What's On - Music, Events & The Arts

by David Baldwin

Feb - March 2013

David Baldwin from The Electric Cinema in Birmingham gives us a taste of the latest Spring releases.

Flight - Feb 1st

Denzel Washington has bagged himself another Oscar nomination for this high stakes drama, and deservedly so, playing a commercial pilot whose heroic deed of saving a plane from crashing comes under scrutiny when it’s revealed he had a high level of alcohol in his blood on the day in question. Flight is also director Robert Zemeckis’s first live action film for years, Zemeckis perhaps finally realising all that motion capture CGI nonsense will never be quite as good as having a brilliant actor like Washington delivering the lines.

February

Hitchcock - 8th

Most biopics go the whole hog and feature a subject’s entire life, but this spirited look at legendary director Alfred Hitchcock chooses to focus on one particular moment on his life – namely the stress and pressure Hitch came under whilst trying to bring the now iconic horror Psycho to the silver screen. Anthony Hopkins dons the latex to play the man himself, while Helen Mirren inhabits the role of his loyal wife Alma, the film focusing on both their romantic and creative partnership.

Cloud Atlas - 22nd

To even try and condense the plot of Cloud Atlas into a paragraph is insane folly. Suffice to say that this adaptation of David Mitchell’s epic novel jumps between five different places/times – including a 19th century ocean journey and a futuristic Korea – and features actors such as Tom Hanks and Halle Berry playing different roles in each section. Despite some negative reviews, you have to admire ambition, and the creation of co-directors Tom Tykwer & the Wachowski siblings sure has plenty of that.

March

Stoker - 1st

When acclaimed Asian directors head to Hollywood, the results are often a little underwhelming, but hopes are high for Stoker, the English language debut of Oldboy director Park Chan-wook. You’ve got a suitably creepy story as Mia Wasikowska’s morose teenager finds herself infatuated with her possibly homicidal new stepfather Matthew Goode, and then you’ve got Park’s typically luscious visuals to frame the perverse narrative. Certainly not one for the faint of heart, one particular depiction of budding female sexuality practically guaranteeing Stoker an 18 certificate.

The Paperboy - 15th

If you saw the Oscar-winning 2009 film Precious, then you’ll know that the work of writer-director Lee Daniels often hangs precariously between serious social issues drama and cheap exploitation flick. The Paperboy is no different, giving you a journalist (Matthew McConaughey) trying to prove the innocence of a death row inmate (John Cusack), but also throwing in Nicole Kidman’s slutty fiancée and some sleazy Southern US sultriness. A guilty pleasure then, but you needn’t feel too guilty.

The Host - 29th

The Twilight Saga is over! And boy, it sure was an endless saga. But before parents sick and tired of sparkly vampires and weirdly buff teenagers crack open the champers, there is still yet more to come from the pen of Twilight author Stephenie Meyer, whose standalone novel The Host is here given the cinematic treatment.

It’s all got something to do with alien souls possessing human bodies, but it’s essentially just another B movie framework to hang a soppy romance off. Sigh.

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What’s  On Feb/Mar 2013

micky flanagan

NIA 16th March and 7th,  8th & 9th November

Micky Flanagan, one of British comedy’s biggest stars, will be bringing his new tour ‘Back in the Game’ to the NIA.

The London-born stand-up comedian has announced his new tour following huge critical and commercial success after last year’s ‘Out Out’ tour where over 200,000 tickets were sold and all 150 dates completely sold out.

X FACTOR

LG Arena, Sunday 10th February 2013 –  2.30pm and 7.30pm

You’ve watched them in your living room, voted for your favourite on your phone, clapped along to their performances on the tap to clap app, now you have the chance to see the final seven stars of The X Factor perform live as they embark on The X Factor 2013 Live Tour at the LG Arena.

The top seven finalists performing on the tour, who will appear at the arena next February, are James Arthur, Ella Henderson, Jahmene Douglas, Rylan Clark, Christopher Maloney and groups Union J and District3

GIRLS ALOUD

LG Arena, 26th & 27th February 2013

The girls are back in town…! After months of speculation the UK’s number one girl band have announced their return and the LG Arena is set to welcome them next year as part of their ‘Ten’ arena tour. Undoubtedly one of the biggest girl bands in the world, the tour will see Cheryl, Kimberley, Nadine, Nicola and Sarah take to the stage to celebrate 10 years in music.

alfie boe

NIA, 22 March 2013

‘The Nation’s Tenor’ Alfie Boe is one of 2011’s huge success stories; having sold nearly 700,000 copies of his albums ‘Bring Him Home’ and ‘Alfie’, whilst also fitting in a critically acclaimed West End run as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. His new tour dates will follow the release of his new studio album ‘Storyteller’.

biffy clyro

LG Arena 21st March 2013

Festival favourites Biffy Clyro have confirmed their biggest arena tour to date, bringing their famous Scottish rock sounds to the Midlands as part of next year’s tour.

The trio shot to fame in 2007 with album ‘Puzzle’, followed by ‘Only Revolutions’ in 2009; both of which made top five in the UK Album Charts. ‘Only Revolutions’ reached number three in the charts and went gold within days of its release, and in 2010 achieved platinum status. As well being nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, the album includes two of the band’s best-known hits, ‘Mountains’ and ‘That Golden Rule’, which both reached top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. Also on the album is the track ‘Many of Horror’ which was covered by The X Factor 2010 winner, Matt Cardle.

one direction

LG Arena, 22nd & 23rd March, 17th April

Zayn, Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are preparing to wow fans when they head to the LG Arena next spring.  Undoubtedly one of the most popular bands around, they have been number one in 15 countries with their Debut Album ‘Up All Night’, won a BRIT Award for Best Single 2012 and have conquered America, making them the first UK group to debut at No. 1 in USA with a debut album.

The Script

Saturday,  16th March 2013

As the band have reached superstar status, they’ve toured with U2, Take That and Paul McCartney, sailed through the second album syndrome that sinks so many bands, played to a 55,000-strong crowd at an historic hometown show in Dublin, amassed almost four million followers on Facebook and 1.5 million on Twitter, sold four million albums, nine million singles, and saw their singer star Danny O’Donoghue on TV talent show The Voice UK.

OLLY MURS

LG Arena 12th March, NIA 20th March 2013

Olly, who has recently released his latest album ‘Right Place Right Time’ is set to get fans’ hearts skipping a beat when he embarks on his 2013 tour. The cheeky Essex chap sold out at his last appearance at the LG Arena, back in February of this year, so fans are urged to book tickets fast!

MICHAEL JACKSON

NIA, 26th March

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil is the highest grossing show in America and has confirmed that it will be visiting Birmingham’s NIA on Tuesday 26 March 2013. A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop - celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.

Tickets for all gigs available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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Rachel New

from the Heart FM breakfast show

Olly Murs

LG Arena 12 March and NIA 20 March

I’m very excited about March, because Olly Murs is coming to the West Midlands, not once, but twice! Since finishing second in the X Factor in 2009 (bonus points if you can name who actually won that year?!) He’s proved himself as TV presenter, doing a sterling job on The Xtra Factor, as well as a hugely successful pop act, his third album selling very nicely thank you.

But having met Olly on several occasions (lovely and down to earth) I know he had his eyes set very firmly on a prize he wasn’t sure he could he’d ever get. A stadium tour of his own. Now he’s finally got his wish and like a kid in a sweetshop he’s playing both the NIA and the LG Arena, bless him. If you’ve not seen him live you are in for such a treat. It’s a big show, with a great band, a kind of carnival vibe and his covers (Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition’ among them) are inspired and full of soul. He’s a little gem is Olly Murs, oh and he knows how to wear a hat! (It was Joe McElderry btw, in case you’re still trying to work it out!)

www.heart.co.uk

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by Laurence McCoy

A delightful stroll from Weston Subedge in the Cotswolds, taking in some dramatic views from the top of Dover’s Hill – and a memorable meeting!

The Old Fella’s been moaning about how wet it has been underfoot lately, so when he started talking about our next walk, “We’re heading for the hills,” he said.

Out came the maps and after an hour of muttering and scribbling with pencils he declared: “That’ll do nicely. A handy pub and a circular walk along a high ridge to keep out of the mud.”

As it happened, when we set off a couple of days later it had snowed so that was an extra bonus for the four-legged strollers. As we pulled up at Weston Subedge, near Chipping Campden, Dylan was fairly shivering with anticipation. Or it might have been the cold...he’s a bit of a woos for a so-called sheepdog. Max kept his counsel, as usual.

Start off facing the village pub, the Seagrave Arms, and head left, past the wooden bus shelter and then right into Church Street. Keep going for a couple of hundred metres then turn right into Parson’s Lane, crossing over a stream and past a manor house on the right. Look out for a footpath sign on the left which takes you past a picture-book Cotswold golden stone cottage.

The footpath has a low stone wall on the right. At a footpath sign on the left go into an open field and carry along the edge, heading away from the village. You’ll hear a stream on your left as you reach the corner of the field. Cross a wooden bridge over the stream and through a kissing gate and immediately in front is a church. Go straight ahead, following the footpath across the field, keeping the church on your left. You’ll hear another stream (or it may be the same one!) on your right.

Keep going to the corner of the field, leaving the church behind, over your left shoulder. There’s a footpath sign at the corner of the field, over a stile, next to the stream. Tempting, but just a little bit too cold to jump in for a splash.

So we go over a stile, then another stile immediately. Cross the farm track to where there’s a footpath marker through a wooden five bar gate. Pass by a large wooden circular structure. and keep to the track until the stream reappears on your left. Where a tarmac track bears right, look ahead and you’ll see a stile. Cross over into an open field, keeping the stream on your left and along the edge of the field. Phew, at last there’s plenty of space here so it’s off the leads for a romp – as long as there are no sheep.

Keep to the edge of the field, with the stream on your left. Ignore a gate on your left and walk gently uphill to the corner of the field where there’s a stile and a small wooden bridge and the footpath bears right. This time keep the stream on your right until you get to two bridges. Ignore them and bear left in front of the stream and head uphill, keeping the stream on your right. Head for a marker post in the middle of the field and then all the way to the top of the field.

It was getting exciting now, the views all around start to open up and that keeps the Old Fella happy, while Dylan, Max and I can hare around to our hearts’ content. At the top of the field there are some smart wooden steps and gate. Perfect to stop for a breather here and a  look back over the Vale of Evesham stretching away to the distance.

Go through the gate and the views get even more spectacular as you come to the brow of the hill. Follow the line of the straight fence. Go through a double gate and straight ahead, hug the fence to your left, squeezing between an old oak tree at the top of the field and then you come to a gate, past a stone water tough. Go through the gate and head straight across a field to another similar wooden gate that opens out onto a road. Cross the road and go through a gate and turn directly right towards the top of the hill.

The competition was hotting up between we three dogs. “Last one to the top is a chihauhua,” barked Dylan as he shot off ahead. Leaving Max puffing away with the Old Fella, I was off. At the top is a wide open space, a dog paradise. But what attracted me wasn’t the splendid views, it was the sight of a very pretty terrier. Minxie was her name and we got on like a house on fire.

So when the Old Fella managed to get to the top and called for us, I was tempted to do a bunk and hang out with Minxie for the rest of the day. But what would he do without my sense of direction, I reasoned, as I sadly barked a last goodbye to Minxie.

We set off around the crest of the hill, keeping the views to the left, past a National Trust stone beacon and bearing left past a footpath marker post. Minxie had told me where she lived but a dog’s memory is a bit short and to be honest, when Max chased something feathery out of a bush all thoughts of Minxie faded. Live for the moment is my motto. Needless to say we didn’t catch it. So it was onward, passing a small copse on the right with a stone wall and a gate, and a marker saying Cotswold Way Circular. Ignore it and carry on downhill to some wooden steps. Go down, ignore another footpath marker on a stile ahead. Instead turn left, downhill towards woods, following a well-marked path. A sheep alert meant leads on at this point but at the bottom of the field there are some welcoming woods.

Look out for a wooden gate and kissing gate into the wood and then simply follow the path through the wood. More dog heaven, especially since I’d put Minxie behind me and was able to fully concentrate on the important things that Max was chasing out from behind the trees.

Go through the wood and cross a smart wooden walkway (obviously built for humans, who need all the help they can get). It was a little muddy here, despite the Old Fella’s hopes to stay dry. But that’s just a bonus for us and a roll around in a puddle never did any dog any harm. At a T-junction take the right turn which leads out of the wood, with Weston Subedge appearing ahead. Cross a stile and go straight down a narrow field.

When it opens out turn left at a path marker on the left. Look out for another marker post which sends you towards a stile at the edge of the field. Jump over and go through a small tree-lined section, cross a stile onto a narrow path between two fields with a hedge on the left and a fence on the right. This eventually pops out at the village football pitch. Carry on out into the road with the church of St John the Baptist and St Lawrence ahead. Cross over and turn right down the footpath towards the village. To avoid walking along the road look out for a footpath sign that points between two stone houses and out into the field which should be recognisable from earlier. Retrace your steps back to the Seagrave Arms and a welcome rest.

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Birmingham NEC from the 28th Nov to 2nd Dec

Come and join us for a great day out with celebrity chefs live on stage, fantastic MasterChef features plus great shopping and gift ideas. The BBC Good Food Show Winter is back and to celebrate we have teamed up with the organisers to offer you the chance to win…. pairs of general admission tickets.

The BBC Good Food Show is the biggest and best food Show in the country and this year the line up is just as stellar as always. Top foodie faces including John Torode, Gregg Wallace, James Martin, Gino D’Acampo and The Hairy Bikers plus many more will be taking to the Supertheatre. There will be hundreds of exhibitors from Cornish Cheese Co to David’s Chilli Oil and Luponde tea plus BBC Good Food Show regulars including Foxes Spices and The Curry Sauce Company. With Christmas just around the corner it will be the perfect place to pick up inspiration to make your Christmas stand out from the crowds this year and try something different!

Ticket prices start at just £21.50 To book tickets please visit BBCGoodFoodShow.com or call 0844 581 1360

Clothes Show Live

7-11 DECEMBER 2012

It’s the UK’s largest and most talked about fashion & beauty event of the year at the heart of British fashion.

5 days of fashion, catwalk shows, celebrity designer guests, makeovers, champagne bars and lots more! Shop from over 500 fashion and beauty brands, get style tips from leading industry experts, see inspirational hair and beauty demonstrations and sit on the fashion frow for sensational catwalk performances around the show!

Shop for the latest fashion trends and beauty products from top high-street, boutique and vintage brands, split into dedicated shopping zones.

Style Boutique - Featuring high-end labels, designer collections and glittering bars and cafes.

Beauty Hall - Find products from top beauty brands, get expert tips and watch style demonstrations.

Vision Village - High street labels, boutique brands, vintage clothing and unique fashion finds, bring your fashion vision to life.

Fashion Fix - Fast fashion brands and hot accessories at seriously cool prices.

To book tickets please call the box office  today on 0800 358 0058 or to book online click here

Standard - £27 - Platinum - £40

Student Discount 20% off with a valid NUS student card.

Win Tickets with Touchbase

Touchbase have tickets for both of these fantastic events to give away. To be entered into the draw for these tickets simply send an email to editor@touchbasemagazine.com headed either ‘Clothes Show’ or ‘GoodFood Show’.

Closing date for both draws will be 10th November.

TERMS & CONDITIONS see page 12:  1. Closing date for competition - 10th November.  2. Winners will be notified by phone by 12th November. 3. Only two tickets can be won per winning entry.  4. No cash equivalent will be given. 5. The decision of Touchbase Magazine is final.

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by David Baldwin

Taken 2 - Oct 4th

One of the more bizarre occurences in recent cinema history has been the transformation of Liam Neeson from stately awards-worthy thespian to ass-kicking, name-taking action star. That’s entirely down to Taken, the surprise 2008 hit and secret guilty pleasure that saw Neeson cross Europe in search of his kidnapped daughter, punching and killing any nasty foreigners who got in his way. Taken 2 looks to be more of the same, only this time it’s Neeson who’s kidnapped, his daughter tasked to save him. Undoubtedly silly, but not without merit.

Beasts Of The Southern Wild - Oct 19th

A smash hit on this year’s global festival circuit, word of mouth should help this unique post-apocalyptic feature get a proper audience in the UK. 29-year-old director Benh Zeitlin creates a fantastic cinematic vision as a six year old girl named Hushpuppy faces a largely submerged world where mysterious creatures called aurochs roam the wild. The cast is made up of largely non-professional actors, and you won’t fail to be drawn in by the magical visuals. Make sure to seek it out.

Room 237 - Oct 26th

Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is a cast-iron masterpiece, and as with many classic films, some viewers have gone a little cuckoo looking for hidden meanings and cryptic clues contained within the narrative. The hugely entertaining documentary Room 237 takes a look at the many crazy theories surrounding The Shining, which range from the story being an allusion to the brutal treatment of Native Americans to more out-there conspiracies which suggest Kubrick was involved in faking the moon landing. Completely bonkers stuff, but great fun.

Skyfall - Oct 26th

007 returns, although a little later than expected thanks to the financial problems that struck MGM a few years back. Of course, taking a nice breather never hurts when it comes to a fifty year old franchise, and the creative juices look to be flowing properly with Skyfall as M (Judie Dench) faces up to some past misdeeds which look set to rain fire down on Daniel Craig’s Bond, returning for his third stint in the tux). Throw in Javier Bardem as a suitably OTT villain, and Skyfall looks to be a return to form after the mixed reception given to Quantum Of Solace.

The Master - Nov 9th

The question that keeps getting asked about Oscar-worthy drama The Master is whether or not it’s about Scientology. Well, it sort of is, but sort of isn’t. If you get our drift. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman as an intellectual who begins his own organised religion, the story suggests links to Scientology creator L. Ron Hubbard, but Anderson has insisted this is a human drama rather than one targeted at Hubbard’s followers. Whatever the truth, the film has already racked up some amazing early buzz about Hoffman and his co-star Joaquin Phoenix, making this THE film to see this autumn.

Alex Cross - Nov 30th

James Patterson is one of the biggest selling authors in the world, and his dominance of the bestseller lists started when he created detective and psychologist Alex Cross, so it’s a wonder that there haven’t been more Alex Cross movies. This new cinematic outing for Cross is only his third appearance on screen, and looks to reboot the series by dumping Morgan Freeman in favour of Tyler Perry and enlisting Matthew Fox as a deranged killer named Picasso. With a bit of creative thinking, the Cross series could be a multi-million dollar franchise, but it remains to be seen if this new take on the popular detective can make that a reality.

THE ELECTRIC CINEMA, 47-49 Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DY

Tel: 0121 643 7879

www.theelectric.co.uk

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O2 Academy Birmingham

Newton Faulkner

Thursday 18th November 7:00pm

Brit-nominated, acoustic guitar virtuoso Newton Faulkner will tour the UK this October following the release of his 3rd album Write It On Your Skin.

See website for details.

www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk

The Crescent Theatre

The Wind In The Willows

28th November 2012 – 19th January 2013

£9.00 - £28.00

Poop Poop! Watch out, watch out Toad’s about!

The charming tale of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad comes alive this Christmas as The REP heads downstream to the riverbank and embarks on a glorious adventure that leads to Toad Hall, to the perilous Wild Wood and finally to battle!

Featuring his own brand of nostalgia and comedy, Alan Bennett brings Kenneth Grahame’s classic riverbank story to life. With music and merriment, The Wind in The Willows will keep you entertained and enthralled, no matter what your age.

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Symphony Hall Birmingham

Emeli Sande + Very Special Guests

Thursday 8th November 7:30pm

£22.50 - £27.50

In the last 12 months, life has changed beyond all recognition for Emeli Sande, the former medical student from Aberdeen. Since last summer Emeli has scored two number 2 singles with Heaven and Next To Me and her hugely acclaimed number 1 debut album, Our Version of Events is the biggest selling debut album of the year with over half a million sales. The album is also the second biggest selling album of the year behind Adele and has topped the charts three times since its release in February.

Rufus Wainwright And His Band

Saturday 17th November, 7:30pm

£25.00 - £45.00

Affectionately referred to by Elton John as “the greatest songwriter on the planet” and praised by the New York Times for his “genuine originality,” Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation. The son of folk singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and brother of Martha Wainwright, he has carved out his own singular sound in the worlds of rock, opera, theatre, dance and film.

He returns to Symphony Hall to mark the release of his seventh album, Out of the Game.

www.thsh.co.uk

New Alexandra Theatre

Ross Noble: Mindblender

16th - 18th October

After a two-year break Ross Noble, the demonic scarecrow himself, is back doing what he does best with a new live tour.

Famed for his fiery and fluid freewheeling style, Noble creates comedy gold from tiny particles of random nonsense.

This is your chance to see one of the world’s most critically acclaimed stand-ups in a hysterical night with the Mindblender.

Top of the Pops Live

30th October - 3rd November

Capturing the spirit of the iconic TV show Top of the Pops, Top of the Pops Live is a nostalgic interactive jukebox celebrating the greatest hits by the biggest stars in the world of pop from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Paying homage to the DJs who introduced the TV show and to the resident dance troops Pan’s People and Legs & Co.

During the show the singers, dancers, presenters and a live band will perform song after song and along with vintage chart footage, host a chart rundown covering three decades. On the night you, the audience, get to pick a song from a short list of five classic hits that will be the evening’s number one!

www.alexandratheatre.org.uk

The Belgrade Theatre

The Dark at the Top of the Stairs

By William Inge

Sat 20th Oct - Sat 10th November 2012

Set among the wide open spaces and never-ending skies of Oklahoma in the early 1920s, William Inge’s American family drama tells the story of the Flood family as they are each forced to face their fears and accept that the world as they know it is changing forever.

Dry Rot

Mon 22th – Sat 27th October

John Chapman’s hit horse racing comedy Dry Rot sees some of the country’s best loved faces come to the Belgrade, including Liza Goddard, Gareth Hale, Neil Stacy and Gemma Bissix.

Barnstormers Comedy Oct 2012

Fri 26th October 2012

Each month the compere introduces three different top acts from the London circuit, usually Comedy Store regulars. This is the perfect way to start the weekend.

Due to their bawdy tone, the shows may not be suitable for those of a sensitive nature. Over 18s only, unless accompanied by a responsible adult.

Tacit Theatre presents

The Canterbury Tales

Weds 14th - Thurs 15th November 2012

The Canterbury Tales is an immersive production, igniting with an explosion of live music, story-telling and general mischief. Featuring live folk music and stories that are not for the faint-hearted, Tacit Theatre offers storytelling theatre like no other. Ideal for school groups.

www.belgrade.co.uk

Birmingham Hippodrome

Blood Brothers

Mon 22th October - Sat 3rd November

DIRECT FROM HIS WEST END SEASON  FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY!

West End star and multi-platinum selling artist Marti Pellow joins the cast of Blood Brothers for two spectacular weeks only. The Wet Wet Wet front-man and music legend will take on the role of the Narrator alongside Nikki Evans as Mrs Johnstone in the critically acclaimed smash hit musical.

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Sister Act

Tue 9th - Sat 20th October

Based on the movie of the same name, this fabulous, family-friendly, feel-good show is packed with songs inspired by Motown, funk, soul & disco, which more than a million people saw in the West End!

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found - a convent! Disguised as a nun she makes the wrong impression on the strict Mother Superior. But when she transforms the choir into the most glorious musical act in town, Deloris forms a lasting bond with her newfound friends… and the gang that’s chasing her finds itself up against an unstoppable team of soulful sisters!

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

LG Arena

Cheryl A Million Lights Tour

Friday 12th October 2012

£35.00 plus booking & transaction fees

Cheryl has announced her first ever solo nationwide arena tour, which will be stopping at the LG Arena, Birmingham on 12 October. The announcement comes as her latest single ‘Call My Name’ tops the iTunes charts overnight, and looks set to top the official UK charts this week. Cheryl will be performing songs from all three of her solo albums on the tour as well as some surprises.

Although this will be Cheryl’s first headline arena tour, she is certainly no stranger to the live circuit. She opened as special guest on the Black Eyed Peas European tour in 2010 and also played four sold-out arena tours as part of Girls Aloud.

Kelly Clarkson

Sunday 14th October 2012

£32.50 plus booking & transaction fees

Songstress Kelly Clarkson is set to appear at the LG Arena on Sunday 14 October, as part of a five date tour of the UK.

Kelly has sold over 20 million albums worldwide, had seven top ten singles in the UK and has shifted over 3.5 million units in the UK alone

Ticket Hotline 0844 338 8000

Mallory Court Hotel

Festive Afternoon Tea

Saturday 1st December 2012 to Monday 31st December 2012

Available Monday to Friday through December. £19.50 per person.

What better way to spend a dark cold day than by indulging in the great British tradition of Afternoon Tea. Recline by the fire in Mallory’s cosy lounge and sip a warming winter Pimm’s, followed by a selection of sandwiches and festive treats.

Festive Dining in the Brasserie

Saturday 1st December 2012 to Monday 31st December 2012

2 Course Lunch from £19.50 per person

2 Course Dinner from £25.50 per person

Come and enjoy a festive meal in our Brasserie throughout December!

Carols and Candlelit Dinner

Thursday 6th December 2012

£69.00 per person without transport to the church, including a four course festive meal and half a bottle of wine.

£85.00 per person inclusive of return transport to the church, including a four course festive meal and half a bottle of wine.

Back by popular demand the 5th Annual Carols and Dinner Evening

The evening is black tie and most definitely one to enjoy with friends or entertaining clients.

Meet us at St Mary’s Church Warwick to listen to the Boys and Men’s Choir, returning to Mallory to enjoy a four course festive menu in the Knights Suite.

Transport can be provided; join us at Mallory for mulled wine and mince pies beforehand and then travel by coach.

Christmas Party Night!

Friday 14th December 2012

Join us for a night of fun and party!

Great evening to celebrate the festive season with family, friends and work colleagues...

£39.50 per person, to include 3 course traditional festive menu, a welcome drink and a disco

Guest seated on large tables, up to 10 people maximum per table.

New Year Black Tie Dinner Dance

Monday 31st December 2012

£99.00 per person

Begin the evening with a cocktail on arrival, before taking your seat for a fantastic five course dinner in the Knights Suite where you will be seated at large tables. At midnight see in the New Year with a glass of Champagne and dancing until 1.00am with Detroit Soul, a nine-piece dynamic soul band.

Mallory Court Hotel, Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB

01926 330214

reception@mallory.co.uk

www.mallory.co.uk

The Kings Hotel

Festive Afternoon Tea

Saturday 1st December 2012 to Monday 31st December 2012

£8.50 Per Person

Mince Pies, Christmas Cake & Mulled Wine

Festive Dinner with Carols

Thursday 13th December 2012

£32.50 Per Person

3 Course Dinner including mulled wine on arrival

The Kings Hotel, The Square, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6AW

01386 840256  info@kingscampden.co.uk  www.kingscampden.co.uk

Orchestra of the Swan

Tamsin Waley-Cohen  plays Mozart

7:30p.m, Tuesday, October 16th 2012

Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon

£9.50 – £23.50

Tamsin Waley-Cohen  plays Mozart

2:30p.m, Wednesday, October 17th 2012

Town Hall, Birmingham

£21.50 – £6.50

Lunch and Conversation  with David Le Page

12:00p.m, Tuesday, November 13th 2012

White Swan Hotel

£24.00

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

7:30p.m, Tuesday, November 13th 2012

Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon

£9.50 – £23.50

Pre-concert Wine with  Conductor and Soloist

1:00p.m, Wednesday, November 21st 2012

Town Hall, Birmingham

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

2:30p.m, Wednesday, November 21st 2012

Town Hall, Birmingham

£21.50 – £6.50

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel  with Orchestra of the Swan

7:30p.m, Saturday, November 24th 2012

Symphony Hall, Birmingham

£37.50 – £42.50

For more details about any  of the above event please go to  www.orchestraoftheswan.org

CBSO

Notelets - Musical Toybox

Saturday 13th October

CBSO Centre, Birmingham 0121 345 0491

CBSO Players

An interactive mini-concert for toddlers and their families

Bring the youngest members of the family to CBSO Centre for a special toddler-friendly mini-concert. Expect a feast for all the senses, with bite-sized music, lively presentation.

Youth Orchestra: The Nutcracker

Sunday 28th October

Symphony Hall, Birmingham 0121 345 0603

Vedernikov, CBSO Youth Orchestra, CBSO Children’s Chorus

Tchaikovsky

The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Waltz of the Flowers, the Kingdom of Sweets…everyone loves Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. But this is so much more than that.

City Of Birmingham Choir: Brahms & Rautavaara

Saturday 10th November

Symphony Hall, Birmingham 0121 345 0603

Lucas, Routledge, Rice, City of Birmingham Choir

Rautavaara, Brahms

Indulge yourself in Brahms’ beautiful and lyrical Requiem and the atmospheric, mystical, romantic music of Rautavaara. “Stunningly accomplished performance. Birmingham Post

Friday Night Classics:  The Music Of Burt Bacharach

Friday 23rd November

Symphony Hall, Birmingham 0121 345 0603

Balcombe, Bickley, Lark, Jiear

The Music of Burt Bacharach

What The World Needs Now • Magic Moments • Do You Know The Way To San Jose? • Walk On By • Say A Little Prayer • Raindrops Keep Falling...

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The Proclaimers

by Rachel New from the Heart FM breakfast show

Warwick Arts Centre,

Saturday 3rd November

Most people think of just one song when you say The Proclaimers, the rousing ‘I’m gonna be 500 miles’. Usually heard towards the end of the night at a plethora of events, from weddings to office parties or even 21st birthdays. But to me they represent so much more. Their album ‘This is the Story’ was the sound track to my summer in 1987, I grew so fond of their unashamed Scottish accents (singing in anything other than American was unheard of 25 years ago!) and the vivid tales they told with such poetry. The song ‘Over and done with’ opens with the fantastic line ‘This is the story of our first teacher, Shetland made her jumpers and the devil made her features’, how fabulous is that?!? But obviously new bands entered my life and they faded into the background. Until 3 years ago when I decided to revisit the album and took it on a driving holiday to France and have been enjoying it ever since. I guess what I’m saying is it’s never too late to discover The Proclaimers, if you don’t already hold them dear, and their songs of love and hardship and culture clashes still ring true today. So if you’re free Saturday the 3rd of November I’ll see you at Warwick Arts Centre, I’ll be the one who knows all the words!!

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George Michael

Out of the light

He’s one of the biggest pop stars in the world and is wowing audiences across Europe with his show Symphonica, now George Michael takes time out to tell Touch Base about his brush with death last year and his triumphant comeback.

It is almost one year ago now that George Michael’s world changed in ways that he never thought was possible.

He was in the middle of his eagerly-anticipated 65-show Symphonica tour when he fell ill in Austria and was rushed to hospital, spending spent three weeks in intensive care with acute pneumonia.

It was only when he recovered that he revealed it was “touch and go” as to whether or not he would survive.

He spent months recuperating and now he is back with a vengeance, happy to be alive and to perform the shows that he was forced to cancel 12 months ago.

In fact, so grateful is he for the life-saving medical treatment he received while in Austria that he donated 1,000 tickets for the Vienna concerts to the staff at the hospital where he was treated – with medical team who saved his life sitting in the front row.

“That’s the least I could do,” he smiles broadly.

“I was absolutely loving the tour and it was such a terrible shame that the shows had to stop when I got ill,” he tells us.

“And my audiences are just so amazing now, they really are. I can sort of feel their love and gratitude when I’m on stage and I think that comes from them having so many of their life experiences attached to my music over the years.

“One of the ways they’ve shown their appreciation to me on this tour is by being so patient with the songs I’m performing. I’m sure there have been numbers that they’ve never heard of, or the occasional jazz standard or whatever, but they’ve just seemed totally prepared to go on this musical journey with me. I think that really shows the level of fans that I have.”

Symphonica is an orchestral tour that features songs mainly from the albums “Songs from the Last Century” and “Patience”, plus a selection of cover versions, and it has received rave reviews in every city he has performed in so far.

But for a man who has sold 115 million records worldwide over the years, he remains circumspect about the level of success he has achieved.

“What’s strange is that as a child I did have a weird sense that I would be a successful musician, but I couldn’t have imagined a career like this,” says the 49-year-old singer, who shot to fame as one half of the pop duo Wham!

“I was confident about my talent and my possibilities, but I just wanted to be on Top Of The Pops – that was my idea of fame and success.

“When I started, of course, I had no idea that MTV would happen in the 80s and that the British were going to have such a large grip on that audience. I was fortunate that my kind of music suited the times, and I just rode that wave.

“For me there’s always this possibility that you’ve lost something that you’re not aware of. And that’s exciting, you know? Because the day that I’m not worried anymore is the day that I should stop.

“I think if you’re complacent about your talent then it can definitely drift. That’s much less likely to happen if you realise what a privilege it is to be talented and successful in this business.”

No stranger to controversy, George is now looking forward to a new chapter in his life.

He is settled in a relationship with Fadi, an Australian hairdresser, released a new single, called White Light, this summer, and is enjoying being back on tour, which saw him play two sell-out shows at the LG Arena in Birmingham in September.

White Light, which he showcased during the closing ceremony of the Olympics in August, is a celebration of his coming through pneumonia.

“Pretty much everything I do is autobiographical, and in this case, having come close to death, l I knew something good musically would come out of it,” says George.

“A lot of people were expecting me to write a ballad, but I wanted something uplifting and positive, hence the dance track.”

As well as the single, which reached number two in the UK charts, George is also working hard on a new album.

Describing it as “somewhere between Faith and Older in terms of content”, he promises that the as yet un-named album is “pretty upbeat” and can hardly wait for his fans to listen to it.

“It’s probably the most radio-friendly album I’ve made in a long, long time,” he adds.

Before we get to hear the new tracks, though, George is concentrating on finishing the European leg of the Symphonica tour, before heading to Australia for the next leg.

“I’m really looking forward to that. And as my new album will be out early next year, I imagine that will keep me busy making videos for it and other promotional work,” explains George.

And beyond that?

“I’m not sure,” he admits. “I suppose one thing I’ve learnt from coming so close to death is that there’s no point in trying to map out your future too intricately because you never know what’s around the corner.

“I’m going to go with the flow a bit more. But of course, I’m going to keep on making music and I’d also like to do some travelling with Fadi as well. I’m terrible at taking time off, so maybe a long holiday will be on the cards in the not too distant future.”

LG ARENA

Sunday 16th September

George Michael make a welcomed return to the stage, when he brought his ‘Symphonica’ tour to the LG Arena, writes Karen Jones.

His first UK show since a near-fatal illness, George burst onto the stage announcing, to huge roars and applause, “Birmingham, I’m back!”

It was a concert worth waiting for and George, dressed in a purple suit and his trademark dark glasses, was on top form.

Performing classic songs like ‘Cowboys and Angels’ and ‘You Have Been Loved’, to covers of Rufus Wainwright’s ‘Going to A Town’ and even Rihanna’s ‘Russian Roulette’, there was no doubting that he was fully recovered and ready to give the performance his all.

The backing of a full orchestra gave resonance to the old favourites and an eclectic mix of covers. Against the backdrop of sumptuously lit stage with stunning special effects - as well as some fabulous short films featuring everyone from Princess Diana to Dita Von Tesse - this was George Michael at his best.

His voice was pitch perfect and the fans delighted in the performance. Inevitably, as the show ended, the fans stamped their feet and called for more and he didn’t disappoint, giving them the encore they were screaming for.

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by Laurence McCoy

Winchcombe/Belas Knap

Distance: Approx 7 miles   Time: Approx 2/3 hours   Map: OS Explorer 0L45

A varied stroll over the Cotswolds hills, taking in some splendid panoramic views and frequent glimpses of stately Sudeley Castle around the delightful town of Winchcombe.

It’s a little difficult to understand what the Old Fella’s talking about at the best of times. But when he started getting all excited and rabbiting on about Billy’s Gap it was a real mystery.

“It’ll be wonderful,” he said. “A great bit of history on our doorstep. And there’s a nice pub at the end of it too.”

Well, we all like a lie-down by a roaring fire after a good walk so when we arrived at the pretty Cotswold town of Winchcombe we were all getting in the mood. Dylan was being his usual know-it-all self, absolutely convinced that Billy’s Gap was a Roman settlement he’d heard about on the TV. Max was keeping his own counsel, trying to look old and wise of course, but it was obvious he didn’t have a clue.

“There’ll be lots of places to run about in,” said Dylan. “I know these Roman places, they’re brilliant fun.” We ignored him as the Old Fella stopped the car at an obvious place to find out all about where we were going, the library by the town’s main car park.

We set off back out of the entrance, turning left along the pavement, past the Abbey Primary School on the left and in around 100 metres down a little path on the left into the school playing fields. Then it’s through the churchyard to the front entrance of St Peter’s Church and out onto Gloucester Street.

Cross over the road, turn right and after about 60 metres look out for a left turn, almost opposite the railway museum, down Mill Lane, towards the river.

At a cul-de-sac of new houses follow a path by a low stone wall to the town football pitch. This is a great place for a game of fetch, but the man cutting the grass doesn’t look as if he’d appreciate that so we skirt the pavilion and go through a wooden kissing gate. Bear right across the field, keeping a tall hedge to the right. The path leads back to the river. Go through a wooden kissing gate and cross the stream again over a small concrete bridge. Go up to the road and turn left. Pass the scout hut on the left and up ahead there’s a sign for “Belas Knap”. We should have twigged here that Billy’s Gap was perhaps not where we were going, but dogs aren’t that well known for being able to read!

Anyway, turn left, go straight ahead to a wooden gate and go through its kissing gate. A footpath sign says Cleeve Common. Immediately you come to another wooden kissing gate. Go through it and follow the path which keeps the river to the left.

Ignore a stile that crosses a field. Keep the river to the left and open fields to the right. There’s another option to cross a stile to your right. Ignore it again and keep the river on the left. Head slightly uphill and into more open fields.

The path is a bit overgrown here and although Dylan and I had some fun exploring the Old Fella was cursing because he was wearing his shorts and the nettles were giving him some grief. Sometimes there are benefits from being a dog.

Go through another wooden kissing gate, follow a lane with a wooden fence on the left and then a strange light green-coloured pond appears. Somehow we dogs knew this was not a good place to swim. And the next couple of hundred metres is a little strange too – an industrial area in the midst of the idyllic Cotswold hills! Get through it as quickly as possible (it doesn’t take long).

Follow the footpath markers and at the entrance to the Postlip Mills site the footpath leads left off the tarmac road. Almost immediately there’s a footpath to the right. Pass a fir tree, down a narrow track and keep the factory buildings on the left. Find a green footpath sign by a small car park and follow a footpath sign on a post into a small copse of trees.

After 20 metres cross a concrete bridge through a metal kissing gate into an open field. Bear right, keeping the fence on the right. Up ahead there are some farm buildings and a bare hill with clumps of trees and hedges. Follow the footpath which keeps to the right edge of the field. Pass a series of ponds and – amazingly – a couple of pedalos sitting under the trees.

Get over the surprise and 100 metres further on cross a stile into a path with a wire fence to the right and trees to the left. Another chance for the Old Fella to wish he hadn’t worn shorts but the nettley patch is short-lived and comes out onto a farm track.

Turn left towards the farmhouse and walk uphill along the Tarmac track. This is Postlip Hall Farm. Past the farmhouse and just before the farmyard go through a wooden kissing gate into an open field and turn left. Behind there’s a splendid view of a Cotswold stone manor house. This track is a diversion around the farmyard so look out for a metal five-bar gate on the left and regain the stony track and then find a  wooden gate on the left into a field. It says Cotswold Way bridleway and circular walk. Follow the footpath which heads down towards woods. Things are suddenly looking up for us dogs after fields of forbidden sheep.

Go through a metal gate and cross over a wooden bridge over a stream, perfect for a quick drink and a splash. And heading uphill there’s lots of space to sniff out some rabbits!

The path reaches a wooden gate, then, in 150 metres, another wooden gate and a Cotswold Way marker. Go onto a Tarmac track and turn left. Follow the lane and there are fine views across the valley towards Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle, nestling in the valley below.

Carry on to a T-junction, where the sign points towards Belas Knap. Go through a wooden gate and follow the Cotswold Way through woods.

At a metal kissing gate bear directly left around the bottom edge of a field, with woods on the left. At the corner of the field there’s another marker which points uphill along the edge of a wall. Some nice views to the left. The Old Fella’s getting excited. “We’re almost there.” he keeps saying, between gasps and wheezes. But we dogs can run all day; it’s him who’s struggling.

At the top of the field there’s a metal kissing gate and a big sign to Belas Knapp Longbarrow, Ancient Monument. Dylan’s beginning to look sheepish (and that’s a feat for a sheepdog)...doesn’t look very Roman does it? We cross another field, keeping the low stone wall to the left, with more super views of Sudeley Castle. A kissing gate and there it is...a lump of soil with grass on top.

The Old Fella’s on song: “Lots of skeletons in here, children with fatal injuries, raiding and conflict, early neolithic. 5,000 years old...” We try to look interested, before racing off for a play on top of the tomb...talk about dancing on graves!

Much too soon we’re retracing our steps down the hill and back to the Tarmac road where we turn right. After about 400 metres there’s a footpath to the left, but the nettles are just too much for the Old Fella, who’s visibly tiring now.

We carry on to a footpath sign pointing to the left. It says Winchcombe Way and we follow it downhill, past a couple of houses, with a lovely sweeping view over farmland in front. Pass a farm on the left and carry on past a thick green hedge. Some chickens clucking behind the hedge are tempting but needless to say we’re not allowed to go and chase them. Instead we follow

the nicely clipped hedge and metal fence on the left through a narrow cutting and down a beautiful grassy path with great views of Winchcombe below and Sudely Castle swinging into view on the right. Go over a wooden stile and follow the path across a field. It’s plain sailing now, all the way back to Winchcombe, the town church bearing into view as a target.

It’s a gorgeous downhill stretch which comes out at the entrance to Sudely Castle. Head left into town and as you hit the high street turn right and almost immediately there’s the Plaisterers Arms, which has a warm welcome for dogs and a fire in the grate.

Dylan had to swallow his pride about Billy’s Gap and the Romans. Max stuck to his annoyingly wise “I told you so” face...but I was happy enough in front of the hearth after a good day out.

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