Moliere’s classic satirical farce about the folly of greed returns to London’s West End with a rousing new adaptation by Sean Foley and Phil Porter.
The play stars double Olivier award-winning Griff Rhys Jones in the title role, alongside TV comedy star, Lee Mack, making his West End acting debut.
In this frantically paced production the emphasis is definitely on the farce, with all manner of gags coming thick and fast. There’s a relentless succession of slick one-liners, running jokes, audience asides, and physical, slap-stick comedy, all of which keeps the audience on its toes and laughing throughout.
At the centre is a wonderful performance from Griff Rhys Jones. His Harpagon, the miser of the title, is ridiculous and very funny, but Rhys Jones also manages to subtly capture the panic and despair of his character as his crackpot plans fall apart and his fear of losing his beloved money looks like becoming a reality. It’s a performance that gives the production some moral authority without taking away from the overall hilarity and madcap tone of this adaptation.
Rhys Jones is admirably supported by Lee Mack’s downtrodden but mischievous servant, Master Jaques. Mack really pulls it off in this stage debut, his hapless resignation, dead-pan delivery and comic timing often reminiscent of Eric Morecambe at his funniest.
Less convincing were Mathew Horne and Katy Wix as young lovers Valere and Elise. Their characters are meant to be shallow and one-dimensional, but for me both performers lacked subtlety and comic insight, with too much shouting and posturing going on. Ryan Gage’s outrageously camp pantomime dandy fared much better, his Cleante bearing more than a passing resemblance to Baby June.
This slick, rip-roaring production may not be one for Moliere purists, but it certainly provides a highly amusing and enjoyable evening’s entertainment.
Brighton Festival 2017 has announced that Guest Director Kate Tempest has chosen the theme of ‘Everyday Epic’ for this year’s Peacock Poetry Prize.
Poet Dean Atta with last year’s competition finalists
The Festival is inviting aspiring young poets and wordsmiths to observe and reflect on the details and daily achievements of our lives and to celebrate and share our common humanity.
The annual creative writing competition, produced by Brighton Festival and Brighton, Hove & Sussex Sixth Form College (BHASVIC), encourages local poets from 8 to nineteen years to respond to a specific subject in an imaginative and inventive way.
Submissions are divided into four age groups: 8-11 years, 11-13 years 13-16 years and 16-19 years.
In addition, this year the Brighton and Hove environmental education project (BHee) will give a special prize to a school pupil whose poem celebrates our interaction with the natural world.
Pippa Smith
Pippa Smith, Head of Creative Learning at Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival said:“The Peacock Poetry Prize is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved with Brighton Festival. I’m always taken aback at the number and range of submissions we receive, and this year I hope Kate Tempest’s theme of ‘everyday epic’ will inspire our young writers’ imaginations to produce some wonderful poetry once again.”
The Peacock Poetry Prize is open to residents of Brighton & Hove and East and West Sussex. Each budding writer may submit up to three poems with a maximum length of 20 lines per poem.
Entries can be emailed, together with full name, age and date of birth to peacock@brightonfestival.org, or posted to Peacock Poetry Prize, Brighton Festival, 12a Pavilion Buildings, Castle Square, Brighton BN1 1EE.
The deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday April 3, 2017.
Finalists and their friends and relatives will be invited to a reception in Brighton Dome on May 25 when the winners of each age category and the BHee prize will be announced.
Brighton Dome new spring programme, features a wide range of events across music, dance, theatre, comedy and more.
On March 4 the Dome will celebrate International Women’s Day, joining forces with Brighton Women’s Centre and Brighton Museum to present a family-friendly day of inspiring speakers, comedy, workshops and arts and crafts.
Germaine Greer: March 4
As part of the day’s celebrations:
♦ Germaine Greer will be speaking about ecofeminism
♦ Comedian Bridget Christie will perform her stand-up show on Brexit
♦ Deborah Frances-White will perform a live recording of her hit comedy podcast The Guilty Feminist.
Yamato Drummers: March 30
A diverse spring contemporary music programme includes:
♦ The Brighton debut of Mexrrissey, the joyous brass and string led band from Mexico who reinvent the songs of Morrissey and The Smiths (January 26)
♦ Art-rockers Warpaint (March 29) returning with their third studio album
♦ A high-energy and visually spectacular performance from the internationally known Yamato Drummers (March 30)
♦ A screening of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar-winning There Will Be Blood, with a live score performed by London Contemporary Orchestra , which has worked with the like of Radiohead and Frank Ocean, (February 6).
Chloë Hanslip: March 5
For classical music fans, the Brighton Philharmonic 2016-17 season continues , featuring soloists including 2015 Gramophone Young Artist of the Year, Joseph Moog (January 15) and virtuoso violinist Chloë Hanslip (March 5).
Eurohouse: March 19
Elsewhere, Spring theatre highlights include:
♦ 2016 Edinburgh Festival hit Eurohouse, a darkly comic look at the EU’s founding ideals (March 19)
♦ The Duke, another Edinburgh hit written by Shon Dale-Jones, the award-winning writer/performer behind Hugh Hughes (March 31 – April 1)
♦ Femi Martin’s one-woman show How to Die of a Broken Heart, which tells how heartbreak changed her body and her life forever (February 25).
Danza Contemporanea de Cuba: March 7-8
There’s also plenty on offer for lovers of dance, including:
♦ Counteracts, a double bill from Candoco Dance Company, the world’s leading contemporary dance company made up of disabled and non-disabled dancers (February 17)
♦ An electrifying new show from Danza Contemporanea de Cuba, Cuba’s flagship contemporary dance troupe, including choreography from Brighton’s Theo Clinkard (March 7-8)
♦ German Cornejo’s Tango Fire, an authentic Argentine production for Tango lovers ( February 22)
Jack Whitehall: January 29-30
Some top name comedians heading to Brighton Dome this spring include:
Jack Whitehall (January 29-30), David O’Doherty (February 10), Josie Long (February 11), Miles Jupp (February 3), Stewart Lee (February 23-26), and Rob Beckett (April 9).
And there’s more comedy mixed with pure emotion and jaw dropping acrobatics, as top UK circus company Barely Methodical Troupe bring their new show, KIN, to town (April 18-19).
Chester Tuffnut: February 16-19
Last but not least, there’s lots of entertainment lined up for children at the Dome early next year, including:
♦ Chester Tuffnut, the story of a tree mole told with puppets, original music and lots of imagination (February 16-19)
♦ WOW! Said the Owl, a show based on Tim Hopgood’s children’s book (March 18)
♦ Naomi’s Wild and Scary, a live show based on TV Presenter Naomi Wilkinson’s most exciting wildlife experiences (April 23).
For further information for all shows, click here:
London Titans FC will hold an auction on Sunday, December 11 at The Two Brewers, Clapham, with all proceeds being donated to the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), the UK’s leading charity addressing HIV and sexual health.
London Titans FC is one of the UK’s most prominent and successful LGBT football clubs. Based in SW London, the club prides itself on offering a safe and stimulating place for LGBT individuals to play football without fear of homophobia or outdated attitudes. Playing across multiple leagues, at a national and local level, Titans also connect with the wider international footballing community, most recently participating in the 2016 Eurogames in Helsinki, and they will be sending two teams to the 2017 Outgames in Miami.
Alongside the football, London Titans FC is a strong advocate of community connection and charitable donation, holding a dedicated monthly club night, Ball, to raise funds for charities which support and engage with the LGBT community. This year the club’s annual Christmas Ball and charity fundraiser is an auction and prize raffle in support of the THT.
The crowd will be able to bid on high-ticket prizes including 2 x The Bodyguard tickets, a Kurt Geiger handbag, Jeans donated by HRH Victoria Beckham, Andrew Logan jewellery, a Pretty Green jacket, Be Here Now CD and Supersonic DVD signed by Liam Gallagher, and a £100 Wagamama voucher.
For sports fans, the auction will also include a piece of LGBT history in the form of a signed football shirt donated by Robbie Rogers, the most prominent out gay footballer, currently playing for LA Galaxy. London Titans FC’s official club partners have also donated a shirt signed by the entire QPR squad, especially for the auction.
Auction Lot: 2 tickets for Boys in the band
For the theatre lover in your life, the auction and raffle will include 2 x tickets to a selection of London’s hottest upcoming shows and performers across the West End and queer circuit, including Boys in the Band, F*cking Men, Le Gateau Chocolat and Camp NYE with Scottee.
For that man in your life a selection of Aussiebum underwear will be up for grabs. For that man in your life who’s got front, a selection of SuKrew briefs will be on offer. For that man in your life who’s got attitude, a range of t-shirts designed by Philip Normal will be available for bidding.
For those who like a cute night in, the raffle will include champagne, a signed Rustie Lee cookbook, and a range of LGBT films donated by Peccadillo Pictures. For those who prefer something altogether less well-behaved, a bottle of OurLondon Vodka, a signed copy of Matthew Todd’sStraight Jacket, and a selection of Tom of Finland sex toys donated by Bondara will be up for grabs.
Auction Lot: Pecs and Pups Calendar
A framed queer print courtesy of Greenhead Design will also be available, alongside a 2017 Pecs and Pups Calendar, 2 x 30 minute treatments at the LG waxing lab, some Elton John memorabilia, and 2 x cinema tickets to the Ritzy Brixton.
The auction and raffle will be held from 6.30pm on Sunday, December 11 at The Two Brewers, Clapham. The night will feature performances from Miss Jason, Mary Mac and Sandra, with all proceeds going to the THT.
A full list of prizes is as follows:
♦ Kurt Geiger handbag
♦ HRH Victoria Beckham jeans
♦ £100 Wagamama voucher
♦ Pretty Green jacket, Be Here Now CD and Supersonic DVD signed by Liam Gallagher
Auction Lot: 2 x Le Gateau Chocolat tickets
♦ Robbie Rogers signed shirt
♦ QPR signed shirt
♦ Andrew Logan heart jewellery
♦ 2 x The Bodyguard tickets
♦ 2 x Boys in the Band tickets
♦ 2 x Le Gateau Chocolat tickets
♦ 2 x F*cking Men tickets
♦ 2 x Scottee NYE tickets
♦ Philip Normal t shirts
♦ Aussiebum underwear selection
♦ Sukrew underwear selection
♦ Bondara Tom of Finland sex toys
♦ Peccadillo pictures LGBT cinema selection
♦ OurLondon Vodka
♦ Champagne
♦ Signed Rustie Lee cookbook
♦ Signed Straight Jacket by Matthew Todd
♦ Elton John memorabilia
♦ Will Young memorabilia
♦ Greenhead Design prints
♦ Pecs and Pups calendar
♦ 2 x 30 minute treatments at LG waxing lab
♦ 2 x Ritzy cinema tickets
Event: London Titans FC Auction for THT
Where: Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UJ
When: Sunday, December 11
Time: 5pm-2am: Auction starts at 6.30pm
Cost: Free entry B4 7pm: £4 after
For more information about London Titans FC, click here:
Footballers from all Premier League clubs, and a number of clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two, English Football League, Premiership Rugby and Welsh Rugby will wear rainbow laces today to support the Stonewall campaign.
The Premier League will mark their support for the campaign with perimeter advertising at every match that includes supporting Rainbow Laces messaging and games will be opened with a giant Premier League Rainbow Laces flag.
Other activities include teams wearing Rainbow Laces during training, laces being handed out at weekend fixtures and clubs organising meetings between LGBT fan groups.
The Wembley Arch will also be lit up in rainbow colours tonight, November 26 and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) are also joining in, with referees lacing up for this weekend’s fixtures.
Premier League executive chairman, Richard Scudamore, said:“The Premier League is all about exciting, passionate and unpredictable football that is for everyone, everywhere. The Rainbow Laces campaign complements the work clubs are doing to promote inclusion and diversity in their stadiums, and across all levels of the sport. Our support for the campaign, and the decision to become members of Team Pride, is further recognition that the LGBT community is a vital and integral part of our community.”
Ruth Hunt, Stonewall’s chief executive, added: ‘The research we released earlier this year gave a clear indication of what needed to happen for sport to become more inclusive. Research made it clear that if things were going to change we would need the support from across sport. It’s crucial for organisations like the Premier League, The Football Association and the Rugby Premiership to show they welcome lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. At the moment, many LGBT people want to take part in sport, either as players or fans, but the abuse and hate from a minority of fans can make them feel unsafe, unwelcome or unable to be themselves.
“We know the majority of sports fans want a better, more inclusive game. This campaign is about encouraging people to step up and say they will not stand for abuse and the support of football and rugby clubs and associations is crucial because it gives people the confidence to do that.”
Funke Awoderu, the FA’s inclusion & diversity manager, said:“Our support for LGB&T inclusion remains a continued priority. This year’s Rainbow Laces campaign sees football coming out in force to celebrate the relaunch of the campaign. We are proud of the overwhelming support from leagues, clubs and fan groups.”
Stonewall has developed a range of measures to tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in sport including a sports toolkit for grassroots and community sport teams to build awareness and understanding of the issues affecting LGBT people, and how they can help ensure all sports offer an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
Stonewall will work with all of the clubs involved in Rainbow Laces to support their activities.
Steve Bustin, the Brighton-based professional speaker and speech coach, launched his new book at an event at Café Plenty in Brighton on November 2.
The Authority Guide to Presenting and Public Speaking is Bustin’s first book and promises to reveal everything you need to know to give an engaging and compelling presentation or speech.
The book is part of a new series of business titles under the Authority Guide brand published by SRA Books.
In his new work, Bustin sets out his approach to writing, honing and delivering presentations, whether you’re addressing an internal meeting, pitching to clients or speaking at an event.
Bustin is also working on a second title for the series: The Authority Guide to PR for Small Business, due to be published in May 2017
Steve Bustin was named UK Speaker of the Year 2015 by The Professional Speaking Association. He is an expert in media and communications, has spoken at business conferences and events across Europe, and is also well known on the Brighton business scene as a compere and speaker at Chamber of Commerce, ProfitNet and other business events.
Bustin also works with businesses to help develop and maximise presentation skills, social media skills and media interview skills. He also works as a one-on-one speech coach.
Steve says:“I’ve been presenting, training and speaking in public for many years and even tried my hand at stand-up for a few years, so I know how to connect with an audience and how to make sure they not only have a good time but also take away things they can use in their lives and businesses immediately. This book is my chance to pass on everything I’ve learned to the huge number of people who either don’t like presenting or just avoid it altogether. These days presenting and pitching are essential business skills, whether you’re employed (especially as many job interviews now include a presentation) or running your own business, where speaking in public is a great way to promote your product or services.”
The Authority Guide to Presenting and Public Speaking is available on Amazon, iTunes, and from City Books on Western Road, Brighton.
All male dance company BalletBoyz has made a triumphant return to Brighton with Life – a two-part show looking at life, death and some of the tones in between.
The programme consists of two commissioned pieces from choreographers known for very different approaches and styles.
The evening opened with Rabbit by Danish choreographer Pontus Lidberg, who has set his new work to Gorecki’s quirky and musically puzzling Little Requiem for a Polka.
As the curtain rises on a dreamlike scene, a bell tolls and in the foreground a young man dances yearningly but with a classical restraint.
In the background, facing away and seemingly oblivious, a similarly attired character gently sways to and fro on a swing. He could be a looking-glass reflection of the dancer but for one thing – he has a rabbit’s head.
It’s a surreal, intriguing and visually beautiful tableau, and as the young man begins to engage with the rabbit character through dance there’s a sense of mournfulness, loneliness and of a failure to connect.
This sense of disconnect is heightened as more dancers join in, and as the rabbits multiply and the music becomes faster and more discordant, there’s something dark and menacing about the rabbit men’s lively dance. To me Rabbit hinted at a sense of narrative – something allegorical but at the same time deeply intangible, as the strangest dreams often are.
In Fiction, the second part of the programme, the so-called ‘controversial’ choreographer Javier de Frutos has created a dance playing with the premise his own fictional death.
Set to an original, fizzing score by musical luminary Ben Foskett, the piece opens with the BalletBoyz rehearsing on stage. As they work through some ideas the news is suddenly broken of their choreographer’s untimely if somewhat slapstick demise.
De Frutos commissioned dance critic Ismene Brown to write a supposed obituary which is then used as a stop-start, spoken soundtrack, overlaying the musical score. What follows is a dance about the making of a dance, and De Frutos’ own tongue in cheek obituary and homage to his art and method. It’s also an insight into the challenges of the creative process, as well as a broader exploration of the consequences of death.
It’s relentlessly hectic, claustrophobic and at times violent as the dancers direct each other to jump, twist, lift and contort in a crowded and restrictive space where the ballet barre is at once a support and an obstacle to creativity.
The process is shown to be both organic and mechanical, with dancers one moment human and emotional, and the next resembling piano hammers, or cogs in some kind of complex machinery. The effect is at times overwhelming and confusing but more often thrilling and occasionally very funny.
Ultimately things quieten until one person remains alone on stage. The upbeat chorus of Donna Summer’sLast Dance kicks in, and in a sublime final vignette the lone figure dances ecstatically to the music before crashing to the ground, exhausted, perhaps even dead. Disco meets the Rite of Spring.
It’s a joyous, heart-warming, show stopping moment which suggests that the notoriety and controversy surrounding De Frutos is, like the stop-start spoken soundtrack, all so much noise.
As ever, much praise goes to the BalletBoyz dancers, a true ensemble company whose talent has helped create two very different works that sit so well together and provide the audience with a spectacular night’s entertainment.
BalletBoyz Life UK tour continues until the end November 19.
Thirty two swimmers competed at the OUT TO SWIM SOUTH (OTSS) Anniversary Gala on October 15 2016 at Roedean School, Brighton.
The event was the first Swim Gala held by OTSS where a number of swimmers from Brighton and London took part in a competition for the first time.
Multiple event winners included; Philip Collins (6), Ian White (5), John Moore, Hans Stofregan and Dimitir Spiliotis (4) and Kate Whitmill, Cyrus Yow, Ryan Valadas and Martin Bradford (3).
Event organiser John Moore, said:“Everyone had a great time. The event was very relaxed and friendly, an ideal opportunity for those who had not entered a competition before. We hope to hold another similar event next year”
OTSS is an LGBT Swim Club that swims three times a week. New members are always welcome. The Club can accommodate a range of swimming abilities and offers tuition for those who want to improve their swimming skills and fitness.
Booking is now open for Eastbourne Theatres’ autumn season, with a wide selection of shows for all ages, from comedy to high culture and whodunnits to rock concerts and family shows.
Highlights at the Congress Theatre include:
♦ Queen legend Brian May performing with vocalist Kerry Ellis (December 22) in a stripped back acoustic show performing some of their favourite songs
♦ Richard O’Brien’s classic cult musical Rocky Horror Show (September 19- 24)
♦ comedian Romesh Ranganathan’s new show, Irrational (October 5) which takes a comic look at the rationality of his world view
♦ All of Nothing the Mod Musical (September 5 – 7 ) based on the life and music of the Small Faces
At Devonshire Park big shows include:
♦ Dead Sheep (November 8 – 12 ) a play by Jonathan Maitland based on the true story behind Margaret Thatcher’s downfall
♦ I Don’t Believe it with Victor Meldrew (November 20) – Richard Wilson re-enacts his one man classic episode of One Foot in the Grave followed by a Q&A after the show
♦ a brand new dramatic adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece Frankenstein (November 17 – 19 ) fusing ensemble storytelling, live music, puppetry and theatricality
♦ Stephanie Beacham in A Princess Undone (November 1 – 5 ) a play about a lonely and isolated Princess Margaret set over one night in 1993
♦ classic pantomime with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (December 9– January 15)
For full listings and tickets for both venues, plus shows at the Winter Garden, click here:
Nature and Science: Brighton Early Music Festival 2016, October 28-November 13.
Brighton Early Music Festival has launched its fifteenth annual programme. The Festival is riding high after one of its 2015 productions, Francesca Caccini’s opera La liberazione di Ruggiero, was listed as one of The Guardian’s Top 10 Classical and Opera performances of 2015.
The theme for this year’s festival is Nature and Science, with flagship events including:
Galileo (October 20 and 30) – a new play with music about the life and work of Galileo. Set during his final days, the play relives key moments in Galileo’s life including his trial, excommunication and house arrest. The play is illustrated by music that Galileo would have known, including pieces written by his father, and will be performed by vocal ensemble the Marian Consort and the Monteverdi String Band.
Gaia (2 performances November 12) – a modern take on the intermedi spectaculars of the 16th century. Gaia brings together music and drama from the 16th and 17th centuries with 21st century effects such as film, projection, lighting effects, mime, yoga and dance. The work tells the story of the Earth and how humans have perceived it through the ages, with music ranging from Antoine Brumel’s earth-shattering ‘Earthquake’ Mass, to beautiful pastoral madrigals and motets celebrating the Queen of Heaven. Performers include the English Sackbut and Cornett Ensemble, Lacock Scholars, BREMF Consort of Voices, and the BREMF Community Choir which is an integral part of the festival’s grass-roots connection.
Music, Science and Natural Magic (October 28) – performed by L’Avventura London, and showcasing the work of 17th century musician, alchemist and polymath Athanasius Kircher.
Dr Dee’s Daughter and the Philosopher’s Stone (November 12) – a brand new family show with recorder consort Palisander and puppets from Rust and Stardust Productions.
Clare Norburn
Festival Co-artistic Director Clare Norburn said: “We’re really excited about this year’s festival programme which gives us so many creative opportunities to explore the worlds of nature and science – two interconnected subjects which run closely alongside the history of music.”
Tickets for the full list of festival events (£5-£25) are on sale to Friends of the Festival from Monday, August 22, and on general sale from Monday, September 5.
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