What’s On
September » December 2011
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T
hings don’t stay the same for very long anymore and while our season shows consistency in the very best in theatre, music and comedy, you’ll also notice some things we’re doing differently. We’re really excited to be bringing the festival experience to Ramsbottom in September and hope you will join us. The opportunity to bring The Waterboys, Capercaille, Badly Drawn Boy and Guillemots to our beautiful, family friendly 5000 capacity site alongside well loved developing artists like Otis Gibbs, Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker and The Travelling Band promises to be a weekend to remember. We opened Edwin Street Recording studio in June which has already unlocked some great new projects. Look out for our Recording courses in the workshops section alongside opportunities to learn harmonica, whistle and guitar. We’ll be taking part in Big Give again this year to help develop the studio’s top floor. Keep a look out in our newsletters. Bury continues to develop and we’re delighted to welcome The Rock and Premier Inn as partners in
developing a great town centre offer to visitors. We hope you will take advantage of the new hotel just 100 metres from our door allowing you to reap further enjoyment of gigs, theatre and fine ales and food in Malt and Automatic. Partnerships are what makes The Met stand out and events such as the Beer Festival, our Christmas production of Scrooge, Ramsbottom Festival and Edwin Street are all possible because we welcome collaboration with like minded innovative organisations. We are delighted to support Greater Manchester’s first Light Night on 14 October bringing the town centre alive for visitors after dark. Speaking of innovation, there will be some changes to the venue from September allowing us to better communicate with our artists and audiences. Investment in the digital capacity of The Met will provide a much better experience of the venue – even for those not on the inside!
MUSIC
COMEDY
DRAMA
FAMILY SHOWS
WORKSHOPS
FOOD & DRINK
We look forward to seeing you for some great events. David Agnew @davidagnewmet
WHAT’S ON?
F O L K R O O T S
Dave Swarbrick & Martin Carthy
Annabelle Chvostek
Thursday 1 September 8pm / £15 / £13 concession & members The legendary folk duo return to The Met with a new collection of traditional songs. Their experienced approach to their art lacks none of the fervour of their early days, and brings a maturity born of many years living with the music that is an integral part of their beings.
C O M E DY
F A M I L Y
First Thursday Comedy Club
Hairy Maclary and Friends
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Nonsense Room Productions Thursday 1 September 8.30pm / £8
Friday 2 September 1pm / £6 / £4 members
Another evening of top notch entertainment from the UK’s finest comedians.
Featuring many of the characters from Lynley Dodd’s books, like Hercules Morse, as big as a Horse; Bottomley Potts, covered in spots; Schnitzel von Krumm, with the very low tum; and Scarface Claw, toughest tomcat in town.
This month we welcome Dave Twentyman – come and see this guy while we can still afford him! Plus a guest compere and two support acts!
With music, singing and several of your favourite Hairy Maclary stories, this vibrant show is a must for the whole family.
The SoulTrain Saturday 3 September 8pm £10 adv / £12 door / Standing
A M E R I C ANA
Annabelle Chvostek Friday 2 September 8pm £10 / £8 conc & members
Described as “a contemporary urban folk alchemist”, her music has an urban rootsy vibe exploring the themes of love loss and everything in between. She has just released a new album, Live From Folk Alley.
With their inspired mix of sixties and Northern Soul, one thing is certain: “cabaret soul” this isn’t. D R A M A
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
D R A M A
Welcome to Afghanistan Thu 8 September 7.30pm / £8 £6 conc & members / £5 under 26s 1838, 1878, 2001... In the last two centuries, Britain has been involved in three brutal wars in Afghanistan. In this new blacker-than-black comedy, Monkey Poet (aka stand-up rhymester Matt Panesh) jumps back in time to the 1830s and our first and most disastrous Afghan war.
Wednesday 7 September 8pm £10 / £6 concession & members
Drawing on actual eye witness testimony, he weaves a vivid tale of cynical politicians, bumbling generals and weary squaddies.
This fast-paced adaptation brings Robert Tressell’s famous novel vibrantly to life using live music, mayhem and mirth.
Performed in a double bill with Monkey Poet’s Welcome to the UK!, a hilarious look at modern Britain.
Townsend Productions
The SoulTrain
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Welcome to Afghanistan
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Annabelle Chvostek (The Wailin’ Jennys) returns to The Met with her acclaimed new solo material.
Capturing the feel of the classic era of soul, SoulTrain’s authentic arrangements feature the blistering sound of The Union Pacific Horns, hits from The Temptations, Dobie Gray, Wilson Pickett, The Showstoppers, Stevie Wonder, Dean Parrish, Jackie Wilson and many more.
The story of a year in the life of a group of Edwardian painters and decorators. These workers are the philanthropists who throw themselves into back-breaking work for poverty wages in order to generate profit for their masters.
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S O U L
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C O M E DY
Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley
Andrea Glass
Jason Byrne Cirque Du Byrne
B L U E S
Diana Braithwaite, Chris Whiteley and Bob Hall
Presented by Phil Mcintyre Entertainments by arrangement with Lisa Thomas Management
Friday 9 September 8pm / £12 The popular American Jazz and Blues bible, Downbeat magazine, said about Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley “It’s a rare and good thing when two talented performers join forces”. Audiences, critics, and blues lovers all over
North America and Europe seem to agree and 2011 sees Braithwaite and Whiteley team up with Bob Hall who’s critically acknowledged as Britain’s finest blues and boogie pianist to play authentic, vintage blues.
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R O C K a n d P O P
Andrea Glass Saturday 10 September 8pm / £8 / £6 concessions Bolton born Andrea returns with a new single and her second album Party of One. Recorded in Glasgow with Boo Hewerdine and following on from her Nashville debut, Andrea has been championed by BBC Radio 2 legend Bob Harris for her rain soaked musical ramblings.
Thursday 15 September 8pm / £15 Roll up, roll up as Edinburgh’s top selling comedian Jason Byrne takes to the road to hotwire your comedy funny bones with his brand new show, Cirque du Byrne! Brought to you by the ringmaster of tomfoolery himself, this promises to be an anarchy packed show of acrobatic proportions. Ages 16+.
“It’s hard to think of any other comic who matches Jason Byrne for ebullient energy and regulated chaos” Independent
Fri 16, Sat 17 and Sun 18 Sept at Ramsbottom Cricket Club The Waterboys
Badly Drawn Boy Guillemots
The Animals
Capercaillie
he Met has partnered up with Don’t Panic Events and Ramsbottom online to create a large scale, family friendly festival featuring Met favourites, rock and indie legends and Manchester music royalty.
R ock , pop a n d blue s
The Animals & Steve Cropper • Mark Radcliffe and The Big Figures • Molly Bloom Saturday 17 SEPTEMBER R ock , pop a n d Acou s t i c
Young Knives
T
Friday 16 SEPTEMBER
The festival features a stellar line up, family activities, a fun fair, workshops and silent disco, real ale from Bury’s Outstanding Brewery and fine food from local producers and restaurants.
Come and celebrate the start of our newest and most ambitious project and don’t forget your dancing shoes! Book online at ramsbottomfestival.com
Guillemots • Badly Drawn Boy • Young Knives • Cherry Ghost • Travelling Band • Kid British • Janice Graham Band • The Rainband • Stephen J Hudson • Ruby Ann Patterson FOOD & DRINK Locally brewed beers • French crepes • Homemade icecream • Authentic Tibetan food • Rotisserie chicken • Paellas • Spanish stew • Burgers • and much more
Sunday 18 September
R ock a n d folk root s
The Waterboys • Capercaillie • ahab • Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle • Otis Gibbs • The Once • Kirsty Almeida & the Troubadours • Sam Sweeney and Hannah James • Taylor and the Mason FAMILY ACTIVITIES Outdoor & Strolling Theatre • Bouncy Castle • Kids Cinema • Craft & Media Workshops • Dance Displays • Funfair TICKETS Friday £15 • Saturday £35 • Sunday £35 • Weekend £70 Under 6s are free and there is a reduced rate for Under 16s
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The Great Gatsby
Johnny Kearney and Lucy Farrell
The Hamsters
D R A M A
A M E R I C ANA
F O L K R O O T S
R O C K & P O P
The Great Gatsby
David Olney and Sergio Webb
Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell
The Hamsters
Proper Job Theatre Company
Wed 21 September 1.30pm & 7.30pm / £10 / £8 conc & members
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David Olney and Sergio Webb
The Great Gatsby cuts close to the bone. It examines issues of class divide, social corruption and the pursuit of wealth. The old truth remains: the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Proper Job’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 20th century classic makes for a visceral experience, communicating across language, age and culture.
Presented by West by Northwest Wednesday 21 September 8pm Ramsbottom Grant Arms £10 advance / £12 door Rhode Island born singer-songwriter David Olney moved to Nashville in 1973 and formed The X-Rays. Since the ‘80s he has toured world-wide and recorded over twenty albums. His songs have been covered by Johnny Cash, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, and many others. Guitarist Sergio Webb accompanies, weaving in and out of the lyric and becoming an integral part of the songs themselves.
Thursday 22 September 8pm £10 / £8 concession & members Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell are both blessed with a quality of songwriting that belongs to the Dylan/Thompson/Waits school. Kitchen sink dramas and tales of the heart are played out with tender, quiet reserve on guitar, piano, fiddle, viola and saw, while Lucy’s pure and graceful voice is the perfect foil to Jonny’s melancholic tones. “Their songwriting is heartbreaking and magical, enthralling and unexpected.” Rachel Unthank
25th year and Farewell Tour Thu 22 September 8pm / £14 £12 conc & members / Standing Retiring after twenty-five years and here for one final show, guitar, bass and drum trio The Hamsters are long established. Although primarily playing their own brand of rock, blues and americana, they’re also widely regarded as the UK’s leading interpreters of the music of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top - and will no doubt be featuring some tonight. “The Hamsters are fabulous: one of Britain’s very best live bands” Bob Harris, Radio 2
F O L K R O O T S
R O C K & P O P
Ian Parker
All Along The Wall
David Ford
Friday 23 September 8pm £10 / £8 concession & members
Featuring Julie Matthews, Jez Lowe, Boo Hewerdine, Rory McLeod, Kate Bramley, Ruth Notman, Kate Fox, Matt Harvey and Elvis McGonagall
Saturday 24 September 8pm £12 advance / £14 door
Drawing on an eclectic range of influences, Ian Parker is an original craftsman rooted in the blues but not replicating the past. He is without doubt a relevant contemporary blues man. Expressed through a distinctive bitter-sweet vocal delivery and harrowing guitar work, Ian’s ability and willingness to share with his audience, naked honesty and genuine emotion, is what sets him apart.
Friday 23 September 8pm / £14 / £12 concession & members
After making a big impact at The Met in the spring supporting Teddy Thompson, David returns with his full band show. First achieving prominence in the indie rock group Easyworld, in his solo career he is known both for his sheer passion and for the effects in many of his songs. His second album, Song for the Road was Sunday Times album of the year. His new album Let the Hard Times Roll was released this year to great acclaim.
Closeted together in a Northumbrian farmhouse, established and rising stars of English roots music Julie Matthews,
All Along The Wall
Jez Lowe, Boo Hewerdine, Rory McLeod, Kate Bramley and Ruth Notman brainstormed for a week with Radio 4 Saturday Live favourites Kate Fox, Matt Harvey and Elvis McGonagall. The resulting songs and verse interweave idioms from trad to vaudeville, ranging in theme from Roman invaders to the real and imagined walls that still divide us.
David Ford
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Ian Parker
There aren’t many British landscapes as evocative as Hadrian’s Wall, which in 2010 inspired a motley crew of folk singer-songwriters and performance poets to create tonight’s performance.
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B L U E S
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Two Brothers and One World Cup
R O C K & P O P
Love and Money
D R A M A
Two Brothers & One World Cup Stripes Theatre Company Tue 27 September 7.30pm / £10 £6 conc & members / £5 under 26s
Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 September 8pm £22 seated / £20 standing
Zach Lee’s new comedy set against the backdrop of World Cups 1982-2010 tells the story of The Vindaloo Brothers, the UK’s No1 England Footy Song Tribute Act. After splitting in 2006, one brother returns to make peace at the 2010 tournament. Can he reconnect to a family that were never really connected in the first place?
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V A R I E T Y
Not the Only Gays in the Village Presented by Bury LGBT Founded in 1985, and led by singer-songwriter James Grant, much loved Scottish rock band Love and Money recently reformed. Following their triumphant Celtic Connections sell out show at The Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, they kick off a UK tour at The Met. Expect a set chock full of classic songs like Winter, Lips Like Ether, Last Ship On The River, Jocelyn Square, Hallelujah Man and Strange Kind Of Love.
Thursday 29 September 8pm £10 / £8 conc & members
Jonathan Mayor
An evening of comedy and music featuring comedians Jonathan Mayor and Susan Calman, and singer/songwriter Claire Mooney.
The Stumble
The Stumble
Friday 30 September 8pm £8 advance / £10 door Mixed seating & standing
A M E R I C ANA
My Sweet Patootie Saturday 1 October 8pm £10 / £8 members
Mix uncomplicated guitar solos with the powerful voice of Paul Melville and you’ve got a band that even a blues fundamentalist would succumb to. Playing their own songs and well chosen covers, The Stumble perform strong arrangements with vigour and passion.
Former members of awardwinning roots group Tanglefoot, duo Terry Young and Sandra Swannell sing clever, off-centre original songs which have “elements of western swing and old-timey music that updates the flapper feel and gives it a real twenty first century pizazz... a delightful sound with a hundred years in it’s soul.” FATEA Magazine
F O L K R O O T S
Met a Four
F O L K R O O T S
Heidi Talbot Saturday 1 October 8pm £16 / £14 conc & members Having cut her teeth as lead singer with Irish American allfemale outfit Cherish The Ladies, Heidi Talbot is right at home in the twin worlds of Irish traditional and roots music. She will be performing with Met favourite Boo Hewerdine, successful solo artist and writer to the stars.
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B L U E S
Friday 30 September 7.30pm £8 / £7 concession & members Four folk groups come together at The Met for a cracking evening of entertainment.
My Sweet Patootie
Heidi Talbot
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Chris and Siobhan Nelson, Seat of the Pants, The Bailey Sisters and Thursday’s Child mix traditional, modern and self-penned folk and acappella music (and three wooden spoons). The individual sets and combined grand finale will leave your mind ringing with harmonies.
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D R A M A
C O M E DY
Two Halves of Guinness
Justin Moorhouse
Wed 5 October 8pm £10 / £8 conc & members £5 Under 26s
Thursday 6 October 8.30pm / £15
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We join Sir Alec Guinness in the late 70s, as Star Wars is set to become one of the biggest films of all time, featuring his iconic performance as Obi-Wan Kenobi. Amidst fears he will be remembered only as a Jedi, Sir Alec hadn’t counted on the involvement of a master spy... Mark Burgess’ lively and funny play sees Trevor Littledale offer an uncanny portrayal of one of the world’s best-loved stars reflecting on acting, faith, family and his shattering insecurity. “A first rate performance: this is a great piece of writing, directing and acting” The Latest Brighton
Sir Alec Guinness in 1973. Photo by Allan Warren.
Can I Stay At Your House? Tour 2011
Manchester stand-up legend Justin Moorhouse has come a long way since winning City Life Comedian of the Year in 2000, having starred in Ken Loach’s film Looking for Eric, hosted his own daily afternoon radio show on Sony Award winning Key 103, starred as Young Kenny in the hugely successful, award-winning Phoenix Nights and starred in alt Christmas show Zack at the Royal Exchange. Don’t miss this standup romp from one of Britain’s best comedians. Ages 16+. Presented by First Thursday Comedy Club.
F A M I L Y
B lue s
Eleanor McEvoy and Al Lewis
Hansel & Gretel
The Why and Wherefores
Friday 7 October 8pm £10 / £8 conc & members Eleanor McEvoy is one of Ireland’s most accomplished singersongwriters, composer of Only A Woman’s Heart, title track of the best-selling Irish album in Irish history. She comes to The Met with songs from her brand new solo album Alone. Joining her is supremely talented young Welsh singersongwriter Al Lewis.
Image Musical Theatre Sat 8 October 2.30pm £6 / £4 members
Sat 8 October 8pm / £8 advance
Hansel and Gretel survive foolish parents, a dark wood, a house made out of gingerbread and a wicked witch. Their journey takes them from a house with empty cupboards and a mother who doesn’t like children to a house made of sweets and someone who loves children on toast. With beautiful costumes, an ingenious set and wonderful music from Robert Hyman.
Emily Druce and Steve Jones play cool contemporary blues, swinging all the way from roots to rockabilly. It’s a dynamic five piece, featuring a tuba taking up the bass lines, a truly funky drummer, soaring lap steel, guitar from Steve and gorgeous vocals from Emily.
Emily Druce & Steve Jones Ken Nichol
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R O C K a n d P O P
F O L K
Barron Brady and Ken Nicol Saturday 8 October 8pm / £10
Eleanor McEvoy
Hansel & Gretel
They are joined by Ken Nicol of the Albion Band: one of the most skilled and exciting guitarists, singers and songwriters playing today.
Barron Brady
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Barron Brady are duo Ros Brady and Si Barron. Interpreters of traditional English folk their subjects range from Devon legends to contemporary reportage, including coffee drinking, Mermaids, flying highwaymen and disappearing Hedgerows.
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R O C K a n d P O P
L I T E R A T U R E
What are they Whispering?
Presented by Jaybird
Wednesday 12 October 8pm / £6 / £5 Under 26s & members Imtiaz Dharker, Joe Dunthorne and John Stammers write funny, emotional and engaging poems. What are they whispering? brings them together on stage for a
beautifully designed performance of poems about power in all its forms. Who has it, who wants it, who tries to take it from you? The poets know. This is not just a poetry reading - it’s live literature!
A M E R I C ANA
Eric Taylor
Presented by West by Northwest
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Francis Dunnery The Astrology Show
Sunday 9 October 8pm / £20 advance Francis Dunnery started his creative life as a rock icon in the eighties progressive rock band It Bites. His latest creation incorporates music,
psychology and astrology, all performed with a wicked sense of humour. The Astrology Show is often hilarious, but also deeply moving and philosophical.
Wednesday 12 October 8pm at Ramsbottom Grant Arms £10 advance / £12 door Texan Eric Taylor is a sage musician, a lyrical genius and a master of the guitar. If you’re not familiar with him by name, you’ve probably heard his songs performed by people such as Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett. He has a multitude of fans and devotees who have long considered him to be a teacher and a lantern bearer whose time is long overdue.
D R A M A
Dean Friedman
Hell & High Water
Thursday 13 October 8pm £18 / £16 conc & members
Saturday 15 October 1.30pm / £8 / £4 concession
Dean Friedman returns to perform hits Lydia, Lucky Stars and Ariel, plus material from his critically acclaimed CDs and new album Submarine Races - his first in thirteen years.
In 1761 there were two earthquakes in London, George the Third was crowned King and, on July 17th, the first boatload of coals was borne smoothly along the Barton Aqueduct over the River Irwell.
Discover the sophisticated, funny, profound work of a master songsmith.
Mikron Theatre’s new show takes us back to 1761, when three men had a vision and hundreds of others toiled to make it a reality.
F O L K R O O T S
R O C K a n d P O P
John McSherry Trio Friday 14 October 8pm / £12 / £10 concession & members
With him is singer Donal O’Connor and versatile accompanist Michael McCague. Part of Bury Light Night. facebook.com/burylightnight
IQ
Saturday 15 October 8pm £14 adv / £16 door / Standing Leading progressive rock band IQ return to The Met to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Reunited with bassist Tim Esau and
introducing new keyboard player Neil Durant, the band’s lineup now features four original members from its earliest days. Expect a musical and visual feast as IQ perform selections from their illustrious back catalogue in what is sure to be an exciting and emotionally charged evening.
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John McSherry is hailed as one of the finest uilleann pipers in the world. Winner of two All Ireland Championships and the prestigious Oireachtas competition, he has toured solo and as a member of outstanding bands performing with everybody from Clannad and Nanci Griffith to The Corrs.
Mikron Theatre
Presented by Bury Cooperative Society
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R O C K a n d P O P
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D R A M A
L i ter a ture
The Demise and Rise of Bunny Lamar
Bury Scriptwriters’ Showcase 2011
MaD Theatre Company Wednesday 19 October 7.30pm / £10 £9 concession & members / £5 Under 26s
Thursday 20 October 7.30pm / £5 advance / £7 door The Met’s resident writers’ group, present a writers’ and actors’ showcase featuring a wide variety of scenes, sketches and short plays.
An entertaining evening of exciting and fast emerging local talent. Contains strong language.
rock a n d pop
Jon Allen Thursday 20 October 8pm / £12
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One of 2009’s indie success stories, Devon’s finest troubadour Jon Allen has just released his brand new album Sweet Defeat. His debut Dead Man’s Suit was funded purely
Every Saturday, Pauline sends her kids to the Bunny Lamar acting school, which is full of snotty kids whose pushy parents dream of stardom. The kids are rehearsing for Bunny Lamar’s latest production of Bugsy Malone, but his lack of talent and his addiction to booze and prescription drugs
means that when his big chance comes he blows it spectacularly! From the producers of Thai Brides and Teacakes and Angels with Manky Faces this is MaD Theatre Company’s latest hilarious comedy. The Magnets
from income generated by 20,000 downloads of his song Going Home and achieved a succession of highly acclaimed reviews, support slots for Damien Rice, KT Tunstall and Jose Gonzalez and a personal request from Jools Holland to have him appear on Later.
F O L K R O O T S
The Magnets present
GOBSMACKED! Friday 21 October 8pm / £15 / £13 members Acappella stars The Magnets are one of the must see acts on the current British music scene. Literally a ‘six-man sound machine’, they bring their glorious harmonies and jaw-dropping beatboxing, hot from Comic Relief and their first major stage appearance at the Glastonbury Festival. This is a show that will change the way you think about vocal harmony music.
Highlights include a sultry Poker Face by Lady Gaga, a sun soaked Girls & Boys by Blur, and an incredible medley of movie themes, all delivered via a multiplicity of styles and vocal stunts, cool moves and superb theatrics, but absolutely no musical instruments. “...a sonic phenomenon you have to see and hear to believe.... They’re a band to watch in 2011.” The Guardian
The Eliza Carthy Band Saturday 22 October 8pm £16 / £14 conc & members
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Eliza’s album Gift (with Norma Waterson), received widespread critical acclaim and picked up Best Album and Best Traditional Track accolades at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Having recently toured with folk collective The Imagined Village, Carthy returns to The Met with her new solo album, Neptune, the follow up to Dreams of Breathing Underwater.
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R O C K a n d P O P
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R ock a n d P op
Emily Barker
and The Red Clay Halo Tuesday 25 October 8pm / £10
Australian Emily Barker is a compelling songwriter with a gift for weaving melody and words. Together with her band The Red Clay Halo, she has recorded three albums, dazzled audiences at music festivals and seen her song Nostalgia become the Baftawinning theme tune to BBC One’s
The Selfish Giant Springs Dance Company
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Tuesday 25 October 1.30pm / £6 / £4 members Based on the much loved tale by Oscar Wilde, The Selfish Giant is a captivating and inventive show of storytelling and movement performed by a storyteller and dancers. A giant returns home to find children playing in his garden.
★
★
F A M I L Y
See Classe Workshops & s for more term fun half with Springs Dance company
He puts up a notice ‘trespassers will be prosecuted’. Nobody wants to be with the Giant and his beautiful garden remains locked in a wintery chill. But one morning as he lies awake in bed, something is different... For audiences aged 5+
Wallander. New album Almanac was released this year, attracting great praise and featured as the theme to BBC 2’s The Shadowline. “This is a dream of a record. A new Marling, then? No, Barker offers something else...” BBC Music editor’s choice Feb 2011
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R O C K a n d P O P
D R A M A
Frankenstein
Proteus Theatre
Friday 28 October 7.30pm / Saturday 29 October 2pm & 7.30pm £10 / £6 concession & members / £5 Under 26s A story told, a life ignited, the legend created... A nightmare begins. 1816, the year without a summer, stories of fear and horror are told by candlelight. One of the stories born that dark weekend was Frankenstein.
Scott Matthews Thursday 27 October 8pm £12.50 advance / Standing
W O R L D R O O T S
Moishe’s Bagel Sunday 30 October 8pm £14 / £12 concession & members Rip-roaring, foot-stomping, jazzinflected klezmer and Balkan music from some of Scotland’s finest musicians. An intoxicating, life-affirming mix of Eastern European dance music, Middle Eastern rhythms and virtuoso performances. Moishe’s Bagel return to The Met with their brilliant music guaranteeing a fantastic night out. The band released their new album, Uncle Roland’s Flying Machine last year to great acclaim.
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Described as the love child of Neil Finn, Thom Yorke and Jeff Buckley, with a good old dash of psychedelia Scott Matthews’ song Elusive won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. Featuring Eastern influences, a bit of folk, and some fantastically mysterious lyrics, his music is “truly fantastic” BBC.
Proteus’ version blends the novel with the story of the book’s creation during the infamous weekend shared by Mary Shelley, Percy Shelley and Lord Byron, created in Proteus’ unique style. Ages 12+
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C O M E DY
F O L K R O O T S
Kris Drever, Eamonn Coyne and Megan Henderson Thursday 3 November 8pm / £12 / £10 conc & members Lau’s award winning guitarist and singer Kris Drever is joined by renowned banjo player and Salsa Celtica front man Eamonn Coyne, and Breabach and Salsa Celtica vocalist Megan Henderson.
Tom Stade Book online www.themet.biz
Wednesday 2 November 8pm / £12 / £10 concession & members He’s Stade by name but his comedy is something entirely different. In demand around the globe, this clever and controversial Canadian has built up a reputation as a popular and highly recommended funnyman.
He is willing to tackle a huge range of topics, from the obscure to the familiar, from a simple gag to quirky, inventive anecdotes with unexpected punchlines. We’re proud to welcome Tom back to The Met following his sell out show here in February.
Kris Drever & Eamonn Coyne
C O M E DY
First Thursday Comedy Club Thursday 3 November / 8.30pm / £8 Another hilarious evening with the finest comedians. Featuring Andrew O’Neill “a natural optimism and love of silliness” The Guardian. Plus guest compere and two support acts!
Baka Beyond Saturday 5 November 8pm / £15 seated / £12 standing & members After fifteen years of mixing African rhythm and Celtic soul music in equal measure, Baka Beyond have become one of the finest danceable bands, creating the sound of the global village. Not just a touring
band, Baka Beyond have a unique relationship with their inspiration, the Baka Pygmies of Cameroon, sending royalties to help their development projects and even touring with Baka musicians.
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W O R L D R O O T S
F olk
Shooglenifty Thursday 10 November 8pm £14 / £10 concession Genre-defying Scottish mavericks Shooglenifty push the word traditional to its limits with their
unique blend of dance vibes and roots music. Genre defying, they have been described as everything from “acid croft” to “hypnofolkadelia”. They are virtually impossible not to dance to and one of the best live bands around.
A M E R I C ANA
Baka Beyond
Friday 4 November 8pm / £17 seated / £15 standing & members More than a decade after their formation, the band has grown to be the most globe-trottting, hard swinging trio on the planet. Jazz collides with country, creating an amazing sound that’s half
hoe-down, half boogiewoogie. They have appeared at festivals, in clubs and theatres and featured on radio and TV including BBC’s Later with Jools Holland.
Shooglenifty
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Hot Club of Cowtown
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J A Z z
R O C K a n d P O P
F A M I L Y
The Sarah Ellen Hughes Quartet
A Foreigners Journey
Stickman Scamp Theatre
The Story So Far Tour Thursday 10 November 8pm / £10 £8 conc & members / £5 under 26s
Friday 11 November 8pm £12 advance / £14 door / Standing
Award-winning vocalist Sarah Ellen Hughes has already gained International recognition, winning the 2010 international jazz singing competition Jazz Voices.
Performing one classic song after another from both Foreigner and Journey, A Foreigners Journey are one of the most talked about and respected tribute shows around today.
Sarah will be presenting a range of popular standards from Gershwin and Joplin to Burt Bacharach and Jimi Hendrix, along with exciting arrangements of her own compositions.
The bands two hour long show features songs such as Waiting For A Girl Like You, I Want To Know What Love Is, Cold As Ice, Don’t Stop Believing, Jukebox Hero, Separate Ways and many more.
Sat 12 November 1pm & 4pm / £8 / £6 members Stick Man lives in the family tree with his stick lady love and their stick children three... But the world is a dangerous place for Stick Man. A dog wants to play with him. A swan builds a nest with him. He even ends up on a fire! Will he ever get back to the family tree? Touching, funny and utterly original, this brand new show is based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. Ages 4+.
Book online www.themet.biz
Stick Man
Sarah Ellen Hughes
A Foreigners Journey
Fri 18 and Sat 19 November 12 noon to 12 midnight £2 Friday afternoon £4 Friday evening £4 Saturday CAMRA and Met members admitted half price
Bob Fox
Bruce Molsky
This year’s festival takes a traditional approach, putting the focus on beers brewed in Bury and surrounding areas. Beers from Bury’s own Outstanding Beer Company will take centre stage surrounded by many other local ales and a selection from farther afield. Visitors will be able to drink and dance, with an exciting mix of live entertainment to treat festival goers on both evenings.
Black Gold
F O L K R O O T S
Bob Fox Wednesday 16 November 8pm £10 advance / £12 door
“...one of the best voices in England” Ralph McTell
F I L M
Bruce Molsky
Black Gold
Thursday 17 November 7.30pm £12 / £10 conc & members
Saturday 19 November 1.30pm / FREE
Last here in a sell out show in the company of Aly Bain and Ale Moller, Bruce Molsky returns solo.
As westerners revel in designer lattes and cappuccinos, impoverished Ethiopian coffee growers suffer the bitter taste of injustice. In this eye-opening expose of the multi-billion dollar industry, Black Gold traces one man’s fight for a fair price.
A premier old-time fiddler and the defining virtuoso of Appalachia’s timeless folk music traditions, Bruce performs on fiddle, guitar, and banjo and frequently joins genre-busting supergroups, Fiddlers Four, Mozaik and Nickel Creek.
Presented by Bury Cooperative Society.
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
Bob Fox’s material ranges from the traditional songs of his native north east to contemporary classics, delivered with a warm rich voice and accomplished finger-picking guitar style. Bob has been on the UK folk scene for over thirty years.
F O L K R O O T S
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The Bury Beer Festival returns to The Met and real ale bar Malt this year with over one hundred different cask ales, delicious food and fantastic live music.
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
Housebound
worl d R O O T S
R O C K a n d P O P
Salsa Celtica
Nearly Dan
Friday 25 November 8pm / £16 / £12 conc & members / Standing
D R A M A
Housebound Reform Theatre Company
Salsa Celtica’s synthesis of Scottish and Irish traditional music with all the Latin American elements of salsa is a stunning combination of virtuosity and energy. Their lineup combines some of Scotland and Ireland’s most innovative
traditional musicians together with a stellar group of salsa, world and jazz musicians from Latin America and the UK. They are one of the most exciting bands on the world music concert circuit today.
Saturday 26 November 8.30pm £12 advance / £14 door / Standing Less tribute and more homage to jazz-influenced best sellers Steely Dan, Nearly Dan is saviour to the legions of Dan fans. The band’s approach is faithful, though not reverential, and relaxed but as tight as their namesakes, a testament to hours of rehearsal and a great deal of talent. They return to The Met following a sell-out show last year.
Book online www.themet.biz
Tue 22 November 8pm / £10 £6 conc & members / £5 under 26s Jim is sixty-eight, stressed and ready to snap. At what? Anything; noisy neighbours, speeding cars, kids hanging about on street corners... you name it, he’ll moan about it; it’s the one thing he’s good at. He makes Victor Meldrew look like an amateur. Every day is starting to blend into every other... until one Halloween, when a rash act changes everything. A comedy for anyone who ever felt frustrated but didn’t know what to do once they were.
Salsa Celtica
B L U E S
Grimm and Grimmer
Simon McBride
The Misadventures of The Brothers Grimm Gonzo Moose
1806. It was cold. It was dark. It was almost certainly snowing... Brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm and their beloved sister, Lotte travel into deepest Bavaria. They are assembling what will become the greatest collection of fairy tales ever published. But now reality and fantasy are colliding and the family Grimm find themselves trapped in a twisted fantasy world of their own fairy tales.
Grimm and Grimmer
His latest album Since Then has wowed critics, prompting Classic Rock magazine to say “At last Irishmen in pubs will stop going on about Rory Gallagher!”
Simon McBride
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
“Outstanding” Chortle
Wednesday 30 November 8pm £12.50 Former Young Guitarist of The Year and now fully-fledged blues-rock virtuoso, Irishman McBride comes from playing to thousands of people each night when he opened for Joe Satriani on his UK tour, to playing more modestlysized venues; but it represents the start of what many industry pundits are predicting will be a glittering career alongside the likes of American bluesrocker, Joe Bonamassa.
Wednesday 30 November 8pm £10 / £6 conc & members / £5 Under 26s
Featuring special guest appearances from Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Tom Thumb, Little Red Riding Hood and Rumplestiltskin... subject to their availability. Ages 8+
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D R A M A
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
F O L K R O O T S
J A Z Z
St Agnes Fountain
Noël A night of music
Acoustic Carols for Christmas at Bury Parish Church
Thu 1 December 7.30pm / £5 Two of Bury’s community arts groups join together for a special evening of festive performance. Metrojazz is The Met’s own community orchestra, now in its 5th year under the direction of Munch Manship. Bury Acapeelers is an acappella choir covering a wide range of music genres from pop, rock, gospel, folk, African, and other music from around the world. Both groups actively encourage new members. C O M E DY
Book online www.themet.biz
Thursday 1 December 8pm / £15 St Agnes Fountain features David Hughes, Fairport Convention’s Chris Leslie and this year’s BBC Folk Awards Best Duo, Chris While and Julie Matthews. The band have released six treasured albums including last year’s acclaimed Soal Cake but it is, without question, their magical
live performances that have endeared them to an ever-growing audience. Sparkling musicianship, humour and heartful renditions of your favourite Christmas tunes both original and those you know so well (or thought you did). Christmas, as they say, starts with St Agnes Fountain. A Mr Kite Benefit.
Glenn Tilbrook
First Thursday Comedy Club Thursday 1 December 8.30pm / £8 A festive evening of hilarity featuring the cream of comedy talent. This month featuring Peter Antoniou - is he a comedian or a mind reader? He’s both! Plus guest compere and two support acts.
R O C K a n d P O P
Glenn Tilbrook Saturday 3 December 8.30pm £17.50 advance / Standing Mention Glenn Tilbrook and most people may immediately think of Squeeze. After all, with his writing partner Chris Difford, Tilbrook was responsible for Top Ten hits all around the world such as Tempted, Hourglass, Cool For Cats and Up The Junction. Now a solo artist, he has toured the world, developing a solo career and wowing audiences with his down-to-earth, impassioned style.
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R O C K a n d P O P
The Travelling Band
Boo Hewerdine
Wednesday 7 December 8pm / £8 standing / £10 seated The Travelling Band’s shimmering blend of cosmic-country-pop, understated psychedelia, vocal harmonies and nu-folk has made them one of the most talked about artists to emerge from the Manchester music scene.
The band’s second album, Screaming Is Something, isn’t quite soul music, isn’t quite folk, isn’t quite pop, country or rock, but has already created a buzz of acclaim.
F O L K R O O T S
Boo Hewerdine
Tom McConville & Tony Wilson
Thursday 8 December 8pm / £12
Saturday 10 December 3pm & 8pm / £8
Having written for artists as diverse as Natalie Imbruglia and David McAlmont, it’s virtually a given that Boo Hewerdine will deliver songs rich in melody with lyrics whose meanings are transparent as they are universal. There are too few singer/songwriters who get their feelings to move about as naturally as water - but this is one.
Songs and stories for Christmas
Tony Wilson is a storyteller, teacher and writer. Tom McConville is a violin player, singer and musician with a world-wide reputation spanning thirty years. Together they present a truly interactive and entertaining collection of classic Christmas stories and songs to engage adults and children alike.
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
“If you consider the term Mancunian Americana to be an oxymoron try listening to the Travelling Band. Brilliant.” Marc Riley BBC 6 Music.
R O C K a n d P O P
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
Scrooge “Every idiot who goes about with Merry Christmas on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.” Scrooge
Bah! Humbug!
Book online www.themet.biz
Scrooge doesn’t like Christmas. In fact he thinks it’s a waste of time and doesn’t mind saying so. Not only that, he’s stingy, greedy, coldhearted and downright unpleasant! But on Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts – the ghost of Christmas Past, the ghost of Christmas Present and the ghost of Christmas Future.
A Christmas Carol Proper Job Theatre Company & The Met
Can they help him see the error of his ways and finally learn to be caring and generous? After last year’s sell-out success with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Proper Job Theatre Company return to bring another breathtaking show for the Christmas season with their unique adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Supported by a cast of local children auditioned in September, this adaptation is full of songs, music and special theatrical tricks making it a visually affecting production. Duration 2 hours including interval.
DECEMBER 2011 Mon 12 1.30pm Tue 13 10.30am 1.30pm Wed 14 10.30am 1.30pm Thu 15 10.30am 1.30pm Fri 16 10.30am 1.30pm Sat 17 11.00am 3.00pm n o perform a n ce s Sun 18 Mon 19 2.00pm 7.30pm Tue 20 2.00pm 7.30pm Wed 21 2.00pm 7.30pm Thu 22 2.00pm 7.30pm Fri 23 2.00pm 7.30pm Sat 24 11.00am 3.00pm £10 / £8 concession & members
Sing All Earth A History of Carols Thursday 15 December 8pm / £14 / £12 conc & members From medieval story songs to gentle lullabies for the nativity to full throated wassails and soaring, richly harmonised seasonal hymns, the spirit of Christmas has long been celebrated with songs in England. Full of unexpected, compelling and at times highly amusing historical detail, Sing All Earth combines the incomparable acappella voices and wonderful harmonies of Coope Boyes and Simpson, Fi Fraser, Jo Freya and Georgina Boyes with new insights into the sound of the season.
B L U E S
Friday 16 December 8pm / £8 The Paul Farr Band are a Manchester based outfit playing original music taking influences
Manc Floyd Saturday 14 January 8pm £10 advance
Preston Reed Friday 3 February 8pm £10 / £8 conc
Whole Lotta Led Friday 20 January 8pm £10 advance
Genticorum Saturday 4 February 8pm £12 / £10 conc
Tom Russell Saturday 21 January 8pm / £18
Jacqui Dankworth Friday 24 February 8pm / £16
Tom Russell The Martin Simpson Trio Thursday 2 February 8pm £16 / £14 conc
Karen Mathieson Friday 2 March 8pm £14 / £12 conc
Vin Garbutt Friday 3 February 8pm £14 / £12 conc
Speech Project Thu 15 & Fri 16 March 8pm £12 / £10 conc
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
Paul Farr Band
from jazz, blues, funk and a splash of filmscape for good measure. Although very much a part of the Manchester jazz scene, they have considerable success individually as session players for artists such as Lilly Allen, Tom Jones, Corinne Bailey-Rae, Cinematic Orchestra, Brian May and many more.
Coming Soon
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F O L K R O O T S
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
Kan Friday 17 February 8pm Brian Finnegan and Aidan O’Rourke, front men with Flook and Lau, join forces with Ian Stephenson on guitar and Jim Goodwin on drums to create an enthralling and beautiful new sound.
Breabach
Friday 17 & Saturday 18 February
Saturday 18 February 1.30pm Scottish firebrands and Met regulars Breabach are one of the most talked about bands on the folk scene. Their innovative Celtic style shows a flare, excitement and diversity rarely seen from such a young group.
Ross Ainslie Saturday 18 February 7pm Big Whistle favourite Ross Ainslie is the renowned piper with Salsa Celtica as well as regularly working with artists such as Dougie McLean.
Treacherous Orchestra
Weekend Ticket
Saturday 18 February 9pm A turbo-charged thirteen-piece supergroup comprising some of Scotland’s finest young instrumentalists, Treacherous Orchestra features past and present members of Salsa Celtica, the Peatbog Faeries, Old Blind Dogs and Session A9.
Grab yourself a bargain and get a weekend ticket before the end of September for £35! The ticket will include full access to all Big Whistle Festival workshops and shows.
Plus Late night sessions at Premier Inn, Bury for resident festival ticket holders.
The Big Whistle Festival returns for more folk gigs and workshops with the humble tin whistle at its core. Book online www.themet.biz
Ross Ainslie
Big Whistle 2012 will feature headliners Kan, Breabach and Treacherous Orchestra. Details of festival workshops and more gigs will be announced in the coming months.
Kan
Breabach
Mr Kite Benefits
The Met is working in partnership with the Waterside Arts Centre in Sale, bringing some of your favourite Met artists to a bigger venue in South Manchester.
Saturday 17 September £13 advance / £15 door
B lue s
Aynsley Lister Thursday 6 October 8pm £12 / £10 concession Rocking blues with a modern edge from a hard hitting guitarist reminiscent of a young Eric Clapton. C ome d y
Mike Harding
To book call Waterside Arts Centre on 0161 912 5616 or buy online at www.watersideartscentre.co.uk
Sam Baker
Ticket booking By phone from 0161 761 2216
Slaid Cleaves Saturday 1 October £13 advance / £15 door
Online via www.themet.biz
Eilen Jewell
In person Mon-Fri 10am-7pm Saturday 11am-5pm
Saturday 29 October £13 advance / £15 door
Diana Jones Saturday 5 November £12 advance / £14 door
Richard Shindell Sunday 4 December £11 advance / £13 door Tickets from The Met on
0161 761 2216
• Concessions are available
for children, people over 60, on benefit or in education. Groups Buy 10 tickets for the same show in one transaction and get an 11th free. We are unable to offer refunds. Ticket exchange may be possible. A transaction fee is payable on phone and online bookings. There is no fee for bookings in person.
• • •
Access The Met is a fully accessible venue, both on its ground and first floors.
• The entrance is fully ramped
with a lift to the main theatre and an accessible toilet built to Changing Places standards. We have staff on hand to help. Should you require a personal escort, we can supply that person with a free ticket. A magnetic induction loop for hearing aid users is used in the Main Theatre for the majority of our events. Guide dogs are welcome, and water can be provided on request.
• • •
If you have any special requirements call us on 0161 761 2216 and we'll do our best to help.
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
Sat 29 October 7.30pm / £15 An evening of songs, daft stories and monologues from the man once described as ‘The grandfather of alternative comedy.’
at St. Bede’s Club, Clayton-Le-Woods, Chorley
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The Met @ Waterside Arts Centre, Sale
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS Ticket Office 0161 761 2216 Book online www.themet.biz
Selfish Giant with Springs Dance Company Wednesday 26 October 9.30-11am / 8-11 yr / £5 11.15-12.15pm / 5-7 yr / £3.50 1-1.30pm / 3-4 yr / £2 Young people experience the art of story telling through dance in this creative, fun filled session with Springs’ professional dancers. Exciting and inspiring for new or experienced young dancers.
Baka Beyond Workshop with Su Hart Sat 5 November 11am-4pm £12 / £10 concession Since 1992 Su Hart has sung with the Baka women of Cameroon. In this workshop she teaches their polyphonic spiritual singing beyond the forest. Age 16+.
Regular Groups
Bury Youth Dance
Su n d a y s
Stagecoach with Ruth Mauriello Sundays 10am-1pm For 6-16 year olds with an interest in dance, drama and music. For more information call 0161 763 6161 or 07738267346.
M o n d a y s
Bury Boys Break-Dance Monday 4pm-5.30pm / £3 A break-dance crew for boys from ages 11-16. Learn breakdance moves and stunts. Any experience level welcome.
Harmonica Workshop with Matt Walklate Mondays alternative weeks 6-7pm / £45 for 8 wks / £35 conc For beginners wanting to learn about playing the harmonica.
Metro Jazz
Met Express
Led by Munch Manship Mondays 6.30pm-9.30pm £70 per term / £50 conc The Met’s community jazz orchestra. Front line musicians needed 16+.
Mondays 7.30pm-9pm / Tuesdays 10.30am-noon & 7.30-9pm / £4.50 Drama for people with disabilities. Not accepting new members.
Whistle Workshop
T U E S d a y s
with Matt Walklate Mondays alternative weeks 7.30-8.30pm / £45 for 8 wks / £35 concession Suitable for beginners wanting to learn more about the whistle.
Black Pudding Youth Theatre Tuesdays 5pm-7pm Drama for young people in Bury - email burypuddings@aol.com for details.
Led by Claire Fildes Tuesdays 5pm-7pm For 11-17 year olds interested in dance. Young people explore their creativity through dance for performance. Participants are invited by audition.
Sound Engineering
Sound Engineering • • • •
Bury Youth Theatre Led by Marc Young & Sammy Deas Wednesdays 5.30-7pm (9-13 yrs) / 7-9pm (14+) / £2.50 Bury Youth Theatre is a fun drama session which takes place at The Met every Wednesday. BYT members explore their creativity through devising, improvising, games, and other performance related activities whilst developing skills such as team building, voice projection and confidence!
Sing Wednesdays 7.30-9pm alternate weeks from Sept 7 / £4 Sing is a drop in group that gives you the chance to enjoy the magic of group harmony singing, and to experience a wide range of songs from many genres. The group sing unaccompanied (acappella) and all songs are taught by ear – no music reading ability is necessary. This is a non-performing group – the focus is very much on having fun and enjoying singing for its own sake. Come along and see for yourself!
Bury Scriptwriters
SA T U R d a y s
Wednesdays monthly Interested in writing for TV, theatre, radio or film? This group meets to share scripts, and offer support. New members welcome. Email scriptdotcom@googlemail.com.
Saturdays 11am-1pm / £2 Weekly sessions for young people with disabilities or additional needs, from Bury Council Childrens Services and The Met. Craft and drama sessions, gallery and theatre visits. Build confidence, make friends and learn skills in a fun and creative environment.
Guitar Workshop Wednesdays 7.30-9pm, alternate weeks from Sept 14 / £15 Build your confidence, improve your performance skills and have fun. All levels welcome from beginner to advanced. All equipment supplied. Contact Paul on 0773 8009737, email paul@proguitartuition.co.uk or visit www.proguitartuition.co.uk
Aiming High
Bloco Ashê Saturdays 11am-1pm £5 / £3 conc / £2 under 16s A welcoming and exciting samba percussive workshop catering for beginners and beyond. The band welcomes new members.
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
Tuesdays 7pm-9pm for 5 weeks from 20 September / £50 Studio equipment, microphone technique and signal flow Drum recording techniques Instrument recording, Pro Tools and overdubbing Hardware and software mixing techniques
W E DN E S d a y s
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Bury Youth Dance
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
Food & Drink Modern, upbeat and welcoming, Automatic is a unique independent restaurant, cafe and bar, situated at The Met.
Book online www.themet.biz
Automatic offers an abundance of choice with a wide range of high quality food and drink, brought to the table with warm genuine service, ranging from breakfasts, coffees, cakes, cocktails, cask ales,
an impressive wine list and over 100 different whiskies. Bookings are advisable at weekends, and the restaurant can accommodate larger parties too. If you’re catching a midweek show, Automatic’s early evening dining offer is a great option, offering two courses for £10, Mon-Wed 5-7pm. Visit automaticcafe.com to see a menu. Your visit won’t be complete without having a drink in Malt, our real ale and whiskey bar, open before, during and after all shows.
To book a table for your meal, call 0161 763 9399
Situated at The Met, Edwin Street Recording Studio is a professional facility featuring state of the art recording equipment and superb acoustics. Our air-conditioned control room is fully equipped with a Toft ATB24 24 Channel console, an excellent selection of microphones and some of the finest outboard equipment available. This perfectly complements our industry standard ProTools 9 MOTU 24 I/O Core System.
The facility boasts a spacious studio floor plus an isolated booth for recording vocals. We also offer the services of a technician who can advise you on all aspects of recording, mastering, mixing and audio storage. In addition, when you need a break from recording there is also a kitchen and a space to relax. We work with a wide range of musicians from youth groups, musicians just starting out to those who regularly record and perform. See Classes & Workshops for details of our course in Sound Recording. Contact The Met on 0161 761 7107 or email hires@themet.co.uk for more details, to organise a tour, or to book a recording session. Prices from £30/hr.
Get involved
Our spaces are as versatile as your promotions
Whether it’s a conference or a committee meeting, a rock gig or an exhibition, a rehearsal or an away day, The Met has the perfect room to suit your event. With venues large and small, we can accommodate any number from 3 to 300. We have a number of spaces within The Met available for hire including the Main Theatre (221 seated / 300 standing), Studio Theatre (90 seated/ 100 standing), and more intimate spaces for meetings or training sessions including the Gallery (Capacity 30), Studio 2 (Capacity 20) and the Theatre Bar (Capacity 15).
Studio Theatre
Gallery Studio 2
Become a Friend
BECOME A BENEFACTOR
Benefits include:
If you want to donate to The Met as an individual or a company you can do so online (www.everyclick.com/ themet). You can choose where your money goes:
• Money off event tickets • No booking fee • 10% off food in Automatic • Invitations to VIP and friend events • Seasonal newsletter • Direct updates from Director, David Agnew • Friend allocations on sell out events
Prices start from £30 (or £50 for joint friends) valid for one year. Become a Corporate Friend Theatre Bar Call 0161 761 7107 or email hires@themet.biz to discuss your requirements.
Current corporate friends include Manchester Airport, The Rock Shopping and Leisure Destination and Premier Inn. Give us a call to chat more about how The Met and your company can work together.
• £50 enables us to book a tutor to run workshops. • £500 allows us to book a professional musician. • £1000 enables us to bring in a theatre company.
Look out for our Big Give campaign in December, and help us raise £10,000 to refurbish Edwin Street’s first floor. Go to www.themet.biz/biggive for more information. Or chat to us about other projects or opportunities.
Ticket Office 0161 761 2216
Our experienced staff can provide a range of services including catering from Automatic, sound and lighting by our technicians and a full ticket office support service. We also offer a range of marketing support to ensure your event is a success.
Main Theatre
The Met is a registered charity. We are proud of our reputation and success but we know that we cannot rely on ticket income alone. Donations and sponsorship have a real impact enabling us to fulfil our mission to entertain and delight as well as support emerging artists. Learn more about The Met and our work by becoming a friend or becoming a benefactor and donating to projects.
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Hire The Met
The Met is operated by Bury Metropolitan Arts Association, a registered charity (No 701879). We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders and sponsors.