What’s On
January » April 2013 6 The Met, Market Street, Bury BL9 0BW
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WELCOME TO THE MET We are hugely proud of our achievement of being a PRS Top 100 UK Venue 2012. For a small venue with music as just one part of what we offer in Bury it’s a great indication of our amazing events and the audiences who support them.
Music wise, dipping into Big Whistle weekend is a must. Now in its sixth year, the festival brings legendary traditional and folk musicians to play alongside the most exciting young artists for a unique and inspiring two days of winter folk.
This spring brings lots of opportunities to see some of the best touring theatre, thrilling live music and most exciting emerging comedy anywhere in the UK.
The rest of the season features Sharon Shannon, Frigg, The Once, Geno Washington and My Darling Clementine, all artists at the top of their live performance game and who promise thrilling nights with us.
Of particular note are Farm Boy, Unmythable, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Churchill; great theatre shows which have already won over audiences from Edinburgh to Brighton. R 0161 761 2216
We are really proud of our partnerships which help to deliver this programme including Bury Council, Arts Council England, Manchester Airport and MillGate Shopping Centre.
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Although we are currently in challenging times we are making plans for the future to improve what Bury has to offer to both its own communities and visitors. The venue is key to this and your support and willingness to come and see what we offer makes it possible.
Help us keep improving what we do – book as many shows as you can – plus an extra for you and a friend! David Agnew, Director @davidagnewmet
6 The Met, Market Street, Bury, Greater Manchester BL9 0BW R 0161 761 2216 P www.themet.biz The Met is operated by Bury Metropolitan Arts Association a registered charity (No 701879). We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders and sponsors:
My Darling Clementine
Experience great theatre at The Met with our Pick’n’Mix offer. Book for any three shows marked Pick’n’Mix for just £25.
WHAT’S ON?
R O C K a n d P O P
Manc Floyd Saturday 12 January (standing) & Sunday 13 January (seated) 8.30pm / £12 Manchester based Pink Floyd tribute band Manc Floyd return to The Met for two nights with a three-hour spectacular. Manc Floyd
F O L K R O O T S
Spectacular light show and stunning projections - not to be missed by any Pink Floyd fan!
C O M E D Y
Chris & Siobhan Nelson Ramsbottom Folk Club
Comedy Competition Wednesday 16 January 8.30pm / £5
This month’s guest artists are Chris and Siobhan Nelson, who first got together back in the mid-1980s when they were both members of The Cluster of Nuts Band.
The northern heat of the nationwide comedy competition. Twelve comedians vie for a place in the London final and you the audience are the judges!
The pair have appeared at numerous festivals and folk clubs over the years in their various guises, as a duo and in various groups.
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The Once
Laughing Horse
Wed 9 January 8pm / Ramsbottom Grant Arms / £5
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This year’s show features Floyd material from early Syd Barrett, Dark Side of
the Moon, Wish You Were Here and Animals through to Momentary Lapse of Reason and The Division Bell.
Compered by Karen Bayley.
“The first time I heard it (the album), I was floored, the second time elevated, and everytime since enthralled!” SignalBlog
J A Z Z
D R A M A
The Swing Commanders
The Dumb Waiter and other stories
Thursday 24 January 8pm / £10
PenToPaper Productions
Europe's number one Western Swing quintet guarantee a superb evening of western and forties classics. The Swing Commanders
This multi-talented band play music from a bygone era. Let's party like it's 1949!
F O L K R O O T S
Dodgy
Thursday 17 January 8pm / £12 / £10 concession
Hope and tragedy intertwine in their music, whether they are singing old laments from World War I, original songs of love defeated, or tasteful songs from the artists whose music inspires them.
In Harold Pinter’s The Dumb Waiter, two hit-men anxiously anticipate their next ‘hit’. But then they receive mysterious orders...
R O C K a n d P O P
The Once Canada’s The Once embrace a different vision of Newfoundland music.
Wed 23 & Thu 24 January 7pm / £10
The second half of the evening will be made up from sketches and monologues, including a sketch from PenToPaper Productions’ original drama Stubble, a segment by young playwright Jake Urry entitled Waiting for Nico, and a scene from an upcoming tour of PenToPaper’s first original stage show due to debut this summer.
Friday 18 January 8pm / £12.50
They have won several East Coast Music and Canadian Folk Music awards, and the country is slowly waking up to just what an amazing band they are. “Perfect vocal harmonies thick enough to stand on.” Amelia Curran
Dodgy
After their hugely successful summer playing most of the major festivals promoting their recently critically acclaimed album Stand Upright In A Cool Place, this is a chance to see and
hear this legendary band, up close and intimate trying out some brand new songs as well as bringing out old friends from their extensive back catalogue. “Dodgy’s new album is a revelation” The Guardian CCCCC “one of the true highlights of Camp Bestival, they’re back” Mojo CCCC
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B L U E S
Derrin Nauendorf Friday 25 January 8pm / £10 Although not a blues artist in the traditional sense, Derrin Nauendorf’s impossible to categorise yet so easy to enjoy style of roots-based music has made him a mainstay on the live blues circuit. He has forged a sound comprising of incredible
A M E R I C ANA
Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek Friday 25 January 8pm / £15 Sara Watkins has spent two decades as singer and fiddle player for Grammy winning bluegrass band Nickel Creek, with her guitarist brother Sean and mandolinist Chris Thile. R 0161 761 2216
Now, after two years on the road fronting her own band we at last welcome her to The Met with songs from her latest album Sun Midnight Sun. A Mr Kite Benefit.
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guitar skills, soulful vocals and powerful songs and lyrics which has won him much praise and many fans. Derrin has just released his fourth album, Distant Empires.
F A M I L Y
The Nightingale Horse and Bamboo
Saturday 26 January 1pm / £6 Imagine you could have anything you wanted... the best that money can buy. Unfortunately for the little King, he already has that, and he still feels something’s missing. That is, until he is
enchanted by the most beautiful sound in the world and finds friendship in the most unexpected place. A sweet, funny and beautiful show for families based on the story by Hans Christian Anderson. For ages 4+
“Their playing is as exquisite as always and there’s a greater depth of invention, fun and beauty than ever. Frigg has done it again!” Fiona Talkington BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction
W O R L D R O O T S
Frigg Thursday 31 January 8pm / £15 / £10 under 16s Seven-piece combo Frigg combines Nordic folk and American bluegrass. With top talents from the young generation of folk musicians from Finland,
Frigg produce acoustic powerfolk with violins, fretted instruments, upright bass and endless energy. “Blazin’ Fiddles on steroids!” The Living Tradition
F O L K
Burns Night Ceilidh with Head
C O M E D Y
Pay homage to Scotland’s bard in style, with our Burns Night Ceilidh.
and drums. Don’t worry if you’ve never been to a ceilidh before, there’ll be a caller on hand to teach the steps and you’ll be dancing in no time, locking arms, spinning around and generally having a right old Scottish knees-up!
Expect highland flings and reels to an infectious soundtrack of fiddle, whistle, accordion, guitar, double bass
“Top quality music, whirlwind fiddle playing and a killer rhythm section”
Over Reels Ceilidh Band Saturday 26 January 7pm / £10 / £8 concession
Justin Moorhouse Friday 1 February 8pm / £15 Justin Moorhouse returns with his new show Justin Time. You may have seen him doing stand-up on your TV, on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1), 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4); or Dave’s One Night Stand (Dave). It’ll be a lot like that, but more of it and in 3D. Expect stories about owls, family fun days, and his dog. “Moorhouse charms the pants off the crowd” Sunday Times R 0161 761 2216
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R ock a n d P op
Risa Hall
R O C K a n d P O P
Risa Hall
Baked A La Ska
Supported by Sarah Dixon
Friday 1 February 8pm / £8 / £6 concession
Saturday 2 February 8pm / £10
Risa Hall was born in New York City and went to the same school as Simon and Garfunkel and The Ramones.
Super charged ska monster Baked A La Ska rampage through the dance floors of the UK leaving a trail of skanked out bodies in their wake. Their new album sees them mixing spaced out and spooky originals with quirky covers that have been put through their ska machine.
A professional actress, her solo music career has included supporting Nerina Pallot, Alice Gold, James Apollo and Jess Klein.
HALF-TERM FAMILY FUN W O R K S H O P S / D R A M A
Play In A Week
Baked A La Ska
“A dynamic album that entertains from start to finish” Fatea Magazine.
F A M I L Y
How to Catch a Star
Aged 13 to 19? Fancy creating an original play in just a week? To book just call Rob on 07788163151.
Once there was a boy who loved stars very much. Every night he watched stars from his window and wished he had one of his own. One day, he decided to catch a star... but first he had to think of a plan...
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A big hit at Bury Light Night in October, we’re delighted to welcome Baked A La Ska to The Met for a riotous night of Madness-style fun. “A larger than life, good time big band who approach their genre with affection and irreverence...” fRoots
D R A M A
Unmythable Temple Theatre
Blunderbus Theatre Co
Tuesday 12 February 1pm and 3pm / £8 / £6 members
Monday 11 – Friday 15 February 1pm-4pm / FREE
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She has worked with producer Nigel Stonier (Waterboys, Thea Gilmore, Sandi Thom) who produced her first album.
Blunderbus is proud to present this funny, gentle retelling of Oliver Jeffers’ bewitching story brought to life with a blend of music, puppetry and storytelling. For small people aged 3-7, and grown-up stargazers!
Wednesday 13 February 7pm / £8 / £6 concession Set sail with Jason and the Argonauts on their greatest mission: the quest for the Golden Fleece. Along the way they narrate, sing and clown their way through all the Greek myths you’ve ever heard of, and some you never knew existed.
Hear the Odyssey told from a foot-soldier’s perspective, see Midas after the gold ran out, and discover what really happened in that wooden horse… Ages 8+. “perfect slapstick” Oxford Journal
D R A M A
Churchill
C O M E D Y
Pip Utton
Thursday 7 February 8pm / £10 In Pip Utton’s new play Big Ben chimes and strikes a magical hour! In Parliament Square, London the ten statues come to life for just sixty minutes. Descending from his pedestal the Winston Churchill looks back, looks forward and entertains
How to Catch a Star
with his famous lines and speeches and much more. “Utton takes you to a history that we must not and will never forget.” Theatre Paradijs (Netherlands premiere) “Utton is a national treasure” Fringereview 2012
Two comedy clubs at The Met and Ramsbottom Civic Hall on the first Thursday of every month Thursday 7 February 8pm Ramsbottom Civic Hall £6 advance / £8 door Featuring: BBC Manchester reporter Kevin Fitzpatrick making his comedy debut; Carey Marx; and award winning Danny Sutcliffe.
Thursday 7 February 8.30pm The Met / £10 / £8 conc Featuring: Carey Marx, double winner for Best Show at the New Zealand Festival; and Tony Cowards “The best joke-writer around” GQ Magazine
F A M I L Y
W O R K S H O P S / D AN C E
The Elephant Bridesmaid
Dance Masterclass
Thursday 14 February 2.30pm / £8 / £28 family of four
Friday 15 February 10am-4pm FREE
People’s Theatre Company
Join Nessie the Elephant and friends and help them search for an outfit fancy (and large) enough to make her the jungle’s most beautiful elephant bridesmaid! Unmythable
First Thursday Comedy
Based on a story from the best selling book, How The
Koala Learnt To Hug and Other Australian Fairytales, The Elephant Bridesmaid is a magical musical about weddings and wombats and the loveliest elephant the world has ever known. Ages 4+.
An amazing opportunity to learn, rehearse and produce a dance piece with a visiting dance artist. Ages 13-19.
Friday 8 & Saturday 9 February
Presented by The Met and Big Whistle Music
W
elcome to the sixth Big Whistle Festival bringing you the best in traditional music. The ever popular whistle is still at the heart of the festival but don’t miss the growing mix of concerts and sessions available for you to participate in or just sit back and enjoy. Festival compere is Keith Donnelly. R 0161 761 2216
WORKSHOPS This year features a beginners workshop as well as workshops by Anxo Lorenxo, The Shee and Rura. If you’re not a beginner, the East Lancashire Railway will also be operating a very special morning Big Whistle Rail Ale Trail featuring some superb folk music. For details go to www. themet.biz/bigwhistle
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PACKAGES Grab yourself a bargain and get a Weekend Ticket for £52! The ticket will include full access to all Big Whistle Festival workshops and shows. You can also join us for just one day of the festival (excluding the Rail Ale Trail) for £18 Friday or £42 Saturday.
Big Whistle Festival 2011 Photos by James Maddox
folk roots
The Old Dance School Supported by Hard Times Friday 8 February 8.30pm / £12 Duelling fiddles, soaring brass crescendos and footstomping grooves. “Absolutely stunning... Full on, full of life, and verve!” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
The Old Dance School
The Shee
Anxo Lorenzo
folk roots
folk roots
folk roots
folk roots
folk roots
Macmaster/ Hay
Mike McGoldrick
Rachel Sermanni
The Shee
Anxo Lorenzo Trio
Friday 8 February 7pm / £8
Saturday 8 February 2pm / £16
Saturday 9 February 3.45pm / £10
Mary Macmaster and Donald Hay produce a beautiful, powerful and unique sound and a truly fresh, dynamic take on Scotland’s music.
Master of flute, whistles and uillean pipes, Michael McGoldrick creates a brilliant fusion of styles at the cutting edge of folk.
Scottish singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni packs an almighty punch with her earthy melodies and dextrous playing.
Macmaster/ Hay
Rachel Sermanni
Saturday 9 February 5pm / £10 An exceptional band showcasing three powerful vocalists and astonishing instrumental prowess. An adventurous brew of folk, Scots Gaelic and Bluegrass.
Saturday 9 February 7pm / £10 Anxo Lorenzo experiments with turning traditional and contemporary music into vibrant, fresh and new melodies and rhythms.
folk roots
Rura Saturday 9 February 9.30pm / £13
Mike McGoldrick
BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2013 Horizon Award nominee, RURA’s powerful sound comes from a five piece line-up of bagpipes, whistle, flute, fiddle, bodhran, guitar and vocals. R 0161 761 2216
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F O L K R O O T S
Steve Knightley
B L U E S
Geno Washington
Thursday 14 February 8pm / £16 Steve Knightley is the songwriting force behind Show of Hands, widely acclaimed as the finest acoustic roots duo in England. Renowned for his strong narrative songs which reflect the escapades, hopes and fears of people in his native West Country and beyond,
he pulls no punches when writing about bigger, global issues. A Mr Kite Benefit.
& Yo Yo Blues! Fri 15 February 8.30pm £15 seated / £12 standing
“One of England’s greatest songwriters” Mike Harding
Geno Washington is the UK’s very own Godfather of Soul.
“Steve Knightley’s songs have developed such an edge it’s hard to deny them any longer.” MOJO
B lues
Dave Arcari Friday 15 February 8pm / £10 Slide guitarist and songwriter Dave Arcari’s alt.blues sound owes as much to trash country, punk and rockabilly as pre-war Delta blues. As well as Arcari’s trademark National slide guitar playing and original material, new album Nobody’s Fool presents another side of
Arcari with ‘normal’ guitar and some material from key traditional, geographic and musical influences. "Dave plays like he got his skin turned inside out... That boy bleeds for you - he’s a real down deep player and a soul man..." Seasick Steve
A legend on the 1960’s live circuit, Yo Yo Blues! is a brand new show for life’s ups and downs – Geno’s recession busting, uptempo, house rockin’, R&B band features members of the legendary Ram Jam Band who join him for a blistering set of Street Soul, Rock ‘n’ Roll and down and dirty Blues. “Unforgettable, one of the world’s great entertainers” Glasgow Herald
F O L K R O O T S
Kirsty McGee
Ramsbottom Folk Club
Wed 20 February 8pm / Ramsbottom Grant Arms / £8 Twice nominated for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award and winner of an IMA, Kirsty McGee’s songs show the light touch of a singer with an instinctive reflex for bringing together words and music. Gentle, and with the bittersweet edge of experience, her voice
Americ a n a
F O L K R O O T S
My Darling Clementine
Mr Cat and The Jackal
Saturday 16 February 8pm / £12 / £10 Concession Michael Weston King and Lou Dalgleish are My Darling Clementine. The duo evokes the great duets of Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, George Jones and Tammy Wynette but adds a touch of country soul to the mix.
Michael Weston King has played with The Good Sons since the 90s, Lou Dalgleish has worked with Elvis Costello, Bryan Ferry and more. “Part Nashville balladeer and part Alt Country hero...” The Independent
speaks directly from an open heart, and her rich, dark style continues to defy categorisation. “One of the most beautiful yet gutsy voices on the English folk scene” Bearded “Confident and earthy one to watch” Uncut
Thursday 21 February 8pm / £8 advance Five piece Mr Cat and The Jackal explore blues, tango, Balkan and Irish music. With a circus of sounds created by foreign and handmade instruments, their performances are a complete theatrical experience.
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D R A M A
Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime by Oscar Wilde Rocket Theatre Thursday 21 February 8pm / £10 / £6 concession when he has his fortune told just weeks before the wedding his destiny simply cannot be ignored.
A gripping tale of love, honour, duty, fortune-telling and murder! Lord Arthur takes his marriage vows extremely seriously, but
This hilarious retelling of a classic story revels in the wit of Wilde, to create a wicked black comedy that positively fizzes with fun.
F O L K R O O T S
C O M E D Y
Sharon Shannon
Third Thursday Comedy Club
Supported by The House Devils
Friday 22 February 8pm / £17.50 Irish accordionist Sharon Shannon has achieved legendary status throughout the world and has made the muchmaligned accordion cool again in her home country. The genre-defying star has had numerous number one albums, singles and DVDs as well as winning several music awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Irish Meteor Awards in 2009. R 0161 761 2216
“Murder is always a mistake: One should never do anything one cannot talk about after dinner...”
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at Prestwich Longfield Suite Thursday 21 February 8pm / £8 Complimenting our comedy clubs in Bury and Ramsbottom, The Met brings a brand new monthly comedy night to Prestwich.
The evening will feature hilarious comedians on the third Thursday of every month, guaranteeing a night of top laughter.
❝
I hope you like my story - I wrote it for you just to show I could.
rock a n d pop
Claire Mooney
It’s about the old tractor and it’s about Joey and it’s about me.
❞
Friday 22 February 8pm / £8 / £6 concessions Claire Mooney’s music has been defined by her passion and her politics. She writes of protest, peace, justice, love and life.
“A presence worth noting and, in such apathetic times, a force the music world clearly needs” by Big Issue in the North.
Her performances have been described as “funny, ironic and touching” by Gutter Girls and
The night will raise funds for Bury charity Hurdles which supports families of children with disabilities.
R ock a n d pop
Livewire
The AC/DC Show Saturday 23 February 8pm / £14 / Standing So much more than the average tribute show, Livewire – The AC/DC Show is a unique six man celebration of rock’s greatest band, AC/DC, complete with cannons, a wall of Marshalls
and over two hours of high voltage rock and roll. Join a musical tour of the past forty electric years as the rock and roll train powers on and on...
D R A M A
Farm Boy
New Perspectives Theatre Co & Scamp Theatre Co Wednesday 27 February 1.30pm & 7.30pm £10 / £8 concession Michael Morpurgo’s compelling sequel to the award-winning War Horse is a moving account of the changing face of the English countryside and
a beautifully-crafted reminder that stories really can reach out across the generations, recounted with old-fashioned earnest simplicity. Ages 7+ R 0161 761 2216
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S I N G E R / S O N G W R I T E R
Ruarri Joseph plus support
world roots
Inspired by Bob Dylan, Ruarri Joseph comes to The Met with a new album Brother, inspired by ideas of friendship, relationships and family. The singer song-writer’s work has earned him favourable comparisons to the charttopping pop savvy sounds of Damian Rice and David Gray.
Friday 1 March 8pm £8 advance
“An intimacy somewhere between Bon Iver and Cat Stevens” Uncut
F O L K R O O T S
Heidi Talbot
Heidi Talbot has been nominated for two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and has toured with Michael McGoldrick, Idlewild, Eddi Reader and Kris Drever.
Friday 1 March 8pm
Playing material from her brand new record, Angels Without Wings, Heidi will be joined by world renowned multi-instrumentalist/producer John McCusker and the inimitable guitar playing of Ian Carr.
£14 £10 conc
“A voice that’s both awestruck and tender.” New York Times R 0161 761 2216
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Beating Wing Orchestra Satellite State Disko & Heritage Survival Presented by Exodus Saturday 2 March 8pm £10 seated / £8 standing Commissioned by Manchester International Festival, Beating Wing Orchestra bring together diverse cultures from refugees from Manchester’s rich mix of communities; Satellite State Disko mix bawdy Slavic drinking songs, Ottoman chorals and Nomad ska; and Zimbabwe’s Heritage Survival play Afrofusion, drawing on modern influences whilst upholding traditional rhythms. Presented by Bury Fairtrade Steering Group, in conjunction with Community Arts North West and Musicians without Borders. Part of Fairtrade fortnight.
f a ir
Fairtrade Fair Saturday 2 March 11am-4pm A chance to experience the amazing quality and variety of fair trade goods that are available in the region, including food and drink, handicrafts, clothing, bags and fashion accessories.
F O L K R O O T S
F O L K R O O T S
Peter Knight’s
Gigspanner
The Houghton Weavers Presented by East Lancashire Masonic Charities
Saturday 2 March 8pm / £12 advance / £14 door
Wednesday 6 March 8pm / £15 / £13 concession
Peter Knight’s Gigspanner has been hailed by Songlines magazine as “another milestone in folk’s rebirth of cool”, but those already in the know will tell you that there is far more to Gigspanner than meets the eye.
With their inimitable blend of music and comedy The Houghton Weavers ensure an excellent show with laugh out loud moments a plenty. Their down to earth Northern charm guarantees a family friendly and welcoming atmosphere where audience participation is greatly encouraged. So come and sing along and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
The trio is now established as a powerful presence at venues and festivals around the UK, and beyond - and rapidly gaining new fans.
A bedrock of British traditional music is to be expected from Steeleye Span’s legendary fiddle player, dubbed the Jimi Hendrix of the fiddle world. Gigspanner’s music flirts audatiously with Eastern European, French, Cajun, African and even Aboriginal influences, transporting you on a musical world tour.
C O M E D Y
First Thursday Comedy Two comedy clubs at The Met and Ramsbottom Civic Hall on the first Thursday of every month Thursday 7 March 8pm Ramsbottom Civic £6 advance / £8 door Featuring: Gary Delaney; Annette Fagon (“Peter Kay… if he was female, black and from Leicester”); and Wayne the Weird.
Thursday 7 March 8.30pm The Met / £10 / £8 conc Featuring: Wayne the Weird (“outrageous comedian and magician” Southern Daily Echo); Mock The Week regular Gary Delaney; and Harriet Dyer. R 0161 761 2216
Harriet Dyer P www.themet.biz
F O L K R O O T S
R O C K AN D P O P
and The Remnant Kings
Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam Six
Thursday 7 March 8pm / £12 / £10 concession
Friday 8 March 8pm / £8
In the wake of Jon Boden’s fantastically successful “A Folk Song A Day“ project, Bellowhead’s lead singer brings his motley crew of post-apocalyptic folk survivalists to showcase just a few of the 365 songs from the on-going project.
Louis Barabbas and The Bedlam Six have infiltrated almost every creative niche, being adapted into animated short films, burlesque routines, musical theatre, fringe festival revues, documentary soundtracks,
Jon Boden
Lively new arrangements of traditional material will weave in and out of material from Songs From The Floodplain, Jon’s critically acclaimed album set in a dystopian future. Songs old, new and from the not too distant future.
“Brilliant... terrifying but brilliant” Channel M
B l U E S
King King Friday 8 March 8.30pm / £12 / £10 concession
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The meteoric rise to prominence of British bluesbreakers King King has seen them racking up a host of accolades culminating in this year’s Best Band and Best Album at the British Blues Awards. Since they began touring three years ago, King King’s unique
brand of multi-faceted blues rock has won over audiences as diverse as The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, the internationally acclaimed Belgium Rhythm and Blues Festival in Peer and even Glastonbury.
motion picture scores and even a comic strip. Their infamous live shows have proved time and time again that the group is at home on any line-up, even sharing the bill with Motorhead, Eliza Carthy and The Blockheads.
F A M I L Y
R ock & P op
There’s A Monster In My Piano Garlic Theatre Saturday 9 March 1pm £8 / £6 concession What do you do when you hear a strange munching noise inside a piano?
He might be able to help with his bag of ears and his weird tools. But when he looks inside the musical notes are packing their bags and running away. What are they scared of and who is hammering at the keys? An offbeat jazzy tale with puppets, clowning, animation and a very highly strung monster. Ages 4+.
Call the Piano Doctor of course!
F O L K R O O T S
Anaïs Mitchell & Jefferson Hamer A Mr Kite Benefit Sunday 10 March 8pm / £15 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award 2013 nominated songwriter Anaïs Mitchell teams up with songwriter/ instrumentalist Jefferson Hamer (Great American Taxi, the Murphy Beds) to revisit a series of traditional English
and Scottish ballads. These songs have been carefully re-imagined to embrace an American sensibility as well as a deep respect for the heritage of the tradition. The album, Child Ballads, is due for release in February 2013.
Original Factory Bands
Section 25, X-O-DUS and Kevin Hewick
Saturday 9 March 9pm / £10 / Standing A triple bill featuring three of the iconic Manchester label Factory Records’ original signings and rarer sonic delights. Famed for their prototechno masterpiece From The Hip, Blackpool outfit Section 25 recorded four albums with Factory. Best known for their 1980 single English Black Boys, X-O-DUS were the only reggae band to work with Factory. Singer/songwriter Kevin Hewick contributed to 1980’s Factory Quartet album, and recorded with Joy Division and New Order. R 0161 761 2216
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C O M E D Y
Patrick Monahan Shooting From The Lip Wednesday 13 March 8pm / £12 Brilliant stand-up from the loveable Teessider renowned for his superb anecdotes. Brought up in by his Iranian Mother and Irish Dad he has many hilarious and engaging stories about his heritage.
Patrick started off on the glamourous Irish/Iranian/ Geordie circuit before being invited to perform as far away as Australia, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Estonia, Germany, to the Edinburgh Festival and venues and comedy clubs up and down the UK.
“Monahan is a supremely engaging performer, adored by his audiences and capable of some terrific comedy.” The Scotsman “Monahan possesses the rate ability to be hilarious without being outrageous.” CCCCC Three Weeks
“Omid Djalili meets Dave Allen you might say.” Daily Mail “The same mix of control and on-stage charisma as a young Alan Davies.” CCCC The Herald
D R A M A
The Thing about Psychopaths Red Ladder Theatre Company
Thursday 14 March 1.30pm & 7.30pm / £10 / £6 conc Britain. 2013. Times are hard, but the money’s still out there if you know where to look and are prepared to gamble. Whether it’s prison or the corporate world, there are rules to be followed. Only the fittest survive. It’s every man for himself.
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Young, ambitious Noel gets his big break at one of the country’s largest financial institutions. But when he finds himself caught up in corporate fraud he realises too late that he’s out of his depth. The big boys make their own rules.
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A searing, funny and thought-provoking new play written by Ben Tagoe, The Thing about Psychopaths asks important questions about power and empathy in modern Britain. Ages 16+
Patrick Monahan
F O L K R O O T S
Rua Macmillan Thursday 14 March 8pm / £12 Originally from Nairn, fiddler Rua Macmillan is one of the rising stars in Scottish traditional music. Awarded BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2009, he hasn’t looked back since, performing across the UK and beyond.
Rua performs with Tia Files on guitar and Adam Brown on bodhran. “brilliant traditional techniques bending into new shapes” Songlines “Powerful and energetic” Northern Sky
rock a n d pop
Boo Hewerdine
The Bible Friday 15 March 8pm / £12 advance Formed in the mid eighties around singer Boo Hewerdine and keyboard/ percussion player Tony Shepherd, The Bible is one of those bands that writers and singers often cite as one of their favourite bands of all time.
Now, twenty five years after their first release, The Bible returns for a few special anniversary concerts and are due to release an extended and re-mastered edition of their debut album, Walking The Ghost Back Home.
R 0161 761 2216
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B L U E S
folk roots
Simon McBride
with special guests Virgil and The Accelerators
Ramsbottom Folk Club Wednesday 20 March 8pm Ramsbottom Grant Arms £5 Master songwriter Chris Rogan sings songs which tell the story of the people and things around him in a very easy, touching style.
Saturday 16 March 8pm £14.50 seated £12.50 standing Predicted to be the next Irish blues guitar hero in the footsteps of Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore, Simon McBride combines guitar artistry with a fine voice and a knack for creating great melodies. His latest CD Crossing The Line is a fiery amalgam of guitar skills, songcraft and character-soaked vocals, spinning tales of girls, gambling and corporate avarice. R 0161 761 2216
Chris Rogan
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D R A M A
Rent
School Edition Tuesday 19 Friday 22 March 7.30pm Saturday 23 March 2.30pm & 7.30pm £8 Tue & Sat matinee £9 Wed-Fri & Sat eve
“A fantastic singer/ songwriter” Chorley FM C O M E D Y
Third Thursday Comedy Club at Prestwich Longfield Suite Thu 21 March 8pm / £8 The Met’s new monthly comedy club brings top quality comedians to Prestwich on the third Thursday of every month.
The youth theatre group of Prestwich Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society (PADOS) come to The Met with their version of Rent: School Edition, the world famous rock musical about a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side.
folk roots
Kim Edgar Friday 22 March 8pm / £10 Edinburgh pianist/singer/songwriter Kim Edgar performs songs from her acclaimed albums, The Ornate Lie and Butterflies & Broken Glass. Scotland’s “very own Tori Amos” Sunday Herald combines “narratives of courageous honesty with darkly delicious melodies” Spiral Earth.
C O M E D Y
F olk roots
Kevin Precious Not Appropriate Thursday 21 March 8pm / £10 Not appropriate is the most overused term of disapproval in the teacher’s canon. Join Kevin as he explores his former life as a teacher. A show that will appeal to anyone who has ever taught or – for that matter – been to school; parts of which are likely to be not appropriate...
“An inspired empathy...her gentle personality and relaxed interaction would melt the stoniest of hearts... an artist clearly at the top of her game.” CCCCC Fringe Review “You’d be hard-pressed to find any blind spots in her set... unusually impressive: a compelling and pleasing performer on stage, and a smart, catchy songwriter to boot.” CCCC Broadway Baby
Ducie Sat 23 March 8pm / £10 adv Following on from their 2011 Future Trad Collective CD (alongside Michael McGoldrick), Andy Dinan and Ian Fletcher team up to make an album that brings together their many musical influences. With the arrival of Richard Sliwa (Doves, The Charlatans and De Danann) and Jon Thorne (Lamb, Trilok Gurtu), who effectively pioneered the use of double bass in electronic music, Andy and Ian’s contemporary take on old traditional tunes sits alongside new compositions and improvisations that flow over uplifting rhythms.
D R A M A
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Sell A Door Theatre Company
Wednesday 27 March 7.30pm / £10 / £8 concession Fairies, lovers, hapless actors, a disapproving father and of course oodles of theatrical magic!
All of this gets spun on its head at the intervention of Oberon and his sprightly fairy, Puck.
Hermia loves Lysander and Lysander adores Hermia. But Demetrius desires Hermia while Helena dotes on Demetrius.
This production is guaranteed to be dynamic – with music and madness revealing the darker side of Shakespeare’s comedy.
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j a zz
Springsville
F A M I L Y
The Wind in the Willows
Metro Jazz Thursday 28 March 8pm / £5
Saturday 30 March 2pm £7 / £5 concession
An evening of sophisticated innocence with Metro Jazz, The Met’s community jazz orchestra, led by the legendary Munch Manship.
A vibrant musical production of Kenneth Grahame’s Tales of the River Bank, featuring the exuberant Mr Toad, Mole, Ratty and Badger.
R O C K & P O P
Kirsty Almeida Thursday 28 March 8pm £12 / £10 concession Almeida draws you into her enchanting, uplifting and at times devilishly dark world. Classic songwriting with a wondrous mix of murder lullabies, blues-folk beauty, New Orleans soul, voodooR 0161 761 2216
pop and a healthy dose of Tim Burton-style brooding. Backed by her fabulous band, Kirsty has been winning rave reviews for performances at festivals such as Glastonbury, V Festival, Big Chill, Lovebox and Secret Garden Party.
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“Class and a rather delicious sultriness ooze from Kirsty’s warm tones. Like Norah Jones with a naughty twinkle, this is blissful stuff.“ Star Magazine
Image Musical Theatre’s production gives everyone the opportunity to take part. Some children play the rabbits, the ducks and the thieving weasels while everyone else learns the chorus of four songs. This is family theatre at its very best. Ages 4+.
“Hield’s command of her material is unerring and the outcome compelling.” CCCC
The Observer
F O L K R O O T S
Coope, Boyes and Simpson Thursday 4 April 8pm £12 / £10 concession English trio Coope, Boyes and Simpson combine unique reworkings of traditional material and wellcrafted, original songs with beautifully memorable tunes, soaring harmonies and words that strike a chord.
F O L K R O O T S
rock a n d pop
C O M E D Y
Fay Hield
Edwin Street Showcase
First Thursday Comedy
and The Hurricane Party Saturday 30 March 8pm / £12 / £10 concession Leading proponents of traditional song and tunes, Fay Hield and The Hurricane Party play material that is fresh and original, yet rooted in centuries old tradition.
Featuring Bellowhead fiddle player Sam Sweeney, melodeon icon Andy Cutting, top English concertina player Rob Harbron, and the legendary Roger Wilson.
Wednesday 3 April 7pm / £5 The Edwin Street Showcase gives up-and-coming young musicians the chance to get out of the recording booth and onto the stage. Come and experience the next generation of musical talent from Bury!
Two comedy clubs at The Met and Ramsbottom Civic Hall on the first Thursday of every month Thursday 4 April 8pm Ramsbottom Civic Hall £6 advance / £8 door Featuring Phil Nichol, outright winner of the Edinburgh Fringe; prior to his nationwide tour, Matt Richardson; and circuit favourite Susan Hanks.
Thursday 4 April 8.30pm The Met / £10 / £8 conc Featuring the award winning Danny Sutcliffe; Phil Nichol; and Matt Richardson “the next bright young sensation on the comedy circuit expect to hear a lot more of him.” The Guardian
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B L U E S / J A Z Z
R O C K a n d P O P
Mat Walklate and Dick Farrelly
Whole Lotta Led
Friday 5 April 8pm / £10 Chance brought together top Irish blues guitarist Dick Farrelly and British blues harp champion Mat Walklate. Live, they sparkle with energy as these two virtuosi push each other to greater heights, underpinned by Mat’s honeyed vocals.
“...two great musicians...” Blues Matters
Friday 5 April 8pm £14 advance / £15 door Featuring a new line up, this top Led Zeppelin tribute now includes singer Lee Pryor, who effortlessly reproduces Robert Plant’s amazing vocals, Charlie Hart, a gifted drummer who has long
F O L K R O O T S
D R A M A
admired John Bonham’s drum style, and finally David Wykeham-George who, as well as playing keyboards, will also be contributing guitar and backing vocals, alongside founder members Nick Ferris (guitar) and Geoff Hunt (bass). Whole Lotta Led just gotta Whole Lot Better.
Thrasher by Connor McKee
Thursday 11 April 8pm / £8 Written by acclaimed new playwright Conor McKee and directed by MEN Theatre Award winning Wyllie Longmore, Thrasher is a gripping story laced with genuine warmth and vicious comedy.
J A Z Z
Sarah Ellen Hughes Thursday 11 April 8pm / £10
Paul McKenna Band Saturday 6 April 8pm / £10 / £8 concession Combining their love for folk and traditional music, as well as original songs and tunes, Scotland’s Paul McKenna Band has been captivating audiences with
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live performances of their new album, titled Stem the Tide. Fresh and innovative arrangements, their sound is created through outstanding vocals, driving guitar and
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bouzouki, intense fiddle playing, a warm pairing of flute and whistles and dynamic bodhrán and percussion.
Award-winning vocalist Sarah Ellen Hughes has established herself as a notable presence on the jazz scene. She has gained international recognition, winning the Jazz Singing Competition Jazz Voices, as well as
being selected for the Montreux Jazz Festival voice competition where she performed in front of Quincy Jones, who said “Great singing girl, keep doing what you’re doing”. “Wonderful… Classy… Well worth checking out” Jazzwise magazine
F O L K R O O T S
Six people spiral towards destruction over one night in Manchester. Once lost, can faith, friendship and love ever be recovered? Initially produced at The Royal Exchange Theatre, Thrasher sold out its run in advance of opening and received a recommendation from Lyn Gardner at The Guardian.
A writer development scheme will be run in conjunction with the production of Thrasher, contact The Met ticket office for details. “a real buzz has developed around the writer and his work. He has a real ear for dialogue and creating characters...” EXEUNT Magazine on Thrasher
Karine Polwart Friday 12 April 8pm / £15 Karine Polwart draws from folk's long tradition while keeping pace with the changing times. Her talent for crafting unique, enduring melodies, and her gift for saying just enough without overstating her case, all come together in songs of powerful contemporary relevance.
She has the most approachable of voices, drawing you towards her as you might lean towards a tale by the fireside. She returns to The Met in support of her new album Traces. Karine has been nominated for three awards at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2013.
“One of the finest singer-songwriters in Britain” The Guardian
B L U E S
Buddy Whittington Saturday 13 April 8pm / £14 / £12 concession Lead guitarist in John Mayall's The Bluesbreakers, Buddy Whittington is now a solo artist playing a mix of original material and
classic blues from the likes of BB and Freddie King to Delbert McClinton and Warren Haynes. Buddy’s passionate guitar playing has earned him many plaudits, including an appearance in Guitarist Magazine's 100 Top Unsung Guitarists.
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folk roots
Mairearad Green and Anna Massie Ramsbottom Folk Club Wednesday 17 April 8pm Ramsbottom Grant Arms / £8 Multi-instrumentalists, Mairearad Green and Anna Massie are a captivating duo, highly energetic performers with a warm and friendly stage appearance. R O C K AN D P O P
C O M E D Y
David Knopfler Wednesday 17 April 8pm / £15 Co-founder of rock group Dire Straits, David has faithfully pursued his own musical vision, writing and producing his own compositions on a dozen or more solo CDs. He has been fortunate enough to R 0161 761 2216
reach a wide audience without compromising his art and while enjoying the respect and admiration of his musical peers, critical acclaim, international awards and worldwide chart successes.
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Third Thursday Comedy Club at Prestwich Longfield Suite Thursday 18 April 8pm / £8 The Met’s new monthly comedy club brings top quality comedians to Prestwich on the third Thursday of every month.
D R A M A / C O M E D Y
Boxed In A Comic Package of Warehouse Life Shifting Sands Theatre
Thursday 18 April 8pm / £10 / £6 conession In a world of mounting economic catastrophes, with job security a thing of the past, Boxed In is the story of a warehouse, two workers and their obsessions. When their jobs are threatened, they find themselves on a roller coaster ride through a nightmarish wasteland where life’s absurdities are explored with comic precision. Imagine Buster Keaton directing Laurel and Hardy; add a dash of the absurd, a twist of Greek tragedy, flying saucers, and boxes. Lots of boxes.
T A L K / P H O T O G R A P H Y
F O L K R O O T S
How Did I Get Here?
Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies
with David Ward
Saturday 20 April 8pm / £14 / £12 concession
Friday 19 April 7.30pm £10 / £8 Conc / £12 Door
Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies have been playing their songs and music of Northern England for a decade and a half around the folk festivals, clubs and concert stages of the world. “Acoustic simplicity coupled with
electric vitality” was how they were described in their early days, and with half a dozen albums to their credit, along with solo albums by Jez and by other members of the group, their following has continued to increase.
Strong vocals, backed by outstanding instrumental back-up on guitar, cittern, fiddle, fretless bass, keyboards and Northumbrian Pipes, have made them one of Britain’s top attractions.
Join internationally acclaimed landscape photographer and author, David Ward on a journey through his career from early illustrative work to abstract images. Over the past decade, David has become a highly regarded photographic tutor and author of two books on his work and philosophy which aims at simplicity, ambiguity and beauty. This event is organised by Bury Photographic Society.
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F O L K R O O T S
D R A M A
F A M I L Y
Return to The Forbidden Planet
Bringing Down The Moon
Prestwich Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society
Ezio Saturday 20 April 8pm £12 advance £14 door Acoustic duo Ezio Lunedei (singer/ guitarist) and Mark “Booga” Fowell (guitarist) play beautiful ballads, tales of longing and aching love. Booga’s spontaneous fluid touch is the perfect complement to Ezio’s emotive songs, imaginatively adding to the moods they invoke in their incredible live show.
Tuesday 23 - Friday 26 April 7.30pm Saturday 27 April 2.30pm & 7.30pm £8 Tuesday / £10 Wednesday-Friday & Saturday matinee / £12 Saturday evening.
Peaceful Lion Productions
Based on the film The Forbidden Planet, Return to The Forbidden Planet is both a re-telling of The Tempest and an adventure set in space – telling its version of Shakespeare’s story using rock and roll classics from the ’50s through the ’70s.
R O C K AN D P O P
James Grant Thursday 25 April 8pm / £14 / £12 concession Widely regarded as one of the finest singer-songwriters and performers around, Love and Money frontman James Grant plays material from all his acclaimed solo albums and old favourites in a solo acoustic setting. This is a show not to be missed, raw, heart-rending and uplifting... “Grant is a rare and under-valued talent with a voice of genuine depth.” Sunday Mail “a true craftsman with a panache few can match...” The Mirror
Saturday 27 April 11am & 1pm / £7
Mole burrows out of the ground, sees the moon for the very first time and wants to play with it. Mole sets out to pull the moon down but soon finds out that some things are not as easy as they seem, or as close as they look!
Coming Soon Julia Fordham
Based on the book by Jonathan Emmett this is a heart-warming tale of aspiration, friendship, adventure and a little bit of mischief accompanied by catchy songs. A perfect treat for everyone aged 3 and up.
The Animals & Friends Friday 3 May Spiers and Boden Sunday 12 May King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys Friday 7 June Blazin’ Fiddles Saturday 15 June Julia Fordham Friday 28 June The Lancashire Hotpots Friday 12 July
Mr Kite Benefits at St. Bede’s Club, Clayton-Le-Woods, Chorley
B L U E S
The Blues Band
Fred Eaglesmith
@ Sale Waterside Arts Centre Thursday 14 February 8pm / £20
Sunday 17 February 8pm £12 advance / £14 door
Paul Jones, Dave Kelly, Tom McGuinness, Rob Townsend and Gary Fletcher were already admired by fans when they formed The Blues Band back in 1979. Over three decades later they continue to add followers. Acknowledged as being amongst the finest purveyors of R&B, they have inspired numerous other bands.
Canadian country/ folk singer songwriter returns to Chorley for a solo performance. To book call Waterside Arts Centre on 0161 912 5616 or buy online at watersideartscentre.co.uk
Tickets from The Met on 0161 761 2216
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CLASSES & WORK SHOPS CHILDREN’s CLASSES Bury Youth Dance 10-12 Tuesdays 4.30pm-5.30pm / £2.50 / Starts 8 January Led by Claire Fildes. For 10-12 years. A younger group for beginner level dancers. Please book in advance.
Black Pudding Youth Theatre Tuesday 5pm-7pm / £2.50 per week / Starts 8 January Aged 7-17? Fancy performing in an original comedy? Contact Rob Lees rob@madtheatrecompany.co.uk
Bury Youth Dance 13-19 Tuesdays 5.30pm-7pm / FREE / Starts 8 January Led by Claire Fildes. For 13-19 year olds interested in creating innovative dance for performance.
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Break-Dance Thursdays 4-5.30pm / FREE / Starts 10 January A break-dance class for 13-19s. Learn moves, stunts and work on routines to perform. Any experience level welcome.
Aiming High Saturday 11am-1pm / £2 / Starts 12 January For young people with disgallery and theatre visits. abilities or additional needs, Build confidence, make from Bury Council Children’s friends and learn skills in a Services and The Met. fun creative environment. Craft and drama sessions,
Bury Youth Theatre Wednesday 5.30-7pm (9-13yrs) & 7-8.30pm (14+) / £2.50 per week / Starts 9 January A fun drama session led by Marc Young and Sammy Deas. Members explore their creativity through devising, improvising, games, and activites whilst developing skills such as team building, voice projection and confidence! BYT are now working towards their next performance.
Beginners’ Dance Sessions Saturdays 1-2pm / FREE / Starts 12 January For 13-19 year olds. Just towards a show in 2013. for beginners, learn about Come along, learn something all styles of dance, working new and have fun!
Club Met Saturdays monthly 2-4.30pm / £5 / Starts 12 January A film and activities club for For membership and adults aged 18 or over with booking please contact aspergers syndrome who buryhurdles@gmail.com. live in the Bury borough.
Stagecoach Sundays 10am-1pm / Starts 6 January Training in dance, drama contact Ruth Mauriello on and singing for 4-18 years 0161 763 6161 or visit olds. For more information www.stagecoach.co.uk/bury
ADULTS’ CLASSES Harmonica Workshops Mondays alt weeks for 8 weeks from 7 January £45 / £35 conc / Beginners 5.30-6.30pm Intermediate 6.45-7.45pm / Advanced 8-9pm Led by Mat Walklate. Courses in harmonica for beginners, intermediate and advanced level players.
Metro Jazz
Mondays 6.30-9.30pm from 7 January £70 per term / £50 conc The Met’s community jazz orchestra led by Munch Manship. Front line musicians needed. Ages 16+.
Introduction to Sound Recording Mondays 7-9pm for 5 weeks from 7 January / £75 • Studio equipment, microphone technique and signal flow • Drum recording techniques • Instrument recording, Pro Tools and overdubbing • Hardware and software mixing techniques Learn to play the Didgeridoo Alt Mondays 8-9pm from 14 January / £56 for 8 weeks Join renowned Didgeridoo expert Kyle Maplesden as he teaches you how to make all sorts of amazing sounds and master the technique of circular breathing!
Met Express
Guitar Workshop
Mondays & Tuesdays 7.30-9pm / £4.50 Drama for people with disabilities. Not accepting new members.
Alternate Wednesdays 7.30-9pm from 9 January / £15 Build your confidence, Contact Paul on 0773 improve your skills and 8009737, email paul@ have fun. Ages 13+. All proguitartuition.co.uk or visit levels beginner to advanced. www.proguitartuition.co.uk. Equipment supplied. Advance booking only.
Sing
Wednesdays 7.30-9pm alternate weeks from 16 January / £4 per week Led by experienced musician and workshop leader Rose Hodgson, 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 (accappella) 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!
Introduction to Pro Tools Wednesdays 7-8pm for 3 weeks from 16 January / £40 A beginners guide to using the industry standard software for music recording and mixing.
Introduction to Ableton Live Wednesdays 7-8pm for 3 weeks from 20 February / £40 Get started with the premier music package for the production and live performance of electronic loop-based music.
Bloco Ashê Saturdays 11am-1pm / £5 / £3 conc / £2 under 16s A percussive group for begin- New members of all ages ners and beyond playing welcome. For more informasamba influenced grooves tion visit www.blocoashe. and global beats in Bury. co.uk or call 01204 882201.
INSPIRE Community Voices Saturdays 2-4.30pm alternate weeks from 5 January £5 / £3 unemployed / £1 for under 16years An a cappella, multi harmony, community choir, for all ages and abilities to share a love of singing. Contact hello@inspirevoices.co.uk R 0161 761 2216
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Ticket booking Access By phone from 0161 761 2216
The Met is a fully accessible venue, both on its ground and first floors.
Online via www.themet.biz
• The entrance is fully
In person Tue-Fri Noon-7pm Sat 11am-5pm
• Concessions are
available for children, people over 60, on benefit or in education.
• 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 booking in person.
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.
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If you have any special requirements call us on 0161 761 2216 and we'll do our best to help.
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Get involved The Met is a registered charity. Our reputation and success are built on hard work and support from people just like you! Each ticket you buy enables us to fulfill our mission to entertain and delight everyone in the community. You can help further our work by becoming a friend or volunteering your time to help us remain at the heart of the community. Become our Friend Friends of The Met support our work in the community, and projects such as Edwin Street Recording Studio and events like Ramsbottom Festival would not be possible without them. By becoming a friend you will get to meet other regulars, give feedback about the venue to Director David Agnew and help to shape The Met of the future, providing input to our future plans for the venue. You’ll never have to miss out on shows
again with friend allocations on sell out shows and a special friend newsletter detailing all the events you can’t afford to miss! What’s more you’re the first to know about events - so don’t delay, support your favourite charity and become one of those in the know! Friend categories £30 single friendship £50 joint friendship
• •
Friend benefits
• Free ticket for two of the
Director’s choice of events for the season Advance copy of our brochure with a letter from Director David Agnew
•
• No booking fee or admin fee • Concession rates for
events throughout the year 10% off food in Automatic Invitations to VIP nights and friends events First chance to buy for sell out events
• • •
To join just call The Met on 0161 761 2216, or visit The Met ticket Office. Volunteer The Met has a dedicated group of volunteers who assist with many areas of our activities. All volunteers are interviewed at application to ensure they get the most out of the opportunities we offer. To get involved contact Nichola Jacques at nichola.jacques@themet.biz or call on 0161 761 7107.
Hire The Met and Automatic Our spaces are as versatile as your events. We can cater for anything from a private meeting to a conference, a music gig to a wedding. With venues large and small, we can accommodate any number from 3 to 300. We have a number of spaces 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 Malt (28 seated / 45 standing), the Gallery (Capacity 30), Studio 2 (Capacity 20) and the Theatre Bar (Capacity 15). Our experienced staff can provide a range of services including catering from
Automatic, sound and lighting by our technicians and full ticket office support. We also offer a range of marketing support to ensure your event is a success. Prices start from just £30. Call 0161 761 7107 or email hires@themet.biz to discuss how we can make your event a success.
mastering, mixing and learning, the studio offers affordable options for all.
Malt
Gallery
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. Situated at The Met, Edwin Street Recording Studio is a professional facility featuring state of the art recording equipment and superb acoustics. Perfect for all aspects of recording,
Main Theatre
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.
The studio offers low pricing for professional and nonprofessional musicians, with sessions starting from just £30 per hour or free for those under 19 years. The studio also offers a range of training courses from introduction to sound recording, to training on
Studio Theatre
Studio 2
Theatre Bar
music software – see the Classes and Workshop page for more information. For more details, to organise a tour, or to book a recording session phone 0161 761 7107 or email info@edwinstreetstudio.com Book a half day Solo Beginners Recording Session for £75 and record, mix and produce your very own track!
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Automatic Café and Malt Bar are firmly established as Bury’s best loved food and drink venue, popular with families, shoppers and theatre goers for The Met.
@AutomaticCafe
The food menu at Automatic offers straight forward classic dishes, luxury breakfasts and sharing platters to hearty home comforts.
/AutomaticLoungeBury
We have a daily Workers Lunch menu for £6 and our Feel Good Friday cocktail offer (2 for £8) is a great way to start the weekend.
Our early evening Two for £10 meal offer is a popular choice available SundayWednesday 5pm-7pm.
Add to this the fine wines menu, four cask ales and an impressive selection of one hundred Whiskies available from our specialist Whiskey bar MALT.
Visit automaticcafe.com for more information To book your table call 0161 763 9399