Liverpool After Dark - Issue 2

Liverpool

Issue 2. November 2012 Free

n a i r B f o e f The Li he Beatles tein: s p E s a s r ta s l e Lanc Corrie’s Andrew de T

a The Man Who M

Buzzcocks Homotopia MOBO Awards X-Press 2 Cosi Fan Tutte David Gest Hairy Bikers Martin Lappin

Kevin Bridges

Lavender Girls

Al Murray

MN TS U H T G AU HLI HIG

November Sunday 18th

November Thursday 22nd

December Saturday 1st

December Monday 3rd

December Thursday 6th

cember Friday 7th De

December Saturday 8th

December Monday 10th

Levellers

Rancid

g Ellie Gouldin

lls Band Of Sku

DJ Fresh Live

Thin Lizzy

The View

December Saturday 15th

Echo & The Bunnymen

Dappy

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Welcome Issue 2. November 2012

Publishing Published by Survival Media Limited 4th Floor Elevator Studios 25-31 Parliament Street Liverpool L8 5RN Telephone 0151 214 3230

W

e believe Liverpool is worth shouting about. The city’s uniquely diverse and vibrant character is reflected in its night life, and is probably the reason why our bars, clubs, theatres and venues are world renowned.

Don’t just take our word for it. For the past two years Liverpool has had Purple Flag Status – a national accreditation of excellence in the entertainment offered in city centres at night.

Last year the city was also named the best place for nightlife in the UK in a poll by tourist website Tripadvisor. On top of that, Liverpool was voted the UK’s friendliest city by readers of the prestigious tourism publication, Conde Nast Traveller and also placed in the top four favourite UK visitor destinations for the third successive year. So there.

Where else could you find

Website www.liverpoolafterdark.com

events that are so diverse - with everything from knitting clubs to monster plays with David Gest?

The answer is nowhere!

We checked.

The truth is we could have filled these pages many times over with everything that’s going on. However, this publication represents our attempt to provide a varied picture of some of the best events happening in Liverpool in November.

While this month traditionally starts with a bang, the metaphorical fireworks just keep on going with a host of famous faces gracing our city. Returning for its ninth year is the festival celebrating all things gay, Homotopia, bringing the city a flamboyant explosion of art and culture. Our cover features Homotopia’s world premiere of Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles starring Corrie’s Andrew

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Lancel. In his interview (page 10) Andrew gives a fascinating insight into the enigmatic Beatles’ manager’s life and the award winning actor’s passion for the role, as well as for his home city, clearly comes across. Liverpool can also look forward to legendary music spectacles such as the MOBOs, the Buzzcocks, Adam Ant and Charlie Lansborough; top comedians Al Murray and Michael McIntyre; world class theatre from La boheme to The Sound of Music and mad stuff like the Hairy Bikers and horror comedy musical, A Nightmare on Lime Street, starring David Gest!

Remember, remember to enjoy November and we’ll look forward to seeing you in December with our C word edition (it’s far too early to mention Christmas yet). By the way… did I mention David Gest?

Facebook facebook.com/liverpoolafterdark Twitter @LpoolAfterDark

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Contents Issue 2. November 2012

Events 6. Homotopia Festival highlights

27. Liverpool Music Awards

8. Council House Movie Star Art at Camp & Furnace

28. The Unthanks 28. Charlie Landsborough

10. Andrew Lancel Corrie’s arch-villain on Epstein and Panto

29. Patrick Wolf Acoustic World Tour

14. Hairy Bikers Larger Than Live!

17. Mike McCartney An evening with the renowned photographer

Theatre

26. Ben Ottewell

48. Opera La bohème, Cosi Fan Tutte, Jephtha 50. Kid’s Theatre At the Unity 51. David Gest A Nightmare On Lime Street

29. Berta Rojas Classical guitar virtuoso

52. What’s On The Best in Theatre for November

Nightlife 30. X-Press 2 Rocky and Diesel

Cinema

33. Circus 10th Birthday Review

56. Argo Affleck’s got a beard!

18. Knitting Club At Leaf, Bold Street

34. Voodoo 19th Birthday Preview

19. Bonfire Night Newsham Park and Sefton Park

58. Reviews The best film releases for November

36. Smokie Mo’s

17. Chris Moyles Music and mirth

Music 20. Buzzcocks The legends play Eric’s 22. Adam Ant 23. Elbow 23. Mokoomba Africa Oye presentation 24. Eugene McGuinness New album profiled 24. The Killers 25. MOBO Awards 2012 Live at the Echo Arena 26. Stephen Langstaff

36. Playground

Comedy

36. My Top Ten November Matt Gall

62. Al Murray Pub landlord preview 63. Kieffer Lewis Founder of Bottle Top Comedy

38. DJ Profile Liam Daley 39. Deep Water Party Preview

64.Kevin Bridges 64. Michael McIntyre

40. Shaken and Stirred Previewing some of Liverpool’s best bars

65. Lavender Girls Comedy at Homotopia 2012

The Back Page

Eating Out 44. Restaurants Previewing some of Liverpool’s best restaurants

66. Martin Lappin Real People guitarist’s Liverpool favourites

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 App Developers Andrew Cornforth Steve Tickle Web Developer Jason Francis Social Media Sean Weaver Advertising Advertising Manager Mike Clarke 0151 214 3232 mike@liverpoolafterdark.com Advertising Manager Paul Burgess 0151 214 3234 paul@liverpoolafterdark.com Digital Sponsorship Jon Saunders 0151 214 3231 jon@liverpoolafterdark.com Contributors Zoë Byrne, Catriona Ayre, Ellie Phillips, Joe-Ann Randles, Larissa Wignall, Matt Gall, Bridge Francis, Bill Cooper, Catherine Ashmore

Thanks to Mike Cockburn, Adam Lewis, Jayne Moore, Warren Butcher, Joanne Evans, Rajesh Sharma, Joel Jelen, Lisa and John at Hope Street Hotel, Katy Simic, Craig Lawrenson, Alan McCarthy, Emma McHarrie, Kerry Quinn, Emma Allison, Clive Knowles, Eden Showers, Gill Torres, Lisa Southern, Bill Elms, Lisa at Lost Plots, Brett Harvey, Louise Muddle, Mike Doran Cover image: Andrew Lancel photographed at Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool, October 2012. Photograph © Jonathan Dawe 2012.

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Events

Homotopia

October 30 - November 30

R

eturning for its ninth year, Homotopia rampages across Liverpool this autumn presenting visual arts, performance, film and debate that reflects the nonheterosexual experience.

The theme this year is Traditional Family Values, encompassing over 35 events, including new commissions and world premieres that celebrate, interrogate and explore the family in all its queer diversity.

Continuing and developing partnerships with cultural organisations across the city, Homotopia is imbuing venues including the Walker Art Gallery, Open Eye, FACT and the Liverpool Biennial with the gay aesthetic.

Festival Highlights World premiere of Epstein, a play about the man who made the Beatles, in the band’s 50th anniversary year, starring Andrew Lancel (interview on page 1o).

Problem by Austrian dance company cieLaroque.

UK premieres of 2 new films by New York director Matt Wolf.

Acoustic performance by Patrick Wolf as part of his world tour.

Describing this year’s festival, Homotopia Director Gary Everett said “Politicians and religious leaders continue to attack gay and trans peoples’ human rights at home and abroad making festivals like Homotopia ever more pertinent. We present this cornucopia of controversial, camp and colourful culture as a proud demonstration of the rich wealth of talent that exists within our queer family.”

UK premiere of Habibi

www.homotopia.net

2009 Turner Prize nominee Enrico David’s first solo show outside London.

The re-creation of a council house as live art inside Camp and Furnace.

Drag fabulist Dickie Beau presents an exploration of the pain and madness of stardom using rare found audio of Marilyn Monroe.

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November 2012

Epstein

The Man Who Made The Beatles

B

Uganda Pride A photographic exhibition

by Rachel Adams

ill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions presents Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, a brand new play about one of Liverpool’s favourite sons, which will premiere in Liverpool in a year that celebrates 50 years since The Beatles came together and will be the first major production at the Epstein Theatre.

This is a long-awaited theatrical production celebrating the life of former Beatles manager Brian Epstein. The multimedia play with live music, staring Andrew Lancel and Will Finlason, was written

by Andrew Sherlock and directed by Jen Heyes.

The play – which charts Brian Epstein’s adult life

and illustrious career from his drama school days to managing the world’s biggest pop group – is now fully realised, having evolved from a one man show to a twohander, where a second actor playing various characters will interact with the character of Brian Epstein, and also provide the musical element to the show. Brian was best known as a music entrepreneur and manager of The Beatles and was the man responsible for their rise to stardom all over the world.

Epstein Theatre Thurs. November 15 – Sat. December 1, 7.30pm Thurs. and Sat. Matinees: 2.30pm £10-£24 (Concessions available)

Unity Theatre Wed. October 31 Sat. November 24 Free Despite criminalisation, persecution and the threat violent homophobic attacks, Uganda’s LGBTI community celebrates the country’s first Gay Pride event on the shore of Lake Victoria, Entebbe, Uganda, 2012.

Rachel Adams is a documentary and portrait photographer who works with sub-cultures internationally, capturing otherwise unseen aspects of life.

To win one of two family tickets to see Epstein star Andrew Lancel in the opening night of Sleeping Beauty at the Echo Arena’s Christmas Family Festival at King’s Dock answer the following question: Who did Andrew play in ITV police series The Bill?

A) DI Regan B) DI Manson C) DI Foster D) DI S.C.O. Send your answer A) B) C) or D) via e mail to us at hello@liverpoolafterdark.com (subject: sleeping beauty) 7

Events

Council House Movie Star

Homotopia commission an immersive theatre & live art experience at Camp & Furnace

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November 2012

Council House Movie Star The Gallery Camp & Furnace October 30 - November 11 12 noon until 5pm daily Free

C

ouncil House Movie Star captures the sublimely bizarre characteristics of the everyday life of Gale Force, an ageing WAG/HAG queen and failed child star of OMO Washing Powder, in her resurrected council house.

Audiences are invited to step through the front door into the dated interior of Gale’s home. Visitors might see Gale or her social worker Dawn Patrol, friend Donna Reah or international drag queen Cris D’Bray. There is also a 15 minute film shot in the original council house in Manchester. What happens when drag queens get old in this unforgiving, youth obsessed, Jeremy Kyle world?

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Events

Andrew Lancel As he prepares to star as Epstein, Corrie’s Andrew Lancel talks about his admiration for The Beatles’ manager and his return to villainous ways in Liverpool’s most spectacular panto

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November 2012

B

est known as DI Neil Manson in The Bill and latterly as Coronation Street’s ultra nasty Frank Foster, a role for which he won 2012’s Soap Awards Villain of the year, Liverpool-based actor Andrew Lancel is returning to the stage in his home town to round off a hugely successful year.

Taking on not one, but two high profile performances, November sees the acclaimed actor assume the role of enigmatic Beatles’ Manager Brian Epstein in the Homotopia commissioned world premiere of Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, before treading the panto boards as arch baddie Carabose in the Echo Arena’s Christmas Spectacular, Sleeping Beauty. What attracted the well known TV actor to return to the stage to take the title role in Epstein?

“I read the script for Epstein and found I couldn’t get it out of my head. It wasn’t so much the idea of playing Brian Epstein, it was the idea of playing in Liverpool, the chance to be part of Homotopia, the Beatle connection; it ticked a lot of boxes. Also, I haven’t previously read a biographical play that was so accessible, funny and sad about someone we all thought we knew and loved.

Obviously he discovered the Beatles and without him they arguably wouldn’t have been who they were. But what struck me was that before he discovered the Beatles, there was enough in this guy’s life, from his background, his academia, his schooling, his

sexuality, his faith, to have a play about him; and then he went off and discovered the Beatles and had a hand in changing the world.”

We’re sitting in a sparse rehearsal room off Hope Street where preparations for Epstein have begun.

During our time together, the conversation is relaxed and friendly and punctuated by some witty banter from an actor whose keen sense of humour is perhaps at odds with how he’s largely perceived by the public, used to his weighty dramatic TV roles. When talking about his latest play he’s clearly thought deeply about the role and his passion for the part is palpable. It’s apparent that Andrew has already started to inhabit the persona of Brian Epstein, from the familiar 60s image of the tailored black suit, white shirt and tie, to the mannerisms and tone that the actor frequently slips into when giving an insight into how Brian would have seen things. It’s a fascinating process to observe.

“I didn’t just want to do an impersonation, it has to be more than that; you have to entertain as well. I want to make them cry, make them laugh and give them an insight – that’s exactly why I’m doing it. I just want to do justice to the play.

I was down at The Epstein Theatre, which is beautifully done out – Brian would have been made up that it was named after him; but I was looking up at a picture of him there and thinking ‘what do you want, what are you thinking - what do you want

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to get across’. And I think he’s saying ‘I dare you, go on, everybody knows now, I’ve nothing to hide’.”

Preparing for the title role in a biographical play about a character that was so well known and so well documented, Andrew has undertaken a considerable amount of painstaking research. He describes how this has afforded him a unique perpective and a greater understanding of Brian Epstein’s life and character.

“We’ve had some amazing insights from people who knew him. I think the thing I’ve discovered was that he was so charming. He was very alive, very funny and witty.

He embraced his lifestyle and was probably as out as you could be at that time. To look after those four lads he must have had some power, some wit, some balls. This was a guy who lived on his own in Belgravia; who did a lot of drugs, gambled and partied and was dead at 32.

Living in Liverpool, we forget about how big the Beatles were. It’s incomprehensible the size of Beatlemania – it was of the magnitude of Princess Diana’s death, but every day; it was absolutely huge. He was only with them for five years and in that time they went from the Cavern to Shea Stadium and selling millions of hits, it’s amazing.

And he was managing it all pretty much on his own from a phone – no internet, no telex or anything like that. He set the benchmark for pop management; and this was from a lad from Childwall.

Events What also struck me was that he was one of us, a normal Liverpudlian, more than I’d realised. I would have loved to have met him; he made mistakes like we all do and he wasn’t a saint; but to the people who knew him, he was charm personified.”

Andrew readily explains that part of his decision to take the role in Epstein was the fact that he is a huge Beatle fan, “I’ll never get to play John or Paul, so this is the next best thing!” Perhaps surprisingly, he describes how having to get inside the mind of Brian Epstein has altered his perception of the Fab Four.

“It’s probably changed my perspective of John the most.

John was a bit of a t**t... or so it seems. But he wrote Strawberry Fields, so I still love him. It’s clear that The Beatles loved Brian and things changed when he died.

John said ‘Well we’re f****d now’; that was his reaction to Brian’s death. But the human side, the normality of The Beatles’ lives has come through a little bit. They just got on with it, day to day, and didn’t have any idea about the business side of it – Brian was in control of everything.

John said ‘We’ll play it, you sell it’ and that’s what he did.

For Brian, they came first the love of his life was The Beatles.”

Alongside the drama, a lot of humour is played out between Andrew’s Epstein and the other character in the cast of two,This Boy, played by newcomer Will Finlason.

“If you could buy shares in an actor, I’d buy shares in

“To look after those four lads he must have had some power, some wit, some balls” this one,” enthuses Andrew of his co-star. “He has an observation that’s so rare.

This Boy represents lots of other characters and is meant to personify Liverpool, the Beatles and is very much Brian’s alter-ego”.

While Brian Epstein’s life story could be described as a tragic, Andrew is insistent that this is not a tragic play.

“It’s very different, it’s gripping, it’s sexy. It’s not a tribute to a tortured soul, it’s a really great play. It’s kind of about Brian’s last night.. or is it? That’s left open to interpretation. But the play’s very much about entertaining the audience with the addition of some cool multi

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media and music. It’s very much about Liverpool, the time, the people, through and with Brian Epstein.

It’s true that Brian had a notorious time before and during the Beatles. He was blackmailed many times because of the people he was with, various characters swindled his money; and that’s incomprehensible to us nowadays because no one cares about a high profile person being gay, and quite rightly. McCartney described Brian as the fifth Beatle, and the fifth Beatle was gay. I think that’s worth celebrating.”

Andrew’s spectacular return to the stage in Liverpool

November 2012 as we could in the beginning so that when it played out it would be a shock. I didn’t want him to be moustache twiddling, panto villain I’ll leave that for when I’m playing Carabose! I couldn’t be glib about the character given the subject matter we were touching on. We wanted to make it very accessible and real. The writers embraced that and allowed me and Ali (Alison King who plays Carla Connor) to develop the story as a romance and a love, then when the horrors eventually happened, it made it more believable and shocking.

Working on Corrie was a joyous experience. They were the nicest people I’ve ever worked with and it was a joy

villain in Liverpool. Being in Coronation Street opened a lot of opportunities and there were a lot of panto choices, although I was never going to be offered the Prince’s role, was I? I was very lucky the offer to do the Echo Arena came up and I couldn’t say no. Carabose is going to be an entertaining villain I hope.”

Ending what must be a momentous year with such varied and, perhaps in different ways, challenging roles is obviously pleasing, but what’s next for the in demand actor?

“I’ve been very fortunate with the extremes of the roles I’ve been offered this year and to be back on stage for the first time after 11 years in

Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, Epstein Theatre November 15 to December 1 Sleeping Beauty, Christmas Family Festival, Kings Dock December 14 to January 6

comes on the back of 11 years of television work in two of the longest running and most successful programmes in broadcasting history. While he is proud of his seven years in The Bill, it is for his award winning depiction of Coronation Street’s Frank Foster that the actor is best known. It was a genuinely chilling portrayal, which attracted many plaudits from critics and viewers alike. Andrew acknowledges that his collaboration with the writers and his co-stars enabled him to develop such a compelling character and storyline.

“We wanted to make Frank as acceptable and likeable

every day. The exposure of being in a programme like that is colossal, something I’d never experienced before.”

Andrew is returning to villainous territory by playing the evil Carabose in Sleeping Beauty, which will be staged in a heated 3,000 capacity Big Top tent at Kings Dock, adjacent to the BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena as part of a Christmas Family Festival extravaganza.

I ask if it will be a daunting task having to entertain such huge numbers of screaming kids and, as lead baddie, will he be looking forward to the torrent of abuse? “I can’t wait. I’ve always wanted to do a panto, and to play a panto

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Liverpool is a massive buzz.

Being in a Beatle play is a huge bonus, then getting to stay home a bit longer and do something completely different with the panto is brilliant. Next year I’m going to be doing more stage work, and there are some exciting things for Liverpool which I hope to announce in the coming months. I’ll also be doing some more television projects next year, but for now I’m really concentrating on Epstein and Sleeping Beauty. I don’t think Epstein will finish in Liverpool. I would be very surprised if this play doesn’t tour outside of the city, and internationally, and hopefully I can be involved with that.”

Events

The Hairy Bikers Larger Than Live

A

fter Dark spoke to the Hairy Bikers about their up-coming Larger Than Live show and we were curious to know, how could they possibly make it Larger Than Live?

“It’s now been over two years since our last stage tour, a complete sell-out and one of the best times of our lives.

It’s for those reasons that we can’t wait to do it all over again; only this time it’s going to be bigger, bolder, funnier,

and packed with more food and laughs than ever before.

We like to do things a little differently to most, which is why we’re not just giving you a show, we’re giving you a real night out. There will be some cooking, a sprinkling of special guests you all know and love, and a chance for some of our lucky audience members to enjoy a slap up meal on stage courtesy of the (Hairy) chefs.

“Last time round we told you

Empire Theatre Sunday November 25 7.30pm Tickets £25

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our story, but this time, we’re taking you round the world.

Starting with our northern roots, we’ll share our rip roaring tales of decadent dos, big dinners and culinary catastrophes. There will be a bit of dancing, a bit of flirting, a bit of singing, and some downright hilarious stand-up comedy. Filled with plenty of surprises, expect the unexpected… and if you like us on the telly, you will love us Larger Than Live.”

November 2012

Chris Moyles Live Chris Moyles will be celebrating the end of an era by embarking on a UK tour this November. Chris Moyles Live is a music and comedy show incorporating audience participation, making each night different from the next with surprises around every corner.

An Evening with Mike McCartney

O2 Academy Liverpool Friday November 23, 7pm Under 25s require ID to purchase alcohol Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times

Unity Theatre Event/Workshop Wed. November 21, 8pm Tickets £12 www.mikemccartney.co.uk One of Liverpool’s favourite sons talks about his life in music and photography.

From growing up in 1950s/60s Liverpool, to his success with comedy-poetrymusic group The Scaffold with Roger McGough and John Gorman before settling into a career as an acclaimed photographer.

Spencer Lee talks to a living legend who has worked alongside Jimi Hendrix, Neil Innes, Spike Milligan and met the Queen and President Obama. A Unity theatre fundraiser.

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Events

Knitting Club

at Leaf, Bold Street

A

nifty little crafting group that want to spread their expertise across the land.

Whether you want to perk up your purl stitch, or just become a niftier knitter, there

Urban Craft Collective’s Knitting Club Leaf Bold Street - Ground Floor November 12, 7pm - 9pm, Free Contact Kate Blakemore: urbancraftcollective@gmail.com

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is something for all. Swap, share, natter and be inspired whilst sipping on a cuppa and gorging on a piece of cake.

Whether you’re a novice or a pro, pop along with your needles and hooks.

November 2012

Bonfire Night

Sefton Park and Newsham Park

Firework Displays Sefton Park and Newsham Park Monday November 5, 7:30pm Free

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n 1605, thirteen young men planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Among them was Guy Fawkes, Britain’s most notorious traitor. He and his aggrieved band of English Catholics who had wanted to kill King James I and the government but as the group worked on the plot, it became clear that innocent people would be hurt or killed in the attack. Some of the plotters started having second thoughts. One of the group members even sent an anonymous letter warning his friend, Lord Monteagle, to stay away from the Parliament on November 5th.

The warning letter reached the King, and the King’s

forces made plans to stop the conspirators.

Guy Fawkes, along with one other conspirator, was in the cellar of the parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder when the authorities stormed it in the early hours of November 5th.

They were caught, tortured and executed. However it was because Fawkes’ name was so catchy that the night was named after him. And so the name of Bob Bonfire was forever consigned to the anonymous annals of history.

Don’t miss this year’s free November 5th celebrations.

Head down to Sefton Park or Newsham Park and enjoy a spectacular display

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of fireworks. Both displays start at 7.30pm and are synchronised to music.

Each display will last approximately 20 minutes.

Travel and parking Visitors to the fireworks are advised to travel on foot or public transport. For travel information please visit www. merseytravel.gov.uk.

There is limited accessible parking at Croxteth Gate, Sefton Park and at Gardners Drive, Newsham Park.

Please do not bring your own fireworks. It is an offence to set off fireworks in a public place. For firework safety advice see: www.merseyfire. gov.uk/aspx/pages/ fireworks/fireworks.aspx

Music

Never mind, it’s the . . .

Buzzcocks T

here are hardly any bands performing today that genuinely deserve the adjective legendary.

Buzzcocks are one of those very few.

Their achievements are staggering: one of the original holy trinity of British punk (with The Sex Pistols and The Clash), innovators of the independent record scene and genuine punk rock superstars who have been

cited as inspirational by bands as diverse as REM, Nirvana and Green Day. Eight studio albums, over twenty singles and EPs, a constellation of compilations, covers by other bands, film soundtracks and advertisements have put Buzzcocks among the top echelons of British recording artists. A Mojo Inspiration award in 2006 is just one of the many accolades they have received for their work.

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Buzzcocks have been thrilling audiences for over thirty years. Once called The Beatles of punk, their music blends high-octane guitar, bass and drum power with heartrending personal statements of love won and lost or dismay at the modern world to create a unique catalogue of unforgettable and immortal music – music they continue to deliver to fans old and new around the world with undiminished passion and energy.

November 2012

Eric’s, Mathew Street Friday November 16, 7:30pm Tickets £20 0151 236 9994 www.ericslive.com

Over the years, generations of musicians have tried the Buzzcocks methodology and have made their own variations of it. Most are generous in their thanks to the band whose songs provide a masterclass in genre-busting songcraft.

Someone (You Shouldn’t’ve Fallen In Love With?), have been covered by dozens of groups in many styles; a testament to the originals’ strengths not as slices of punk rock history but as examples of songwriting craft.

Their classic tracks, such as Orgasm Addict, What Do I Get?, the anthemic Harmony In My Head and, of course, the song that has become their calling card, Ever Fallen In Love With

Buzzcocks are the true godfathers of punk-pop, having laid down that infinitely superior archetype.

It is a history the group’s members could never have imagined back in the hot

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punk rock summer of ‘76.

Says Pete Shelley “Looking back on it now, what’s going on is like echoes of the Big Bang. You look around you in society and the culture; so many things would not have been the same if there was never punk rock. It’s strange; it’s like a science fiction novel. But to us at the time, it just sprung naturally.” They’re still doing it, better than most.

Sometimes the archetype is clearly the best.

Music

Adam Ant

& The Good The Mad & The Lovely Posse The Blueblack Hussar Tour

Plus Georgie Girl & her Poussez Posse Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Thursday November 15, 8pm Tickets £25, £27.50, £32 www.liverpoolphil.com

A

dam Ant and The Good, The Mad and The Lovely Posse play Liverpool Philharmonic Hall in support of the forthcoming release of his new album entitled Adam Ant Is The Blueblack Hussar In Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter.

The leader of iconic new wave/post-punk group, Adam and the Ants, was one of the most original and innovative stars of the ‘80s. Adam has 10 Top 10 singles to his name including Ant Music, Prince Charming and the Ivor Novello Award winning Stand and Deliver. Not just a multimillion selling recording

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artist Adam Ant is also an actor, having appeared in over two dozen films or television episodes. His explosive live show not only features songs from his new album but also all his classic hits including Dog Eat Dog, Goody Two Shoes and Kings Of The Wild Frontier.

November 2012

Mokoomba Plus DJ support: an Africa Oye presentation

Elbow Echo Arena Liverpool Kings Dock, L3 4FP November 29 Tickets £29.50

Elbow cap another phenomenal year with a series of UK tour dates, arriving at the Echo Arena on November 29. If 2011 was landmark year for the band, with their debut UK arena tour selling out, a still lauded Glastonbury set and a series of unique shows that encompassed the crypt of St Paul’s, then 2012 has proven to be even more significant.

Having provided the theme music for the BBC’s 2012 Olympic coverage, Elbow then went on to sell out their Jodrell Bank show within minutes of going on sale.

The release of Dead in The Boot, the long awaited B sides album in August, completed the current elbow catalogue following the reissues of their first three studio albums.

With an acclaimed headline show at Latitude alongside sets at T in The Park and the Isle of Wight Festival, 2012 has proved to be yet another year of success for the band. Elbow will be joined on tour by special guests Here We Go Magic.

The Picket, Jordan Street Saturday November 10, 8pm Tickets £10, £12.50 OTD www.ticketweb.co.uk www.africaoye.com

M

okoomba are six guys from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with a hot new blend of raw afro-fusion energy that is setting dance floors ablaze throughout Africa and Europe.

Winners of the Music Crossroads Inter Regional Festival 2008, Mokoomba bring an electrified blend of Afro-fusion and tantalising traditional Tonga music.

The name Mokoomba stems from the deep respect that the Tonga people have for the Zambezi River and for the vibrant life that it brings to their music and culture.

They sing in Tonga (one of

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the lesser known languages and cultures of Zimbabwe), fusing with it keyboard, rhythm and bass guitar and a dynamic showcase of Tonga made instruments like Tonga Jemba (drums), whistle and bell as well as a host of other indigenous instruments.

Mokoomba play music that is distinct to the Tonga people of Zimbabwe and combine it with a welcomed West African flair, making this some highly danceable stuff! Their new CD Rising Tide is described by First World Music as “strong, modern, rooted in Africa and spiked with a spice of Latin, soukous, reggae, palm wine and other influences”.

Music

Eugene McGuinness

E

qually primal and playful, swaggering yet soulful, anthemic but sonically experimental, The Invitation To The Voyage is the second fulllength album from Eugene McGuinness and his most powerfully conceived and fully realised artistic statement to date.

Recorded with the assistance of producers Clive Langer (Elvis Costello, Morrissey,

Eugene McGuinness o2 Academy, Hotham Street Sunday November 11, 7pm Tickets £8 www.ticketweb.co.uk Madness) and Dan Carey (MIA, Hot Chip, Santigold) The Invitation is an unabashedly bombastic, brave and above all, thoroughly contemporary update on a distinctly English strand of lyrical, gently fantastical pop songwriting that locates and celebrates the beautiful and the bizarre in modern life.

“I wanted to write songs that really captured a feeling that most people experience all the time but in a different way” explains Eugene. “I wanted to do a record that just reflected positivity, that feeling of coming out of a difficult period and looking forward. The dull stuff and the humdrum doesn’t matter,

because it’s always in your hands. It’s about those moments of transcendence; that make all the rest of the rubbish worthwhile somehow.” Indeed the album as a whole has an uncanny knack of encapsulating the feeling of those instances and the tension and tedium that they negate, perfectly.

It’s a stylistic emphasis that is matched musically. Big hooks are met head-on with a wonderfully agile vocal, arrangements strut and soar and the impressively eclectic musicality of Eugene’s work is really allowed to run riot.

“When I listen to my first records”, says Eugene, “I can definitely still enjoy them and hear a lot of myself in them. It’s like sonic DNA. Those records represented and reflected the music I grew up listening to, the classic pop music my parents got me into like The Beatles and The Stones etc. and that stays with you forever. In many ways the new record was written with those classic records in mind, but I also wanted to make it as modern sounding as possible – the songs should mean something to people who are young and experiencing those kind of feelings and situations right now. I don’t think anyone has done that properly for a while.”

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The Killers Echo Arena Liverpool Kings Dock, L3 4FP November 9 Tickets £32.50/£42.50

Undoubtedly one of the world’s hottest rock and roll bands, The Killers will play the Echo Arena on November 9 as part of their UK tour. The band will be performing tracks from their new, critically acclaimed fourth studio album, Battle Born, named after the words emblazoned on the Nevada state flag, a motto that also gave the band’s Las Vegas studio its name.

The Killers have sold over 15 million copies of their albums Hot Fuss, Sam’s Town and Day & Age, and have amassed a collection of Brit, NME, MTV Awards and, most recently, ASCAP Awards.

Talking about Battle Born Brandon said, “I feel like there are a lot of live moments on this album, more than we’ve ever had before. People are going to be able to relate to and understand these songs. Pound for pound, this is our strongest record, and I’m really excited about it.” The lead single Runaways, a smalltown drama of epic proportions, is an unmistakably American expression of romance and optimism that heralds the band’s return with cyclonic guitars and a chorus big enough to be bellowed from one end of the Mojave to the other. The support act for this tour is the Canadian indie band Tegan and Sara.

November 2012

MOBO Awards 2012

The 17th MOBO Awards takes place on Saturday 3 November at Echo Arena

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meli Sandé and Plan B lead the way in the MOBO nomination stakes with five apiece, followed by Rita Ora and Labrinth with four.

Fresh from her outstanding performances at the London 2012 Olympic Ceremonies, Emeli Sandé (pictured, right) has been nominated in several categories for this year’s Awards: Best Female, Best R&B/Soul, Best Video for My Kind Of Love, Best Song for Next To Me and Best Album for Our Version Of Events.

Plan B has had a fantastic year and features in the categories: Best Male, Best Hip-Hop/Grime, Best Song as well as Best Video and Best Album, both for Ill Manors.

The MOBO Music Panel further nominated rising star Rita Ora in categories including Best Newcomer, Best Female, Best Video for R.I.P (featuring Tinie Tempah) and Best Album for Ora. London rapper Labrinth is nominated for Best Male, Best R&B/Soul, Best Song for Earthquake (featuring Tinie Tempah) and Best Album for Electronic Earth.

The Best International Act category is a showcase of the biggest names in urban music with Azealia Banks, Beyoncé, Drake, Frank Ocean, Jay Z and Kanye West, Nas, Nicki

Minaj, Ne-yo, Rick Ross and Rihanna all up against each other.

This year for the first time the Best Song category only includes songs performed and co-written by the artist and includes Ed Sheeran for Lego House and Michael Kiwanuka for I’ll Get Along alongside Emeli Sandé, Labrinth and Plan B. MOBO Founder Kanya King MBE said; “We are very excited about the 17th MOBO Awards at the Echo Arena.

The talent this year has been truly exceptional and we are so proud to be flying the flag for urban music which has again been dominating the charts in the past year. Good luck to all those nominated!’

The MOBO Awards are held annually in the UK and over the past 17 years, MOBO has showcased and honoured many of the music industry’s

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Echo Arena, Liverpool Kings Dock, L3 4FP Saturday November 3 Tickets £29/ £44/ £59 Gold Circle Standing £100 finest talent from around the world with performances and attendances from A-list artists including Janet Jackson, Destiny’s Child, Dionne Warwick, Usher and Amy Winehouse to name a few.

Rizzle Kicks (below), who joined Kanya King MBE in August to announce that the MOBO Awards were returning to Liverpool, said “MOBO is a great platform for music artists, we’ve always been big supporters of the awards and it’s exciting that they are coming back to Liverpool. Great city and we can’t wait for the night!”

Music

Stephen Langstaff

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tephen Langstaff is rapidly becoming one of the UK’s most prolific singer/songwriters.

His approach is simple.

Stephen writes powerful, haunting songs and delivers

Epstein Theatre Friday November 9, 7:30pm Tickets £10 plus booking fee Box office 0844 888 4411 them with complete conviction. Like the man himself, they are instantly engaging and full of warmth.

Stephen gave up the chance of a career as a professional footballer to pursue music.

He was at Liverpool Football Club from the age of 9 to 15 and offered a contract at Blackpool, however, he started playing guitar aged 11 and his passion for music outweighed football.

Soulful and brimming over with bare emotion, he has earned comparisons with Tracy Chapman and Jeff Buckley. Like these artists, Stephen provides the listener with something honest and direct.

Growing up in Liverpool, Stephen began writing songs as a child and has gone on to write, record and self-release a large body of songs.

He has toured the UK as opening act for The Lightning Seeds and as part of the 02 Academy Tour. Stephen has also notched up appearances at Chester Rocks (opening to 10,000 people), Latitude, Greenbelt and The Wicker Man festivals.

Stephen’s new album Colours is out now. Support is from Kristi Michele who hails from the dusty edges of Southern California. Drawing inspiration from British folk, Broadway show tunes, brill-building pop, gypsy jazz, cabaret, and psychedelia her songs range from sometimes gentle folk ditties accompanied by a plucked acoustic guitar, to sweet vocal melodies set to Ragtime piano. Her music evokes a time gone by with her voice displaying a nostalgic quality, hinting at Billie Holiday, the wavering folk of Maddy Prior, and the theatrical alto of a turn-of-the-century vaudeville.

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Ben Ottewell Eric’s, Mathew Street Friday November 16, 7:30pm Tickets £10 0151 236 9994 www.ericslive.com Ben Ottewell , best know for his role as singer/songwriter in the successful Mercury Prize winning Southport rock band Gomez, last year released his first solo album, Shapes and Shadows via Eat Sleep Records. The nine tracks were recorded at The Chalet in Los Angeles, California and were co-produced by Ottewell and Will Golden and mixed by Tom Biller (Liars, Warpaint, Karen O & the Kids).

Over 5 years in the making, Shapes and Shadows is a collection of solo compositions pieced together and written in and around Gomez tours, recording sessions and breaks. They are born out of Ottewell’s desire to create something with a strong sense of simplicity and purity, to get away from the full band, electric sound of Gomez.

November 2012

Liverpool Music Awards

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he nominees for the first ever Liverpool Music Awards were announced at Eric’s, Mathew Street on Wednesday October 10, during an evening of Liverpool music.

The night was hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Dave Monks, with local musicians including members of The Coral, The Zutons and the Lightning Seeds turning out to support the nominations.

The One to Watch category will see alternative folk band All We Are, four-piece Guardians and acoustic ensemble The Hummingbirds scrap it out.

Music Prize nominee Ian Mcnabb. In a year that has been tough for live music, The Caledonia, The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and The Kazimier have been nominated for live music venue of the year.

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

Liverpool Music Awards The Dome Grand Central Saturday November 17 Doors: 7:30pm Tickets £50

Nominated for male artist of the year is indie-pop folk singer Ali Ingle, the man dubbed the Mersey Van Morrison Robert Vincent and the self-professed soul powered nerd, Esco Williams (pictured, right).

Female artist of the year will be a battle between X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson, mezzo-soprano Kathryn Rudge and folk singer, songwriter and playwright Lizzie Nunnery.

Fighting it out for band of the year are five-piece synth rock/pop band Man Get Out, psychedelic folktronica group Stealing Sheep and the synth pop Tea Street Band.

Heavenly Records Stealing Sheep are also nominated for album of the year along with Bill Ryder Jones, the ex- guitarist from The Coral and former Mercury

appear along with members of Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Liz McClarnon, with live performances including X Factor finalist Craig Colton and MOBO Unsung award winner Esco Williams (below). Funds raised on the night will be in aid of Youth Music charity.

Awards organiser Ellie Phillips said, “It’s great to see such a range of genres included in the final shortlists, it really shows how diverse the music industry on Merseyside really is: right through from the musicians

artist of the year, band of the year, DJ of the year and one to watch.

The awards for: Local Music Champion, The Roger Eagle Award For Outstanding Contribution To Music and Lifetime Achievement will be announced at the red-carpet ceremony, hosted by Radio 2 DJ Janice Long at. On the night, chart-topping band Lawson and Liverpool indie popstars The Wombats will

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and managers to the venues and labels. It’s also interesting that individuals at different stages in their careers have made the final cut: newcomers, those who are well established and those who have forged their way using non-traditional routes.”

Voting is now open at www. liverpoolmusicawards.com Liverpool Music Awards tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Music

The Unthanks

Songs from the Shipyard The Epstein Theatre Saturday November 3, 6pm Tickets £12.50 Commissioned by and first performed at Tyneside Cinema, Songs from the Shipyards tells the story of the rise and fall of the shipbuilding industry and its impact on the lives of so many people in the 20th century; a beautiful and moving illustration of Britain’s industrial journey in microcosm. The film performance is a unique event that brings archive film of the UK’s shipyards and rivers to vibrant new life, revisualised by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Richard Fenwick. Continuing their journey as England’s most innovative and adventurous folk band, Mercury award nominees The Unthanks perform live to the film, combining the folk songbook of the shipyard industry with new compositions and compelling arrangements.

While the footage focuses on the North East yards of the Tyne, Wear and Tees rivers, there is also film footage from the UK’s other major shipyards. Moreover, the tour of this very special event takes in towns and cities with historical links to shipbuilding.

Charlie Landsborough Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Sunday November 4, 7:30pm Tickets £18.50/£23

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he highly acclaimed chart-topping, international singer/songwriter Charlie Landsborough returns to The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall with his blend of easy-listening ballads, blues and country music. Mixing his music with his wit and repartee, Lansborough’s shows have produced a 28

winning formula which has endeared him to fans across the globe and in 2011 earned him a place in the British Country Music Hall of Fame.

His latest album Destination features over a dozen songs ranging from up-tempo country to his trademark heartfelt ballads, but always classic Landsborough.

November 2012

Berta Rojas

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enowned for flawless technique and innate musicality, Berta Rojas ranks among today’s foremost classical guitarists.

She has been praised as “guitarist extraordinaire” by the Washington Post and by Classical Guitar magazine as an “Ambassador of the classical guitar”. Her warmth and heart-touching musical artistry delight audiences wherever she performs.

Patrick Wolf Acoustic World Tour

The Gallery, Stanhope Street Wed. November 21, 7:30pm Tickets £18.50 0844 873 2888

In concert Berta moves easily between classical and other musical genres.

She continues to captivate audiences and critics from Carnegie Hall to the South Bank Centre in London, selling out performances at

The tour will commence with a special performance at The Old Vic in August in London, Patrick then circles the globe heading to Australia, the USA and mainland Europe before returning to UK and Homotopia. Patrick will perform in the exhibition space where Andrew Logan’s Welcome to My World is showing. He takes the stage playing grand piano, Celtic harp, dulcimer and more, and will be accompanied by one other musician on stage. He will be digging deep into his 10 year, 5 album catalogue creating a different set list for every night of the tour.

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venues around the world.

Berta is also Paraguay’s Ambassador of Tourism.

Brad Conroy, Guitar International says “Rojas executes the fast scales and arpeggios, harmonics, rasgueados, and percussive tapping techniques with incredible precision, tone, and clarity. She performs this music as if she has always known it, with understanding and passion and her expert musicianship shines through.”

Capstone Theatre, Shaw Street Tuesday November 6, 7:30pm Tickets £12.50 0151 291 3578 www.bertarojas.com

Nightlife

Muzik Xpress Tour Zanzibar, Seel Street Saturday December 1, 10pm - 4am Tickets £10/£8 advance 0151 707 0633

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November 2012

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o celebrate 20 years since their seminal debut single Muzik X-Press, X-Press 2, with promoters Mestura, present a night of house music that will encompass their influences and their biggest tunes, as well as a selection of classics, right through to the present day.

The night is part of a celebration world tour and takes place at the Zanzibar on the December 1 with support from Andy Carroll and Steve Parry.

Such is their swashbuckling sense of adventure, it’s hard to believe that X-Press 2 have been at the vanguard of British electronic music for two decades. Whether it’s as musicians, DJs or remixers, the London duo share the same sense of musical discovery that first united them on the acid-house dance floors of Shoom and Spectrum and the Balearic playgrounds of Ibiza. A pioneering spirit that fuelled early ‘90s underground anthems such as the percussive, US influenced Muzik X-Press and London X-Press. And why not?

Chutzpah that helped them create languid deep house classics like Lazy and Give It with vocalists as unlikely, yet inspired, as David Byrne of Talking Heads and Kurt Wagner of Lambchop. A DJ bravado that led to them thinking, two decks are for wimps. Why not six or seven?

Why not twelve?

The Three Musketeers have recently become two, with the departure of Ashley Beedle, but its full steam ahead for

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Rocky and Diesel.

“With Ashley leaving, the dynamic has changed”, says Diesel. “But we are carrying on the X-Press 2 sound and developing it.” The key is that the pair are as excited about music as they were when they first met in the mid-80’s.

In their DJ sets - now on a relatively restrained four decks and CDJs - and on their Thursday evening show for Ministry Radio, they steer away from the Lazy era and chart a new course through 21st century house of every hue.

The pair see strong parallels between their Balearic formative years and the irreverent eclecticism of 2012. “Our earliest influences were pre-house warehouse parties where you had rare groove, soul, jazz, go-go music, all different sorts of stuff being played”, says Diesel. Rocky adds “In Ibiza in the late Eighties, we’d be dancing to Acid Trax, then a Rolling Stones record, or the Woodentops. And 20 years later there’s a bit of that going on again. Clubs like The Social have an anythinggoes ethos - King Tubby one minute, a dubstep record the next and then a house thing.”

“When things get sectioned off you just lose all sense of progression or creativity”, says Diesel. When it came to writing their untitled forthcoming album, it was time to scale back the gigs and retreat to the studio armed with a spectrum of music old and new. “With us, it’s always records, because we’re DJs and record collectors”, says Rocky.

Nightlife

We will never make a song that says, ‘Take me higher’

Lately, their ears have been filled with everything from fifties rockabilly, ‘60s gospel and ‘80s boogie through to up-to-the-minute gems by leftfield electronic voyager Caribou and Brooklyn house wunderkind Felix Feygin.

As that colourful selection suggests, Rocky and Diesel retain their taste for the unexpected, especially when it comes to selecting guest vocalists. “We always try and go for someone who’s not associated with dance music”, says Rocky. For the new album, that means people

like Rob Harvey, former frontman of Leeds alt-rockers the Music, who previously collaborated with X-Press 2 on Kill 100 and co-wrote a new track called The Blast.

“The lyrics are quite cryptic”, says Diesel. “I haven’t asked him what they mean yet. It’s got a double chorus and it’s a bit Lennonesque… that’s Lennon, not Lenin.”

Things get fiercer on another album track, This is War, which features Hannah Scanlon of Brighton’s incendiary indie outfit Doll and the Kicks. “She’s got a

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really powerful voice and the song is nuts”, says Diesel.

“What really appealed to us is the fact that it’s about war rather than throwing your hands in the air and loving everyone,” says Rocky.

Indeed, in X-Press 2’s world of limitless possibilities, only one thing is certain. “We will never make a song that says, Take me higher. That’s just never gonna happen.” insists Diesel. Rest assured - Rocky and Diesel are as restless and averse to predictability as ever. Long may the adventure continue.

November 2012

Circus 10th Birthday: A Decade in Dance

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ircus’ 10th Birthday fell on September 29 at the ideal venue that is The Masque. This was an unbridled evening of house, progressive house and tech house tunes. With Sasha headlining, the stellar line-up featured Seth Troxler, Maceo Plex, Yousef, Davide Squillace and resident DJs Lewis Bordman and Scott Lewis.

Harmonious groups of revellers gathered for this extra special event and geared themselves up for an evening of extreme partying.

Club promoter Yousef and his team went all out to make this one of those social gatherings to remember.

Who’d have thought that a niche club event would grow so colossally and that ten years on, they’d be here celebrating a truly epic

milestone? The Circus team, adorned with logo t-shirts, gave out inflatable props and party hats were worn by all in the crowd. This clearly highlighted the fun aspect to Circus that accompanied the pumping tunes going off in each room of The Masque. There was a definite light hearted, entertaining, exuberant vibe to the evening, bolstered by the DJs bringing some music love to the dance floors.

In the Theatre everyone faced towards the stage where Crosstown Rebels label artist Maceo Plex, followed

by Yousef, brought out their preeminent tunes for this once in a decade event. The climactic mix came from Sasha - a living legend of electronic dance music who still sells out events globally.

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For information on the next Circus Liverpool event visit: www.circusclub.co.uk

The phenomenal live set Sasha performed cemented the evening as an iconic one for those who witnessed it, making sure Circus’ 10th Birthday will be reminisced for years to come.

The evening ended with thunderous claps, whistles and screams for every DJ that performed, with particular love shown for local hero Yousef, also celebrating his new album release A Product Of Your Environment. He and his team put on an evening of outstanding music supplied by some of the most prestigious talents in the industry today; a fitting celebration to mark the club’s first decade.

Nightlife

Voodoo

19th Birthday Party

this event is not just a 19th birthday celebration but a retrospective on what Voodoo has meant to its promoters.

Steve Shiels, the promoter of this event said, “After a long absence, the longing for underground techno has never been greater. In a hard year when the boss passed away, I feel it’s my duty to continue this club’s long legacy, providing the best in techno for Liverpool. This will be a show dedicated to the memory of Sam Jones and to celebrate Voodoo’s 19th Birthday.”

Headlining is Jeff Mills, one of the biggest US names

Voodoo 19th Birthday Party Jeff Mills (Detroit) 4hr set Steve Shiels (Voodoo) O2 Academy 2 Hotham Street, Liverpool

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iverpool’s legendary club night Voodoo started in April 1993 and became a star of the ‘90s scene with its unremitting underground stance, centred around high quality techno, house and acid house music from the world’s best DJs. Alongside the excellent weekly Voodoo residents, the guest DJ roster read like a DJ

Sat. November 3, 11pm - 4am Tickets £16.50 adv + STBF ticketweb.co.uk 0844 477 2000 www.voodoo19.co.uk

who’s-who with artists such as Laurent Garnier, Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, Jeff Mills, Slam & Green Velvet to name just a few.

In 2004, Voodoo, which formerly resided at its famed home Le Bateau, set up a residency at O2 Academy Liverpool . After the tragic death of Voodoo head Sam Jones last year,

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in techno. Championed for his music’s relentless pursuit of hardness and his stripped-down DJ sets, Mills is the latest in a long line of Detroit-bred talent to take on an international reputation.

A founding member of noted Motor City institution Underground Resistance, Mills helped build the artist roster and label ideology, as well as much of its back catalogue, with partners Mad Mike Banks and Robert Noise Hood before moving to New York in 1992 to pursue his solo and DJ career more vigorously (with a resident spot at the legendary Limelight and a recording contract with the noted German label Tresor).

Nightlife

Playground

Late Night Venue at The Hilton

Top Ten: November Playground late night venue at the Hilton Liverpool is a luxurious place with no expense having been spared on this venue. The club has all the drama and 3 Thomas Steers Way Liverpool 1 10pm - 4am Dress Code: Glamorous www.playgroundliverpool.com theatre of a Las Vegas show coupled with the opulence of a six-star penthouse suite. A sophisticated

atmosphere is enjoyed

by Liverpool’s glamorous elite - bodies bronzed and scouse brows retouched.

The music is a good mix of commercial house and R&B, complimenting an extravagant ambience that takes high end clubbing to a whole new level. You really must try the vanity booths in the ladies restrooms for last-minute beauty touchups. This venue is perfect for the glamorous, well-heeled of Liverpool.

Smokie Mo’s 9-13 Temple Court, L2 6PY 0151 227 1131 Smokie Mo’s in the Cavern Quarter offers a definite night club ambience, billing itself as the latest afterhours bar in the area with opening hours from 12.00pm – 6.00am. The bar is split over two floors, one fitted with an illuminated dance floor playing the very best of R&B and chart music, whilst the ground has an anything

goes policy playing a mix ranging from 70s to the latest dance floor fillers. If you’re looking for a great night out in the Mathew Street area, or if you’re travelling to Liverpool as part of a stag or hen do, then Smokie Mo’s is definitely worth a visit to take advantage of the laid-back, yet thriving atmosphere.

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Matt Gall 1. Sweet Nothing Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch

2.You & I Feat. Donna Lewis Original Mix Dubvision, Project 46 3. Say Nothing Hardwell & Dannic Remix Example 4. Embrace Me Dirty South Remix John Dahlback feat. Urban Cone & Lucas Nord 5. Redline Wolfgang Gartner 6. Lies Otto Knows Remix Burns 7. Hallelujah Anyway Larse Vocal Candi Staton 8. Something Special Garrett & Ojelay Respec the Original Remode Miguel Campbell 9. Pair of Dice Original Mix Tiesto, Allure 10. She Wolf (Falling To Pieces) Michael Calfan Remix David Guetta (pictured) feat. Sia Matt is resident DJ on Saturday at Mo*niques Liverpool.

Nightlife

DJ Profile: Liam Daley

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fter Dark spoke to Liam Daley, a local up and coming DJ, producer and label owner who won the coveted title of Best New DJ at the recent Liverpool Beach Festival.

How did it feel to win Best New DJ at the Liverpool Beach Festival? Was it a tough competition?

It felt like I was achieving my dream, DJing in front of a crowd that really enjoyed the music I was playing; that’s what I set out to do when I first started to get in to music at the age of 9. It was a tough competition with so many talented up and coming DJs at their best, wanting to win to establish themselves. Two of them in particular stood out for me: Nathan Fowell and Joey Gray. They did really well and were great fun to work with.

Has your DJing career changed since winning the competition?

I haven’t had any specific opportunities come my way at the moment but I have been very busy with my record label ChillBeat Records. I’ve been signing new producers to add to the amazing talent that I’m already working with.

What was your inspiration to become a DJ? My inspiration came from listening to the local venues such as the Paradox and the Pleasure Rooms on the local radio stations. By the time I started going out to town I was really interested in

seeing how the DJs worked the equipment and how they controlled the crowd with the music they played.

How would you describe your DJing/musical style?

My DJing is basic, as I like to get the job done nice and easy and throw the odd trick in here and there, with my music style blending from one genre to another. Really it depends on the particular venue and crowd I’m playing for.

What would be your dream gig?

My dream gig would be to play in my home town, at Liverpool’s Echo Arena to a sold out capacity alongside Liverpool born and based duo Whelan & Di Scala, as they are the two DJs / producers I look up to when I’m DJing and producing music.

Where can we expect to see you DJing next?

I’m currently in talks with a few venues to hold my next event, and I’m hoping it will be one that will surprise people. My night’s called the House Rockers and I held my first back in June this year.

That went down well and was successful for a first event, with a lot of people asking when the next event was going to be and saying they couldn’t wait for it. My long term goal is to keep pushing on to succeed and make my record label, producing and DJ career successful. I believe the sky is the limit for anybody with a dream like mine.

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Liam Daley’s Top Ten 1. Believe (A.v.A & Liam Daley Official Remix) John Ross Junior 2. Good Time (Firebeatz Remix) Alex Kenji, Ron Carroll 3. City Of Dreams (Original Mix) Dirty South & Alesso Feat. Ruben Haze 4. Step By Step (Big Room Mix) Laidback Luke, Gregor Salto Feat. Mavis Acquah 5. Let It Go (Axwell Vocal Mix) Dirty South 6. Let The Beat Hit ‘Em 2012 Ray Findlay, Chris Smith & Liam Daley Feat. Katherine Ellis 7. Moving (Original Mix) Ray Findlay, Liam Daley & Chris Smith 8. Eyes closed (Original mix) Sonny Alven & Davie Terry ChillBeat Records 9. Here I Come (Original Mix) Sebastian Drums & Whelan & Di Scala 10. Lose My Dune - (Liam Daley Private Bootleg) Davie Terry vz Sebastian Ingrosso, Alesso

November 2012

Deep Water Record Label Party

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fter a summer of label parties up and down the UK stretching from Nottingham to Brighton, London and many places in-between, Deep Water finally brings the party to Liverpool and is set to make one heck of a splash!

Showcasing their catalogue of recording artists alongside 4Mation’s residents, the two come together for a one night only cellar party

presenting the very finest in underground tech house and techno.

Headlining is Deep Water’s Chloe Fontaine who is little sister to the legendary Seb Fontaine. Having grown up around the dance scene and from having worked with, seen, heard and interviewed many of the finest DJs from around the world, it was only natural that this multi-talented lady should

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want to entertain behind the decks too. Indeed things are looking pretty good for Chloe who has two London residencies under her belt, has co-promoted the night Comburo, does studio production sessions and who enjoys weekly club bookings including international gigs to Dubai, Poland and France.

Also on the bill is Deep Water front men, Liverpool’s own DeeBugg. Whilst staying true to their tech house and techno roots, their style can range from anything from deep-house, right through to the signature techno groove that can be heard in a lot of their productions.

Definite crowd pleasers, the DeeBugg duo always works off the crowd to set the tone for their performance, perpetually trying to push the boundaries of pace and sound manipulation as much as they can. Recent gigs both locally and nationally have been a huge success, leading to bookings across Europe, including the Berlin techno festival and London’s Egg Club.

Shiva Secret Cellar 27-29 Stanley Street, Liverpool L1 6AA Featuring 4Mation Residents Chloe Fontaine, Aurelio Esteban, Deebugg, The Kat, Luuka Syence, Daz New Friday November 2 9pm – 4am Free before 10pm/£4 after

Nightlife

Shaken & Stirred

A quick round-up of some of Liverpool’s best bars

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iverpool’s bar scene is famous the world over for its diversity, friendliness and exuberance.

The Liverpudlian sense of fun and love for a great night out has ensured that the city centre offers an unrivalled night time experience for visitors, as well as locals.

Whichever part of town you go to, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect place to suit your taste and mood. Here is our monthly selection of just some of the bars that help make Liverpool a world-class nightlife destination.

La’Go 20 Colquitt Street Liverpool L1 4DE Tel. 0151 709 6116 Comfortable surroundings, classic grooves and very competitively priced drinks.

If you like to boogie to everything from retro soul to cutting edge cool beats, this could be the bar with the vibe for you.

Mojo Back Berry Street Liverpool L1 4BB Tel. 0844 549 9090 Have you ever been in a bar that was playing such amazing tunes that you had to keep asking the DJ what they were? If that sounds like you then your days of traipsing to the DJ booth could well be over. Mojo’s USP is that they have big screens telling you the name

of the track you’re listening to, so you can just sit back and relax with your pint and pretend you knew who the Electric Prunes were all along. Playing a mix of indie, rock and retro, this habitually busy bar is a lively haunt for locals and students alike.

selection of drinks. Expect to see innovative line-ups across two floors overseen

by Chibuku’s Richard McGinnis & Lewis Boardman, presenting the UK’s most exciting new bands and edgy DJs. Developed by the team behind The Lock Tavern in Camden, The Shipping Forecast is a pioneering social space where art meets music, and pub meets club.

The Philharmonic 36 Hope Street Liverpool L1 9BX Tel. 0151 707 2837 The Philharmonic serves up to 10 real ales, with frequently changing guests from a seasonal ale list. The pub is a Grade II* listed building (with Grade I listed toilets!) and it was John Lennon’s favourite pub, of which he famously said, “the price of fame is not being able to have a drink at The Phil”.

Shipping Forecast 15 Slater St L1 4BW Tel. 0151 709 6901 The Shipping Forecast brings together an array of live music events, DJ nights, and everything from daytime record fairs and vintage clothing swaps, to pub quizzes, tasty homecooked food and a huge

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The Grapes 60 Roscoe Street Liverpool L1 9DW Tel. 0151 708 6870 This back-street establishment is one you are unlikely to stumble upon by accident as it’s in a quiet part of town away from the main drag. Don’t let this put you off though; it’s well worth a visit. The delightfully shabby interior, with many original features, creates a warm and cosy atmosphere.

Camel Club 18 Wood Street Liverpool L1 4AQ Tel. 0151 707 1933 Good music, housed in a cavernous Arabic-flavoured

Nightlife

Shaken & Stirred den. Tables and sofas are kept intimate by lattice shutters and simple candle-light, drapes swathe the ceiling and lanterns keep the bar visible.

Upstairs there’s a room for lounging, but the whole place has a relaxed vibe, to a soundtrack of r ‘n’ b, funk, jazz and new soul.

Baltic Fleet 33 Wapping Liverpool L1 8DQ Tel. 0151 709 3116 Liverpool’s only surviving Sailor-town pub, the Baltic Fleet is a cosy pub and microbrewery in the heart of the docklands. Within striking distance of the Albert Dock and Echo Arena, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed drink or something to eat.

Ship & Mitre 133 Dale Street Liverpool L2 2JH Tel. 0151 236 0859 Hidden away at the bottom of Dale Street, in the shadow of a busy flyover, sits a glorious pub that proclaims on its sign to have the best range of beers in Liverpool. With ten hand-pulled real ales we’d find it hard to argue with that claim, and the atmosphere is

great too.

Maya Wood Street Liverpool L1 4DQ Tel. 0151 329 0200 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, 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 rather than living in fear of death.

Great tequila, too!

The Swan Inn 86 Wood Street Liverpool L1 4DQ Tel. 0151 709 5281 The Swan attracts a fiercely loyal clientele due to its fine selection of real ales (Marston’s Pedigree, Wobbly Bob and Old Rosie Scrumpy, as well as the guest brews) and the best juke box in the city. However, don’t expect to be listening to your choice of music within at least three

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Alma De Cuba Seel Street, L1 4BH Tel. 0151 702 7394 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 was formerly St Peter’s 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.

November 2012

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Eating Out

Restaurants

A selection of some of the best places to eat out in Liverpool this November

L

iverpool is a veritable smorgasbord of stylish eateries. Whether you’re dining as an entrée to your night out, embarking on a romantic tête-à-tête, or are planning a lively party with friends or family, the city’s restaurants offer a delectable choice for all budgets and taste buds - from a quick bite to the more exotic culinary feast.

TriBeCa 17-19 Berry St L1 9DF Tel. 0151 707 2528 TriBeCa isn’t what we’d call your average pizza joint.

Their freshly baked pizzas which include Peking duck and seasonal specials such as Christmas dinner pizza are as far from the norm as you can get. They also have a supercharged cocktail list.

Most pizzas are under £6, which will keep your over stretched pockets happy.

Lucha Libre 96 Wood St L1 4DQ Tel. 0151 329 0200 Lucha Libre brings an authentic taste of Mexican street food and culture to Liverpool. The thoughtfully stylised decor creates an air of Latin-American chic with lots of detail. The passion and knowledge of the staff is infectious and they’ll happily guide you through the luxuriant menu. 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.

The Hub Ale House & Kitchen 16 Hanover St L1 4AA Tel. 0151 709 2401 The Hub is an establishment that combines the buzz of a city centre bar with the friendly feel of a rural gastro pub. This welcoming Grade II listed pub is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The decor is a unique blend of the modern and the traditional – the impressive copper brewing vessel and the hanging copper pots contrast well with modern, chunky wooden furniture.

atmosphere is a standout characteristic, at night it’s transformed into a pulsating venue that harbours live bands, exhibitions and social events. Free wifi, quality food at affordable prices and a great selection of aromatic coffees and loose-leaf teas means that Elevator is the perfect choice for students that value originality.

Italian Club Fish 128 Bold St L1 4JA Tel. 0151 707 2110 The Italian Club Fish offers a marriage between British and Italian styles. As a fish café, many of the ingredients are subject to availability, but staff will always endeavour to bring you a like-forlike product! All dishes are prepared from fresh, using extra virgin oil, fresh vegetables and fish stocks.

Elevator Bar

Filini Bar and Restaurant

25-31 Parliament St L8 5RN Tel. 0151 707 1137 Whether you’re looking for some comfort from the inner-city commotion to socialise and study, or would like to season your student experience with some authentic culture, Elevator Bar & Café is an ideal hideout for you. Situated on the periphery of the city centre, Elevator embodies the heartbeat of Liverpool - the music. By day, the serene

107 Old Hall Street L3 9BD Well-known as one of the finest dining experiences in Liverpool, Filini offers modern Italian food that merges the best local and Italian produce to create mouth-watering dishes. A combination of vintage red leather seating combined with draping red curtains and impressive chandeliers grace the room while rustic Italian fretwork shines from the large windows that overlook

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November 2012

the river Mersey. At this restaurant, taste and flavour are key, supplemented by the very best ingredients from Italy and its many regions.

Quarter Cafe 7 Falkner Street L8 7PU Tel. 0151 707 1965 Popular with everyone from business people to bohemians, The Quarter Café serves an Italianinspired restaurant menu and all dishes are fresh, tasty and made up from locally sourced produce – they’re also reasonably priced and delivered with a smile.

Leaf

Las Iguanas 14 Paradise Street L1 8JF Las Iguanas is the nation’s hottest new Mexican chain and is located overlooking Chavasse Park, a taste of mexico in Liverpool One. The restaurant plays host to classic options such as Mexican fajitas and burritos, but also offers the slightly more exotic choices of Peruvian and Brazilian dishes. You can sample a concoction of striking Cuban, Mexican and Chilean cocktails amid surroundings resonant of a chaotic, yet charming Latin America.

65-67 Bold St L1 4EZ Tel. 0151 707 7747 Leaf is an independent tea shop and bar in the heart of Liverpool city centre. Spread over 2 floors, Leaf delivers diversity; whether hosting art and vintage markets, or music and club nights. Enjoy delicious, wholesome food and hundreds of varieties of tea while hanging out in a creative and imaginative space at any time of the day, or night.

La Tasca 4 Queen Square L1 1RH La Tasca, a Spanish restaurant in Liverpool’s Queen Square, is an ideal place to dine before the theatre or a night out in

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town. Two-for-one cocktails or 20% off your food bill can be enjoyed indoors or on the fabulous terrace.

Matou 2nd Floor Mersey Ferry Terminal Building Pier Head L3 1BY Matou provides the ultimate in fine dining merging dishes from the east including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and China; this includes a tempting selection of signature fusion dishes. The restaurant enjoys a privileged position overlooking the waterfront providing a spectacular backdrop for your eastern dining experience. Matching the view, the interiors are certainly sophisticated – from the plush seating area to the glass wall overlooking the water.

Zagros 194 London Road L3 8JN Zagros is an authentic Persian grill house, where the meats are prepared over charcoal for extra flavour.

Meat kebabs on skewers are a favourite Persian delicacy, with uniquely exotic flavours that can’t be found anywhere else in Liverpool. Included among the Persian classics on offer is the Fesenjaan – diced chicken in a walnut and pomegranate sauce.

Eating Out

The Living Room 15 Victoria Street L2 5QS The Living Room is a well-established bar and restaurant styled with a cosmopolitan twist. The space is stylish but with a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere.

The baby white grand piano, situated at the heart of the venue, makes a potent style statement as soon as you enter. Music is provided for

guests visiting on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, and Sunday lunchtime. With a capacity of 100 for a sitdown meal, large parties can be accommodated for in the main restaurant, but the bar also offers an intimate area which can seat 14 for more private dining.

Tapas Tapas 14 Back Colquitt Street Arthouse Square L1 4DE This family run restaurant offers authentic, freshly made Spanish tapas dishes, at very reasonable prices. Situated over two floors, the dimly lit and warm surroundings of the eatery are adorned with authentic Spanish dĂŠcor and

upstairs features exposed wooden beams. An extensive menu includes speciality meats and cheeses, as well as a range of homemade paellas for two. Enjoy drinks and music in the adjoining basement bar and try one of their famous Spanish chupito shots or even a chorizo vodka cocktail. Sign up on the website (www.tapastapas. co.uk) and you can get up to 50% off their daytime tapas menu.

Spire 1 Church Road Wavertree L15 9EA Specialising in modern British and European cuisine, Spire promises culinary expertise and a convivial ambience at one of the most popular and critically acclaimed eateries in the North-West of England. Expect carefully considered dishes, reflecting originality and savoir-faire, using seasonal, responsibly sourced ingredients. Spire is committed to supporting local producers, nurturing relationships with local suppliers of meat, fish and cheese. Spire also recently earned its first AA rosette.

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Theatre

Empire Theatre Liverpool Thursday November 22, 7pm Tickets £5.00 - £25.00

Welsh National Opera’s

Cosi Fan Tutte

F

iordiligi is engaged to Guglielmo, and her sister Dorabella is engaged to Ferrando.

The two men are Italian sailors stationed in a British seaside town and their fiancées are coming to visit.

Their friend Don Alfonso, a local pier entertainer, believes that all women are fickle and unfaithful, and makes a bet that when tested, their girlfriends will show

themselves to be so too. They accept the wager and agree to put themselves under Don Alfonso’s command.

Soon doubts set in, their certainties crumble and their relationships become very complicated indeed.

Mozart tells this story with music of beguiling beauty, casting a spell on the audience, from the calm before the storm of Soave Sia Il Vento, the enchanting

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aria Una Aura Amorosa to the heartbreaking Per Pieta.

Benjamin Davis’s warm and funny Così Fan Tutte is one of the most purely entertaining productions of this great opera. The setting of a British seaside in the early 1960s offers a combination of saltiness and sweetness which perfectly complements the opera’s mixture of pleasure and pain. Italian with surtitles in English.

November 2012

Welsh National Opera’s

Jephtha

Welsh National Opera’s

La bohème Empire Theatre Liverpool

November 21, 23 & 24, 7:15pm Tickets £5.00 - £25.00

Joyous love blossoms and perishes in the winter snow.

Love at first sight: Mimi and Rudolfo meet on Christmas Eve, and instantly fall in love. Their happiness is short lived however. Mimi’s health deteriorates and to make matters worse she must deal with Rodolfo’s growing jealousy. Their friends, Musetta and Marcello, rekindle their love for each other. However they too quickly realise that they can’t live with or without each other. By spring both couples will have to come to terms with the fact that love cannot conquer all.

If you have experienced La bohème before, this major new production by Annabel Arden, set in the elegance of Edwardian Paris, will allow you to see this great opera with new eyes. If this is your first La bohème, this is the perfect opportunity to experience one of the greatest love stories ever sung. Italian with surtitles in English

Empire Theatre Liverpool Tuesday November 20, 7pm Tickets £5.00 - £25.00

S

ublime music, electrifying theatre and a profound plea for humanity.

The offices of state weigh heavily on Jephtha’s shoulders. He has led his people through war to victory, he is a hero, the man of the hour - but there is a catch, a terrible catch. Before victory, Jephtha vowed that, if he was to win, he would sacrifice the first living creature he encountered on his return. The first person

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to greet him was his beloved daughter Iphis.

Handel’s sublime music and Thomas Morell’s exquisite words are infused with almost unbearable pathos.

Katie Mitchell’s inspired production transforms this oratorio into electrifying theatre which asks profound questions about the clash between individuals and the state. Jephtha is a heartstopping and poignant experience. English with surtitles in English.

Theatre

Kids’ Theatre At The Unity The Elves and The Shoemakers

Saturday November 3 11:30am & 2:30pm £8/£6 children Once, there were two shoemakers who were very old and very poor, so poor they couldn’t even afford to buy Christmas presents for each other. But one Christmas Eve, just as the snow drifted down outside, two little elves decided to spread a wee bit of magic which would make a whole lot of difference. Live music, puppetry, physical storytelling and a sprinkling of elf magic combine to tell this classic tale written by Mike Kenny and directed by Sarah Brigham. Suitable for ages 3+

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Egg

Saturday November 10, 2:30pm £8/£6 concessions Fun for all the family, Egg is all about magic and music and…an egg. The delightful story unfolds on a tiny, rustic set, exquisitely constructed out of twigs, feathers and shell. Join these madcap birds on an adventure of a lifetime as they grapple with growing up and giving in to their natural instincts to take flight. And then of course they meet an egg! Suitable for ages 4+

November 2012

A Nightmare On Lime Street Starring David Gest

T

he show begins in Liverpool in the 1800s.

Tchaikovsky’s Overture is Number 1 in Ye Olde Poppe Chart and Dr Frankenstein is curator of antiquities at Liverpool’s World Museum.

He is lying low for a while after the “misunderstanding” in Bavaria. But that hasn’t stopped him experimenting in his quest to earn the respect of the scientific community. In between importing the most evil artefacts the world has known he has kept up his hobby of monster-making. But his new monster (Gest) isn’t what he expected. He’s American and very polite, definitely not what you would expect from a monster. In fact he’s rather disappointed and sets about fixing him to be a proper monster. But, thanks to Egor, his short-sighted assistant, a badly made egg-nog puts him to sleep for 200 years.

Fast forward to Liverpool, 2012. Being sacked for being asleep on the job was the final straw; Dr Frankenstein has vowed to get his revenge by bringing the city of Liverpool to its knees and strange things are happening in the city. Enter Tommy Hughes, Vampire Slayer, and his daughter Julie to hopefully save the day. Can they stop the invasion of the Superlambananadaleks? Can they stop the magical Liver Birds flying away?

The writer of the last three smash hit Christmas shows

Royal Court, Liverpool November 23 - January 12 2013 www.royalcourtliverpool.com 0870 787 1866

at the Royal Court (Merry Ding Dong, Scouse Pacific and Little Scouse On The Prairie) is back with one of the wackiest, funniest and scariest Christmas shows you’ve ever seen. After delving into musicals and Westerns, this year Fred Lawless will be making fun of classic horror films. A mix of jokes, songs and general messing around on stage, the show will be more horrifying than a five-to-two pull in the Big House and funnier than watching Hellraiser take off a beanie hat.

The show will not only give you a great laugh, but also promises to answer all those mystifying horror movie

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questions, such as: How did Dracula get his hair so perfect when he couldn’t use a mirror? Was Peter Beardsley really Quasimodo’s lovechild?

How the heck did Freddy Kruger wipe his bum?

“I’ll deffo be going but I might stop off for a bite on the way.”- Count Dracula “I’ll go if I can get a babysitter.” - The Mummy “You’ll scream louder than I did last week when I answered the iron.” - Stevie Wonder See website for details of the special star studded charity Gala Performance on Sunday 9 December.

Theatre

What’s On? Lantern Theatre

Blundell Street L1 0AJ

A Pair of Blue Eyes Sat. November 10 7.45pm £5

Elfride Swancourt, a beautiful and impulsive country girl , has lived a life of seclusion until the arrival of two strangers shatters that peace and tranquillity forever.

On Saturday November 10, Ruba Duk Productions present their adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s third published novel A Pair of Blue Eyes. The play tells of the story of the love triangle that develops between the beautiful, impulsive Elfride - she of the blue eyes - and her suitors, the handsome Stephen Smith and the older, urbane Mr Knight. Torn between the two men, the play dramatises a novel which itself was closely based upon Hardy’s own love affair with Emma Gifford.

This is a rare chance to witness a dramatisation of one of Hardy’s most perceptive and emotionally charged works.

AfterWords: when you finally get there, what if your perfect afterlife is to be with that someone special - but theirs is to be with somebody else? Whose afterlife will be heaven, whose will be hell, and who will decide? Will this be as good as it gets for all eternity?

De Bogman

Mon. November 12 Thurs. November 15 £10.00 Adult/£7 Conc A presentation by Be Your Own Banana Theatre Company, De Bogman was first performed in 2000.

The play, by Brian Desmond and Máirtín de Cógáin, charts the story of Declan who, from his humble origins as a village idiot in Ireland, goes to America to become world heavyweight boxing champion.

A unique blend of storytelling and physical clowning, De Bogman has toured extensively over the past decade, becoming a cult classic in Ireland and also enjoying successful runs off-Broadway (2010) and in the UK. Internationally renowned storyteller Máirtín de Cógáin narrates the tale, while also performing over twenty characters.

for over two years with acclaimed reviews.

Now, for one week only, the show comes to the Liverpool Empire.

This non-professional production is produced by the Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust.

Liverpool Empire

Lime Street, L1 1JE

42nd Street

Tues. November 13 Sat. November 17 7.30pm £10.00 - £45.00

The Sound of Music Come and meet those Wed. November 07 Sat. November 10 7.30pm £10.00 - £24.00 Family tickets £50+

This multi-award winning and timeless family musical is returning to the Liverpool Empire this November.

Bottled Wasps and AfterWords

November 16 - 17 £10 and £8 concessions 7.30pm The award winning Organised Chaos Productions present a double bill of two new plays: Bottled Wasps is a nostalgic return to the scene where love first sparked can easily re-kindle the flames.

But when the scene has grown tired too, and the other players have changed, or speak different lines, will the spark grow to flames of desire this time, or just the work of an arsonist?

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Originally opening on Broadway in 1959, this was Rodgers & Hammerstein’s final musical, and tells the story of Maria, who is sent to be the governess for the von Trapp family’s seven children. Featuring such memorable songs as My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, and, of course, The Sound of Music, the show has entertained audiences ever since. Most recently it was revived in the West End by Andrew Lloyd Webber, following the BBC’s talent contest, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and ran

dancing feet! Winner of the 1980 Tony Award for Best New Musical and the 2001 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical: 42nd Street -the timeless, inspiring tale of small town Peggy Sawyer’s rise from chorus line to Broadway star. And those songs! Lullaby Of Broadway, We’re In The Money, Shuffle Off To Buffalo, Keep Young And Beautiful, I Only Have Eyes For You and the spectacular title number, which is danced down a flight of steps that lights up as brightly as the faces of the cast.

Starring Dave Willetts (West End starring roles include Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Cats, Ragtime and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers), Marti Webb (Blood Brothers, Tell Me On A Sunday, Song And Dance, Evita, Cats, Thoroughly Modern

November 2012 Millie) and directed by the show’s co-author and Broadway director Mark Bramble, the show features the stunning sets and costumes from the US production.

Essence of Ireland: Bigger and Better!

Sun. November 18 7.30pm

Christmas with the Rat Pack Liverpool Empire Mon 26 Nov - Sat 01 Dec £10.00 - £33.50 7.30pm Frank, Sammy and Dean will be back this Christmas spreading their own style of festive cheer in Christmas With The Rat Pack - Live From Las Vegas.

The show is the seasonal edition of The Rat Pack - Live From Las Vegas, which ran at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, the Strand (now the Novello) and the Savoy in London’s West End for four years, gaining a 2004 Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Entertainment.

Since it finished its run in the capital, the show has been touring the UK and has previously made one-off reappearances in London.

Christmas With The Rat Pack - Live From Las Vegas celebrates the talent of worldrenowned singers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, who became famous for their glamorous careers as live entertainers and for their residencies at The Sands resort in Las Vegas in the 1950s and ‘60s.

This festive production mixes songs from the era with traditional tunes in a line-up that includes Baby It’s Cold Outside, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Let It Snow, White Christmas and Auld Lang Syne. A 15-piece orchestra accompanies the cast.

The spectacular Essence of Ireland is back with a new show, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

Now with their biggest and most talented cast of dancers, singers and musicians, Essence of Ireland combines breath-taking dance routines with the very best of Irish music, a touch of Irish craic, all cleverly woven into a heart-warming tale.

Harold Steptoe wake up every morning to the same old, sickening sight; each other. Joined at the hip and heart, they bicker their way through life - toying with each other’s frailties like mean kittens. Adapted from the legendary scripts of Galton and Simpson, this new production charts the tender, cruel and surprising dance of father and son. Comic, and moving, it’s a 20th century icon, re imagined for a new generation.

Ages 14+

Liverpool Playhouse & Playhouse Studio

Williamson Square L1 1EL

Steptoe and Son

Tues. November 6 Sat. November 10 7.30pm Thu 8 Nov at 1.30pm/ Sat 10 Nov at 2pm £12 - £21 Two Men. Two World Wars. Two lives knitted together as tight as a thrice darned sock. Bound together by birth, business and bad luck, Albert and

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A Government Inspector

Tues. November 13 Sat. November 17 7.30pm (Except Wed 14 Nov) Matinées: Thurs.

November 15, 1.30pm Sat.November 17, 2pm Twilight: Wed. November 14, 5.30pm £12 - £21 They say “Where there’s muck there’s brass” and this hysterically funny tale of misdeeds, misadventure and mistaken identity has plenty of both! In a small Pennine town a flashy young stranger is mistaken for a Government Inspector.

Theatre The town’s unscrupulous Councillors do all they can to ingratiate themselves.

Bribes, backhanders and brown envelopes abound and the stranger, who has an eye for a quick buck, takes full advantage with hilarious results. If you like your humour broad, your references topical, your heart warmed and your brass live, look no further than A Government Inspector. Absurdly funny, clever and strangely familiar, you’ll never trust your local authority again.

By Nikolai Gogol, adapted

by Deborah MacAndrew.

Age: 11+

Dorothy Parker, Paul Shaw and Oscar Wilde.

Amy Lamé: Unhappy Birthday

Thurs November 8 Fri. November 9, 8pm £12/£10 concessions

Unity Theatre Hope Place, L1 9BG

A Right Pair

Tues. November 6, 8pm £8/£6 concessions Bette Bourne and Paul Shaw have been partners both offstage and on since the late 1970s. In this comedic whistle stop tour of their life together they explore some of their favourite scenes, some obscure gems and some completely new pieces. Join them for the triumph and despair, the giddy high heel moments and occasional down at heel both onstage and off. Directed by Bette Bourne, A Right Pair features work by Neil Bartlett, Nicolas Bloomfield, Bela Borgia, Jimmy Camicia, Constantin Cavafy, Ray Dobbins, Tim Fountain,

Amy Lamé invites you to her birthday party.

Morrissey’s invited too; will he arrive clutching a bunch of flowers? Will he turn up at all? Cake and quiffs, balloons and beer, party poppers and pass the parcel collide against a soundtrack of teenage obsession in this immersive, interactive show/party.

Described by the Guardian as having a “raucous, bubble gum aesthetic”, Unhappy Birthday cracks open celebrity; flays fat, fandom and faith, and probes the pains of growing up. It will appeal to anyone who has ever been a pop music fan, experienced teenage angst, or been crushed by unrequited love.

Held The Playhouse Studio Thursday November 8 - Saturday December 1 7.45pm (Except Tue 27 Nov) (Matinées: Thu 22 Nov at 1.30pm / Sat 24 Nov & Sat 1 Dec at 2pm Twilight : Tue 27 Nov at 5.30pm) £10 A Mother. Two Brothers.

Three Minds. Different Memories. “I don’t remember why it happened but I remember that it happened and that it was good. And that’s enough. That’s enough, the memories, however fragile they are all we’ve got, all that bind us.”

Somewhere between

Co-founder and hostess of the infamous Olivier award winning London club/collective Duckie, Amy creates

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the past and the present there is a truth. But who remembers best? And who is right? A captivating story of the warp and weft of family life. This first play by one of the Young Everyman and Playhouse (YEP) Young Writers graduates, Joe Ward Munrow.

Age: 16+

November 2012 a culture clash of party, performance and poncing about.

Directed by Scottee, Unhappy Birthday is Waiting for Godot for the pop generation.

Blackouts: Twilight of the Idols Event/Workshop Thurs. November 8, 9pm £10/£8 concessions

Described by The Times as “Hallucinogenic”, Blackouts is the drag show at the end of the world. Drag fabulist Dickie Beau shapeshifts through a soundscape of lost souls in this theatrical trip to an underworld of icons in exile. An adventure in found sound, Blackouts brings to life extraordinary audio artefacts to tell the story of the dark sides of stars estranged not only from society, but also from themselves.

Johnny Come Lately

Tues. November 13 Wed. November 14, 8pm £10/£8 concessions A mother and daughter take in a mysterious lodger with devastating consequences. Who is he and where has he come from? This is a funny, alarming and provocative tale of outsiders, with a clash of cultures, shoplifting, lottery tickets and revolutionary acts!

Next!

Fri. November 23 - Sat. November 24, 8pm £10 / £8 concessions

Award-winning theatre company Coal return to Unity following 2010’s successful show The Fragility of X with a new production created with Told By An Idiot’s John Wright.

A dark tale of solitude and loneliness in this one man dark comedy.

With nothing but his imagination, things aren’t exactly what they seem as the boundaries between the real world and his surreal world of acting and performance become somewhat blurred. Will he ever become the star he feels he is destined to be? Starring Graham Geoffrey Hicks and directed by Chris Tomlinson.

challenging new thriller from the award-winning Billy Cowan and Truant Company who last brought Homotopia the 5 star Care Takers and Stigmata.

L.O.V.E

Thurs. November 15 Sat. November 17, 8pm £12/£10 concessions Three lovers perform Shakespeare’s Sonnets, injecting them with vigour, passion and tenderness, wrestling breathlessly with their language, and sweatily with one another.

In this radical piece of physical theatre, Volcano take the greatest collection of poetry in English and sweep aside dusty academic appreciation that turns children off poetry for life, in favour of a redblooded entanglement, an athletic cast and a touch of Shirley Bassey. Directed and choreographed by DV8’s Nigel Charnock, L.O.V.E. was originally produced in 1992, touring internationally before winning a 1993 Time Out Theatre Award.

The Right Ballerina Thurs. November 1 Fri. November 2 7:30pm £12/£10 concessions

Part of Homotopia 2012. Jack, the artistic director of the country’s leading dance company, is forced to make some difficult decisions when Penny, his principal dancer, is outed by a national newspaper.

A sustained campaign of protest by a group headed by Mr X brings the company to near bankruptcy and Jack is forced to meet Mr X’s ever-increasing demands with Penny being the ultimate victim. Direct from its world premiere at The Lowry comes a provocative and

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Total Football

Tues. November 20 8pm £12/£10 concessions Picking over football systems, political wrangling and changing room banter, Ridiculusmus tackle life’s big questions immortality, happiness and why England always loses!?! From the controversial attempt to create a united GB football team for the 2012 Games to one man’s attempts to reproduce when he can’t even explain the offside rule.

Ridiculusmus patches up its metatarsals for a wickedly clever, mischievously sharp look at what it means to be British today.

Cinema

Argo Released: November 7 Director: Ben Affleck Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman

B

en Affleck’s third movie in the director’s chair after Gone Baby Gone (2007) and The Town (2010), Argo is a slow paced, intense micro-thriller that gradually but skilfully racks up the tension towards a nail-biting last act.

a science fiction movie on location, fly into Iran with an alias, link up with the diplomats, and fly out to freedom… but sometimes even the best plans do not run smoothly.

The film is a loose interpretation of the rescue

Affleck really ups the ante both as an actor and director compared to his previous

of six people who escaped from the American embassy in Iran at the start of the hostage crisis. The opening starts with an intense recreation of the 1979 storming of the U.S. Embassy in Iran, while diplomats vainly attempt to destroy any classified information. The six characters escape out the back exit retreating to the Canadian Ambassador’s home. After about two and a half months CIA specialist Tony Mendez (Affleck) is brought in to devise their extraction from Iran. He comes up with an audacious, and frankly quite mad plan to pretend they’re making

outing The Town. The casting is especially good with many of the well know figures of the time depicted eerily well. Combining real footage from the embassy takeover and staged shots of some of the following events, Affleck and his editing team do an excellent job to evoke the real drama of the affair.

With a massive $44 million dollar budget he could have scaled up some of the action sequences which might have produced more box office sales, but generally Affleck has produced a tense and well-crafted thriller that has enhanced his film-making credentials.

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November 2012

Affleck has produced a tense and well-crafted thriller that has enhanced his film-making credentials

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Cinema

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn part 2 Released: November 16 Director: Bill Condon Starring: Robert Pattinson, Kirstin Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Martin Sheen, Dakota Fanning

Here Comes The Boom Released: November 9 Director: Frank Coraci Starring: Kevin James, Salma Hayek, Henry Winkler, Bas Rutten

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ormer wrestler Scott Voss (Kevin James) is a 42-year-old apathetic biology teacher who, let’s just say, wouldn’t get past an OFSTED inspection.

When cutbacks threaten to cancel the music program and lay off its teacher (Henry Winkler) Voss, with the help of one of his citizenship class students, Dutch personal trainer Neko (Bas Rutten), begins to raise money by moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. Everyone thinks Scott is crazy - most of all the school nurse, Bella (Salma Hayek) - but in his quest, Scott gains something he never expected as he becomes a sensation that rallies the entire school.

Frank Coraci’s flat and formulaic direction makes no more impact than a high-budget made for TV film and the script, littered

with cringe-worthy gags, is threadbare. The MMA fights are portrayed as cartoonish-ly brutal slug fests, which, while exciting in parts, are too ridiculous to be involving.

That said, the characters and performances are largely appealing and, to a degree, keep the film a little more watchable. Kevin James is confident, charismatic and really very good but hugely let down by a lack of a more substantive vehicle for his talents. Similarly, Salma Hayek is likable and engaging even in an extremely unlikely love interest part, and UFC legend Bas Rutten has a great deal of fun in the cliched trainer role. The biggest plus is Henry Winkler, who as the school’s heartfelt music teacher is authentically engaging and a real highlight of a film that’s otherwise pretty punch drunk.

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The conclusion to the swirling romantic epic that has entranced millions The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, sees Edward and Bella as parents to the hybrid Renesmee.The sharp toothed couple, with help from their pet werewolf Jacob, must battle the new born vampires to protect their precious child, who the bloodsuckers want to kill because they’re the baddies... or something like that.

Twilight is a ropey pubescent female fantasy which, worryingly for marriage counsellors of the world, seems to be devoured by a massively wider audience. The weakness of Meyer’s writing remains

November 2012 so perceptible even in such a lavish production. The film is mortifyingly dull, traipsing along at a funereal pace.

Robert Pattinson coasts as Meyer’s gothic romantic hero, Kristen Stewart is her usual pale and detached self and Taylor Lautner is as wooden as a stake. The corpse like nature of their performances becomes obvious whenever somebody good, like top vamp Dakota Fanning, appears on screen. The action scenes are ridiculous, the werewolves mostly just bounding around like frisky sheepdogs, then bounding again, while the vampire habit of bolting around at blearily high speed has become, after five films, just tiresome. The music is tackily melodramatic and the dialogue lamentable. But apart from that it’s ok. Let’s face it, no matter what any cynical old reviewer says, Twilight fans are going to lap this up on masse and no doubt cry and cheer along on cue. Good luck to them. But for general movie-goers looking for a bit of drama, horror or even romance, be aware, it’s mush.

Hopefully this is one movie franchise that will never again rise from the grave.

Gambit Released: November 21 Director: Michael Hoffman Starring: Cameron Diaz, Alan Rickman, Stanley Tucci, Colin Firth, Cloris Leachman, Tom Courtenay

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olin Firth and Cameron Diaz headline this remake of the 1966 crime caper directed

by Michael Hoffman (The Last Station) and written by Joel and Ethan Coen.

A British thief (Firth) discovers that no plan is infallible when he recruits a beautiful woman (Diaz) to help him steal a priceless statue from a wealthy widower (Alan Rickman).

Despite the fact that his pretty accomplice bears an uncanny resemblance to his affluent target’s late wife, things quickly spin out of control once the job gets under way.

The Coen Brothers have another go at reworking a British crime comedy classic after their dismal take on the Lady Killers, albeit taking

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writing credits only. Aided by crisp direction by Michael Hoffman, they largely pull it off. Firth excels in a role where he perfectly tempers his usual party trick of stiff English gentleman with sprinkles of slapstick and understated warmth as an untypical romantic lead.

Diaz brings charisma and great comic timing to her role where the temptation to fall into bimbo mode may have proved too much for lesser female stars. The very much under employed (in movies at least) Alan Rickman is wonderfully uneven and genuinely hilarious as the eccentric target of Firth’s con and completes the trio of stars who are at the top of their game given a sharp, lean and above all funny script.

Cinema

End of Watch

Released: November 23 Director: David Ayre Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Anna Kendrick, America Ferrera

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nd of Watch is a riveting action thriller that puts audiences at the centre of the chase like never before.

The film follows the day-today life and exploits of two young LAPD officers, Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Peña), who are yet to be fully hardened to the daily grind of police life on the streets.

When they discover a secret that makes them the target of the country’s most dangerous drug cartel the tension mounts to a perilous finale.

This is familiar territory for writer director David Ayre who has made numerous attempts at rejuvenating the cop film genre, most notably with the Oscar winning Training Day, but familiar

also for a man who grew up on the mean streets of LA. Here he also makes a good hash of re-introducing audiences to the gritty virtues of found footage.

Ayres skilfully weaves the on the beat, first person film recordings of Taylor who’s making a video diary for his pre law study course, with more traditional cinematic sequences to produce a visceral, close and personal watching experience. This underlies the movie’s intended hard hitting aesthetic and in general works well.

There are limitations – plotting is unsubstantial, the episodic structure is at turns uneven and, at times, the bad language used, particularly among the gang members,

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is so excessive that it verges dangerously close to parody.

However, Ayer’s intent to present a microcosm of a street officer’s experiences is realised in a dark portrait that casts the LAPD in not only a positive light but a tragic one. While undeniably realistic and involving, the real heart of this film is in the verbal jostling between Gyllenhaal and Peña which is witty, well observed and wonderfully organic. Both central performances are exceptional and elevate this well beyond the average cop drama. The actors make Taylor and Zavala believable, successfully conveying the emotional and psychological toll the streets take on these officers without ever resorting to genre conventions.

November 2012

Trouble With The Curve Released: November 30 Director: Robert Lorenz Starring: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake, Matthew Lillard, Robert Patrick

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us Lobel (Clint Eastwood) has been one of the best scouts in baseball for decades, but, despite his efforts to hide it, age is starting to catch up with him.

Nevertheless, Gus - who can tell a pitch just by the crack of the bat - refuses to be benched for what may be the final innings of his career. He may not have a choice. The front office of the Atlanta Braves is starting to question his judgment.

The one person who might be able to help is also the one person Gus would never ask: his daughter, Mickey (Amy Adams), an associate at a high-powered Atlanta law firm whose drive and ambition has put her on the fast track to becoming

partner. Against her better judgment, and over Gus’s objections, Mickey joins him on his latest scouting trip to North Carolina, jeopardizing her own career to save his.

Although this is the first film Clint Eastwood has starred in that he hasn’t directed since 1993’s In The Line of Fire, it’s helmed by is his long time producing partner Robert Lorenz, debuting in the chair.

Perhaps not surprisingly, he creates a slow pace and a subdued tone that feels like a typical Clint Eastwood film.

However, where Eastwood’s style works well is when weighty issues are playing out and the attention of the viewer is demanded, here we have a family drama dressed up in sports clothing.

The baseball backdrop isn’t

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particularly engaging, and the story is about as surprising as a wiff of wind from an old dog’s bum.

Eastwood is in familiar mode – gravel voiced and steely eyed, but the crackling dialogue that we’re used to him delivering on screen just isn’t there, with a script as flaccid as a comatose eel.

Adams as Eastwood’s daughter is bland and unappealing, and Justin Timberlake is in it too. Why is he in anything?

While it’s not going to offend anyone, not even Eastwood can drag this movie above the mundane, as it meanders on, predictable and pointless with more movie clichés than I’ve had hot dinners (see what I done there?.. and there??).

Comedy Style

Al Murray The Pub Landlord The Only Way Is Epic

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roken Britain may be staring into an empty pint glass, but don’t lose hope – Al Murray The Pub Landlord is back to fill it up again, with an epic new show.

The irrepressible innkeeper will be serving up his premier brew of ale-inspired acumen and bar-room buffoonery this Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Monday November 19, 7:30 pm Tickets £25.50, £31.50

month at the Philharmonic, as part of his 2012 The Only Way Is Epic Tour.

And apparently the best heckle he ever heard was from Liverpool so no doubt Al will be looking forward to some more witty banter this time round. What did the heckler shout you ask?... He came on and announced: “Good evening. I’m a schizophrenic.”

And someone shouted, “Well why don’t both of you f**k off then?”

Parental discretion advised.

Show contains adult themes.

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November 2012

Introducing:

Kieffer Lewis

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ward winning 22-year-old comedian and founder of Bottle Top Comedy, Kieffer Lewis, talks to After Dark about his rapidly growing comedy empire.

What is Bottle Top Comedy?

Bottle Top is a comedy promotions company I started with my mate in January. We wanted to offer comedy to students and give an opportunity to new comedians. I was coming towards the end of my degree at University and, as a comedian, I wasn’t gigging much. So I thought, why not make my own gig? So me and a couple of my friends started Stand Up & Deliver at The Pilgrim Pub, which moved to Envi in September.

You promote numerous

nights at different venues with both established and new acts, what inspired this?

In 2006 I came runner-up in the Stand Out Young Comedian Of The Year competition and have been involved with the Comedy Trust since. I love the idea of breeding new talent and giving them the platform to perform, which I think a lot of clubs don’t do. So since moving to Envi we have maintained our nights at the pilgrim once a month for new acts aptly named Live At The Pilgrim.

So you’ve been in the business for a while despite only being 22?

Yeah, I’m a bit of a veteran really. I’ve been privileged really, because I was tutored

by Chris Cairns and Sam

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Avery who are massive on the local circuit, and through the Stand Out course I’ve been able to work with Jason Manford, Ken Dodd and John Bishop which is fantastic. So I love the idea of us (Bottle Top) opening doors for new comedians to work with established acts. Stand Out is what has inspired the company.

What are your plans for Bottle Top Comedy in the future?

At the moment, our plans are to build the Stand Up & Deliver club at Envi, and keep breeding new talent at The Pilgrim. Then perhaps branch out to other cities and regions, then countries...then take over the world...why not? (Begins to laugh eerily like an evil gnome).

Comedy

Kevin Bridges

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evin Bridges comes to the Empire with a brand new show called the The Story Continues... which follows up the huge success of his sell-out UK & Ireland tour of 2010.

Having made his debut on BBC 1’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow in 2009 he has now gone onto host the Bafta nominated Live at

The Apollo and Channel 4’s Stand-Up For The Week. His six part BBC 1 series - Kevin Bridges What’s The Story, was transmitted earlier this year and a new DVD - Kevin Bridges The Story Continues, recorded at the Glasgow SECC Arena for release this month. At parent’s discretion All under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Michael McIntyre Echo Arena Liverpool November 22 - 24 Tickets £35 Star of Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and winner of the 2010 British Comedy Award for Best Male TV Comic, Michael McIntyre returns to the road for his third and biggest UK arena tour to date.

LIverpool Empire Sunday November 4, 8pm Tickets £22

Michael McIntyre’s spot on observational comedy and trademark ability to turn everyday situations into master-classes of human exasperation have struck chords with millions of fans, resolutely cementing him as one of the UK’s most loved and treasured comedy performers today.

He has released two bestselling DVD’s; Live And Laughing which currently holds the top spot as the biggest selling UK debut stand-up DVD and Hello Wembley which in 2009 became the fastest selling UK stand-up DVD of all time.

A DVD of the 2012 arena tour will be released by Universal Pictures this month.

Under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult.

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November 2012

Lavender Girls

Part of Homotopia 2012

Unity Theatre Saturday November 10, 9pm Tickets £10/£8 concessions

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ome-grown talent featuring the heart-achingly dark country ballads of Gem Andrews, the musical comedy bliss of Rosie Wilby, primart lovin’ comedian’s Caz N Britney and acoustic folk guitar singer-songwriter Rachel Awork.

Comedian Rosie Wilby was a Funny Women Finalist 2006 and has taken 4 solo shows to Edinburgh Fringe, including 2009’s award winning The Science of Sex. She has appeared on Radio 4 Loose Ends, Midweek and Woman’s Hour and has headlined gigs at Sydney Mardi Gras. She co-wrote and

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co-starred in short film The Bride and Bride at the 2011 London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and presents Resonance 104.4FM’s LGBT show Out in South London every Tuesday at 6.30pm.

Her Odd Ones Out podcast with fellow lesbian comedian Rachel Holmes is available on iTunes. www.rosiewilby.com

The Back Page Each month we ask a notable Liverpudlian a few questions about their city.

This month it's the guitarist for Liverpool’s perennial rock favourites The Real People

Martin Lappin

Martin’s Liverpool: Echo & The Bunnymen, Leaf and The Real People Who are your favourite Liverpool-related musicians?

Lee Mavers and Echo and The Bunnymen; great songwriting and just a beautiful piece of nostalgia from my past. Both bands wrote timeless melodies.

Actually Lee Mavers did write Timeless Melody!

Do you have a favourite Liverpool musical moment?

1981, The Jam’s Trans Global Express tour at the Royal Court and seeing the Clash in the same year. These were my first musical influences.

What are your thoughts on Liverpool’s current live music scene?

There are a lot of open mic nights around town, which can be a problem for working musicians hoping to get paid, but they’re great for young people wanting to cut their teeth in live performance.

Where in the city centre do you like to hang out and what is it about these places that appeals?

Fact is a great place to hang out and get some work done; it’s a real creative hub. I also really like Leaf on Bold Street; the atmosphere is really relaxed and they have a lot of varied stuff going on there. I live near Lark Lane so obviously I hang out there a lot where there a number of excellent bars. Vinyl is probably my favourite as they play some great music downstairs.

If you were recommending a restaurant to a friend from out of town, where would you suggest?

Green Days, the vegetarian restaurant on Lark Lane, is really superb. I always take my friends there when they come to visit.

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Who would you say is Liverpool’s number one style icon?

Ken Dodd, it has to be because he just is isn’t he.

It’s the hair, the classic double-breasted suits and the compliment of tickling sticks.

What are the Real People up to at the moment?

We’re currently working on the new album which is out early next year. It was recorded live and all the reviews of recent gigs and feedback from facebook comments have raved about us saying it’s the best we’ve ever sounded. I think this is the best line-up we’ve ever had and we’re playing better than ever.

Catch the Real People at the Lomax, November 23, playing alongside Western Promise, The In By Ones and The Sailmakers.

7.30pm. £10

Tel: 0844 445 7889 Book Online: www.voodou.co.uk Hair Salons • Barber Shops • Beauty • Grooming Check out our website for full details. Terms and Conditions apply.