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May 14, 2018May 14, 2018

BPREVIEW: Birmingham Pride @ 26/7.05.18

Words by Ed King

On Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th May, Birmingham Pride 2018 takes over the Gay Village in Birmingham City Centre – with the main festival taking place in venues and open spaces across Hurst Street, Kent Street and Lower Essex Street.

The ‘Be You’ Birmingham Pride 2018 Carnival Parade will be held on Saturday 26^th May, starting in Victoria Square and winding its way down to the festival site entrance at the Hippodrome end of Hurst Street – via New Street, Carrs Lane and Smallbrook Queensway. People can assemble in Victoria Square from 10:30am, with the Parade beginning at 12noon.

Participation in the ‘Be You’ Birmingham Pride 2018 Carnival Parade is free and open to all ages, with a variety of individual day and weekend tickets available for the main Birmingham Pride 2018 festival. For direct event information, including details on all the venues and acts taking part in Birmingham Pride 2018, click here or check out the online Pride Guide below.

Birmingham Pride, as we know it today, is celebrating 21 years on the city’s cultural calendar. The first Pride rally took place in Birmingham in 1972, a week after London hosted the inaugural event to mirror the North American based originals. But Birmingham Pride has moved from the more politically charged, and necessarily so, declaration of solidarity to a broadly inclusive event with both unity and entertainment at its heart.

Mercifully, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in the UK have arguably tempered and evolved since the institutionalised bigotry of yesteryear. Not to say there isn’t work still to be done, and attitudes yet to challenge and change, but the annual Birmingham Pride events feel much more like a citywide celebration than a daring public stance from a brave but maligned community. Plus, they’re just awesome fun. Tell me where else you’re going to see a rainbow display of Disney characters and Norse Gods drinking cider and dancing to Livin’ Joy? Tins Tins ‘aint open anymore, so…

And in keeping with inclusivity, this year theme for the Birmingham Pride events is ‘Be You’ – which is quite a clear and simple message. And knowing a few of the wonderfully warped minds that stalk our city I can’t wait to see the costumes for this one.

But what’s on stage? Too much to go through with a toothcomb, but the Main Stage Saturday acts include the all kinds of awesome Beth Ditto, our favourite footballer’s ex-wife Louise, followed by the Spotify smashing Kim Petras and Birmingham’s own Stefflon Don.

Sunday goes back to the glory days of 90’s House with Baby D, Kym Mazelle and Livin’ Joy, before pop stalwart Howard Jones and Scissor Sisters’ frontman Jake Shears close off the live sets. But never fear dear hearts, you’ve got DJ sets from Rudimental and Paul Morrell to round it all off. Can’t complain.

And if dance music is your thing then you’re in luck, with Birmingham Pride 2018 hosting its own Dance Arena featuring DJs and acts including Lisa Sharred, The Acid Experiment, Low Steppa, Tom Shorterz, Jamie Bull, Hooker Club, Gorgon City and DJ zine amongst others. Plus, there’s every venue on and within a stone’s throw of Hurst Street pitching in with pretty much something for everyone’s dancefloor.

Birmingham Pride 2018 also has its cabaret Marquee, hosting a catalogue of the fabulous, outrageous and fabulously outrageous from Saturday to Sunday. And whilst there are a few names we though might be on the bill that aren’t, especially against the burgeoning new backdrop of Birmingham’s drag and performance art community, there are enough familiar faces to ensure a riot in all the right places – including Ginny Lemon, Miss Penny, Tanya Hyde, Miss Thunderpussy, Amy La Queefa, Glitter Lips, Drag With No Name, Champagne Shirley, and, of course, Twiggy.

Loads more going on at Birmingham Pride 2018 than we have the time, space or typing speed to squeeze into this BPREVIEW – but sufficed to say there’s something for people of all ages, gender, musical tastes and hat size. But luckily, we don’t have to as the festival organisers have given us a handy online Pride Guide – see below.

From everyone at Birmingham Review, we wish you a safe and happy Birmingham Pride 2018.

Birmingham Pride 2018 – Pride Guide

Birmingham Pride 2018 takes over the Gay Village in Birmingham City Centre on Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th May, with the ‘Be You’ Birmingham Pride 2018 Carnival Parade taking place at 12noon on the Saturday.

For direct event information, including details on all the venues and acts taking part in Birmingham Pride 2018, visit www.birminghampride.com

April 1, 2018April 3, 2018

ED’S PICK: April ‘18

Words by Ed King

Easter Sunday, 1^st April… There’s probably a joke in there somewhere. But with a basket of listings and entertainment based excel spreadsheets to plough through who has the time to be witty? Or hunt for Easter eggs, for that matter. Being an adult sucks.

However (…are you ready for this segue) it does allow me to enjoy all the delights of the Flatpack Film Festival without worrying about ID – actually, I’m not sure there’s too much on the programme with an age restriction but Dots & Loops are part of the festival and they brought us Lesley the Pony Has and A+ Day!, so…

Back for festival number 12, those glorious creatives at Flatpack have put on a nine day smorgasbord of celluloid, digital, and other audio/visual treats – running from 13^th to 22^nd April, in a variety of venue across the city. Too much to cram into this round up; look out for our more in-depth cherry pick in the days to come, or click here for more direct information on the full programme.

Elsewhere in the non-greenfield, Ebola flirting, footwear wrecking land of multi-stage events, we have the Birmingham Literature Festival – hop scotching from various corners of the REP to the Birmingham and Midland Institute from 27^th to 29^th April. Now old enough to drink beer in America, this year’s Birmingham Literature Festival has a focus on women in literature and publishing, alongside a weekend long programme of ‘inspiring conversations, writing and debate’. Again too much to adequately surmise, but click here for more direct info.

Following on with a female focus, Birmingham Jazz launches its Legends Festival on 27^th April – running as a series of satellite events across the city until 20^th May. This year’s linchpin is ‘Celebrating Women in Jazz’, with local artists such as Trish Clowes joining a myriad of talent from across the globe. Too much to fit into… you know the drill, click here.

Theatre comes in all shapes and sizes this month, including a couple of choice cuts on Hurst Street – with Wicked beginning its Birmingham run at the Hippodrome (4^th-29^th Apr) and The Twisted Tale of Hansel and Gretel at the Patrick Centre (4^th– 8^th Apr).

Across the duel carriageways and road works we have Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock coming to the Birmingham REP (10^th – 14^th) followed by the political see-saw of 1970’s Britain in This House (17^th – 21^st) – reminding us fear mongering comes from both sides of the aisle and a dash of vitriol isn’t a particular new idea. How times have changed… or not.

Music takes its usual fat belly slice of our monthly listings, with a few ‘big gigs’ of notE coming to the NEC portfolio – as the Genting Arena sees both Arcade Fire (15^th Apr) and Dua Lipa (17^th Apr), whilst Arena Birmingham welcomes the Manic Street Preachers (27^th Apr) back to the city.

Playing across the non-arena rooms of our musical city, the Hare & Hounds has another eclectic mix – with Kushikatsu Records presenting Shonen Knife (15^th Apr) followed Snowpoet (19^th Apr) courtesy of Jazzlines. Whilst The Glee Club sees the very welcome return of Nerina Pallot (9^th Apr) stopping off in Birmingham on the second date if her UK tour. Fingers crossed there’s a piano on stage.

The Sunflower Lounge sees Killer Wave and Outlander host their ‘Help the Homeless’ pay-as-you-feel charity fundraiser (8^th Apr) – with all money raised going to Shelter and Tabor House. Then we have Lucy May Walker playing her first headline show in Birmingham (18^th Apr) – both events well worth a stop, look and listen. And £5 of your hard earned cash, of course.

Our mobile branded venues see a bevy of acts this month too, with the O2 Academy presenting George Ezra (4^th Apr), The Vaccines (7^th Apr), Trivium (17^th Apr), The Streets (19^th Apr), Coasts (21^st Apr) and Akala (24^th Apr). Whilst the O2 Institute leads out with Walk the Moon (7^th Apr), Little Comets (14^th Apr), Aquilo (16^th Apr), Of Mice and Men (25^th Apr) and Sharon Needles: Battle Axe Tour (26^th Apr).

A special mention also has to go to the Hummingbird-Menagerie-Indie-salad days-nostalgia trip coming to the O2 Academy with Love From Stourbridge – featuring The Wonder Stuff and Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (14^th Apr). Someone pass me my German army shirt, skateboard and a can of Red Stripe, we’re going early 90’s feral…

And if you’re committed to your anti-corporate support of live music, never fear as mac welcomes Juice Aleem & Surge Orchestra (21^st Apr) whilst Mama Roux’s serves two sides of the musical rainbow with The Herbaliser (19^th Apr) and Mallory Knox (24^th Apr)… probably not a good idea to get those dates mixed up in your diary.

Elsewhere in the city, comedy offers a relatively strong respite from those kids and their music – with The Glee Club presenting Tony Law (13^th Apr), Alun Cochrane (15^th Apr) and Craig Campbell (22^nd Apr).

Or if you just want to stand and stare, you could waste a happy hour or two at Lewes Herriot: The Glass Arcana exhibition at Artefact in Stirchley (13^th – 14^th Apr). Or watching the flyers unfold with an exhibition from the seminal 90’s ambient electro club Oscillate, at Centrala (16^th – 28^th Apr) – bearing in mind there is an end of exhibition party with HIA and POLE (28^th Apr) so you might want to do more than actually just stand and stare. Or not. Depends how you dance to Sun Electric, I suppose. Necking enough amphetamines to kill a small horse always worked for me, but vegetarian options are available.

But to end on the most glamorous of high notes (pun absolutely intended) Paul Alexsandr and Dragpunk present Candyland at The Nightingale (6^th Apr) – a choc full celebration of ‘local and national UK drag of all genders, sexualities and abilities that you’ll adore.’ Then at the other end of the April rainbow, Opulence are launching Mother’s Meeting at Bar Jester (28^th Apr) – a band spanking new ‘performance night dedicated to showing off a variety of drag and queer talent across Birmingham and the U.K.’, with special guest Charity Kase joined by a pageant of the Opulence crew on stage and Elliot Barnicle on the decks.

Birmingham can be proud for many reasons, but the cross over embrace of its drag community is one to really get those flags waving. We love covering it, and it seems the punters of Birmingham love supporting it. So, Vive la/le drag community of our fair/fairer city, alongside all who sail on these most wonderful of waters. Save some energy though, Birmingham Pride is a mere calendar page turn away.

And wait, I’ve just thought of one. A Jewish carpenter and a 6ft rabbit walk into Cadbury World…

For more on any of the events listed here, click on the highlighted hyperlinks. Ed King is Editor-in-Chief of Review Publishing, which issues both the Birmingham Review and Birmingham Preview. To follow Ed King on Twitter, click here.

February 1, 2018February 2, 2018

ED’S PICK: February 2018

Words by Ed King

The shortest month of the year is here. Luckily it’s also the turning point, as life starts to push up through the thaw and Percy Thrower can start planning his planters. OK, bad example, but there’s a joke about daisies in the somewhere.

But luckily for us mortal coilers, the venues and promoters of this city are still packing a pretty heavy punch with February’s event calendar. If there truly is no rest for the wicked, then it seem incongruous that anyone got Christmas presents this year.

Comedy starts strong with the ‘queen of the acerbic broad smile’, or Katherine Ryan as she’s known in other publications, bringing her Glitter Room tour to the Symphony Hall (2^nd Feb) – a week before the Machynlleth Comedy Festival Showcase (9^th Feb) comes to mac with Joe Lycett, Tom Parry, Mike Bubbins, Rachel Parris and Danny Clives. Then it’s back to the Glee Club for a little end of the month self help, as Lloyd Griffiths (23^rd Feb) walks us through what it’s like to feel in:Undated in ‘a show about overcoming the overwhelming.’ I call them mornings, but we’ll see what he brings to the table.

Hurst Street is the home of dance this month, with Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella coming to the Hippodrome (6^th – 10^th Feb) whilst round the corner DanceXchange and Mark Bruce Company present a reworking of Macbeth (8^th-9^th Feb). And no doubt making St Valentine’s Day less of a massacre for many in this city, see what I did there, Birmingham Royal Ballet present The Sleeping Beauty back at the Hippodrome (13^th – 24^th Feb).

Music has everyone from the soon to be great to the already good coming through the city, kicking off with a cross city battle between Peach Club at The Sunflower Lounge (6^th Feb) and While She Sleeps at the O2 Institute (6^th Feb). A week later we have Iron & Wine at Symphony Hall (13^th Feb), followed by Bedford’s alt rockers Don Bronco at the O2 Academy (15^th Feb) as Dermot Kennedy plays the O2 Institute (15^th Feb). A day later there’s Mondo Royale spicing it up at the Actress & Bishop (16^th Feb) bringing a few different strands of your music rainbow across our city. In the days after that, we see Cabbage at the Castle & Falcon (17^th Feb), one not to be missed, The Ataris at The Asylum (17th Feb), Irit at the Glee Club (19^th Feb), Laura Misch at the Hare & Hounds (20^th Feb), Big Cat at the Indie Lounge in Selly Oak (23^rd Feb) and Puma Blue at The Sunflower Lounge (24^th Feb).

All the ‘big gigs’ this month are at the Genting Arena, in the shape of Imagine Dragons (24^th Feb) and the man himself, or one of them at least, Morrissey (27^th Feb). But there’s a few home grown releases this month worth saving your sheckles for too, as Amit Datani releases his debut solo album – Santiago (17^th Feb) and Table Scraps send another fuzz monster into the world with their latest long player – Autonomy (23^rd). Watch out for March’s listings for showcase gigs from both.

Exhibitions come from a multitude of angles this month, with the two blips on our radar being Factory Warhol at The Sunflower Lounge (10^th Feb) and The Dekkan Trap from Sahej Rahal in mac’s First Floor Gallery (17^th Feb) – with a few ancillary events to introduce both the artist and exhibition.

Some suitable love story based theatre starts treading the boards in this most Hallmark of months, with Penguins (1^st –10^th Feb) and Brief Encounter (2^nd– 17^th Feb) coming to the Birmingham REP, as The Last Five Years get played out at The Old Joint Stock (14^th – 18^th Feb). Then it’s the arguably less seductive A History of Heavy Metal with Andrew O’Neill & Band in mac’s Theatre (18^th Feb), before the award winning Mental has a three day at The Old Joint Stock (21^st – 23^rd Feb) and Terence Rattigan’s The Windslow Boy begins it’s run at REP (21^st Feb – 3^rd Mar). And for one night only each, LEFTY SCUM: Josie Long, Jonny & The Baptists and Grace Petrie present a mix bag of ‘Music! Comedy! Revolutionary socialism’ again in mac’s Theatre (27^th Feb) whilst back at The Old Joint Stock there is single An Act of Kindness (28^th Feb) to round off the month. But don’t worry, it’ll be back in March.

So, enough to keep you lovebirds busy this month – or to distract the kings and queens of singledom on that depressing light letter box day. But whether you face this world alone or together there’s always Fight Club for £1 at The Mockingbird Kitchen & Cinema (12^th Feb). Cheaper than a card, at least.

For more on any of the events listed here, click on the highlighted hyperlink. Ed King is Editor-in-Chief of Review Publishing, which issues both the Birmingham Review and Birmingham Preview.

May 4, 2017May 4, 2017

BREVIEW: Imbalance @ The Patrick Centre 27.04.17

Words by Charlotte Heap / Pics by Moving Productions

Dynamic dance duo Joli Vyann explored the impact of society’s obsession with technology on our everyday lives with their latest show Imbalance, on a starkly furnished set at The Patrick Centre.

Ex-stuntman Jan Patzke and ex-gymnast Olivia Quale, who formed Joli Vyann almost five years ago, have said that they enjoy ‘the subtleties and sophistication of lighting and intimate and focused environment’ that indoor spaces provide. But the gloom in the Hippodrome‘s dedicated dance studio, both before and after Thursday night’s performance, meant that I missed the programme note explaining how Quayle had been replaced by Maélie Palomo – a second year student at the National Center of Circus Arts.

(Ed’s note… A spokesperson from DanceXchange later explained Olivia Quale had hurt her wrist. Maélie Palomo, who had been training alongside Quale, was elected to stand in for the Birmingham performances.)

The intimacy of The Patrick Centre proved a harsh spotlight on the young understudy, as she struggled at times to execute choreographer Jonathan Lunn’s vision as the audience is asked ‘When and how do we separate ourselves from the virtual chaos surrounding us?’ The technological revolution has changed fundamental parts of our lives, how we communicate and how we think; understanding its impact has become a hot topic across the arts.

Jonathan Lunn and Joli Vyann, working together for the first time, sought to use their fusion of dance and circus to explore the undeniable impact of technological temptations and terrors. Just two chairs and a table sat on the stage of this stripped back spectacle; the only props were mobile phones and laptops, whilst Patzke and Palomo wore nondescript costumes. Meditative chanting accompanied a brilliantly understated opening sequence which encapsulated a familiar scene: people present in each other’s company but transfixed with technology. However the challenging choreography caused the clearly shaking pair to stumble, and, in the audience, a sense of unease settled.

The scenes progressed with unrelenting acrobatics which held a mirror to modern life in a more deliberately unsettling manner. Drawing strength from a full auditorium, the duo demonstrated impressive physicality in their movement. The table and chairs were used extensively, both clunkily and cleverly, to represent communicative barriers. We moved through moments that resonated and amused: the couple moving like boxers, circling each other, tangling and twisting whilst glued to their smart devices. The soundtrack provided by Dougie Evans, co-Artistic Director of Lila Dance, featured snippets of speech from all walks of society, reinforcing the message that technology is connecting us globally but distancing us intimately.

The storytelling, however, did waver. A brief exploration of cyber bullying and suicide seemed perfunctory and slightly puzzling. The choreography was clever, showcasing impressive gymnastic skills, but like the story it lacked fluidity. Some of the elaborate acrobatics felt forced; if you’ll excuse the pun, the blend of circus with dance felt imbalanced. Imbalance carried a strong, if simple, message but was ultimately frustrating; the best moments, for a purist, came when technology and acrobatic ambition were abandoned. Too infrequently, the couple found pleasantly breath-taking synergy in slick dance sequences.

Patzke and Quayle have been performing their mix of dance, circus skills and stunts as Joli Vyann for half a decade. Palomo perhaps suffered for being a stand in; she is undoubtedly talented and was ultimately impressive, but the couple’s unfamiliarity did detract from the polish of the performance.

Imbalance is only Joli Vyann’s second indoor show and demonstrates the not-fully-realised ambition of this unique style. The acrobatics were breath-taking, but Imbalance’s impact suffered for a focus on fantastic feats.

For more on Imbalance, visit www.joli-vyann.com/dance-and-theatre-company-performances/imbalance

For more from Joli Vyann, visit www.joli-vyann.com

For more from DanceXchange, including full event listing and online ticket sales, visit www.dancexchange.org.uk

February 22, 2017

BREVIEW: Cinderella @ Hippodrome 15-25.02.15

Ed’s Note: Bethan is seven. She has been attending free weekly ballet lessons at Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) as part of their Dance Track programme, after being selected when a team from BRB came to her school. BRB are keen to reach children ‘who often wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to participate in dance’ and to ‘introduce the young participants and their families to ballet and to incite an interest in the art form’.

For our BREVIEW of BRB’s Cinderella, a returning production that gathered some momentum on tour, I wanted this perspective. The following was written by Bethan and her mum, Jenny, without direction from either BRB or myself. Bethan probably has better grammar than I.

I want to thank both Bethan and Jenny for their contribution, as well as BRB for playing along with this approach.

Words by Bethan & Jenny

Cinderella. We all know the story, and non better than my Disney-fanatic seven-year-old daughter. The magic, the romance, the happily ever after… all of which Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) most certainly delivered on, in their true to Disney style production.

Wednesday evenings, for Bethan and I, usually follow the standard homework, dinner, bath and bed routine. So imagine the excitement of a little girl, a little bit in love with ballet, getting ready to go to the opening night of one of her all time favourite love stories on stage. Bethan chose her best party dress and most sparkling jewellery to wear, and a glamorous bow for her hair. “I’ve got to look pretty mummy,” she told me, “it IS the opening night AND Prince Charming will be there.”

Upon our arrival at the Hippodrome we were greeted by a friendly chap from BRB. He shook my daughter’s hand, said he had heard all about her and that he couldn’t wait to read her review. He even invited her to another production.

As we made our way to our seats, Bethan’s excitement doubled. She saw The Nutcracker last year, another fantasy production from Birmingham Royal Ballet, but we were quite far away from the stage. When Bethan realised tonight we were only six rows back she was over the moon, “I’ll be able to see their faces!”

We took our seats, the lady next to Bethan helping with her booster seat, and as the hush fell across the theatre she gripped my hand with anticipation.

Well, Act One certainly didn’t disappoint. The dance, props and costumes all helped Bethan to understand exactly who each character was and what they were doing. She found humour in the performance of the ugly sisters, felt sad for cinders as she was tormented, and was in awe of the fearsome wicked stepmother.

As the story continued, the magical transformation of a dreary Cinderella clutching a pumpkin – along with two lizards, two mice and a frog – into a stunning coach and some handsome footmen, all added to the magic. Sadly this was a short-lived scene, and we both felt a little cheated out of the chance to enjoy it for a little longer before Act One was over.

The ballet dancers really came in to their own in Act Two, which was dedicated to the ball. Bethan has been learning ballet through the Dance Track programme with Birmingham Royal Ballet, after being selected from tryouts at her school, and was delighted to be able to recognise a few dance moves from her own lessons.

We both had a giggle at the clumsy dances of the two truly awful step sisters, trying to woo the Prince with their own unique charms (when not distracted by a waiter carrying a plate of cakes piled high) but to no effect. Of course, then the famous shoe was abandoned on the steps and, as the clock struck midnight, the curtain fell on Act Two.

Much of Act Three was dedicated to the Prince searching for his true love, running around the stage whilst being hotly perused by the many eligible maidens, and balancing on an ever increasing pile of shoes. When Cinderella and her Prince were finally reunited, the curtain fell as they wondered in to the moonlight, hand in hand, much to the delight of my seven year old theatre companion.

Although rather tired, Bethan had loved every second of her special night out at the ballet. She had engaged with the whole performance from start to finish, understanding the story and empathising with the leading lady. But with such incredible acting and dancing talent on the stage, alongside the clever costumes and set design, this could be an amazing experience for all ages in the audience.

For more from Birmingham Royal Ballet, visit www.brb.org.uk

For more on BRB’s Dance Track programme, visit www.brb.org.uk/up-close/dance-education/dance-track

For more from Birmingham Hippodrome, including a full prgramme of events and online ticket sales, visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com