Liverpool After Dark

Issue 3. December 2012 Free

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11-13 Hotham Street, Liverpool L3 5UF Venue box office opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-5.30pm No booking fee on cash transactions

facebook.com/o2academyliverpool twitter.com/o2academylpool ticketweb.co.uk • seetickets.com • gigantic.com • ticketmaster.co.uk

o2academyliverpool.co.uk

Welcome Issue 3. December 2012

Publishing Published by Survival Media Limited 4th Floor Elevator Studios 25-31 Parliament Street Liverpool L8 5RN Telephone 0151 214 3230 Website www.liverpoolafterdark.com Facebook facebook.com/liverpoolafterdark Twitter @LpoolAfterDark

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adies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to December’s After Dark, which this month celebrates panto season.

Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon graces December’s cover and talks excitedly (interview, page 12) about being home for Christmas and starring as Cinderella at The Empire. Plus we have our run down of all your favourite Christmas pantomimes happening in Liverpool this yuletide.

In keeping with the spirit of the season, throughout December the city

seasonal advice: don’t leave your turkey buying ‘til the last minute! Last Christmas Eve there I was at the meat counter anxiously picking over the last few remaining turkeys in the hope of finding a large one. In desperation I called over a shop assistant and said, “Excuse me. Do these turkeys get any bigger?”

“No mate,” he replied.

“They’re all dead.”

From everyone at After Dark I’d like to wish all our readers (and even the people who just look at the pictures) a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy New Year.

centre will transform into a magical winter wonderland. There’s the Ice Festival at Liverpool One, the Christmas Village & Market from Lord Street and Church Street to Williamson Square and Whitechapel, there are grottos galore and, of course, the world record attempting Santa Dash - all previewed within our snow-covered pages.

As ever, we have our overview of some of the best shows, gigs, events and happenings in Liverpool city centre over the festive period.

I also have a piece of

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In partnership with

Contents Issue 3. December 2012

Events

Music

6. Winter Arts Market Arts and crafts at St Georges Hall

20. Ellie Goulding At the O2 Academy

7. Christmas Events Family fairs and grottos

21. Xander and the Peace Pirates

8. Liverpool Christmas Family Festival & Sleeping Beauty Family entertainment on the waterfront

22. Cast

10. Joe Power Medium ‘avin it large 10. A Christmas Quarrel Festive wrestling 11. Ice Festival Ice say, ice say, ice say

Theatre 12. Liz McClarnon Pop princess having a ball 16. Panto Time!

A run-down of the season’s best pantomimes 19. Little Voice At The Lantern 19. A Nightmare On Lime Street At the Royal Court 19. Mam, I’m ere At The Dome

34. Cream Boxing Night Preview 34. My Top Ten December Matt Gall

21. Cold Shoulder

36. Season’s Greetings From the Stanley Street Quarter’s Andi Herring

23. Dappy

Eating Out

23. Martha Reeves and the Vandellas

40. Lucha Libre

24. Stealing Sheep 24. Ian Skelly Ex-Coral drummer’s new album 25. Echo and the Bunnymen 25. John Lennon Songbook

Comedy 42. Ken Dodd Happiness show preview 43. A Rush Of Laughter At The Lantern Theatre 44. Mrs Brown Rides Again

25. Florence and the Machine

44. Terry Titter’s Spaced Out Christmas

26. Tommy Scott Interview with Space frontman

Cinema 46. The Hobbit Bored of the Rings?

Nightlife

48. Reviews The best film releases for December

28. Tim Mason At Deadwrong 30. DJ Profile Rob Harnetty

The Back Page

33. Circus Boxing Day Preview

50. Stephen Fletcher The popular stage star’s Liverpool favourites

33. Chibuku NYE Preview

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, Ellie Phillips, Joe-Ann Randles, Larissa Wignall, Matt Gall

Thanks to Mike Cockburn, Adam Lewis, Warren Butcher, Joanne Evans, Rajesh Sharma, Joel Jelen, Craig Lawrenson, Alan McCarthy, Emma McHarrie, Kerry Quinn, Emma Allison, Clive Knowles, Eden Showers, Lisa Southern, Bill Elms, Mike Doran Cover image: Liz McClarnon photographed by Mark Lightford www.marklightford.com

Illustrations by Lisa at Lost Plots Call 07775 656 309 www.lostplots.co.uk

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Events

Winter Arts Market St George’s Hall

Winter Weekend of Arts & Craft Winter Arts Market St George’s Hall, St Johns Lane, Liverpool, L1 1JJ Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 December 2012, 10am-5pm Entry £1.50, Children under 16 Free

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he largest arts and crafts market in Merseyside returns on the first weekend in December, offering shoppers the chance to buy handmade artwork and gifts in the lead up to Christmas. Over 150 artists and makers will transform St George’s Hall into a vibrant arts village for the event, displaying thousands of colourful creations.

handmade stationary from old maps and sheet music. She loves to recycle old and vintage objects and create something new.

A wide variety of handmade work will be available including intricate jewellery, original screenprints, paintings, tableware, beauty products, colourful decorations, accessories, textiles, photography, knitwear and more.

Lisa Robson makes handcrafted and printed work featuring iconic imagery and imaginative illustrations using ink, embroidery and appliqué. Described by one enthusiastic reviewer as “The Geordie Gauguin” she will be selling her prints, cards and bold textile creations including bags and Christmas decorations.

Featured Artists & Makers include: Rosy Hammersley creates unusual folded book sculptures and

Keith Francis Smith has been dubbed by the press a “master of watercolour”. His paintings often feature Liverpool buildings and parks, which are finely detailed.

He will be selling original paintings and limited edition prints.

Peter Hamilton makes picture

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frames that are hand crafted from oak and ash, hand finished using a variety of stains and finishes.

His Memory Box frames offer the perfect place to show off cherished objects, photographs and keepsakes. Liverpool Community Interest Company Open Culture have organised the event annually since 2009, aiming to provide the public with a chance to access affordable handmade work directly from artists and craftspeople.

Charlotte Corrie, Open Culture Director said “We love seeing this Grade I listed heritage site bustling with creativity and cheer. Why not support your local artists and makers and buy handmade this Christmas? It’s affordable, more eco friendly and you’ll have truly unique items that you won’t find on the high street!”

Shoppers can also relax and enjoy some food and drink from the Can Cook Café setup in the Great Hall offering a scrumptiously seasonal menu including mince pies and mulled wine.

December 2012 www.winterartsmarket.com

Christmas Grotto Rapid 4th floor Until December 24 Admission is £5

Get into the Christmas spirit with Liverpool’s Number One grotto. Formerly of Lewis’s, this famous grotto is a must for families seeking a magical memento from Santa.

Admission is £5 including entry, visit to Santa and gift.

Entry only is £1. Photographs start from £5 and are printed while you wait. Tickets available from Rapid’s 3rd floor Christmas department.

pies, hot chestnuts and more - all in aid of The Alder Hey Charity. Step back in time in Metquarter’s custom built Victorian sleigh and walk away with a memorable family picture complete with winter scene. There will also be exclusive offers from a selection of the stores, as well as the chance to win a family break to Disneyland Paris. Simply pick up a copy of Metquarter’s Gift to You

Liverpool Christmas Village Williamson Square Until December 20 (Bandstand performances Thursday - Sunday) FREE

Christmas in Liverpool is a magical occasion and this year’s festivities will be hitting all the right notes. The acclaimed Liverpool Bandstand is returning to entertain you with a feast of free, festive entertainment from brass bands and choirs to orchestras plus much, much more; transforming the heart of the city centre into a European style Christmas Village, complete with a German Gluewhein Bar and Bratwurst grill nestled amongst Liverpool’s Christmas Market. www.culture.org.uk/christmasbandstand

Christmas at Metquarter

Until 20th December Starting 4pm.

Step out of the cold and into the warm, inviting atmosphere of Metquarter to celebrate Christmas every Thursday evening from 4pm with delicious mulled wine, mince

brochure in store or online at www.metquarter.com

Santa’s Workshop & Christmas Party December 15 & 16 The Lantern Theatre Blundell Street, Liverpool 10am & 2pm £15.00 per child

The Button Boutique will be hosting the ultimate kids Christmas magical party and workshop event. Forget standing in line for hours to see Santa, then you’re in and out in 5 minutes. They will transform the theatre into a winter wonderland Christmas grotto for you to spend three hours of Christmas fun and if you’re very, very good… meet Santa in person, have your picture taken and tell him what you want for Christmas!! Take part in Santas Workshop, making Christmas decorations for you to take home. There will be candy cane decorating, festive face painting, Christmas games and a quiz. There will also be a Christmas feast including turkey sandwiches and Christmas cupcakes. You can also meet a special guest (Shhhh its Santa, but don’t tell anyone) & receive a Christmas gift…only if you’re very, very good! (bring along your Christmas lists to give to him).

Gerald Dickens performs A Christmas Carol Above: Williamson Square will be filled with the aroma of German sausages and gluwhein this Christmas; After Dark’s very own designer, Lisa Robson, will be selling her illustrations, cards and textiles at the Winter Arts Market - perfect gifts for the toadstooldweller in your life.

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December 20, 2.30pm & 7.30pm December 21, 7.30pm Concert Room, St George’s Hall

Charles Dickens famously delivered this wonderful story from the same Concert Room stage, and you can re-live the experience with his great-great grandson, Mr Dickens himself. Liverpool’s Historian Steve Binns MBE will open the show, sharing his vast knowledge of Charles Dickens and his time in Liverpool.

Events

The Liverpool Christmas Family Festival

and Sleeping Beauty

The Liverpool Christmas Family Festival & Sleeping Beauty December 14 2012 - January 13 2013 TIckets £8.00- £18.00 Family Tickets £47.00- £55.00

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amilies are set for a magical festive treat this December when the Liverpool Waterfront is transformed into a captivating Christmas spectacular.

Running for over 3 weeks the Liverpool Christmas Family Festival & Sleeping Beauty pantomime will host a wealth of family entertainment on the City’s Waterfront like never seen before.

Full of sparkling decorations and Christmas delights the Family Festival will feature traditional children’s funfair rides, festive entertainers, Santa’s Grotto plus Christmas market stalls, a fully licensed restaurant and the best news of all...visitors to the pantomime will receive free entrance to the Festival (on performance days only)!

Pantomime favourite Sleeping Beauty will be performed daily in the heated Waterfront Big Top.

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Starring Andrew Lancel (Coronation Street’s bad boy Frank Foster) as Carabose the Wicked Wizard and Master of the Underworld, Jonathon Morris (Adrian Boswell in Bread) as the loveable Jester, children’s favourite FiFi Forget Me Not as Fairy FiFi and open audition winner Gemma Brodrick as Princess Beauty.

Audiences will be captivated and entertained as they follow the magic, pizzazz and comedy escapades of this classic and glittering fairy tale. Radio City Breakfast Show DJ Rossie will be providing the voice-over narration to keep the plot rolling along.

The Liverpool Christmas Family Festival will be situated on the Kings Dock site, adjacent to the BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena.

Festival only tickets £5 per person & includes entrance into the market, Christmas Cracker Show & Santa’s Play Area. Tickets / Tokens for Santa’s Grotto & Funfair are available at the Festival.

Waterfront Big Wheel Ride – only £3.50 per person for pantomime ticket holders.

December 2012

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Events

A Christmas Quarrel The Dome, Grand Central Hall, Liverpool December 1 6pm - 10pm (last entry 7pm) Tickets £12 / £10 £7 students & Children Infinite Promotions returns to The Dome with another surefire spectacular, headlined by CJ Banks once again looking to defend his Heavyweight title this time against the onslaught of no-nonsense wrestler’s wrestler Jack Gallagher.

Psychic Night Special With celebrity medium Joe Power Moniques 3 Temple Court, Liverpool L2 6PY 0151 227 1131 Sunday December 16 £12 - Ages 16+ only

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oe Power is back with his Psychic Night Special. The brand new show is packed full of “spiritual messages” which Joe uses while “communicating to the spirit world”.

Joe was born special and claims his psychic ability began in infancy, expanding quickly to include what he describes as “mind-boggling visions, out-of-body travels, auras, premonitions and a motley array of constant spirit visitors”.

Purporting to posess a plethora of psychic skills, including clairvoyance,

clairaudience and clairsentience, he appears to see, hear and communicate with the spirit world with incredible ease. During the show Joe provides unbelievably astounding information from the spirit realm, which will have you on the edge of your seat.

Joe, having impressed many with his skills, has worked with Coleen Rooney, Margi Clarke, Crissy Rock and Kerry Katona. Joe has also reportedly been used as a psychic investigator, working alongside detectives in a top security prison and consulting on numerous murder cases. His TV work includes appearances on ITV’s Loose Women, Psychic Investigators for Living TV, Big Brother’s Little Brother and Showbiz Tonight in New York.

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A clash that has old and new wrestling fans alike salivating in anticipation, Gallagher vs.

CJ Banks will bring together the best mix of styles, skill and excitement into the ring for what could turn out to be a modern classic. Both men are at the top of their respective games and their match on the 1st of December tops a card of tremendous, hardhitting action that can be enjoyed by all the family. The event will also feature fearless acrobatic underdog LA Austin, the “Mancunian Mouth” Sam Bailey, ‘Toxic Terror’ Alex Cyanide, and Liverpool’s own Zack Gibson face off in a one fall to a finish festive four way encounter. Plus more!

December 2012

Ice Festival

Liverpool One until January 13

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festival of frozen fun heads to Liverpool featuring the UK’s first pop-up Ice Bar. Liverpool One is set to become one of the most spectacular and exciting places to visit during the skating season this year, with the opening of the first ever urban ice experience – Ice Festival. Incorporating four ice-themed activities, it’s the UK’s biggest ever group of real ice attractions in one place! All part of Christmas

by Liverpool.

Ice Festival will be housed in the heart of the City on Chavasse Park and has been brought to Liverpool by the team behind the world renowned London Ice Sculpting Festival.

Until January 13, visitors can experience the UK’s largest real Ice Slide plus a stunning ice gallery with crafted sculptures leading to Santa’s Grotto. What’s more, there will be a fantastic outdoor Alpine Ice Rink. Meanwhile the grown-ups can enjoy a

drink in the UK’s first ever pop-up real Ice Bar.

one of his Elves, who will be ready with a special gift.

Ice Slide

Ice Rink

Sun - Wed: 10am - 8pm, Thurs Sat: 10am - 9pm. No age limit but must be over 1.2m high.

Among the many spectacular creations in Chavasse Park will be the UK’s largest ever Ice Slide with two runs that are 30m long, 6m high and 4m wide. Experience the buzz of skimming along the slide at exhilarating pace, while taking in the whole view of the mesmerising Ice Festival.

Open to Adults and Children (height restrictions apply).

Santa’s Grotto and Ice Gallery

Sun - Wed: 10am - 8pm Thurs - Sat: 10am - 9pm Young visitors can journey through the secret door that leads to the Ice Gallery and Santa’s Grotto, met by enthralling crystal clear polar animals and character sculptures. Moving on through the magical forest, visitors will enter Santa’s Throne Room where children will be greeted by Santa and 11

Sun - Wed: 11am - 9pm (Last skate 8pm) Thurs - Sat: 11am 11pm (Last skate 10pm) Must be over 5 years old and accompanied by an Adult if under 12.

Combining a stunning setting, spectacular scenery and seasonal skating, the open air Ice Rink is open to all ages (some restrictions apply) and has a stunning central feature for skaters to glide around.

Pop-up Ice Bar The cool and contemporary pop up Ice Bar features a stunning room and furniture made entirely of crystal clear sculpture ice – that includes the bar, tables and chairs!

Entrance includes a drink that is specially selected to warm you up.

Tickets for the biggest ever frozen festival are available in advance from Ticket Master. www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ icefestival

Theatre

If the slipper fits...

Pop princess Liz McClarnon stars as Cinderella

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December 2012

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tomic Kitten singer and Celebrity Masterchef winner Liz McClarnon returns to her hometown this Christmas to star as Cinderella at the Liverpool Empire. Fresh from turning on the city’s Christmas lights, the pop princess spoke to After Dark about her excitement at her first panto, her band’s potential reunion and why we might see her dressed as a fat Santa!

You’re taking the role of Cinderella in The Liverpool Empire’s panto this year. Is it great to be back doing panto in your home town?

This is first panto I’ve done so it’s really nice to be doing it in Liverpool. I haven’t had a Christmas at home for a very long time, like 10 years or something; so I’m happy to have an excuse to be back this year. Saying that, I’ve got the whole family on my case now for tickets for the show and they’ll probably be taking up the front row. They’ve taken about 100 tickets so far and they’re probably going to be after even more.

forward to, or dreading the on stage banter?

No I’m really looking forward to it. I’m really good friends with Coleen and Pete Price, so we’re used to having lots of hilarious banter anyway.

Coleen and I have a mutual friend in Antony Costa from Blue. I’ve been really good friends with Antony for years from being on the same label and Antony’s really good friends with Coleen’s husband. When we get together we’re all really sarcastic and have a really dark, dry sense of humour.

We were both with Natasha (Hamilton) the other day and she said “wow, you two just go at each other”, but

Yes it’s been really good because Tasha and I really are best friends and we just want to be able to have a laugh – that’s our main concern. We don’t want things to get too serious, we just want to be able to enjoy it. It’s great that we have an excuse to spend some time together because, although we do make the effort, it’s not always easy to see each other as much as we’d like.

You’ve teamed up with the girls several times over the past few years. Are there firm plans to record or perform together?

“Natasha and I are extremely close. I think I’m closer to her than anyone.”

No not at all. We’ve got real Shetland ponies on stage, lots of effects and spectacular things happening throughout the show; so I think they’re just going to be staring at the stage going “wow”. Anyway, I’ve got loads of godchildren so I’m used to keeping kids entertained!

we think it’s really funny.

Tasha was saying, “it’s a good job you two are good mates ‘cause if it was me, I don’t think I’d forgive you for half the things you say to each other”! I’m sure we’ll be able to translate that to the stage but we’ll probably have to tone it down a bit seeing as Coleen’s the Fairy Godmother and supposed to be everything that’s good, and I’m Cinderella who’s the most virtuous, innocent person.

But you never know, there might be a little edge to our banter.

You’ve got some great cast members – Coleen Nolan, Pete Price and Pauline Daniels. Are you looking

Atomic Kittens are re-uniting for a reality-based series on ITV2, featuring pop acts from the mid-90s (due to air

Is it daunting the prospect of having to keep hundreds of screaming kids entertained?

in 2013). Have you enjoyed being back together with the band?

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I don’t know because it’s still very early days at the moment and we’re still only filming separately. I think we’ve got to see how things develop.

It’s been a long time since we were together as a band – so we’ve just got to figure out whether it’s going to work, how the dynamics are going to work and whether we could put on a good stage show.

It’s all still up in the air, but definitely never say never.

We’ve had lots of offers but we’re just going to see how it goes.

Are you friends with the other Kittens?

I’m friendly with Jenny but she lives in Ibiza now. I don’t get much chance to see her

Theatre attention span of a gnat so for me it’s nice to wear different hats on different days. Today I’ve got a photo shoot and that’s great; tomorrow I’m filming for a documentary which I really enjoy; I’ve also got to work out four recipes for a campaign I’m doing for eggs, to try and make eggs a bit sexier basically! It’s great to be able to do so many different things – it gets a bit confusing sometimes I have to say, but I like the fact that every day is different, and it really is different!

Your career has taken a few different turns; what would you like to do next?

but I talk to her. I’ve become friendlier with Kerry over the past year or so, and that developed even before all the reunion thing happened. But Natasha and I are extremely close – I think I’m closer to her than anyone.

Has the reported dispute between Kerry and Jenny affected a potential reunion at all?

Well they don’t really speak so it’s not impacting on anything particularly at the moment.

You’ve been a pop star, presenter, celebrity chef, stage and TV actor. Which aspect of your career have you enjoyed the most?

I enjoy them all. I’ve got the

I’ve got a friend who has a catering school in Devon which is generally only run for top qualified chefs. My major, major dream would be to do the course and get fully qualified so I could do whatever I wanted in the food world. I’ve done a couple of weekend courses there and handled them ok, but at the moment I just wouldn’t have the time to do it. Everyone in my family has got qualifications and that was my plan when I was younger; not having a degree or something equivalent does get to me. I’m obviously very grateful for how my career’s gone and I feel I have longevity in my work, but I would really love to fulfil my original plan and get a qualification. And particularly ‘cause I love cooking so much.

Is it true you had never used an oven before you took part in Celebrity Masterchef?

Yes. Ask any of my exboyfriends!

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You and Natasha have also been promoting the Santa Dash on Dec 2nd. Are you in training for the run?

Tash is the fitness person.

I plan to be at the back and to be the last person across the finish line. I hate jogging but I love getting involved in charity events. I’ll run and I’ll be dressed as a Santa, but it’s definitely Tash who’ll get more into the physical challenge of it. But it’s great to be able to support such a great cause and to get to do it with my mate. I don’t take sport that seriously (apart from football) but as long as you’re prepared to laugh at yourself you can just have fun doing it. I might wear a big fat Santa suit and tell everyone I was weighed down by the outfit!

What have you got planned for 2013?

A lot of atomic kitten stuff, obviously with the ITV 2 show but you never know what else might develop from that. I’ve also got a documentary coming out on channel 5 about stalking which will be very good.

Also, I’m in a film that’s set for release next year called Krish & Lee, a British comedy about two guys who end up having a wild couple days in London trying to scrape together some rent money.

But generally I’ve got lots of things happening... there’s that much that I can’t remember everything, but certainly I’ve got plenty to look forward to in 2013!

Cinderella at the Liverpool Empire December 14 - January 6 Tickets £10.00 - £29.50

Theatre

Panto Time!

Hurrah! it’s Panto season again… oh no it isn’t... oh yes it is. Here’s our preview of Liverpool’s festive family shows this Christmas.

Jack and the Beanstalk The Playhouse Theatre Fri Nov 29 to Sat Jan 19 2013 (No performances on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Day) 7pm (check website for matinee & twilight performances) Tickets £10-£23, family tickets (2x adults, 2x children) £38-£82 Age recommendation: 3+ BSL Performance: Tue Jan 8 at 5:30pm Relaxed Autism Friendly Performance: Tue Jan 15 at 5:30pm The biggest, brightest most magical rock ‘n’ roll panto in the universe is back to rock the dizzy heights of The Playhouse!

Many moons ago, when the giants ruled the earth, from far flung Fazakerley, to the depths of Aigburth.

Who wouldn’t tremble or cow…er with fright, when “Fee Fi Fo Fum!” roared through the night.

The villagers panicked

and filled their trunks, fled to the hills where they squatted with Monks.

But Mary from the dairy would not fall to her knees, so she stayed with her son, to churn out the cheese.

A hero was needed to end this dark war, and Jack and his cow Pat, drew the short straw.

Valour and Victory must rain down on Jack, so bring ya’ brolly and a nice anorak!

Climb on your platforms, scale the dizzy height, bouffant your Bellbottoms and boogie all night!

It’s contagious, outrageous, let it all hang out, ‘cause this giant adventure’s gonna twist & sprout!!!

Spike Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol The Lantern Theatre 1st-10th December £10 Adult / £8 Conc “Times is ‘ard…Spare a copper for the poor” Scrooge, London’s most notorious miser, is having none of it!

On the eve before Christmas everything changes when he receives a visit from Jacob Marley. Marley warns Scrooge that he should expect three visitations from the Christmas Spirits. As Scrooge’s past, present and future comes to haunt him, will he change or merely cry Humbug!

The world of Victorian London is brought vividly

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December 2012 to life in an atmospheric retelling of Charles Dickens’ most famous novella, featuring a fusion of original music, puppetry, shadow play and Spike Theatre’s trademark bold storytelling.

Expect laughs and plenty of scares.

Hansel and Gretel Unity Theatre - Liverpool Tue Dec 4 - Sat Jan 12 Signed performances: Sat Jan 5 5:30pm, Sat Jan 12 2pm £12-£8 / £10-£8 concessions £8-£7 under 16s / £34-£28 (Family 4) When booking, select: x2 full price and x2 under 16s tickets Candy floss windows and gingerbread walls, chocolate chimneys and marshmallow doors, But who would live in a house of sweets? Maybe it’s children they’d like to eat!?!

Take a walk into the forest and you will see, all is not as it’s meant to be.

Hansel & Gretel soon will find, it’s friends that matter, no-one’s left behind!

A tale of bravery, action, adventure and joy, friendship and fun for every girl and boy.

So expect the unexpected in this family festive treat, with songs, dance and laughs that are good enough to eat!

Perfect for ages 5+

Cinderella The Epstein Theatre, Hanover Street, Liverpool Friday December 7 - Sunday 7 January 6 2013 7pm (check website for details of daytime performances) Box Office: 0844 888 4411 £8-£18.50 (Concessions and Family Tickets Available) For the Epstein Theatre’s very first Christmas panto, a corker of a celebrity cast has been lined-up as a festive family treat. Liverpool’s 80s and 90s pop princess, Sonia will take the role of Baroness Hardup, Cinder’s wicked Stepmother.

Keeping Cinders’ (and the audiences) spirits high will be former soap stud and resident Liverpool pin-up Philip Olivier who will be donning his finest bellboy suit as he becomes Buttons.

Best known for his role as Tim O‘Leary in Brookside and Adam Tyler in Hollyoaks in the City, Philip is a rising star of musical theatre having played the role of Dirty Harry in the UK Tour of Never Forget – The Hit Musical with songs from ‘Take That’.

Big Brother’s Nikki Grahame takes on the role of the Fairy Godmother and Radio City DJ Simon Greening will be taking on the role of Prince Charming’s right-hand-man Dandini.

The role of Cinderella will be played by local girl Alison Crawford who was a finalist on BBC’s Grease is the Word.

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Theatre Scarlett’s Secret Snow Globe The Lantern Theatre Blundell Street, Liverpool

Dec 17 - 22 and Dec 27-31 £8.00 Adult / £6.00 Conc Our magic adventure starts with a girl, Who wants all of the toys and sweets in the world.

She is spoilt and greedy, not caring and kind, But there’s a lesson to learn this Christmas time!

What will happen, what magic will unfurl, as a mysterious traveller bumps into this girl.

He hands her a snowglobe and looks in her eyes, then she’s whisked to a world she does not recognise.

What creatures will she meet and what sights will she see, before she can return home to her own family.

Take a Hint theatre company present a sprinkling of magic this Christmas at the Lantern Theatre with Scarlett’s Secret Snow Globe. Scarlett is a spoilt little girl whose world gets shaken when a mysterious traveller hands her a snow globe on Christmas day.

She is whisked to another magical world but how will she find her way home?! This production promises festive family fun from a fresh and exciting theatre company.

Cinderella

Liverpool Empire Dec 14– Jan 6 Tickets £10.00 - £29.50 Poor Cinderella has been forced to become a servant for her Ugly Sisters. With the help of her loyal best friend Buttons and her

magical Fairy Godmother can Cinderella get to the ball and meet the handsome Prince?

Accept your invitation to find out! Panto returns to the Liverpool Empire this year from First Family Entertainment with an all-star cast. Our very own Cinderella, former Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon, is returning to her native city to play the lead role. With a wave of her magic wand, queen of daytime TV Coleen

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Nolan will be bringing Christmas Magic to Liverpool as The Fairy Godmother. Of course, Cinderella wouldn’t be the same without those Ugly Sisters so, donning the frocks and the lippy are Radio City’s Pete Price and actress/ comedienne Pauline Daniels!

Featuring all the traditional panto fun - oh yes it will and a carriage load of laughs and magic for all ages, so get practising those boos, hisses and behind yous.

December 2012 A Nightmare On Lime Street Royal Court Liverpool until January 12 2013 8pm, special charity Gala Performance on Sunday December 9.

show you’ve ever seen, starring David Gest, Michael Stark, Mark Moraghan.

Dr Frankenstein is lying low for a while after the ‘misunderstanding’ in Bavaria and is the curator of antiquities at Liverpool’s World Museum.

Little Voice The Lantern Theatre 20th-22nd December £8 Adult / £6 Conc The pathetically shy LV lives the life of a recluse listening to her late father’s old records in her room, driving her abusive, loud-mouthed mother to distraction. At night, however, LV sings the songs of the great divas such as Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and Shirley Bassey. One evening LV is overheard by one of her mother’s boyfriends, the disastrous dead-end talent scout Ray Say, who recognizes her innate talent and realises this is his last big chance for the glittering prizes.

A PurpleCoat Production, supported by Stephen Fry, Sir Ian McKellen and the Royal Shakespeare Company. www.purplecoatprodutions. com (Facebook: http://www. facebook.com/purple_coat)

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 shortsighted 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 and 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 at the Royal Court (Merry Ding Dong, Scouse Pacific and Little Scouse On The Prairie) is back with the wackiest, funniest, scariest Christmas

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Mam, I’m ‘Ere – A Life In Theatre Production The Dome, Renshaw Street, Liverpool, L1 2SF (The Barcelona building & Grand Central Hall) 6.30pm Friday December 7 Saturday January 12 2013 Tickets: £11-£15 (www. lifeintheatre.ticketsource. co.uk) Looking for a Christmas Night out? Look no further.

From 7th December -12th January, Life In Theatre Productions proudly presents your favourite Christmas Faces - in a New Home! Starring Liverpool’s Eithne Browne, Andrew Schofield, Helen Carter, Paul Duckworth, Stephen Fletcher, Rachel Rae, Alan Stocks, and Keddy Sutton. Staged at the 800-seat theatre, The Dome on Renshaw Street (previously Central Hall above The Barcelona Bar) and starring some of Liverpool’s much-loved acting fraternity, Mam, I’m ‘Ere! is the perfect Christmas feel-good show, including a live band and late bar. This fun, feel-good comedy show is jam-packed with all of your favourite disco hits from the 70s. Get down Tonight and Celebrate Good Times in this Boogie Wonderland!

Music

Ellie Goulding

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ereford-born singer songwriter Ellie Goulding first came to prominence when she topped the BBC Sound of 2010 Poll and was simultaneously awarded the Brits Critics Choice Award.

She is the only artist other than Adele to have received both accolades. A devoted live following has meant every UK tour date Ellie Goulding announced has sold out.

Ellie Goulding o2 Academy, Hotham Street Saturday December 8, 7pm

Ellie Goulding’s success in the UK has been mirrored internationally and the US in particular. Her single ‘Lights’ has sold over 2.4 million copies there and she has played to over 30,000 fans Stateside as well as festival appearances and a sold-out Katy Perry Tour. The singer was invited to sing at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the White House last December, joining Barack Obama onstage for a round of carols.

She has also performed on The Late Show with David Letterman and Saturday Night Live.

Halcyon is the followup to Goulding’s hugely successful debut album Lights in 2010 which sold one and a half million copies and generated five million single sales worldwide. All the tracks on Halcyon were written and co-produced

by Ellie Goulding and the majority were recorded in a

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converted barn in the singer’s hometown in the Hay Valley.

Goulding said, “this album for me is a journey from dark into light from confusion to understanding. I didn’t set out to write a break-up record but I think it became one.”

Fans got a taste of the new album earlier this year when she posted a free download of new track Hanging On featuring Tinie Tempah.

The volume of fans rushing to hear the track caused Soundcloud to crash.

Cold Shoulder

December 2012

Eric’s, Mathew Street Friday December 14 Tickets £5

Cold Shoulder are a recent collaboration of three great musicians.

Drummer Nick Kilroe (Echo And The Bunnymen/ Black Velvets), singer Chris Kearney (ex vocalist of Liverpool band The Aeroplanes) and bass player Andy Ashton. Cold Shoulder are popular and respected on the local scene and are beginning to make a name for themselves across the North West. After recent recordings at Parr St Studios Liverpool and Aerial Studios Wrexham, the band have played a variety of gigs and venues from opening the Liverpool Sound City festival in 2011 with Miles Kane to showing their more delicate side with acoustic sets alongside

Stephen Fretwell at Liverpool Kazimier and St. George’s Hall. They also headlined at the official opening of the legendary Eric’s and recorded live for BBC Introducing at The Cavern Club. Favourites of Radio Merseyside’s Dave Monks and picked by Liverpool Echo’s Jade Wright to play at the Mathew Street Festival weekend this year, 2012 saw the band release their first EP and tour the UK supporting Cast on their Troubled Times tour. The band return to Eric’s for a Christmas headline show on Friday 14th December.

Support comes from fellow Liverpool indie rock 3 piece Bad Pennys. Their punchy melodic driving tunes will keep you on the dance floor all night.

Xander & The Peace Pirates Xander And The Peace Pirates The Cavern Pub Thursday December 6 Doors: 9.30pm, Free Entry

Liverpool band Xander & The Peace Pirates are one of the most energetic, entertaining and musically compelling bands around.

Drawing influences from Hendrix, Mayer, Bill Withers and Stevie Ray Vaughan, the band is an eclectic mix of guitar led blues-rock with whispers of Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. With two top notch lead vocalists, a guitarist with one arm, and performances that will have you screaming for more, this band’s a must-see.

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Music

Cast

Cast o2 Academy, Hotham Street Saturday December 22, 7pm Tickets £20.25

T

he 15 years after their million-selling debut All Change, Cast released their new album Troubled Times in March. Originally formed in 1992 from the ashes of legendary bands The La’s and Shack, Cast released four albums and had ten top 10 singles. During that time, Noel Gallagher described watching the band as “a religious experience”, and at release All Change was the highest biggest selling album of all time for Polydor. After the band’s split, Power released three solo albums, and has played intermittently since 2005 with the reformed La’s.

A decade later, and the original line-up of John Power (guitar/ vocals), Liam Tyson (lead guitar), Pete Wilkinson (bass) and Keith O’Neill (drums) have reunited with original producer John Leckie (Stone Roses, Radiohead, The Fall) for Troubled Times. The reinvigorated band have produced an album full of the anthemic, melodic and beautifully written songs for which they have always been loved by their fervent fanbase.

John Power said, “getting back with the band and working with John Leckie again after all these years apart was just how I

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envisioned it when I started writing the songs for this album. Then it was all about putting into words what it was I was feeling, about all the things I was seeing all around me and troubled times is what we found”.

John Power will also be appearing at Justice Tonight at Liverpool University on Friday 9th December in aid of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign. He will join The Clash and Big Audio Dynamite’s Mick Jones, Pete Wylie and The Farm.

(For Justice Tonight at Liverpool University contact: 0203 189 4606 carl@bigmouthpublicity. co.uk)

December 2012

Dappy o2 Academy, Hotham Street Monday December 10, 7pm Fresh from the success of his two solo smash hit singles, Dappy tours the UK this winter. Ariving at the 02 Academy on 10 December, this show has been rescheduled from September with original tickets remaining valid. Dubbed the “livewire performer” by The Independent on his debut tour of the UK in December last year, Dappy is ready to give his fans more.

Dappy’s first solo single No Regrets stormed to number 1 last year. His second single Rockstar featuring Brian May, hit the number 2 spot earlier this year. His debut solo album, currently being finished in the studio, is due for release this summer.

Tickets call: 0844 477 2000

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Eric’s, Matthew Street Friday December 21 £25 Ticketmaster

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young jazz/blues singer with the unlikely name of Martha Lavaille brought audiences to their feet at Detroit’s famed 20 Grand Nightclub singing songs made popular by singers the likes of Gloria Lynne and Della Reese, with her group, the Del Phi’s; Martha and the Vandellas was born.

Martha Reeves continues to thrill audiences around the world. Her self-produced 2004 CD, Home to You was named one of the year’s best by the Asbury Park Press. In 2005, Will Smith mined the

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Motown vaults to uncover her unreleased gem, It’s Easy to Fall In Love and included it in the hit movie Hitch. Also in 2005, Motown released Martha’s Lost and Found collection, which included the rare Smokey Robinsonpenned Spellbound, her studio recording of For Once In My Life and covers of hits by the likes of Aretha Franklin, the Marvelettes, Vikki Carr, Sam & Dave, and the Four Tops. Martha just completed a four-year run as a member of the Detroit City Council.

December 2012

Echo & The Bunnymen

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra:

O2 Academy 2 Liverpool

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

& Young Tines

Saturday December 15 Doors: 7pm Show Time: TBC Tickets: £18.00 + BF (www.ticketweb.co.uk) For younger viewers, Echo & The Bunnymen are an English post-punk band, formed in Liverpool in 1978.

The line-up has changed over the years but their cult following has never waivered.

John Lennon Songbook Saturday December 8 Doors: 7:30pm, tickets £16, £21, £28, £33, £40 (www. liverpoolphil.com) On the anniversary of Lennon’s death, in a year marking the 50th anniversary of perhaps the world’s greatest band, we’ve brought back the sell-out John Lennon Songbook concert, last heard in China in 2010. Lennon’s greatest hits, including In My Life, Julia, I Should Have Known Better, You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away, Girl, Ticket To Ride, Norwegian Wood, Yes It Is, A Day In The Life, All You Need Is Love, I Am The Walrus, Strawberry Fields Forever, Come Together, Two Of Us, Jealous Guy, Beautiful Boy, Free As A Bird, and Imagine will feature. The young and highly original Joe Stilgoe joins the vocalist roll call, alongside award-winning jazz singer Claire Martin and Liverpool favourite, actor and vocalist Mark McGann.

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Florence & The Machine Echo Arena Liverpool Monday December 10 Tickets £29.50

It’s been over a year since Florence and The Machine’s sophomore album, Ceremonials, was released to a wave of critical praise and commercial success, taking the band to heights they could never have imagined.

The band also celebrated their long-awaited first number-one single this year with Spectrum in July.

Summer 2012 saw Florence & the Machine breathe life into festival stage after festival stage, both at home and abroad, conquering main stages at the likes of Reading and Leeds and Radio’s 1s Hackney Weekend. As part of their UK tour the band come to the Echo Arena on 10th December with support from new US talent Haim, who have been hailed by NME as a “tribute to the power of percussion and harmony”.

Music

Great Scott!

After Dark speak to Space frontman Tommy Scott

L

iverpool band Space reformed last December to play a sell-out Christmas show at the 02 Academy.

The unfeasably catchy quirkpop specialists return to the venue on Friday 21 December as part of a national tour with The Mono LP’s and Edgar Jones. The track Frightened Horses is available now on download. Their interestingly titled forthcoming album Attack of the Mutant 50ft Kebab will be out next year.

The line-up features original band members Tommy Scott (vocals/guitar) and Franny Griffiths (keyboards). Along with Phil Hartley (double

bass/bass), Ryan Clarke (vintage keys) and drummer Allan Jones who will replace Andy Parle who sadly died in 2009. Original member Jamie Murphy left the band this year.

The platinum-selling band came to prominence in the 90’s with hit singles Female of the Species, Neighbourhood, Me and You Versus the World and The Ballad of Tom Jones. They worked with Tom Jones in ‘99 and Cerys Matthews a year earlier. The band formed in ‘93 and released four studio albums, plus a number of charting singles, before disbanding in 2005.

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After Dark spoke to lead singer Tommy Scott at the band’s mission control in the city centre and began by asking him what inspired the band’s welcomed reunion.

“I started to play some Space songs last summer and began to get nostalgic about the band. I think a lot of it was down to timing; it just feels right to give it a go again. I’m enjoying it just as much, even more because I’m a better songwriter now and you never stop learning.”

How has the band evolved?

“The band has evolved because we have three new younger members and I have sucked all their passion and

December 2012

“I’m hungrier than a horde of X-Factor zombies”

“Space’s first proper single Neighbourhood told the tale about my childhood street in Liverpool, but with serial killers and transvestites in the starring role. I’ve always been in to horror to be honest, but they’re mostly twisted love songs which happen to be very catchy as well.”

As you’ve been playing around the country at various venues and festivals, have you found your audience has changed much since the early days of the ‘90s?

“Looking at the audience there is a strange mixture of old and new. There are the kids who have raided their parents’ CD collections; parents who probably dashed out to the local charity shop in a desperate attempt to find a copy of Spiders since the comeback was announced; and finally our cool geek fans who have stuck with us forever.”

youth out of them and made a great album.”

Your new release Attack of the Mutant 50 Foot Kebab is due out in March 2013.

What can we expect from the album?

“Well you can expect a battle ground of genres, from ska to post-punk to easy listening, all fighting together in the arena of death.”

A lot of the tracks have horror film connotations, for example She’s in Love With a Boy in a Body Bag, Day of the Dead, Guest List to Hell, Happy Clowns – is this a doom laden concept album or are the songs the result of some really bad experiences?

Is there a sense at all that younger crowds view you a bit like vintage rockers?

“Well botox and sucking their blood will sort that problem out!”

It was reported that Jamie left Space in September.

Was that a disappointment to the rest of the band and was it a case of old issues resurfacing?

“Yes and yes.”

You have the album and tour for 2013, but what’s the band’s vision for the future; can we expect more albums?

“The future is more albums.

It IS more gigs. I’m hungrier than a horde of X Factor zombies.”

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Supporting Space at the Liverpool 02 Academy show are Liverpool band The Mono LP’s.

Championed by BBC Introducing’s Dave Monks, and fresh from recording a one off sell out live gig at the Cavern Club for the BBC’s Live Lounge Liverpool sessions, The Mono LPs are considered one of Liverpool’s bright young things attracting a lot of attention and selling out venues all over the UK. Headlining shows for Alan McGee’s (Oasis, Creation Records) Death Disco night in the Notting Hill Art Club London and Liverpool, the band also played this year’s Kendal Calling Festival.

The band intend to release their first single since signing a deal with Cavern Records and embark on their first major tour. Vicky, from the band, has worked with The View and The Blood Red Shoes on their last two albums.

Edgar Jones, the former Stairs singer/Paul Weller bassist/ Jones’s frontman also joins the bill.

Space with support from The Mono LP’s and Edgar Jones on Friday December 21 at O2 Academy Liverpool, tickets priced £17.50 www. o2academyliverpool.co.uk

Nightlife

Tim Mason At Deadwrong Camp & Furnace Indoor Forest Party Saturday November 27

Tim Mason:

Deadwrong, but sounds so right.

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December 2012

D

J Tim Mason has been causing quite a storm this year by undergoing his first American and Canadian Roll Call Tour and has also supported the likes of Tiesto, David Guetta, Laidback Luke, Dirty South, Calvin Harris and Eric Morillo.

Also being signed to Steve Angello’s label, Size Records, there is just no stopping this new kid on the block.

The DJ will be playing at Deadwrong’s event for The Indoor Forest Party, with Liverpool dance floor favourites Whelan & Di Scala in late November. With releases such as Anima and The Moment he has captured the hearts and imaginations of many a social gathering across the world.

After Dark caught up with Brighton’s Tim Mason whilst in the middle of his American/Canadian adventure to evesdrop on tour gossip and chat about his much anticipated visit to Liverpool, among other things.

How’s it going and where are the top places that you’ve visited on the tour?

So far it’s going really well.

Just played New City Gas in Montreal which was seriously massive. Always love playing NYC as well. I’ve got four shows over the next couple of days: Miami, Tallahassee (I can never spell that right!), Vancouver and Orange County.

How has it been, smashing it in the USA compared to your usual European hot spots?

It’s very, very different. The US crowd are relatively new

to it all and they’re polarised in that they’re either there to pose or they’re there to have the time of their lives.

The shows in the US are a lot of fun but playing to a home crowd of clubbers is something else.

You’re signed to Size Records, which is the legendary Steve Angello’s label, along with his brother AN21. How did that come about?

I finished The Moment and thought “this is 100% a Size record”. I sent it over and Steve called me the next day, and it was happy days from there! There’s quite a lot to be excited about being involved with Size; what I love the most is the family vibe about the label. It’s old school in the sense that the label doesn’t just focus on selling records.

It’s more like a unit or a club that we’re all involved with; the people that make the music and the people that enjoy the music.

You have also supported some great DJs, from Tiesto, A-Trak, Laidback Luke, Calvin Harris to Swedish House Mafia. What were your first experiences of working alongside such talents?

My first experience of a big gig was Creamfields in 2011.

I ran into a ton of traffic and missed my set time but luckily managed to swap; so I actually missed all of the legendary DJs that I was looking forward to seeing and just made it in time to play the last two hours of the tent ha ha!

What other DJs & Producers do you really admire for what they are doing in

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today’s dance scene?

I’ve got a lot of respect for a very broad range of artists. I think Guetta’s involvement with changing the landscape of the current elecronic music scene can’t go unmentioned.

Calvin Harris is seriously on fire right now as well.

Then I love what people like SBTRKT are doing; arguably without him we wouldn’t have Jesse Ware right now. I could go on, but you’ll have to catch me at Camp & Furnace for a rant ha ha.

You’re going to be making a stop in Liverpool for Deadwrong’s event at Camp and Furnace. What can we expect to see from you there?

I’ve got a couple of shows that night and Liverpool is the first one, so expect that I’ll get the party started nice and early.

What’s next in the world of Tim Mason? Are you going to be kicking back and enjoy some time off this Christmas?

I’ve been working on so much music! I’ve been trying out my new singles in my sets; the first one of those will be coming out later this year.

I’ve got more studio work, remixes, collabs coming out my eye balls and touring right the way through to next year, so no time off at Christmas for me!

So finally Tim, if you could play at any event in the world where would it be and why?

Cream at Nation in Liverpool.

Mr Barton if you’re reading. facebook.com/deadwrong timmasonmusic.com soundcloud.com/ timmasonmusic

Nightlife

R

ob Harnetty is one of the UK’s rising stars on the DJ circuit, with his talents recognised by global clubbing brand Cream in 2008. Rob was signed as one of their official residents joining the likes of Paul Oakenfold, Nick Warren and Seb Fontaine in this highly coveted roster. His debut show for Cream was a Main Room set on their 16th Birthday and since then his talent has seen him travel the world performing alongside the likes of Paul van Dyk, Armin van Burren, David Guetta, Eddie Halliwell and Ferry Corsten. So far 2012 has seen Rob make his debut in the main room

DJ Profile:

Rob Harnetty of the mighty Amnesia in Ibiza, playing alongside Paul Van Dyk, Gareth Emery & Giuseppe Ottaviani. Rob has also took time out to work in the studio on tracks soon due for release.

How did you get your start in DJing and who/what was your initial inspiration in becoming a DJ? I was at Fatboy Slim’s Big Beach Boutique in 2002 at the age of 15, a life changing experience! I decided I wanted to do it after that. I recently got to meet him at Cream’s 20th and thank him personally for getting me into all this, which was surreal!

You’ve been a resident with

Cream since 2008; how has the electronic/dance music scene changed since then?

It’s done the full circle and become massively commercial again and I’m all for it. Electronic music is now open to more people than ever before.

How would you describe your DJing/musical style?

House, trance, progressive, techno and anything else I can fit into a set.

You debuted in the main room at Amnesia this summer – was it as good as you expected?

Better! I ended up playing for a bit longer as the DJ on after me was late; so I found myself playing to a main room that was pretty much full. I’ve played the terrace twice before but the main room in Amnesia is the Ibiza dream for me.

What’s been your best DJing experience so far?

There have been so many amazing experiences. Either Creamfields 2010, playing to an 8000 strong crowd or closing the Courtyard after Paul Oakenfold on his return to Cream in March.

You’ve been taking time out in the studio this year; do you see yourself moving into more writing/producing?

That’s the plan, it can be frustrating at times but I really enjoy making music.

In terms of your career, what are you looking forward to in 2013?

Producing more and hopefully more amazing gigs!

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December 2012

Chibuku

Circus

Shake Shake

Boxing Day Party

New Year’s Eve Celebration!

At Camp and Furnace Wednesday December 26 8pm - 4am Price £20 advance Info - 0151 706 8045 www.circusclub.co.uk Yousef’s Circus ends 2012 with its annual Boxing Day bonanza, as a riotous ensemble of house and techno stars grace Liverpool.

2012 has been an extra special year for all involved at the club, which celebrated its 10th X anniversary in September, capping an epoch-breaking decade in dance music. Yousef himself has enjoyed a meteoric 12 months, including the release of his critically acclaimed 2nd artist album, A Product Of Your Environment, and his recent Essential Mix on Radio 1.

Taking place at the Camp and Furnace, Circus’ Boxing Day party features sets from some of the club’s favourite performers, including Loco Dice, Jamie Jones and Heidi, and a debut from Hotflush’s Scuba. And of course don’t forget Yousef himself, who after his spectacular year will be showing why he is one of the planet’s most in-demand DJs. This promises to be an epic festive Circus session.

Loco Dice, Jamie Jones, Yousef, Heidi presents: The Jackathon. Special guest: Scuba, Lewis Boardman, Scott Lewis… more tbc

At Camp and Furnace Monday December 31 8pm - 4am, Price £20 advance Info - 0151 706 8045 www.chibuku.com

C

hibuku are returning to a stunning citycentre space for their annual NYE bash, at the Camp and Furnace, tucked away in the Jamaica Street area of Liverpool. It’s a stunning and evocative space, a true warehouse environment, which will host several huge NYE guests, continuing a new direction in bringing global stars to the club to crown each year.

Another twelve months have passed, and Chibuku has once more set the agenda for true eclecticism crossing the electronic music spectrum. It has been another remarkable year, the season dotted with

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many brilliant parties, from the 12th birthday back in March to bringing the club back to its spiritual home, The Masque, in September.

This NYE, for the second year running, the club has called upon some iconic names who have graced Chibuku over the years to help usher in 2013 with a big bang.

Room One 2manydjs, Redlight, Mele… more tbc Room Two DJ Fresh, Subfocus, Rudimental, Futurebound & Matrix Room Three Soulwax David Bowie Documentary: Dave

Nightlife

Cream Boxing Night Special

Cream’s annual festive knees up is now firmly fixed into every dance fan’s clubbing calendar and as ever you can expect a line-up that’s as packed with big names as the Thai post office’s Christmas raffle.

At Nation, Wolstenholme Sq Wednesday December 26 10pm - 6am (last entry 1am) £30+BF www.cream.co.uk Tel: 0151 707 1309

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irst up Laidback Luke will be jetting in, following a very successful season as exclusive resident for Cream in Ibiza.

This Dutch turbine has truly established himself as a top DJ and as one of the most in-demand producers on the planet. Joining him in the Main Room is Nicky Romero. Nicky’s meteoric rise to international fame has brought him to the attention of the world’s most sought after electronic acts, including David Guetta, Avicii, Madonna and Usher.

Next up is special guest Hardwell. Last year saw him support the world’s No.1 DJ on his US tour and at only 23 he is already an award

winning DJ, producer and label manager. In addition he was voted 24th in this year’s DJ Mag Top 100, which isn’t bad for his first entry in to the chart. Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano are back after their last appearance at Cream saw them blow the proverbial roof off the Main Room. Completing the line-up is Cream resident Anthony Probyn. Leading the way in the Courtyard is the award winning DJ/Producer and Cream regular Ferry Corsten, renowned for his unique up-tempo big room trance and house sound.

Joining him will be Markus Schulz. His unique tranceprogressive sound has seen him consistently voted as one of the world’s Top 10 DJs and seen him attract crowds the world over. Completing the line up will be Cream residents Gareth Wyn and Rob Harnetty. The Annexe will be home of course to the residents and leading the pack is one of Cream’s favourite sons Paul Bleasdale.

Despite a 10 year hiatus away from the decks he is Cream’s longest serving resident and returns following an amazing set at Cream’s 20th Anniversary. Other acts taking over the Annexe will be Jemmy, Andy Mac and Lee Ellis.

Order advance tickets to avoid disappointment.

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Top Ten: December

Matt Gall 1. Open Up Your Heart feat. Eden Whelan & Di Scala 2.Diamonds Chris Henry & Mike Di Scala Remix Rihanna 3. Alright DBerrie Remix Red Carpet 4. Lies Otto Knows Remix Burns

5. Bombs Over Capitals AN21 & Max Vangelli Feat Julie McKnight 6.Lights Original Mix Steve Angello & Third Party 7. Committed To Sparkle Motion DubVision Remix Discopolis 8. Hungry Hearts Nause 9. Who Original Mix Tujamo & Plastik Funk 10. Touched Original Mix EDX Matt is resident DJ on Friday Nights at Newz BarLiverpool.

Nightlife

After Dark Promotion

Season’s Greetings from the Stanley Street Quarter

S

tanley Street Quarter Project officer Andi Herring gives a quick tour of everything SSQ and an introduction to some exciting things that are coming up!

Hi! My name is Andi and I am the new Project Officer within Liverpool City Council dedicated to the Stanley Street Quarter Project. It is my job to push forward plans and the best interests of the quarter, to promote quality investment in the area and also organise key events in the quarter – such as our fantastic street events programme for 2013 (which I will explain later!)

So whose plans do I put in place? Liverpool City Council (who I represent) currently chair the Stanley Street Quarter Steering Group – this group is made up of stakeholders who are there to take into account YOUR

views when we discuss what would be best for the area right now as well the longterm vision.

SSQ was established to encourage positive growth in the area, to unite the stakeholders and help them work together to make the most of their area and business, but also to work on larger projects and with schemes that would improve the area and add to a quality offer for our Quarter which is uniquely Liverpool.

Coming up next year we have a fabulous Events Programme that is going to be at the core of the Quarter, from IDAHO and Light Night Celebrations to the biggest Pride yet, Homotopia’s 10th Birthday and LGBT History Month.

We will also be working on community projects – including Street Art, Lights, Community Safety and improving the venues in the

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area by making them more accessible.

We’ll also be launching our new website which will contain everything you need to know about what’s going on in the quarter!

How can you get involved?!

Make sure to visit our delis, restaurants, bars and clubs in the quarter and show your support. Come along to our street events and celebrations and bring your friends; but most importantly… let us know what you think – both good and bad!

Contact Andi on: andi.herring@liverpool. gov.uk Sign up to the Stanley Street Quarter newsletter: eepurl.com/kQXaX

Have a Mojito Christmas

Mojito, Victoria Street A brand new VIP experience launches in Liverpool this December. Be part of Le Clique, at Liverpool’s exclusive Mojito Bar. The red carpet is out on 1st December; expect the ultimate Vegas clubbing experience.

Liverpool’s first VIP Booths with integrated iPads where you can order just about anything you want. With a 3D digital drinks menu, choose from daiquiris, mojitos to bottles of Champagne, no need to go to the bar, you can order right from your iPad. If you’re hungry order a Mojito Bar pizza, or even sushi. If you have a favourite song, request it straight to the DJ booth: you can even order your taxi home.

Residents Alan Hartley and Anton Powers will be supplying the soundtrack to your night out in one of the hottest new VIP hangouts in the city centre. www.mojitoliverpool.co.uk Are you finding it hard choosing where to go Boxing Night and NYE? Mojito Bar provide a perfect solution with Juice FM’s Denny Dowd, Carl Williams & Chris Wright playing the best in funky commercial house and featuring fire eaters, stilt walkers, live sax and bongo player plus loads more. Booths available: www.mojitoliverpool.co.uk

Christmas time, Chippendales and wine!

Mosquito, Victoria Street This December at Mosquito, all you lucky ladies will be pleased to know the infamous Dream Idols (as seen on TV) are on tour and coming to Liverpool for one night only. Join them on Friday 7th December for Mosquito’s Ladies Night event - the hottest boy-lesque show to hit town. Tickets to what could be a perfect Christmas party include champagne reception and entry into the Studio 54 event at Mosquito. www.dream-idols.com

Eating Out

Lucha Libre 96 Wood Street Liverpool L1 4DQ Telephone 0151 329 0200

Lucha Libre An authentic taste of downtown Guadalajara, on Wood Street.

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December 2012

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fter dark spoke to Alex Hannah and Dave Roche of Lucha Libre, the contemporary Mexican street food restaurant that’s bringing an authentic taste of downtown Guadalajara to Liverpool. We asked them about the ethos behind setting up Lucha Libre?

To offer high quality, fast casual dining, at a price point that reflects the economic climate we are living in. We also provide a high level of customer service in a friendly and comfortable environment. Our food reflects what is happening in downtown Guadalajara where the new chefs create dishes based on classic recipes and

the design and atmosphere of the city is amazing. The bars and restaurant are very cool and vibrant and they are a million miles away from how they are perceived in the UK. We used several design references from the places we visited. If you look closely around Lucha you might see there are little details all around the place. Everything has a reason or a story for its inclusion in the overall design. There was a separate design brief for Lucha Libre the restaurant, and our nightclub, Maya, downstairs.

Do you have a signature dish and drink?

Our signature dish would have to be our sharing Street

To keep innovating, to keep pushing ourselves and our staff to be the very best at what we do. We absolutely love doing what we do, so hopefully that is reflected when guests visit Lucha Libre. After being dominated by large, out of town chains for so long it really feels like the time for the independents to rise and raise the bar.

Ropewalks in particular is just booming with fantastic local operators: whether it be Bold Street Coffee, Aloha, Salt Dog Slims, Leaf, El Bandito, Camp & Furnace - all places locals should support with gusto as they herald from this fantastic city of ours, and everyone should be proud of how creative we can be.

“We absolutely love doing what we do, so hopefully that is reflected when guests visit Lucha Libre” put their own contemporary twist on them; whether it be Thai, Italian or even British.

At Lucha Libre we serve modern Mexican food with a British twist using locally sourced produce.

The décor is quite distinctive; how did you develop the concept for the interiors?

Having visited Mexico on a number of occasions we wanted to create a concept that reflected a more contemporary Mexico, rather than rely on gimmicks like stuffed donkeys and sombreros. In Guadalajara,

Food Platter which has a selection of various items off the menu. It’s our most popular option by far and it’s a really great way to introduce people to our style of cooking. We are also very proud of our veggie options; we feel they still get the raw end of the deal in most restaurants so we wanted to offer some delicious dishes that even the meat eaters order. Oh and our frozen margaritas are a force to be reckoned with too!

What are your future plans with restaurant?

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Do you want to open chains, or franchise the Lucha Libre & Maya brands?

We recently visited Manchester to check out a number of properties with a view to opening Lucha Libre Manchester mid to late 2013.

The overall plan is to expand to at least 5 sites in well chosen locations across the UK. But we won’t do anything until the time is right and we are happy that our flagship site in Liverpool is strong enough to consider the next step of our expansion.

Comedy

Ken Dodd Happiness Show

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en Dodd is one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, an icon and national treasure, who has been entertaining us for over 55 years. Get down to the Phil and enjoy his famous Happiness Show and you’ll be absolutely discumknockerated with a Philharmonic Hall Thursday December 27 7:30 pm £16, £18, £20, £25 truly tattifelarius evening of laughter and songs.

Enjoy a fun-filled variety show for all the family, with guests, non-stop gags and a selection of songs in celebration of more than fifty hilarious years of happiness with The Squire of Knotty Ash. Tickets are strictly cash only… joking!

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December 2012

A Rush of Laughter Double Headliner Christmas Show

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inner Of ITV1’s Show Me The Funny & Star Of BBC1’s Dance For Sport Relief and fresh from his debut DVD Patrick Monahan Live, Patrick Monahan has worked his way up the comedy circuit ladder and is now a regular MC and headlining act at the top UK comedy clubs.

Patrick has spent the last 2 years developing his shows and in the past year he has toured the UK as well as performed a run at the Adelaide Comedy Festival .

Due to his extremely clean and highly accessible material Patrick has developed a solid footing on the corporate circuit as an after dinner speaker as well as an awards host.

Patrick’s TV appearances over the years have included The Comedy Store (Paramount Comedy Channel), Mervyn Bragg’s Travels In Written Britain (ITV), Comedy Decades (BBC), Comedy map Of Britain (BBC)

and Sorcerer’s Apprentice (CBBC). As resident studio warm up artiste for a number of seasons on ‘The Paul O’Grady Show’ Patrick also appeared on numerous occasions in front of the camera hosting mock quizzes, modelling false bums and finally as a guest on the sofa!

A gifted performer, Chris Brooker has taken his unique mix of comedy and improvisation to stages all over the world. After a decade on the UK comedy circuit Chris has forged a fine reputation as a standup comedian and compère.

His versatility has seen him play to audiences of all sizes and backgrounds, winning them over with his infectious enthusiasm, swift wit and immense likeability. Dubbed comedy’s ginger viking by a promoter, he really is a larger than life character.

A regular performer at the nation’s finest comedy clubs, Chris is equally at home at a sportsman’s dinner or in front of two thousand bikers

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at a rally, you’ll rarely see the same show twice from him.

With three full length shows

Patrick Monaghan and Chris Brooker The Lantern Theatre Sunday December 2, £10

under his belt, Chris is also an award winning television writer.

Support is from Johnny Phelegm, Nina Gilligan and Casey Dorgan. As Ever Your MC for the evening will be Adam Rushton.

Comedy

Mrs Brown Rides Again

Echo 2 at Echo Arena December 11 - 15 7:30 pm £19.50 / £29.50 / £39.50

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rs Brown Rides Again, written by and starring Brendan O’Carroll comes to Echo Two at Echo Arena December 11 - 15. The new show follows on the heels of the Good Mourning Mrs Brown tour.

Agnes Brown and her dysfunctional family romp their way through what seems to be mammy’s last days at home. After hearing a plot, by her children, to have her put into a home, Agnes decides to prove them wrong by displaying a new lease of life. However, this is

Terry Titter’s not going to be as easy as it seems for along the way she must deal with a psychiatrist trying to put her in her place…or maybe away, her son’s gay partner who wants to give birth, her neighbour’s wait for a heart bypass and worst of all, a family secret that everyone seems to know except her.

Mrs Brown’s Boys TV series made its debut on BBC 1 in February of this year and proved an automatic ratings smash, so much so that Auntie Beeb has already commissioned a second series.

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Spaced Out Christmas

Unity Theatre, Liverpool December 12 - 22, 8pm £8 preview £10 / £8 Concessions £12 / £10 Concessions Ground control to Major Tit. 3, 2, 1!!... Blast-Off!!!!

Go into orbit this year with Captain Terry Titter and his cosmic comedy themed festive silly-super-nova. With his usual galaxy of out of this world star characters, plus a few sci-fi surprises, it promises to be a rocket fuelled big bang of brilliance. So polish your helmet and beam yourself up as Mr. Titter says U.F.O to Two Thousand and Twelve!!

Cinema

The Hobbit Released: December 14 Director: Peter Jackson Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage,

Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Ian Holm

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he Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug.

Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever... Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious”... a simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know. Following the global cinematic phenomenon that was Peter Jackson’s Lord Of The Rings trilogy, the director revisits Tolkein to bring his

celluloid imaginings of the earlier novels to the screen and no doubt massively swell his and Warner Brothers’ bank balances in the process.

I could urge you to avoid the middle earth nonsensical jibberings about goblins and elves, harping on about “Zangip of Anwag and his amazing trumpet of doom” or “the Staff of Inqwaz that blinds nymphs who dare to fart within a hair’s breath of its orgasmic aura blah blah.. etc etc etc”; or I could ask you to ignore the ridiculous flights of plot fantasy and contrived twists where wizards can die and then come back to life with a different hat on because “the god’s deemed it so”, even though it makes no earthly sense at all, but I won’t. It’s beautifully shot, making full use of a spectacularly landscaped New Zealand. The performances are given depth and sincerity by a good cast lead valiantly by the excellent Martin Freeman. The music’s even rousing. I know this is going to be a massive hit both financially and with most critics. But it leaves me stone cold. I can think of lots more arousing films about rings.

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December 2012

Nonsensical jibberings about goblins and elves, harping on about “Zangip of Anwag and his amazing trumpet of doom�

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Cinema

Seven Psychopaths Released: December 7 Director: Martin McDonagh Starring: Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson, Tom Waits, Abbie Cornish

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arty (Farrell) is a screenwriter struggling with his screenplay for a film called Seven Psychopaths.

Helping with the writer’s block is his annoying actor pal Billy (Rockwell), and sidekick Hans (Walken) has alternative employment as a dognapper, ripping off distraught pet owners.

Trouble hits when they cross dog loving Charlie (Harrelson) who’s happy to kill everyone who gets between him and his shih tzu Bonnie. The resulting hi jinx sucks Marty into a world of

real-life psychopaths, more terrifying than anything he could have imagined.

In Bruge director Martin McDonagh teams again with the excellent Colin Farrell for another niche black-comedy that will appeal to fans of his previous film.

Seven Psychopaths has a clever-ish, self-analytic approach that mocks and yet exploits many movie clichés, such as ultra-violence and mysogynist portrayals of women. Sam Rockwell puts on a deliciously nuanced performance, Walken and

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Harrelson bring their usual presence and Tom Waits pretty much steals all his scenes.

Seven Psychopaths admirably embraces its dark comic nature, is generally entertaining and consistently funny, maintaining a cool sensibility throughout.

Although its meta-plot feels contrived and disjointed at times, the film is to be applauded for attempting to objectify itself and, in the process, creating some depth and interest - which is definitely not the Hollywood norm.

December 2012

Parental Guidance Released: Director: Starring:

December 28 Andy Fickman Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei

Old school grandad Artie (Billy Crystal), who’s accustomed to calling the shots, meets his match when he and eager-toplease wife Diane (Bette Midler) babysit their 3 grandkids when their type-A helicopter parents (Tomei & Everett Scott) are working away. But when 21st century problems collide with Artie’s old school methods of tough rules, lots of love and old-fashioned games, it’s learning to bend, not holding your ground, that binds a family together. Crystal is bang on form here in a role where, unusual for Hollywood stars, he’s unpretentiously acting his age. In this warm and gently involving comedy there are moments of slapstick for the kids and plenty of comic resonance for parents and grandparents alike. Expect lots of knowing nods between various family members and to be thoroughly entertained. Incidentally, I don’t know many helicopter parents, but I know a few trannie van grans!

Jack Reacher Released: December 26 Director: Christopher McQuarrie Starring: Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall, Rosamund Pike

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ix shots. Five dead.

One heartland city thrown into a state of terror. But within hours the cops have it solved: a slamdunk case. Except for one thing. The accused man says: You got the wrong guy. Then he says: Get Reacher for me.

And sure enough, ex-military investigator Jack Reacher is coming. He knows this shooter-a trained military sniper who never should have missed a shot. Reacher is certain something is not

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right-and soon the slam-dunk case explodes. Now Reacher is teamed with a beautiful young defense lawyer, moving closer to the unseen enemy who is pulling the strings. Reacher knows that no two opponents are created equal. This one has come to the heartland from his own kind of hell. And Reacher knows that the only way to take him down is to match his ruthlessness and cunningand then beat him shot for shot. Absolutely rubbish.

The Back Page Life In Theatre are set to take over The Dome at Grand Central Hall this Christmas with their feel-good family musical, Mam! I'm 'ere! We talked to Life in Theatre actor and producer . . .

Stephen Fletcher

Stephen’s Liverpool: Daniel Craig, Hope Street’s Host and The Clove Hitch restaurants What’s your view of the current Liverpool theatre scene?

Liverpool’s theatre scene is very bright. The most exciting aspect of it is the DIY spirit.

If work is quiet, you can either wait for something to happen, or make it happen yourself. With a recession on, many artists in Liverpool are choosing to take the second option. Actors are designing.

Directors are acting. Writers are acting. This is nothing new, but there is a new wave of people doing this kind of thing in order to keep doing what they love. It’s exciting and terrifying, but that’s exactly how it should be!

What music are you listening to at the moment?

Currently listening to LOTS of Disco, pure and simple, to create a really good soundtrack to Mam! I’m ‘ere!

What’s your favourite Liverpool related music?

It has to be The Beatles sorry to be obvious. It was great to play Paul McCartney

in Lennon at The Royal Court and get to sing all those iconic songs dressed as the man himself.

What are your favourite city centre bars and clubs?

When I am out and about my favourite place to end up is Leaf on Bold Street. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the food is great. I miss The Bistro at The Everyman - for a beer, a chat, and a bowl of cheesy nachos: it’ll be great when that re-opens.

There are loads of new bars popping up around town.

Food and drink tends to be an attraction more than the dance floor, though.

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

For me, the best restaurant around is Host on Hope Street. The food is amazing.

I’m always in there. For the perfect breakfast - The Clove Hitch, again on Hope Street.

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And for “food with a drink” The Peacock, Seel Street, has a brilliant pizza oven. As you can see, I’m less of a dancer and more of an eater!

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

At the minute, I would say Daniel Craig. You can’t get more of an icon than James Bond.

What is your must see event in Liverpool for December?

A show called Mam! I’m ‘ere!

– I might have mentioned it already?! It’s a feel-good, family show, packed with music, laughs and some familiar Liverpool theatre faces!

Mam! I’m ‘ere! at The Dome, Grand Central Hall, Renshaw Street.

Decr 7 - Jan 12.

Call 08448700887 or visit lifeintheatre. webs.com

96 WOOD STREET (OPP

OSITE FACT), LIVERPOOL

L1 4DQ TELEPHONE: 0151 329 0200 LUCHALIBRELIVERPOO L LUCHALIVERPOOL