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Reviews
The latest reviews appear at the top of the list and move down as new reviews are added. Reviews are listed in the order they arrive at Playing out and may therefore not always appear chronological by date.
Full English Breakfast @ Murphy's
17 September 2011
I was in the mood for a breakfast and settled on Murphy's; reputed to be both Leamington's friendliest and roughest pub (depending upon who you speak to). The bar *did* fall quiet when i walked in. I chose to embrace the cliche and ordered half a pint of lager. Although the there was plenty of space, i thought better of sitting at the bar, opting to sit near the door (just in case). I enjoyed a Full English Breakfast for about half the price you'd pay for an inferior breakfast anywhere else in town! I was so impressed I ate both eggs (i don't even like eggs!) and I wasn't involved in any fights nor was I overtly intimidated. The regulars *don't* bite, apparently (depending upon who you speak to).
Reviewed by Rufus
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Dr. Jephson's Players @ Jephson Gardens
16 July 2011
Having thoroughly enjoyed Heartbreak’s recent outdoor productions, we went along to Jephson Gardens to a production of Alice in Wonderland by the amateur theatre group Dr. Jephson’s Players (being completely free of charge we had nothing to lose). A large audience was seated on rugs and camping chairs around the performance area; we propped ourselves against a tree with a bottle of wine between us (of course). We weren’t kept waiting; the performance began exactly on time. The play was surprisingly original: scenes had been selected and expertly adapted to suit the setting and it was clear that much thought had gone into a highly entertaining script, making it a fantastic event for children and adults alike. For me, the Queen of Hearts stole the show, with some hilarious lines that had me laughing out loud. The acting was brilliant throughout, and the costumes excellent! The scenic Jephson Gardens provided the perfect backdrop and helped convey the magic of this classic brilliantly. All in all, we were extremely impressed; for an amateur theatre group there was really nothing ‘amateurish’ about it; the production was highly professional. My recommendation: future Dr Jephson’s Players performances should not be missed!
Reviewed by Staff
Daisy Pulls it Off @ The Loft Theatre
15 July 2011
Saw Daisy last night at the Loft Theatre and thought it was a wonderful example of company playing. Well done all and welcome back Mr Hankins - take a bow sir!
Reviewed by Kenny
Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) by Heartbreak Productions @ Jephson Gardens
23 Jun 2011
A small stage, a couple of marquees, some camping chairs, a few picnic rugs... We took an umbrella (by all accounts Heartbreak are not deterred by rain), a picnic of sorts (from Leamington’s excellent Millennium Sweet House) and a bottle of bubbles. The weather stayed sunny and Heartbreak staged an excellent performance; clear and accessible, funny and touching. Brilliantly acted by very few cast, all of whom played several parts, leading to some hilarious self referential jokes. This was, we think, the funniest and most enjoyed Heartbreak production yet. Although, we haven't made it to *every* Heartbreak, we do *try*, and so should you. A great evening’s entertainment for all theatre and picnic fans!
Heartbreak's almost international Summer 2011 tour of outdoor venues continues: Pride and Prejudice, The Taming of the Shrew, and Pinnochio. Check schedules for your nearest venue.
Reviewed by Staff
Reckless Comedy @ Robbin's Well
30 May 2011
On Monday we headed down t'Well hoping for some laughs. Comedy at 9pm prompt. The first half was a succession of generally entertaining stand-up; the second dominated by the headlining act ‘The Bob Blackman Appreciation Society: Nothing’. In this Edinburgh Festival preview, comedians Johnny Sorrow and Sir Richard Swann performed an utterly bizarre combination of sketch and stand-up. The pub setting and small crowd created a relaxed and somewhat intimate atmosphere; be sure to make the most of Robbins Well drink deals! If you’re up for an entertaining Monday night out in Leamington, I’d give the Reckless Comedy Night a go and at only £2 it's plenty of bang for your buck!
Reviewed by ZoeT
Cemex Quarry in Southam
22 May 2011
The article in the local paper for an open day at the Cemex Quarry in Southam caught our attention. We went along, keen for a novel and unusual weekend outing. It was perhaps midday when we turned up at the quarry, entirely unsure of what to expect! Greeted by a friendly member of staff, we were directed to a parking area and then on to a marquee, where we were shown a short and somewhat surprisingly interesting presentation outlining a brief history of the cement industry in the West Midlands, as well as the processes undertaken at the quarries in Southam and Rugby. We were then kitted out with hi-vis jackets and hard hats, and embarked upon a guided tour of the quarry. First stop (a definite high point for me) was the ‘old’, and now unused cement works. The enormous chimneys and machinery were surprisingly aesthetic and a great photo opportunity; apparently I was not the first person to remark upon the site’s potential as the set for a horror film! Next was a walk along a short track bordered on each side by shrubs; according to our knowledgeable tour guide this area had been left unlandscaped due to the natural growth of the ‘kidney vetch’ plant, which attracts rare butterflies; the site is consequently frequented by lepidopterists. The track is also the location of fossils (we didn’t find any, but admittedly didn’t look very hard). The final stage of the Cemex Quarry Tour was closer to my mental image of a quarry: a vast hole in the ground, containing water and rock, and across one side of the ‘hole’ the layers of rock were clearly visible. In contrast to my expectations, the quarry was peaceful, with only two small industrial vehicles. Overall, the Cemex Quarry Open Day Experience was informative, enjoyable, and aesthetically impressive: I would recommend it!
Reviewed by ZoeT
Ashow Village Club
20 May 2011
On our return journey from a trip to Coventry (taking the scenic ‘B road’ route) we discovered the village of Ashow, two and a half miles South-East of Kenilworth. A picturesque ‘chocolate box’ village, Ashow is mainly residential. Within the village is an early 12th Century church (The Assumption of Our Lady) and graveyard and the (licensed) Ashow Club, which occupies the old schoolroom and serves a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The prices were very reasonable, and we enjoyed a sunny, Sunday afternoon drink in the large beer garden. The Southernmost tip of Ashow lies on the River Avon, which is crossed here by a small footbridge. At this point on the river the water appeared to be shallow and clear: no surprises that it is a popular wild swimming destination. Ashow was easily accessible by car, although we did come to a couple of dead ends. There are a few parking spaces, conveniently situated a few metres from the river, the church and the social club.
Reviewed by ZoeT
Hamlet @ Eathorpe Village Hall by Two Gents Productions
19th February 2011
The ‘Live and Local’ non-profit arts organisation aims to put on ‘surprising shows in surprising places’, which was certainly achieved with this adaptation of the First Quarto of Hamlet. Not having seen any Shakespeare since my schooldays I was unsure of what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised by a modern and refreshing performance. All of the characters were played by two Zimbabwean men with only two props. My immediate fear was that this, in conjunction with the language of Shakespeare and my total lack of knowledge about the play, would make it impossible to follow, however, this was not the case at all. Throughout the production there was an interesting interaction between the typical features one expects from Shakespeare and the culture of the actors; I suspect that many of those familiar with Hamlet would appreciate the unusual take on the play. The atmosphere was informal, which was anticipated as the performance took place in a local village hall, and the table-top bar and home-made samosas were an added bonus! I left feeling very satisfied after a distinctive, high quality and enjoyable performance; I would certainly attend future Live and Local productions without hesitation!
Reviewed by ZoeT
Gordon Smith - Beyond belief @ The Assembly
21st September 2010
Unusually, I decided to go to see a stage medium this week. As a sceptic, I expected a crafted showman beguiling a receptive audience. However, this was compelling stuff. Gordon Smith has skills. It *was* entertaining up to a point but I don't think this show is *supposed* to be entertaining; more reassuring. I wish audience members were a bit more vocal once their deceased loved-one had touched base because it would've been nice to have more 'ask the spirit' question-and-answer repartee. I'm glad I went. I *do* feel my ultra-materialism challenged. However, I'm not sure what practical use these dead folk are. So until these spirits start telling funnier gags, this thought provoking diversion from my norm will probably remain a 'one off'.
Reviewed by DL
Conundrum @ Evolve - Dubstep & DnB
17th September 2010
With the rise of dubstep recently it was hardly surprising that
someone would put on a big night somewhere. And with Leamington being
a town which traditionally loves the DnB it was bound to multi-genre
event. For a launch night it couldn't have been any better. As you
bounced into the main room the resident DJs were playing a wide
spectrum of dubstep tunes and were clearly loving it, getting the
crowd well up for it. Then UK beatbox champ Reeps One blew everyone
away with dubstep vocals and the upcoming Dubstep DJ FuntCase played a
hectic set and had the whole room shaking. Next up they've got Borgore
and Redlight, with Doctor P and Brookes Brothers in November. There's
some big things ahead and it looks like they're planning on changing
the face of Leam's rave scene.
Reviewed by Indie Gasha
Goldfrapp @ The Leamington Assembly
8th June 2010
First time at the Assembly and it’s a great venue for live music but I was simply shocked at the show. Poorly mixed sound, drowned in bass and a light show and short skirt clearly designed to draw attention away from a show which looked entirely mimed. What was this? TOTP from 1985? We went to the bar and enjoyed a drink and a chat for the last four songs. A gig which proved that some artists can't recreate their recording talent.
Reviewed by Andy
Drum & Bass meets Dubstep @ Evolve
5th March 2010
It was an odd night from the beginning. Having tried to get in the Assembly (next door to Evolve) by mistake, we spent 15 minutes in the front room (the RnB room) waiting for the Dubstep to kick-in, whilst wondering if there’d been some mistake with the publicity. After seeking assistance we found the back room and the drum & bass and the dubstep (yay!).
Only one of us had been to evolve previously; it was a long time ago and it’s a hazy memory. Evolve is a wicked club space and has a wicked outdoor area. The lights are cool, the bar is cheap, and the music in the back room was actually pretty good. Not very busy (possibly not much overlap in the RnB and Dubstep demographics?). Nevertheless, if there was to be a dedicated dubstep night in Leamington, I would put it here.
Reviewed by Micah
Courtney Pine @ The Leamington Assembly
4th February 2010
On an otherwise slow night in Leamington town the Playing Out team swanned into the Assembly
to catch UK jazz legend Courtney Pine with the support of Cuban violinist Omar Puente
for what was named the TRANSITION IN TRADITION TOUR 2010
Opening the proceedings was Puente fronting a 5 piece band including percussion.
Mr. Puente's presence can only be described as stately & magisterial.
Cradling an electric fiddle he strode onto the stage and professorially gazed out over the audience
as if challenging us to embrace a true display of artistic mastery.
As a classically trained musician his technique was on a higher level than the average bear.
The pure tone of his sound & the unbelievable dexterity left us wondering how much virtuosity
it's possible to absorb in one sitting. With a taste of Ravel and an echo even at times, of Jimi Hendrix, Puente and his band held us all in a grip
tighter than the strings on his lightening quick bow like some latter day Paganini.
Courtney Pine for most UK jazz fans needs no introduction. Long renowned as a pre-eminent Sax man
it is fair to say they was anticipation in the air as the lights dimmed to start the second half.
With most of the same members of band remaining on stage including Puente, Courtney was accompanied by
Cubans finest comprising Pianist Zoe Roman, Darren Taylor on bass, Cameron Pierre on guitar and Robert Ford on drums,
the jazz shaman assertively took the audience on an excursion armed with an array of saxophones.
One of Pine's main strengths, aside from his fabulous chops, is in providing the
platform for the other members of the band to shine and each one had their moment in the spotlight.
Pine's style is different to pin down but he breathes a new life into the jazz format with every number.
At times he can be as sensitive as a warbling wren and at his most thunderous can
echo an entire herd of elephants expressing joyful mayhem.
What remains through is a dedication to furthering the tradition of the form and his sincerity
cannot be doubted.
The low notes he can get out of his horn rattle the very foundations of time and space and
when he began a circular breathing routine the audience was spellbound like Zen disciples.
In short, it was a far-out gig in an uptight town.
Reviewed by The Playing Out Team. See the photos
Lars von Trier's 'Antichrist'
5th September 2009
Antichrist f**ked my soul. We recommend it! A grieving couple retreat to ’Eden’; their isolated cabin in the woods, where they hope to repair their
broken hearts and troubled marriage. But nature takes its course and things go from bad to worse... www.vimeo.com/4062746
Reviewed by The Playing Out Team
Amadou & Mariam @ The Big Chill
9th August 2009
Amadou and Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Mariam Doumbia (vocals) (born in Mali’s capital Bamako 15 April 1958) and Amadou Bagayoko (guitar and vocals, born in Bamako 24 October 1954). The pair met at Mali’s Institute for the Young Blind, and found they shared an interest in music. The duo produces music that mixes traditional Mali sound with rock guitars, Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets, Egyptian ney, Colombian trombones, Indian tablas and Dogon percussion, which is also known as “Afro-blues”. In 2006 they were acknowledged with BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music in the two categories: Africa and Album of the Year (for the “Dimanche à Bamako” release).
Reviewed by Mel & Ben. See Amadou & Mariam on youtube.
See the photos
Emma by Jane Austen (Heartbreak Productions) @ Jephson Gardens
1st July 2009
A diverse audience in a tranquil setting. A truly excellent play with each cast member having an equal uplifting affect on the mood. Members of the audience were given the opportunity to capture romanticism, through chalk and blackboards and solving riddles which was welcomed by all. What goes up and doesn’t come down? With the brilliant Holly Beth Morgan as Emma; flawless performances rang throughout the cast. James and Duncan equally charming and eloquent. Both entertained from beginning to end. Kimberley Wintle must be given credit for her endearing performance specifically as Harriet. Erika’s portrayal of Miss Bates kept the audience warm with chuckles. The play will filled with humour and made innovative use of props. A lovely summer’s evening. Thank you.
Reviewed by Gavin & Richella. See the photos
Glastonbury Festival 2009 @ Worthy Farm, Pilton
25th-28th June 2009
Amazing weekend, wandering around seeing some crazy s**t, great bands, rubbish bands! saw the Maccabees and Metronomy which were both excellent. Roots Manuva I didn't like! Tunng and Tinarawen - very cool chillout with some awesome guitar rifts! Streets, Pendulum and definitely Florence and the Machine were the highlights. Franz Ferdinand were surprisingly good. Badly Drawn Boy also appeared on a small stage so I got right up close and loved it, his voice is amazing - did a really weird and uncomfortable tribute to MJ though!
Worse band of the weekend - Glasvegas - f***ing awful, ready to slit my wrists by the end but stuck through it as waiting for Prodigy - which were awesome but too quiet! So that's my Glasto review!! Sacrificed Blur for Prodigy, which I am still having some regrets about... not sure if it was the right decision!
Reviewed by Sara
The Wind In The Willows (Heartbreak Productions) @ Jephson Gardens
21st May 2009
It was a beautiful set of rats, moles, badgers, toads and weasles. My favourite one was Toad because he was really funny. I really thought that the way the set was used with the roll on boat which changed into a train and a motor car was a really good dea. The cast did a brilliant performance and the way they changed characters was a really good idea.
Reviewed by Olivia T
Pressure @ Warwick Students Union, Copper Rooms (DJ Zinc, Audio Bullys, Benga and Skream)
4th June 2009
The new build reminds me of some of the underground warehouse parties we've been to in London and Ex Soviet Eastern Europe, very spacious, straightforward with a perfected sound system and optimum environment built for sound quality and fit for purpose. The iconic DJ Zinc warmed up the very bouncy crowd and the visuals properly kicked in when audio bullys came on - very impressive and hypnotic. Only problem was that we had to leave before Skream and Benga due to a very early start the next day - boo!
Reviewed by The PlayingOut Team. See the photos
Black & White @ Bath Place Community Venture
1st May 2009
i was at black and white's first promo. what a great night. we were given live music from brum's buffalo soldier (bob marley tribute band), Jamjah sound system supplied music. don't miss the next one live on stage, Messenger Douglas, he was involved with group called Overproof but now he has his own band. so on 6th june put on your best outfit and your dancing shoes and come down to bath place community venture, lets have a community party, see you there!
Reviewed by Inspecta
Hill Top Farm @ Hunningham on the Hill
April 2009
Hill Top Farm is situated on top of Hunningham Hill with views across Warwickshire. It's very welcoming for children and the field in front of the cafe provides the perfect space to play. The cafe overlooks paddocks with sheep, cattle and shetland ponies and you can also walk the hilltop farm trail, taking you around the farm and down to the river meadows and the village of Hunningham. The farm shop stocks the best of British seasonal produce that is sourced locally and of high quality. Everything in the cafe and restaurant is freshly prepared using shop ingredients in a relaxing and welcome ambiance.
www.hilltopfarmshop.com
Reviewed by The Playing Out Team
Emma by Jane Austen (Heartbreak Productions) @ The Space Upstairs, Spencers Yard
7th Feb 2009
A great ensemble, with each cast member allowed to shine majestically. A wonderful set simply capturing the atmosphere of an 18th century Royal Academy. The Space Upstairs is a lovely venue which was welcoming and cosy with the cast greeting and interacting with the audience from the outset. A full house (evidence of Heartbreak’s draw). The offer to participate in producing chalk pictures and guessing riddles was a charming touch. The play was accessible and full of humour with touching character portrayals and innovative use of cast. Funny, fresh and vibrant. Thankyou for a lovely evening.
Reviewed by Kate
The Electric Cinema, Birmingham
The oldest working cinema in the UK. Built in 1909 the cinema has gone through many incarnations and name changes. Although Birmingham once had over 100 cinemas, amazingly The Electric remains as the only independent cinema left in the city today. The building is now home to luxury leather sofa seating, waiter service and a full bar playing the best in independent and intelligent mainstream films.
www.theelectric.co.uk
Thursday Flickers @ Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum
11th Sep 2008
Tomb Raider Ascension – A Lara Croft Fan Film (Dir. Stephen Reynolds)
Fan films are non profit, underground movies which have been shot on a
very tight budget (in this case £10,000) and since the cast and crew
are usually volunteers, usually in a short timeframe (7 days in this
case). I was not previously a fan of the Lara Croft/Tomb Raider
concept (nor action films per se) but this hour long film was
skilfully made, had an engaging plot and made an entertaining midweek
diversion. Thursday Flickers, which serves to showcase local amateur
film making talent, starts at 6.30pm and admission is free. The stated
guarantee is that next week there will be something completely
different.
Reviewed by MJ
Romeo & Juliet (Shooting Stars Performance Co.) @ The Dell Park, Stratford
17th Aug 2008
This young theatre company staged an outdoor performance at The Dell park in Stratford-upon-Avon. The setting is nestled behind the RSC Theatre itself on the banks of the river Avon, with a backdrop of huge chestnut trees. A small audience gathered under a lovely summer sun with a gentle breeze swaying the surrounding trees, to see this group of actors pull us into a gripping version of this tragic tale of feuding families, kinship and of course love. Beginning in somewhat modern style with a rap from two of the The Capulet “youths” the story then moved on in a traditional style. Despite a bare black stage, decorated only by 2 white wooden boxes the audience was transported to the streets of Verona by the skilful and sometimes powerful acting of these budding “thesps”. Romeo and Juliet were both entirely convincing whilst the nurse offered a large presence, booming voice and some humour to offset the underlying heartbreak that builds throughout the play to the final fatal twist at the end. A wonderful performance, that will last in my memory for a long time. Just cannot believe that something so good was all FREE. Highly recommended if you get the chance to see these guys perform and well done to the RSC for promoting something like this.
Reviewed by Duncan Brown. See the photos
DMZ Dubstep Night @ 'The Mass', Brixton
5th Jul 2008
A diverse and happy crowd with one love - bass. Bobbing along to fine intricate broken step beats backed up by smooth sub bass with a heavy reggae-dub flavour. One for all the dub heads!
A Playing Out Team Dub Excursion
Honeytrap @ Oxjam, The Jug and Jester (live music)
A musical journey travelling from melancholy to the
sometimes desperate, comprising an impressive violin
player backed with looping guitars, drummer and
supported by well harmonised vocals. Add a smack of
Eastern European folk, a bit of ‘Queen’ for drama and
an angst ‘Pixies’ twist and we were hooked from start
to finish. honeytraponmyspace
Reviewed by Jonathan
The Darjeeling LTD by Wes Anderson (Cinema)
12th Dec 2007
Welcome to Wes’ world. ‘The Darjeeling LTD’ uncovers
layers of emotion as three estranged Whitman brothers
go on a spiritual journey to India. Francis, the
eldest, has bullied his brothers into a train trip on
the Darjeeling Limited as a bonding adventure; the
privileged, narcotized boys drag their heavy Louis
Vuitton luggage from stop to stop with the dramatic
background of the Rajasthan landscape. This film
skilfully blends an excellent soundtrack, exemplary
acting, humour with heartbreak, beauty with sadness
with an undercurrent of melancholy.
Reviewed by Playing Out
Jose Gonzales @ Warwick Arts Centre
19th Oct 2007
The Bouncy Ball man played more ambient acoustical noises. Beautifully pure and simple, Jose proved that he is much more then just a man with a guitar and a laptop. It was a musical journey well worth taking.
Reviewed by Zoe
Leamington Peace Festival @ Pump Room Gardens
16th & 17th Jun 2007
Considering it was a bit of a wash out to begin with, bags of fun was still had by all (the magners, yummy food stalls and frizbee helped!). Definitely not impressed by the guy who tried to nick me mates bag though. That's not very peaceful is it?
Reviewed by Dave
Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ by Heartbreak productions @ Jephson Gardens
7th Jun 2007
We turned up armed with a battered copy of the romantic comedy ‘Twelfth Night’ (knowing little about the play) and with a bottle of red wine (in case it got cold) not quite knowing what to expect. Heartbreak Productions had made very good use of a little piece of ‘Jephson gardens’ which had been pleasantly transformed into a setting of a small, outdoor fantasy theme park, based on the theme of ‘obsession’. As the play unfolded it took a rollercoaster of a ride into the confusion created by identical twins, mistaken identities, cross-dressing maidens and bizarre love triangles. The pace is upbeat, the performance quirky and imaginative with some comedy moments provided by the reprobate uncle ‘sir Toby belch’, the witty commentator ‘Feste’ donning mirror shades and some crazy Elvis hairdos. We particularly enjoyed the frequent musical accompaniment and the fisty cuffs scene. Never a dull moment, original, down to earth and hugely accessible, a million miles better than staying in and watching Big Brother. This production is one to see this summer. Don’t forget a bottle of wine!
Reviewed by Playing Out Dream Team
Leamington Bar & Grill
24th Feb 2007
Nice food, good service, reasonable prices, plush ambiance. I had the salmon and seasonal vegetables; new potatoes, french beans and peas. Seasonal vegetables in February, eh? Perhaps 'seasonal' in Africa. What a con.
Reviewed by Lord Sir Percival
Spa Tickles @ The Jug & Jester (Comedy)
25th Jan 2007
Leamington was treated to top comedy last Thursday with the best line-up in Spa Tickles history. Although Stephanie Davies got off to a bit of a shakey start, we all enjoyed Sam Avery and were delighted by the strange humour of Men With Bananas, a very quirky double act with a song we all walked home singing (too rude to be repeated here). The highlight of the evening was no doubt Robin Ince. You might know him from Radio 4's The In Crowd, 4 At The Store and The 11 O'Clock Show. He was polished, witty and judged the Leamington crowd perfectly (note to comedians - we are bored with you coming here and saying "ooo, Leamington spa, aren't you all posh"). Although he was
supposed to be trying out new jokes on us, he realised towards the end of his set that he hadn't really tried much new material. To that end, he whipped out a notebook and threw some amusing
observations at us, although how the note-to-self saying simply "Indonesia" will turn into comedy material, we will probably never know! Anyway, Spatickles can be hit and miss, but an evening of this quality is worth many months of misses! Try it.
Reviewed by Anna B
The Grudge 2 (Film)
3rd Jan 2007
More water and long hair to freak you out. Shimizu has ticked nearly every box to make this horror movie; girl appears in cheer leader outfit for no apparent reason (tick), girl hears footsteps running about upstairs (tick), girl gets attacked in the shower (tick), girl in bed thinks it’s her boyfriend under the covers only for him to appear from the bathroom (tick), person gets chased up to the roof only to fall off (tick), and an exorcist who sees dead people and dies (tick). Formulaic, not scary. 1 out of 5.
Reviewed by Jonesy
The Post War Years @ Bath Plug (Bath Place Community Adventure)
17th Nov 2006
It's hard to pin down The Post War Years' sound. Their music rides down different streets in a beaten up Sierra. It's back to the days of punk and mod rhythms with a bit of a surprise and a couple of big hair dos thrown in; knees up numbers with the occasional indie twist, that'll knock you into a pork pie frenzy. The stage performance was professional, alive, welcoming and playful, working with the crowd encouraging us to have a bit of a bounce and join in - Thank **** for bands like The Post War Years. Without them Leamington would be a much duller place.
Reviewed by Playing Out
Anominous, Nomiart Opening Exhibition (Nomiart, 131-133 Regent Street East)
7th Oct 2006
The opening evening of new artspace Nomiart. An eclectic experience, the evening featured live graffiti, DJs, live music from Dr Iver, a stand up poet and a Parisian street style portraitist. My particular favourite was the energetic Congolese performance artist engaged in an impressive wiggly pas de deux with a male fashion designer clad only in pants, jacket and makeup. An exceptional and unique atmosphere. Go and take a look at this exhibition.
Reviewed by Melissa. See the photos.
The Carter Manoeuvre @ Listen Up (Jug & Jester)
16th October 2006
'Listen Up' - the great new name for live music Mondays at the Jug. I arrived late, only got to see The Carter Manoeuvre, who were really good. So good I bought their CD. A little bit Muse, a little bit Catherine Wheel (I thought), a little bit of vocal mic feedback. A good gig. Every fortnight I understand, n'est pas?
Reviewed by Em (email)
Pub quiz @ The Somerville Arms
26th September 2006
First place was a tie with 65 points, and then us with 60 points - which was enough to win us each a free cinema ticket - no need to do the lottery this week eh! A good time was had by all and we would thoroughly recommend it but only to you guys as it was packed and we liked it too much to tell anyone else about it - ssh! :)
Reviewed by Win (email)
Thank You For Smoking (15) @ Warwick Arts Centre
2nd August 2006
Jason Reitman's directorial debut follows the exploits of Nick Naylor, a cigarette industry lobbyist as he examines his role as father and role model. A light-hearted satirical comedy with dark undertones of a bleak corporate America and flawed Americana. The story avoids asserting its own political message, playing with correctness itself in a refreshingly open depiction of issues typically vilified by Hollywood. The clever script, sleek perceptive stylisation and a star studded ensemble (William H Macy, Robert Duvall and Katie Holmes) engender an interesting, enjoyable film. Not mind blowing but fast paced and worth a look. America is living in spin.
Reviewed by Kate (email)
Emma's party @ The Debonair
17th May 2006
emmas party @ the debonair: top night/morning
Reviewed by Suzzanna FP (web)
Wow, what a truly unfogettable night. Fantastic music from phat controller and dj Bensun, wonderfull people and
probably the friendliest pub in leamington. shout-out to holly and amber. probably the latest night of our young
lives, lol.
Reviewed by Jess T (Wark Uni Crew) (email)
Bar prices @ Mumbai Bluu
17th May 2006
mumbai blue. im sorry but 3.15 for a pint of beer is robbery.
Reviewed by Jamie (web)
Phat Controller @ The Debonair
28th Apr 2006
The re-birth of ska, where it belongs.
Reviewed by Amos (web)
Senser and Shed 7 @ The Colosseum (Coventry)
16th Apr 2006
& lo! They went 2 the colosseum 2 witness much music. D'nite wz loud & senser rocked da house. & it was good. Shed 7 wrapped up & it was good too.
Reviewed by Pete (SMS)
Grand Scheme and Salvador 6 @ St. Patrick's
14th Apr 2006
As addictive as popping pink plastic bubble wrap (and you'll want to take a little piece with you to pop later). It's self-effacing Lollipop Hip Hop, suck em and see, leave your voodoo vengance at home and bring a sense of humour. Waxin magical lyrical is the source of their powers 'coz they've got a joke and it's funny'..... Compromising Pete Heat (Smiley Mcsmile face) and Browzen Brown 'spittin rhymes'. The Inimitable Bartus Groove and Sebby Incredible, strummin and the spirit of Dead Fred.
Reviewed by Melissa (email)
A glut of Debonair
31st Mar 2006 Little Hot,the Debonair, great atmoss, scary toilets, has character/rare! Reviewed by Jodie (web) Debonair, where's this place been all my life?! Reviewed by Suzzanne (web) Phat Controller@debonair. this band is really going places Reviewed by Liz (web) Little Hot @ debonair, great vibe, friendly but wild! and every month! Reviewed by Anon (web) Little Hot at the deb, top tunes,top staff and great babes everywhere Reviewed by Snevets (web)
Nights at the Circus @ Warwick Arts Centre
10th Mar 2006
Knee High Theatre Company produces a sensuous, beautiful, rambling, fin-de-siècle mythology resplendent with burlesque trapeze angels, stoic Icelandic romantics and every freak of the circus. A physical, dramatic and musical spectacular set at the grubby end of the nineteenth century that embraces all of the decadence, revolutionary hope and sensuality of that era and wraps it up in a sparkling, fun, funny, sexy package.
Reviewed by Sabellius Grunt (email)
Spa Tickles (comedy) @ Jug & Jester
23rd Feb 2006
The best comedy line up I've ever seen at Spa Tickles. I'll be lobbying Okse for a swift return of Rob Ince, wow, very funny! Brian Gittins - odd but I'd love to see his act again. Top marks to Sarah Millican for finishing on a (funny) rape gag. And Dave Ingram, definitely a talent to watch.
Reviewed by Micah (email)
The Mighty Boosh (theatre)
13th Feb 2006
It's shambolic, endearing and utterly surreal. But at the same time it's so familiar it's like watching your mates pull off a bit of comedy magic. There's a casual feel, mad musical interludes, breakdancing yetis... Everything you could possibly need for a great evening. You'll be talking about it for ages - so many moments and snippets of script to remember. So if you get a chance to see this then go, just don't take any dolphins with you...
Reviewed by Leighton (email)
Jerry Springer! The Opera
9th Feb 2006
As fantastic as ever: so funny, so clever.
Reviewed by Anna (SMS)
Boy gets Girl @ The Loft Theatre
8th Feb 2006
A very powerful performance by the leading lady Teresa who is on a blind date with an over-eager Tony. It’s not a success on her part and she ends a relationship that has barely begun. As the play unravels Tony turns stalker, creepy and obsessive and Teresa becomes a shadow of her former self. A gripping and thought provoking play. We like!
Reviewed by Melissa (email)
Underworld evolution @ Apollo cinema
2nd Feb 2006
It's got vampires, werewolves, guns, explosions, gory dismemberments and a sexy leading lady. Not a lot of plot but hey, who needs that after a long week of work?
Reviewed by Leighton (SMS)
Salvador 6 at St. Patricks (live music)
21st Jan 2006
Where’s me jumper?? Where’s me jumper?? Dancing in the Disco…..!
Reviewed by Pete (SMS)
Score (Baywatch themed) @ The Marketplace, Warwick Uni Students Union
11th Jan 2006
Few nights in Warwickshire have such pulling power. On the packed main floor, Radio One DJ Scot Mills warmed up the party-hungry crowd with a varied set of popular tunes and a giant inflatable cock. Upstairs we elbowed ourselves some space and waited expectantly at the bar…and we waited and we waited. Tables stacked mile high with an array of empty plastic pint glasses and girls adorned in nothing much more than bikinis and grass skirts singing along. Shirts were off, hands were in the air and sex was dripping off the walls–pure Carnage!
Reviewed by Undergrad Brad (email)
London Elektricity @ Warwick Uni Students Union
1st Dec 2005
This wasn’t one of those hard, cyborg rages that so much drum and bass has become... rather a soulful orchestra recreating this essentially electronic music using live instruments, a funky personality and amazing interaction.
London Elektricity proved that live drum and bass is a beautiful thing. Upon entering ‘The Cooler’ the room was bouncing like mad, hands flaying and the atmosphere was just incredible. The female vocalist added her own shot of soul by belting out the first words of ‘Different Drum’-The crowd went bananas in pyjamas!
The producer of Hospital records a quirky Tony Coleman, enthusiastically directed the band with a cheeky glint in is eye, bouncing around the stage holding a large camouflage umbrella whilst mimicking singing in the rain. The whole room was bouncing with him as they were excited into singing the chorus to their rendition of the recent release ‘Spread Love’ (destined to be a classic).
In my opinion, they spread a lot of love that night!
Reviewed by Little Miss Melissa (email)
Bob Dylan @ NEC
Received 23rd Nov 2005
I went to see Bob Dylan at the NEC. Sat at the back. Dylan hobbled out. Saw a see of mobile phone screens before me as the cameraphones were whipped out. have cameraphones replaced lighters in the world of stadium rock? If Dylan knows how to do anything else but tour he should go and do it now.
Reviewed by Sabellius Grunt (email)
Phat Controller @ Jug & Jester
Thu 10th Nov 2005
Take all the music you have ever heard and squeeze into the beats and lyrics of Ska, Electro and Soul and you may have something close to what ‘Phat Controller’ are setting out to achieve. This is no easy task for a five piece band. I call them a band but listening to them in the back room of the Jug, I felt myself slipping back to Notting Hill, that sound system feel that is synonymous with carnival. A rocky start with the sound, the band pulled back a quiet crowd with front folk Biggz, Leanne and Ola confidently engaging the room. Prince’s ‘Kiss’ cover mixed smooothly with white stripes 7 Nation Army gives this band’s covers an originality I found highly refreshing. Their own songs were just as captivating with a debut of there latest tune ‘Bittersweet’. The musical backing of Rapha L. and Dave Male give this band an air of originality. Samples from classics like James Brown mixed with the real life lyrics of the singer songwriter trio show that this band will do nothing but rise to greater heights . If you have the chance to see them snap it up, there aint many good Ska bands in leam let alone those that write their own lyrics.
Reviewed by Fitz (email)
Elizabeth Town @ Apollo Cinema
Sun 6th Nov 2005
There's nothing worse then a chick flick that claims it isn't a chick flick! Protracted, undisciplined, plotless with verbal-diarrhoeic dialogue, never-ending voiceover and a predictable 70's soundtrack. Kirsten Dunst dishes out trite *thoughts of day* and pursues Orlando Bloom with embarrassing persistance of 'The Terminator'. And is it just me? Or is there something sick about 2 lovers flirting cheekily in a funeral parlour whilst choosing an urn for his recently deseased dad?
Reviewed by Meliko (email)
Carmen @ Warwick Arts Centre
Sat 5th Nov 2005
What a shame,a totally `underwhelming` performance.
Reviewed by Sarah (web)
Fono @ Murphy's Basement
(Music night) Sat 29th Oct 2005
In a Seedy sweaty basement up town, Fono rinsed some of the best original Funk and Sweet Soul music.The crowd quite literally 'took it to the bridge' and didn't give a damn!
Reviewed by Meliko (email)
Michael Nyman (The Piano sings tour) @ Warwick Arts Centre
Oddly Astonishing! A bizarre enchanting mix of melody, rhythm and tempo, Supreme manual dexterity coupled with interesting vintage cinema. Genius!
Reviewed by Pete (SMS)
Two Man Ting @ Bar Cuba
(Gig) Thu 27th Oct 2005
Hard drum driven African noise played well and from the heart but over the heads of most of the punters.
Reviewed by Alex B (SMS)
Spa Tickles @ Toyk
(Comedy) Thu 27th Oct 2005
Okse presents: Jason Cook, Matt Price, Jo Coffey, Lou Chawner. £5 for 5 acts (if you include Okse) – now that’s really good value! All good acts, but the highlight of the night for me was Jo Coffey who was worth well over a quid! Nice beer, nice food, nice staff - it's what you come to expect from Toyk!
Reviewed by Micah (email)
Jilted Generation @ The White Horse
(Live band) Wed 19th Oct 2005
There's a certain courage in standing before 30 people, 15 of whom are oblivious to your presence, and performing with the same commitment that you would in a packed Madison Square Garden. It may be arrogance, it may be stupidity, but when you're angry and loud, talent and skill are far less important than confidence. Jilted Generation, performing at the White Horse on Thursday night, had arrogance and they had anger and that carried the set. The band never rose above the musical influences that they wore on their sleeve - principally the Prodigy - but they gave a solid show over digital backing with live momentum coming from drums, bass and vocals from a pair of ill tempered microphone monkeys.
Reviewed by Sabellius Grunt (email)
The vegetable samosas @ Millennium Sweet Shop
(Take away) Thu 20th Oct 2005
Trust me, you've never tasted samosas this fine! And at only 30p each you can buy half a dozen for a couple of quid! Mmmmm! They do nice sweets too!
Reviewed by Micah (email)
The Fall of the House of Usherettes @ Warwick Arts Centre
(Theatre) Wed 19th Oct 2005
Forkbeard yet again sucessfully serve up another well crafted blend of surrealist mixed media meyhem to an appreciative audience.
Reviewed by Pete & Sarah (SMS)
