Issue 1. October 2012 Free
September 27 - October 7
Yousef Marco Pierre White Biennial 2012 Chibuku Jason Byrne Tmesis Theatre Cream Skyfall Marina & The Diamonds Simon O'Brien Nige
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Welcome Issue 1. October 2012
Publishing Published by Survival Media Limited 4th Floor Elevator Studios 25-31 Parliament Street Liverpool L8 5RN Telephone 0151 214 3230 Website www.liverpoolafterdark.com
A message from the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson
A
s Mayor, and a life time resident of this city, there are many reasons why I am passionate about Liverpool. One of the many reasons why we are a world class city is our world class night life. Liverpool is rightly famed for the quality of our pubs, bars, clubs and music scene, as well as the huge range of restaurants, historic theatres and top class hotels. And it is not just us who have noticed the excellent night life we have on offer. Liverpool consistently wins awards, be it as Britain’s best night life destination, or the warmth of our welcome winning UK’s friendliest city. The city centre has won the prestigious Purple Flag award, and our safety record is exemplary. Not only is there so much to do, but there are so many different areas to do it – The musical
Mecca of the Cavern quarter, the always bustling Ropewalks, the ground breaking LGBT district of the Stanley Street Quarter, and the world famous Albert Docks. This interactive monthly magazine and mobile application will be the comprehensive official resource of what is going on across the city, keeping you up to date with all the latest. I hope you find it a useful guide to get an even better experience out of Liverpool at night. Best Wishes Yours sincerely
Joe Anderson, OBE Mayor Of Liverpool
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Download the FREE Liverpool After Dark app to access interactive content 1. Download the After Dark app directly to your device
2. Scan the code displayed at the bottom corner of the page to view interactive content
Contents Issue 1. October 2012
7. Comedy The Mirthy Dozen Nige’s Fezzie
An idiot’s guide to the comedy festival
Jason Byrne
The People’s Puppeteer
John Bishop Rollercoaster
DJ Profile
Rob McPartland
My Top Ten October Matt Gall
Discoteca Poca: Buon compleanno
48. Style 6 Steps To Heavenly Hair
What’s On: Comedy Festival
Courtesy of Voodou
Front Row @ Envi
50. Eating Out
Introducing Adam Rowe
20. Events Liverpool Biennial Welcome to Liverpool
Late Night Tower Tours Anglican Cathedral
Snooker Legends
Ronnie O’Sullivan & Jimmy White
Battle of the Olympians David Price V Audley Harrison
Bodies Revealed
27. Music Paul Straws
The Crooked Branches Fall
Liverpool Music Awards What’s On
The best gigs for October
32. Nightlife
Marco Pierre White
“I didn’t really understand this world and so I went to nature”
Coastal Cuisine Albert Dock
54. Theatre Wolf Red Elinor Randle of Tmesis Theatre
What’s On
The Best in Theatre for October
62. Cinema Skyfall
We’ve been expecting you Mr. Bond
Reviews
The best film releases for October
66. The Back Page Simon O’Brien
The Liverpool actor tells us what he enjoys most about his home city
Medication
Battles its wayto the top
Yousef
Longevity, a new album & hat juggling
Student Bar City Cream at 20
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Magazine Team Editor Anthony Bennett 0151 214 3233 tony@liverpoolafterdark.com Art Director Roy McCarthy 0151 214 3235 roy@liverpoolafterdark.com Designer Lisa Robson 0151 214 3235 lisa@liverpoolafterdark.com Photography & Video Production Jonathan Dawe 0787 0257 942 jonathan@liverpoolafterdark.com Social Media Sean Weaver sean@liverpoolafterdark.com Advertising Advertising Manager Mike Clarke 0151 214 3232 mike@liverpoolafterdark.com Advertising Manager Paul Burgess 0151 214 3234 paul@liverpoolafterdark.com Advertising Manager Mark Grice 0151 214 3234 mark@liverpoolafterdark.com Digital Sponsorship Jon Saunders 0151 214 3231 jon@liverpoolafterdark.com Contributors Catriona Ayre, Zoë Byrne, Andrew Mason, Joe-Ann Randles, Larissa Wignall, Charlie Turner, Matt Gall, Mike McLean, Keith Carter, James Rampton, Mark Nixon, Chris Purcell, Max Lawless, Suzanne Lunn
Thanks to Mike Coburn, Mike Doran, Mayor Joe Anderson, Ben Fitzpatrick, Adam Lewis, Jayne Moore, Warren Butcher, Joanne Evans, Rajesh Sharma, Bond Media, Katy Simic, Martin Dev, Craig Lawrenson, Iain Christie, Alan McCarthy, Emma McHarrie, Kerry Quinn, Emma Allison, Joe Siddall, Joe Ormrod, Jason Francis, Clive Knowles, Eden Showers, Gill Torres
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If you’re a student in full or part-time education, get yourself a GEM Pass and enjoy discounted rail travel across the Merseyrail network. You’ll be able to travel as often as you like, day or night and at evenings and weekends.
Visit us at www.merseyrail.org/gempass Follow us on Twitter @merseyrail *Valid 27.08.12 to 30.11.12
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Liverpool Comedy Festival
After Dark October 2012
e cure h t ’s e r e H r blues? e m m u s f al v i t End o s e F y d e
m o C r l e o b o o p t r c e O h Liv t to 7 r e b m e t p 27th Se
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Liverpool Comedy Festival
The Mirthy Dozen H
ere are After Dark’s highly recommended top 12 acts to see at this year’s Liverpool Comedy Festival.
Big Names John Bishop The uncontested guv’nor of the Liverpool comedy scene, John Bishop will be playing 6 nights at the Arena to 10,000 people a night. See him! Echo Arena October 1-6 Jason Byrne Motormouth surrealism from this Irish comic genius. He is
a longstanding hit at Festivals all around the world as people book to see him time and again. Liverpool Empire September 30
the world’s first million dollar Chihuahua, Piff will wow you with magic tricks and dry, deadpan humour. Epstein Theatre September 28
Jack Dee
Craig Hill
The King of deadpan, this is the first time that Jack has been in Liverpool for many years. Liverpool Empire September 28
An evening of gloriously camp comedy with this kilt-clad bundle of fun. Provocative, cheeky and downright hilarious. Unity Theatre October 4
Next big things
Josie Long
Piff The Magic Dragon Accompanied by Mr Piffles,
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Just nominated for the Fosters Comedy Award at this year’s Edinburgh Festival this is Josie’s sixth solo show and is guaranteed to make
After Dark October 2012
Opposite: Piff the Magic Dragon This page, clockwise from left: Josie Long, Jack Dee, Jason Byrne, Simon Nunnery, Steve Gribbins, Mr B
you warm and happy inside. Unity Theatre October 6
Alternative Acts Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer The ‘Chap Hop’ superstar brings his trusty banjolele to Liverpool. His hip hop tracks cover subjects such as cricket, pipe smoking and moustaches. Kazimier September 27 Simon Munnery & Bedwyr Williams Brought together for the first
time by Liverpool Biennial this will be a chance to see two of the oddest, most expressive performance art comedians in Britain. Kazimier September 29 Wittank The very best in sketch comedy from the stars of BBC3’s Live At The Electric. Watch them now and boast about it later. Kazimier September 27
Local Lads Nige Nige will be ripping it up at The Epstein this year. A guy
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with a huge cult following. Epstein Theatre September 28 Sam Avery A belting compere and comic who can perform in huge rooms or tiny intimate gigs, Sam’s ‘Rock And Dole’ show gives an insight into the music and comedy industries. Baa Bar, Hardman Street October 5 Steve Gribbin Steve has been blowing away crowds in the toughest rooms for years. This year he has declared his own republic. Viva Gribbostania! Eric’s Liverpool October 7
Liverpool Comedy Festival
Nige’s Fezzie
An idiot’s guide to the Liverpool Comedy Festival
T
he Liverpool Comedy Fezzie is back kidders, and it’s bigger than ever! It was Flanagan’s Apple’s glass collector, Carl Jung, who said ‘Liverpool is the Pool of Laughs’ - or something like that. I haven’t read that plaque on the wall too well, coz I’m usually legging through Mathew Street avoiding the Beatle geeks, drunk stags, drunk hens, bizzies etc. - so I might be wrong. But come September/October I won’t be, coz it will be a pool of laughs. A big fat splashy wet pool of splutters, guffaws and teeheehees, as the city is going to be invaded by a horde of comics, filling every alehouse, theatre, club and A&E department with jokes aplenty. They say ‘everyone
in Liverpool is a comedian’ - which is a lie: my Uncle Lionel thinks he’s dead funny, but he’s not. He swapped my shampoo for pile cream, for a laugh. I washed my hair with it and my head shrunk to the size of a satsuma for a week.
They’ll be reaching into their fractured, socially inept, lonely, depressing lives and it’ll be hilarious! Not funny, Lionel. I’m going off on one. What I mean is that everyone will be a
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comedian in Liverpool come September/October, coz of the Fezzie. There’s going to be some big names, and I don’t mean coz their names are dead long. I mean dead famous comics coming to town! Comics like Michael McIntyre, Peter Kay, Ricky Gervais and Russell Brand, to name just a few that won’t be appearing at the Fezzie. But you will get a load of comics straight off the TV and you can actually touch them. But don’t, coz that can be seen as sexual harassment, apparently. You’re not only going to be seeing big famous names but a load of future stars doing shows which you should deffo go to and then you can say ‘I saw him/ her/them before they made it’ when they appear on TV later down the line, which makes you look semi-cool
After Dark October 2012
to impressionable younger people. There are so many comics that you should go and see at the Fezzie, I just can’t name them all, man. Mainly coz I know most of them, I’ll name a few now and forget to mention a mate and I’ll see them on the circuit and they’ll say ‘Hey Nige, how come you never mentioned me? I thought we were mates?’ and I’ll feel shady so I’ll say ‘I did mention you. Didn’t they print your name?’ and they’ll look all hurt and say, ‘No. Let’s go down to their offices and see why my name wasn’t printed.’ Then I’ll start bricking it a bit and say, ‘Nah, don’t do that.’ And then they’ll realize I was lying, so I peg off before they say anything and they go to the papers and print a story called ‘Nige is a boggle-eyed, two-faced *****’ and that’ll
get me down. Let’s just say, there’s going to be loads of boss comics and leave it at that. To be fair I won’t even mention my own show ‘Nige: Liverpool’s Greatest Secret’ at the Epstein theatre on 28th September, (being filmed for DVD release). No one can say I’m not a fair man. Coz I’m not. My hair is brownish. These shows you can go to, they’re like proper shows, kidders. These comics aren’t just telling you jokes - oh no. Coz they’ve got an hour or so to fill they’ll be reaching into their fractured, socially inept, lonely, depressing lives and it’ll be hilarious! You’ll see all kinds: dance routines, films, breakdowns, suicide bids these shows are more than just gags. These shows are true comic events! Like my show at The Epstein theatre,
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September 28. So grab a Fezzie brochure, close your eyes, flick the pages and see what your finger lands on (I think my show is somewhere round page 14). Guaranteed, you’ll go and see a top class show from a top class comic and, come on, how many times can you watch that trumped up guessing game with Noel Edmonds? Get flicking those Fezzie pages kidders, get into town and discover ‘something wickedly funny this way comes to your face’ – and Shakespeare said that. Keith Carter is performing as ‘Nige’ at The Epstein theatre, September 28
Liverpool Comedy Festival
The People’s Puppeteer After Dark catches up with Jason Byrne ahead of his comedy festival appearance
L
ast year, the magnetic Irish comedian Jason Byrne won the Sony Radio Gold award for his Radio 2 show, with the judges citing “the best use of an audience” and “consistent laugh-out-loud moments” as the secret of his success. Looking back now, Jason says, “That connection with the audience was what clinched the award, the judges couldn’t believe that I was doing it off the cuff. But I was just thinking on my feet. That’s basically what I do.” And it is that spontaneity that makes Jason Byrne’s stand-up shows stand-out. He is about to embark on a UK tour with a new show, entitled ‘People’s Puppeteer’ which arrives at The Empire on Sunday September 30. It follows on from ‘Cirque du Byrne’, his hugely successful debut solo tour last year, and promises to be another tremendous night of comic pyrotechnics, onstage antics and stunts. A comic who by his own admission is easily bored, he is constantly pulling
new humorous rabbits out of his entertainer’s hat to make every night different. When we chat in the run-up to the tour, Jason proves just as
performing stand-up comedy. “When I’m on stage, I have a clever head on. I’m at the peak of my intelligence. All parts of my brain are fusing, and I feel completely in control - more so than at any other time in my life. The adrenaline rush of stand-up opens a new part of my brain. If I ever wanted to write a book, I reckon I could get it done very fast on stage! I just love performing live.”
funny in an interview as he is on stage. He explains why he thrives on his rapport with the audience. “The audience is vital to me. The more I involve them, the more unique it feels for them. The audience leave the theatre, saying, ‘Wow! What was that?’” The stand-up says he gets the biggest buzz out of conjuring routines out of thin air. “My attention span is so low! If I start telling a story that I’ve told for the past two weeks, I think, ‘I know the end of this’. I get bored and want to mix it up. That’s my drug!” Jason expands on the addictive nature of
So why has he called this year’s show ‘People’s Puppeteer’? “For last year’s show, ‘Cirque du Byrne’, I wore a ringmaster’s hat and jacket. I wanted to keep the idea of a uniform. Then I came up with the idea of wearing a puppeteer’s uniform because I use the audience as puppets and get them up on stage to do stuff. But nobody should panic! They can rest assured that there are no puppets in this show. I can see people now texting in, ‘Thank God for that!’”
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Words: James Rampton Photo: Mark Nixon
After Dark October 2012
Festival Dates Thursday 27/9 Wittank
7pm £6 Kazimier 0870 787 1866 liverpoolcomedy festival.com
John Bishop: Rollercoaster
Stand Out Final
Echo Arena, Kings Dock 1st - 6th October Tickets £30.00
7pm FREE Radio Merseyside 0870 443 0955
John Bishop returns to Liverpool with his hilarious show ‘Rollercoaster’ which represents the last chance to see Liverpool’s own multi award-winning comedian this year.
7.30pm £7/£5 The Slaughterhouse 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
Fronting the Echo Arena for a mammoth 6 nights from October 1st to the 6th, the brand new show, described by the Daily Telegraph as “unimprovable”, is chock full of hilarious new material. Last year the ever popular comedian performed to over 400,000 fans in a nationwide sell-out tour, topped the charts with the fastest selling stand up DVD of all time and with his primetime BBC One show John Bishop’s Britain regularly broadcasting into the homes of over 6.5 million viewers he can genuinely claim the title of comedy superstar. Talking about his new show John said: “The Echo Arena is my favourite arena in the country, and it is always exciting to be back in Liverpool. This is a completely new show, and having only recently put it all together I think it might be the best I have done yet. I saw a drawing of the design for the stage set this week and the last time I was that excited about a drawing was when it was Roy of the Rovers scoring a hat-trick! I can’t wait ....” The show is suitable for over 16s only.
Chris Stokes
Laugh in the Loaf: The Master Bakers Gold 8pm £7/£5 Fly In The Loaf 0870 787 1866 liverpoolcomedy festival.com
Comedy Central: Blue Thursday
8pm £14/£32 dining Buy One Get One Free Baby Blue 0151 702 5834 jicomedy.co.uk
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
8pm £16/£13 Royal Court Liverpool 0870 787 1866 royalcourtliverpool. com
Freshers’ Week Special 8pm £5 Liverpool Guild Of Students Pay On Door
Mr B
8.45pm £6 Kazimier 0870 787 1866 liverpoolcomedy festival.com
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Kevin Dewsbury: In Sane 9pm, £7/£5 The Slaughterhouse 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
Friday 28/9 David Johnson & John Mackay present Piff the Magic Dragon in… Jurassic Bark
7pm £14/£12 The Epstein Theatre 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
Stewart Francis: Outstanding In His Field
7.30pm £18.50/£24.50 Philharmonic Hall 0151 709 3789 liverpoolphil.com
Hot Water Comedy Club ‘’Whose Headline...?’
8pm £5/£2.50 The Crown, Lime Street hotwatercomedy.co.uk
Comedy Central 8pm £14/£24/£32 dining. Baby Blue 0151 702 5834 jicomedy.co.uk
Laughterhouse Triple Headline Show
8pm (doors 7.15pm) £15/£7 The Slaughterhouse 0151 227 5946 8pm (doors 7.15pm) £15/£7 The Slug And Lettuce 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
Liverpool Comedy Festival
Friday 28/9 (Cont’d)
Jack Dee
8pm, £22 Liverpool Empire 0844 847 2525 liverpoolempire.org.uk
Nige – Liverpool’s Greatest Secret 9.15pm £15/£8 The Epstein Theatre 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
Saturday 29/9 A Midsummer Night’s Dream
2pm, £10 Royal Court Liverpool 0870 787 1866 royalcourt liverpool.com
Biennial Double Bill: Bedwyr Williams & Simon Munnery 8pm £10 Kazimier 0870 787 1866 liverpoolcomedy festival.com
Hot Water Comedy Club Boiling Point
8pm £8/£4 The Crown, Lime Street hotwater comedy.co.uk
Comedy Central 8pm £18/£28/£36 dining. Baby Blue 0151 702 5834 jicomedy.co.uk
Best Of Laughterhouse
8pm £17.50/£12.50 The Epstein Theatre 0844 888 4411 epsteinliverpool.co.uk
Laughterhouse Triple Headline Show
8pm (doors 7.15pm) £17.50/£9 The Slaughterhouse
0151 227 5946 8pm (doors 7.15pm) £17.50/£9 The Slug And Lettuce 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
Monday 1/10
Sunday 30/9 Tea Hee Hee
8pm £30 Echo Arena 0844 8000 400 echoarena.com
La Concepta
Funny Business Showcase
Stand Out On Radio 4 Xtra 4pm
John Bishop Rollercoaster
2pm £donation Meet outside FACT Midday – 3pm FREE Bold Street 0870 787 1866
8pm £5 Baa Bar 0870 443 0955
Sarah Millican – Thoroughly Modern Millican
Nelson David - Get Stinkin’ Rich Like Me
8pm SOLD OUT Philharmonic Hall 0151 709 3789 for returns waiting list
8pm £8 Leaf 07870 787 1866 liverpoolcomedy festival.com
The Hidden Picture Show
Like It Is
7pm £3 Baa Bar 0870 787 1866 liverpoolcomedy festival.com
7pm £12/£8 Secret Location wegottickets.com
Tuesday 2/10
Hot Water Comedy Club Testing The Water
Stand Out On Radio
8pm £3/£1.50 The Crown, Lime Street hotwater comedy.co.uk
4 Xtra 4pm
Laugh in the Loaf: The Baker’s Dirty Half Dozen 8pm £4/£3 Fly In The Loaf 0870 787 1866 liverpoolcomedy festival.com
Dave Twentyman and Jamie Sutherland 8pm £10 Baby Blue 0151 702 5834 jicomedy.co.uk
John Bishop Rollercoaster
Jason Byrne
8pm £30 Echo Arena 0844 8000 400 echoarena.com
8pm £18.50 Liverpool Empire 0844 847 2525 liverpoolempire.org.uk
Best Of Rawhide RAW
Comedy @ The Elephant
8pm £8/£5 The Elephant Pub, Woolton 0870 787 1866 liverpoolcomedy festival.com
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8.30pm £3 Baa Bar 0870 787 1866 rawhidecomedy.com
Liverpool’s Up And Coming Night 8pm £5 Baby Blue
0151 702 5834 jicomedy.co.uk
Take a Stand in Partnership with LFC Action for Health Show 8pm £10/£7 The Slaughterhouse
The Hidden Picture Show 7pm £12/£8 Secret Location wegottickets.com
Wednesday 3/10 Stand Out On Radio 4 Xtra 4pm
Alun Cochrane – Moments Of Alan 7pm £10/£8 Unity Theatre 0844 873 2888 unitytheatre liverpool.co.uk
John Bishop Rollercoaster
8pm £30 Echo Arena 0844 8000 400 echoarena.com
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
8pm, £16/£13 Royal Court Liverpool 0870 787 1866 royalcourt liverpool.com
Steve K Amos
8pm £10 Baby Blue 0151 702 5834 jicomedy.co.uk
The Laughter Factor
8pm £5/£3 The Slaughterhouse 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
Worst Of Rawhide RAW 8.30pm £3 Baa Bar 0870 787 1866 rawhidecomedy.com
After Dark October 2012 Robin Ince & Michael Legge – Pointless Anger Righteous Ire 2
8.45pm £10/£8 Unity Theatre 0844 873 2888 unitytheatreliverpool. co.uk
Thursday 4/10 Stand Out On Radio 4 Xtra 4pm
One Day In The Life Of Lloyd Owen Langford
7pm £8 Unity Theatre 0844 873 2888 unitytheatre liverpool.co.uk
Markus Birdman 7.30pm £7/£5 The Slaughterhouse 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
Bespoken Storytelling presents Granty And Friends in You Can Tuna Piano But You Can’t Tuna Fish
8pm £5 View 2 Gallery, Mathew Street PAY ON DOOR info from grantymail@ gmail.com
Laugh in the Loaf: Ca-bread-ret
7pm £5 Baa Bar 0870 787 1866 liverpoolcomedy festival.com
7pm £10 Unity Theatre 0844 873 2888 unitytheatre liverpool.co.uk
Adventure
£17.50/£9 The Slug And Lettuce 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
John Bishop: Rollercoaster
Callum Oakley And Friends
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sam Avery
8pm £30 Echo Arena 0844 8000 400 echoarena.com
Hot water comedy club ‘’Whose Headline...?’
8pm £5/£2.50 The Crown, Lime Street hotwatercomedy.co.uk
Comedy Central 8pm £14/£24/£32 dining Baby Blue 0151 702 5834 jicomedy.co.uk
Laughterhouse Triple Headline Show
Josh Widdicombe
Jake And James
7pm £8 Unity Theatre 0844 873 2888 unitytheatre liverpool.co.uk
Comedy Central
Sunday 7/10
8pm £18/£28/£36 dining. Baby Blue 0151 702 5834 jicomedy.co.uk
Hot Water Comedy
Stand Out On Radio Isy Suttie – Pearl and Dave
8.45pm £10/£8 Unity Theatre 0844 873 2888 unitytheatre liverpool.co.uk
Laughterhouse Triple Headline Show
Friday 5/10 4 Xtra 4pm
Seann Walsh
8pm £10 Leaf, Bold Street 0870 787 1866 fourcandlescomedy. com
8pm (doors 7.15pm) £15/£7 The Slaughterhouse 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
8pm (doors 7.15pm) £15/£7 The Slug And Lettuce 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
8.45pm £5 Baa Bar 0870 787 1866 liverpoolcomedy festival.com
Saturday 6/10 Josie Long – Romance &
8pm, £16/£13 Royal Court Liverpool 0870 787 1866 royalcourtliverpool. com
Four Candles
Best Of Laughterhouse
8.45pm £8 Unity Theatre 0844 873 2888 unitytheatre liverpool.co.uk
8pm £7/£5 Fly In The Loaf 0870 787 1866
7pm £5 Downstairs Bar, Royal Court Liverpool 0870 787 1866 liverpoolcomedy festival.com
8pm £17.50/£12.50 The Epstein Theatre 0844 888 4411 epsteinliverpool.co.uk Club Boiling Point 8pm £8/£4 The Crown, Lime Street hotwatercomedy.co.uk
John Bishop: Rollercoaster
8pm £30 Echo Arena 0844 8000 400 echoarena.com
Ross Noble Mindbender
8pm £25 Liverpool Empire 0844 847 2525 liverpoolempire.org.uk
Laughterhouse Triple Headline Show
8pm (doors 7.15pm) £17.50/£9 The Slaughterhouse 0151 227 5946 8pm (doors 7.15pm)
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Steve Gribbin – Viva Gribbostania! 7.30pm £7 Eric’s Liverpool 0151 236 9994 ericslive.com
Steve Shanyaski’s Life – Survival Bible 7.30pm £7/£5 The Slaughterhouse 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
Hot Water Comedy Club Testing The Water
8pm £3/£1.50 The Crown, Lime Street hotwatercomedy.co.uk
Richard Herring’s Talking Cock 8pm £15 The Epstein Theatre 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
Silky – Nut Allegory 9pm £7/£5 The Slaughterhouse 0151 227 5946 laughterhouse comedy.com
Comedy
Front Row at Envi L
iverpool’s hottest new comedy night launched in September with the ambitious aim of bringing the best new comedy talent to the masses. Featuring the cream of local and touring comic talent Front Row at Envi (Fleet Street) is all about fun with the dual ethos of great entertainment and no pretentions. With a budgetfriendly entrance fee of just £10 on the door, Front Row could be set to become Liverpool’s comedy venue of choice for laughter fans who don’t want to mortgage their shoes for an evening of quality comic relief.
September 29 MC: Adam Rowe Opener: Tony Cowards Middle: Kate Tracey Headliner: Andrew Ryan Timeout opined of Andrew Ryan - “Utterly brilliant, he is going to be a huge star”. Hailing from Cork in Ireland, Andrew started to perform
stand up in May 2008 and is quickly progressing up the comedy ladder and regularly performs all over the UK.
the brightest up and coming comics in the North West”.
October 6
MC: Lewis Charlesworth Opener: Ben Lawes Middle: Steve Bugeja Headliner: Dave Johns
MC: Sam Harland Opener: Jamie Sutherland Middle: Hayley Ellis Headliner: Sam Avery Sam Avery wanted to be a rock star. It nearly happened. Despite being signed up by BMG Records at 17 and subsequent tours with Motorhead and Ice T, the story soon took a familiar turn and before he knew it he was back toting his fluorescent bag to do his old paper round. He had crap hair anyway. Subsequent jobs (including being a stockbroker) failed to excite him and it wasn’t long before he turned to stand-up. Sam has gained a reputation for being able to spark the dullest of rooms into life with his warm, infectious humour and quick wit. Highlighted by Radio Merseyside as “One of
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October 13
You’ve probably already seen Dave Johns on BBC2’s Never Mind The Buzzcocks, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Comedy Store Live or Rob Brydon’s Annually Retentive. Inventive, exciting and extremely funny, he has had two very successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has appeared across the globe - all the way from Bangkok and Montreal to Cleethorpes (probably).
October 20 MC: Peter Otway Opener: Will Marsh Middle: George Zach Headliner: Brendan Riley Bland or predictable are alien words to Brendan Riley. His Liverpudlian accent and lively blend of anecdotes,
gags and inspired improvisation bring a refreshing blast of cheerful scouse humour and makes him a sought after act at major comedy venues, Universities and festivals. 100% Biker magazine commented: “I have never, ever seen so many bikers crying tears of laughter in my life”… High praise indeed.
October 27 MC: Adam Rowe Opener: Matt Reed Middle: Harriet Dyer Headliner: Mark Rough Telling gags can be easy, Roughy makes it look difficult! Celebrating 14 years as a stand up, Mark Rough is a self-styled Mackem Motormouth who’s mastered a breakneck, crowd-pleasing style from covering the gamut of rough neck pubs in his native Sunderland to the swankier surrounds of Dubai. With a massive gags per minute ratio he is certainly one for the comedy purists. Check out his successful DVD’s - ‘Have You Ever Had It Blue?’ and ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’. Envi 21 Fleet Street, L1 4AR 0151 709 3498
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Comedy
After Dark October 2012
Introducing:
Adam Rowe
The award-winning 20 year old stand-up talks to us about being one of the fastest rising stars on the UK circuit
Y
ou’re one of the promoters for the Front Row Comedy Club at Envi. Are you excited for the launch?
many strong acts in the final, but things just went my way on the night.
Yeah definitely. Envi was the venue where I performed my very first gig, back in 2010, when Hot-Water Comedy was based there. It’s good to see comedy back there - it’s a great venue.
Well this has been a really good year for me comedy wise. I guess winning that competition, as well as other things, will all have played a part in that.
I guess you could say you’re going ‘home’ then? Especially considering you won Comedian of the Year there last year. Yeah, that was an awesome night. I really didn’t expect to win it with there being so
Would you say your comedy career’s picked up since you won the award?
Other than Liverpool, where else are you gigging at the moment? I’m all over the country now. North-East, NorthWest, London etc. There’s a lot more comedy outlets in London than up here, so I wouldn’t rule out moving
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there one day. What about gigging in Manchester? Do you ever have a problem with the Scouse-Manc rivalry? Actually, not at all. Manchester is one of my favourite places to gig. I make a joke out of the rivalry - it’s all a bit silly really. Would you have any advice for people thinking of trying their hand at comedy? Do it. It’s awesome. Don’t be too good at it though, I need the work. Want a sneak preview of Adam’s set? Scan the code below.
Events
Welcome to Liverpool
For its 7th edition, Liverpool Biennial will explore the theme of hospitality, inviting artists and thinkers to bring forth new understandings for our increasingly globalised and complex times iverpool Biennial is the largest contemporary art festival in the UK. For ten weeks every two years it commissions the most exciting artists from around the world, attracting over 600,000 visitors in 2010 and contributing £27m to Liverpool’s economy.
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Today, Liverpool offers the richest visual arts environment anywhere in the UK outside London. It has more galleries and museums, and commissions more new art than any other city except the capital. The Liverpool Biennial Festival takes place in a wide range of locations across the city, from established museums and galleries to unusual and unexpected places. Sally Tallant, Director of Liverpool Biennial, said, “Liverpool Biennial is the most important contemporary arts event in
the UK. I am particularly thrilled that we have expanded the Biennial, broadening the scope wider than ever before. I look forward to seeing locals and visitors, from the UK and internationally, take part in experiencing everything that the city has to offer.” Participating organisations and venues include: The Cunard Building, The Bluecoat, Everton Park, FACT, Liverpool ONE, Metal, The Monro, Open Eye Gallery, Tate Liverpool, Mitchell’s Bakery, LJMU Copperas Building, the Walker Art Gallery, Victoria Gallery and Museum and The Royal Standard. Highlights of the programme include: Sky Arts Ignition Series, in partnership with Tate Liverpool, will present a major public commission by acclaimed US artist, Doug Aitken, which will be installed on Albert Dock in a temporary structure designed
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by David Adjaye; American superstar Rhys Chatham, renowned for his large-scale performance works, who presented a spectacular concert with 100 electric guitarists in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral as part of the opening weekend; one of Argentina’s most established and internationally renowned artists, Jorge Macchi, presents an immersive installation in which 27 iron bars will be bent over and around one another, filling a 12 x 12 x 7m exhibition space; at Liverpool ONE, Israeli artist Oded Hirsch will present a full-sized elevator bursting through the floor and Elmgreen & Dragset, whose work currently sits on the Fourth Plinth, will engage with Liverpool’s infamous WAG culture by presenting an over-sized VIP door, slightly ajar, which will be manned by a smartly dressed bouncer. Liverpool’s famous Cunard building will be opened to the public for
After Dark October 2012
the first time to provide an unusual exhibition venue. For the Olympic year, Liverpool Biennial will explore the theme of hospitality, inviting artists and thinkers to present new understandings of hospitality for increasingly globalised and complex times. Bloomberg New Contemporaries showcases the best contemporary work from art schools around the UK. Established in 1949, New Contemporaries is a founding partner of Liverpool Biennial. In partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, the former Royal Mail Sorting Office on Copperas Street, near Lime Street Station, will host both Bloomberg New Contemporaries and City States. The Unexpected Guest will show works by over 60 leading and emerging artists from across the world in locations throughout the city.
The Cunard Building will be used as a venue for the first time this year. City States brings together over 60 artists from seven countries, exploring the dynamics between cities and states with new and existing works. It will present work from cities including Copenhagen, Gdansk, Hong Kong, and Vilinius among others. The John Moores Painting Prize, the most celebrated contemporary painting prize worldwide, will be presented at the Walker Art Gallery. The Royal Standard, Liverpool’s artist-led studio space, will present Series Provider, an exhibition which explores the role of Biennials in contemporary art. Each weekend of the Biennial has been curated to ensure that each of the 10 weeks of the festival has a distinctive and exciting programme that includes film, performance,
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comedy, music, archaeology, expeditions, poetry, dance and a Young Peoples’ Biennial. Joe Anderson, The Mayor of Liverpool, commented, “Liverpool Biennial is always a highlight of the city’s cultural programme. It draws large numbers of people to Liverpool and is a must-see festival for anyone with an interest in art and culture. It is thought provoking, challenging and entertaining and never fails to provoke discussion and debate. It is a measure of the cultural significance of our city that we are able to stage an event which is hugely respected by artists, critics and the public.” Liverpool Biennial 2012 runs until November 25
Events
After Dark October 2012
Late Night Tower Tours
Every Thursday, until the end of October, you can climb the steps of the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral tower and soak up one of the best views of Liverpool you’ll ever see
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his great experience offers tremendous views across the city and beyond, and you can watch as twilight turns to darkness revealing a whole new city-scape lit by neon and halogen. Take along your cameras and binoculars to make sure you capture these exciting views as the city lights up. The magnificent views stretch over to the Welsh hills on the West, the Pennines rising majestically as a backdrop to the city to the east, then
northwards to the mouth of the famous River Mersey. The Cathedral’s unique vantage point allows you to absorb the wide range of architecture, including the famous waterfront and the city buildings, such as the Albert Dock, the Liver Buildings, the Metropolitan Cathedral along Hope Street, and many more iconic sights. On a very clear night, you might just be able to pick out Blackpool Tower and the Big Dipper on the Fylde Coast to the north. Although late night viewings will continue each Thursday until the end of October,
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the special Thursday Tour (October 4) sees visitors allowed into the Bell Chambers (not normally open to the public) where you can meet the bell ringers, enjoy demonstrations and displays, then have a go at hand bell ringing before entering the amazing bell chamber itself to see at close quarters the highest and heaviest peal of bells in the world! £5 / £4 Concessions, £14 for a Family ticket (up to 2 adults and up to 3 children) www.liverpool cathedral.org.uk 0151 702 7255
Events
Snooker Legends The Rocket and The Whirlwind will be wowing the crowds in Liverpool
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nooker Legends comes to Liverpool for the very first time on Thursday 25 October 2012 with a truly spectacular match-up between Ronnie ‘The Rocket’ O’Sullivan and Jimmy ‘Whirlwind’ White at The Auditorium at the BT Convention Centre (adjacent to the ECHO Arena).
with a fantastic evening of entertainment. Ronnie is undoubtedly the biggest name in the sport and has rarely played exhibitions, so this is a great chance to see a very special head-to-head match. Their last meeting in June saw Ronnie make a 147 maximum break and both players are known for their fast, exciting play and their arsenal of trick shots!
again be taking charge and keeping the boys in check. Commenting on the event, Ronnie said “I’m really looking forward to playing in Liverpool, I had some great times living there in my early days as a pro and have some lifelong friends still in the city - and playing against Jimmy you know you’re in for a heck of a game!”
Ronnie O’Sullivan as the four-time and current defending World Snooker Champion will be taking on his great friend and former World Seniors’ Champion Jimmy White, to provide snooker fans of all ages
The players will be joined at the event by the legendary John Virgo who will be on hand to provide expert analysis and entertain the crowd, whilst World Championship Final referee Michaela Tabb will once
Snooker Legends Featuring Ronnie O’Sullivan v Jimmy White: October 25 The Auditorium at BT Convention Centre, L3 4FP Adults £20, Under 16’s £15, VIP £70
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After Dark October 2012
Bodies Revealed Battle of the Olympians
Paradise Street, Liverpool ONE Until Wednesday January 2 Monday to Sunday – 10am to 8pm (Last entrance to exhibition at 7pm) Tickets: child £11.55-£13.75/adult £13.75-£15.95/ family £40.80-£49.60 (2 adult & 2 Child)
David Price Vs Audley Harrison British & Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship Echo Arena, L3 4FP October 13 £40, £60, £90, VIP £190
British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion David Price is to fight former world title challenger Audley Harrison at Echo Arena on 13 October 2012. The fight represents both Price’s first defence of the British and Commonwealth titles won against Sam Sexton in May and potentially the most difficult challenge of his career. The 2008 Olympic bronze medallist admits that Harrison was once an inspirational figure but ambitiously asserts he has no intention of emulating the latter’s career in the pro ranks. The juxtaposition of Price’s bronze at Beijing 2008 - which was only the start of a very promising career - alongside the deceptive peak of Harrison’s, winning gold in Sydney 12 years ago, highlights the difference in hunger between the two and it is this, Price believes, that will give him the edge. “Audley was an inspiration to me when I was younger, someone our amateur squad always looked up to,” said Price. “He called me before Beijing to offer advice, which I’m grateful for, but he’s still getting flattened.” Harrison’s last big fight was his third round stoppage defeat to David Haye for the WBA heavyweight title in November 2010. Although on that occasion he produced a career-worst performance, he has already vowed to improve upon that for this fight and Price admits he expects him to be a threat. “It’s a big fight between two massive heavyweights,” Price said. Though not uncharacteristic of Harrison to make bold claims before any fight, the former European heavyweight champion insists that he could be relied upon to perform. He said: “On a few occasions I haven’t shown up which has really hurt my reputation, but I will show up in Liverpool.”
Bodies Revealed lets visitors of all ages explore, experience and celebrate the wonder of the human body in a way that informs but doesn’t overwhelm. Since the earliest efforts of ancient Egyptians to distinguish individual organs, humankind has been fascinated with uncovering the secrets of the human form. The study of human anatomy remains a cornerstone of medical education. Bodies Revealed provides millions of visitors around the world with unprecedented access to anatomical detail historically only available to medical professionals. The exhibition offers an intimate and informative view into the human
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body. Specimens in the exhibition are prepared through a revolutionary process called polymer preservation, in which human tissue is permanently preserved using liquid silicone rubber. This process creates a specimen that will not decay, allowing visitors to see the human body’s inner beauty in educational and awe-inspiring ways. The exhibition has over 200 actual human bodies and specimens meticulously dissected and respectfully displayed, offering an unprecedented and wholly unique view into the systems of the human body: skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and circulatory.
LI V ER P O O L ’ S #1 S T UDE NT C LU BBI NG EXPERI ENCE
L EGEN D A R Y N I G H TS
ME DI CA TI O N: EVERY WEDNESDAY AT N ATION
WWW. ME D IC A T IO N .CO.U K
Music
After Dark October 2012
Paul Straws
The singer-songwriter talks to us about his new album ‘The Crooked Branches Fall’
aul Straws presents his tales of love, loss and betrayal in his debut LP, ‘The Crooked Branches Fall’. The album, recorded in 8 days with Jon Withnall on production and engineering duties, is awash with mandolins, ukulele, glorious harmonies and gorgeous cello framing his obvious guitar and piano talents. Currently embarking on his first raft of gigs with his band of wonderful misfits, he is also building a web presence with several low fi videos which can be found at www. paulstraws.com.
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“The album kind of happened
by accident” according to Paul. “I was getting over the end of a big relationship - I just wanted to record some really raw songs acoustically and maybe stick them out as an EP. For the first time I didn’t hold anything back in terms of emotions, probably because I didn’t think it’d go anywhere! But I think the emotion is what really comes through.” After the initial recording session producer Jon got in touch with Paul and excitedly told him how good he thought the songs were and asked if he wanted to make a record out of it. “I’ve amassed a huge number of songs that I’d always wanted to record. We decided we’d only add what
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we absolutely thought would benefit the songs and that was it. The most fun session that I’ve ever done!” He has already started gigging with his new line up - the band consisting of cello, drums, bass, keyboard, mandolin and guitar. “We haven’t decided how to release the album yet, so it’s effectively under wraps for the moment. However - I’ve just finished recording an EP and a merch CD so I can stick those out and sell them at gigs.” Chris will be playing at Leaf, Bold Street on Wednesday October 3 Photo: Chris Purcell
Music
George Michael ‘Symphonica’ The Orchestral Tour Echo Arena Liverpool Kings Dock, L3 4FP October 10 From £51
The Liverpool Music Awards Venue TBC
The Liverpool Music Awards honour the heroes of the music industry in our city: not only local musicians, but also those behind the scene, who facilitate and inspire others to create and perform on Merseyside. The ten strong judging panel is a who’s who of distinguished music industry notables, including; broadcaster Janice Long, Radio Merseyside DJ Billy Butler and son Lee Butler from Radio City, founder of LIPA, Mark Featherstone-Witty, programme director for the MA in music industry studies at the University of Liverpool Dr Mike Jones, Simon Glinn, executive director of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall & Events, Liverpool Echo music writer Jade Wright, BBC Radio Merseyside’s Dave Monks, Bido Lito’s Craig G Pennington and Jennifer John, artistic
director of Sense of Sound. “All ten judges make up a diverse panel of music industry experts, each with their own unique perspectives,” says awards organiser Ellie Phillips. The Fifteen Award Categories include; Live Music Venue of the Year, Live Music Night of the Year, Artist Manager/Management Team of the year, Producer/Production Team of the Year, Recording Studio of the Year, Record Label of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Band of the Year, DJ of the Year, One To Watch, Local Music Champion and Outstanding Contribution to Music. November 17 Venue TBC www.liverpoolmusic awards.com
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George Michael is back in good health and fighting fit after a battle with pneumonia at the end of last year, which unfortunately led to his ‘Symphonica’ tour being postponed. He has now returned to the big stage this Autumn with rescheduled and newly added tour dates, and is coming to Echo Arena on Wednesday 10 October 2012 (rescheduled from 30 November 2011). Concert promoters have confirmed that original tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. The ‘Symphonica’ tour kicked-off with its first concert on September 4th 2012 in Vienna, an added date in the city where George was hospitalised with pneumonia after performing 46 of the original 65 dates of his tour. George donated one thousand tickets from the September 4th date as a special thank you to the medical staff who cared for him so well whilst he was in hospital. He says, “I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you first to the doctors and nurses who saved my life and took such great care of me and to all my fans, family and friends for their love and support. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone.” The rescheduled and brand new ‘Symphonica’ tour dates have included performances in Austria, The Netherlands and France, where George made history by becoming the first pop artist ever to perform a special gala charity concert at the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris.
After Dark October 2012
What’s On? Echo Arena
Kings Dock, L3 4FP
Cheryl: A Million Lights Tour
October 11 £35 - Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 Cheryl Cole is coming to Liverpool on 11 October 2012 as part of her first solo nationwide arena tour. Cheryl’s recent single ‘Call My Name’ went straight to No.1 within hours of release on iTunes, clocking up record breaking sales. Her third album ‘A Million Lights’ has also been a No.1 hit. The album follows Cheryl’s previous solo albums ‘3 Words’ and ‘Messy Little Raindrops’ both of which hit No.1 in the charts. Cheryl will be performing songs from all three albums on the tour as well as some surprises. Although this will be Cheryl’s first headline arena tour, she is certainly no stranger to the live circuit.
Nicki Minaj
October 24 £39.50 - Under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult over 18. Strictly no under 14’s on the standing floor Multi platinum selling superstar Nicki Minaj has announced a 2012 UK Arena tour. The Pink Friday Reloaded Tour will stop at Echo Arena Wednesday 24 October. X Factor star Misha B will be supporting Nicki on her
UK Arena tour. Misha B from last year’s X Factor recently released her debut single ‘Home Run’ which entered the UK charts at number 10. Joining Nicki and Misha on the bill is rising star Tyga.
Eric’s
Mathew Street, L2 6RE
Turin Brakes
October 13 £17.50 (Eric’s Box office / 0151 236 9994 / www. ericslive.com) Turin Brakes is made up of a London based, folk-inspired duo, who have been causing a stir on the acoustic music scene since they formed over a decade ago. Often compared to Coldplay and Travis, Turin Brakes comprise of two friends Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian. The band released their 5th studio album in 2010 titled ‘Outbursts’. It was seen as a return to the sound of ‘The Optimist’ LP. The duo are joined on stage (and often also in studio) by Rob Allum (drums), Phil Marten (keyboards) and Eddie Myer (bass).
o2 Academy
Hotham Street, L3 5UF
Space
October 26 From £17.50 (www. o2academyliverpool. co.uk) Almost a year since they reformed to perform to a sell-out O2 Academy Liverpool crowd last December, the platinum selling band famous for hits such as ‘Female of the Species’, ‘Neighbourhood’,
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Marina and the Diamonds o2 Academy
Hotham Street, L3 5UF October 4 To suport the release of their new single ‘How To Be A Heartbreaker’ on October 15th Marina and The Diamonds come to Liverpool’s 02 Arena on October 4th. The band’s album ‘Electra Heart’ has been released to rave reviews in the US where Marina’s own headline tour sold out, and she successfully supported Coldplay on their world tour across the US and Europe through the summer. Marina has taken her critically acclaimed live show to all points on the globe over the last two years and has firmly cemented a reputation as an enthralling performer. www.marinaandthediamonds.com
Music ‘Avenging Angels’, ‘Me and You Versus The World’ and ‘The Ballad of Tom Jones’ are back for another special hometown show. The band will be giving their fans the full experience of their entertaining stage performance and classic hits, along with tracks from their forthcoming new studio album. Space will be supported by The Mono LPs, the unique Liverpool three-piece band with distinctive cello tones weaving through the heart of their songs.
The Picket
Jordan Street, L1 0BW
Threshold Festival Launch, New Bird & The Return to Bedlam October 20 2pm - late £6
The Threshold Festival 2013, takes place on March 8th-10th in Camp & Furnace, The Picket, Elevator Bar and all over The Baltic Triangle. The new look of the festival will launch at The Picket on October 20th along with the discounted early ‘New Bird’ ticket available until January 1st (priced at £10 for a weekend). To herald the launch Manchester’s Debt Records’ Louis Barabbas and The Bedlam Six, whose music has been praised by the likes of Supergrass, The Mighty Boosh and The Hells Angels, will take to the stage. To make it a double celebration, they will also launch their
latest single as part of the New Bird Ticket release. There will be a special free download for all in attendance on the night and needless to say, Threshold are thrilled to have Louis & the band back in Liverpool. The daytime event will also see Pillbox Vintage’s new fashion concept ‘Style Jam’, taking Vintage in Liverpool to a new era, expanding the possibilities of this burgeoning scene. With youth music from some promising talents during the day, before the night time gives way to Liverpool newcomers Trails, southern NME favourites Towns, touring Swedish band People of K and LIPA marvel Orion some of whom you may have been lucky enough to catch at this year’s Sound City. Threshold welcomes back the goth synth odyssey Memoire from Manchester and local scene innovators Fonetiks and Statement Haircut. For more information and updates go to: www.threshold festival.com
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Hope Street, L1 9BP
Folk Rising
October 5 £12 (www.liverpoolphil. com) As part of the After 8 series of unplugged gigs in the Rodewalk Suite, Liverpool Philharmonic’s most intimate space with
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Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall October 15 £19.50 / £25.50
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers are the UK’s first and only professional touring taiko group, and Europe’s most established and successful performing company. Through performing over 100 concerts a year, the group have built a solid reputation for their hard-hitting and energetic performances. They bring their unique show to Liverpool this October and audiences can look forward to a night of thundering rhythms on huge taiko drums, mysterious masked choreography with inventive lighting, muscular synchronisation timed to perfection, post-apocalyptic martial imagery and infectious belly laugh humour - all in a spellbinding display of sheer athleticism. Feel the energy and experience the power of this unique performance. The group has appeared on numerous television and radio programmes worldwide, including the Brit Awards, BBC Last Night of the Proms, the Generation Game and has even featured in a Bollywood film. Quite simply, a taiko drumming concert by Mugenkyo is not “just drumming” - it’s a complete aural & visual experience which captivates the audience from start to finish.
After Dark October 2012 its own entrance in Sugnall Street will host Folk Rising. Together with the English Folk Dance and Song Society, Folk Rising will present an evening of the freshest, most exciting emerging talent from Liverpool’s unique folk scene. With the burgeoning profile that folk music has achieved in recent years there has never been a better time to showcase the best of the region’s young folk artists. With informal cabaret seating, an in-house bar, rooftop terrace and the opportunity to meet the artists and other guests after the performance, After 8 shows are a unique experience and a great night out.
The Irish Sea Sessions
October 11 - 21 £17.50/ £18.50/ £21/ £28.50 VIPs (inc. entrance to Aftershow) Aftershow £5 adv (£10 on door) (www. liverpoolphil.com) As always, music will be at the heart of the Festival. The main event takes place at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall: the third year of the Irish Sea Sessions. Part supergroup, part sessions, the project returns with a new line up of the most talented musicians in their field. Featuring new faces and some you’ll recognise, the 14 hand-picked multi-instrumentalists and singers drawn from traditional and contemporary music backgrounds - and from both sides of
the Irish Sea - come together with the audience for another night of impassioned celebration of the shared music and the special bond between Liverpool and Ireland.
The Cavern Pub
Mathew Street, L2 6RE
The Ian Prowse Monday Club – Irish Edition
October 15 8pm-11pm FREE ADMISSION The Monday Club, which is held weekly at The Cavern Pub, will have an Irish twist on October 15th. Irish Sea Sessions member Ian Prowse will preside over a free evening of song, be it bands or solo artists. As the night promotes original music, the only strict rule of the Monday Club is that no cover versions are permitted. Many of Liverpool’s resident Irish singer songwriters will be along as well as those in town especially for the festival.
St George’s Hall
Lime Street, L1 1JJ
Mary Coughlan Plus special guest Graham Robins October 18, 7.30pm £16.50 (www. liverpoolphil.com or 0151 709 3789)
Mary Coughlan is musical royalty in Ireland. Throughout over 25 years of her extraordinary career Mary has drawn heavily from her legendary
heroes: Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, Van Morrison, Edith Piaf, with her smoky, bluesy drawl and marrying of sardonic wit and visceral rage, she makes each song her own. Her performance at St George’s Hall on October 18th as part of the Liverpool Irish Festival is set to be very special indeed.
Leaf
Bold Street, L1 4EZ
Duotone: Mellowtone & Ceremony Concerts October 3, 8.00pm £6.50 (01517077747)
Duotone is the name under which Barney Morse-Brown (cellist for The Imagined Village and Chris Wood’s Handmade Life) and James Garrett (London based singer-song writer and percussionist) write and perform their own contemporary acoustic songs. Support on the night comes in the form of singer/songwriter and guitarist Paul Straws, and from the mesmerising Tibi & Her Cello.
Palm House Sefton Park, L17
David Munnelly, Conneely, Molloy & Support October 12, 7.30pm £15 (www.palmhouse. org.uk & www. liverpoolphil.com Box office 0151 709 3789)
David Munnelly performing at the beautiful Sefton Park Palm House on Friday 12th October at 7:30pm
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will mark the release of his duo CD, ‘Tis What It Is’ with Mick Conneely, who will also feature at the event, along with other guest support.
The Attic
Studio 2, Parr Street, L1 4JN
Midweek Melodies: Nighthowl, Triphazard, Robert Vincent & Ed Poole October 17, 7.30pm FREE ADMISSION
Midweek Melodies runs every 3rd Wednesday of the month, showcasing some of the best new acoustic acts on the North West music scene. The new Attic venue is above the world famous Parr Street Studios. This month artists include: Nighthowl, a duo who describe their sound as “folk-infused rock with a twist”; Triphazard, a 3-piece electro-pop band; singer-songwriter Robert Vincent; and ‘alternative acoustic’ singer and guitarist Ed Poole.
Unity Theatre Hope Place, L1 9BG
Acoustic Night
October 18, 8.00pm £6 (www. unitytheatreliverpool. co.uk) Unity’s night of acoustic serenity returns. Featuring: Liverpoolbased folk/blues band Ivy and the Chance, led by the blissful vocals of 19 year-old singersongwriter Shannen Bamford.
Nightlife
After Dark October 2012
Medication battles its way to the top
edication, Liverpool’s biggest student night, has in many ways been one of the city’s best kept secrets. Over fifteen years it’s become an institution; a rite of passage for hundreds of thousands of students studying and socialising in the city. But being on a Wednesday and strictly student only, most people never get to sample probably the best student night in the country. However that all changed earlier this year when Medication was selected by Smirnoff to be the only student night in their prestigious ‘Battle of the Clubs’ competition. Marc Jones, who runs Medication with his brother Jason, told us, “Winning ‘Battle of the Clubs’ was a real game changer for us because Smirnoff really threw the kitchen sink at it and, being a national campaign, the advertising was everywhere.
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We had huge banners on the side of hotels and prime sight billboard locations which really pushed up our profile both locally and around the UK. When your auntie sitting on a bus notices the advertising... you know you are doing something right!”
“Winning ‘Battle of the Clubs’ was a real game changer for us” The prize for winning wasn’t bad either with Smirnoff paying for a whole night’s entertainment for the last Med of term. The theme was a Sci-Fi spectacular that included Predators, Aliens, Transformers and various Star Wars characters, as well as DJ’s, lights and an unbelievable laser show. Marc added, “It was out of this world, a brilliant night and some reward for the club’s years of hard work”. Medication is back for
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another term of midweek madness and so popular have Wednesdays become that students now call it ‘Mednesdays’ – the moniker becoming one the club’s most popular hash tags on Twitter. “The students that come to Medication, whether they are from LJMU, Liverpool University, Hope or Edge Hill, are the best in the country,” says Marc. “They create such a wonderful, friendly and amazing atmosphere every week... it makes my job very easy!” Look out for L1’s Student Takeover in conjunction with Medication and Juice FM when they try to find Liverpool’s most fashionable student on Wednesday 3rd of October Medication - Wednesdays at Nation (during term time). Student only. Valid student ID or similar required. www. medication.co.uk Facebook Medication Liverpool Twitter @medicationclub
Nightlife
“It was only meant to be a couple of parties but here we are 10 years on”
Yousef 34
After Dark October 2012
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emember when ‘Pop Idol’ was must-see TV and high-waisted pants were all the rage? When the word ‘credit’ wasn’t swiftly followed by the word ‘crunch’? When Essex certainly wasn’t the only way and when some people even still liked Tony Blair? 2002 was the year that Circus first announced itself to Liverpool’s clubbing intelligentsia. From the very first day, this house/techno baby knew how to throw the coolest party, and its growth was stratospheric. The heady intervening years have seen Circus win UK Club of the Year and host two Radio 1 Essential Mixes, one being the 500th Essential Mix party, among other many illustrious highlights. The night has grown and evolved into a thoroughbred clubbing institution and now celebrates 10 triumphant years with an unrivalled line-up of deck spinning talent on Sept 29th. We spoke to Circus’s co-founder and superstar DJ, Yousef, to discuss the secret of longevity, his new album, the future and how to juggle hats. I imagine playing the 10th anniversary is going to be emotional? Yeah I guess so. It’s great for us to be lucky enough to make it to ten years and to age really gracefully. With the line ups we’ve got (Sasha, Seth Troxler, Maceo Plex, Davide Squillace, Lewis Boardman and Scott Lewis) it’s going to be a really special night and I’m really looking forward to it. When you started Circus could you ever have imagined you’d be here 10 years on? Not in a million years. The original plan was to start
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Circus from the Annexe at Nation, but then I left Cream and an opportunity came to start a night at Masque. We felt we could start from scratch and create Circus ourselves, so we just thought we’d do a couple of parties and see what happens. Before we knew it we were doing our fifth birthday party and we even discussed calling it a day after five. Now here we are at the 10th. It’s really taken on a life of its own. Circus has become like a family member, it’s such a constant in my life. We’ll continue trying to keep it fresh and fun because that’s what it’s always been about; letting people be themselves, wear what they want, listen to great music, feel safe and make new friends. 10 years in the UK’s turbulent club scene is like an eternity. What’s enabled Circus to be successful for so long? I think it’s mainly because we try not to have a ‘them and us’ approach. I believe the audience are the most important people in the club and I always do my best to interact with them and to create moments to thank them. Plus we always do our best to introduce brand new talent. For example, we gave Loco Dice his first gig when no one had heard of him, now he’s one of the world’s top DJs. We also gave Davide Squillace his first UK gig. But it’s not about the DJs who are the coolest with the current biggest buzz; for me the DJ has really got to be able to rock it. We book DJs who will entertain the audience and enlighten them; not sacrificing one for the other. But why Circus has worked so well is because primarily we want people to have a good time and we always work very hard to make it the best experience we possibly can.
Nightlife Your second album ‘A Product Of Your Environment’ is released this month. How’s this album moved on from your previous album ‘A Collection Of Scars And Situations’? When I sat down to do this I really wanted to make an album that’s personal, the lyrically based tracks have very private personal meanings, especially ‘I See’.
difficult to juggle the DJing, the remixing and everything else but I just get on with it because the philosophy I have is that you don’t get any further by working less. I think in any field you’ve got to love what you do, but if you really want to be good at it you’ve got to work really, really hard.
freshest line ups and, I think, the best nights in the city and, on our day, the best on the scene. We’ll do our best to stay current, stay focused and make sure everyone’s having a good time. But will we still be doing that in 10 years? I suppose I wouldn’t rule it out but at the moment it’s all about the next line up and the next party.
What are your hopes for the next 10 years with Circus? Do you dare dream of a 20th anniversary?
Circus 10th Birthday
There are a couple of tunes that are focused very much on the dance floor, but all the tracks have a story. We’ve also come up with some quite complicated, melodic compositions on the album, but it’s more organic rather than cinematic. It’s kind of got a body and a soul to it rather than just sounding electronic; but then I guess that’s what I’m about anyway. For me it’s not about any particular scene or genre. When I look back in a few years when genres won’t matter, I want to see the record as a reflection of where I was at musically at the time. I’m definitely proud of the album. As an artist, DJ, producer, promoter and label owner, which role do you enjoy the most and is it difficult juggling all the different hats? I enjoy them all. Of course being a DJ is the most important and always will be - the others are like expensive hobbies! But all the other roles stimulate the DJ. Making music is really important to me and I spend as much time thinking about that as I do the DJing. I remember when I was 16 or 17 in college I used to sneak off from classes to play on my decks and now quite often when I’m meant to be doing something I’ll sneak off to the studio to work on a tune. It is
I don’t know; as I say it was only meant to be a couple of parties but here we are 10 years on! At the moment electronic music is strong and people seem to be into what we’re doing. I’m not so blinkered as to think that we’re going to be the freshest kid on the block after 10 years, but we are offering the
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Saturday September 29 The Masque, Seel Street, Sasha, Seth Troxler, Maceo Plex, Yousef, Davide Squillace, Lewis Boardman, Scott Lewis. Check www.circusclub.co.uk
‘A Product Of Your Environment’
is released October 15 on Circus Recordings
After Dark October 2012
The Dark Chibuku Rises
After its first break in 13 years, Chibuku returns to its spiritual home on Saturday October 6, refreshed with more than a few tricks up its sleeve
Kingdom
25 Harrington Street , L2 9QA 0151 255 1559 www.kingdom-liverpool.co.uk/ I was invited to Kingdom to sample the recent additions to their new cocktail menu, oh yes please! Greeted by a warm smile and a very hospitable hostess, I instantly felt welcome. Kingdom is a beautiful bar boasting sleek and sophisticated decor, atmospheric lighting and the pièce de résistance, Antonio Canova’s marble statue ‘The Three Graces’ representing beauty, charm and joy, they reflect the qualities of this unique bar. I was shown to my booth and handed a cocktail menu, and by no means are you limited: there is a drink for everyone’s taste. I was feeling rather adventurous and chose the ‘Breakfast Martini’ (dry gin, marmalade, fresh lemon juice, sugar and mini toast garnishes). Delicious is an understatement! The music playing was an electric mix of funky and commercial house (DJs Dave Pethard and Mick Willow) to the soulful backdrop of Carl Stanley on Sax. I had a wonderful experience at Kingdom and will definitely be back soon to try the ‘Grey Goose Le Fizz’. Words & photo: Joe-Ann Randles
Welcoming Ben Klock to the legendary Theatre for the first time also signals the return of the proper techno sound that has been prominent in Chibuku’s history. Whilst they often flirted with Detroit, there is no mistake today’s sound is from Berlin. Support is from Radio One’s newest recruit Mosca, as well as the hottest new techno producer in the UK, Blawan from Hessle to R&S he is the next wave. Upstairs in The Loft sees Chibuku legend Andy C celebrating 20 years of RAM records alongside stable mates Loadstar and DC Breaks. From the legendary London
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residency at both the End and Fabric to guest DJ slots across the world, the Executioner knows no equal. By the time this party comes around The Masque will be half way through its refurbishment and, in the next few months, we can look forward to a world class venue on Liverpool’s club scene.
Theatre Ben Klock (Ostgut Ton) Mosca Blawan James Rand
Loft 20 years of Ram Records Andy C & MC GQ Loadstar DC Breaks Rich Furness www.chibuku.com
Nightlife
Student Bar City Boasting one of the most vibrant student scenes, Liverpool has a diverse selection of night spots for scholarly young heads to unwind after a hard day’s matriculating Envi
17-21 Fleet Street L1 4AR 0151 709 3498 A busy nightspot with locals and student revellers regularly invading the expansive dance floor to uplifting house and chart dance, with the odd pop classic thrown in to keep everyone happy. The 750 capacity venue is open 7 days a week and boasts an extensive range of special drinks offers.
Aloha
22 Colquitt Street L1 4DE 0151 707 8030 Still Liverpool’s only ‘Tiki’ bar, Aloha is the perfect place to escape from whatever the world is trying to throw at you. If you’ve never been to a tiki bar, here’s what to expect: beautiful exotic cocktails served in pineapples and volcanoes (amongst other things)by friendly bartenders clad in Hawaiian shirts; reggae and rock & roll in equal measure and expect to partake in the occasional limbo and conga whilst enjoying the best atmosphere in the city. Open at 8 every
or night making this a popular destination anytime of the week. www.modoliverpool. co.uk
complete with thunderous bass-bins; and the ‘Boosh Room’ which adds a quirky, left field addition.
G Bar
G Bar is open 4 nights a week, Thursday to Sunday and welcomes all-comers, from locals to students and city visitors. If you are new to G Bar the vibe is anything goes. They are renowned as being a place where people from all kinds of backgrounds meet and mingle in a carefree, relaxed environment where you can really let your hair down, whether you are gay, straight or bi.
Eberle Street L2 2AG 0151 236 4416
night, they get very busy at weekends. You can also book a table with them at home@ alohabar.co.uk
Heebie Jeebies 80-82 Seel Street, L1 4BH 0151 709 3678
G Bar is a venue that needs little introduction. Situated on Eberle Street, in the hub of Liverpool city centre, the venue has been a mainstay of the Liverpool club scene for over a decade and is one of the city’s most famed and celebrated venues.
The club’s massive success is due in part to being such a Set over two floors diverse venue which Heebie Jeebies is instantly evolves the place to go for from being the city’s Liverpool’s indie and leading gay venue alternative scene. (bar hours) hosted by Hosting regular DJs as famed cabaret queen well as live music there’s Lavinia, into the bustling bars on both North West’s leading levels, an abundance of underground afterfloor space to display hours clubbing venue your moves, and plenty (club hours). DJs from of seating to regain your the global clubbing energy. Post dance, the circuit such as Stefano open air area is ideal for Noferini, Funkagenda, cooling down. Mastiksoul, Jonathan Ulysses, D Ramirez, Modo DJ Gee, Jo Mills, 1 Concert Square, Kate Lawler & Tim L1 4AR Sheridan have been 0151 7098 832 no strangers to the hallowed decks on One of the best Eberle Street playing established bars in alongside one of the Liverpool, Modo is best resident DJ line a great place to chill ups Liverpool has to with one of the 2 for offer. 1 cocktail offers from their extensive list. The building has three Alternatively you can unique rooms: The party until late in the famous ‘Church Room’ exclusive clubroom. with church alters and Modo’s impressive decor to boot; The outdoor space on ‘Bassment’ which is an Concert Square is a cool underground haven for all true clubbers place to hang out day
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G Bar is for everyone who has the right attitude! Bear this in mind as they operate a very strict door and reserve the right to refuse entry. Remember to wear your smile!
Popworld
68 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 4AG 0151 7094637 Popworld, off Wood Street, in the heart of the city centre is a cheesy 90’s bar which also plays modern-day party and chart tunes. Open seven nights a week with entertainment every night under the helm of Carl Burns and Jimmy Sea. From their busy student nights to hen/stag parties at the weekend, right through to busy midweek nights, Popworld is a fun, safe and friendly club.
After Dark October 2012
Alma De Cuba Paradise Lane L1 4BH 0151 702739
Winner of Best Bar, Best Restaurant and UK’s Best Venue, this is a must visit destination with a spectacular bar area downstairs, including a real altar (it’s in an old church) and a beautiful restaurant on the upper floor. There is live music in the week, as well as gospel choirs and Brazilian dancers at the weekend.
Ca’va
4A Wood St L1 4AQ 0151 709 9300 Ca’va is an Aladdin’s cave of Mexican cactus culture. The bohemian style decor features quirky film posters and intriguing memorabilia and upstairs you’ll find some comfy sofas grouped around tables, where you can relax with friends. Behind the bars lies over a hundred different types of tequila to sample, anything from lime and apple to the unusual baked bean slammer!
La’go
Maya
Comfortable surroundings, classic grooves and very competitively priced drinks. If you like everything from retro soul to cutting edge cool beats, this could be the bar for you.
Maya is the newest addition to the busy Wood Street area which promises a truly authentic Mexican experience. The bar is located underneath Lucha Libre, the dining arm of the company,
20 Colquitt St L1 4DE 0151 709 6116
Wood Street, L1 4DQ 0151 329 0200 which offers high quality contemporary Mexican street cuisine. Boasting stunning and luxuriant interiors which are intentionally evocative of the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Maya is all about celebrating life
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rather than living in fear of death. Owners describe it as “a late night trip to the other side with some great cocktails and tunes to accompany you”, and of course there’s an amazing selection of tequilas.
Nightlife
Cream at 20 After Dark looks ahead to the superclub’s
birthday celebrations
Cream 20th Anniversary Nation, Wolstenholme Square, L1 4JJ
Part 1: October 6 Part 2: October 13
C
ream’s story began back in 1992 when founder James Barton staged their first, small, 400 capacity event. The club went on to dominate Saturday nights in the city and beyond throughout the superclub era of the next decade. Cream’s
20th Anniversary is a superb milestone, so it’s only fitting that the legendary club return to its spiritual home of Nation in Liverpool to celebrate the occasion. The two birthday bashes, taking place on Saturday 6th and Saturday 13th October, will have a line up bigger than some festivals! Part One on October 6th will see the Main Room hosted by Steve Angello’s label, Size Matters, with AN21 & Max Vaneli and Third Party. The Courtyard’s taken over by Paul Van Dyke, Eddie Halliwell, Adam Sheridan & Rob Harnetty;
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whilst the Annexe features Paul Bleasedale, Anthony Probyn, Jemmy & Lee Ellis. Part Two on October 13th will be a feisty line up of Fatboy Slim, Carl Cox, John Digweed and Jemmy in the Main Room, Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong, Paul Bleasdale & Gareth Wyn hanging out in the Courtyard. K-Klass, Andy Carroll, Andy Mac & Anthony Probyn will be dusting off those turn tables and giving us some well-deserved party action in the Annexe. Words: Larissa Wignall Photo: Charlie Turner
Nightlife
Penthouse
Mojito
66 Bold Street, L1 4HR Penthouse Bar held its Grand Launch night in September. After Dark was invited along to the brand new nightspot situated on Bold Street, Liverpool. When I arrived at Penthouse, to my surprise I was escorted through to the secluded Belvedere VIP suite and received a bottle of Belvedere, on the house (perks of the job). The suite offers the best views within the club, overlooking the very
packed dance floor. Great music and atmosphere, as well as very grand decor, complimented a very select and sophisticated crowd. If you’re planning on a night at Penthouse, a passion fruit Martini cocktail will definitely get you in the mood. You must dress to impress, and ladies leave your kitten heels at home. A great night out and definitely one to re-visit very soon.
Bedlam
Eberle Street, L2 2AG Every Saturday night when I finish work at Moniques most of my work mates go straight home to bed. There is only one place for me however and that is BEDLAM!! The club opens at 2am and is situated downstairs at Garlands, playing everything from progressive house to techno. The genuine underground vibe allied with a friendly, trouble-free environment encourages an ‘anything goes’ ambience of madness and mayhem. My favourite DJs are resident Ant Chandler
and Mr X (Who is he?) creating an atmosphere where clubbers can be who they want to be, knowing they are in a safe place to do so. You also have the option of Boudoir, situated below Garlands’ main room, where you can dance to anything from Wham to the Killers. Then finally, the room I visit last, the Sonder Bar, is a great place to chill out and recharge your batteries with coffee and cake for ‘Breakfast in Bedlam’.
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Victoria Street, Liverpool, L2 5QA 07783182000 It’s a Friday night and I’m out with some friends, but where to go? We decided on Mojito bar with a view to trying out their new night ‘Wildlife’ which we’d heard “brings out the animal in you”. We were greeted by staff whose faces had been painted as various animals, including tigers, lions and even the odd giraffe. It was only 10pm and the place was already busy. We went straight to the bar and ordered a Mojito. The bartender, who’s face decoration was distinctly snake-like, asked us to try a complimentary shot he had created called a ‘Ding Ding’. I’ve no idea what was in it, but if you visit Mojito you really must order one. The music was very uplifting funky house and everyone was dancing - including the staff! DJ Carl Williams and Denny Dowd were in control and they took us on a musical journey from the moment we entered to the very last track. A big thumbs up for Mojito bar! Words & photo: Joe-Ann Randles
After Dark October 2012
DJ Profile:
Robert McPartland
My Top Ten: October
Matt Gall
1. Don’t You Worry Child feat. John Martin Swedish House Mafia
A
s September draws to a close, so too does the Liverpool / Ibiza flight path that marks a vital point on the party calendar. With the last plane full of scouse brows, man-bags and tortured souls preparing to land, local DJ Robert McPartland, 20, prepares for his next flight - to the top of the local DJ scene. While most adjust to life back home in darkened rooms to fight their Ibiza blues, Robert is busier than ever. After riding the crest of the wave in Ibiza all summer long, McPartland reflects on his season away and talks Liverpool. He said: “I ended up doing the season and was a weekly resident for one of the nights at the brand new Ocean Club which locked out to over 2000 people every week. Juggling that with flying to Marbella every week as well,
I had a very busy summer which I wouldn’t change for the world” McPartland’s entrance into DJ’ing began when he worked part-time in retail when friend and fellow DJ Liam Irwin would drop his latest mixes off in store. Rob added: “I was into his mixes and the music he played, so the next time he came into the shop I asked him about getting into DJ’ing and could he teach me the ropes. Every Friday I went to work with him at BaaBar and it all started from there - I ended up getting a residency every Friday.” Catch Robert each month at Mansion (Temple St), Kingdom (Harrington St) and Penthouse (Bold St) and as a guest DJ for club nights, Sin Sundays and Prestige nights. For more info visit: www.facebook.com/ robertmacpartland Words: Andrew Mason Photo: Max Lawless
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2. Follow You feat. Wynter Gordon: Original Mix Deniz Koyu 3. Million Voices: Original Mix Otto Knows 4. Silhouettes: Original Mix Avicii 5. We’ll Be Coming Back feat. Example: R3hab EDC Vegas Remix Calvin Harris 6. Spectrum (Say My Name): Extended Mix Calvin Harris, Florence & The Machine 7. City Of Dreams feat. Ruben Haze: Original Mix Dirty South & Alesso 8. Goodbye Fly Joris Voorn 9. Years: Vocal Extended Mix Alesso & Matthew Koma 10. Dancing In My Head: Avicii’s Been Cursed Remix Avicii & Eric Turner Matt is resident DJ on Saturday at Mo*niques Liverpool. Twitter @djmattgall
After Dark October 2012
Buon Compleanno Discoteca Poca With the night’s second birthday imminent, Discoteca Poca promoter Kate Binns talks about the ‘little disco’ that’s become a big success
W
hat was the inspiration behind Discoteca Poca?
Back in November 2009 a Manchester based night called ‘Naive Melody’ had Andrew Weatherall playing their 4th Birthday. He is a massive hero of ours and commanded a 5 hour set in the basement of a Chinese restaurant. With tables and chairs pushed to one side, adding a PA system and obligatory discoball - the scene was set. The capacity was a little over 200, this intimate environment conjured such a unique atmosphere. We wanted to re-create our own version of this little disco - literally translated into Italian Discoteca Poca, adding an Italian flamboyancy. What’s the musical policy? The music is disco based. A combination of nu disco and new edits of disco classics. Everybody loves disco they just don’t realise it until they are dancing! It is accompanied by house and techno. The Residents, Mr Paul and Jimmy Allen, can be found playing at house based bars such as Peacock, Bar
43 and techno powerhouse MuMu or Chibuku. They have been accompanied by previous Guest DJ’s including Tiger & Woods and Andrew Weatherall, who enjoyed himself so much he asked to return to showcase his side project A Love From Outer Space which we’ll be featuring for our 2nd Birthday celebrations on the 13th of October.
mixed things up with a 3D Italo Disco night including full 3D displays on numerous TV’s, giving all participants customised old school 3D glasses on arrival. We have hosted a disco band night in conjunction with Liverpool music week, Hercules & Love Affair at Mojo cocktail bar and even a 90’s, house based night when Kim Ann Foxman came to town.
Describe a typical Discoteca Poca night.
Upcoming events?
Guests are welcomed by our ‘Disco Dollies’ on the door, they then descend the steps into the disco den, navigating through the billowing drapes of material and disco paraphernalia that transform the basement of The Shipping Forecast each month, finding a room with exposed bricks and low ceilings. There they can enjoy a drink, get their face artfully painted and dance in the moonlight of the disco balls along with a regular crowd of like-minded people. Having said that we do like variety. In the past two years alongside the huge list of names including Ivan Smagghe, Ewan Pearson, Daniel Avery aka Stopmakingme, we have
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Our 2nd Birthday will be at our home in The Shipping Forecast followed by an after party at Bar 43. In addition, we will be hosting a Chibuku after party on the 16th November. The acts are set to get bigger but the night is set to stay underground. For us it is all about creating an experience, a gathering where in years to come people say “I was there!” Discoteca Poca 2nd Birthday Featuring A Love From Outer Space - Andrew Weatherall & Sean Johnston Saturday October 13 The Shipping Forecast, Slater Street, L1 4BW 10pm-3am Tickets from £10
Style
After Dark October 2012
Six steps to heavenly hair
Liverpool's iconic 'curly blow' is a firm favourite for many of Voodou's clients. Director Suzanne Lunn from Voodou's Bold Street salon gives a step by step guide to achieving the look at home.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
Step 6:
Shampoo and condition your hair, blot dry with a towel
Ensure the hair dryer is on a warm to medium setting, as it must be warm enough to change the bonds in the hair.
Comb through the hair to detangle, apply hair products evenly and blast with the hairdryer to get rid of excess water.
Work the hair from the roots, ensuring the tension is pulling the hair straight and the air flow from the dryer is following the hair down to the tips.
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Section off the hair and work on each section one at a time, starting at the front.
Apply finishing products.
Scan the code at the bottom of the page to view Voodou’s exclusive Blo2Go video
Eating Out
Marco Pierre White
“The best decision I ever made was to hang up my apron and say I’m done”
A
fter Dark spoke to culinary superstar turned restaurateur Marco Pierre White at his Steak House Bar & Grill at Chapel Street’s Hotel Indigo. We asked him what made Britain’s first 3 Michelin star chef finally hang up his apron after two decades, and what inspired him to open his restaurant in Liverpool. How has the transition been from working in the heat of the kitchen to restaurateur? Well I suppose it’s like one
day being a football player and the next day going into football management. It’s very different. The pressure’s the same but in a good way; the hours are equally long. Would you say it’s been a positive change in your career? If I look at my life today I see a lot more of the world. I meet a lot more people. I’m exposed to many more things. My emotional growth has been enormous. My spiritual growth has been enormous. My growth as a person has been enormous. In the kitchen you put all your
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energies into your food, into your restaurant, so you’re quite limited. You’re quite blinkered. You spend your life in this one building and so, therefore, kitchen life in one sense is a wonderful world, but it’s quite a limited world. You become socially inept. Outside of that world it’s fearful – it’s interesting. The best decision I ever made was to actually hang up my apron and be very honest and say I’m done: time to move on. To begin with I was rather lost. You have to remember I’d been institutionalised. Twenty-two years in a white
After Dark October 2012
Things were very different, I mean people had mobile phones - I didn’t have a mobile phone. People were sending faxes and things like that; I didn’t really understand this world. And so I went to nature for five years. I did exactly the same things I used to do as a kid. Over a five year period I started to discover myself as a person, because it was the first time I’d been kind to myself. All I’d done before was to push myself extremely hard to achieve three stars in Michelin and to get that recognition as a chef. People who bury themselves in their work and really push and push and push become rather cocooned and become oblivious. I like my freedom now. What inspired you to open your own place in Liverpool?
jacket, all your energies going into your work, you become institutionalised. Then one day it’s all over. The transition took me about five years, unravelling everything I’d gone through and adapting to that world. 6/7 days a week for 22 years is a long time and what was interesting is the world that I left to go to the kitchen and the world I came back to had changed; it wasn’t the same world I’d left. It’s no different to joining the army. So things were different “on the outside”?
I’m very affectionate towards Liverpool: my father worked here in the fifties as a chef. All I knew of Liverpool as a young man was that my old man had worked here and went back home to Leeds when I was being born. You had a great football club, or should I say two great football clubs, and so that’s all I really knew about Liverpool apart from a bit about the docks, the White Star Line and the Titanic. When I came to Liverpool for the very first time a few years ago I was mesmerised by it. I was really mesmerised and I drove away thinking I can see why Liverpool was voted European Capital of Culture. With all the listed buildings in the centre you can see it was a commercial powerhouse years ago - to have all those institutional
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buildings. I’m quite amazed by it actually. Liverpool’s very different to Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and all the other northern industrial cities. Architecturally it’s more impressive than all of them. I’m not saying that because I’m sitting here talking to you now; there are parts of Newcastle that remind me of Bath, there are parts of my own city, Leeds, which I think ‘wow!’, but this is on a much bigger scale - plus you’ve got the docks. If Liverpool hadn’t had the docks it wouldn’t be the city it is today. What advice would you offer to anyone looking to venture into the restaurant business? Let’s be honest, the most important aspect of any restaurant, in my opinion, is the environment you create. Do people want to sit in it? Let me ask you a very simple question, how many times have you gone to a restaurant - great vibe, great ambience, it feels comfortable, it’s affordable, the food might not be the best in the world but you like it there. It ticks all the boxes. Then you go to a restaurant that’s got great food, you don’t like the lighting, the service is a bit formal - great food though. How often will you go there? It’s about people wanting to live life, wanting to enjoy themselves, wanting to sit with their friends and loved ones. Fine, there’s a time and a place for Michelin starred restaurants, but the majority of the time we just want to hang out and have a good time. Value, environment, honesty.” www.mpwsteakhouse liverpool.co.uk
Eating Out
Coastal Cuisine
The Albert Dock boasts some of Liverpool’s most stylish eateries, in a unique waterfront setting. Perfect for a candlelit dinner or enjoying a night on the tiles, you’ll find plenty of choice for all budgets and tastes, from snacks to international cuisine. Baby Blue
Edward Pavilion 0151 702 5834 The award-winning Baby Blue, is an intimate live performance venue, nestled beneath the Blue Bar and Grill in a beautiful 19th century basement vault. The atmospheric club is home to the popular Comedy Central club and to the Live Lounge, a live monthly international artistes showcase.
Gusto
Edward Pavilion 0151 708 6969 Winner of Best Bar, Inspired by the elegant charm of a classic Italian ristorante, coupled with a contemporary buzz and a modern, stylish interior, Gusto brings the taste and enjoyment of Italy to the Albert Dock.
Revolution
Atlantic Pavilion 0151 909 2777 Revolution offers a great mix of drinks, entertainment and
innovative, fresh food in its waterfront restaurant. Take life easy as you enjoy the sunset on Revolution’s chilled terrace, sipping a carefully-crafted cocktail, or turn things up a notch with the bar’s funky DJs.
Blue Bar & Grill Edward Pavilion 0151 702 5831
Blue incorporates a café bar, restaurant and an outdoor terrace overlooking the calm waters of the Albert Dock, while the Blue grill serves freshly prepared quality food, exemplified by an eclectic menu with an exciting range of dishes.
PanAm Bar and Restaurant
Britannia Pavilion 0151 702 5831 Housed in the former Granada Studios building - which provided the set for Richard and Judy’s This Morning programme PanAm has an exclusive private function area
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which overlooks fabulous views of Albert Dock towards Liverpool’s waterfront and the Three Graces at the Pier Head.
Circo
Britannia Pavilion 0151 709 0470 Circo Bar and Restaurant - a unique circus-themed restaurant and bar, located in Britannia Pavilion. Enjoy a full à la carte restaurant with stunning views of the Albert Dock, while the quayside is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing meal and Circo’s superb customer service.
Maritime Dining Rooms
Merseyside Maritime Museum 0151 478 4056 Located on the fourth floor of the Merseyside Maritime Museum the Maritime Dining Rooms is one of ten
Liverpool restaurants recommended in the Michelin Guide to Great Britain and Ireland 2010.
Vinea Wine Bar and Deli
Britannia Pavilion 0151 707 8962 A wine bar, shop and delicatessen concentrating on fine wines of the world - many of which are from small vineyards which are not otherwise commercially available – and offering a deli shop and wine tasting events and courses.
The Pump House
Close to Merseyside Maritime Museum 0151 709 2367 The Dock’s former pumphouse, originally built in 1870 and lovingly restored as a cosy public house. This Grade II listed, venue offers the perfect place for a
After Dark October 2012 pint with an excellent selection of dishes including Chef’s freshly prepared seasonal Specials.
Miller & Carter
Atlantic Pavilion and Anchor Hall 0151 707 7877 Miller and Carter Albert Dock offers expertly-cooked premium steaks and grills in a fantastic setting, all directly sourced from a select number of handpicked West Country farms and prepared to exacting standards by master butchers.
The Spice Lounge
Atlantic Pavilion 0151 707 2202 This stylish, spicy venue offers a delicious array of modern Indian cuisine made from fresh herbs and spices to give the diner a truly authentic flavour of India, as well as boasting one of the only Tandoori ovens outside London.
What’s Cooking?
Britannia Pavilion opposite the Echo Arena, next to Holiday Inn Express 0151 707 2023 Founded in 1978 and with Taste of Merseyside Accreditation, What’s Cooking? offers casual dining with high quality ingredients and generous portions at a reasonable price in a comfortable, familyfriendly atmosphere.
A little piece of Mexico on Wood Street Lucha Libre
Wood Street, L1 4DQ 0151 329 0200 This slow cooking Mexican restaurant brings an authentic taste of Mexican street food and culture to Liverpool. The rustic, yet thoughtfully stylised decor creates an air of Latin American chic with lots of detail and the soft wooden textures complementing the musical backdrop which we’re assured is preferred listening amongst
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Mexican hipsters in Guadalajara. The passion and knowledge of the staff is infectious as they’ll happily guide you through the luxuriant menu if it’s your first Mexican experience. Lucha prides itself on preparing immaculate cuisine, and you can taste quality with every mouthful. The kitchen use minimal amounts of oil in cooking and the
flour is as light as a chinchilla’s whisker. Lucha’s ethos is to use entirely healthy ingredients and the clean tastes from the kitchen entail a meticulous attention to detail. This is provided by chef Luis Michel, who hails from Guadalajara, and was coaxed from the famous El Camino in London.
Theatre
After Dark October 2012
Wolf Red
Elinor Randle from Tmesis Theatre talks about physical theatre and her latest production, Wolf Red tale and the granny - and her transformations. Audiences are used to seeing you perform with longtime collaborator Yorgos Karamalegos. Is it more difficult creating a show as the only performer?
What is the inspiration behind Wolf Red?
I
had an idea at the back of my mind for years about exploring the situation of a person held captive. When I started to research into stories of kidnappings, it was incredible how people managed to survive for years in captivity, the strength of the human spirit and the use of our imagination to keep us alive. I began to explore this initial idea, and also looking into fairy tales as a mythical contrast to the dark theme and a way to be able to bring in more fantasy and comedy. Along the way the idea morphed and changed, and ultimately became more layered and interesting, moving towards a journey of a woman, three different voices - the wolf, the fairy
Suprisingly, no. Mainly because there has been a big team creating the show, particularly writer Chris Fittock and Yorgos as a director. At first I thought, how can I possibly fill an hour on stage all by myself? But Chris and I had done so much research and had such a creative, inspiring team that my fears subsided; so not more difficult, just different. It means that elements such as set, props, music and recorded text become my co-performers. It is also a real challenge as a performer and physically as you are almost constantly moving. How healthy do you think the current physical theatre scene is? Our festival, Physical Fest, really puts Liverpool on the map as a home for physical theatre and brings lots of people to the city as well as helping people here who are interested in physical work to have access to inspirational practitioners and potential collaborators. Hope Street ran a physical theatre
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training course for many years, and a lot of companies creating devised work have come out of Hope Street and have done really well. There are some exciting young companies coming through who are working physically. I’ve recently directed two companies, Caustic Widows and Plastic Factory who are producing some really interesting work. Nationally, physical theatre is really strong in the UK, and most new devised work, as well as new plays have elements of physical theatre in them. Tmesis Theatre offer workshops introducing people to physical storytelling and devising. What skills or experience do you need to be a performer or collaborator? You need a strong passion to create, to tell stories, move or entertain. Of course you need a degree of natural talent to engage audiences, but this is always hard to quantify. You also need to work and train continuously with your body and voice which are your tools, and keep learning. I think people who are open to developing themselves, their experience and learning new skills make the best performers. Wolf Red Unity Theatre September 26 - 29
Don’t Just Dream of a WHITE Christmas
Experience one. Prices start from £23 per person for three-courses. Where better to celebrate than Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill? But don’t just take our word for it, come and enjoy the Marco Pierre White Christmas experience for yourself. To reserve a table visit www.mpwsteakhouseliverpool.co.uk or call 0151 550 0555. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Liverpool, 10 Chapel Street, Liverpool, L3 9AG
Theatre
Treasured
The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral plays host to a unique theatrical event of titanic proportions
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
St James Mount, L1 7AZ
October 1 - 6 Doors 7pm, Journey 7.30pm, Performance 8pm
Schools Matinees Doors 12.15pm, Journey 12.45pm, Performance 1.15pm £15 / £10 concessions Schools £5 (teacher free with every 10 students) 0151 709 4776 www.atreasuredevent.com boxoffice@everyman playhouse.com
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iverpool Anglican Cathedral is to be transformed into a living, breathing canvas of Titanic proportions to host Treasured: a large scale multimedia theatrical production, created and directed by Cut to the Chase Productions artistic director Jen Heyes and written and composed by Ailís Ní Ríain. Treasured is inspired by one of the most powerful tragedies of the last 100 years, the story of the HMS Titanic. The production aims to move beyond simply re-telling the tale of that fateful maiden voyage in 1912, and explores the
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stories of those left behind, and those who were taken by the seas. Treasured continues the Cathedral’s long standing commitment to hosting innovative and contemporary performances and is performed by a cast of professional actors who interact with large scale film by Illuminos, Wired Aerial Theatre, an original musical score, a sound-scape, a community chorus and the building itself, with the audience right in the centre of the action. Treasured will provoke your emotions and invite you to reflect upon what you hold most dear. It promises to be one of the most spectacular theatrical events of the year!
After Dark October 2012
What’s On? Liverpool Empire
Lime Street, L1 1JE
English National Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty Oct 30 - Nov 3 £10 - £40
How Nice To Be In England
The Sleeping Beauty reawakens the magic of the world’s favourite fairy tale in an enchanted world of castles and curses, forests and fairies.
Epstein Theatre
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, Princess Aurora lived in an enchanted castle where fairies bestowed her with gifts of beauty, temperament, purity, joy, wit and generosity.
“We have absolutely no idea what to expect,” say Mike Livesley and Neil Innes when asked about their show ‘How Nice To Be in England’. This musical comedy bonanza features Livesley’s acclaimed show ‘Vivian Stanshall’s Sir Henry at Rawlinson End’ - celebrating the wondrous words and songs of Ex-Bonzo Vivian Stanshall. There’s also live performances by Ex-Bonzo Neil Innes, featuring alltime favourites from ‘The Innes Book of Records’, ‘The Rutles’ and ‘A People’s Guide To World Domination’. There will also be a ‘surprise’ 2012 style Grand Finale fusion of musical fun guaranteed to get toes nodding and heads tapping!
The wicked Fairy Carabosse put a curse on Aurora; to prick her finger and die on her 16th birthday.
85 Hanover Street, L1 3DZ October 12 & 13, 7.30pm Tickets £15/£12 www.ticketline.co.uk/hownicetobeinengland Tel. 0844 888 4411
The beautiful and kind Lilac Fairy cast a spell to counter the curse so that instead of dying Aurora fell asleep for a hundred years. Only the touch of true love’s kiss could awaken her and undo the evil spell. With wonderful choreography by Kenneth MacMillan, The Sleeping Beauty features some of
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Tchaikovsky’s bestloved ballet music ever, including the Rose Adagio and the music used as Once Upon a Dream in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
Dirty Dancing October 9 - 12
An unprecedented live experience, exploding with heartpounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby (good job her surname wasn’t Bell!) and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs from the best-selling movie soundtrack of all time; including ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the karaoke favourite ‘I’ve Had The Time of My Life’. This is your chance to see the fastest selling West End show in history! A truly spectacular musical theatre event.
Tonight’s the Night October 4, 7.30pm Tel. 0844 871 7660
Tonights The Night is the Region’s No 1 Variety Show starring Crissy Rock (‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’) and featuring Pete Price (Radio City & City Talk).
Theatre
Lantern Theatre
Blundell Street, L1 0AJ
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist
Until Sept 29 £12/£10 concessions A two handed version by Stephen Lowe’s original adaptation of Tressell’s classic book. Featuring Neil Gore and Fine Time Fontayne. Directed by Louise Townsend this hilarious, fast-paced adaptation of Robert Tressell’s classic book is brought to life by two hugely talented and experienced performers using comedy routines and entertaining songs of the Music Hall with a few surprises along the way.
Einstein’s Daughter October 5 www.freerange theatre.co.uk £10/£8 concessions
Award winning Freerange Theatre Company (winner of the Kings Cross Award for New Writing 2011) has a reputation for making worthwhile drama available to all and thrives on producing good quality, new writing. This remarkable piece explores a father’s struggle to maintain stability in his daughter’s life when the return of an
old friend threatens their domestic calm. Described as ‘astounding powerful and assured writing’, Einstein’s Daughter was selected from over 600 entrants as Winner of the prestigious Kings Cross Award for New Writing 2011. This powerful drama packs a real punch and raises surprising issues to debate and unpick. Hugo Chandor, award winning actor and producer, directs the production and plays Andrew – the scientist father. Maggie is played by Emma Parker, an actor with four Best Actress awards under her belt. The trio is completed by Amy Spencer as Cath.
Dickens, Drood and the Best of Tomes October 6 £8/£5 concessions
It is 1869. Charles Dickens wrestles with the plot of his latest novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. A deadline approaches, but Dickens is also preparing for a tour of his readings. Will the great man finish his book in time? Join us as we meet some of Dickens’ unique characters in scenes from famous and less famous works, using Dickens’ own words. An entertaining journey through the works of one of our nation’s greatest authors, reformers and social commentators! A cast of three will bring to life 29 of Dickens’ most loved characters with dramatic style and flair!
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Death of a Lady (The Sinking of the Titanic)
October 10 - 13 £8/£6 concessions In the early part of the 20th centry thousands of people dreamt of a new life in a new world. For 1,500 on 15th April 1912 that dream became a nightmare. This is the story of one of those people.
We Must Kill Toni October 23 £8.50/£6.50 concessions
‘We Must Kill Toni’ by Ian Stuart Black is the first professional tour for Fumin’, and the play takes theatre back to its routes with a minimal set and an emphasis on the relationships of the characters; who are struggling to come to terms with the impending loss of their family home to a distant relative.
Liverpool Playhouse & Playhouse Studio
Williamson Sq, L1 1EL
A Day of Pleasure Playhouse Studio October 4 - 6 £10
The evening before he travels to Stockholm to collect the Nobel Prize for Literature, Isaac Bashevis Singer – a passionate, brilliant storyteller – recalls a fascinating childhood full of mystery, torment and adventure.
The Sacred Flame Liverpool Playhouse October 16 - 20 £10 - £21
What happened on the night the young Great War hero, Maurice Tabret, died at home in his bed? His doctor says he died from natural causes, but his nurse points a finger of suspicion at his beautiful wife, Stella... Putting a twist on the classic murder mystery, this part thriller, part love story is by the enduringly popular playwright and novelist, Somerset Maugham, in a vivid new production directed by Matthew Dunster.
Stories From An Invisible Town Playhouse Studio October 16 - 20 £10
When Hugh Hughes returned to his childhood home in Llangefni to help his mum pack and move house, a tapestry of memories from his past, his family and the town he once called home began to unfold... Join Hugh, his brother and his sister, as family skeletons leave their closets in this unpredictable and hilarious evening of Hughes family stories.
Everyword 2012
Liverpool Playhouse October 22 - 27 The annual Everyword Festival returns in October to the Playhouse and Studio with another week of events, rehearsed readings and workshops with some of the leading lights in new writing from around the country. The festival
After Dark October 2012 has previously featured many work-in-progress readings of plays which have gone on to the Everyman and Playhouse stages, such as Unprotected, Lost Monsters, The Swallowing Dark and Held (to be staged in November). Check www.everyman playhouse.com for details of workshops, readings and events.
Far
Liverpool Playhouse
The Alchemist
Liverpool Playhouse Williamson Sq, L1 1EL Until October 6 £10 - £21 Director Robert Icke, an associate director of Headlong and a rising star in theatre, has created a new anarchic and fast-paced production of Ben Jonson’s comic satire The Alchemist at the Liverpool Playhouse. When Face (Nicolas Tennant), scheming servant and self-styled master conman, is left in sole charge of his gentleman’s London town house, he calls in his not-so-trusty fellow tricksters, Subtle (Ian Bartholomew) and Dol (Lara Rossi). Claiming to have discovered the ‘philosopher’s stone’, the substance that can transform any metal into gold, they whip their vain, greedy and hopelessly optimistic victims into a frenzy of get-rich quickery dispensing spurious charms and promises of gold. The con is on. But when they mistakenly target a fellow hustler, the sticky-fingered trio are in danger of coming unstuck. First performed by the King’s Men in 1610, Ben Jonson’s 17th century comic satire still retains piercing resonances with contemporary society with its themes of greed, desire and morality.
October 24 - 25 £10 - £17 Wayne McGregor’s anatomy-defying choreography and ground-breaking approach across dance, science, film, music, visual art and technology has fuelled a string of truly unique works. Far is no exception.
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner Liverpool Playhouse Oct 30 - Nov 3 £10 - £21
Colin is defiant. A young rebel, inhabiting the noman’s land of detention centres and young offenders’ institutes, as his steady running rhythm transports him over a harsh, frostbitten earth. Adapted by BAFTA winning and Olivier Award nominated playwright Roy Williams OBE, this gritty adaptation
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unlocks the biting realism of Alan Sillitoe’s classic novel while placing the drama firmly in a contemporary frame.
Royal Court Theatre
Roe Street, L1 1HL
Macbeth Sept 21- Oct 13 War. Ambition. Murder. Gang warfare rages on the streets of Liverpool. Duncan is the undisputed leader, Macbeth his loyal lieutenant. Bide your time Macbeth and your turn will come. Listen to your lady and it could come sooner. A lot sooner. But there is a price to pay. Now in its fifth year of increasing audiences and with a growing reputation, Lodestar Theatre Company are bringing the Liverpool Shakespeare Festival into the largest venue yet. A production that has been created with accessibility in mind, a modern day Liverpool setting is allied with traditional language to bring literature’s most infamous King slayer to a whole new audience. Running concurrently with A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Discounts are available when purchasing tickets for both shows together.
Theatre
Unity Theatre Hope Place, L1 9BG
Wolf Red
Until September 29 World Premiere Deep in the dark woods, a woman is held prisoner. But is her sinister captor a predator of the body or her mind? Fairytale and reality blur as the dark side of human nature is explored with skilful physicality and a playful original soundtrack. Don’t miss this quirky and disturbingly memorable show from Tmesis Theatre, one of the UK’s leading physical theatre companies.
Cold Call
October 9 - 10 Join Plastic Factory as they explore the work place of a new generation with hypnotic, preposterous movement and dark comic physical theatre. Funny, unsettling and eye-opening.
Mother To Mother October 13
Interwoven with music and the Xhosa indigenous language this powerful and profound monologue is delivered with dignity, sensitivity and humour by South African actress Thembi Mtshali-Jones.
Moby Dick
in this “must-see” (The Irish Examiner) production. Gare St Lazare return following the success of 2011’s The End / First Love with this adaptation of Herman Melville’s classic novel with live musical accompaniment by Caoimhim O’Raghallaigh.
The Static October 23
‘Most people’s thoughts stay inside their head. Not mine. My thoughts travel. My thoughts do things. Don’t believe me? Just watch.’ A kinetic coming-of age story about desire, guilt and mind over matter by The Arches Brick Award winners ThickSkin. Meet Sparky, a bright but volatile 15-year-old boy written off at school as a lost cause. But when he falls for a strange girl called Siouxsie he discovers he has a newfound superpower.
Odyssey
October 24 Cinematic projection and cunning tricks transform a suitcase full of cut-out paper puppets into an array of living characters and striking landscapes. A silent film is created before your eyes, set to a captivating live musical score.
The Best of Be Festival
October 16 - 17
October 26
One of the greatest novels of all time, Moby Dick’s story of charismatic characters, revenge and challenging of the Gods is brought to life by Conor Lovett
This triple bill of festival favourites featuring three 30 minute shows
Be Festival brings together the most daring and delightful theatre from across Europe.
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Inspector Norse Unity Theatre Hope Place, L1 9BG October 19 - 20
A Swedish self-assembly crime thriller. It is bitter mid-winter. Ex-pop-star recluse Freya looks out of her log cabin at a rural winter scene. She smiles and turns back to her meatballs. But who is the stranger Nordic walking across the frozen wastes? In a fur hat. With a chisel. Days later a man is found dead in a barn nearby with a bizarre message carved on his forehead. Enter Inspector Sandra Larsson in her authentic, rustic knitwear. It is up to her to follow the pattern of a mystery with many holes.
After Dark October 2012 is a unique opportunity to see brand new theatre that hasn’t toured the UK before.
Bones
October 27 Nottingham - 1998. 19 year-old Mark is living a life he never signed up to. Caring for his broken mum and her baby, pining for Panda Pops, eggy bread and Brian Clough, Mark has to do something drastic.
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Oct 31 - Nov 1, 6pm UK Premiere 1 Dancer. 1 Audience. 1 Song. 1 Experience. A unique dance experience from multi award-winning choreographer Darren Pritchard. Where beautiful music and pure dance are combined together to create a skilfully crafted solo. Once the rules of engagement are laid out and boundaries are set, you will have a private dance for your eyes only.
Scotty Road The Musical October 31, 9pm
Caz ‘N’ Britney hit the unity stage with a journey from Primark to prison in a two-woman musical comedy that will bring tears to your eyes and aches to your belly! Featuring and created by Keddy Sutton (Spike Theatre’s The Games and Liverpool Royal Court) and Gillian Hardie (Blood Brothers, Bad Girls: The Musical)
The Girl I Left Behind Me
Oct 31- Nov 1, 7.30pm Just what is it that makes a woman in trousers so appealing? From the swaggering cross-dressers of Victorian Music Hall, to the ambiguous boy-heroes of Mozart, to the back-room bulldykes of the Haarlem Renaissance, this is a deliciously personal one-woman guide to a whole forgotten chapter of female performance. With live music featuring Opera North mezzosoprano Jessica Walker accompanied by James Holmes on piano, don’t miss this outstanding piece of theatre from former Lyric Hammersmith Artistic Director Neil Bartlett.
Right Ballerina November 1 - 2, 7.30pm
Direct from its world premiere at The Lowry comes a provocative and challenging new thriller from the awardwinning Billy Cowan and Truant Company who last brought Homotopia, the 5 star Care Takers and Stigmata.
Echo Arena
Kings Dock, L3 4BX
Jesus Christ Superstar
October 16 £65 / £55 / £45 Ben Forster stars as Jesus in the first ever UK arena tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Ben, who came first in Andrew
Lloyd Webber’s television casting show ‘Superstar’ said, “This is a dream come true. To have the chance to perform in front of hundreds of thousands of people in an arena with such an amazing cast is a real honour.” Celebrating 40 years since it first opened in London’s West End, the Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour will visit Echo Arena on Tuesday 16 October. The show also stars award-winning musical comedian Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot. Former Spice Girl and local favourite Melanie C stars as Mary Magdalene, and Radio 1’s Chris Moyles will make his major stage debut as King Herod, in what is set to be one of the biggest arena tours to hit the UK. Melanie C added: “It
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was great watching Ben in the final; he’d worked so hard and had consistently got it right. I’m really looking forward to working with him.” Directed by Laurence Connor, the new show is a highly contemporary rock musical production. Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “Even the hardened rockers in our cast were taken aback by how cutting edge Laurence’s vision for the show is. This is the first ever arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar in the UK and he is creating something quite extraordinary. We’re not giving anything away but I promise that you won’t have seen a production of any of my shows quite like this!”
Cinema
Skyfall Released: October 26 Director: Sam Mendes Starring: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, Bérénice Marlohe
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hh… we’ve been expecting you Mr. Bond; for 2 years! After an age of financial wrangles and MGM nearly going bankrupt, finally the most successful movie franchise ever belatedly returns with possibly the most distinguished cast and crew ever assembled for a celluloid feature of Fleming’s timeless superspy.
behind Connery by bringing menace, swagger, depth and not least charisma to the role. He’s ably matched by the always brilliant Javier Bardem who easily puts himself among the pantheon of arch Bond villains alongside the likes of Mads Mikklesen as Le Chiffre and Gert Frobe from Goldfinger, with a gloriously sneering and psychopathic stint as spy killer Raoul Silva.
‘Skyfall’, the 23rd film in the iconic series, commences with an explosive opening sequence which sees Bond falling spectacularly to his apparent death from a train above a 100 foot Turkish viaduct, apparently shot by a fellow British agent. But fear not 007 fans, this is not the shortest Bond flick in movie history (MGM aren’t that skint), for our hero is using the ultimate subterfuge. With MI6 agents under threat of attack after top secret files identifying them and their missions have fallen into the wrong hands, Bond must evade detection until the villain is revealed. To add further intrigue, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. With the core of British Intelligence in peril, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. Daniel Craig, the quintessential scouse Bond (well, he is from the Wirral), further cements his place as 2nd best Bond
In keeping with the higher quality production values acquired in the post Brosnan movies, Oscar winner Sam Mendes directs and, typical for him, slows the pace in parts; but the set-pieces are, as expected, big, brutal and breathtaking. And with this being the 50th anniversary of Bond, die-hards will be happy that a lot of the classic elements are restored, such as Q (a younger version in Ben Wishaw), the gadgets and an opening barrel sequence (Hurrah!). The film is possibly the best photographed since the highs of the mid-sixties with sweeping backdrops from Instanbul to London and some striking set designs. Bérénice Marlohe as Sévérine aint too shabby to look at either. In terms of rankings ‘Skyfall’ is better than 2008’s ‘Quantum of Solace’ but doesn’t quite hit the brutally fresh highs of ‘Casino Royale’. Nonetheless, a very creditable addition to 007’s cinematic armoury.
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After Dark October 2012
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Cinema
Hotel Transylvania
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
PG
Released: October 12 Director: Genndy Tartakovsky Starring: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Steve Buscemi, Ceelo Green, Kevin James Hotel Transylvania is an exclusive ghoulfriendly resort created by over protective dad Dracula as a haven for his daughter Mavis and all monster kind from the marauding human mobs who killed his wife a century or so earlier. However, on the eve of Mavis’s 118th birthday, when human slacker back-packer Jonathan arrives at the Hotel and immediately catches the restless Mavis’s eye, the curmudgeonly vampire count has to sink his teeth into the problem of keeping the unlikely pair apart and cosseting his daughter from the threats of the outside world. With the script being as bare as a soon to be devoured, vestel virgin’s neck, the impressively assembled cast struggle to inject
personality into their scantily substantiated characters. Adam Sandler’s Dracula is a pain in the neck with his fruity East European flavoured delivery seemingly changing tone with every scene. Steve Buscemi is a barkingly good highlight as werewolf Wayne (no reference to Rooney); squealing CeeLo Green turns up as Mummy Murray (he must be ‘Crazy’) and there’s even an invisible man in there somewhere. As contrived chase scenes, missable gags and fiendishly feckless voice-overs give way to a largely predictable conclusion we’re left with a pedestrian monster ‘toon movie with no bite. Did I mention Adam Sandler sucks?
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PG
Released: October 17 Director: Eric Darnell Starring: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Scwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra et al are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple and of course, King Julien, Maurice and the Penguins are all along for the adventure. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent Madagascar style! As with the first 2 movies in the franchise ‘Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted’ is big, colourful, fast paced and silly. That’s fair enough given that the entertainment value of the series relies more on the crazy antics of the characters than the actual characters and story itself. However, the film does suffer somewhat from Animated Sequel Syndrome (or ASS for short) in that the new story doesn’t always fit the established characters. This leads to unnecessary plot elements, like those involving the contrived conflict between Alex the lion and Marty the zebra which isn’t much in keeping with their characters from previous films. But hey, who cares? This franchise is built on keeping the kids enthralled with some flashy animation and goofy giggles. Such fast paced silliness is guaranteed to keep the kids from muddying the furniture and from killing one another long enough for you to have a couple of cheeky Magnum Classics in peace. But if I ever hear Chris Rock utter the words ‘circus’ and ‘afro’ again, I swear I will boil my ears in arsenic.
Sinister Released: October 4 Director: Scott Derrickson Starring: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, Clare Foley, Vincent D’Onofrio, Fred Dalton Thompson
Taken 2 Released: October 4 Director: Olivier Megaton Starring: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Rade Sherbedgia Liam Neeson returns as Bryan Mills, the retired CIA agent with a “particular set of skills” who stopped at nothing to save his daughter Kim from kidnappers in 2008’s $225 million grossing hit ‘Taken’. In ‘Taken 2’ the father of one of the villains Mills killed (Rade Sherbedgia) swears revenge and this time it’s Mills’ wife who is taken hostage, and instead of gay Paris the setting is sultry Istanbul. The relentlessly resourceful Mills, when asked by his distraught daughter what he’s going to do replies ominously, “what I do best”. Cue all manner of carnage and car chases as he rampages through the Turkish capital hell bent on getting his family to safety and
systematically taking out the kidnappers one by one. With a bigger budget ‘Taken 2’ is a more polished product than its predecessor, pacing its action sequences better, but possibly losing some of the original’s gritty fierceness. The villains are still onedimensional and barely more than fodder for Neeson’s lethal moves. But then a movie for bohemians looking for a deeper subtext and crafted subtlety this aint. What we have here is an unashamed action movie pared down to a basic story-telling with no pretentions, irony or sophistication. If you loved the first, it’s a fair bet you’ll be as knocked out by this one as the teeth of one of Neeson’s foolishly optimistic adversaries.
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Scott Derrickson, director behind the remake of ‘The Day The Earth Stood Still’ and ‘The Exorcism Of Emily Rose’ has made a measured and slick, slow-burn horror film complete with its own original horror protagonist that Hollywood’s accountants would no doubt love to see find a way into a series of diluted sequels. Ethan Hawke plays Ellison, a true-crime writer whose desperation to recapture his earlier success drives him to move his family, without their knowledge, into a house where the previous inhabitants were murdered only months before. He subsequently finds a box of film reels in the attic which chillingly document not only the house’s murders but similar crimes. Why the films were left for Ellison is the central mystery of the movie, one that unravels deliberately and with an intense sense of escalation. Quite clearly this is Hawke’s movie and he is excellent as the angst driven writer whose own curiosity drags him further into a moral cesspool and, by the time he knows for sure that he needs to cut his investigation short, it may well be too late. Clare Foley is also impressive as the daughter, by turns exuding unnerving innocence and creepy detachment. Mention must be made of Chris Norr’s cinematography which gives the film a sleek, agitated quality that is enlivened by a strange but effective industrial score by Christopher Young. Sinister’ may be a little too subtle for horror nuts craving a gore fest, but it’s smartly put together with some genuine scares along the way. Be warned that there are some cinematic moments here that are authentically chilling and that will no doubt linger in your memory and imagination, particularly when you’re lying in bed one lonely dark winter’s evening.
The Back Page Each month we ask a notable Liverpudlian a few questions about their city. This month it's . . .
Simon O'Brien
Simon’s Liverpool favourites: China Crisis, The Zutons, London Carriage Works and Ricky Tomlinson
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ctor and TV presenter Simon O’Brien has travelled all over the world, yet he’s always come home to Liverpool. When he’s not busy with his dual career, he splits his time between producing independent films and eco-friendly property development.
What are your thoughts on Liverpool’s current theatre scene?
I would definitely recommend the London Carriage Works for a posh meal, or Cafe Tabac on Bold Street for good, reasonably priced food.
The Playhouse is always worth the trip and the Royal Court staging locally written and themed plays is a really good, canny idea. I am also keeping a keen eye on the rebuilding of the Everyman.
Who, or what, would you say is Liverpool’s number one style icon?
Who are your What city centre favourite Liverpool- bars and clubs related musicians? would you be most China Crisis or the Teardrop likely to visit and Explodes can always get me what is it about on to a wedding dance floor and the Zutons are massively these places that underrated. appeals? The Swan because it’s still Do you have a there. The Fly In The Loaf favourite Liverpool for the comedy night upstairs and Alma de Cuba because musical moment? Plenty! A Harlem Spirit gig at the Warehouse circa 1982, Frankie Goes To Hollywood wearing leather rearless chaps at Larks in The Park, or any Thursday Jam at the Vic’ in Woolton demonstrates the depth of musical talent in the city.
the Havana rum is nice.
If you were recommending a restaurant to a friend from out of town, where would you suggest? 66
Ricky Tomlinson is Liverpool’s true style icon but, as for icons of the city, I would pick Oriel Chambers on Water Street and the entire city’s amazing architecture.
What is your must see event in Liverpool for October? I think a walk around the city just admiring the buildings is a must-see - and it’s free!
You can catch Simon presenting The Renovation Game on Channel Four, every day at 11.30am