69 Spring 2015 by Fraser Urquhart Media

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SHARON VAN ETTEN SPRING TRENDS 2015 ESSENTIAL FESTIVALS PHILADELPHIA FLIP STILL F R E E AND EASY

S T Y L E TO M A K E YO U R M O U T H WAT E R . B U T D O N ’ T J U S T TA K E O U R W O R D F O R I T.

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SHARON VAN ETTEN SPRING TRENDS 2015 ESSENTIAL FESTIVALS PHILADELPHIA FLIP STILL F R E E AND EASY

DISCLAIMER: NEXT ISSUE OUT JUNE 2015

46... CRITICAL LIST

COVR SHOT BY HARVEY NICHOLS- see full credits on page 32 He wears – Rick Owens moto bomber, £560; Rick Owens vest, £310. She wears – Balmain monochrome printed body con dress, £1,595.

THE TREND EDIT

No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy in compiling this publication, the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, breach of copyright or otherwise since compilation. The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any material submitted to the publication, not excluding advertisements. The views expressed within this title are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by the Publisher. © 69 Magazine Ltd 2015.

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HAND MA D E IN BIRMINGHAM Birmingham based design house and menswear label P&Co has released its latest collection, BLK + GLD. Inspired by ‘Dark Days and Golden Nights’ the collection features iconic hand drawn designs with a slightly sinister theme: luck. The theme is prominent across the collection which includes t-shirts (£30) and long sleeves (£34) adorned with slogans like ‘Luck Never Hurt Anyone’ and ‘Roll The Bones’. Alongside this, P&Co has released its first leather collection, “Hand Made in Birmingham, England”. Working with one of the best leather manufacturers in Birmingham, the latest product range is unique, raw and built to last. From classic cardholders to worker belts, the “Hand Made in Birmingham, England” collection focuses on the quality and simplicity of the leather that matures over time to create truly unique and individual pieces. To shop the latest P&Co collections, visit www.pand.co

UPFRONT

STEP INTO THE LIGHT One of the most iconic horror films of the eighties has been reimagined. Poltergeist, ready for release this spring has been contemporised by Legendary filmmaker Sam Raimi (“Spiderman,” “Evil Dead”, “The Grudge”) so expect the classic tale about a family whose suburban home is haunted by evil forces to take things up a level. When the terrifying apparitions escalate their attacks and hold the youngest daughter captive, the family must come together to rescue her before she disappears forever. One change that probably won’t go down well with UK viewers is the renaming of missing child Carol Anne to Madison, abbreviated throughout the film as Maddy. Oh, and that clown’s back…

SPRING BEAUTY FIX AT BULLRING AND HIGHCROSS

On 27th–28th March Bullring, Birmingham and on 28th-29th March Highcross, Leicester will host Spring Beauty Fix - giving beauty fans the chance to get the best beauty tips and tricks for the upcoming season. Perfect for shoppers looking for a new lip stick or blusher to step into Spring and banish winter blues for good! As well as a fantastic offering of retailer discounts throughout the weekend, Bullring and Highcross will be hosting a beauty amnesty, giving shoppers an opportunity to swap their old make up and beauty products for a discount to spend on new products in the centre. For more information head to www.bullring.co.uk or www.highcrossleicester.com

FILTHY RICH Located in the heart of Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, Filthy Rich is a one of a kind concept; specialising in exclusive, authentic replicas of iconic jewellery and accessories owned and worn by legends of the past, as well as stylish and glamorous items inspired by today’s biggest celebrities. Each piece comes with its own special story and has been featured on the world’s stage award ceremonies, films and magazines. Whilst they are costume or ‘fashion’ pieces, the high quality materials used throughout, ensure that they have all the glamour, sparkle and shine of the original pieces worn by celebrities. The Jewellery featured is Our 1st Lady suite from our Jackie Kennedy Collection, available in store and online. £49-£80. www.filthyrichonline.com www.filthyrichofderby.co.uk

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IT’S BACK

WIN 48 HOURS OF FASHION 2015 A FANTASTIC MIX OF CHOREOGRAPHED PERFORMANCES AND MASTER CLASSES SHOWCASING THE SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTIONS OF NOTTINGHAM RETAILERS, INCLUDING NATIONAL CHAINS AS WELL AS THE CITY’S INDEPENDENTS, WILL BE PRESENTED TO AUDIENCES AT THE 48 HOURS OF FASHION EVENT WHICH RETURNS TO NOTTINGHAM’S OLD MARKET SQUARE ON FRIDAY 13 AND SATURDAY 14 MARCH. T he shows are free to at t end and t ak e place on th e ho ur ever y hour f r om 12pm to 6pm on the Frid ay and f r om 11am to 5pm on th e Satu r day. The ev ent ’s organis ers, It’s In Not t ingham , as deliver ed by the Nottingham Bus ines s Improveme nt District ( BI D) , aim t o ma ke it bigger t han ev er b efo re, wit h t he ev ent e xp ect ed to at t r ac t th ou sa nds of v is it or s . Be yo nd t he m ar quee will b e f as hion- f oc us ed e ve nts at m any of No ttingham ’s r et ail out let s and a num ber of t he c it y ’s bar s , c af es and r es t aur ant s will be get t ing inv olv ed t oo.

W hat ’s m o r e , I t ’s I n N o t t i n g h a m i s off er ing a m o n e y - c a n ’ t - b u y p r i z e o f a f ull pam p e r a n d m a k e o v e r d a y f r o m t op beau t y a n d s t y l i n g e x p e r t s i n Not t ingha m c i t y c e n t r e , c u l m i n a t i n g i n walk ing do w n t h e c a t w a l k a s p a r t o f t h e ev ent ’s c l o s i n g s h o w i n a n o u t f i t y o u c an k eep. To nom ina t e a f r i e n d o r r e l a t i v e f o r t h e pr iz e, jus t t e l l I t ’s I n N o t t i n g h a m ( i n 1 4 0 c har ac t er s o r l e s s ) w h y t h e y d e s e r v e t heir s t ar t u r n . E i t h e r p o s t o n t h e I t ’s I n Not t ing h a m F a c e b o o k p a g e w i t h t h e nam e of y o u r n o m i n e e a n d w h y t h e y s hould wi n , o r v i a Tw i t t e r, u s i n g t h e has ht ag # s t a r i n f a s h i o n 4 8 o r v i a e m a i l - s end t h e n o m i n a t i o n t o f a s h i o n 4 8 @ not t ingham b i d . c o m . T h e l u c k y w i n n e r will be an n o u n c e d o n F r i d a y 6 M a r c h . “ Fas hio n i s d e e p l y e m b e d d e d i n Not t ingha m ’s h i s t o r y a n d i s p a r t o f t h e v er y ‘f abr i c ’ o f t h e c i t y. ” e x p l a i n s N i c o l a Tidy, a dir e c t o r o f t h e N o t t i n g h a m B I D . “ 48 Hour s o f F a s h i o n i s t h e p e r f e c t w a y t o s how a l l t h a t o u r c i t y h a s t o o ff e r. ” KEEP UP TO DATE WITH 48 HOURS OF FASHION 2015 BY VISITING THE IT’S IN NOTTINGHAM WEBSITE: WWW.ITSINNOTTINGHAM.COM, FACEBOOK PAGE: /ITSINNOTTINGHAM OR ON TWITTER: @ITSINNOTTINGHAM #FASHION48

10 BIGGER AT BULLRING An all new look River Island store opens later this Spring at Bullring. The flagship store will hold all collections including womenswear, menswear Kids and Mini as well as offering an extra-special shopping experience, including in store DJs every pay weekend. The store located on the Upper Mall West will be one of the biggest stores in the country. For more information about the store and opening date visit www.bullring.co.uk

SMOOTH MOVES LATITUDE TICKETS If you’re not rocking some serious beardage, getting that clean, close shave can have irritating side effects like bumps and blemishes. With the right skin care preparation and shave formulas, potential close shave hazards are avoided.

Clinique Face Scrub sloughs off dead skin flakes, excess oil and surface dirt preparing skin for a better shave. Clinique Aloe Shave Gel comforts skin before, during, and after shaving to ensure an ultra-smooth, close shave without the burn. Clinique Cream Shave softens and lifts hair so the razor glides, not drags, across, making it the most suitable for super sensitive types. Clinique Post-Shave Soother relieves shaving irritation, leaving behind nothing more than a soothing, cool, tingly feeling and improved skin texture. It also relieves the appearance of redness and helps skin repair minor nicks and cuts. Clinique For Men’s skincare range is available from Boots, Debenhams, John Lewis and Harvey Nichols. www.69-degrees.co.uk

N OW O N S AL E

Latitude is set to return this July with a spectacular line up to celebrate the 10th Birthday of this multi arts festival. Taking place from Thursday 16th July – Sunday 19th July 2015, in the stunning grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk, Latitude has the reputation of providing the very best in music and the arts with the cream of acts from across the festival’s genres. The festival has grown from strength to strength since its first edition in 2006 and now boasts over 15 stages and arenas set around idyllic lake and woodland grounds alongside an activity-packed Children’s and Inbetweeners’ Areas and a dedicated family campsite. Tickets for Latitude 2015 are on sale now priced at £187.50 for an adult weekend ticket, with the option to spread the cost of a festival ticket over several months with a £50 payment plan. Find out more at www.latitudefestival.com

I AM SPRING I AM A NEW WARDROBE WAITING TO HAPPEN

bullring.co.uk

DRINK M E THESE ARE THE NINE BOTTLES YOU NEVER KNEW YOU NEEDED ... UNTIL NOW! UNUSUAL, QUIRKY AND A LITTLE OUT OF THE ORDINARY; EACH DESERVES TO TAKE PRIDE OF PLACE IN YOUR DRINKS CABINET. THE TEAM AT HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM REVEAL THEIR FAVOURITE SPRINGTIME TIPPLES THAT OFFER SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT. 4: Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, £49.50:

1: Hedonist Ginger & Vanilla Cognac, £39.50: Delicious served neat over ice, this flavoured Cognac also makes an inspired and versatile mixer.

2: Lanique Rose Liqueur Spirit, £37.50: Made with Attar, a pure rose essential oil created by steam distilling thousands of rose petals; it is perfect served with tonic, soda, lemonade or lime.

Bursting with whole fruit blood orange, red berries, orange blossom and a hint of bright lemon, it makes a great cocktail – our favourite blends Solerno, Aperol, orange juice and Prosecco.

7: Bloom Strawberry Cup, £23.50: This exciting new limited edition gin liquor from Bloom is made by steeping fresh English strawberries in Bloom London Dry Gin for a delicious taste of summer. Mix with lemonade or ginger ale or use as a fruity blend in cocktails.

5: Domaine Canton Ginger Liqueur, £43.50: A modern interpretation of a 19th century recipe from Indochina combining rare baby ginger from Vietnam with VSOP and XO Grand Champagne Cognac, ginseng, Tahitian vanilla beans and honey.

8: CÎROC Coconut Vodka, £39.50: Its sweet and refined character comes from an innovative balance of coconut and other tropical fruit essences. Exceptionally smooth and deliciously flavoured.

3: Sohocello Limoncella, £27: Created by Chase Distillery and renowned Soho restaurant Pizza Pilgrims, it’s produced using handpeeled single-origin Amalfi lemons, making it drier and zestier than standard versions.

6: Chase Marmalade Vodka, £42.50:

9: Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur, £19:

Produced in a small batch process where vodka is macerated with real marmalade, this tangy, bitter-sweet tipple is brilliant served on its own or in a variety of mixed drinks.

Produced by macerating tangy spring rhubarb in oriental ginger and adding a twist of lemon zest before infusing with gin. Glorious flavour and the prettiest of pale pink hues!

All bottles featured are available from the in store Wine Shop at Harvey Nichols www.69-degrees.co.uk

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Find out more at your local meeting The Good Shepherd Church Hall Park Road, Shelthorpe, Loughborough LE11 2HJ Thursday 5:15pm Garendon Social Club Thorpe Hill, Loughborough LE11 4SQ Tuesday 5:15pm Church Rooms Church Lane, Quorn, Loughborough LE12 8DP Tuesday 5:30pm Bishop Beveridge Club 22 South Street, Barrow on Soar, Loughborough LE12 8LZ Thursday 5:45pm St. Botolph’s Church Hall Loughborough Road, Shepshed LE12 9DN Thursday 10:00am, 6:00pm The Memorial Hall 105 Leicester Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7AJ Wednesday 6:00pm Methodist Church Main Street, East Leake LE12 6PG Monday 6:30pm Tuesday 6:00pm Whitwick Constitutional Club 8 Silver Street, Whitwick LE67 5ET Saturday 9:30am St. Mary’s Church Hall Church Lane, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AF Monday 7:00pm St. Edward’s Church Hall Church Lane, Castle Donnington DE74 2LA Thursday 6:30pm Community Centre School Street, Syston LE7 1HN Wednesday 5:45pm The Catholic Church Hall Broad Street, Syston LE7 1GH Tuesday 9:30am

Church of Christ the King Beaumont Way, Beaumont Leys, Leicester LE4 1DS Wednesday 6:00pm Methodist Church Hall Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4JS Wednesday 5:45pm Village Hall Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DQ Tuesday 5:45pm Lucy & Vincent Brown Village Hall Attenborough Lane, Attenborough, Nottingham NG9 6AL Thursday 6:45pm New Sawley Methodist Church Tamworth Road, Sawley NG10 3GU Thursday 6:15pm Village Hall (Centenary Lounge) Elm Avenue, Keyworth NG12 5AN Tuesday 6:15pm Park House Stamford Street, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8DL Tuesday 10:00am Thursday 5:45pm United Reformed Church 252a Southchurch Drive, Clifton NG11 9FD Tuesday 9:45am Thursday 6:00pm Epworth Church 44 Blackbird Road, Leicester LE4 0FW Monday 6:00pm St. Peter’s Junior School Basecamp Ashworth Avenue, Ruddington NG11 6GB Wednesday 6:30pm Elizabeth Park Sports and Community Centre Checkland Road, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8FN Wednesday 6:30pm

West Park Leisure Centre Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton NG10 4AA Monday 5:30pm Wednesday 5:45pm The Parish Church of St Anne Letchworth Road, Western Park, Leicester LE3 6FN Wednesday 5:45pm Village Hall Station Road, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester LE9 2EN Thursday 9:15am Bishop Street Methodist Church 10 Bishop Street, Leicester LE1 6AF Wednesday 10:30am, 12:00pm Saturday 9:30am Methodist Church Hall Market Street, Draycott DE72 3NB Monday 6:30pm Methodist Church Uppingham Road, Leicester LE5 0QG Tuesday 6:00pm The West End Working Mens Club & Institute Braunstone Avenue, Leicestershire LE3 1LD Monday 5:00pm Goodwood Bowls & Social Club 276 Uppingham Road, Leicester LE5 2FH Tuesday 9:30am Braunstone Civic Centre Kingsway, Braunstone LE3 2PP Friday 9:45am West Bridgford Conservative Club Rectory Road, West Bridgford NG2 6BE Monday 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am

Victory Club (Ex-Servicemans Club) 75 Station Road, Beeston NG9 2AW Wednesday 10:00am Memorial Hall Church Street, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3HD Tuesday 9:45am Aylestone & District Conservative Club 206 Saffron Lane, Leicester LE2 7NE Tuesday 5:45pm Community Hall Ambleside, Gamston, Nottingham NG2 6NA Tuesday 10:00am, 5:30pm The Lawns Hotel High Street, Chellaston, Derby DE73 6TB Thursday 10:00am Cotgrave Candleby Lane Primary School Candleby Lane, Cotgrave NG12 3JG Thursday 6:15pm Gordon Lacey Hall (Old Scout Hut) Victoria Avenue, Ockbrook, Derby DE72 3RN Wednesday 6:30pm St. Michael’s Church Hall Elvaston Lane, Alvaston, Derby DE24 0PU Friday 5:00pm St. John Boscoe Church Hall 88 Pasley Road, Eyres Monsell, Leicester LE2 9BU Thursday 9:30am, 6:00pm Sapcote Club 19 Hinckley Road, Sapcote, Hinckley LE9 4FS Tuesday 6:00pm Thorpe Astley Community Centre Off Lakin Drive, Thorpe Astley, Leicester LE3 3RU Thursday 6:30pm

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†Purchase Monthly Pass in your first Weight Watchers meeting before 28 February 2015 and pay £10 for the first month upon presentation of this coupon. Note that if you purchase Monthly Pass without a coupon, you will be charged £16.95 for the first month. Monthly fee (currently £21.45) will be payable for all subsequent months until you cancel. Fees subject to change. Available in England, Scotland or Wales. Coupon cannot be transferred, combined with other offers, exchanged for cash or used with At Work. Activation needs to be completed on our website. Available to individuals aged 18 years or older.

BOOZE ON THE BUS It’s time to take al fresco drinking to a new level as The Drinks Bus, an open top double decker 1977 Bristol bus, is hitting the midlands roads with a full dispensing bar downstairs with 20 taps (including real ale) along with a versatile open top deck. The top deck comes with its own separate bar area and wooden floor, with options of seating and tables. This can also be converted to a stage area for live performances. The bus is set to appear at Leicester’s first festival dedicated to the city’s bar, pub and cocktail scene, running from the 22 to 24 May 2015. Wristbands for Leicester Drinks Festival will be on sale soon and you can sign up to join the mailing list at www.leicesterdrinksfestival.com or visit www.the drinksbus.com

EVERYMAN ARRIVES AT THE MAILBOX As part of the mammoth transformation of Birmingham’s iconic Mailbox, boutique cinema brand Everyman Cinemas has opened its doors offering a luxurious made-to-measure environment, delicious food and drink menu and a state-of-the-art sound and vision experience. Situated in the canal side area of the Mailbox, the cinema boasts three screens, showing both national releases and a regularly updated and curated themed film programme powered by Sony 4K digital technology and Dolby integrated sound.

Everyman’s trademark sofa seating can be found in each of the three screens, creating a superior level of comfort, with a private bar to service its largest screen. Everyman’s signature cinema style also includes a handpicked snack selection as well as its unique gourmet ‘Spielburger’ offering, available in the foyer or directly served to your cinema seat. Advance booking for films and events is available online at www.everymancinema.com. to find out more about The Mailbox visit www.mailboxlife.com

CITY SLICKER Diminutive drives have come of age and the new Smart Forfour is the latest in a growing market of mini sized motors that make up for in style what they lack in space. Basically a slightly bigger, four seater version of the Fortwo and priced from £11,620, the Forfour offers a teeny turning circle of just 8.65 metres making it perfect for city traffic. It looks great too and shares the same family look as its smaller sibling as well as the possibility of around 40 exterior colour combinations along with matching interior trims to create your perfect SMART. Find out more at www.uksmart.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

A TASTE OF THE NEW LOOK MAILBOX

YOU R NE W M AI L BO X IS A L M OST H E R E , W IT H P LE N TY TO E X C ITE A N D EN TICE F O L L O W I N G T H E D ES T IN AT ION ’S M A JOR R E D E V E LOP ME N T. FASHION THAT REFLECTS YOU The transformed retail environment will be all about fashion that reflects you – chic and elegant with a dash of panache. The brand new signature Harvey Nichols store will more than double in size to house even more of your favourite luxury brands, featuring the very latest in retail technology and an innovative new layout engineered to capitalise on daylight. Alongside Harvey Nichols, the Mailbox is also bringing back some of your favourite brands with an exciting new look and extended ranges, including Hugo Boss, Emporio Armani, L.K. Bennett, Jaeger and Gieves and Hawkes, with more new retailers on the way too. YOUR 24-7 DESTINATION The new Mailbox will be an entertainment hub with a fantastic mix of bars, restaurants and a brand new three-screen cinema. Everyman Cinemas is bringing premium film entertainment to the Midlands for the first time, with luxurious sofa seating and stylish bar and lounge areas complete with the very latest in digital projection. Whether it’s a quick bite to eat after shopping, after-work drinks with colleagues or a leisurely meal with loved ones, the Mailbox’s vibrant and stunning canalside location creates the most stylish setting at any time of day or night. Opening in March, a new addition to the existing range of bars and restaurants is www.69-degrees.co.uk

Gas Street Social. The neighbourhood urban kitchen is inspired by the industrial and cultural context of Birmingham’s rich history and will serve up a seasonal taste of European sharing dishes, regional and international craft beers, fine wines and signature cocktails. YOU TALKED, THEY LISTENED One of the most significant changes to the look and feel of the Mailbox is the new stunning, sky-lit glass roof. As well as providing protection from the sometimes unpredictable British weather, the roof creates a light and airy environment as the perfect backdrop for luxury shopping. The redevelopment will also transform the entire retail mall, complete with impressive shop window designs and sleek store frontages. An elegant and inviting “Urban Room” will be created to provide visitors with a comfortable place to relax, gather and dine in a stress-free environment, all under-cover. There’s plenty to look forward to when the exciting new Mailbox opens this Spring, but don’t stay away until then: Harvey Nichols, Emporio Armani, Nicky Clarke, Toni & Guy and BBC Birmingham remain open throughout, along with the bars, restaurants, hotels and car park. To be the first to know about the most up-to-date news and information, visit www.mailboxlife.com

MAGNIFICENT MAL Our friends at Malmaison (Birmingham) know a thing about celebrating in style: from Weddings and Civil Partnerships to milestone birthdays, anniversaries and every other excuse for an event, they’ve got your back. With a dedicated team of Party Planners, we know from experience that your every whim is their command, all wrapped-up in one of the most stylish spaces in the Second City. 2015 is a big year for Malmaison - we shall call it a #Malstone year - as they embark on a period of multi-million pound refurbishment across the hotel, including their much-loved bar and restaurant area, which is due to be publicly unveiled later this Spring, closely followed by bedroom upgrades, which is sure to see the luxury hotel brand back at the top of its game.

WIN!

To celebrate, Malmaison is offering one lucky reader of SIXTYNINE DEGREES (+ guest) a chance to win BIG. The lucky duo will be treated to an overnight B&B stay at the stunning hotel, which is perfectly located for both shopping and socialising! If that’s not enough, they’ll also enjoy Cocktails and Dinner for Two at the new-look Malmaison restaurant.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over to the SIXTYNINE DEGREES Facebook page and Like/Share the Malmaison Competition post. You can also access and share from www.69-degrees.co.uk. A winner will be chosen at random. Closing date is May 1st 2015.

Specialising in handcrafted fine jewellery, diamonds and bespoke wedding rings. Onsite workshop for commissions, repairs and restoration. High quality silver jewellery.

T E

0116 2705375

enquiries@wilkinsongoldsmiths.co.uk W

wilkinsongoldsmiths.co.uk

4 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, LE2 2DA

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RET RO GAMER

Almost 35 years after its original launch, the Sinclair Spectrum Vega games computer is to be released giving gamers with a penchant all things eighties the ultimate in retro gaming experiences. Simple to use, the console plugs straight into your TV and comes complete with around 1,000 retrotastic games built-in.

The first production run has already sold out so register your interest now at www.indiegogo.com/ projects/sinclair-zx-spectrum-vega

BEAUTIES AND THE BEATS The sun may rise in the east but at least the Lady Boys of Bangkok are coming with it! Back to the midlands with a brand new show ‘Beauties and the Beats’, expect frantic fun, lively laughter and unabated euphoria from Friday 27th March to Saturday 11th April, in the Sabai Pavilion, Market Place, Derby. This year’s furious fever-pitch of a show includes 16 of Thailand’s most alluring and arresting Lady Boys who are here in the UK for a record breaking 17th season since they made their debut at Edinburgh Fringe. The show contains more than 200 specially designed lavish costumes backed by an eclectic mix of musical genres including movie hits, pop favourites and a splash of dance added to keep the rave going long into the night! With ticket and meal packages to suit any needs from Hen Parties to Birthday Celebrations, alongside two fully licenced and well stocked bars, a night with The Ladyboys really is unmissable. Book your tickets at www.ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk or call 08717050705 (10p BT per min)

www.69-degrees.co.uk

CANCER HAS NO AGE LIMIT March 2015 is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Research charity Ovarian Cancer Action tells us cancer knows no age-limit. and why everyone should know if they’re at risk. Ovarian cancer isn’t as wellknown as some other female cancers despite being the fifth most common female cancer, with more than 7,000 diagnoses in the UK each year. Ovarian cancer is oftassociated with women over the age of 50 and whilst it is true that some 80% of the women diagnosed each year are 50 plus, that leaves one in five who are younger. Given that the UK has one of the lowest survival rates in Western Europe, with a woman dying from Ovarian Cancer every two hours, that figure is not to be scoffed at. Younger women need to be aware of this disease too. An important part of this awareness is asking your family questions about their medical history. While genetics are certainly not the only factor in determining whether a younger woman will develop Breast or Ovarian Cancer, it is an important area to explore if you suspect you may be at risk. Almost one in five (17%) women with ovarian cancer carries a BRCA gene mutation, which could have been passed down through their family. We all have BRCA genes but the likelihood of developing Ovarian Cancer if you have a mutation in one of these genes increases from one in 52, to one in two. Knowing you’re at risk, even if you don’t have Cancer, gives you

the option to take preventative measures. Think Angelina Jolie, who had a preventative double mastectomy in 2013 after finding out she had a mutated BRCA gene. She inherited the gene from her mother, who sadly died of Ovarian Cancer. HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M AT RISK? If you have just one relative with Ovarian or Breast Cancer this is likely to have happened by chance and not due to an inherited gene mutation. You may be at a higher risk of developing Ovarian Cancer if two or more of your relatives who are blood related to each other have had Ovarian Cancer or if there have been multiple cases of breast and/or ovarian cancer in your family. CAN I BE TESTED FOR BRCA 1/2 GENE MUTATIONS? If you appear to have a strong family medical history of Cancer you should discuss this with your GP. If your GP thinks that you

have a significant family history, they will refer you to your nearest genetics clinic for a blood test. Ovarian Cancer Action has created an online BRCA risk assessment test, an online calculator to help you explore your family history and make an informed decision about whether you should consider being tested for BRCA 1/2 gene mutations. Find it at ovarian.org.uk/brca-risk-tool

O VA R I A N

CANCER

THE MAIN SYMPTOMS

Persistent stomach pain, bloating or increased stomach size. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly Needing to urinate more frequently The key features of the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer are that they are presistent, frequent, new and unusual to you. For more information visit www.ovarian.org.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

MOVE SHAKe MAKE TEN OF THE MIDLAND’S MOST CREATIVE MOVERS AND SHAKERS THIS SPRING

CAVALOGY

DEBORAH ‘DEBRIS’ STEVENSON

Debris found poetry at 16 where words enabled her to navigate her dyslexia. She followed her passion through a creative and professional writing degree at The University of Nottingham and an MA in creative writing at Loughborough University. A social carrier pigeon, Leicester’s Curve Theatre associate Artist, Jerwood Arvon Mentee and Artistic Director has recently been awarded £88,000 to develop her collective, The Mouthy Poets. Debris is particularly interested in the alternative narrative and vocabulary that poetry provides for those struggling with education, sexuality, disability and mental health. Find out more at www.debrisstevenson.co.uk or see her at Curve’s Inside Out festival which runs this April www.curveonline.co.uk

BECCI WRIGHT AND KARL PARAGREEN

NOTTINGHAM

Cavology is an exciting new creative retail space, based in Cobden Chambers, hidden away just off Pelham Street and accessed via a narrow passageway. Inspired by its location, Cavology is a shop of hidden treasures. Everything stocked there is designed by local businesses and artists; it’s packed full of gifts, trinkets, homewares, accessories, music, literature, fashion and is collectively managed and run as a makers’ collective for emerging designer-makers and graduate artists. The aim is to provide flexible, affordable and fair opportunities for students and graduates; enabling them to gain their first experience of doing business on the UK High Street. The shop has been set up and supported by The Hive, Nottingham Trent University’s business incubator hub that supports student and graduate business ideas. It currently hosts over 30 student and graduate creative businesses offering ‘affordable high-end lifestyle brand’ products. Visit and be inspired at: Cavology, Cobden Chambers, Pelham Street, Notttingham www.cavology.co.uk

This creative duo run Street Art Birmingham and are organisers of City of Colours Festival which drew a crowd of over 9,000 people- one of Birmingham’s best attended festivals in 2014. A celebration of urban art forms, the festival transformed Digbeth’s streets into a sea of colour. Alongside live painting and illustration, there was break dancing, six music stages showcasing some of the city’s best DJs, live illustration and beat box battles, graffiti, dance, photography, screen printing, spoken word plus music workshops went on throughout the day and amazingly the whole thing was organised in Becci and Karl’s spare time. To find out more or get involved visit www.cityofcolours.co.uk

www.69-degrees.co.uk

CAVALOGY NTU Graphic Design graduate Katie Abey (www.katieabey.com)

21 P

E PROVIDE’s core is its clothing brand, but it also

stands out for the eclectic range of products on offer. There are few other shops where you could pick up a t-shirt, hot sauce and a fashion magazine. Coming up in 2015, owner Matt will be bringing back ‘PROVIDE cinema’ documentary screenings, introducing new designers into his range and announcing some exciting collaborations, including one around the controversial knocking down of the Old Birmingham library. To find out more: Pop into the shop at the Custard Factory, Digbeth, Birmingham or visit provideshop.com @provideshop

MIDLANDS FASHION AWARDS 2014 YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

Inspired by the history and teachings of Japanese Martial Arts that has been translated into a modern day look for the chic and powerful women, Coventry University fashion graduate Kamilla Jones was named Young Designer of the Year at Midland’s Fashion Awards 2014. Shortly after graduating from the Coventry University in June 2014, Kamilla showcased her collection in the catwalk show at the Awards and annual event held in Birmingham. With the collection focused on oversized over coats, wraps and loose fitting clothing, Kamillia’s intention was for each look to have an empowering presence on and off the catwalk, creating a strong modern look that every women would want to wear. Find out more at www.midlandsfashionawards.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

MOVE SHAKe MAKE N OT H I N G N E W In July 2010, Lucy Pratt was challenged to not buy anything new for 6 months, which initially terrified her, but soon she sucked it up and realised that with her skills on the sewing machine, she could liberate her sense of fashion and transform her old/ vintage/charity shop clothes into exactly the style she wanted to wear. Soon this grew into her business, Nothing New. Based in The Custard Factory, it offers upcycled and vintage fashion, bespoke dress making, tailoring and sewing tuition workshops- the perfect gift for crafty friends and loved ones? Where do we sign? Find out more at www.iamnothingnew.co.uk

IN2COLLISION

Creative entrepreneur and emerging poet Sophie-Louise Hyde has launched a new creative services brand, In2Collision, to offer Editing, Copywriting and Publication Preparation, as well as helping to establish new creative projects. The service follows on from one of her most successful projects to date, the award-winning, student writing organisation, The Student Wordsmith, through which Sophie has run numerous national writing competitions and published two collections which are now available on Amazon. Sophie will be opening submissions for her new student writing journal, The Purple Breakfast Review, set to be published quarterly with the first issue being p u b l i s h e d in March. For more information visit www.in2collision.co.uk or www.thestudentwordsmith.com

SHEEP SOUP

If you’re going to start a young theatre company then why not call it Sheep Soup. Devised to provide audiences with engaging and accessible original productions, Sheep Soup champion exciting collaborations with a diverse artistic community with the aim of providing an unforgettable theatre experience. Their latest production, Mrs Green: The Musical, is inspired by The Mighty Boosh, Flight of the Conchords and Aretha Franklin and tells the story of a forgotten singer-songwriter now residing in a council flat in a suburb of Nottingham. An agony aunt for her local community, Mrs Green self-medicates her arthritis with home-grown marijuana and eases the troubles of her many friends with the songs of her riotous past. On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, she’s invited the whole gang round for a chaotic knees-up and some big news…

Sheep Soup will be performing as part of Curve’s Inside Out Festival in April. For more information visit www.curveonline.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

Hailing from the West Midlands, Chord are Anthony La Pusata, Darren Barnard and Girish Patel who toegther meticulously assemble a lush and layered musical narrative. Contributing to the post Brit-pop tradition of bands like Travis, Snow Patrol and New Order, Chord fuses together delicate textures with driving pianos, synths and guitar work, seamlessly transitioning between spare and intimate ballads to soaring, declarative anthems. Unusually, they have chosen to give away their second album track by track before its full release in December. Subscribers will receive a track each month until the work’s completion so by the end of the year followers will own the entire album absolutely free plus receive a special eBook full of lyrics, song and lyric explanations, videos, artwork and photos. Listen to new track ‘Somewhere’ at wearechord.com

YA M I N A T I O N

S T U D I O S

Drew Roper is the founder and director of Yamination Studios – an animation company developing shorts, promo’s and commercials specialising in stop frame animation. Amongst their commercial work last year they helped create sets and props for the Cravendale advert ‘Barry The Biscuit Boy’ and for Coca-Cola’s Superbowl advert ‘Building’. Based in Digbeth, Birmingham’s creative quarter, Drew and Head of Art Department, Yossel Simpson-Little, have worked on productions such as Wes Anderson’s Hollywood blockbuster Fantastic Mr Fox, Aardman TV Series ‘Shaun the Sheep’ and Walt Disney’s ‘Frankenweenie’ directed by Tim Burton. Their latest projects include Sky Arts commissioned ‘Atissue’, an innovative short film about never giving up on yours dreams, and ‘The Pigeon Boy, another short in development for broadcast about a young boy and his beloved pigeons who ultimately play a central role in winning World War II. Find out more at www.yamination.com

Sharon Va n E t t e n

Holding on

www.69-degrees.co.uk

25 “I can’t wait to be afraid of nothing.” The opening lines of Sharon Van Etten’s fourth album, Are We There, shot an arrow into the hearts of fans and critics alike when it was released last year as she once again opened her diary up to lay bare her love, relationships and fears. this vulnerability, coupled with the album’s raw Americana soul, is something that’s had Sharon, once again, become the artist you want as your best friend or girlfriend writes, SIXTYNINE degrees’ Marie Wood. Calling Sharon as she’s on her way out of the UK it instantly feels like talking to someone you already know. “Sorry for the weird reception,” she says apologising needlessly down the crystal clear phone line. “It’s so crazy to think I’m travelling to France in a tunnel right now!” Pointing out the weirdness of travelling on the Eurostar has to be one of the best icebreakers and the second best, as we quickly find out, is pot. “It’s funny as people think I was talking about doing another record, but I was talking about smoking weed!” She says with fits of laughter when we ask her if the line, “People say I’m one hit wonder, but what happens when I have two” on album closer ‘Every Time The Sun Comes Up’ was her prophesying another hit album. “I was really stoned when I wrote those lyrics and I didn’t think they’d be used on the record.” There was no way of knowing ‘Are We There’ would be a hit, but it was an album Sharon did know had to be one completely of her own making. Her previous album, ‘Tramp’, was recorded with The National’s Aaron Dessner and a host of other collaborators. Upon its release and the subsequent flurry of critical accolades, Sharon was very vocal in saying that it was a success she was insecure in saying was her own. “I have middle child syndrome” she explains. “When people take me under their wing sometimes I turn into that little kid again and get defiant and say, ‘I can do this myself.’” As a result Sharon set out to make this record with just her and her band, no one else. “Two of the core members of my band have been playing with me since 2011 and one before that” she reveals. “I’d write all the songs and then I’d come into the studio and they help me flesh them out”. Not that she regrets working with Dessner, “I learned a lot from him and if I hadn’t worked with him I don’t think I would have been as confident to work on this record on my own and take charge of it.” ‘Are We There’ is a deeply personal album, but that goes without saying for a Sharon Van Etten record. Since her beautifully stark debut ‘Because I Was In Love’, Sharon has shared with disarming www.69-degrees.co.uk

26 openness her relationship experiences, however harrowing and intimate. “I don’t think I write pop songs; I don’t think they’re easy to swallow,” she says with a nervous laugh. These songs wrestle with subjects everyone can instantly relate to but are usually too scared to reveal: the unquenchable grief of heartbreak, the pain of failing relationships and the fear of loneliness; it’s a common ground that has made her, for better or worse, something of a poster girl for the lost and broken hearted. “I just feel a responsibility,” she says. “I wonder why people are connecting to these really bad songs and I hope that it’s in a healthy way. It’s not only heavy for other people it’s heavy for me too because I wrote them”. Before adding with a sense of desperation, “I don’t think I can handle these lyrics anymore, not in a performance aspect.” It’s always easy to dismiss an artist when they say in a fit of exhaustion they’re going to jack it all in, go solo or, worse, go reggae. But, as Sharon keeps talking it becomes clear with every weary syllable that this struggle of reliving her break-ups night after night and the sense of responsibility she feels to her fans is becoming difficult to live with. “People talk to me and ask me questions”, she starts to explain. “I remind them that I also have no idea when they come to me looking for advice telling me stories. I appreciate they can access my music, but sometimes you get scared how people are looking for advice because I don’t know”. She obviously adores her fans, but being everyone’s confidant is a heavy cross for anyone to bear. “I have been open and I want to be that person, but it does get tiring after a while”. Then adding with a sense of resignation, “it’s a bed I made.” Onstage, she tries to lighten the mood and show fans that she’s more than the tortured soul everyone wants artists to be. “I make jokes all the time”, she says. “I think it helps to remind people that that’s just one side of me, it’s not my whole self.” There’s a growing weariness in her voice as she goes on to reveal that it’s been almost five years since she had proper time off. “I haven’t really had www.69-degrees.co.uk

a real break since 2009/10 between touring and recording. I haven’t sort of connected to my life.” This skewed work/life balance was something that informed most of the material on ‘Are We There’; tracks like ‘I Love You But I’m Lost’ search for ways to make a relationship survive, (“Turn me into something great, you know that that’s the only way”) and ‘I Know’ is a desperate plea to keep a love intact (“Hold on, hold on, all I ever wanted was you”). “I think it’s something I’ve learnt that I have to have a better balance of,” Sharon says about her current situation. “But, it’s really hard to do…constantly working and thinking about this mess, I have no idea what’s going to happen.” If Sharon really is going to retire from being a confessional singer songwriter, what’s next? “I’ll always write in that way, but I just don’t know how I’ll share it,” she says somewhat reassuringly. “I’ll always write as a form of therapy for me but I think what I share with people will be different songs …the ones that are personal I’ll keep to myself.” Instead she’s looking to collaborate again to take the pressure off all the attention being on her shoulders. “I’d like to experiment in other ways of writing and recording with other people, it’s too heavy for myself.” After already working closely with her band on ‘Are We There’ she sees this as her most obvious future path. “I’m hoping down the line we can do some more writing together...I think maybe I should embrace my strengths of writing progressions, choruses and melodies and then let somebody else take it from there.” And, there’s also, she says another, somewhat unexpected, plan B. “Becoming a therapist, that would be me in another life. I want to figure out how to do both.” For now though there’s still a little more time to enjoy the work her fans have come to know and love as she heads out on another UK tour. “We’re looking forward to coming back to the UK. We had a great time last time we came through.” She’ll also take time to, as she always does, to write. “I have a lot of demos when I’m in the van I like to write lyrics too.” Whether we get to hear these songs is still unknown, but in the meantime just remember to laugh at her jokes. Are We There – out now. www.sharonvanetten.com

DESIGNER BRANDS FOR UP TO 60% LESS.

ALL YEAR ROUND.

EastMidlandsDesignerOutlet.com

MAKE A STATEMENT

HER STYLE

STREET STYLE

HIS STYLE

Versace tropical sweatshirt, £815, Harvey Nichols

HERE’S OUR S/S15 EDIT FOR MEN AND WOMEN AS WELL AS ‘MAKE A STATEMENT’, SHOT EXCLUSIVELY FOR SIXTYNINE DEGREES BY HARVEY NICHOLS.

STYLE LIST

THIS SEASON HARVEY NICHOLS SETS THE FASHION TRAIL ABLAZE WITH A HOST OF EXCITING COLLECTIONS FROM SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN FASHION. KENZO, RICK OWENS, STELLA MCCARTNEY, VICTORIA BECKHAM AND VERSACE SERVE UP KEY TRENDS INCLUDING MONOCHROME, CLASHING PRINTS, FAIRYTALE FEATHERS AND SEVENTIES CHIC.

Make a Statement

Clockwise from left: Balmain monochrome printed body con dress, £1,595, Rick Owens moto bomber, £560; Rick Owens leather biker pants, £1,545; Rick Owens vest, £310. She wears - Balmain crochet rubbed body dress, £905. He wears - Neil Barrett sweatshirt, £250. www.69-degrees.co.uk

Clockwise: Stella McCartney Lucy blossom compact knit stripe top, £495; Kenzo Victoria Beckham feather dress, £1,100.

skirt, £475; Stella McCartney pouch clutch, £85. Victoria Kenzo “Les Mis” knit, £325.

All products featured are available from Harvey Nichols. This spring sees the opening of the company’s brand new showpiece store in the Mailbox. In the meantime, the current store remains open. CREDITS:Photographer: Jenny Brough. Photographer’s Assistant: Tom Griffiths. Models: Kriss at IMG and Rob at Nemesis. Makeup: Lesley Mathieson and Rebecca Fletcher at Space NK.Hair: Charles Rose and Steve Robinson at Electric Hair. Styling: Harvey Nichols. www.69-degrees.co.uk

www.69-degrees.co.uk

Jumpsuit ÂŁ59 Miss Selfridge

HER STYLE

JUMP TO IT Carlo Pazolini £345 www.carlopazolini.com

McQ Alexander McQueen cropped jumpsuit, £390, Harvey Nichols

McQ Alexander McQueen suede clutch, £265. Harvey Nichlols

Chunky Gold Bobble Bracelet £30 www.filthyrichofderby.co.uk

Orla Kiely flower tote £269 House of Fraser

Juicycouture Blooming Verbena Silk Romper £250

Michael Kors House of Fraser £160 F&F Yellow Flower Jumpsuit £17

Vivienne Westwood Anglomani Hope Print Jumpsuit, £550,Cruise Fashion

THE JUMPSUIT IS BACK

Quiz £29 House of Fraser JL Collection, Libby Clutch blue, £39

Red Herring Jumpsuit £35 Debenhams @Bullring & @Highcross

Malene Birger Lilas Jumpsuit, £325, Cruise Fashion

Guess Watch £99

Carlo Pazolini £395 www.carlopazolini.com

J by Jasper Conran Hat Debenhams

From gallery launch to lunch with the girls, look out for oversized straps, tie belts and fastenings.

YLE ADD SOME SEVENTIES ST AVIATORS TO COMPLETE THE LOOK- RAYBAN £117 k sunglasses-shop.co.u

THAT 70's SHOW From far-out florals and fabulous fringes to kaftans, wedges and flares, this season the designers are proving the Seventies definitely wasn’t the decade that style forgot. Take your cue from the catwalks: at Just Cavalli, Stella McCartney and Gucci it was all about high-waisted denim; while Saint Laurent, Tommy Hilfiger and MaxMara opted for a retro revival with bold power flowers. Chanel, Chloé and Michael Kors showcased suede, adding a modern twist on hippy-influenced styling. So be inspired by your favourite 70s style icon (ours is so Diane Keaton) and indulge in some 70s chic, a la HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM. 1

1: Alice + Olivia floral maxi skirt, £585. 2: Isabel Marant Étoile leather shirt, £605. 3: M Missoni chunky cotton dress, £335. 4: McQ Alexander McQueen swallow bracelet, £55. 5: M Missoni knitted jacket, £425. 6:Gucci over-sized sunglasses, £189. 7: 7 For All Mankind jeans, £175. 8: Michael Kors shoulder bag, £260. 9: Michael Kors leather wedge sandals, £140. 10: Michael Michael Kors printed crepe top, £125. 11: Proenza Schouler fringed satchel, £1,095. 12: Saint Laurent fringed suede espadrille boots, £355 5

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All products are available from Harvey Nichols either in store or online at harveynichols.com. This spring sees the launch of the new showpiece Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox, which will offer customers an extended range of womenswear from some of the most sought-after brands. www.69-degrees.co.uk

WIN at next Next have unveiled a forward thinking collection for Spring ’15, mixing key catwalk trends with wardrobe classics. Bold prints contrast with soft pastels and texture is a must across clothing and accessories – think fringing, embossing and laser cut detailing in abundance. Folk Fusion sees strong bohemian influences with fringing, delicate embroidery, Aztec prints and butter soft suede jackets. Focus is shifting from figure hugging skinny jeans to hipbalancing kickflares – team with utility shirts, platform sandals, tasselled tops and lots of crochet for an effortlessly on trend look. In contrast, bold florals were another key catwalk trend for Spring 15 and this can be seen in a colour palette of green, coral, yellow and white throughout the Bloom collection. Spring Greens sees a continuation of the floral trend with botanical prints of the great outdoors adorning bomber jackets, tapered trousers and jumpsuits, accompanied with colour block separates for a fresh day-to-evening look. For a subtler spring look, a monotone palette highlights the emphasis on detailing with cut

out work on jumpsuits, dresses, racer back crop tops and mesh sweaters. A sports-luxe influence is present throughout, with wide leg scratch print trousers and shorts worn with sleeveless cable knit sweaters. For a splash of colour, cobalt blue is added in to the mix . If this wasn’t enough to make you grab your purse and hot-foot it down to your nearest Next, we have a little something extra to entice you…

WIN WIN WIN WIN We’ve teamed up with the lovely people at Next to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a £250 shopping spree at their local Next store!

For your chance to win visit www.6 9 -degr ees.co.uk and click on competitions. Terms and Conditions apply.

DA R E TO BARE One of the most talked about trends from the Spring/Summer 2015 catwalks was not the colour palettes or prints, instead it was the fact that some designers opted for a complete no makeup look to showcase their collections. So take your inspiration from Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, Hugo Boss, Dries Van Noten and Jonathan Saunders and prove that less really is more. Just make sure your skin is up to the job! HELEN GOUGH, from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, selects this season’s skincare saviours. Elemis Daily Redness Relief, £51

Magnitone Lucid Facial Cleanser, £70

Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel, £47

Radical Skincare Advanced Serum, £125

Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser, £27

StriVectin LABS High Performance Booster Oil, £49

Dr. Pawpaw Tinted Ultimate Red Balm, £6.95

NARS Restorative Night Treatment, £65

Crème De La Mer The Concentrate, £330.

Santaverde Age Protect Facial Oil, £38

All products are available from SpaceNK and Beyond Beauty at Harvey Nichols Birmingham. This spring sees the launch of the new Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox, which will offer customers an even greater range of skincare, cosmetics and fragrances from some of the most sought-after brands. www.69-degrees.co.uk

STAY SMOOTH BYE BYE Blow dry bar, at least that is the idea behind the Straight’n’Go, a dual sided brush with ceramic plates designed to make straightening hair at home a breeze. The ceramic plates work with your hairdryer to smooth and straighten your hair, while the bristles untangle and add shine. The vented design allows air to circulate freely through the brush for fast drying, whilst the interlocking row of bristles gently slide through your hair creating a shiny, silky appearance. The easy grip handle allows you to keep a firm hold, and remains cool while you use it. We’re sold! Straight’n’Go is available for £9.99 from www.highstreettv.com

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Barrie

CELEBRITY INSPIRED COLLECTIONS

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER 15% ONLINE DISCOUNT* OFFER CODE 69MAGAZINE Vist us at filthyrichonline.com

*Offer valid until 31st May 2015

Model wearing Carrie Necklace and Princess M Earrings.

Filthy Rich Derby I 32 Cornmarket I Derby I DE1 2DG filthyrichonline.com

www.69-degrees.co.uk

Ellie Dress and jacket: Label Lab in House of Fraser, Boots: Dune, Necklace: Oasis

Ellie

Molly & Jacob

StreetStyle

THE SIXTYNINE DEGREES STYLE POLICE WERE ON PATROL IN NOTTINGHAM CHECKING OUT THE LATEST SPRING SUMMER LOOKS AND HOW TO WEAR THEM IN CELEBRATION OF MARCH’S 48 HOURS OF FASHION.

Clothing, boots and accesories Dr Martens

Jacket: Vintage in Sue Ryder, Shirt: Aquascutum

Jamar

Joel

Coat, dress and Shoes by French Connection

Ellie Jumper, Shirt and Jeans by Jack Wills

41 Romario Blazer and shirt: We Are Cow,Trousers: Ralph Lauren, Boots: Dr Martens

Helen Scarf, Jumper and Skirt by Fat Face

Jumper, shirt and trousers by Jack Wills

James

Saul Daisy Jacket, top and jeans: We Are Cow Boots: Dr Martens

Jacket, jumper, shirt and trousers by French Connection

48 HRS OF FASHION IS BACK Nottingham’s retailers showcased their Spring/ Summer styles for SIXTYNINE DEGREES in a warm up for the city’s 48 Hours of Fashion, which returns to the Old Market Square on Friday 13th – Saturday 14th March. The event is expected to attract people from across the East Midlands and beyond and will feature choreographed catwalk displays of the latest collections from national chains all the way through to Nottingham’s brilliant independent retailers.

Jacket, shirt, Tshirt and jeans by Ark Clothing

Shana

STRIKE A POSE

Competitions, fashion master-classes, a revolving catwalk, in-store activities and even special offers at local bars, cafes and restaurants all add up to make this 2-day event one not to miss. Organised by It’s In Nottingham, delivered by the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), the shows will be free to attend and take place on the hour every hour from 12pm to 6pm on the Friday and from 11am to 5pm on the Saturday. For more info, check out www.itsinnottingham.com

www.69-degrees.co.uk

HIS STYLE www.69-degrees.co.uk

Outfit by Topman

OPPOSITES AT TRACT

There may not be anything new about black and white, but it’s easy to see why its remains the classic go-to every season. For the new season, the runways proved monochrome can be both subtle and bold – from dramatic colour blocking and layering to detailed embroidery. JAMES BURKE, Menswear Manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, chooses his new season highlights. 1 2

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1: Alexander McQueen panelled jogging trousers, £570. 2: Alexander McQueen printed holdall, £1,195. 3: Alexander McQueen silk skull scarf, £156. 4: Blood Brother T-shirt, £45. 5: Briston watch, £200. 6: Buscemi embroidered hi-top trainers, £785. 7: Fear of God shorts, £260. 8: Haculla bomber jacket, £295. 9: Haculla printed top, £55. 10: Jimmy Choo houndstooth skate shoes, £395. 11: McQ Alexander McQueen bat tattoo vest, £90. 12: SVSTVM bones sweatshirt, £45.

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All products are available from Harvey Nichols either in store or online at harveynichols.com. This spring sees the launch of the new showpiece Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox, which will offer customers extended menswear collections from some of the most sought-after brands. www.69-degrees.co.uk

BEAUTY THIEF MEN’S GROOMING WITH JOHN PAUL McGUIRK From our favourite shirts to our comfiest of sweats, the girls have long been raiding our wardrobes. Now it’s time for the men to take something back ... or borrow it at least! Check out her bathroom cabinet and discover the best beauty buys for girls that also work wonders for guys. From 24-hour moisturisers to dry shampoo, these are the beauty must-haves he – and she – shouldn’t be without. REN Vita Mineral Emollient Rescue Cream, £19: A great all-rounder and an ideal choice for those adverse to a grooming routine. Chuck it in your gym bag for a post workout preen or use it in the morning before you head out. Burt’s Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion, £10: Apply after a shower, a work-out or before bed as this hard-working musthave is clinically proven to moisturise for up to 24 hours. Once a week is the only commitment needed! NARS concealer, £18: Concealers are a quick and easy cover-up for those pesky spots. Available in a range of skin tones, dab a tiny amount and blend with your finger. Simple! Percy & Reed dry shampoo, £12: A no-fuss refresh for your hair without the need to shower, this one’s been a ladies trick for a long time now. Use dry shampoo to instantly restyle your hair. St Tropez Dark Bronzing Spray, £26: There’s nothing wrong with faking it these days! This spray tan is one of the most popular on the market and is easy to apply. For a fine finish, use the mitt to smooth on evenly. Tweezerman slanted tweezers, £20.50: An absolute must steal, after all, no one finds a mono-brow attractive. Use tweezers to carefully pluck out any additional wanderers and neaten everything up in between.

BRAND

FOCUS:

Taking his inspiration from ingredients used by traditional healers, Dr Jackson has spent nearly two decades researching in laboratories around the world to create his innovative skincare products. Available exclusively in Birmingham at Harvey Nichols, the collection offers a range of hard-working must-haves that improve tone, alleviate dry skin and deeply moisturise. This trio should be making their way into your wash bag now!

DR 1

JACKSON 3

1: Dr Jackson’s Skin Cream 02, £80. 2: Dr Jackson’s Coconut Melt lip balm, £10. 3: Dr Jackson’s Face Oil 03, £55. A l l p roducts fea tur e d ar e avai l abl e f r om H arvey Nic hols Bir mi ngham . 2

POP ART

Dolce and Gabbana Tile Print T Shirt, £220, Cruise Fashion

Luke1977- yamsgonaya- white £40

Versus printed T-shirt, £165 Harvey Nichols

id rom ac f : s w ts, big ne n prin i nt are e i t r s P n & ichte Colour s to L key. y e l i m s hic is c k o house o comicb

Creative Recreation Grenade Sweatshirt, £65, Cruise Fashion

Luke 1977Because I’m Worth It T-shirt £40

Anerkjendt T-Shirt £30 at House of Fraser

Versus jogging trousers, £240. Harvey Nichols

Anerkjendt Jellyfish T-Shirt £30 at House of Fraser

Office Sydney white polka dot boat shoes £79.99 www.69-degrees.co.uk

CRITICAL LI

MAD MAX FURY ROAD. RELEASE DATE 15TH MAY www.69-degrees.co.uk

IST

FROM THE SMALL SCREEN TO THE BIG STAGE, CONSOLE TO CLUB. IF IT’S WORTH SEEING,HEARING OR DOING, THEN IT’S HERE... FESTIVAL

TRAVELLER

THE A LIST

AUDIOPHILE

SOCIALITE

LAST WORD

74 www.69-degrees.co.uk

THE ESSENTIAL FESTIVAL

2015 GUIDE: PART 1 AN INDIAN SUMMER An Indian Summer is a crossarts festival that gives people of all backgrounds and ages the chance to experience the rich and varied culture of India; celebrating and promoting film, food, theatre, music, dance, art, comedy and education inspired by South Asia, its people at home and abroad. The 10 day festival takes place at several venues around Leicester and will be running from 19th 28th June 2015. Facebook: An Indian Summer Twitter: @AISFestival www.indiansummer.org.uk

BEARDED

THEORY

FESTIVAL

This year’s acts include The Buzzcocks, James, Alabama 3, British Sea Power, Cara Dillon, Neville Staple from The Beat. At the beautiful location of Catton Hall (South Derbyshire) it’s nice and rural - ideal for sunsets and lounging on the grass. The festival offers the best value for money - £87 for a full weekend (adult) ticket - plus you’re actually allowed to bring your own booze! Great for families too – there’s a children’s area and tickets for kids (6-11) are just £20 for the full weekend. Mr Motivator will also be making an appearance, and I’m sure the local farmyard animals will be getting involved too (especially the goats since they already have beards...) 21st – 24th May 2015 www.beardedtheory.co.uk

SPLENDOUR

This summer the 20,000 Splendour Festival crowd can enjoy the two-tone revival thanks to The Specials who will be bringing their infectious blend of two-tone Jamaican ska and punk energy to the festival’s main stage in the beautiful setting of Wollaton Park on the 18th July. Splendour will be announcing further acts for the three stages in the coming weeks and months that will appeal to audiences both young and old, pop and indie fans alike. Already promised is an even bigger and better entertainment offering with fringe acts and a new expanded children’s entertainment area helping to deliver one of the city's biggest and best family days out. Buy tickets and keep up to date at www.splendourfestival.com, like facebook.com/splendourfestivalUK or follow @splendourfest.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

49 CHAPTER XI

DOT

Winner of ‘Best Metropolitan Festival 2013’ at the UK Festival Awards, Dot To Dot Festival has the reputation for unearthing the hottest new talent, alongside established acts from all over the globe. 2015 marks the festival’s 10th year and will see it returning to Nottingham on the 24th May. The Rainbow Venues annual birthday celebration will see their most ambitious celebration to date with a full on metropolitan festival experience across five venues. On Saturday 4th April, thousands of music fans will be treated to a 14 hour marathon showcasing a huge pool of international DJ talent and some of Rainbow’s favourite DJs of the last decade, creating a mixed musical theatre of genres. To end the weekend one of the country’s most loved and respected parties will bid farewell. On Sunday 5th April Below comes to an end after a decade of clubbing service, hosting one last show in its home The Rainbow Courtyard. www.therainbowvenues.co.uk

Following a stand out set at last year’s festival, headlining this year’s festival will be Saint Raymond, Nottingham’s latest success story. Twenty-one year old Rae Morris also joins the festival alongside Irish pop folk duo Hudson Taylor, The Wytches ,Canadian punk-rock band Single Mothers and New York based indie-rockers, Cymbals Eat Guitars. With the emphasis on showcasing the hottest new talent on the planet, there will be lots more exciting additions to be announced for Dot To Dot’s 2015 line-up. Make sure you keep checking www.dottodotfestival.co.uk/ for all the latest news and ticket info.

NO TOMORROW John Newman and Jessie Ware are confirmed as headliners for the two-day No Tomorrow Festival on the 6th and 7th June at Wollaton Park, Nottingham. Further acts including the BRITS 2015 Critics’ Choice Award winner James Bay will feature in a carefully curated

programme of artists across several stages over two days. With tickets now on sale via notomorrowfestival.com, it’s time to party like there’s No Tomorrow.

GLASTONBUDGET It’s the biggest tribute festival in the UK and this year Glastonbudget want to share their 10 year success with one lucky winner! With over 30 award winning tribute acts and a 100 independent artists performing on one of the 7 stages. From the 22nd to 24th May 2015, Wymeswold, Leicester will be transformed with legendary tribute acts from across the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s with the likes of Oasish, Four Fighters, Kazabian, Abba Revival and Fleetwood Bac all taking to the main stage. So if you want to be a part of the

world’s biggest tribute festival, see a stage full of fantastic performances, enjoy great entertainment and world class local beers then prepare yourself for a weekend at Glastonbudget.

WIN!

69 Magazine has teamed up with Glastonbudget to offer one lucky reader and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend this year’s biggest tribute festival, absolutely free! For your chance to win visit www.69-degrees.co.uk and click on competitions. www.glastonbudget.org

www.69-degrees.co.uk

FUN IN

PHILLY SIXTYNINE DEGREES DIGS IT DOWNTOWN IN

CENTRAL PHILADELPHIA How much do you know about Philadelphia? That it’s a soft cheese and it’s in the title song for ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’, perhaps? Well, it’s the fifth largest city in the United States and it provides everything you need for a great introduction to travelling Stateside. With great regular direct flights from Heathrow T5 on British Airways that take a relatively comfortable seven hours (eat, sleep, movie, read = you are there), Philadelphia is perfectly placed for a great value and fun holiday stateside. Unusually, the city centre is compact enough to walk round so you don’t have to drive and the simple street grid system means its almost impossible for anyone to get lost. The city also makes a great base for visiting other parts of the East Coast – as it’s on the AmTrack (American railway) system it is a mere 1.5 hours to New York and 2 hours to Washington D.C. SO WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT PHILLY? Well, the city has been the location of a number of blockbuster movies most notably all the Rocky films Parts 1-6, 1980s classics Mannequin (that’s Macy’s department store now) and Trading Places (the bank Eddy Murphy worked in is there). There is even a Sly statue, arms raised in triumph, near the steps he ran up in Rocky. What you might not realise is that the city was once the capital of the old US. The Constitution was signed there, and the city was home to one of the most famous founding fathers Benjamin Franklin. So the place is full of history and everything is beautifully preserved giving the city centre a real bohemian character. There are so many sights to visit, it’s easier to take an open top bus tour to see the edited highlights, get your bearings and decide where you want to visit. www.69-degrees.co.uk

It’s time to forget what your Mum taught you about the States being dangerous - in the past 20 years successive administrations have tackled the massive urban crime problem, making US streets safer to walk than our own. Guns are only in evidence on the police, and the people and place has a really friendly vibe. WHERE TO STAY? Budget: We stayed at the Sonesta Hotel, a centrally located business hotel, which is within walking distance of most of the main sights of interest. The rooms are spacious and well equipped however they don’t really cater for food apart from room service. Try the Manhattan Diner a few doors down for a great breakfast. www.sonesta.com/philadelphia Boutique: Great for a few days R&R at the end of a trip, the luxurious Rittenhouse Hotel is listed as one of Forbes top four star hotels in the world. A perfect example of jazz age elegance, I have to admit this is one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The quiet attention to detail and friendly helpful staff coupled with beautiful views and décor made this the ideal place to relax and shake off the dust of long haul travel. www.rittenhousehotel.com Design: Try the Hotel Monaco for a strikingly different experience. We loved its quirky mix of colours and global influences. Also, its attached restaurant,The Red Owl Tavern is a great place for traditional Amercian fayre. www.monaco-philadelphia.com

WHERE TO EAT? Stylish Japanese: Try Morimoto, a sanctuary from the hectic pace of city life. With a great array of Japanese food from sushi to ramen, this is a fab place for an intimate lunch or dinner. www.morimotorestaurant.com Originally organic: recently named one of the top 10 new places to eat in the entire country, High Street on Market, is a hip café serving locally sourced and organic produce, all prepared on site. www.highstreetonmarket.com WHERE TO SHOP? As with the UK, this really depends on your taste and your budget. There is a really healthy independent retail scene in Philadelphia – many cool boutiques, vintage clothing shops and emerging designers can be found in the ‘Old Town’. We were fortunate enough to be in the city in October when the entire retail scene, corporate and independent comes together to celebrate the city’s burgeoning fashion scene. ‘The Philadelphia Collection’ is the equivalent of fashion week (or fortnight in this case) and many events such as catwalk shows and previews are held across the city. www.thephiladelphiacollection.org On a budget? Or just want to bag a bargain designer handbag? Then try a trip to the Premium Outlet Mall, located about 45 minutes outside the city. This is so worth the extra travel as you can take advantage of discounts not seen in the UK. How about a pair of leather Converse for $21 (about £15), a Calvin Klein dress for $40 (approx £25) and a DKNY hat for $38

(about £22). My top tip: plan your route and your time carefully – you can go nuts if you’ve never shopped at an outlet before and spend money on stuff you will never wear so think about what you need and the brands you like and go there first. And remember you have to get it all home so leave room in the suitcase! www.premiumoutlets.com WHERE TO EXPLORE Not only has Philadelphia a fab public arts programme that produces amazing murals across different areas of the city, but the area has produced some great homegrown artists. Visit the ‘Magic Gardens’ -an art and urban regeneration project born out of the 60’s hippy scene. www.philadelphiasmagicgardens.org Muchos Market: A must-visit is Reading Terminal Market. Not only can you see real Amish people selling their wares, but you can eat an amazing variety of produce. You must try a traditional Philly Cheesesteak (steak, cheese, pepper sauce – need I say more?) www.readingterminalmarket.org A Gay Old Time: For the coolest bars, clubs and nonstop Abba, visit the Midtown area also known as the Gay-bourhood. Formerly a run down suburb, Midtown is now one of the hippest zip codes. www.midtownvillage.org With thanks to: Christina Cassidy from Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau for a great tour, www.discoverphl.com and APH for providing the Meet & Greet Parking at Heathrow Terminal 5. www.69-degrees.co.uk

By Adrian Sanderson

NottDance Festival 5th - 15th March

@ Nottingham Playhouse www.dance4.co.uk or www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk The 24th Nottdance Festival returns to Nottingham city with a celebration of unprecedented work from some of the world’s most exciting and provocative artists. Over 40 performances will take place over 11 days across more than 20 venues and public spaces. Check out www.dance4.co.uk for full venue listings.

the A LIST What’s on, when, where and why aren’t you already going? THE SECRET DIARY OF ADRIAN MOLE - THE MUSICAL 7th March – 4th April @ Curve www.curveonline.co.uk

www.69-degrees.co.uk

Join Leicester’s favourite teenager, Adrian Mole, in a brand new musical. Set in 1980’s Leicester, Sue Townsend‘s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾, follows the daily dramas and misadventures of Adrian’s adolescent life. With dysfunctional parents, ungrateful elders, a growing debt to school bully Barry Kent and an unruly pimple on his chin, life is hard for a misunderstood intellectual who is only 13 ¾. To top it off, when new girl, Pandora joins the class and captures his heart, his best friend Nigel steals hers! Can Adrian win her love and escape from his chaotic family

life? With an infectious score and a script which stays true to the original novel, this production has it’s world premiere in Leicester this March. KODALINE 9th March @ Rock City Main Hall www.rock-city.co.uk

53 Their UK tour only has 9 short stops and Rock City has one of them. One of the biggest upcoming bands of 2014, Kodaline are performing their new album Coming Up For Air, recorded with producer Jacknife Kee.The band will be supported by Motor City Drum Ensemble.

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST 14th – 21st March The Crescent Theatre www.crescent-theatre.co.uk

PLACEBO 16th March @ De Montfort Hall www.demontfort.co.uk

S PA R K S M I G H T F LY COMMISSION 13th March @ Mac www.macbirmingham.co.uk

Sparks Might Fly is a live music event, curated by Mac Birmingham, where two world class instrumental musicians come together for a day of music making, which will be opened up to an audience to make it an intimate music event.

tragic and life affirming play. Milos Foreman’s film version won five Oscars and made Jack Nicholson a household name. Now enjoy it as its adaptor, Dale Wasserman, intended - live and on stage.

Prison or hospital? Found guilty of gambling and battery, Randle Patrick McMurphy chooses the easy option but reckons without Nurse Mildred Ratched. Their determined struggle to outwit and undermine each other forms the background to this hilarious,

Placebo, have now survived nearly 20 years of blood, hate, sweat, tears, break ups and harmony all whilst totting up over 1 million album sales in the UK, and over 12 million world wide. This March they will be bringing their extensive tour to Leicester’s De Montfort Hall. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER 17th - 21st March @ The New Alexandra Theatre www.atgtickets.com

48 OF FASHION

13 - 14th March @ Old Market Square www.itsinnottingham.com We’re so pleased that 48 Hours of Fashion is back for 2015 and this year’s event is said to be bigger and better than ever. Featuring well-known national retailers and a wealth of fantastic independents, 48 Hours of Fashion has become the annual fashion fixture in the style diaries of the East Midlands.

This brand new production of Saturday Night Fever, one of the most loved dance stories of all time, is packed with legendary hits from The Bee Gees including Staying Alive, Night Fever,Jive Talkin’, You Should Be Dancin‘ and How Deep is your Love? Relive the story and phenomenal soundtrack live on stage.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

54 SHOBANA JEYASINGH DANCE: BAYADÈRE – THE NINTH LIFE 18th March @ Mac w w w. m a c b i r m i n g h a m . c o . u k

and galleries of Digbeth. The festival celebrates cinema in all forms and this will be it’s 9th successful year. HEAR THIS SPACE 20th March @ New Museum & Art Gallery www.leicester.gov.uk

Bayadère – The Ninth Life is a radical re-imagining of the celebrated ballet, La Bayadère, for the 21st century. Moving between fact and fantasy, the original story is interwoven with the first ever visit of Indian dancers to Europe in 1838. The many-layered narrative presents a fresh new vision of dance that belongs to both India and Europe and features originally commissioned music by Gabriel Prokofiev, the London-based composer, producer and DJ. Expect a visually stunning performance packed with visceral energy and choreographic virtuosity from an international cast of exceptional dancers. FLATPACK FILM FESTIVAL 19th – 29th March @ City Wide www.flatpackfestival.org.uk

Flatpack Film Festival is a gathering which takes place throughout Birmingham annually. It kicks off in the city centre and gradually moves towards the arches, warehouses www.69-degrees.co.uk

USHER 24th March @ Barclaycard Arena www.barclaycardarena.com

Walk

Hear This Space is a collection of composers who present surround sound concerts in interesting spaces. Composer Andrew Hill and Hear This Space present a special evening of electroacoustic music inspired by the sounds, objects and paintings of the museum collections, presented in the German Expressionist Gallery.

ONE MAN BREAKING BAD

25th March @ De Montfort Hall www.demontforthall.co.uk Join Miles Allen on a rip roaring ride through the greatest television shows of recent years. LA actor Miles Allen smacks the senses with his super-charged, crazily accurate renditions of all the iconic characters, including Walter White, Jesse, Saul, Skyler, Hank, Walt Junior, Mike and Gus Fring. With over a million hits on YouTube, and sell out runs at comedy festivals in Melbourne and Edinburgh, Allen’s impersonations break all six seasons down into one, so it’s set to be an exhilarating, and no doubt hilarious performance.

Hot on the heels of his UK top ten hit single ‘Good Kisser’, global megastar USHER announced he will take The UR Experience to 23 cities across the UK and Europe and will be stopping at Birmingham‘s Barclaycard Arena. The UK tour features special guests Nico & Vinz. Packed with an impressive repertoire of smash hits spanning his 20-year career, the show will include a fresh take

‘A MASTERCLASS IN HOW TO PUT ON A MUSICAL’ DAILY MAIL

Photograph from the original London production

A G 12 E S +

TUE 5 - SAT 16 MAY

MON 30 MAR - SAT 11 APR

MON 20 - SAT 25 APR

THU 21 - SAT 23 MAY

LIVE IN CONCERT

BMOS PRESENTS

ONE MAN’S NIGHTMARE... IS ANOTHER MAN’S FORTUNE

MON 1 & TUE 2 JUN

TUE 9 - SAT 13 JUN

MON 29 JUN - SAT 4 JUL

0844 871 3011

(fees apply)

GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3031 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

(fees apply)

56 on early and recent hit songs as well as some new music from his anticipated forthcoming eighth studio album. INSIDE OUT OF MIND 24th - 26th March @ Lakeside Arts www.lakesidearts.org.uk

the Barclaycard Arena on 3 April. The tour also features special guest Grammy Awardnominated R&B superstar Trey Songz, who recorded two #1 collaborations with Nicki. FEED THE BEAST 16th April - 2nd May @ Birmingham Repertory Theatre www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

with talented students from De Montfort University once again. In a penal colony in 1789, a young lieutenant directs rehearsals of the comedy, The Recruiting Officer. But with a cast of dispirited convicts, opposition from sadistic officers, and a leading lady who faces being hanged, Australia’s first theatrical production is in trouble from the start. MCBUSTED 18th - 19th April @ Capital FM Arena w w w. c a p i t a l f m a r e n a . c o m

A fusion of love stories, crisscrossing time and space, where walls turn into forests; thunder to gunfire; books to birds, with untold stories kept under their wings. Darkly comic and offering glimpses of a mysterious world, this insightful play enters into the experience of dementia care. Touching minds and hearts, nurses and patients search for love, rhyme and reason on the ward with no name. Dancing inside out and outside in, the play moves between multiple realities where time and identity drift apart. NICKI MINAJ 3 April @ Barclaycard Arena www.barclaycardarena.com

Rap queen Nicki Minaj will launch The Pinkprint Tour in Europe, touching down at key Europeans venues including www.69-degrees.co.uk

Feed The Beast is a comical look at the rocky relations between our press and politicians. Michael is moving into Number 10 Downing Street and there will be no charm offensives with this Prime Minister, not with a country to run. There’s no time for lunches with the press while there are children living in poverty. And there’s certainly no time to comment on a minister’s illicit affair while the country needs more nurses. But when his family’s private life looks set to be the next big story, Michael seeks help from a press secretary who advises, “Feed the beast before it turns on you”. Can Michael keep politics centre stage or will he become the big story himself? OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD 16th April – 18th April @ Curve www.curveonline.co.uk

Our Country’s Good was first performed at London’s Royal Court Theatre in 1988 and has since been performed around the world, regarded as a modern classic. Directed by Nikolai Foster, Curve is collaborating

With the excitement of 2014’s arena tour still ringing in fans’ ears nationwide, and almost exactly one year on from their formation, McBusted announce their return to the live stage in spring 2015 with a date at Capital FM Arena Nottingham on 18 April 2015. JAMES WILTON DANCE: LAST MAN STANDING 24th April @ Déda Theatre www.deda.uk.com

James Wilton’s distinctive movement style is raw, powerful and dynamic. Influenced by martial arts, breakdance and capoeira, high-energy episodes are juxtaposed with meaningful moments of calm and reflection.

De Montfort Hall Bringing the best live entertainment to Leicester

ONE MAN BREAKING BAD

SIMPLE MINDS

BLUE PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

THE HOLLIES

MIKE AND THE MECHANICS

DARA O BRIAIN LIVE

JIMMY CARR FUNNY BUSINESS

YAMATO DRUMMERS OF JAPAN

JOSEPH

Wed 25 Mar // £18.50

Thu 16 Apr // £26 £28*

Tue 5 May // £25

Tue 31 Mar // £39.50 £49.50

Sun 19 Apr // £30 £35

Fri 8 May // £25 £27 * NUS £5

Thu 9 Apr // £25 in advance

Wed 22 & Thu 23 Apr // £21

Tue 26 to Sun 31 May // £15 - £31.50*

Box Office 0116 233 3111 | Web demontforthall.co.uk | Twitter @demont forthall £3 transaction fee payable per booking. *Concessions and/or group booking discount available

www.visitleicester.info

58 Featuring six engaging dancers with exceptional physical skill, Last Man Standing explores the fragility of human existence.The dancers use their full arsenal of throws, lifts and slides in a desperate, determined fight to survive.

Business is Jimmy’s brand new stand up show. Come for the witty and incisive musings on the human condition. THE VAMPS 5th May @ Capital FM Arena

MAROON 5 31st May @ Genting Arena

www.gentingarena.co.uk As Maroon 5 fever grips the nation, the US pop superstars, armed with latest album ‘V’, take it up another notch this spring with a date at the Genting Arena. The charismatic frontman Adam Levine called it “A masterclass of showmanship”. PAPER AEROPLANES 5th May @ Nottingham Contemporary www.nottinghamcontemporary.org

Paper Aeroplanes specialise in an intoxicating brand of Alt folk. Singer Sarah Howells has one of those voices that could be described as a soaring yet fragile instrument of the finest kind; and their heartfelt lyrics and gorgeous melodies could well bring a tear to your eye and soothe your troubled soul! Please note, this will be a standing show. JIMMY CARR 5TH MAY @ De Montfort Hall www.demontforthall.co.uk Jimmy’s been described as “the hardest working man in comedy”, which, let’s face facts, is not that impressive. Funny www.69-degrees.co.uk

www.capitcalfmarena.com The Vamps are set to take 2015 by storm with their first arena tour which will see them headline shows to over 150,000 fans across the UK and Ireland’s largest cities, including a date at Capital FM Arena Nottingham on 5 May 2015. The Vamps will be joined on tour by Union J and other special guests.

classic will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Beautiful Thing is a glorious urban love story between two young men. Set on an inner city housing estate, it tells the story of teenager Jamie’s relationship with classmate and neighbour, Ste. Together the two boys find comedy, warmth and the music of Mama Cass through their loud-mouthed next door neighbour Leah. Charlie Brooks, best known for her role as Janine Butcher in EastEnders, leads the cast with Thomas Law (EastEnders) starring as Ste and Sam Jackson (Skins) starring as Jamie.This critically acclaimed award-winning play by Jonathan Harvey combines comedy with drama, truly capturing what it is to be a teenager and to fall in love.

BEAUTIFUL THING 25th May – 30th May @ Curve www.curveonline.co.uk Nikolai Foster’s celebrated anniversary production of Jonathan Harvey’s modern

JOSEPH

26th May @ De Montfort Hall www.demontforthall.co.uk Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me.The cast includes 2009 X-factor finalist Lloyd Daniels as Joseph, 2011 X-factor runner-up Marcus Collins as Narrator, with Eastenders’ Matt Lapinskas as Pharaoh.

AUDIOPHILE

E S S E N T I A L D O W N LO A D S BJORK VULNICURA 16TH MARCH

Redefining the break up album and turning it in an art form, this is Bjork’s most accessible work for many years despite being infused with emotion. If the beauty of the melodies employed do not bring you to tears, heightened by a backdrop of orchestras and electronics, then it is the openness of the lyrics that will break your heart. Sadness has never sounded so good. THE PRODIGY THE DAY IS MY ENEMY 30th March Uncompromising first single ‘Nasty’ highlights Keith Flint at his very best and sets the terrifying tone for the rest of The Day is My Enemy, so much so that Zane Lowe christened it the ‘’Hottest Record in the World’’ o n BBC Ra dio 1. Continuing their distinctive journey through electronic and dance music is a soundscape for the urban Britain of t o d a y. U n c o m p r o m i s i n g , unapologetic and unmissable. Laura Marling Short Movie DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE KINTSUGI 30th March The eighth studio album by indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie, Kintsugi sees the final contribution of lead guitarist Chris Walla and is the first Death Cab for Cutie album to feature www.69-degrees.co.uk

an outside producer, Rich Costey, Lead single ‘Black Sun’ previews a sound that is definite in its progression with multi layered synths and churning bass riffs pointing the way ahead. MADONNA REBEL HEART 10th March We defy anyone not to want to get up and dance to Living for Love, the lead single from Madonna’s 13th studio album Rebel Heart. True fans will already be familiar with six of the album’s tracks; released early to album pre orderers thanks to a catalogue of leaks. Truly a return to form, expect powerhouse pop thanks to production from Diplo, Kanye West, Billboard, DJ Dahi and Madonna herself. THE CRIBS FOR ALL MY SISTERS 23rd March Their sixth studio For All My Sisters

album, carries

on from 2013’s retrospective ‘ P a y o l a ’ collection and previous year’s T o p 10 album ‘In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull’. Recorded in New York with legendary producer and The Cars frontman Ric Ocasek (Weezer). For All My Sisters marks the start of the next chapter, in a decade long existence that has seen the band evolve and move over to Sony Red Label. LAURA MARLING MOVIE 23rd March

SHORT

Moving toward a much bigger and electric feel from her previous albums, Short Movie is the fifth album from BRIT Award winning Laura Marling. In the space of only seven years since her debut, Laura has been a constant presence in end of year lists and award nominations and has already been shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize three times.

REACT AND RESPOND

It’s only the start of 2015 and Viet Cong have released what could possibly be the debut album of the year. The Canadian band, formed from the ashes of cult band Women, have stoked twenty first century hearts with a heavy dose of pre- millennial gritty post-punk. With a sell out UK tour already under their belts the band with tales of their deafening 11 minute closer, the aptlytitled ‘Death’, reaching near legendary status. Marie Wood caught up with lead singer Matt Flegel to find out more about their debut, if he regrets that name and how a dildo did wonders for a band’s sound. When you guys first got together you went on a seven week US tour all squeezed into one Toyota Echo. Was that a make or break scenario?

Yeah, that was the whole idea behind that tour. It was a super last minute, let’s do it and see if we can and see if we get better at playing our songs and get better as a band. It was a good test to see if you can get along with three other dudes in a cramped space for three months. And, we made it! Has it been cathartic starting this project after Women? Is it difficult having journalists ask you about that band? Right now everyone’s asking about it, which is expected and it doesn’t really bother me at all. It’s really nice to have another project, another vehicle. Why did you choose Viet Cong as your

name? In the current climate do you ever regret choosing it as a name?

Bauhaus. Would you agree it’s an influence?

No. I wish I had a good story to explain itself but really we needed a band name as we’d booked a show and Mike blurted that out and we said, ‘yes!’ and now I’m having to explain it….I feel bad that I didn’t do enough research to begin with as now I know that the Viet Cong weren’t good dudes, they were not nice to their own people and neither were the US.

Yeah, they’re influences. Bauhaus, that one song we covered, I just love that song I don’t really dig too deep into their discography as much as I did the Cure or the Chameleons…I like how things were recorded back then, everything sounds very organic and real.

Your debut album has a disorientating atmosphere veering from euphoria to despair and from urgent to calm. What did you want the atmosphere of the album to be? I think from the get go I had pretty good idea of what I wanted it to sound like, I knew that I wanted long sprawling passages that led somewhere. I like some of those descriptions you read out; I like something bleak but ultimately rewarding. The lyrics are quite dark and existentialist, but with a touch a positivity. For example, ‘Pointless Experience’ has the lyric ‘if we get lucky we’ll get old and die’. What message you wanted to get across? I write a lot of dark things but it’s mostly as an outlet, I’m not necessarily a dark person.... not on the brink of suicide or anything like that! It’s supposed to be a little more tongue in cheek and some people realise that and some people don’t… maybe it’ll be all sunshine and lollipops next time around, probably not though. You get compared a lot to post punk like the Chameleons and you covered

I read an interview where you said for ‘Select Your Drone’ on the Cassette EP you used a vibrator on a string instrument. Is that true? [laughs] We definitely did use a dildo, which sounds kinda cool. Monty (Munro, guitarist) figured out that if you put the vibrator over the top of the pickup it made all these crazy feedback…that’s a trick we found out, I’m sure when people start reading about it everyone’s going to be doing it! What else have you got coming up this year? Lots of touring…Right now I’ve got maybe 11 or 12 demos that I’m trying to finish up writing wise and hopefully we’ll be able to be able to incorporate a few of them into the set and then find some time to do more recording. I read that some of you guys are in a Black Sabbath covers band. Will you be playing any Sabbath on tour? Yeah, possibly. We definitely bust a few of those songs out in soundcheck…. Maybe we could open up for Black Sabbath? We’ll make this my public plea, Ozzy if you’re reading this… www.69-degrees.co.uk

AUDIOPHILE by KISS FM’s CHARLIE HEDGES

CHARLIE’S ANGELS

Pep & Rash

The two Dutch deep house DJ/producers currently on the rise have caused many “rumours” over the last few months since the mighty Spinnin’ Records released and premiered a new track without revealing who was behind it. With Oliver Heldens supporting it on his global radio show giving no clues away as to whose track it was, it left DJs and producers all over the world speculating. Pep & Rash are pioneers of the new future house sound we’re hearing more and more of from DJs and “Rumours” symbolises the ever growing presence of this genre of electronic music that makes you crave the dancefloor. It won’t be long until these guys are smashing it on the mainstage.

They’re definitely ones to watch out for in 2015 so make sure you check out their soundcloud.com/pepandrash and give them a follow on Twitter twitter.com/PepandRash LUVBUG – REVIVE (SAY SOMETHING) FT. JOEL COMPASS This solid trio consists of Marvin Humes, The White N3rd and JKAY who are back with a deep house track co-written by the musical genius that is MNEK. Featuring the vocals of upcoming and talented R&B singer, Joel Compass, this track masters the guys’ passion for 90s house music whilst giving it their own individual state of the art 2015 twist. ‘86 – THE SCREAM Any track previewed by Oliver Heldens at the minute is getting automatic credibility globally and this track is no

exception. Previewed on the Heldeep radio platform the track screams and shouts main room set quality and has got some serious bounce! ID – SELECTA Doing what they do best, a n d following their motto of “It all starts with good music”, Selecta showcases a new bouncy deeper house sound coming through strong off the back of 2014 into 2015. With support so far from the likes of Hardwell, Avicii, NERVO and myself and Danny Howard in the UK, I really hope we don’t have to wait too long to find out the producer behind “Selecta”. DZEKO & TORRES – ALARM With their style being a combination of progressive house and electro, we could

expect nothing less than the explosive and incredible drop that “Alarm” brings us. You can hear this Canadian duo’s love for all genres of music such as tech house, deep, indie and rock deep within this track. One of my favorites to kick off 2015! MIKE HAWKINS & JETFIRE – DESERT STORM Well established in the EDM scene with previous tracks such as “Storm”, “Soldiers” and “Freedom” this is yet another brilliant big room track. Working with production trio, Jetfire the track’s infectious melody transcends throughout, with a crazily intense and solid drop.

TUNE IN TO THE CHARLIE HEDGES PRESENTS PODCAST EVERY FRIDAY ON SOUNDCLOUD AND ITUNES. FORMORECHARLIEHEDGESFACEBOOK.COM/CHARLIEHEDGESFRIENDSTWITTER.COM/CHARLIEHEDGES www.69-degrees.co.uk

SIXTYNINE SOCIAL

www.69-degrees.co.uk

MIDLANDS FASHION AWARDS

Fashion and glamour were in abundance in Birmingham at the sixth consecutive Midlands Fashion Awards, held to recognise the wealth of fashion design creative across Midlands. Hosted by ITV Central presenter Genelle Aldred and sponsored by Resorts World Birmingham, MFA 2014 was the biggest and best so far. Category finalists showcased their collections on the catwalk to an audience of the Midlands fashion finest alongside an expert panel of judges including Founder and Managing Director of the Midlands Fashion Awards, Jenny Eason, Communications Manager at Retail Birmingham, Kim Stephens and Luke Roper, Founder and Managing Director at Luke1977. The award for the SIXTYNINE Degrees Magazine Young Designer of the Year went to Kamilla Jones. Lisa Shepherd Salons, Alan Sharman Agency, Jules Cardozo-Marsh and ShoppinginBirmingham.com supported the Midlands Fashion Awards 2014. To get involved in 2015â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awards, visit www.midlandsfashionawards.co.uk

B arri e ’ s

G o t

Tal e n t

The glamour and excitement of awards season moved to Leicester as the entire Barrie Stephen Hair team came together at the city’s Colourworks to celebrate a year of successes. With Barrie’s got Talent as the theme for the evening, guests walked up the red carpet to be greeted by the paparazzi. Once inside, the Barrie Stephen’s team were entertained with singing from West End singer Lea Martin before BBC Radio Leicester’s breakfast show presenter, Jonathan Lampon, took to the stage to be compere for the evening and hand out the awards with Schwarzkopf Professional’s Karen Thomas. Highlighting the stand-out stars from Newcomer of the Year to Manager, to Homecare Advisor, the big accolade of the night was the Dedicated to the Expression of Excellence award presented by Barrie and given to Michael Palmer who heads up the new Barber Lounge in King Street for bringing ceaseless energy and spark to their daily salon life. Grace Forster was also a big winner on the night, scooping an incredible three awards for Homecare Advisor, Colourist and Kerastase Ritual Ambassador – go Grace! Barrie Stephen Hair has four salons across Leicestershire. Tel 0844 445 2888 for an appointment or visit the website www.barriestephenhair.co.uk

best of broad street awards

The highly anticipated Best of Broad Street Awards came back with a bang for its 10th outing at the ICC. The hugely popularly ceremony, nicknamed The BOBs, was held at the city’s International Convention Centre and presented by ITV’s Sameena Ali-Khan. The awards night celebrated the best of Birmingham’s Golden Mile, giving recognition to the best bars, pubs, restaurants nightclubs, hotels, and entertainment venues in the area with awards presented by Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi and comedian Jason Manford. Winners on the night included The Malthouse for Best Pub, Players for Best Bar, Pushkar Dining for Best Restaurant, Thai Edge for Best International Cuisine, Hyatt Regency for Best Hotel, Coast to Coast for Best Newcomer and Barclaycard Arena for Best Overall Venue.

FANCLUB FUNK

A legend on Leicester’s clubbing landscape, The Fanclub has been open for over 20 years now and is still the place to for those who want an attitude free night without the disco dramas of other clubs. The eclectic music policy and lack of dress code no doubt help to attract a fun focused crowd who on Fridays can enjoy a smattering of eighties and nineties hits as well as a more chart and RnB focused music policy in the main room. Saturday’s get a little bit naughty in the noughties whilst indy, rock and alternative classics are dished out in the second room. Both nights offer an amazing range of drink offers and if you like them on Facebook, you can apply for free entry before midnight on their guestlist. What’s not to love? The Fanclub is at 40 Abbey Street, Leicester. Find out more at Fanclubnightclub.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

DOT TO DOT 10Th BIRThDAY!

LINE-UP ANNOUNCEMENT ONE

BANk hOlIDAY WeekeND

Saturday 18th july wollaton park

pluS many many more Still to be announced acroSS three StageS * StallS *

* funfair *

* barS *

* kid’S area *

SPLENDOURFESTIVAL.COM • fb.COM/SPLENDOURFESTIVALUK

ticketS on Sale now!

S A I N T R AY M O N D RAE MORRIS H U D S O N T AY L O R

THE WYTCHES / LAURA DOGGETT HONEYBLOOD / HINDS / jOSEf SALvAT APRIL TOWERS / ALEX BUREY / CAIROBI CYMBALS EAT GUITARS / THE HOTELIER / LITTLE MAY MENACE BEACH / OSCAR & THE WOLF / PRETTY VICIOUS RACING GLACIERS / THE RIPTIDE MOVEMENT SINGLE MOTHERS / TEI SHI / VÉRITÉ / VITAMIN PLUS MANY MANY MORE STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED

NOTTINGHAm / SUNDAY 24TH MAY fb.com/dottodotfestival • #d2dfest • dottodotfestival.co.uk • alt-tickets.co.uk

www.69-degrees.co.uk

C R U I S E C E L E B R A TE S 1 s t bir t hda y

Cruise celebrated the first anniversary of the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to Leicester with a premium fashion show for a select guest list of loyal customers and local VIPs. Guests were treated to a champagne reception before the show started which featured the latest looks from designer brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Moncler and Vivienne Westwood. Cruise is @ 12-14 East Gates, Leicester, LE1 4FB, or online at www.cruisefashion.com

With 19 Pitcher & Piano bars across the UK we are very proud of our beautifully designed venues and you’ll never see two quite the same. Many of our bars are situated within listed buildings, each one having its own unique character where you can enjoy tasty, fresh food and a premium range of spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks – all served by the brilliant people that work for us. P I T C H E R & P I A N O | NOTTINGHAM THE UNITARIAN CHURCH | HIGH PAVEMENT | NG1 1HN T: 0115 958 6081| E : nottingham@pitcherandpiano.com P I T C H E R & P I A N O | BIRMINGHAM THE WATER’S EDGE | BRINDLEY PLACE | B1 2HP T: 0121 643 0214| E : birmingham@pitcherandpiano.com P I T C H E R & P I A N O | DERBY 19-20 FRIAR GATE | DE1 1BX T: 01332 206 790| E : derby@pitcherandpiano.com

JOIN IN THE WORSHIP AT PITCHER & PIANO’S SUNDAY SERVICE

We can’t think of a better church to visit on Sunday than the beautifully converted church of Pitcher & Piano in Nottingham. Now boasting a new Sunday Roast menu to definitely get your mouth watering. The Nottingham venue is offering each customer a free glass of wine or a Bloody Mary when they Tweet a photo of their P & P roast with hashtag #toasttheroast. That also enters you into a prize draw to win a complimentary sharing roast for four, who could want more? With live piano and vocals from Nottingham’s very own Steve Mcgill tinkling on the ivories as you enjoy your roast, it’s definitely a Sunday service to get out of bed for. Booking is always recommended to avoid disappointment and with Mother’s Day not far away why not book in and give her a real Sunday treat. Pitcher & Piano, Unitarian Church, High Pavement, Nottingham. NG1 1HN. Tel 0115 958 6081. www.pitcherandpiano.com @pandpnottingham

BRUM:

GET

READY

Quirky, eccentric and playful the Cosy Club will fling open its doors on Thursday 14th May 2015 thanks to the Loungers Group, who recently brought the concept to much-acclaim in Leicester.

GET

COSY

Offering informal casual dining, drinking and lounging in a homely and family friendly environment. ‘Think gents club meets village hall meets cricket pavilion.’ There are no rules when it comes to a Cosy Club interior. The Loungers Group love nothing more than working with the features of the each of the buildings they inhabit - there may be some exposed brick, some wooden panelling, and some bare concrete all complemented by contemporary glass and chrome (not to mention dark, heavy drapes and net curtains). Mix matched tables and dining chairs, battered old cocktail armchairs, sleek 1930’s sofas and mid-century sideboards make you feel immediately at home The venue will consist of a bar and restaurant area, which will seat more than 200 people on the ground floor and mezzanine level. There will also be two private dining rooms, one with its very own bar, available for private hire. The Cosy Club's menu majors on comfort food classics as well as offering an extensive brunch menu, a decent variety of sandwiches, and a great selection of tapas. Whatever your tipple the Cosy Club aims to please. You can expect excellent coffee and cake, an imaginative choice of soft drinks, a great selection of draught beers, cider and ale, an enviable wine list and, to top it off, a nicely proportioned list of classic cocktails. For reservations, menus and further details log on to www.cosyclub.co.uk

www.69-degrees.co.uk

SEVEN RESTAURANT, DERBY

2014’s Restaurant of the Year winner at the Derby Food and Drink awards, Seven is a contemporary yet comfortable restaurant that specialises in tasty, fresh food that is sure to satisfy and surprise in equal measure. Tucked away from the hub bub of Derby’s city centre in the Pride Park development, Seven is open all day, serving food right through from breakfast to dinner. Sophisticated yet casual, Seven caters for every occasion whether it’s a celebratory champagne breakfast, a quick sandwich at lunch time or a hearty steak in the evening; we particularly like the sound of the twice cooked packington pork belly with sweet potato dauphinoise, buttered greens, black pudding bon bon and sherry vinegar jus- a bargain at just £13.50. Alongside all day dining, Seven also offers a modern and well stocked bar to relax in. With spirits from all around the globe, alongside cask ales and a comprehensive wine list the team can find a drink to suit even the most discerning of palates. Sevenis@WheelwrightWay,PridePark,DerbyDE248SQ,Tel.01332332277www.sevenrestaurant.co.uk

Sunday 15th March

Taking bookings now

(Dine between 4-7pm to receive £5 off per person)

To view the menu and book online visit www.cosyclub.co.uk

£19.95 2 courses 23.95 £ 3 courses

r Join us fo 68 Highcross Street Leicester, LE1 4NN 01164 080008 leicester@cosyclub.co.uk

72 dAVE’S LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL OF SUCCESS

This year’s Leicester Comedy Festival , once again, sponsored by the TV channel, Dave kicked off with a First Night reception to formally acknowledge the contribution of all the performers, promoters and friends of the festival as they began the major 19-day annual event. This year’s festival, the 22nd, contained over 640 shows in 50 venues with over 700 performers tarking to stages across the city and county to entertain thousands of people. Speeches done, guests were invited to remain at Hansom Hall (the former Technical Library) to watch a stand-up comedy show produced by festival promoters Just the Tonic. Images courtesy of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival)

Gong Hey Fat Choy @ Henry Wong

The award-winning Henry Wong restaurant of Harborne, Birmingham saw in the Chinese New Year in style recently. 2015 is the Year of the Goat (or sheep, depending on your reading sources), but one thing that wasn’t in question was that the revellers were packed to the rafters enjoying a Cantonese feast as only Henry Wong know how. Now in its 30th year, the restaurant remains at the forefront of contemporary Cantonese cuisine, thanks largely to the talents of Executive Chef, Ricky Wu and General Manager, Marianne, who have been at the helm since its inception and have helped evolve the restaurant to suit the changing needs of diners over the decades. So, whether Goat or Sheep, follow the herd to Harborne. Henry Wong is at 283 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9QH.Tel 0121 427 7666 www.henrywongharborne.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

Happy Mother’s Day at Hilton Garden Inn

God Love ‘Em, we can’t live with them, can’t live without them, so show your Old Mom you care with one of Hilton Garden Inn hotel’s sumptuous Afternoon Teas, whether to celebrate Mother’s Day, which you (should) know is Sunday March 15th or any afternoon of your choice. Located in the city’s prestigious Brindleyplace, just off Broad Street, the Hilton Garden Inn’s Afternoon Teas are, arguably, the most indulgent in the city, served in an oasis of afternoon peace and tranquillity with views over the hustle and bustle of Brindleyplace. An ideal way to catch up and treat someone special, the Afternoon Tea consists of a contemporary take on the traditional classic treat. A decadent selection of dainty finger sandwiches, a handpicked and delicious cake and patisserie selection, as well as scones, freshly baked by the Hilton Garden Inn’s team of talented chefs are served piled high with thick fresh cream, juicy jam, all beautifully presented on a stylish cake stand. Guests also enjoy unlimited top-ups of their teapot, and can choose from a timeless election of Twining’s teas including traditional English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong. What’s more, all this costs just £15.95 per person. To make a reservation, call 0121 643 1003. Hilton Garden Inn is @ 1 Brunswick Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HW.

WIN AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO AT HILTON GARDEN INN Here’s your chance to win this tasty treat for two, thanks to Hilton Garden Inn and SIXTYNINE DEGREES. To be in with a chance to win, simply head over to www.69-degrees.co.uk and click on the competitions page. If Facebook is more your thing, find the SIXTYNINE degrees page and like/share the High Tea at Hilton story. Either way, a winner will be picked at random at the end of March. Clearly, if you want to treat your Mom before that, you’ll need to make a reservation sharpish. www.69-degrees.co.uk

LAST WORD Best known as Eastenders troublemaker Janine Butcher, bringing drama to Albert Square with a medley of cocaine addiction, murder and prostitution, Charlie Brooks is now taking her talent on tour, playing Sandra in Curve’s new Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster’s, production of the iconic play, Beautiful Thing. The ‘Walford witch’ has finally left the East End, and now you’ll be seeing Charlie Brooks in a wholly different incarnation as she takes on the role of Sandra in Beautiful Thing; a play follows two young men, Jaimie and Ste, and their blossoming romance in an inner city housing estate. Together the two boys find comedy, warmth and the music of Mama Cass through their loud-mouthed next door neighbor Leah. Brooks plays Sandra, Jamie’s mum and the local barmaid. “I was obsessed with the film when I was a kid,” Brooks grins. “I watched it like 100 times, I was one of the cult followers really. I remember seeing Surrane (Jones) in the play last year and going ‘ooh, I want to do that, put me in it! Lo and behold, a year or two later here I am, so it’s like a dream come true.” It’s hard for bubbly Brooks to pinpoint exactly why the iconic play resonates with her - “Just the content of the story,” she starts. “I went to theatre school where I had lots of gay friends - I had a boyfriend that was gay!” she laughs. “So it’s always been important, the performances in the film were just amazing and it’s a great character for me, so it’s a really big draw all round really.” And Beautiful Thing still endures to this day, despite being over 20 years old. “There are still, especially www.69-degrees.co.uk

in the regional areas where we are touring, people going through this very same issue and people still terrified of coming out, they don’t know how to do it and they are scared of talking about it. I think that it’s a timeless play, it’s brilliant, it’s funny, it’s sad, and I think that it speaks to a lot of people still.”

We suggest that the role of strong young mum Sandra seems a happy fit for Brooks; “Are you saying I’m a feisty single mum?!” the actress laughs. “What I’m hoping to do is to bring a great deal of warmth to it, know what I mean? She’s feisty, she’s loud, she’s not afraid to speak her mind, she’s had a hard life and fought to be where she is, fought to bring up that little boy, so the relationship that they have is one that’s very special in the end.” Adding that, “I’ve got some of the best lines - I just can’t wait to say them.” It’s nerve-wracking, but it’s a positive step forward for the actress and mum of one. “I am busy, but it’s great because I feel like I am achieving what I set out to when I left Eastenders, so I feel really, really lucky,” she says. And even when the tour comes to a close, the stage will be calling once again. “I’m starting another play called Contact at the Park theatre in Finsbury. It’s a new play about swinging! It’s a bit raunchy, which I’m a bit nervous about but it’s exciting!”

Beautiful Thing will be running at Birmingham – Hippodrome (The Patrick Centre) ,30 March – 11 April 0844 338 5000, Nottingham – Playhouse, 21 April – 9 May 0115 941 9419, Leicester – Curve, 25 – 30 May 0116 242 3595 to find out more visit www.beautthing.com

A CURVE PRODUCTION

CRYING OUT LOUD PRESENTS

BARELY METHODICAL TROUPE

BROMANCE

ADITI BRENNAN KAPIL DIRECTED BY

SUBA DAS

“Rich in feeling, wide in scope, and teeming with poetry.” The New York Times on Aditi Brennan Kapil

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“A jaw-dropping magnificent show.” The Stage

22 – 25 APR

12 MAY

NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE, CURVE THEATRE AND TOM O’CONNELL FOR QNQ PRESENT

‘A Company that boasts the best dance actors in the world’ Dance Europe

25 – 30 MAY

5 – 6 JUN

ART AND DESIGN DEGREE SHOWS 2015 SAVE THE DATE: Nottingham Trent University launches a creative talent takeover in May.

DEGREE SHOWS PUBLIC OPENING: 29 MAY – 6 JUNE

CATWALK SHOWS AND FASHION EXHIBITION: 20 – 21 MAY

20 exhibitions across the NTU City site. Free admission.

Collections from Knitwear Design (20 May) and Fashion Design (21 May)

INDUSTRY PREVIEW EVENT: 28 MAY

GRADUATE FASHION WEEK, LONDON: 30 MAY – 2 JUNE

5 pm – 9 pm: launch preview for professionals and industry, booking essential.

Catwalk 1 June, 5pm, The Truman Brewery, Brick Lane. Tickets: www.gfw.org.uk

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY DAY: 30 MAY

PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL: 26 MAY – 5 JUNE

Creative activities for all the family. Free event, booking essential.

The 19th annual photography exhibition at venues around Nottingham.

All further 2015 information: WWW.NTU.AC.UK/DEGREESHOWS Image: work by Layla Brookes, BA (Hons) Theatre Design 2014