Sunday 30 May 2021

BOOK REVIEW: Determined To Stand: The Reinvention Of Bob Dylan

 

TITLE: Determined To Stand: The Reinvention Of Bob Dylan 
AUTHOR: Chris Gregory
PUBLISHER: The Plotted Plain Press

This in-depth commentary, by Chris Gregory outlines the manner in which Dylan has been able to reinvent his art and his persona, from the 1990s onwards, to create a new and unique body of work.
 He has concentrated on Dylan’s roots in folk, blues, country and gospel music. The main focus is on Dylan’s songs from ‘Time Out Of Mind’ (1997) to ‘Rough And Rowdy Ways’ (2020) and his captivation with the pre rock’n’roll ‘sentimental’ tradition is examined in detail.

The book also brings into context Dylan’s work as an artist and sculptor, a film maker, a writer of prose and a radio show host. Significance is given to how Dylan has continually developed his musical compositions during his ‘Never Ending Tour’ (1988 – present) and his ‘spiritual quest’ for the ‘perfect’ version of each song.  Fans often marvel at how he can change the format of his many hit songs so that they are unrecognisable until the last verse or last lines.

Chris explains that, although Bob Dylan's music of the 1960's and '70's was vastly successful and innovative, by the mid-1980s his creativity had dipped so low that he was seriously thinking of retiring.  What a disaster that would have been for his vast army of fans, should he had done so. The ’90’s songs are messier, but it isn’t quite a “lost” period, although there were far fewer songs in total. ‘Time Out Of Mind’, would prove to be his most widely acclaimed album. It marked Dylan's artistic comeback after he appeared to struggle with his musical identity throughout the 1980s; he had not released any original material for seven years, since ‘Under The Red Sky’ in 1990. ‘Time Out Of Mind’ was hailed as one of Dylan's best albums and went on to win three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year in 1998. It was also ranked number 410 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2012.

Dylan is the 'Poet Laureate' of rock 'n' roll. He is the voice of the promise of the '60's counter-culture. I remember ‘cos I was there! He is the guy who forced folk into bed with rock, much to the annoyance of some of his fans who called him ‘Judas’. He was almost written off as a has-been by the end of the '80s but unexpectedly shifted gears, releasing some of the strongest music of his career beginning in the late '90s when he began to produce work that was comparable in quality to that of his heyday. The songs reference a vast number of legendary texts, ranging from Ancient Greek classics and the King James Bible to Shakespeare and the Romantic and Symbolist poets. They tell the story of Dylan’s personal battle to regain a connection with his lyrical muse.

Dylan, who turns 80 years' old this month (May 2021), has won the battle of remaining creatively original as well as staying ‘Forever Young’ in all but appearance. He has evolved from the young man of the 1960’s to the experienced showman of 2021. The release of 'Determined To Stand: The Reinvention Of Bob Dylan' written by Chris Gregory, coincides with Dylan becoming an octogenarian.

The first time I saw Dylan, I was entranced. After many concerts of enjoying his music I am still enthralled and amazed at how he can take a song and change it so that at the beginning it is almost unrecognisable until, after a few chords and lines of lyrics, the light dawns and the listener is able to identify it and sing along to it, albeit in its new rendition.  I know of no other musical artistes who do this or do it so well. His passion and enthusiasm bring something new to each performance. I sometimes think he is toying with the audience. He is known for not often smiling but I have often thought I’ve seen the semblance of a smirk when delivering an old favourite in a completely different format to his adoring audience. I have experienced the roar of the crowd when, at the same moment, they have recognised a favourite melody delivered in an altogether different arrangement. He is a master of songwriting and a definitive performer, even with his lack of communication with his audience. He is ‘Mr Cool’ who doesn’t give a damn.

Bob Dylan Discography is included.

Reviewer - Anne Pritchard


THEATRE REVIEW: The Merthyr Stigmatist - The Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. (online)


Produced by The Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, and Theatre Uncut, this is the latest play from the pen of Lisa Parry. Performed on the Sherman Theatre's stage, the production has been filmed and is available to watch online for a limited period.

Directed by Emma Callander, the play is a two-hander and looks at the unlikely relationship, and even more unlikely circumstance of a 16 -ear-old Catholic schoolgirl who claims to receive a stigmata every Friday, and her teacher who deliberately connives to keep her isolated and in detention one Friday after school in order to confront her about it.

Both actresses - Bethan McLean as the hard-nut cocky Carys, and Bethan Mary-James as the new teacher in town Sian, returning to her roots and not at all happy, or convinced, about Carys's claims - play their respective roles with earnestness and passion. However, there is something missing in this production. I have to be honest, and say that I can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is; other than to say all the parts didn't exactly completely cohere, and I had the distinct impression of being an outsider looking in and not understanding. Obviously the medium in which I watched this play didn't help. No mater how visceral a production is, a computer screen and lack of live atmosphere denudes the experience dramatically; but there was something more than just that with this play: it felt "acted", "staged", which of course it was.. but the whole point is that we believe and "buy-in" to the acting: something I was struggling to do.

Perhaps one thing which didn't help me "believe" was the set, designed by Elin Steele, and the continuous use of steel lighting. (some straws at some point would have been welcomed). It was somehow futuristic, straight out of a Sci-Fi film. It looked nothing like any school classroom I have ever seen in my life, and failed to set the scene and mood.

One of the more significant parts of the storyline involved the fact that Sian, the teacher, had originally come from Merthyr and moved to Cardiff, only three months' ago securing a job in her home town again. Carys tells her teacher off for using a "fake Cardiff accent", and yet I was struggling to detect any kind of a Welsh accent at all from Mary-James. Pitted against the melodious and unmistakably Welsh sing-songy voice of McLean, Mary-James's accent was bland, English, and even London at times.

The play raises various issues: religion and religious belief, child protection, the legal system, the school system, mental health, the care system: in fact, within this less-than-one-hour play, there is an awful lot to take in. Is the child really experiencing the stigmata? She uploads a video on her social network to prove it, and her popularity and fame soar exponentially. Is that why she was "lying"? Was she lying? And why did her teacher lock the door to her classroom and refuse to let her student go?

Perhaps the play raises more questions that it could possibly answer in its running time, and the ending was also quite bizarre in my opinion: again, it felt like the writer needed to do something to sensationalise the play, to make it memorable, rather than let the subject matter speak for itself. 

An interesting, but sadly unsatisfying watch.

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 29.5.21 


Thursday 27 May 2021

THEATRE REVIEW: Meet Me At Dawn - Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester.

 


“Meet Me At Dawn” by Zinnie Harris is a quietly delicate piece of theatre that begins with a slow burn, and finally builds to a grief-stricken climax. Featuring sensitive performances by Helen O’Hara and Susan Jayne-Robinson, and presented by Her Productions, last night’s performance was at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester.

Theatres have only been allowed to open for the last ten days, and must adhere to Covid restrictions. Hope Mill has taken every precaution, and though masks and perspex dividers in a theatre audience take a little getting used to, it’s not the end of the world, and the theatre was full. Theatregoers are back!

The small stage was mostly taken up by a slanting slope in black, grey and white, suggestive of a stark little sandbar in a mist of grey. Hannah Sibai’s monochromatic stage design kept the characters in an initial state of ambiguity. They are a long-term couple: Robyn and Helen, they live together, and they had gone out for the day to have a romantic boat ride. Somehow it had gone wrong, and they were now pulling themselves out of the water and onto this lonely little strip of shore.

Zinnie Harris’ script teases with the scenario. Initially the presentation is absurdist, almost like “Waiting For Godot”, as the characters try to work out where they are and how they can be rescued before the dog at home needs feeding. Very subtly, and aided by the understated sound design of Eliyana Evans and the simple but effective lighting work of Jane Lalljee, it crosses over into the metaphysical. Robyn was concussed in the accident. Helen didn’t survive at all. This is a post-death experience.

Director Ellie Rose kept a good sense of pace throughout the production, and encouraged a real sense of warm intimacy between the two actors, to celebrate that sort of domestic love only seen in long-term relationships. Susan Jayne-Robinson gave a strong performance as a rather cranky ghost who is rejecting the whole experience. Helen O’Hara, as the widow left behind and in a state of disarray because there is no will or bank details or anything sensible prepared for this event, held the audience in her hand from beginning to end; and in the last stage of the play was wet, shiny-eyed with grief while still murmuring soft, almost nonsensical dialogue about dogs and moths and missing telephone numbers.

Reviewer - Thalia Terpsichore
on - 26.5.21

Wednesday 26 May 2021

NEWS: Danny Elfman announces release of new double album, Big Mess, on 11 June.


DANNY ELFMAN
 
DOUBLE ALBUM ‘BIG MESS’ OUT 11TH JUNE

Danny Elfman has shared 'Insects' today – a reworked version of an Oingo Boingo song, which is the final track to come out prior to the release of his new double album ‘Big Mess’, out on 11th June.
 
“In the beginning of 2020 I was preparing a live show for Coachella. I’d been looking for old Boingo songs that connected to the dystopian nightmare I found myself immersed in at that moment in time living in America,” Elfman explains. “As I played around with different songs it occurred to me that ‘Insects’ made sense. Who were the ‘Insects,’ the blood suckers of today? It was obvious to me - they all hived together in Washington and seemed to thrive on sucking the rational sense of reality out of our brains.”
 
Directed by Sam and Andy Rolfes, the 'Insects' video was created by puppeting over 80 contorted creatures in VR in which we follow Danny’s character inside a brightly-coloured game engine and digital world.
 
WATCH 'INSECTS' VIDEO HERE
 
STREAM 'INSECTS' HERE
 
“Every microsecond of waking life, a relentless digital swarm of information and virtual noise slowly consumes our minds, rendering us like insects being driven by manic buzzing stimuli,” said Sam Rolfes. “That said, more legs means better dancing. The video for “Insects” starts off very ordinarily, following Danny Elfman as he gets ready for the day, meets some friends for lunch, but then is slowly consumed by a ravenous swarm of online static.”
 
Clocking in at 18 tracks, ‘Big Mess’ finds the Grammy and Emmy Award-winning composer breaking bold new ground as both a writer and a performer, drawing on a dystopian palette of distorted electric guitars, industrial synthesisers and orchestra in an effort to exorcise the demons brought about by four years of creeping fascism and civil rot. He is joined on the album by drummer Josh Freese (Devo, Wheezer, The Vandals), bassist Stu Brooks (Dub Trio, Lady Gaga, Lauryn Hill), and guitarists Robin Finck (Nine Inch Nails, Guns N’ Roses) and Nili Brosh (Tony MacAlpine, Paul Gilbert).
 
The songs on ‘Big Mess’ combine both harmonically complex arrangements and simple high energy driving music with biting, acerbic wit as they reckon with the chaos and confusion of the modern world. “2020 was an intense year, to say the very least,” Elfman says. And while the anger, frustration, and isolation of it all is palpable in his delivery, ‘Big Mess’ is about more than simply blowing off steam. In making the space to truly sit with his emotions and write without limitations, Elfman achieved a kind of artistic liberation on the record that had been eluding him for decades, rediscovering his voice and reinventing himself all at once in the process.
 
The feelings of anger, angst and frustration that permeate ‘Big Mess’ are explored in the album’s artwork and music videos as well, which push the boundaries between art and technology and each feature Danny in distinct ways. For the cover artwork, Elfman was 3D scanned and transformed into a grotesque looking digital sculpture by Sarah Sitkin. Using CGI, 3D technology and artificial intelligence, each music video was uniquely made and are inextricable from the songs that inspired them. Led overall by Elfman’s creative director Berit Gwendolyn Gilma, each of the video’s directors - Aron Johnson, Jesse Kanda, Sven Gutjahr, Petros Papahadjopoulos, Sarah Sitkin, Sam Rolfes and Zev Deans – have created individual statements that shape a diverse but cohesive whole.
 
Pre-Order ‘Big Mess’
 
3. In Time
4. Everybody Loves You
5. Dance With The Lemurs
6. Serious Ground
7. Choose Your Side
8. We Belong
10. Just A Human
11. Devil Take Away
13. Native Intelligence
14. Better Times
15. Cruel Compensation
17. Get Over It
 
 

NEWS: Introducing Big River.


This one is a little bit different. We aren't linking you to their latest track... yet... but instead introducing you to a new band, telling you a bit about them and building a hype for them. 

Big River's mission is to keep the spirit & passion of British Blues / Rock Bands such as Free & Bad Company alive but with the modern influence of artists such as Rival Sons, Chris Stapleton, Vintage Trouble and Clutch.  They do their own thing, they don’t follow trends and they’re known for playing passionate, heart wrenching performances at every show, always leaving the audience wanting just that bit more sweat from their brows. 

Since forming in 2016 Big River have notched up some serious live performances & have been chosen to open for bands including; Cats in Space, Kip Winger, Burning Rain, Little Caesar, John Corabi, Marco Mendoza, Kris Barras, Frankie Millers Fullhouse, Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell and many more... 

They have played prestigious Festivals & venues such as Cambridge Rock Festival, London 100 Club, Camden Underworld, Half Moon Putney, Black Heart Camden. 

Their debut album “Redemption” released in August 2019 received astounding reviews, being played on Radio Stations all over the world & making the Top 20 in The Netherlands Rock Chart as well as regularly featuring on Top 20 playlists on Radio and digital platforms.

In early 2021 Adam Barron (The Voice finalist / Mick Ralphs Blues Band) joined as the band new vocalist. 

Adam says;

“I’ve known the band for a few years and always loved their sound so I didn’t think twice when they asked me to join. The music they play is right up my street and I can add definitely add something to it. Rehearsals are feeling and sounding great, I can’t wait to get on a stage and make some noise in front of people!”

The band have also recently signed a distribution deal with Sony / Universal via Levelheaded Records and are being represented by RafterMarsh who are one of the biggest names in the industry for Music & Entertainment Law. 

Big River are getting ready for a handful of select live shows in 2021, writing & recording brand new songs for a second album and a new single to accompany their Summer Festival dates. 

A Teenage Cancer Trust charity single will also be released where they will be collaborating with some well known names in the business, legendary producer Mike Bennett will be at the helm. 

Big River are; Adam Barron (vocals), Damo Fawsett (guitar), Ant Wellman (bass), Joe Martin (drums).

NEWS: Judy and Liza Musical to entertain North West audiences as part of a new UK tour.


JUDY & LIZA TO ENTERTAIN NORTH WEST

AUDIENCES AS PART OF NEW UK TOUR

 

Live shows to perform at venues in Lytham, New Brighton, Clwyd and Manchester

 

Dazzling musical starring Emma Dears and Helen Sheals becomes one of the first shows staged after lockdown

 

___________________________________________________________________________

 

The acclaimed Judy & Liza Musical will bring the real-life story of mother and daughter stars Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli to audiences to venues across the North West in the coming weeks.

 

The sensational production, starring West End stars Emma Dears and Helen Sheals, will be staged at Lowther Pavilion in Lytham on Saturday 29th May, Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on Friday 4th June, Theatr Clywd in North Wales on Saturday 13th June and Hope Fest in Manchester on Sunday 18th July. Tickets are on sale now!

 

It tells the turbulent tale of two of Hollywood’s biggest female stars, set against the backdrop of their infamous 1964 London Palladium concert.

 

The North West dates are part of a new UK tour to mark the 10th anniversary of the dazzling show, which opened last week in Worcester, Leeds and Chesterfield.

 

The tour, one of the first to be confirmed for indoor venues after the easing of lockdown restrictions, will also visit Lytham St Annes, New Brighton, London, Brighton, Coventry, Clwyd, Lichfield and Manchester from May to July.

 

The show is one of the first to tour the UK post lockdown. Social distancing and any further required measures will be in place to ensure Covid-secure environments for audience safety.

 

It will also tour in October, with dates to be announced soon.

 

Judy & Liza is produced by Bill Elms Productions and On Song Productions and created and written by West End performer Emma Dears who appears as Liza Minnelli. Francis Goodhand is musical director.

 

Emma performs alongside Helen Sheals, who plays Judy Garland. Together they deliver timeless classics with uncanny resemblance of Judy and Liza, bursting with their unrivalled and elusive star quality.

 

Audiences are taken on an emotional rollercoaster journey as they discover the uncanny parallels between some of Judy and Liza’s most iconic songs and their own personal lives.

 

The show features performances of iconic songs including Cabaret, Maybe This Time, Over The Rainbow, The Man That Got Away, The Trolley Song, and Together Wherever We Go.

 

Liverpool-born actress Emma Dears self-penned the musical biopic to critical acclaim. Emma’s acting career began at the age of nine when she toured the UK in the title role of Annie. She later headed to London to join the Italia Conti Academy for Performing Arts, however she left before completing the course as she was offered a part in the tour of Les Miserables performing in Dublin and Edinburgh. Emma’s West End roles have included Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, and Oliver. Television roles include Emmerdale, Nice Guy Eddie, Shameless, Hollyoaks, Brookside, and Second Coming.

 

Helen Sheals is widely known for her roles in Coronation Street and Downton Abbey. However, Helen is no stranger to portraying Judy Garland having previously played the title role in the West End musical Judy! at The Arts Theatre in London. Her extensive theatre roles have included Mistress Quickly in Merry Wives and Goneril in King Lear for Northern Broadsides, directed by Sir Jonathan Miller; Mari Hoff in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Hull Truck and UK Tour); and Shirley Valentine. Helen’s TV credits include Brookside, Meterosexuality, Family Affairs, Last Tango in Halifax, Silent Witness, Holby City, Casualty, Doctors, Dalziel and Pascoe, and Mrs Wigan in three seasons of Downton Abbey.

 

Producer Bill Elms said: “I’m really delighted that North West audiences are going to have the chance to see this fantastic show as part of its 10th anniversary tour. The response to the news that Judy & Liza is going out on the road has been amazing, with London dates being sold out very quickly.

 

“For many of the theatres we visit, this will be their first show of the year coming out of lockdown. We can promise audiences a safe and very memorable experience as they rediscover the joy of live entertainment through this captivating show.”

 

Writer and actress Emma Dears added: “As performers we crave being in front of a live audience – seeing, hearing and feeling their reactions, so this week’s confirmation that venues can reopen their doors from May 17 is fantastic.

 

“The show is full of love, heartache, and passion, and Helen and I have worked tirelessly to make sure we get every tiny detail just right.”

 

To find out more visit www.judyandliza.co.uk

 

Facebook:       /JudyandLiza

Twitter:           @Judylizatour


JUDY & LIZA UK TOUR 2021

 

LOWTHER PAVILION, LYTHAM

Saturday 29 May 2021 at 2.30pm / 7.30pm

West Beach, Lytham St Annes, FY8 5QQ

Website:          www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk

Box Office:      01253 794221

 

FLORAL PAVILION, NEW BRIGHTON

Friday 4 June 2021 at 2.30pm / 7.30pm

Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 2JS

Website:          www.floralpavilion.com

Box Office:      0151 666 0000

 

ABOVE THE STAG, LONDON

Saturday 5 June 2021 at 3.30pm / 7.30pm - SOLD OUT!

Sunday 11 July at 3.30pm / 7.30pm – ON SALE W/C MAY 24

72 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP

Website:          www.abovethestag.com

 

BRIGHTON FRINGE

Sunday 6 June-Tuesday 8 June 2021 at 7.40pm

The Warren: The McElderry, Victoria Gardens, Brighton BN1 1UB

Website: www.brightonfringe.org

 

ALBANY THEATRE, COVENTRY

Saturday 12 June 2021 at 7.30pm

Albany Road, Coventry, CV5 6JQ

Website:          www.albanytheatre.co.uk

Box Office:      02476 998 964

 

THEATR CLWYD, NORTH WALES

Saturday 13 June 2021 at 2.30pm / 7.30pm

Raikes Lane, Mold, CH7 1YA

Website:          www.theatreclwyd.com

Box Office:      01352 344101

 

GARRICK THEATRE, LICHFIELD

Saturday 26 June 2021 at 2.30pm / 7.30pm

Castle Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 6HR

Website:          www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Box Office:      01543 412121

 

HOPE FEST, MANCHESTER

Sunday 18 July 2021 at 7.30pm

New Islington, Manchester

Website:         www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk/hope-fest

Box Office:      0161 257 9141

RADIO PLAY REVIEW: Hindu Times - Pitlochry Festival Theatre / Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh.


'Hindu Times' is a world premiere radio play (running time 66 minutes) written by Jaimini Jethwa, which has been produced by The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh and The Pitlochry Festival Theatre, in association with Naked Productions.

We find ourselves on Scotland's east coast, or more specifically, Dundee, as a couple of local youths attempt to chat up a wee lassie. Or at least, that's how it seemed on the surface. We soon find out, however, that the wee lassie is non other than the goddess Lakshmi who has 'gone rogue', and in dereliction of her godly duties, and so, the two lads, aka Vishnu and Brahma, have been sent on a mission to bring her back into the fold in order to preserve the inter-stellar harmony.

Yet, as she persudes the two lads to break into a local Spar grocery shop and they end up on the floor drinking all the booze, it begins to seem less and less likely that Vishnu will ever get his wife, Lakshmi, back.

The script is well-written and entertaining [my favourite line being, "yeah, I'm a veggie. I only eat vegetarian animals."], and the pace is kept light and moving throughout. Sensibly directed by Caitlin Skinner, Jethwa's dialogue sparkles. My only concern is that the brogue is very thick, and so, one really needs to listen very carefully to their accents / dialect unless of course you are familiar with the more CHAV-side of the Dundee lingo.

Rehanna MacDonald, Adam McNamara, and Daniel Portman play their roles with unerring realism despite the fantastic and surreal nature of the plot, and you do find yourself being completely drawn in by this premise. And as the two lads mix up the Hindu legends in order to try and find the correct elixir / method to bring Lakshmi back in through the 'portal', they ask for a swan, a tortoise, a mountain, a serpent, a sea of milk, and goodness knows what else, the question is, will their potion work? Will they manage to bring her back in time? Will she change and recognise who she is? Or will they all be condemned to an eternity of low-life Dundee dwelling?

"Close your eyes, fall in love, and stay there."

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 25/4/21

Tuesday 25 May 2021

NEWS: Kavanagh invite you to "Come And Meet The Jones'".


KAVANAGH
RELEASE BLISTERING CRITIQUE OF ENGLISH COUNTRY LIFE IN:

“COME AND MEET THE JONES’”

On 25th May 2021, KAVANAGH invite you to “COME AND MEET THE JONES'”.
LISTEN HERE

The second single from the fast-rising Brighton-based band, finds Kavanagh in take-no-prisoners mood as they deliver an ensnaring alternative rock epic and a damning indictment of small-town rural mentalities. 
 
Swiftly following on from the bright cosmic burst of previous single, “Citizen 202”; “Come And Meet The Jones’” is a track of a more slow-burning, but no less explosive nature. Subverting the traits that have become so synonymous with English country life, “Come And Meet The Jones’” up-ends their values with razor sharp critique and sardonic social commentary. But exactly who are The Joneses?

David Emmons of Kavanagh explains:   
"The Jones's" are the other people living in the world. It's a play on the typical 'keeping up with the Jones's' and it explores English life, specifically that of the English middle class living in the countryside- a Mother and home baker called Mrs Jones. It explores class difference, microcosms of English society, and the alienation of village life.”

Inspired by the lyrical observations of bands like The Small Faces and The Kinks in their respective “Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake” and “Village Green Preservation Society” eras, here Kavanagh rewrite their pastoral persuasions with a gritty, grunge-inflected makeover.

“It's the modern version of those great 60’s 'English Country' bands, with an alt-rock injection, where everything's strange now, murderous even, and unsafe.” says Emmons. “The idyllic peace of the English Country isn't what it once was... Society is changed.”

Recorded at Far Heath studios in Northampton with award winning studio engineer Angus Wallace (The Fall, Fat White Family), “Come And Meet The Jones’” was also produced by the esteemed Mike Bennett (Ian Brown / The Fall / Fat White Family).

A five-piece formed in Canterbury in Kent in 2016, Kavanagh are the epitome of unsigned, DIY Rock’n’Roll. With a fearsome live rep, they have won two national Battle of the Bands competitions and have toured all across the UK. Now based in Brighton, they featured on BlueSkyPieRecord’s 2019 ‘I Am Not Your Slave’ compilation album of unsigned talent from the South East. With plans to support Fat White Family in the near future, they will also be featuring in an upcoming movie with members of The Sex Pistols and New York Dolls.
 
Turning heads with the rocket-fuelled sci-fi short of “Citizen 202” earlier this year, “Come And Meet The Jones’” finds a band adding strings to their bow with accomplished shades of classic Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam all in check. With the noise around Kavanagh already proving uncontainable, “Come And Meet The Jones’” is guaranteed to raise the decibels and the hype another notch again.

KAVANAGH - WILL RELEASE “COME AND MEET THE JONES’” - 25 MAY 2021

LISTEN HERE
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Facebook:
 www.facebook.com/kavanaghband
Website: www.mikebennettproducer.com
Music Glue: www.musicglue.com/mikebennett/about

NEWS: Flagship REFRACT Festival returns to Waterside, Sale. - Greater Manchester.



Waterside unveils uplifting summer programme

 for flagship Refract Festival

 

Festival runs Thursday 22 – Saturday 31 July ‘21

Lockdown restrictions are easing, theatres and museums are beginning to reopen and summer is just around the corner. Waterside is delighted to add to the good news by announcing the programme for its annual experiential summer arts festival: Refract:21. Running from Thursday 22 Julythis vibrant ten day event – now in its fourth year - transforms the spaces inside and outside of Trafford’s award-winning arts venue to offer visitors innovative ways in which to experience the very best in live comedy, music, dance, performance and theatre.

 

As the great British public embrace ‘al fresco’ entertainment this summer, visitors to this year’s Refract are in for a treat outside on the Waterside Plaza with a programme of free outdoor performances and curiosities. From the exhilarating aerial duet and physical theatre show Why? to the lively, vibrant and playful Grow, and the dynamic dance show AND THEN IT JUST…STOPPED. Set on a large scaffolding frame structure, the performers climb, jump and weave their way through a maze of metal bars in this emotive outdoor dance theatre show, created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Indoor highlights include a stellar line up of comedy including Drag superstar Jonny Woo appearing with composer Richard Thomas (Jerry Springer the Musical), comedian Sooz Kempner and Kevin Davies and the stars of Britain’s Got Talent and The One Show - The Noise Next Door - who fuse audience participation with madcap songs, scenes and gags.

 

Where would this year have been without our Friends... and so Waterside is delighted to present a night with one of our all-time favourite friend of a Friend - barista GuntherThe entirety of cult sitcom Friends – all 10 seasons and 236 episodes – will be presented in just one hour, in this hit Edinburgh Fringe comedy, Friend (The One with Gunther). This sell-out solo show from acclaimed comic actor Brendan Murphy, re-imagines the TV classic (coming back to our screens for a one off Reunion on Thursday 27 May) through the eyes of the legendary fictional coffee guru. Hear the true insider story of what happened to Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, Monica and Joey – from the one Friends character who kept them caffeinated through all of the highs, lows, love affairs and failed auditions along the way, in this night of comic parody.

 

Over the ten day festival, audiences are also welcomed to indulge in the ridiculous and anarchic world of clowns Dik and Adam - in the hilarious and slightly terrifying Coulrophobia; experience the ultimate in camp fierceness led by the Cocoa Butter Club; enjoy one of England’s finest folk singers Jim Moray in a night of traditional and heartfelt songs, and get on down with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners – where New Orleans meets 90s club classics. For those who love a bit of audience participation, take part in the cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote - a unique and hilarious evening featuring crime-solving, games, prizes and an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode “Broadway Malady”.

 

For families, Refract: 21 features a fantastic selection of engaging and lively theatre shows for kids of all ages. For the under 7s there is an animated and live-action magical, musical adventure in Groove into the Woods - blending jungle rhythms, infectious pop themes, and a heavy dose of 60s Blue Note soul jazz, which will have everyone big and little alike up on their feet, The over 5s can enjoy an hour of songs, scenes and gags all based on what the audience want to see with The Noise Next Door’s improv show, Run Wild!

 

For something a little more high energy, Desert Island Flicks sees two leading ladies take on all the main roles, stunts, and special effects of the most memorable movie moments of all time; while Lewis Doherty brings his one man cyber punk action thriller WOLF, as well as larger than life, sword swinging, one man adventure BOAR – and mimes every prop and makes every sound effect to bring to life over forty characters.

 

It is Waterside’s utmost priority to keep its audiences, artists, visiting companies and staff safe.  Robust Covid prevention measures will be in keeping with the most up to date Government guidelines for July and it is likely Waterside will be operating on a reduced capacity for both ticketed events and general admission to the gallery and venue. Early booking is therefore advised for all Refract events. Where possible, Waterside will also offer a contingency to deliver some Refract shows online if venue access is suddenly restricted or for those who would remain more comfortable to access content digitally at this time.

Producer of Refract, Darren Adams says ““It is so exciting to bring our fourth Refract festival to Waterside this summer.  After a challenging year for artists and arts organisations, we are so thrilled to be welcoming so many back through our doors and working with new ones to build on the success of the first three years of Refract. Our focus has been on creating a really exciting and uplifting season of unforgettable experiences to bring much needed creative energy, joy and lively entertainment to audiences of all ages who have not been able to experience any live arts for the past few months. Now more than ever, we all need fun things to look forward to and culture is the perfect way in which to bring people together, to bring the wonder and excitement back into our lives and back through the doors of this wonderful local venue.”

Refract: 21 runs at Waterside from Thursday 22 - Saturday 31 July.

 

Tickets are on sale from midday on Tuesday 25 May at refract.org.uk