30Am S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 12.35Pm, 3.30Pm, 6.30Pm, 9pm S2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 3pm, 9.40Pm S2 an ordinary execution 12a 5pm S2 let me in 15 7.15Pm S3 nightmare before christmas pg 4.45Pm S3 the muppet christmas carol u 2.45Pm S3 gremlins 15 6.35Pm, 8.45Pm Sun 19 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 12pm, 2.30Pm, 5pm, 7.30Pm S2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 3.35Pm S2 an ordinary execution 12a 1pm, 5.30Pm S2 let me in 15 7.45Pm S3 nightmare before christmas pg 12.30Pm, 4.15Pm S3 the muppet christmas carol u 2.25Pm S3 gremlins 15 6pm, 8.15Pm Mon 20 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pm S2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 6.45Pm, 8.45Pm S2 an ordinary execution 12a 1pm S2 let me in 15 4.20Pm Tue 21 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pm S2 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wonderful life u 1.15Pm, 4.10Pm S2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 6.50Pm S2 let me in 15 8.45Pm Wed 22 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pm S2 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wonderful life u 1.15Pm, 6.35Pm S2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 9.15Pm S2 let me in 15 4.10Pm S3 nightmare before christmas pg 12.30Pm, 4.15Pm S3 the muppet christmas carol u 2.25Pm S3 gremlins 15 6.05Pm, 8.15Pm

to his adoring son Junior that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the screwball loser everyone, sometimes justifiably so, thinks he is, Billy sets out to find water, accompanied by socrates. On their journey, they meet a truly wild and funny bunch of animals from all over the world, who have flocked to Africa in search of a new home.

FRIDAy 24th GullIvERs tRAvEls travel writer lemuel Gulliver takes an assignment in Bermuda, but ends up on the island of liliput, where he towers over its tiny citizens thE WAy BACk A fact-based story centered on soldiers who escaped from a siberian gulag in 1940.

Thu 23 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pm S2 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wonderful life u 1.15Pm, 4.10Pm S2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 6.50Pm S2 let me in 15 8.45Pm S3 nightmare before christmas pg 12.30Pm, 4.15Pm S3 the muppet christmas carol u 2.25Pm S3 gremlins 15 6.05Pm, 8.15Pm Fri 24 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 12.30Pm, 3pm, 5.30Pm S2 somewhere 15 12.15Pm,4.30Pm S2 monsters 12a 2.25Pm S2 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wonderful life u 6.40Pm S3 nightmare before christmas pg 12.40Pm S3 the muppet christmas carol u 2.25Pm, 4.15Pm S3 gremlins 15 6.15Pm Sat 25 closed Sat 25 closed Sun 26 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm S2 somewhere 15 2pm, 7pm S2 monsters 12a 12pm, 4.30Pm Mon 27 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pm S2 somewhere15 2pm, 6.45Pm S2 monsters 12a 4.15Pm, 8.45Pm Tue 28 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pm S2 somewhere 151.45Pm, 6.45Pm S2 monsters 12a 4.15Pm, 8.45Pm Wed 29 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pm S2 somewhere 15 1.45Pm, 6.45Pm S2 monsters 12a 4.15Pm, 8.45Pm Thu 30 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pm S2 somewhere 15 1.45Pm, 6.45Pm S2 monsters 12a 4.15Pm, 8.45Pm Fri 31 S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pm S2 miral 12a 1.45Pm, 6.45Pm S2 of gods and men 15 4.15Pm, 9.10Pm

Thu 16 S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 4.30Pm, 7.30Pm S2 london boulevard tbc 4.15Pm,

WOW December 2010

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<DB82 .64*$

The gigs, The groups, The goss...

Cutting Edge 4DJTTPS 4JTUFST TPVOET BSPVOE

There aren’t many bands around who conjure up the spirit of Studio 54 New York Nights together with that of Freddie Mercury, Pink Floyd and Abba; but Scissor Sisters are as eclectic as they are electric, as

effortlessly suggestive as they are regressive, and furiously cutting edge to (stack-heeled leather) boot.

The latest album, Night Work, is the disc of choice of a Friday night at WOW Towers,

and rest assured we’ll be airpodium wiggling all the way to the NEC. Don’t Feel Like Dancing? It takes a hard heart to resist this knowing discorock mix, never mind a lady called Ana Matronic.

Fri 3 SCISSOR SISTERS + HURTS LG Arena Birmingham Tue 14 Trent FM Arena Nottingham

To advertise your event in the east Midlands’ fastest-growing guide to what’s going on and where to be seen, email sales@wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk or call 01858 439 999

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F70C{B >= If you only go to 30 gigs this month… with DJ Fontana Wed 1 THE STYLISTICS De Montfort Hall Leicester MATT BERRY Sub91 Leicester Thu 2 TV SMITH Sawyers Kettering CAROLS & CAPERS 2010: MADDY PRIOR AND THE CARNIVAL BAND The Stables Milton Keynes Fri 3 THE BLUETONES New Roadmender Northampton STEVE HACKETT The Stables Milton Keynes Sat 4 THE TRIBUTE SHOW Wicksteed Park Kettering THE COURTEENERS O2 Academy Leicester

Singalonga Chrimbo #JH GBNJMZ GVO BU UIF 3 % As part of their Christmas programme, Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Service present their Big Sing, a family-friendly feast of vocal and instrumental music from around the world. A massed choir from the county’s primary schools will be tugging furiously at heartstrings, ably assisted by guest performances from Northants’ Senior Girls Youth Choir and Training Youth Brass Band.

No less family-centric is the hotly anticipated visit of Lee Mead, fresh from the West End musical Wicked. It’s one of only

two shows by the dishy Essex fave in the region, doubtless packing in fans who witnessed his triumph on BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do back in 2007.

Since his spell in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lee has also hit big in Tommy and the Phantom Of The Opera.

Thu 2 NMPAS BIG CHRISTMAS SING Royal & Derngate Northampton Fri 3 LEE MEAD Royal & Derngate Northampton Sat 4 Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

Subscribe to WOW What’s On Where for only £20 a year, and get all the latest news hot off the press.

For details see the ad on our classifieds pages.

Sun 5 MARC ALMOND: 30 YEARS OF MUSIC The Assembly Leamington Spa HANG COOL TOUR: MEAT LOAF LG Arena Birmingham Tue 7 JESSE MALIN O2 Academy Leicester Wed 8 ARCADE FIRE + DEVENDRA BANHART LG Arena Birmingham Thu 9 SCOTT KELLY + STEPHEN BRODSKY Firebug Leicester BILLY BRAGG The Assembly Leamington Spa SIMPLY RED + MACY GRAY Trent FM Arena Nottingham RUNRIG The Royal Centre Nottingham Fri 10 ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER Black Horse Leicester RICHARD FAIRHURST’S TRIPTYCH Embrace Arts Leicester THE MODFATHERS Y Theatre Leicester Sat 11 THE BEAT The Music Cafe Leicester

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UK SUBS Lock 42 Leicester THE MEN THEY COULDN’T HANG The Rescue Rooms Nottingham

May Contain Nuts .BUJOFF NBEOFTT BU UIF EF .POU

Sun 12 BUDDY HOLLY AND THE CRICKETERS The Stables Milton Keynes Tue 14 BELLE & SEBASTIAN De Montfort Hall Leicester Wed 15 THE WEDDING PRESENT The Assembly Leamington Spa THE BLUES BAND The Stables Milton Keynes Thu 16 IAN BROWN Rock City Nottingham Fri 17 DIESEL PARK WEST The Musician Leicester Sat 18 ROY WOOD + TREXTASY Market Harborough Leisure Centre JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS RHYTHM AND BLUES ORCHESTRA NIA Birmingham Sat 18 THE HUMAN LEAGUE De Montfort Hall Leicester Sun 19 THE FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS The Stables MK Tue 21 JLS LG Arena Birmingham Wed 22 THE ENID The Assembly Leamington Tue 28 EL PUSSYCATS The Musician Leicester Jazz & Classical Sat 4 LEICESTER UNIVERSITY CHAMBER CHOIR Church of St James the Greater Leicester THE FOUR SEASONS BY CANDLELIGHT: MOZART FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA Royal & Derngate Northampton Wed 8 TAD NEWTON’S JAZZ FRIENDS The Castle Wellingborough

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Any band who can call themselves ‘Britain’s most successful chart band in music history’ is surely worthy of a festive nod, and to heck with getting out our Guinness Book of British Hit Singles and slide rule. Twenty-one Top 20 singles between 1978 and 1986, plus a dozen more in recent years, and it’s almost as if the Nutty Boys never went away. Support is from ex-Housemartin and Beautiful

South singer Paul Heaton, who also knows a tune or two to get you in party mood. We predict a Happy Hour and Perfect 10s all round – especially as the bands are playing two-show dates, including a matinee for kids, in both Leicester and Brum On second thoughts, aren’t the Bootleg Beatles ‘Britain’s most successful band in music history’? They do all the hits to perfection, after all, and have

been going donkey’s years longer than the original Fab Four!

Sat 4 DO NOT ADJUST YOUR NUT TOUR: MADNESS + PAUL HEATON De Montfort Hall Leicester Sat 11 02 Assembly Birmingham Fri 10 THE CHRISTMAS SHOW: BOOTLEG BEATLES De Montfort Hall Leicester Tue 21 NIA Birmingham

We want the Rollers! &WFSZCPEZ NBLF MJLF JUoT e Ah, so what if Les McKeown is out on the road these days without his old mukkas Woody, Derek, Eric and Alan – and so what if he’s no longer a skinner wastrel teen idol in too-short tartan trucks? He’s far from

Buster Bloodvessel territory, and retains an ironic Scots air of beaten heroism.

Always the star of the show, ever since the ‘90s Les has been whipping up a retro guitar storm to remind us

all that the Rollers were the biggest band since the Beatles.

Ah, so what about the missing millions. Never mind the recent admissions about his secret sex life, and the demon drink.

Squint as you bop and you might very nearly convince yourself you’re 13 again. .

Fri 10 BAD MANNERS The Assembly Leamington Mon 27 HMV Institute Birmingham Sat 11 Dec LES McKEOWN’S BAY CITY ROLLERS The Assembly Leamington

.64*$

No Room At The Inn 'BWPVSJUFTo GFTUJWF SFUVSO UP UIF 4UBCMFT

Out of all the jazz, folk, world, pop and comedy talent set to entertain us this month at The Stables in MK, two female songstresses stand out from the highly talented crowd.

First Beth Orton brings her moody beats and dreamlike vocal visions to the stage in early December, bringing to

mind Joni Mitchell thrust into the noughties with her eerie, skittering trip-hop beats.

And what a treat in the runup to Christmas when The Stables’ First Lady herself gives her celebrated tonsils a festive airing in fundraising concert in aid of Wavendon Allmusic Plan. High quality family fare with John Horler on piano and Alec Dankworth on bass, amid warm waves of violin and sax virtuosity.

Fri 3 BETH ORTON The Assembly Leamington Sun 5 The Stables Milton Keynes Thu 16 THE LADY IS A DAME: CLEO LAINE The Stables Milton Keynes

Up the Albion! " $ISJTUNBT DVTUPN BU UIF $BTUMF It’s now ten years since folkie supergroup the Albion Band wheeled out their special Christmas Show on tour, and ever since it’s been attracting sell-out crowds.

It isn’t just the combined talents of some of British folkrock’s true legends – we’re talking Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie White (Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guv’nor himself, Ashley Hutchings (Fairport

Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band – what a CV!) – but a route back to seemingly simpler times that keeps the crowds flocking in.

Traditional Christmas songs played on traditional instruments. A knees-up and singalong. Possibly even a tankard of mulled wine or two…

Sun 12 The Albion Christmas Band The Castle Wellingborough

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Sub Head 3PZ 8PPE BOE 4QFDJBM (VFTUT 5 3FYUBTZ SATuRDAy 18 DECEmBER In May 2001 Rock Legend Roy Wood was awarded a prestigious Ivor Novello Award for his exceptional contribution to popular music.

Since then the awards have continued. In 2008 Roy was made an honorary Doctor of Music by the University of Derby and over the past few months has received awards for best classic songwriter

by Mojo Magazine and Classic Rock Magazine. Just this week, the people of Birmingham will honour Roy when the city unveils a Star in his name on

Broad Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walk of Stars.

Roy Wood is one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prolific singer songwriters and was responsible for such massive bands as The Move, E.LO, and Wizzard.

On Saturday December 18th 2010, Roy Wood visits Market Harborough (a favourite haunt of his) with his latest band. Fans can hear all the classic hits that have won this British Rock Icon such esteemed accolades. Songs such as Blackberry Way, California Man, See My Baby Jive, Ball Park Incident, Fire

brigade, Angel Fingers and many more.

Very Special guests at this event will be the wonderful T.Rextasy, The Worlds only official tribute to the late great Marc Bolan & T.Rex. The bands incredible attention to detail is both visually and musically stunning, bringing you the incredible experience of a Live T.Rex gig at the height of their fameâ&#x20AC;Ś As youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be playing all those massive hits such as Jeepster, Ride a white Swan, Metal Guru, Telegram Sam and Children of the Revolution.

This one off and UK exclusive concert takes place at Market Harborough Leisure Centre on Saturday December 18th 2010.

Ticket are priced ÂŁ18.50 For further information you can call Mad Hatter direct on 01858 44 66 62 or visit the web site at www.madhatter-concerts.co.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Songbirdsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Join Forces for Good Causes 4POHCJSET -BEJFT $IPJS IBT JOWJUFE .VTJDBM 5SJP n4USVOH 0VU 4JTUFSo UP HVFTU BU UIFJS GPSUIDPNJOH $PODFSU BU $ISJTUNBT RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 31 The Concert being held on the 16th December 2010 at Welland Park College, Market Harborough, is already a sell out with proceeds going to two great charities â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland Air Ambulanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Option 55â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Equipment for a brand new Paediatric Wing at Kettering General Hospital.

Songbirds have only been performing for just under two years and have already raised over ÂŁ4000 for charities and good causes.

Maureen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley Chair of Songbirds said â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are delighted that Strung Out Sister are special guest with us for our Concert and Christmas. It is going to be a great evening of talented ladies performing popular music and of course some traditional Christmas Carols. Songbirds are building

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quite a reputation locally, under the direction of our great Musical Director Mr David Hubery. We are being invited to perform more and more for the local community. After Christmas we are looking forward to entering our first competition

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kettering Eisteddfodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which is rather scary but very exciting.

Watch out for news of how we get on.â&#x20AC;?

For anyone who would like to see Songbirds but were not able to get a ticket they will be performing again at Welland

park College next Summer on the 1st and 2nd of July 2011

For information about the Choir contact Maureen on 07890858705 or email tcom57@ntlworld.com

808 */5&37*&8

CP[ZX]V cWT <XRZh Derek Hammond meets Micky Adams, Leicester City’s most successful manager of the last 10 years.

0

s a player, Micky Adams was always an honest, hard-working right-back – attributes he’s carried forward into his career as a football manager. Much travelled over the 30 years in the game as a player, playermanager and boss, the straight-talking Yorkshireman put down roots in Market Harborough when he joined Leicester City in 2001, and he’s still here with his wife and young family. Micky led City into the Premier League Promised Land during his three years at the club. And he’s currently top of the league once again with League 2 Port Vale…

F>F It’s great to be able to talk to a football manager when you’re top of the league… <82:H We’re having a decent season.

We laid the foundations last season, and we’re carrying it on. We’ve got good players with a fantastic spirit amongst them; they’re a fit bunch and they want to do well for each other. It’s my job to get all those ingredients together, but we’re not getting carried away as there’s still a long way to go.

F>F Apart from Vale, what other clubs’ results do you look for on a Saturday afternoon? <82:H Well, Leicester City’s very close to my heart. I’m still living in Harborough, around City fans all of the time, so that’s one of the main ones that I look for.

Sheffield United was the team I supported as a boy, so that allegiance will never change. And also all the other clubs I’ve been at.

F>F Brighton are doing great as well now, top of League 1. <82:H There’s another one, Brighton. I’ve been lucky, I’ve had three promotions in my career – Brighton, Fulham and Leicester City – so they’re the ones I look at first.

Micky Adams, Manager at Port Vale F>F You’ve remained living in Harborough even though you’ve had some long commutes in the past few years. Port Vale and Cov aren’t so bad, but Brighton and Colchester… <82:H It’s a fantastic area and we love the town. The kids are settled in their schools, so there’s no reason to uproot everybody. Port Vale is a 180-mile round trip most days, but the important thing is that the missus and the kids are happy.

While they’re happy, I’m happy. I just get a bit bored on the M1 occasionally!

F>F Your stay at Leicester was the longest in your managerial career… <82:H The average lifespan of a manager is 14 months now, so that tells you how precarious the job is. It’s resultsdriven. Fans want instant success. The chairman and board of directors demand it – and it doesn’t always happen. So if you say I had three years at Leicester City, that’s quite a spell!

F>F Leicester have had eight managers in the six years since you left. It must be a strange job, zero security and seemingly always unsettled. You were linked with the City job again at the start of this season. <82:H Yes, that’s the nature of the job. If

you’re not doing well you’re out of a job, and if you’re doing well you get linked with other jobs. But I’m nice and relaxed about things at the moment. If I’m attracting attention from other teams, it means I’m doing my job well at Port Vale.

F>F You must have some fond memories of your time at Leicester City. I know I do! <82:H We had some good players: Muzzy Izzet, Matty Elliott, Gerry Taggart.

Brian Deane and Paul Dickov. Y’know, that season we got promoted to the Premier League was against the backdrop of administration as well, so it was a difficult time to come through. The only thing that disappointed me slightly was we never invested in the team when we got there. I think I’m the only manager in recent times to face that problem, and consequently we got relegated and I left my job the year after.

F>F Let’s finish up with your greatest hits: who are the players you’ve spotted and signed who have gone on to great things? <82:H Well, I took Bobby Zamora from Bristol Rovers reserves into Fulham, and consequently look at where he is now, playing for England. I bought him for £100,000 and I think the club got £1.5 million for him from Spurs!

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H^d]V E^XRTb Young Voices is the largest Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choir concert in the world. We went along to Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LG Arena to watch these WOW KIDS sing their hearts out.

5

rom rehearsal to the concert, Young Voices offers an experience that children remember for ever and each year many are inspired to begin their own musical journeys. Last month we featured a group of kids from Little Bowden School in rehersals, here we see them at the main event

Street Dance Specialists - Urban Strides Hostess - Gigi Morley

Artistic Director - Andy Instone Dionne Bromfield

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WOW December 2010

808 ,*%4

Principal Conductor - David Lawrence Josh Osha

All Angels

Urban Strides

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'"4)*0/

=^ 0]VT[ The WOW team takes a look at What’s On Wear...

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ur (both real and fake) is this season’s instant glamour hit and nothing will keep you warmer.

However feathers are just as big a hit for the festive season... and I don’t mean in the form of angel wings!.

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5IF 8IJUF 'FBUIFS 'PVOEBUJPO The White Feather Foundation embraces environmental and humanitarian issues and in conjunction with partners from around the world, helps to raise funds for the betterment of all life and honours those who have truly made a difference. Find out more at www.whitefeatherfoundation.com

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WOW December 2010

'"4)*0/

1. Gold chainmail crystal drop earrings £230 Erickson Beamon,

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Gold ‘Statement’ necklace £650

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Erickson Beamon, Ivory strapless ‘Cher’ gown £595, Anoushka G, Gold Swarovski crystal cuff £170 Anton Heunis. House of Fraser 2. Rushes and Reeds Sleeveless Dress £185, French Connection.

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3. Purple 20’s Sequin Top £35.

A|wear.

4. Florrie Feather Party Dress, £225, Monsoon.

5. Limited black lace and feather

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dress, £89, Marks & Spencer.

6. Feathered Glenda Boot £74.99, River Island.

7. Ravel-finn, www.gorgeous-online. com.

8. Next.

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9. Feather Bolero £69, Country Casuals

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10. Feather Skirt, £60, Next.

11. Bustier Feather Dress - £290,

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Freemans.

12. Hobo Ostrich Feather Bag £49.99, River Island.

13. Crystal drop earrings £70 Delphine-Charlotte Parmentier, Silver Swarovski crystal bow necklace £170 Anton Heunis, Mink silk corset £80 Untold, Gold ‘Deco’ ring £180CC

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Skye, Black feather mini skirt £225 Michael Michael Kors, Black fishnet tights £8 Untold. House of Fraser.

14. Vintage Starlet Head Band, £68.00, GlitzySecrets.com 15. www.halojewellery.co.uk 16. Star by Julien Macdonald Lash Feather, £8.50 each 17. Black Feather Jewel Brooch, £12, Talullah Tu London.

18. Feather Evening Bag £13, Savida 19. Ravel-feature-silver, www. gorgeous-online.com.

)"*3 #&"65:

708A 140DCH MAKE SURE YOU’RE BEAUTY, NOT THE BEAST...

Party time 5BLF B MPPL BU 808oT QJDL PG IBJSDBSF QSPEVDUT GPS UIF QBSUZ TFBTPO At this time of year a girl is looking for ways to make the most of her locks with all the functions she has to attend.

Well of course we can’t all have a hairdresser under the bed so here’s a look at some products to help us D.I.Y. this Christmas.

Bed Head - www.asos.com

Girls with Attitude Gift Set - £23.97.

Heatons

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WOW December 2010

PARLUX 3800 Eco Friendly Green Ceramic Ionic - £145.95. www.hairtools.co.uk

Head Jog Purple Brush Set (4 brushes) - £19.95. www.hairtools.co.uk

Hait Heat Wave Curlers (all sizes) - £20.95, HAITO. www.hairtools.co.uk

Hair Care Styling Kit, £9.50.

Marks & Spencer

)"*3 #&"65:

NEW AESTHETIC TREATMENTS AVAILABLE: LASER HAIR REMOVAL SKIN REJUVENATION ACNE & ROSACEA TREATMENT SUN DAMAGE & PIGMENTATION TREATMENT

Jessica GELeration 3 week Manicure are perfect to last over Christmas.

Treat your loved ones to ‘Your Spa Experience’ at The Beauty Manor.

Decleor Luxury Gift Sets are available with limited stock.

If you are unable to pop into salon to buy your gifts then call 0844 999 4365 or visit www.thebeautymanorboutique.co.uk

The Beauty Manor (above Browns Hairdressing) Manor House, High Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7NL. Tel: 0844 999 4365 www.thebeautymanor.co.uk

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FROM RECEPTION WOW December 2010

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2><43H WOW FINDS OUT WHERE THE LAUGHS ARE THIS MONTH

F70C{B >= If you only go to 20 comedy gigs this month… with DJ Fontana Wed 1 NONSENSORY OVERLOAD: ROSS NOBLE Royal & Derngate Northampton RHOD GILBERT & THE CAT THAT LOOKED LIKE NICHOLAS LYNDHURST Royal Centre Nottingham Sat 4 MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES IN ORDER: FELIX DEXTER Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa Sun 5 JOKES. LIFE. AND JOKES ABOUT LIFE: ALUN COCHRANE Warwick Arts Centre Coventry BE HONOURABLE!: JOSIE LONG The Cornerhouse Nottingham Tue 7 COMEDY NIGHT: GAVIN WEBSTER, RICHARD MORTON, JOSH WIDDICOMBE The Picturedrome Northampton MAGNERS FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: ROB ROUSE, WILSON DIXON + Lyric Rooms Ashby De-LaZouch Wed 8 SCREAMING BLUE MURDER: ANDREW BIRD, SIMON CLAYTON, STEVE DAY The Stables Fri 10 LAUGHTER THERAPY: JIMMY CARR Warwick Arts Centre Coventry Sun 12 FRANKIE BOYLE NIA

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WOW December 2010

To Minch or Not To Minch?

5JOLMJOH 5JN UIF XPSETNJUI Just as it suggests on timminchin.com, the aforementioned cabaret ivory-tinkler is a comedian, actor, composer, songwriter, pianist, musical director and huge rock ‘n’ roll megastar.

Just to refine his description a little more clearly, imagine if you will a postmodern, antipodean version of Richard Stilgoe, wibbling wordily over his joanna.

A male version of Pam Ayres bumping gently up against Victoria Wood.

Noel Coward, except considerably more brave on the mascara front. And – not a lot of people know this – one of Northampton’s finest!

Wed 8 TIM MINCHIN The NIA Birmingham Sat 18 Trent FM Arena Nottingham

To advertise your event in the Midlands’ fastest-growing guide to what’s going on and where to be seen, email sales@wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk or call 01858 439 999

$0.&%:

With Love To Me, To You $IVDLMF JO UIF BGUFSOPPO

They might not be the comedy choice of many alt.humour moshpit punters over the age of 16, but Christmas isn’t all about sensible choices, excellent taste or the superior quality of cracker joke.

For some curious reason transcending all logic and likelihood, kids love Paul and

Barry Chuckle – aka Paul and Barry Elf, battling here to prevent Jack Frost from ruining Christmas.

So, when you take the miniatures to this special matinee show, bear in mind the proud history of our ChuckleVision heroes in British culture – not only the winners of TV talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1967, but also of New Faces in 1974.

Sun 12 THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS in THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS De Montfort Hall

The Spice of Life .FHB WBSJFUZ TIPX BU UIF /&$ Thirty years after they stopped putting on musical acts with comedians, they only went and reinvented the wheel, presenting a star-heavy bill of top funny men interspersed with golden grooves and glam.

This year’s Rock With Laughter spectacular features Brummie local boy Lenny Henry leading a cornucopia of all-singing, all-jesting talent.

Ed Byrne is number one in the sidesplitting stakes, while it’s only a couple of months since we interviewed Ade Fri 10-Sat 11 ROCK WITH LAUGHTER 2010: LENNY HENRY, ED BYRNE, ALAN CARR, JO BRAND, BEVERLEY KNIGHT, ROLF HARRIS, BJÖRN AGAIN, SLADE, ADRIAN EDMONDSON & THE BAD SHEPHERDS LG Arena Birmingham

Edmondson, and are chuffed to see the good a bit of publicity has done his career as a punk folkie.

Neither are a patch on the unique genius of Rolf Harris, mind. Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport. Do you know what it is yet? All this, didgeridoos and wobble boards too!

WOW December 2010

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In the build up to Market Harborough’s Late Night Shopping event on December 10th, Harborough’s coffee shops welcome you.

Tracy and Elaine try some out.

Then for some coffee with...

First we get in the festive mood with a hat from the Card Factory

F

ith Christmas around the corner, WOW does a tour of Market Harborough’s Coffee Shops, and looks forward to Late Night Shopping on December 10th

Giorno Café - Claudiu

Aldins Café - Alison & Nadine

Aldwinckles Coffee Shop - Sarah & Melanie

Blend - Sally & Maria

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WOW December 2009

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Enigma - Nicky, India & Angie

New Horizons Coffee Shop - Mary & Kay

Café Nero - Bryony & Kayleigh

Emmerson & West Café Jo & customer - Tilly

Costa - Charlie, Holly, Lee, James & Lex Timo - Franki & Andrea

Webbs Café - Chloe Zizzi - Tamas & Victoria

WOW December 2009

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4)011*/(

8STPb U^a ZXSb Get down with the kids this Christmas by snapping up this year’s most sought-after stocking fillers.

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h Christmas, the season of goodwill, peace on earth – and parents fighting in the aisles over the season’s top toy sellers. Every year there’s a festive frenzy over the most sought-after children’s stocking fillers. But with the help of our round-up of perfect pressies you can be one step ahead of the masses this year.

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WOW December 2010

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1. Main image, Next.

2. Marks & Spencer. Table football.

3. Matalan. Alien robe, from £10.

4. M&Co. Embroided aubergine taffeta bow dress, £22, glitter-frilled party shoe, £10, embroided red taffeta bow dress, £22, black sequin party shoe, £11.

5. Ebay Fashion Outlet.

Zingzillas Big Zing guitar, £20.

6. John Crane Ltd. Pink first bike, £53.

7. Debenhams. Twilight Eclipse board game, £20.

8. Littlewoods.com.

Sylvanian Regency hotel, £120.

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9. Matalan. Special tiered dress, £16.

10. Woolworths.co.uk.

Barbie sports bag, £10.

11. Monsoon.

Tea set, £15.

12. Mamas & Papas.

Christmas novelty unisex two-piece set, £14.

13. Debenhams.

Talking Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear, £40.

14. Brantano. Slipper club crocodile, £8.

15. Woolworths.co.uk. Fisher Price Chatter Telephone, £6.

808 ,*%4

5TbcXeT Ud] WOW kids go cookie.

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OW kids decide to decorate the christmas tree with homemade festive stained glass window biscuits. They prove to be a huge success...

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WOW December 2010

You can pick up all of the ingredients required for this recipe at your local

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5P NBLF UIFTF GFTUJWF CJTDVJUT :PV XJMM OFFE

350g/12oz plain flour, (extra for dusting) 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp salt 2 tsp ground ginger 100g/3½oz butter 175g/6oz soft brown sugar 1 free-range egg, beaten 4 tbsp golden syrup A packet of wrapped, fruit-flavoured boiled sweets.

A straw and festive shaped cookie cutters.

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Narrow ribbon Ready roll white icing and cellophane to gift wrap (both optional)

8IBU UP EP

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.

2. For the biscuits, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and ginger together in a bowl.

3. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, then stir in the sugar.

4. In another bowl, beat together the egg and golden syrup, then add this

mixture to the flour mixture and fold in to make a smooth dough, kneading lightly with your hands.

5. Roll the dough out on a floured work surface to about 0.5cm/Âźin thick, then cut into shapes using a selection of festive cookie cutters.

Transfer the biscuits to baking sheets lined with baking paper.

6. Use a small cutter in the centre of each biscuit, making sure you leave a good edge all around the biscuit. Pop a boiled sweet into the shape in each biscuit.

7. Make a hole at the top of each biscuit using a drinking straw so that you will be able to thread a ribbon through it later. Bake the biscuits in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden-brown.

8. Remove the biscuits from the oven. While theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still warm, check that the holes for the ribbon are still there - if necessary push a straw through again. Do not remove the biscuits from the baking tray until they have cooled because the boiled sweets need to harden. Once the sweets have hardened, gently lift the biscuits onto a wire rack with a palette knife to finish cooling.

9. Another option is to decorate the biscuits with white ready roll icing using festive shaped cookie cutters.

Thread ribbons through the holes in the biscuits to make loops for hanging from the tree.

A great biscuit to be left out for Santa on Christmas Eve along with a carrot for Rudolf! Merry Christmas from WOW kids.

WOW December 2010

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&7&/54

4E4=CB WOW LOOKS AT WHAT’S GOING ON...

Shop ‘til you drop! .BSLFU )BSCPSPVHIoT -BUF /JHIU 4IPQQJOH &WFOU FRIDAY 10 DecembeR The annual event in Market Harborough that marks the start of Christmas, yes Late Night Shopping is here again. .

The whole of Market Harborough town centre will once again be closed to traffic, and there will be lots of attractions to keep the expected crowds of around 10,000 people entertained.

We are expecting the local retailers joining in with a fancy dress competition.

The HFM Radio roadshow will also be there making sure everyone has a great time.

The official switch on for the Christmas lights will be by a number of local celebrities.

The event is organised by a small group of volunteers – most of them

taking time out from their own businesses during the year to plan the festival and it is designed to raised money for local charities as well as to put

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WOW December 2010

on a great evening for all the people coming into town for the Christmas period.

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Get Crafty at abington park Museum $IJMESFOoT $ISJTUNBT 8PSLTIPQT SaT 11 NOveMbeR On 11th December 2010, at Abington Park Museum, there will be a range of Christmas crafts to help you celebrate the festive season. The workshops run from 10am-12pm and 1pm3pm. No need to book, just drop in. There may be a small charge for some activities.

Abington Park Museum Park Avenue South Northampton NN1 5LW Telephone: 01604 838 110

My Shoes are Killing Me &YDJUJOH FYIJCJUJPO XJUI B TJOJTUFS TJEF BU /PSUIBNQUPO .VTFVN BOE "SU (BMMFSZ FROM SaT NOveMbeR 27 ‘My shoes are killing me’ will explore how those harmless objects you wear everyday on your feet, could be the beginning or the end of a crime!

Visitors will be given a chance to investigate the darker side of the sole. The exhibition will also feature an interview with a Senior Forensic Investigator from Northamptonshire Police.

There will be a mystery to solve with the help of some clues from ‘Shoelock Holmes’ and his sidekick ‘Dr.Clogson’.

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Exhibitions Officer, Victoria Davies said: “We are really looking forward to this exhibition and can’t wait for visitors to look at how different shoe prints over the years have played an important part in investigating crime.

“We want to explore the importance of shoe prints and the important role they play in solving crime whilst educating

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visitors to the museum. This exhibition will also feature a pair of Rosa Klebb’s knife shoes from the film from Russia with love.”

Cath Pankhurst, Senior Forensic Investigator at Northamptonshire Police, said: “Our Scientific Support Department has provided some footware gelatine lifts and footware casts that have been produced in a training exercise for use in the exhibition.

“An interview will also be displayed as part of the exhibition that gives some detail about how we recover footprints at crime scenes and analyse them.”

The exhibition will also look at counterfeit shoes, shoe crime in Northamptonshire and shoe crime in literature.

NORThaMpTON MuSeuM aND aRT GalleRy, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP Telephone: 01604 838 111

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40C8=6 >DC DON’T JUST STICK TO YOUR USUAL HAUNTS, TRY SOMEWHERE NEW TO EAT!

New Year’s Eve, Mediterannean Style 5IF 0ME #BLFIPVTF BOE 0MJWF -PVOHF 3PUIXFMM It’s our favourite restaurant and wine bar in the NorthantsLeicestershire border country – and they’ve only gone and lined up a New Year extravaganza…

From the moment you walk through the doors at the Old Bakehouse and Olive Lounge, you get the feeling that you’ve left England behind, experiencing the familiar warmth of ambience and welcome that recalls all your sweetest Mediterranean memories. Thanks to Philippos, his family and team, the sunny southern European atmosphere runs far deeper than mere décor or the wonderfully friendly service. The Mediterranean flavour here is soul deep, running right through the food – home-made

Italian meatballs, slow-cooked beef, Greek sausages – list, the lightness of

Giouvetsi fantastic the wine ambience,

all perfectly geared to relaxation and fun.

And that’s only part of the reason why New Year’s Eve in

Rothwell sounds unmissable this year. The Old Bakehouse offers a five-course meal with Champagne and canapé reception, plus live entertainment with a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin (tickets £65 per person, booking required). Meanwhile, the Olive Lounge is hosting a masquerade party with a Champagne and canapé reception (tickets £20 per person). Before midnight, the two parties turn into one, with a DJ, music and dancing until 2am – promising a night to remember…

ThE OlD BakEhOuSE aND OlivE lOuNgE 19 Market hill, Rothwell, Northamptonshire NN14 6BW Tel: 01536 712512 www.mmmtheoldbakehouse. co.uk www.theolivelounge.com

WOW December 2010

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40

WOW December 2010

'00% %3*/,

NOW OPEN

To book your table

WOW December 2010

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.0503*/(

<>C>A8=6 WOW TAKES A LOOK AT THE LATEST DEALS ON WHEELS

Mazdaaaaah!

5JN #BSOFT $MBZ UFTU ESJWFT UIF /FX .B[EB Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not every day you get a chance to fly to Cornwall. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not very often you get the chance to be flown down there just to be given a test drive.

But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what happened after Mazda insisted on inviting me to test their new Mazda5 at the official UK launch in Newquay on

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20 October.

I was impressed straight away with the car. Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because the Mazda is aimed at someone like me who has a young family. You see, with its seven-seater versatility, intelligent packaging and engaging style, the new Mazda5 compact

WOW December November 2010 2010

multi-activity vehicle has obviously been engineered from the ground up to meet the demands of even the most active families.

Priced from ÂŁ17,695 to ÂŁ21,495 it is available in Mazdaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s familiar TS, TS2 and Sport trim levels. Standard equipment levels are exceptionally gener-

ous and include six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System, two ISOFIX child seat anchor points, air-conditioning, cruise control, a six-speaker CD audio unit and alloy wheels across the range.

The Mazda5 also sees the debut of the Japanese motor

.0503*/( manufacturer’s distinctive Nagare design language. Inspired by the flowing elements found in nature, the Mazda5 is instantly distinguished by its boldly sculpted flanks. These distinctive contours are complemented by the company’s striking face, piercing headlamps, and a steeply raked windscreen angle resulting in a lithe silhouette that’s a world away from its more humdrum looking peoplecarrier rivals.

Getting in and out of the Mazda5 is now even easier. Its large, twin sliding rear doors open to a wide 686mm, providing exceptional access in even the tightest spaces. For me, this is a great bonus. Until I had children I never realised how much hassle it can be to fit a baby seat into a car – and how easy it can be to hurt your back while twisting

and leaning in to do so.

Access to the new Mazda is further enhanced by a broad 130mm foot step and low 439mm step-up into the cabin.

Sport models also come with power sliding doors as standard, which is pretty useful if you have a child seat in one hand and a baby held to your chest with the other.

The Mazda5’s innovative seven-seat layout is another massive plus point. The three rows of seats create a wide range of passenger-luggage combinations – from seven seats for friends and family on shorter journeys, to four seats with a generous luggage compartment for longer journeys, to just two seats and a vast, flatfloored cargo area for hauling larger items. Its seven seats can be flipped and folded to create a

variety of load-carrying configurations.

The new Mazda5 range debuts with the choice of three engines. The two petrol-powered units – a 115ps 1.8-litre and a 150ps 2.0-litre DISI – are joined by a 115ps 1.6-litre MZ-CD turbo diesel lump. Combined economy climbs 14.2 percent to 40.9mpg and CO2 emissions drop a full 15 percent to 159g/ km over the outgoing 2.0-litre petrol engine. Performance is equally strong with a 062mph time of 11 seconds and a 120mph top speed. The 1.8-litre powertrain has a four percent economy boost to 39.2mpg and a six percent CO2 emissions drop to 168g/km over the outgoing 1.8-litre model. The car touches 62mph in 12.8 seconds and posts a 113mph maximum speed. The diesel offering fea-

tures common-rail fuel injection and a turbocharger. The MZ-CD 1.6-litre certainly packs a technical punch too, accelerating to 62mph in 13.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 111mph, while returning an excellent fuel economy figure of 54.3mpg and tax-friendly CO2 emissions of just 138g/km.

Certainly this new Mazda has everything that a family in need of a large car could possibly want. As well as being economical and versatile it is also engaging and lively to drive. The only possible downside is that even with all the design tweaks in the world this sort of car is never going to look sexy. But if you have a family large enough to need a people-carrier, are you ever going to get the time to care how good it looks on the drive? I suspect not...

_a^ R^] POSiTiVe • Versatile • roomy • economical • Lively NegaTiVe • Won’t retain value

NeW Mazda5 2.0 TS2 eNgiNe: MZR 2.0-litre DISI i-stop TraNSMiSSiON: Six-speed manual POWer: 150ps TOrque: 191Nm at 4500rpm Max SPeed: 120 mph 0-62 MPh: 11.0 seconds COMbiNed MPg: 40.9mpg CO2: 159 g/km Price: £18,895 on the road

WOW WOW November december 2010

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Fun on wheels 5JN #BSOFT $MBZ UFTU ESJWFT UIF 'JBU $ The Fiat 500C with its retro roll-back fabric roof and 1.3 start-stop technology diesel engine is a funny little thing.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not my cup of tea because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a bald six footer with a goatee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so I do look a bit daft driving it. However, my wife nearly cried when the test car went back. She loved it.

Even though I felt ridiculous driving the Fiat 500C 1.3 Multijet (95bhp) Pop 2d, it was actually a real laugh to rip around in.

On the move you immediately notice a bit of whistling from around the roof, but that can be forgiven, because at the touch of a button the rag-top peels back for fun open sky motoring.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also quick to fold back, if you get caught in a sudden shower, or if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand the cold at this time of the year.

The engine is great; the

_a^ R^]

1248cc 4-cylinder turbo-diesel is very punchy, although it does sound a bit like an angry lawnmower if revved too hard. The car also soaks up the bumps and goes where you point it with rapid selfconfidence. Ok, the steering and controls all have a weightless feel, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something many people in the market for this kind of car will love.

The Fiat 500C is undoubtedly a car for the image conscious.

It has that hip characteristic that its rivals - the Peugeot

POSITIVE â&#x20AC;˘ Image â&#x20AC;˘ Economical â&#x20AC;˘ Fun NEgaTIVE â&#x20AC;˘ Tiny boot

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WOW November december 2010

207CC and Renault Wind donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have. In my view, the only other major rival - the Mini Cooper convertible - beats it on looks. The Fiat is also a motor for the economically minded; the petite car can go an awful long way on one tank â&#x20AC;&#x201C; up to 72mpg, while pumping out just 104g/km of CO2 emissions. Now, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seriously cheap, recessionbusting motoring!

The 500C is a genuine giggle to drive and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relatively spacious for what it is. The

rear bench take two child seats and two kids without any problem, and when my wife borrowed the Fiat to take the children to nursery, she raved on afterwards about how easy it was to park in the manic crèche car park. The only real downside, if you have children or you plan on doing lots of driving holidays, is the tiny boot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but at around ÂŁ14,865 on the road, you really canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go far wrong for this kind of pleasurable motoring.

FIaT 500C ENgINE: 1248cc 4 cylinders TraNSmISSION: Five-speed manual POWEr: 95 bhp TOrquE: 148 lb-ft max SPEEd: 112 mph 0-62 mPh: 10.4 seconds COmbINEd mPg: 72 mpg CO2: 104 g/km PrICE: ÂŁ14,865 on the road.

8*/ 8*5) 808

2><?4C8C8 =B ...AND READER OFFERS FROM WOW WHAT’S ON WHERE.

"OOJF 5JDLFUT Annie - the world’s bestloved Christmas musical, is on from 20 - 31 December.

Annie is a spectacular treat for the whole family.

WOW has a family ticket to give away to the show at De Montfort Hall

"MBEEJO 5JDLFUT on Tuesday 21st December at 7.30pm.

For your chance to win apply to ‘Annie Competition’ to the address at the foot of the page. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 15 December.

Aladdin arrives at The Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering from 10th - 26th December.

Theatre Productions have kindly given us a pair of family tickets for WOW readers.

For your chance to win, send your entries to Aladdin Competition. Closing date for entries is Thurs 9 Dec.

8JO B NPOUI TVCTDSJQUJPO UP 808 8IBUoT 0O 8IFSF WOW What’s On Where has a 12 month subscription worth £20 to give away.

Apart from receiving each issue hot of the press, the winner will also have their name entered into all of our

competitions over the length of the subscription. Do you feel lucky?

To win, all you need to do is tell us in less than 50 words what you like and/or dislike about WOW.

Please be sure to send us your name, age, address, telephone number, mobile and email address and mark your entries “WOW December Subscription Offer”.

Good Luck!

Please state clearly which competition you are entering and send your entries along with your name, address, phone number and email address to WOW What’s On Where, 50 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DU.

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WOW December 2010

%*3&$503:

38A42C>AH To advertise in the Midlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest-growing guide to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on and where to be seen in our region, email sales@wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk or call 01858 439 999

# ! " #!" 1,* & $ !! !!# 2 #!" & " !" % ' ! & # " " " !!) #!" ! #! & # ( !!( " ) !! % " # & " # ! " 1,*) " " 0

# ! " ( -* " &'! ( " # ( !" ! +. /

NEW!

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!

E020=2H WOW is expanding and looking for highly motivated Account Managers.

If you feel you are the right person, please email sales@ wowwhatsonwhere. co.uk and explain why!

WOW December 2010

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4&$3&5 .*%-"/%4

;Xcc[T BcaTTc

Derek Hammond visits the shortest (or maybe the narrowest) street in Europe (or should that be Market Harborough?)…

>

n the lookout for historical secrets and interesting forgotten corners, there are two main sources of clues. The first is vintage guidebooks, which can certainly turn up paydirt as you follow your 1948 map through Leicester city centre or the wilds of Northamptonshire. It’s a hit-and-miss affair; but onceaccurate, hopelessly out-of-date information is usually far more useful than the main alternative: Googling on the internet.

“Hey it’s sunday and I’m bored enough to look up my town on the wikipedia,” writes one messageboarder on a gaming forum I’m directed to in search of Market Harborough history off the beaten track. “I find out that the guy who played bobba fett in star wars was

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WOW December 2010

born here. Also my town has the smallest street in Europe (Interesting :p).”

There’s a link to Wikipedia, which in the meantime has ditched any mention of the smallest street. But there’s no smoke without fire….

“In the center of Market Harborough you will find one of the most extraordinary buildings to be seen,” I discover on the American ezinearticles. com. “This ‘stilted’ medieval building acted as the town’s grammar school during the seventeenth century. The town is known for being the home to the shortest street in all of Europe, appropriately named ‘Short Street’.”

There’s no such street.

An off-the-peg article on marqueehireguide.com reveals

“Market Harborough is a countryside location near to the border with the county of Northamptonshire. It is the site of the shortest street in Europe called ‘Little Street’ which is near to the old Town Hall.”

This is corroborated by the Chinese whispers on travbuddy. com – “Centered around a castle-like 14th century church, Market Harborough is a stunning example of a traditional English market town. The shortest street in Europe, ‘Little Street’, leads to a popular local pub.” But here there’s a picture of the Three Swans Inn, taken to include the, ahem, short street opposite. Here and elsewhere the little street in question is described as running

“between the Red Cow and the old Town Hall”.

However a trip to town reveals this road is 15 yards long, with no street sign. Little Street turns out to be the alleyway which runs from Church Street into the High Street.

The narrowest street in Europe, perhaps? Certainly in Harborough. As for the shortest street in the world, that’s the 6-foot 9-inch Ebenezer Place in Caithness, Scotland – despite iffy internet claims for WhipMa-Whop-Ma-Gate in York!

Harborough Museum are on the case, hunting for the truth behind our spurious claim to fame. This one could run and run…