Low Down April 2013

APRIL 2013

The definitive Liverpool listings guide

EDWYN COLLINS AND START AGAIN

GRAHAM GOULDMAN SEAMUS GUBBINS SOUND CITY 2013

FREE

COMEDY Russell Kane

Edwyn Collins

Posturing Delivery Friday 3 May 8pm £17.50, £23.50

plus special guest Saturday 20 April 8pm £17.50, £23.50

Bill Bailey Thea Gilmore with Strings Friday 10 May 8pm £15-£24.50

Qualmpeddler Friday 4 & Saturday 5 October 8pm £25, £31 SOLD OUT EXTRA DATE ADDE

D

Jimmy Carr

Lau Gretchen

Saturday Peters 20 April St George’s Hall Saturday 9 March Concert Room The Epstein Theatre 7.30pm £16.50 7.30pm £19.50

Loudon Wainwright III Nasher Tuesday 7 May

with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Friday 12 April

Skip ‘Little Axe’ McDonald Rufus Wainwright

Monday 1 July 7.30pm £29.50-£50

Lee Nelson Tuesday 21 May 7.30pm £22.50, £28.50

plus The Mastersons Friday 31 May 7.30pm £26, £34

Wednesday 8 May 7.30pm £26.50-£42.50

Saturday 15 June 8pm Camp & Furnace, The Blade Factory £10

Back in the Game Wednesday 1 May 8pm £22.50, £28.50

Saturday 13 April 8pm £25, £31

7.30pm 8.30pm £12 £22.50, £28.50

Steve Earle & The Dukes Pink Martini

Gagging Order

Micky Flanagan

Ardal O’Hanlon

Reginald D Hunter

In the Midst of Crackers Friday 14 June 8pm £23, £29

ON SALE NOW

Saturday 2 November 8pm £20, £26

Box Office 0151 709 3789 liverpoolphil.com

WELCOME

Welcome to Spring… snowdrifts and huge energy bills.

Never mind, there’s loads of great things going on to distract us.

THIS MONTH

It’s a real songwriters special this month and we have interviews with the incredibly talented Graham Gouldman and Edwyn Collins as well as up and coming Liverpool based singer songwriter Ragz.

Lowdown selections for April

We also talk to actor Seamus Gubbins about his new project and how he plans to try and engage and empower people in the community using the arts.

HIGHLIGHTS 04

NEWS & PREVIEWS 06 FOOD & DRINK 10 SPORT 12 COMPETITIONS 17

Bold Street continues to deliver as one of Liverpool’s cultural centres with new offerings in the form of Nolita Cantina and the Garden and FACT celebrates it’s 10th anniversary with The Art of Pop exhibition and a special event with Pedro Almodovar.

Win loads of stuff!

The Git Awards will be showcasing the width of musical talent in the area and providing much needed national exposure and the countdown has already begun to the first big festival of the year Liverpool Sound City 2013!

Edwyn Collins, Graham Gouldman, Ragz

If you haven’t already swing over to our website where you can find out even more about what’s going on and you can sign up for our new weekly newsletter which contains upcoming highlights as well as the very latest news, events, weekly competitions and offers.

ARTS & CULTURE 18 Seamus Gubbins

MUSIC 22

ALBUM REVIEWS 25 FILM & TV 32 LISTINGS 33 CLASSIFIEDS 62

Every single penny received by Low Down is spent in the local creative economy.

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LOWDOWN APRIL

HIGHLIGHTS Thursday 4th Chas and Dave Cavern Club

6th/7th Falcon Maze ft Hedwig Active Adventures

Wednesday 10th Il divo, Katherine Jenkins Echo Arena

Friday 12th Beth Orton Kazimier

Sunday 13th Nasher Philharmonic Hall

17th

The Fratellis O2 Academy

05

Saturday 20th Lau St Georges Hall

20th Edwyn Collins

Monday 22nd Pere Ubu Eric’s

Philharmonic Hal

22nd Daughter

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral

Tuesday 23rd Pedro Almadovar FACT

Wednesday 24th Solid Silver 60’s Show Philharmonic Hall

Monday 29th Bach Meets Fats Waller Philharmonic Hall

LOWDOWN APRIL

NEWS&PREVIEWS Pedro Almodovar at FACT

Eccentric director, Pedro Almodovar will be sharing a sneak peek of his new film I’m So Excited on April 23rd, a month before it’s publicly released. He will also be doing a 40 minute live Q&A with Picturehouse Hackney that will be screened via satellite to FACT. A rare treat for the director to take to the mic in English and though he may not physically be in Liverpool it promises to be a very funny night and not one to be missed. April 23rd 6.30pm.

Tickets £11 for screening and Q&A

The Garden FACT

Ordinarily I’m an unabashed hearty meat eater and a menu that has as many V’s (Vegetarian), VV’s (Vegan) and G’s (Gluten Free) as The Garden @FACT has would make me turn on my heel and head to the nearest greasy spoon. But there’s something about the springtime yellow on the walls and pots (and pots!) of greenery goodness decorating the entire café that made me open to this seemingly healthier alternative.

After much mouth watering reading I ask for a recommendation from a fresh faced girl behind the counter, who immediately offers the Goat’s cheese, squash and sun dried tomato mix as her salad supreme. At £3.95 I hope there’s more to it than those 3 ingredients and thankfully, am pleasantly surprised when it arrives. Laden with artichokes, spinach, cashew nuts and a sherry vinegar dressing it smells amazing and tastes as it looks; delicious and unexpected. I clear the plate in minutes and spin my finger round for the last morsels of that bittersweet dressing.

The simplistic stripped wooden tables and bold colours on the walls, put me in mind of Ikea but the mix of the FACT’s hard lines and Leaf’s soft natural influence work very well and the large glass window’s are finally unveiled and work to clear the cobwebs. As ever, the FACT members discount is available and the children’s menu looks deceivingly healthy for the little ones. The Garden seems a good fit for FACT, putting the heart stopping Panini’s of day’s gone by to shame, this latest incarnation is a breath of fresh air.

The Tea Street Band

The Tea Street Band are the latest band to take proceedings into their own hands and use crowdsourcing to fund their debut album.

With the help of their fans and supporters they plan to raise enough money to record the album and also donate some to Alder Hey Childrens Charity. To find out more scan the page with LAYAR or visit www.pledgemusic. com/projects/theteastreetband

Roller Derby

“Battle cries and champagne just in time for sunrise” – Aladdin Sane Roller Derby is fast becoming the hottest blood sport and this month kicks off a new season bringing Glam Rock to the track. The Liverpool Roller Birds get Glam Blocking against the Preston Roller Girls in the first bout of the season.

April 20th, Greenbank Sports Academy. Doors open at 1pm. £5 advance, £7 on the door, under 16s get in free. Season ticket’s also available: £20 for 4 home bouts.

For tickets visit www.facebook.com/ liverpoolrollerbirds

Get Into This

This GIT Awards is the creation Peter Guy – blogger of Get Into This and all round champion of Liverpool music. The Awards aim to highlight to us and the wider world just how much quality tunage hails from this fair city. And oh does it.

Last year’s awards was a massive success and many of the nominees went on to great things - Stealing Sheep, Esco Williams and winners Loved Ones amongst them. This year sees a possibly even more eclectic dozen and has highlighted some previously unknown talent to even the knowledgeable folk here at the Low Down. Where to begin?

While it wouldn’t be fair to name favourites, our favourites include the always amazing and genre defying Clinic, the mighty force of Conan and the insanely original Nadine Carina. But that’s leaving out the infectious Dan Croll, the positively barmy Barberos and the charming Stealing Sheep.

That’s enough our our opinion - we’ll leave that up to the official Judging panel. But you can have your say in the people’s choice category.

See peterguy.merseyblogs.co.uk to vote.

Here is the shortlist: Baltic Fleet, Barberos,

By The Sea, Nadine Carina, Clinic, Conan, Dan Croll, John Heckle, Jetta, Tyler Mensah, Stealing Sheep, Wave Machines GIT Award 2013 takes place at Leaf on Bold Street Friday April 19 with £1000 prize to the winners

NoLita Cantina Promising substance over style, NoLita Cantina may finally have filled in a gap on Bold Street.

Inspired by New York’s infamous Katz’s Deli and (very) roughly translated in Italian as “North of Little Italy’s Salami Saloon”, NoLita Cantina promises to stuff us silly with pickles, pork and potatoes without any pretentious ho-ha.

Art of Pop Video

The Art of Pop Video is the most highly anticipated exhibition FACT has had in a long time. Perhaps it has something to do with Liverpool being the city of sound or maybe this is something that feels more accessible to everyone rather than just the lovies of Liverpool but whatever it is, there’s no denying that this showcase of the last 80 years of music and film’s collaboration is something everyone should see. Even if it’s just for nostalgic reasons Providing an insight into the experimental approach to the pop video, the exhibition looks at the evolution of the media over the decades featuring everything from big-budget promos by Hollywood directors to examples of crowd-sourced, ‘DIY’ videos.

Wandering around the two exhibition spaces and scanning the many, many screens can feel a little overwhelming, but the vast range of videos include some gems that you might not have seen before. This includes a rare glimpse at Emak Bakia (Leave me Alone), one of the earliest works to bring music an film together the short is aptly subtitled ‘Cinepoem’ by it’s creator Man Ray this 16 minute film is a perfect snapshot of the surrealist influence of Salvador Dali was having on art in 1926 and the social changes that were happening to the world’s preconceptions of art and philosophy. An important, unpretentious piece of work to begin a journey through the decades, mapping out a history from Fred Astaire’s timeless performance in Top Hat to Michael Jackson’s Thriller to some of MTV’s most memorable videos.

The Art of Pop Video isn’t just a nice showcase of your old favourites either, there are some fascinating investigations into some of the most important themes in pop videos; The Amateur (or Lo-Fi to the cool kids) video hits such as Fatboy Slim’s Praise you; the Dancing of politics where videos are used for political statement and includes an uncensored look at the uncensored Pussy Riot video that landed those girls in a whole heap of trouble and is seems almost ironic now to be part of such a public display. And finally the Conquest of the Arts section which looks to the artists trying to be musicians – Pipilotti Rist’s self directed song and video, ‘I’m a victim of this song’ for example – and musicians trying to make art – New Order, Blue Monday. Genius.

Pop videos from ‘local heroes’ from the Liverpool region feature in the exhibition, including The Beatles, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, OMD, Ladytron and more. FACT have also teamed up with Tate Liverpool’s Glam! The Performance of Style exhibition and are showing some of cinema’s most explosive and controversial films including the Beastie Boys concert ‘Awesome; I… Shot That!’, which was filmed on camcorder by fans in the crowd.

0151 708 5061. 81a Bold Street

FACT’s latest exhibition is gives clever insight into the power of collaboration, be it making a statement about politics, an argument for injustice or simply just having fun with sound and images, it turns out video didn’t kill the radio star after all.

www.nolitacantnia.com

The Art of Pop Video is open at FACT until Sunday 26th May. Entrance is free every day until 6pm

beautiful baby photography

Liverpool Rock City!

Kicking off the long awaited festival season is our city’s biggest and best; the Sound City Festival of course.

We don’t need to tell you again why we are so in love with this festival but we will: three days of some of the finest music from home and beyond, spanning all ends of the genre spectrum. But that’s not even the best bit - instead of being relegated to one area the festival is spread out across the city’s fine music venues - and even utilising spaces that aren’t normally music venues. A better way to get your musical bearings of the city could not be conceived of and we urge you to don a wristband and get involved.

The SC folks have been drip feeding us teasers as the date approaches but most recently dropped a new major headliner - namely current bighaired number oners, Bastille, who join fellow headliners of the likes of The Walkmen, Dexys, Noah and the Whale and Everything Everything.

Not too shabby eh. They are but a few of the musical highlights, who join a slew of films and art expos. There’s also professional conference side of the festival for those in the biz. We’ll be highlighting much more Sound City action in our May edition but here are a few tidbits to get excited about:

They’re only little for a little while, so have those all important moments captured forever.

To book a session or see our special offers check out our website

www.topetones.com

Toy Comprising 3/4 of the once-hyped but never very good Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong, Toy are a different and better prospect altogether.

Psych rockers in the vein of Horrors, which therefore means in the vein of MBV - no bad thing. Their self-titled debut was released last year and if you like your music loud and more than a little swirly, it’ll make you swoon. toy-band.com

Everything Everything This Manchester foursome rocked our socks off at the O2 just last month - and they’re back to demonstrate again how well they can replicate their complicated and eclectic songs live. Lively, unpredictable and catchy as hell we dare you not to be impressed. With their new release Arc taking them from strength to strength we suspect this might be a packed one. everything-everything.co.uk

Swim Deep If spring hasn’t arrived by the time Sound City rolls around, you’ll be guaranteed your fix of sunshine with Swim Deep. Geographically from Birmingham, but musically from somewhere in suburban California, they join their cityfolk Peace as youngsters who look like Nirvana but sound like sunshine and lollipops. It’s pop filtered through grunge and it’s pretty scuzzy special. one.swim-deep.tumblr.com

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Dexys Dexys - you ask? As in Dexys Midnight Runners? Yes, it is one and the same - the shortened moniker referring to the post-2003 incarnation of the band, consisting of a reduced line-up but no less fun and frolics.

They’re still recording new material but this will also be one of the best nostalgic knees-up of the fest. dexysonline.com Sound City runs Thursday May 2 - Sunday May 4. www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk

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Parr Street Studios & Hotel

Hotel Bars The Attic Studio 2 Events Offices Recording Studios

…is probably the most unique hotel in Liverpool a boutique hotel within a recording studio and home to Coldplay’s first 3 albums Parr Street Studios & Hotel 33-45 Parr Street Liverpool L1 4JN tel: +44151 707 1050 web: www.parrstreet.co.uk

from £35 inc tax

@ParrStStudios En suite Loft Style Bedrooms Twins , Doubles & a Triple from £64 plus 5 single & double mini room from £35 We are in Liverpool City Centre between Seel St & Duke St

LOWDOWN ON FOOD & DRINK

SHORTS,BACK ANDSIDES

There was an article circulating online recently about a company combining a funeral parlour with a skating rink. Now we’re not certain that Gallaghers is quite up to that level of bizarreness, but we’ve certainly never heard of a barbershop inside a pub before.

Frank Gallagher, who together with wife Sue has run the business since 2010, laughs when we ask how on earth they came up with the idea.

“It was just one of those ideas. I don’t know who came up with it, myself or Sue. We’ve had barber shops for years, but when we bought the pub we had to apply to the council and said ‘No, it’s not a change of business, we want to put the barbers in the pub.’ And they said ‘Well we’ve never seen that before - but fine!’”

Novelty aside, Gallaghers is the kind of classic pub that is increasingly hard to find. Located just metres from the Hamilton Square train station, the attention to details is such that you instantly feel comfortable. Real homecooked food, carefully selected real ales, friendly service and a veritable museum for interesting nautical and historical paraphernalia (Frank was in the Irish guard so a lot of kit comes from that) it is worth going out of your way for, even if you’re not in need of a shave.

When we came across it it was in a state of disrepair and the atrium was collapsed, but as soon as we walked in and got the feel of the pub we said ‘this is it’.”

Sue tends to work more on the barbershop side of the business, and while Frank does specialise in traditional hot towel shaves, his focus is on the beer.

So how different is running a pub from a barbershop?

“Well actually it’s about talking to people, as a barber you spend a lot of time talking to customers, and it’s the same behind the bar.

In fact a lot of our customers came over from the barber.”

Though they do have a strict no-haircutsfor-drunk-people policy, Frank says that both of the business’ facets can be enjoyed simultaneously if the client so desires.

The Gallaghers have amassed over 35 years of barbering experience between them, but say they have always wanted to own a pub.

“It’s a bit crazy, sometimes I have to tell people to move their pint. I’ll say ‘I’m going to cut your hair now so I advise you move your pint or you might get hair in your beer.’”

Frank says: “This place used to be called the Dispensary, but had been disused for 2.5 years.

While he admits the cask ales have been the steepest learning curve - including some

incidents of cloudy beer early on - he is clearly a quick learner, as the pub has won CAMRA pub of the year in both the Wirral and Merseyside categories for the last two years.

Frank is committed to featuring beers from the region, and the selection from Brimstage Brewery in the Wirral that he recommends to us when we visit is a winner.

Not content with simply serving beer and cutting hair, the couple are now launching a gorgeous new venue and function room ‘The Spectacle, which though is located above the pub, has it’s own distinct feel and even a separate entrance. At the moment there is a regular open mic night on Wednesday, and the odd gig, but they are planning to push it in the next few months and are looking at quite an eclectic mix. Frank says we can expect; ‘Jazz, folk, ukuleles, even a Formula One club anything a little bit quirky. It’s wide open”.

Visit Gallaghers and The Spectacle at Chester Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5DQ. For event information see www.gallagherspubandbarbers.com

LOWDOWN ON SPORT

The Unnatural Goalscorer.

The title of my February piece was ‘one step forward, two steps back’ – the last week at Liverpool FC has epitomised that, two games which have showcased the best – and the worst – of the Reds.

Liverpool hosted a high-flying Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield last Sunday. With the gap between them standing at 12 points, the Reds had to win at all cost against a team who hasn’t been beaten in the premiership since December 9th - oddly enough, that was across Stanley Park at Everton. Whilst not at their best, Liverpool managed to chalk up a 3-2 win, thanks to goals from Luis Suarez (again), Stewart Downing and skipper Steven Gerrard.

This was a victory that would hopefully propel Liverpool right up the table, equipped with what many people would describe as “a decent run in”. However, the next game proved Liverpool aren’t consistent enough to finish in the top 4. We travelled to St Mary’s stadium to play a struggling Southampton. Liverpool lost the game 3-1, but the performance was the biggest let down, as the team sitting 16th at the start of play were miles better in every position. They dominated the game and fully deserved the 3 points. Liverpool’s season had taken another turn for the worse.

In slightly better news this week, is there anybody out there who has had a better season than Liverpool’s Luis Suarez in the premiership?

Robin van Persie I hear you ask? Gareth Bale?

Swansea’s main man Michu?

All of these have had genuine impacts on their team’s performances this season but unlike Suarez they haven’t affected every single premiership game they have played in.

Luis Suarez has only missed 1 game in the league this season and that was due to suspension.

In every other game he has made a telling contribution towards helping his team.

At the time of writing, Suarez’s opening goal against Tottenham last Sunday was his 22nd in 28 premiership matches this season. He is now 3 goals clear of Van Persie in the race for the golden boot. He also has 3 goals in 3 games in the domestic cup competitions and 4 in 8 games in Europe, a pretty impressive record for someone who people at the start of the season said isn’t a natural goalscorer.

The Uruguayan has said on several occasions that it was his dream as a boy to pull on the red shirt and to play at Anfield and now he is doing just that - but is it enough for him? While many suggest that Suarez should be playing champions league football (and who would argue with that?) unfortunately, at the moment, he isn’t going to get that at Anfield. It remains to be seen just where the striker will be playing his football in the coming seasons.

Liverpool must do all they can to keep Suarez at the club, and signing him up to a long-term contract last summer was very good business, but how long will it be before he decides he has to play in europe’s top competition? Liverpool fans will be hoping he stays for years to come.

If and when he goes is a discussion for another day, but for now, we as Liverpool fans have to enjoy him as a footballer, as in my opinion, he is the best striker we have had at the club in the last decade.

RYAN KENNY ||

13

Four Minutes in March “And if you know your history...” The long illustrious history is the USP of Everton Football Club and, yes, we expected another semi -final to be added to that history, anticipating a victory over relegation-haunted, little Wigan who had never themselves experienced a semi final.

Losing an FA Cup quarter final hurts: I still remember the 3-2 defeat at Nottingham Forest in 1967. But Wigan was different: 4 minutes in March of traumatic panic at the Park End. My personal memory was feeling completely helpless and leaving the ground at the end in complete silence, broken only by the falling rain and tears. Suicidal Sunday followed as we fell below the old enemy in the Premiership. The reaction was understandably emotional, even hysterical.

Knee-jerk phone-in ranting blamed David Moyes not yet wanting to sign a new contract and publicly saying so. Bill Kenwright had failed yet again to provide the required investment.

The truth was that every single player had an off day: it happens, but what a day to pick! Harold Wilson said a week is a long time in politics but the week after Wigan, time stood still for Evertonians. It was an eternity waiting to see the reaction.

Criticism is acceptable and expected. We have a right to question, but it must be considered and rational if we are to improve and progress.

Yes Phil Neville made a mistake, as Sylvan Distin did in last year’s semi. But these are ‘our’ players.

We forgave Sylvan and we will forgive Phil. They wear our blue shirt of EFC with pride and are dedicated blues.

As with any bereavement time heals, emotions calmed, reason took control and the champions arrived at Goodison. Mancini’s Man City were outfought and outthought. Spirit, attitude and belief in abundance: every player had a great game – it happens and what a day to pick. A

Coleman-inspired victory, an Ossie special and the long-awaited Jelavic clincher: such a spirited 10-man performance restored the faith. Our future history will record that Wigan was not the watershed it was supposed to be. And who was behind such a performance?

Let’s take stock. We enjoy prudent financial management under the stewardship of Mr Kenwright and we enjoy the inspirational management and leadership of David Moyes .

Yes we and they would like more success. But let us not forget that Premiership status has been maintained. I don’t want to gamble with EFC: think Blackburn, Leeds, Portsmouth and even Rangers for goodness sake: these are possible scenarios we have avoided.

Evertonians are born not manufactured: you become an Evertonian at conception. Our birthright is embedded in our values of football artistry and enshrined in our branding as the school of science. We are proud of our history, yes, but we do not live in the past. We must remain realistic and patient. We understand the problems. We even accept that someday we may even have to leave our spiritual home of Goodison Park, our arena of destiny. We know that with the right investment our best days are to come and the planet really will be ‘blue’.

The parting of the ways for EFC and David Moyes?

If David decides to move on to further his career and secure his family’s interests then he will go with our best wishes. His return as an opposition manager would be momentous

and he would receive the most memorable of standing ovations. He is now a massive part of our history.

But where does he go? He will not get the same support from another chairman, neither will he experience the extent and depth of the supporters’ passion: Everton – The People’s Club -has touched him and we all know what that means. The EFC manager’s job description and person specification are the perfect fit for him.

We know that and he knows that. However, he must feel wanted. We must convey that to him. There is no better alternative for us and for him. Can David manage more successfully with more resources whether at another club or at Everton? These are, of course, unknowns. But presently, his skills and Everton’s requirements are ideally suited to one another: no one else can develop the players that we can acquire as successfully as David can.

Wigan and Man City are now history. The vision remains the apsirational ‘nil satis nisi optimum’.

The targets for the run-in must include victories at the London trio and yes, even at Anfield. I for one would prefer that to a semi-final against Millwall. To achieve this we need unity, stability and increased support for all of ‘our’ players, for ‘our’ manager and for ‘our’ chairman. Mr Kenwright must redouble his efforts on the investment front to ensure that David will win silverware with Everton. His work is not yet finished at Goodison and we want him to finish it.

TOM LACY ||

LOWDOWN ON SPORT

Strike me down!

I write this on the eve of our Sunday home game with Stevenage as literally hundreds of Rovers fans heed the clubs call to get the damn snow off the pitch. As I write Prenton park is a blur of spades and wheelbarrows as the faithful clear the pitch.

It got me thinking that a significant number still believe, still think this excruciating season can end in glory, still see us as in with a big chance of going into the Championship, albeit via the play offs instead of the automatic promotion that seemed such a real possibility not very long ago.

Oh may the gods of Birkenhead strike me down but I just can’t see it. Ronnie has spoken of a lack of desire during our recent run of defeats and that, coupled with our decimated team, will probably do for us going anywhere this year.

Robbo and Wallace still out, every week the

team seems cobbled together, no flow, no morale and a bottom line that screams ‘just not good enough’. Again I really don’t blame the lads we have in, some of them will go on to be cracking players but we simply couldn’t sustain the losses we’ve had from our primo team at the start of the season.

You can’t blame Ronnie either but after the shocking way he was sacked last time he’s well within his rights to constantly look over his shoulder. It doesn’t help my black mood that we have big games with fellow promotion

chasers such as Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers coming up, we seem to be easy pickings at this point in the season for those with real pretensions of going up.

So there you go, an incredibly pessimistic update this time around but this is football and Tranmere can never be second guessed, win the four remaining home games and who knows?! Oh shut up Ian, stop dreaming and just deal with having all that promise of a legendary season going down the drain.

IAN PROWSE ||

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LOWDOWN APRIL

COMPETITIONS

17

For all competitions please include your name, email address, telephone number and postal address. Send postal entries to LowDown Media Ltd, 33-45 Parr St, Liverpool L1 4JN. Follow @TheLowdownMag on twitter for more competitions

Win tickets for ABC’s of Death

Win tickets for Pere Ubu

Inspired by children’s books, THE ABCs OF DEATH comprises 26 individual shorts, each helmed by a different director. Provocative, shocking, funny and confrontational, THE ABCs OF DEATH is an alphabetical arsenal of destruction, and the definitive vision of modern horror. www.fact.co.uk/whatson/the-abcs-of-death To win 2 tickets for ABC’s of Death:

The massively influential band from Cleveland fronted by David Thomas will be playing at Eric’s on 22nd April. Cited as a major influence by artists as diverse as Joy Division and Henry Rollins. To win a pair of tickets

Tell us the name of one of the directors involved.

Tell us the name of their first single.

Tickets for Made In Prague Festival

Win tickets to see Edwyn Collins

Already in its third year, Made in Prague, the New Czech Cinema UK Tour, is a showcase of the best of contemporary Czech films, cherry-picked from festivals all over the world. We have tickets available throughout the event. To win a pair of tickets

Legendary songsmith/producer Edwyn Collins will be at the Phil on 20th April. To win a pair of tickets to see the Ivor Novello Award winning Scottish musician

Tell us what country is Prague in?

Tell us his middle name!

LOWDOWN ON ARTS

REELLIVES

Seamus Gubbins knows what it’s like to feel that there’s no options. As a successful actor known best for his work on Emmerdale, but who has also worked on many Hollywood films, he experienced something of a fall from grace some years back.

In a short space of time his marriage broke down, he lost a lot of property development money in the economic crash, and shortly after was convicted for growing marijuana.

He says: “I was in a desperate situation myself.

It was difficult to go from that nice hot warm jacuzzi to the freezing river if you know what I mean. Suddenly I had nothing. It was an incredible experience, and one that I think was a very valuable lesson. I wouldn’t recommend that way of learning it though.”

What came out of it, however, was a partnership with Kirkdale based LA Productions, owned by Colin McKeown and which currently produce the BBC series Moving On. In a funny twist of fate, Gubbins was introduced to McKeown by senior Merseyside probation officer John McIlveen.

Gubbins came in to spearhead the community arm of the Liverpool Film Academy - which will take on people from the area who “haven’t had the best opportunities in life.”

The first 10 students will start the pilot course this month, and will be given an overview on filmmaking, from script to screen, over 20 weeks.

Gubbins says: “There’s nothing about making a film that anyone couldn’t do - other than the really technical stuff. The actual process, no part of it is very difficult. One of the reasons more people don’t do it is the funding, and there’s huge competition out there.”

Gubbins has a background in working with community projects such as this, and believes that they “open the lines of communication to various different sections of the community.”

He says: “The film course is not just about film, it’s more about life in general.To some things there are A and B solutions, but creative problem solving is a great tool for life and that’s something that will be encouraged and nurtured here very much.

We need to make this a more cohesive and happier community that’s growing rather than dying. Crime figures around here, child poverty and unemployment are disgraceful compared to the national average.”

Those who take part in the initiative will not only learn about the filmmaking process, but also get valuable insider tips about the culture of the industry and have the invaluable experience of working on a real set.

There are big plans for the course model, which Gubbins and McKeown hope to expand to have several groups running simultaneously, and then eventually franchise out to other parts of the country.

As Gubbins says: “I’ve done probation with a lot of guys who in a group might seem a bit intimidating, but when you meet them one-toone some of them are the most kind, generous, decent people that you could meet. All they’re looking for is an opportunity to do something else. Their only opportunity is crime - the more they get caught by the police, the better their street cred.

There is more to life, and this is an opportunity for some to discover that.”

If you want more information about the community film production initiative or to find out more about the variety of film related courses we run, email seamus@ liverpoolfilmacademy.co.uk or call Liverpool Film Academy Educational Trust on 0151 933 8282.

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LOWDOWN ON ARTS

HOPE

Hope springs eternal in this production currently running at the Royal Court Theatre Liverpool. An emotional story about four individuals who are faced with the everyday frustrations of love and hope and who are forced to look deep inside themselves. Hope tells an important tale that highlights just how fragile the human mind can be.

The writing world is a lonely place. Your only companion being an empty screen or a sheet of paper and the hope that maybe someone one day will read your words. It can become very overwhelming and entirely all consuming.

Writer and performer of Hope, Scot Williams captures this beautifully in his script and uses this very idea of ‘hope’ to produce an intelligent, and thought-provoking play, that captures the very essence of writing.

Heading the impressive four-strong cast, we have Mark Womack (Silent Witness, Good Cop and Liverpool 1) who plays Norm the frustrated writer. As well as writers block, Norm is an insomniac who is determined to finish his novel. Playing alongside him is real life partner Samantha Womack, (probably more familiar to many as Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders). These two team up for a rare appearance together on stage. Samantha plays Hope, the sultry, foxy lodger who manages to distract Norm in his mission to finish his novel. This is not helped by his other lodger, Guy, played by Rene Zagger (The Bill) another insomniac and inspiring writer, and finally we have Victor played by the creator of the piece, Scot Williams (Backbeat,

Nice Guy Eddie).

All give compelling performances, and with a strong script to deliver, these four shine.

Although Samantha Womack is not on stage an awful lot, her performance is bold and confident, which makes for a natural and relaxed character. Together with husband Mark, who’s character Norm is uptight and frustrated throughout, these two characters seem to compliment each other; Hope, relaxed and easy going, to Norm’s lack of realism and utter annoyance of being unable to finish what he has started. As Norm, Womack is totally engrossed and plays a strong character at odds with his life, and real emotion flows through as we see him deal with his lack of inspiration.

Scot Williams plays Victor whose character is a bit of a mystery. Turing up in the small hours with Hope, he soon gets into the minds of the other lodgers, and gets them to tell a few secrets along the way. Williams’ character is subtle, not giving too much away about who he is, this adds to the tension and it also helps to explain the big reveal at the end of the show.

Finally, we have Rene Zagger who is a definite highlight of the show for me. His idiosyncrasies that he plays in Guy, is funny and his performance is mesmerising to watch. There is something for everyone to hang onto as you observe him, a real treat to witness.

Scot Williams originally wrote Hope ten years ago. Back then it was called Stranger and was about a stranger who came into a house and held the occupants hostage with his intellect and enigma. The play ended up on a bookshelf as he was unable to finish it to due writers block. Happily, for us, Williams was able to rework it and Hope was the final version of the story. Partly autobiographic (Williams suffered from insomnia in the 90s) he has managed to produce a very real and poignant story.

A must see for all theatregoers across the land.

Hope runs until 30th March. Contact box office for more details on 0870 787 1866 or visit www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk JANIE PHILLIPS ||

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Uncle Vanya

Although set in 1890’s Imperial Russia, the family life displayed throughout is suprisingly modern, highlighting current issues such as financial struggle and social change, along with the anxieties these bring.

Liverpool Network Theatre group impressively reenacted Chekhov’s much celebrated ‘Uncle Vanya’; giving us realistic insights into 1980’s Russia, unrequited love and the struggle for identity and purpose.

Set in four acts, the play starts with Professor Serebryakov returning from St.Petersburg to his country “home”, (where the entirety of the play is staged) - but with this he intrudes on the rest of his family, who have been living there in his absence.

The Lantern Theatre March 21

With their city ways and madcap mentality Serebryakov and his beautiful wife Yelena cause friction, especially with Uncle Vanya, who believes their return poses a threat to him and his stakes on the house, especially when Serebryakov expresses an interest in selling the estate.

To make matters worse, the play demonstrates a painful love triangle; Serebryakov’s daughter Sonya is in love with local doctor Astrov, whilst he in turn loves Yelena, and although Yelena is unhappy in her marriage she will not leave her husband.

In particular, Darren Jones (Uncle Vanya) and Frank Kennedy (Serebryakov), both managed to capture the important and political nature of the premise whilst also cleverly injecting humour and satire into scenes to give the heavy premise a light comedic relief.

ANNA KENNEDY ||

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I Was A Rat

Unity Theatre, March 19 I Was A Rat is a children’s story penned by His Dark Materials author Philip Pullman. The story is a about a scruffy young page boy who turns up at the door of childless couple Bob (Tyrone Huggins) and Joan (Lorna Gayle), who fall for his bad manners and persistent urge to nibble everything in sight, and take him in as their own.

They call him Roger and introduce him to school; but it quickly transpires that Roger is no ordinary little boy. The story takes on a sinister path, as Roger’s talents as a lithe tumbler and his disposition to want to please everyone, only manages to get him into all sorts of trouble. Mayhem and chaos follow, as the people of the town want to get rid of the rat-boy.

This production is full of colour, music and is incredibly visual. Directed and adapted for stage by Teresa Ludovico, she has managed to fill an entire stage with her actors, using no set. All the actors have to their disposal are a

few props and an array of fantastical costumes to portray the plethora of characters involved.

Atmosphere and mood is achieved through lighting and music.

All the actors double up in parts apart from Roger himself, played by Fox Jackson- Keen.

His talent of being able to tumble around the stage, and to keep the character of playing a child believable leads to a delightful performance.

Pullman’s story accommodates plenty of bizarre characters, and what is nice to see in this production, is the costumes and

music used to achieve completely different characters, all the way through the show.

Together with costume designer Luigi Spezzacatene and Ludovico’s clever directing, this is a show stripped to the bare necessities needed to tell a good story - a solid script, stand alone characters and pure imagination.

First class storytelling for any age.

For more information about the show and tour dates go to www.iwasarat.com JANIE PHILLIPS ||

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ALLIN THEFAMILY

23

Edwyn Collins is a name that seems to elicit either reverence or blankness.

Those who haven’t followed his career from the mid-80s post-punk band Orange Juice through to his solo career, his devastating double brain hemorrhage in 2005, and right up to his remarkable recovery, have missed out on the music of a genuine and original voice. One thing is certain however: you know his mid-nineties super-hit ‘Girl Like You’.

Today I’m breakfasting at the Liner Hotel with the man himself and his wife Grace Maxwell - who together make a fantastically touching double act - to talk about his new record ‘Understated’.

Since his stroke Edwyn has suffered from aphasia, a condition which can hinder his ability to communicate; Grace often accompanies him during interviews to fill in some of the gaps.

More than that though, they are clearly incredibly close and frequently finish each other’s sentences. Together since the 80s, their personalities - Edwyn’s laid back and upbeat, Grace’s sparky, forthright and ever so slightly cynical (though incredibly warm) - bounce off each other beautifully. They are wonderful company.

I start our chat by saying that while I was hugely moved by Edwyn’s show at Latitude two years ago, I also found it ironic given the lyrics from his 1994 song The Campaign For Real Rock: “Yes, yes, yes, it’s the summer festival...”

Edwyn and Grace sing the rest of the line “....The truly detestable summer festival!” and laugh.

Edwyn: I was a punk rocker I suppose, and I hated festivals and such like. But I’m cool with that now.

Grace: Yes - you like playing festivals, but would you ever go to one?

The experiences are chronicled in Grace’s remarkable book Falling and Laughing.

Edwyn: No, no, no, no. I’m too old for that.

Back then, 20 years ago, I was never fond of festivals. But to play them it’s cool, it’s special.

She says: “The great thing about what happened to Edwyn - if there is a great thing - is that some people get a diagnosis and from that point they start to decline.

Grace: The thing is, to find 8 bands you like in a year is a miracle, so to have 30 in one weekend is like a form of torture!

Edwyn: Grace is more critical...

Grace: ...and you’re more open. You’re the nice guy!

You don’t have to look very hard at the sparkling new release ‘Understated’ to see Edwyn’s uncompromisingly positive outlook on life shining through. At various points on the record, his 8th since Orange Juice split up in 85, he asks ‘what’s the point of being ungrateful?’, tells us he’s ‘living in the now’ and proclaims ‘I am so lucky to be alive’.

Not everyone who’d been through what Edwyn has - that is, that is a devastating stroke at age 45 which left him virtually unable to move or communicate - could be so upbeat. But it’s exactly that attitude, and the superhuman efforts of his amazing family, which saw him defy his prognosis by being back onstage within a few years and sees him continuing to grow as an artist 8 years later.

But what happened to Edwyn happened in a moment, and when the crisis was passed it was steadily uphill. He was always improving.

So it’s hard to feel down when someone’s really getting better.”

More than just better; Understated and 2010’s Losing Sleep have been fantastic records even when you take their circumstance out of the equation.

It’s immediately clear from speaking to Edwyn that music is his world; he frequently bursts into song and is forever mentioning music that he loves; ranging from garage rockers The Seeds to late 70s disco queen Sheila B Devotion.

When asked about the influences on the new record Edwyn says: “There’s a lot of Northern Soul and a lot of Motown influence - such as on Carry on Carry on, and Too Bad (That’s Sad). Other influences were the Velvet Underground, even a bit of country.

I like everything really. But not so much heavy metal...”

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And you can hear all of those influences (excepting heavy metal) in the record, which has the kind of classic, brassy sound to it that is no doubt best enjoyed on vinyl.

Edwyn also part runs AED records, which Understated is released on, and with Grace as his manager and general shaker and mover she describes it as a ‘family business’.

And there’s a lot of reason for faith, as with the strength of the new record and a run of upcoming dates it seems yet another golden period in this man’s ever evolving career.

The record was recorded in his London studio and with a slew of musicians who are close to the family including Carwyn Ellis (Colorama), Barry Cadogan (Little Barrie) and Paul Cook (Sex Pistols). Edwyn’s writing process is extraordinary, given that the stroke left him without full use of the right-hand side of his body and hence unable to strum a guitar.

The personal stamp is everywhere - limited edition handmade lino prints have been made for the first orders of the vinyl, which will come with a CD version, and download code for those who want it.

As Edwyn says: “I want to push forward, there’s no going back. I mean, I’m proud of Orange Juice but I want to push forward and that’s it. The next album, the next album, the next album.”

As Edwyn says: “Downloads are not for me, I like albums and singles. I like physical stuff to hold and touch and feel and experience, the art.”

Grace adds: “For us now, Edwyn makes records and puts them out for his own personal...”

Grace adds: “And there’ll only be a few people interested in that, but that’s enough for us.

We don’t need to be building a stupid great giant empire. You know what your customers want, you know what they appreciate and you work hard to do that.”

The pleasure, truly, is ours.

His way around that has been to sing the song elements, even the brass arrangements, into a recorder (“a Sony tape recorder, a $20 one. No digital stuff for me”) that are later interpreted by musicians in the studio under his direction.

He is, however, very excited that on the new record he was able to play a little guitar: “With Losing Sleep and the new album, I’m proud of them because I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do it. And on 31 years – the song – the memphis chords – I’m doing it. It’s a method called a hammer on.”

An amazing feat, but not altogether surprising considering that, as an avid illustrator, he also taught himself to draw again using his left hand.

It’s grassroots attitude that permeates all level of team Edwyn, down to their dealings with local promoters. They gush about young Liverpool outfit Harvest Sun, who organised Edwyn’s sold out show at the Liverpool Cathedral in 2010 and also his upcoming show at the Philharmonic saying; “They’re the new breed of promoter - their faith in Edwyn was always there.”

Edwyn: “...pleasure.”

See Edwyn Collins perform at the Philharmonic on April 20 - Record Store Day! Understated is out now www.edwyncollins.com

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ALBUMREVIEWS

25

FOALS Holy Fire

SUUNS Images Du Futur

David Bowie The Next Day

The Foals have brought us a third album that manages to completely blow it’s predecessors, Antidotes and Total Life Forever up in smoke.

At the party at the end of the world, in a darkened underground club with strobe lighting, there will be dozens of writhing bodies with dead eyes and a sticky humidity in the air.

When the apocalypse comes Images du Futur will be the soundtrack.

Woe betide anyone else releasing their new record over the last few weeks – seems the whole country has come down with a serious case of Bowie Fever.

Holy Fire is the only evidence Foals need to show us that they have managed to progress from typical indie sounding southern band to a mixed bag of musical treats ranging from pop and mathletics with momentary tinges of grunge.

The album opens up with Prelude – a voiceless, chillout tune that leaves us in anticipation as we wait for the massive drop that we’ve come to expect from the Foals. This is just a warm up song though, kind of like the music you hear when you’re waiting for your favourite band to grace the stage. Like a teaser, it prepares us for the rest of the explosive album.

The climax arrives in the form of Inhaler, with this we are treated to the hazy voice of Yannis Phillipakos and smothered with funky 80’s New Wave keyboards and thundering drums.

The honest lyrics featured throughout the album perfectly complement the complex mathletics sounds, showing us that Foals have certainly outgrown mid-day festival slots as the predictable effective vocals and pretentious metaphors that they’ve used in past albums.

Just when we think we have the album sussed, Foals genre hop once more with Out of the Woods a marimba melody with oriental tinges, after this, another suprise is thrown onto the bonfire with the grungy Late Night, giving us heavy instrumentals which are reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins with it’s dark melodies, staggering guitar solos and undeniable pop feel.

8/10 AK ||

Montreal’s Suuns are the kind of band that, if I were in charge, would be deified. Their first record, 2010s Zeroes QC was a brilliant glint of dark modernity that sounded like nothing else around. Their only kin were LA’s Autolux who, like Suuns, marry sleaze and beauty, and who, like Suuns, are criminally underrated.

This second record is slick with seedy sexiness, more beats-driven and low key than its predecessor. Many noises on the record sounds like exhausted machines failing, or robots dying. 2020 is the kind of lethargic, almost sickly dance song you might groove to in the early hour of a Sunday; the remnants of a heavy and debaucherous weekend hanging upon you.

Because of the beats, and the whispery-nasal vocals of Ben Shemie, the record surprises by recalling the weirdo-rock of Clinic on more than one occasion (Edie’s Dream, Sunspots) but it would be unfair to accuse them of being mere copycats when they’ve established such a strong sound and mood.

No, this record is lots of things - unsettling, tense, layered, futuristic, apocalyptic and very possibly, a masterpiece - but not unoriginal. A deeply disturbing canned laughter track plays on the final track as Shemie drones ‘music won’t save you’. When it’s this good we don’t even care.

9/10 JP ||

Seeing as the mega hype started before we even had a chance to hear how good the record is, it’s worth stopping a second to wonder why.

Are we all craving a little glitter as we endure a never ending winter? Was it the Olympics and all the Heroes spinning? The new (extremely well timed) exhibition at the V and A? Or perhaps it’s just that, as it’s been over 10 years since his last record Reality was released to patchy reviews – that we’ve actually had time to really miss him.

No matter, the point is that here the hype is justified – The Next Day is a really solid release featuring all kinds of Bowie. While jangly opening riff is oh-so-slightly Rebel Rebel, Love is Lost and Boss of Me are deliciously 80s ( we never thought we’d say that). We’ve got ballad Bowie on Where are We Now, stadium Bowie on I’d Rather Be High, shoegaze Bowie on Heat and – personal favourite – dirty jazz Tom Waitsey Bowie on the bizarre Dirty Boys.

It all sounds like our man; and the good news is – despite the back catalogue – we still want to listen to it.

The thin white duke has managed to pull off what so few do – being simultaneously a historical figure and a current and relevant musician.

8/10 JP ||

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Poltergeist THE KAZIMIER, MARCH 16

Poltergeist is an apt name for the new Will Sargeant project, especially as tonight the Kazimier’s stage, draped in white cloth, looks a bit like it’s dressed up as a ghost. Not only that, but there’s something distinctly creepy, and more than a little gothic about the music of the band, which tonight comprises current Bunnymen Sargeant (guitar) and Nick Kilroe (drums) along with ex-Bunnyman Les Pattinson on bass.

When we spoke to Sergeant some time back he promised there would be a visual element to tonight’s show, saying: “It’s a bit boring watching three blokes noodling onstage isn’t it?”

Well we’re too polite to agree but, true to his word, tonight – only their second show ever – the three are wearing white tops to match the background, and film clips are projected on them for the duration of the gig.

The mostly black and white, found footage style clips are short and varied - from nature close-ups to speeding cars - providing an arty effect as opposed to any narrative.

With no vocal mic rigged up, it’s up to an MC in Victorian dandy garb to introduce the band with a megaphone, the only talking in the set.

The music is suitably filmic, and incorporates a lot of reference points to make one dark, moody whole.

Division and at times – when the guitar is at its crunchiest – even recalling The Fragile era Nine Inch Nails.

Les Pattinson – who left Echo and The Bunnymen early in their career to continue his work as a boat builder – is worked very hard as the intricate bassline, along with the masterful and very loud drumming of Kilroe, provides a backdrop for Sargeant’s more sound-scapey guitar sounds.

It’s great stuff but, being hypnotic and repetitive, it does wash over you. While we’re not relegating it to background music, it’s just probably best enjoyed as a soundtrack to something else. An exorcism, perhaps?

Though the band have talked about psychedelic rock influences, they’re never tempted into self indulgence, and avoid the kind of constantly building and crescendoing gimmicks of much post-rock. Instead it’s restrained and moody, not unsimilar to Joy

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FJORDEARS ONLY

It’s exciting times for Ragz Nordset. The Norwegian singer-songwriter originally came to Liverpool around a decade ago to study at LIPA, and as she says “just kind of took my guitar out and started to play, which was my purpose more than the education.” Over the years she has become a regular face in the acoustic scene All that’s about to change. As she releases a record that marks a huge musical shift in direction, so her personal life will change as she uproots from Liverpool.

that recalls Air, while More is given a laid back almost R and B flavour with its layered vocals.

No longer just girl and guitar, Ragz has recently teamed up with Mexican producer Mario Leal who she worked with on her new 4-track EP Sleepdancing. On it he has reworked some of her old material and given it a glossy makeover; keeping the acoustic warmth of the original work but adding depth, drama and beats.

“Somewhere between the beats that Bjork uses mixed with the soundscapes that Sigur Ros has. I’m using those two names deliberately, and the reason is there’s a Scandinavian sounds to this that still feels very prominent in my music - and the Mexican producer has managed to keep!”

Asked if this marks a phase in her music or a complete shift, Ragz answers it’s the latter: “This has opened my eyes, I didn’t know some of those songs had that potential. I knew there was something that they needed but I think Mario has really lifted it up a few levels. It’s inspiring to hear something you created become something so big. I don’t think there’s any way back really.”

The record is lush and textured - opener You Started It All is a gorgeous slice of chillout pop

When asked about her musical reference points she answers:

Title track Sleepdancing is a word that Ragz coined. As she explains: “Sleepdancing is about how we spend our nights dreaming of what we could be, and then in the days we kind of fall of sleep. It’s like you dance in your sleep because that’s when your dreams are alive, and you get so scared of trying to do it when you’re awake that you don’t do anything.”

It’s not something that seems to afflict Ragz as, having just completed a Masters in HR specifically, looking at conflict management

and organisational designs in a philosophical way - she plans to move to pursue job offers in either London or Oslo which “utilise both sides of me”.

While she’s excited about the move, she’s been grateful for her time in Liverpool: “There isn’t a better springboard than Liverpool; it helps you build strength in a safe place. You’re allowed here, you can mess up and you can try different things. I don’t think I don’t feel there are any restrictions on how you explore your musical identity here.”

Now Ragz will be focusing on how to translate her newfound sound in the live setting to take the material on the road later in the years.

She says: “I imagine it will be Mario on the laptop, a percussionist and me singing. But I’ll still be taking my guitar out and doing acoustic gigs here and there.”

Sleepdancing is out this month. www.ragzmusic.net

LOWDOWN ON MUSIC

I’MGRAHAM,FLYME Graham Gouldman is best known as a founding member of 10CC, but his career as a songwriter pre and post dates that band. In the 60s he wrote hits for such groups as The Hollies and The Yardbirds, and just last year he released his first solo album in 12 years, Love and Work.

This month Gouldman will embark on a tour of smaller venues with bandmates from the current 10CC lineup, playing acoustic versions of a varied selection of his work over the years.

We chat to him about the new concept.

TELL US ABOUT THE HEART FULL OF SONGS TOUR. We’ve been doing something similar in that before the 10cc shows, we’ve been doing our own sort of support act if you like. We come and we do about half an hour, some songs from the 60s and some songs from my new solo album Love and Work, and it seems to work really, really well. Basically that’s a much shorter version of what the Heart Full of Songs is going to be.

YOU HAVE A MASSIVE BACK CATALOGUE, SPANNING MANY DECADES. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO CHOOSE THE SETLIST? I’ve chosen more songs than I’m going to use. We’ll rehearse them all and I’ll see how they sound, because something will need to be adapted from the original for the acoustic version. But the proof of the pudding will obviously be in the eating!

ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING MORE INTIMATE VENUES? It should be really nice, and I think in some places I’m going to do a question and answer as well. Because I get so many people coming up to me after gig, and obviously people have lots of questions, so I thought I might be nice to do it within the concert setting. But I’m well aware some people there might not want to hear me talk, and just want to hear me sing.

We’ll see how it goes.

I SUPPOSE IN A WAY THIS COULD BE SEEN AS A RETROSPECTIVE OF YOUR CAREER. LOOKING BACK, IS THERE AN ERA THAT STANDS OUT FOR YOU AS YOUR FAVOURITE? The funny thing is - I mean you say it’s looking back but actually I’m going to be doing some songs from Love and Work, my new solo album. And in a way that era, which is quite

recent as it only came out last August, is a very very happy era for me. Of course my era working with Andrew Gold in the 80s was very happy...I mean they all have their elements about them, but when I’m looking at the setlist, though it’s not in any order yet, I can see that there’s sort of 5 different era’s I’m working with. And I have to say I’m very lucky, and I’ve been happy throughout.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A TIME WHERE YOU’VE STEPPED AWAY FROM MUSIC, OR EVEN HAD WRITER’S BLOCK? Not really. I might have had quieter times but really, I can’t do anything else so I don’t do anything else. I don’t play golf and I’ve got no other real hobbies apart from cooking. I’ve never had any other interests whatsoever in my professional life other than music.

YOU’VE HAD MANY NUMBER ONE HITS. IS THERE A FORMULA FOR A HIT? You’ve just got to do what you do and hope other people like it. And I’m glad to say they do on occasion, yes.

YOU RECENTLY POSTED ON YOUR WEBSITE BLOG FROM THE MUSIC COMMENTATOR BOB LEFSETZ, AND IN HIS PIECE HE SUGGESTS THAT OLDER PEOPLE HAVE GIVEN UP ON MUSIC. DO YOU THINK THAT’S TRUE? I don’t think so. You can’t give up on music, it’s like giving up on food or breathing. Whether you like it or not it’s there.The older generation might not be buying music as much, because maybe they’re not as internet savvy or whatever. All I can tell you is this; when we do a 10CC show we get people of an age you would expect and older. I mean, sometimes you think “Blimey, should you be out?”. Then you look at them and they’ve got this smile on their faces and they’re singing along, and you think - bloody hell that’s amazing that you can do that. I think I forget how old I am, that’s the problem. I’m stuck being in my late 20s or something but obviously I’m not - these older people at the gigs having a great time and I think it’s fantastic that we’re a part of that.

YOU’RE MUSIC HAS BEEN SAMPLED SEVERAL TIMES - FOR EXAMPLE BY HIP HOP ARTIST EL-P AND DJ UNKLE. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT? That’s good, I don’t mind that. I guess that’s the joy of music - I mean my youngest son is 18 and he listens to the Beatles a lot, he knows everything about the Beatles. He loves music from the early 1960s and he’s listening to it because it’s good, that’s all that matters.

YOU’VE COLLABORATED WITH MANY PEOPLE OVER THE YEARS. DO YOU PREFER WORKING WITH OTHERS? I rediscovered myself in a funny sort of way with the Love and Work album, because although there’s a lot of collaborations, there’s actually a lot of songs I started off on my own, just with me and a guitar. Which is sort of how I started in the 60s, so I quite enjoyed doing that. I suppose I got used to collaboration, it’s a more enjoyable experience. But though having said that when you do write something on your own and it really works there’s something very pure about that. And I’m very happy about that.

ARE YOU HAPPIEST RECORDING OR PLAYING LIVE? There are 3 main things that I do and I’m happy doing all of them. One is writing, one is recording and one is playing live, and I enjoy them all. I find that what I’m doing at the time is the greatest thing I can do.

YOU SEEM LIKE THE ANTITHESIS OF THE TORTURED MUSICIAN! I’m lucky enough to make a living out of it, and I never forget that. I don’t know who I should be grateful to, but I am grateful that I’ve been lucky enough to get up every day and look forward to my work. It’s true for anyone - if you enjoy your job then it’s not work is it?

Graham Gouldman will bring his Heart Full of Songs show to the Bridley Theatre in Runcorn on April 25. See www.grahamgouldman. info

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Deep Vally SHIPPING FORECAST, MARCH 7

It’s almost 20 years since the record American Thighs was released by female-led rock band Veruca Salt, but it’s the phrase that keep repeating in our minds as we watch Deap Vally perform. It’s all cut-off denim, bare skin, Jack Daniels and attitude tonight as the hottest rock n roll duo around arrive to entertain the masses.

And we mean masses - it’s impossible to recall a time we’ve seen the charmingly dingy Shipping Forecast basement so heaving.

It’s starting to populate even as Wild Eyes take the stage, performing a passable if not memorable pastiche of 60s and 70s Stones-ey rock. Much more wild eyed are the impressive Dirty Rivers, or in particular the uber confident and snake-hipped singer Mike Ellis. The youthful frontman throws himself around the small stage while belting out songs in a voice not unlike Robert Harvey of The Music. Their music, is however, exactly like the multi-layered guitar rock of BRMC and while accusations of plagiarism do stand, when done with so much talent (particularly the amazing lead guitarist) and energy it’s a moot point. Really great stuff.

And now for Deap Vally, who since forming just 2 years ago and despite having yet to drop their record, find themselves at the crest of a hype wave and playing to an unusually expectant crowd. The ladies - Lindsey Troy on guitar and vox, and Julie Edwards on drums,

take it in their strut. Their brand of balls-tothe-wall, say-it-how-it-is rock and roll borrows a lot from the 80s in imagery - think big hair, shades and leotards - while their tunes are simple and straightforward as their guitar/ drums setup would suggest.

While most of the songs will be new to the audience, they are easy to love and opener ‘Baby I Call Hell’ introduces us to Troy’s Juliette Lewis-like wail. A bit like the White Stripes in reverse, Troy’s job is super simplistic guitar riffs and vocal refrains while Edwards brings the colour and shade with her fluid, intuitive drumming style. Self-consciously gorgeous and having a ball, they are both a joy to watch.

In between they chat to the crowd in an intimate friendly way, discussing their city sightseeing and inviting input - at one point Troy leans forward to an audience member saying, ‘I love your necklace - can I touch it?’.

Single ‘Make My Own Money’ is a brainless bluesy stomper that get the whole place shaking, while newie ‘Raw Material’ is a funky

standout. It’s all great fun but decidedly glossy - while comparisons to Led Zep have been thrown about, the resemblance is only at the superficial level; this is party, not headphone music.

While some of the gross-out chat about orgasms, fisting and body odour might feel a bit forced, there’s no denying these two can play the part of wild girls well. Not to mention they can genuinely work a room.

Though they encore with a broken down take on classic ‘I Put A Spell on You’, with Troy going a bit overboard on the vocal histrionics, it’s with ‘End of The World’ that they make their greatest statement.

Whatever this awesome twosome go on to do - and we wish them well - this brilliant anthem alone, with it’s buzzsaw guitars and atypically positive lyrics, has been a worthy contribution to rock.

JENNIFER PERKIN ||

31

LOWDOWN ON MUSIC

The Strypes LEAF, MARCH 16

It’s an interesting state of affairs when four teenagers parroting 60s blues music are the heralded the saviours of rock by the mainstream music press, ratcheting up celebrity endorsements galore and causing a record label frenzy.

Given the hype it’s unsurprising the show at Leaf tonight is sold out - likewise the matinee show held just hours earlier - with tickets being flogged online for at least 6 times the measly £5 asking price.

The median age of the audience, hovering somewhere in the 40s, suggests this is more about nostalgia than any kind of musical revolution. But as our new heroes take the stage two things are instantly clear; these guys are seriously tight and - my gosh - don’t they know it. It’s attitude-driven entertainment rock in the Stones mould, confidence positively radiating from them, and yes, it’s a pleasure sure to watch such an energetic and capable band.

They certainly look the part. Nattily suited

and matching-brown-sued-booted; guitarist Josh McClore is sporting a cravat and frontman/harmonicist Ross Farrelly’s shades stay on for the set. McClore frequently shreds incredible solos with ease, while also serving as the voice of the band, making small talk and introducing tracks as Farrelly stays mysteriously quiet.

These boys have done their homework, ripping through old rock and blues standards (such as Bo Didley’s ‘I Can Tell’ and their now famous take on ‘You Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover’), and a couple of originals very much in the same mould. At times they channel no one so much as early Beatles, which is of course no bad thing and results in a lot of grinning in the room.

Truth be told, The Strypes are essentially a very, very good cover band. Their technical ability is hugely impressive, but like hearing a teenage Jake Bugg sing ‘I’ve Seen it All’, there’s something that rings a little hollow about such fresh faces hollering such adult words. Whatever happened to teen spirit?

Originality? While we’re loath to knock prodigious talent - lest we be exposed for being talentless and jealous ourselves - it’s just so happens we like our music with rock, roll and a bit of soul. Jen Perkin (I think these guys have time on their side and I for one look forward to seeing how it all works out. Ed)

FILM REVIEWS The Paper Boy

Based on Pete Dexter’s crime thriller, The Paper Boy follows the story of Miami Times reporter Ward Jansen (Matthew McConaughey) returning to his small, home town in Florida to investigate the questionable conviction of Hilary Van Wetter. (John Cusak).

Helping his investigations are a strange trio of misfits: Ward’s younger brother Jack (Zac Efron), Brit writer, Yardely (David Ovelowo) and 60’s Barbie doll Charlotte (Nicole Kidman) a fiery blonde with a penchant for prison pen pals and the new fiancé of our Death Row convict in question, Van Wetter.

Oz The Great And Powerful Sam Raimi opts for the story of the Wizard of Oz, showing a captivated audience both young and old how the great but mortal man came to be.

Opening at the Kansas circus in 1905, Oscar (James Franco, who replaced the original Great and Powerful, Robert “Dreamboat” Downey Jr after he had Iron Man commitments) is a slippery sideshow magician more into womanising than wizarding. But when a twister sucks him into the Technicolor panorama of Oz, the trickster is hailed the saviour of the land destined to kill the Wicked Witch, freeing the Munchkins and claiming the throne (and the mountains of gold) of Oz. Thanks to legal copyright prohibiting them from being copied exactly. The flying monkeys, Yellow Brick Road and sequin-spangled slippers have all been given a nice facelift and Raimi has managed to emulate Victor Flemming’s original story of Dorothy without stepping on anyone’s ruby slippers.

The visuals are a breath of fresh air, Burton’s Alice in Wonderland served as a lesson to CGI overload and Raimi has used simpler wizardry to bring life to Wonderland.

With such an impressive background the story does get a little bogged down in our leading man’s love life and his fears that he’s not the man for job. Thankfully the story’s not all about him, in fact it’s safe to say the story of the witches is far more intriguing.

The steamy and sweaty Floridian setting with a 1960’s backdrop give Director Lee Daniels a perfect base to play on. Adding some repulsive, erotic and confusing scenes and making our leading lady do some very unladylike things almost feels too much and if it had been anyone else playing the role it might have made this a sleazy affair.

But Kidman is on form, her thin figure has had the orange tan turned up to eleven and that Hollywood pout to good use, adding a slathering of baby pink lipstick that makes Charlotte look like exactly the oversexed doll she labels herself.

With the Director following up the coreshaking tale of an abused, illiterate black teenager in Precious, it’s a welcome change to see him bring something fresh to the table. At Cannes Daniels’ was derided and booed for his garish palette, jerky editing and grainy quality on film, but personally I’d take this sleazy, 60’s grime fest over the harrowing realism and complete downer in Precious.

The issues of racism and homophobia are present, it’s the 60’s in south how could they not be? But they’re never fully explored which was a little frustrating. I suppose time constraints mean a film can only cover so much and Daniels’ has packed in as much of the book’s grungy, exploitation to keep you hooked.

Raimi’s horror background gives this a slightly more grown up feel, the giant flying monkey’s are not the little chimps we know and mock and may be the only warning to parents. Other than that caution Raimi’s lavish original tale stands up on it’s own and is most certainly not a retelling of The Wizard of Oz.

Efron has shaken off his shackles of High school musical heartthrob and although he’s still getting his kit off at every opportune moment, it doesn’t seem to be getting in the way of a sterling performance. The Paperboy see’s welcome return to form for Kidman and Cusak, whose disturbing relationship will have you glued to the screen.

TONI GARDEN

TONI GARDEN

The conniving Evenora is played by Rachel Weisz with a cold regality that puts you in mind of Disney bad gal, Maleficent and her manipulation puts lovable little sister Theodora (Mila Kunis) and the softly spoken Glinda (Michelle Williams) at odds for the fate of The Emerald City.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE CITY THIS MONTH? EVEN MORE LISTINGS NOW ONLINE AT

thelowdownmagazine.com

XX 33

LOWDOWN APRIL

MONDAY 1ST Music IIPaul Jones, Jon Keats, The Two of Us (Lennon & McCartney Tribute), Jay Murray The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091 IIIan Prowse The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 8pm, 0152 236 9091 IIEaster Monday Organ Recital Liverpool Cathedral, St James' Mount, 11.15pm, £5, 0151 702 7255, Prof Ian Tracey IIBoogie Nights Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £10-£35.50, 0844 871 3017, 70s Musical in Concert IIJoe Longthorne plus guests The Green Room, doors 12.30pm/ start 2pm, £25, 0870 787 1866 II#IndieNight With DJ O Studio 2, Parr Street, 8pm, 0151 707 3727

Theatre & Dance IITony Teardrop: Cut To The Chase Productions St Lukes 'Bombed Out' Church, 8pm, £16/ £12 Concs/ £10 Students, biting, humorous play about people living on the edges of society

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Merseyside Maritime Museum, 10am-5pm, this compelling exhibition explores Liverpool's central role in the Titanic story IIAn Age of Confidence: Photographs by Bedford Lemere & Co Sudley House, 10am-5pm Photographic exhibition featuring the work of the leading English firm of architectural photographers between 1870 and 1930 IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm, Sat & Sun: 10am-4pm, 0151 709 5109, selection of imaginative artworks created over the last 40 years of 'Artful Games' IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIIn Seven Days by Nicola Green

Walker Art Gallery, 10am-5pm, story of Obama's 2008 presidential campaign told in seven iconic silk screen prints IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, 10am-5pm, 0151 478 4393, the model made for the blockbuster 'The Pirates!'

IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, 10am5pm, unique collection of fifteen paintings IIOil boom, Delta burns: photographs by George Osodi International Slavery Museum, 10am-5pm, explore the realities of daily life along the Niger Delta IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm, Sat & Sun: 10am-4pm, 0151 709 5109, open-submission of photographs celebrating the venue's birthday IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things - an exhibition curated by Mark Leckey The Bluecoat, School Lane, Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 10am-6pm, 0151 702 5324, explore how our relationships with artworks and common objects are being transformed through new technologies IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm, Sat & Sun: 10am-4pm, 0151 709 5109, contemporary prints, a series of six paired prints with accompanying documentation IIThresholds Tate Liverpool, 105pm, 0151 702 7400, exhibition explores powerful themes including British identity, migration and the global effects of regional conflicts IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! The Performance of Style Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, £8, 0151 702 7400, a visually extravagant pop style exploded across Britain during the years 1971-5 IIFour Seasons dot-art Showroom, Queen Ave, 12-6pm, 0845 017 6660, by Angela Burton IIRobyn Woolston: Strangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, 10am-5pm, powerful sculptural interventions that comment on our collective experiences of aspects of society such as consumption, power and identity

IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, SunFri: 12pm - 6pm, Sat: 11am - 6pm, 01517074444, More More than 70 video clips tell the story of the pop video, marking the medium's substantial contribution to popular culture II10 year Celebration Lantern Company Dickens, Gladstone, New Heritage space and Heritage Centre, 10am-4pm, 0151 225 6903 IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 12-5pm, 0151 709 4014, mixed media exhibition of work, which explores the secret world of birds IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 12-5pm, 0151 709 4014, Prize Winner at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in 2012, perfect for anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen, baking bread or not IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, 10am-5pm, display of four pleasure and leisure craft that people have used locally to enjoy being out on the water IIFresh Perspectives Lady Lever Art Gallery, 10am-5pm, by year 10 students from Prenton High School, Wallasey School, South Wirral High School and Weatherhead High School IIMishka Henner: Precious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, Mann Island, 10.30am-5.30pm, 0151 236 6768, Mishka Henner explores and subverts the value of photography in today's mediasaturated world IIEdith Tudor-Hart: Quiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, Archive Gallery, Mann Island, 10.30am-5.30pm, 0151 236 6768, exhibition focuses on several key periods in Tudor-Hart's practice

Family IIThe Wizard Of Oz St. Helens Theatre Royal, 1pm & 5pm, £36 Family/ £10 Adult / £9 Concs, 01744 756 000, wonderful Easter treat

IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children IIEaster egg-stravaganza Museum of Liverpool, 10am-5pm, find out about Liverpool Easter customs from the past, activities throughout the day IIWorkshop: Mad museum hatters parade Museum of Liverpool, 2-4pm, look at hats in history and make your own, 4pm grand bonnet parade around the museum, suitable for accompanied children aged 10 and under IIEaster bonnets Lady Lever Art Gallery, 1-4pm, free drop-in event, design a colourful Easter bonnet to celebate spring

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIBlue Lantern The Compass, Chester, 8pm, 01244 344890 IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IITalk: Focus on...Frederick Lord Leighton Sudley House, 1-1.45pm, free drop-in event, find out how visiting European and Middle Eastern cities influenced her own life and works IICreative Craft Fair Haydock Park Racecourse, St Helens, 10am4.30pm, £1, 01942 725963

TUESDAY 2ND Music IITony Coburn, Jon Keats, Jimmy Coburn, Paul Jones, Jay Murray The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Gary Murphy The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 7.30pm, 0152 236 9091

IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents

IIOut Of The Bedroom: Acoustic Open Mic Night Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 8.30pm, 0151 707 7747, with Johnny Sands

IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798

IICrosby Music Festival Crosby Civic Hall, 0151 558 0401 IIUnplugged Alexanders, Rufus

35 Court, Chester, £2/ free before 9pm, 01244 340005, open-mic night

IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children

IISen Segur plus Siddi Telford's Warehouse, Chester, £6 adv/ £7 door, 01244 39 00 90

IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details

IIBlue Magnolia Jazz Band British Legion Club, Rose Lane, 8.45pm, 0151 724 5753

IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIInternational Children's Book Day, Easter Egg Hunt & Party Sefton Park Palm House, 1pm-4pm, £2, 0151 726 9304

IIParrJazz: 4th Birthday Party ft Speakeasy Bootleg Band Studio 2, Parr Street, 8.30pm, £3 on door/ FREE Students (NUS), 0151 707 3727, Jazz and open jam session

IISublime to Ridiculous: works

by Derek Couturier The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am-5.30pm, 0151 907 8360

IIEaster eggstravaganza Lady Lever Art Gallery, 1-4pm, free drop-in event, get creative with our colourful Easter crafts

IIThresholds Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIEaster 2013 family activities in the Cathedral Liverpool Cathedral, St James' Mount, 11am-3pm, 0151 702 7210, make a lamb, chick or bunny to take home

Theatre & Dance IITony Teardrop: Cut To The Chase Productions St Lukes 'Bombed Out' Church, 8pm, £16/ £12 Concs/ £10 Students, biting, humorous play about people living on the edges of society IIThe Mousetrap Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £12-£32.50, 0844 871 3017, by Dame Agatha Christie, atmosphere of shuddering suspense

Comedy IILuke Wright The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0844 873 2888, thigh-slapping acerbic wordplay and bawdy bar room ballads

Arts

IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIFour Seasons dot-art Showroom, Queen Ave, 12-6pm, 0845 017 6660, by Angela Burton IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II10 year Celebration Lantern Company Dickens, Gladstone, New Heritage space and Heritage Centre, 10am-4pm, 0151 225 6903 IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details

IIFresh Perspectives Lady Lever Art Gallery, see 1st for details

IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm

IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details

Family IIJames and the Giant Peach Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7pm, £14.50-£16.50, 0151 666 0000, fruitfilled fun and wizzpopping wonders IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798

Sports & Leisure IICycle for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10am, booking essential, 0151 296 7054 IIElectrified Yoga Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 6.30pm, £8, 0151 707 7747

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIJake Mills Quiz Night House, Bold Street, 7pm, 0151 709 7141 IIShadow Puppets Workshop St George's Hall, 10am-4.30pm, £50, 0151 225 6911, Making and Puppeteering 2-D and 3-D IILow Voltage Lighting And Sound Workshop St George's Hall, 1.304.30pm, £40, 0151 225 6911 IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIEaster Holiday Nature Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 1pm, £2.50, limited, 0151 233 6930, expedition trip, discover creatures and plants from around the globe IIImprove your Drawing L18, 2-5pm, 07764 449948, tuition from professional illustrator IIMerv's Film Quiz Fact Bar, 8pm, bring your best cinephiles and test your film knowledge

WEDNESDAY 3RD Music IIPaul Jones, Jon Keats, Jimmy Coburn, Tony Coburn, Richard

Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091 IIKappa Band The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 9pm, 0152 236 9091 IIUniforms, Throwing Stuff, Addictive Philosophy and Loaded 45 The Lomax, Cumberland St, 8pm, £4 OTD, fourpiece punk rock band IIKeith's Jarrett and guests Keith's Wine Bar, Lark Lane Sefton Park, 8pm, 0151 728 7688 IIPlaza Concert: Alan Jeffs & Dave Roberts Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 12.30pm, 0151 666 0000, sax and piano IIPete Wade's Acoustic Open Mic Night Gallaghers Pub and Barbers, Birkenhead, Wirral, 7.30pm, 0151 649 9095 IIThe Velvet Dukes House, Bold Street, 8.30pm, 0151 709 7141 IIStephanie Hladowski & C. Joynes Mello Mello, Slater St, 8pm, £5 IICrosby Music Festival Crosby Civic Hall, 0151 558 0401 IIAcoustics Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, 01244 340005 IIFreddie Smith Big Band Bebington British Legion, Wirral CH63, 8.30pm, 0151 608 2270 IIStudio2 Unplugged Studio 2, Parr Street, 8pm, £2, 0151 707 3727, Acoustic Music IIThe Moon and Pea 64 Lark Lane, 7-9pm, 0151 727 3403, acoustic night IIBirds Of Chicago plus Peter Mulvey Grateful Fred's, Formby British Legion, Whitehouse Lane, doors 8pm/ start 8.15pm, £8, 0797 077 4618

Theatre & Dance IITony Teardrop: Cut To The Chase Productions St Lukes 'Bombed Out' Church, 8pm, £16/ £12 Concs/ £10 Students, biting, humorous play about people living on the edges of society IIThe Mousetrap Liverpool Empire Theatre, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £12£32.50, 0844 871 3017, by Dame Agatha Christie, atmosphere of shuddering suspense IIWe'll Meet Again Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, 2.30pm, £13.50, 0844 871 3021, celebration of the music around the time of the Queen's Coronation

LOWDOWN APRIL

Comedy IIChris Ramsey The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £15, 0844 873 2888 IIThe Laughter Factor The Slaughter House, Fenwick St, 8pm, £5/ £3 Concs, 0151 227 5946

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II10 year Celebration Lantern Company Dickens, Gladstone, New Heritage space and Heritage Centre, 10am-4pm, 0151 225 6903 IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

Sports & Leisure IILatin Mania Telford's Warehouse, Chester, 8pm, £4 each/ £6 both,01244 390 090, Salsa Classes and Latin dance night IIWalk for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 1.30pm, 0151 287 4798, enjoy a healthy walk through the park

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme

IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details

IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm

IIFresh Perspectives Lady Lever Art Gallery, see 1st for details

IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911

IISpotify Wednesday Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 8pm, 0151 707 7747, Enabling the sharing, creating and modifying of each other's playlists

IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

IIQuiz Night The Compass, Chester, 8.30pm, 01244 344890

IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIJames and the Giant Peach Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 2.30pm & 7pm, £14.50-£16.50, 0151 666 0000, fruitfilled fun and wizzpopping wonders

IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIThe Wizard Of Oz St. Helens Theatre Royal, 1pm, £8, 01744 756 000, wonderful Easter treat

IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details

IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents

IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISublime to Ridiculous: works

by Derek Couturier The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am-5.30pm, 0151 907 8360 IIThresholds Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIFour Seasons dot-art Showroom, Queen Ave, 12-6pm, 0845 017 6660, by Angela Burton IIStrangers in a Strange Land

Family

IIThe City That Rocked The World The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £12 premier screening only/ £20 premier & concert (incl coach between venues), 0151 709 3789, Liverpool VIP Premiere & Concert IISuper Effective Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 6pm-8pm, 07918 760225, social club for the geek-clique, gaming enthusiasts, quiz-fanatics and sports lovers IIPattern Cutting/ Costume for Giant Puppets Workshop St George's Hall, 10am-4.30pm, £80£140, 0151 225 6911

IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798

IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool

IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children

THURSDAY 4TH

IIMuseum make and learn Museum of Liverpool, 2-4.30pm, find out more about the objects in the museum and make your own piece of artwork to take home, especially for accompanied children under 11

IITony Mac, Jon Keats, Richard Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm till early evening, 0151 236 9091

IIEaster eggstravaganza Lady Lever Art Gallery, 1-4pm, free drop-in event, get creative with our colourful Easter crafts IIEaster 2013 family activities in the Cathedral Liverpool Cathedral, St James' Mount, 11am-3pm, 0151 702 7210, find out about some Easter symbols, decorate an egg or cross to take home

Music

IIRonny Hughes, Beatles Tribute Night The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 7.30pm, £3, 0151 236 9091 IIMadison plus support Tony Mac The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 7pm, 0152 236 9091 IIHookworms, Baltic Fleet, Base Ventura Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 8pm, £6, 0151 227 5946 IIJohnny's Acoustic Caravan Club

Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 8pm, 0151 227 5946, hosted by Johnny Sands ft special guests IIImagine Dragons O2 Academy Liverpool, 7pm, 0844 477 2000 IIChas & Dave The Cavern Live Lounge, Mathew St, 8.30pm, £10, 0151 236 9091 IICup of Tea: Open Mic The Lomax, Cumberland St, 8.30pm IIGideon Conn House, Bold Street, 8pm, 0151 709 7141 IIQuiet Loner, Sparkwood & 21 and John Canning Yates Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 8pm, £4, 0151 707 7747 IISpeakeasy Bootleg Band The Grapes, 9.30pm, 07950 828674, Finest Quality Bootleg Music Since Records Began IIThe Hungry Horse Acoustic Folk Club Singers And Musicians Night The Whitby Sports & Social Club, Ellesmere Port, 8pm, 0151 678 9902 IICrosby Music Festival Crosby Civic Hall, 0151 558 0401 IIJazz Jam Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £3, 01244 340005 IIWindow Stage Folkazm with Mark Henderson Telford's Warehouse, Chester, 01244 39 00 90, Folk, Roots and Blues IIIndie Rock Live Bands Studio 2, Parr Street, 8pm, 0151 707 3727 IIOpen Mic Night Vinyl Bar, Lark Lane, 8.30pm, 0151 726 0160

Theatre & Dance IITony Teardrop: Cut To The Chase Productions St Lukes 'Bombed Out' Church, 8pm, £16/ £12 Concs/ £10 Students, biting, humorous play about people living on the edges of society IIThe Mousetrap Liverpool Empire Theatre, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £12£32.50, 0844 871 3017, by Dame Agatha Christie, atmosphere of shuddering suspense IITongues 81 Renshaw, L1, doors 7pm, £5.50, tense and disturbing horror thriller, not for the faint of heart

Comedy IIThe Land Of Nod The Liverpool Actors Studio Theatre, 7.30, £8, 07906 279258, quick fire comedy sketch show

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT LOWDOWN ON 0151 538 5224

37 IIComedy Central at Albert Dock Baby Blue, Albert Dock, 6pm, £15-£33, 0151 702 5834, Headliner: Philberto, Compere: Jim Smallman, Supporting: Caimh McDonnell, Kevin Shevlin

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISublime to Ridiculous: works

by Derek Couturier The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am-5.30pm, 0151 907 8360 IIThresholds Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIFour Seasons dot-art Showroom, Queen Ave, 12-6pm, 0845 017 6660, by Angela Burton IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details

IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details IIJMU Student Art Exhibition Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, all-day, 0151 227 5946 II10 year Celebration Lantern Company Dickens, Gladstone, New Heritage space and Heritage Centre, 10am-4pm, 0151 225 6903 IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIFresh Perspectives Lady Lever Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IIJames and the Giant Peach Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 2.30pm & 7pm, £14.50-£16.50, 0151 666 0000, fruitfilled fun and wizzpopping wonders IIThe Wizard Of Oz St. Helens Theatre Royal, 1pm, £8, 01744 756 000, wonderful Easter treat IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798 IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children IIWizard of Oz The Brindley, Runcorn, 3pm & 6pm, £14.50 adults/ £11.50 children & concs/ £48 family (2 adults, 2 children), 0151 907 8360 IIJustin and Friends Echo Arena, Echo Two, 1.30pm & 4.30pm, £13£88, 0844 847 2277, Prepare to be thrilled, excited and spectacularly entertained IICrafty Critters Lady Lever Art Gallery, 1-4pm, free drop-in event, make your own beautiful bug to take home

IIMarvellous Mobiles Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, drop in 1-4pm, 0151 794 2348, Create a vibrant sun catcher of flowers, bunnies and chicks to decorate your house with this Easter IIEaster 2013 family activities in the Cathedral Liverpool Cathedral, St James' Mount, 11am-3pm, 0151 702 7210, make an Easter garden and flowers to take home

Sports & Leisure IIGrand National: Opening Day Aintree Racecourse, First Race: 2pm, £25-£110, 0844 579 3001 IIWalk for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 6pm, 0151 287 4798, enjoy an evening healthy walk around the park

Other Events IILate Night Vintage The Shipping Forecast, 5.30-9.30pm, 0151 709 6901 IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIDrawing Live Theatre Workshop St George's Hall, 10am-4.30pm, £40-£80, 0151 225 6911, interpret the visual theatre of the Lantern Company through drawing IIPattern Cutting/ Costume for Giant Puppets Workshop St George's Hall, 10am-4.30pm, £80£140, 0151 225 6911 IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIJelly Liverpool Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 9am-5pm, 0151 707 7747, casual all day work-together for anyone with a laptop and some grafting to be done IIGrand National Race Day Breakfast The Yacht Club, Sefton St, 10am-9pm, £7.95, 0151 707 6888 IIWoolton Psychic Spectacular Experiment Evening The Quarry, Allerton Road, doors 6pm for readings, main show 8.30pm, £5/ £10 mini readings/ £20 full readings, whats real whats not you decide IIPros & Coms Vinyl Bar, Lark Lane, 0151 726 0160, mix of Comedy, Poetry and Live Music

IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers

FRIDAY 5TH Music IITim Shaw, Ronny Hughes, Jon Keats, Tony Mac The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music 12-8pm, 0151 236 9091 IIRichard Batty & The Rockits The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 8pm, £3, 0151 236 9091 II3B DJ's House, Bold Street, 8pm, 0151 709 7141 IICoope, Boyes and Simpson The Philharmonic Hall, Rodewald Suite, Hope St, 8.30pm, £12, 0151 709 3789 IIRLPO: Gorgeous Gershwin The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £16-£40, 0151 709 3789 IILive/ Wire Floral Pavilion Blue Lounge, New Brighton, 8pm, £14/ £12, 0151 666 0000 IIBootleg Blondie Eric's, Mathew Street, 7.30pm, £6, 0151 236 9994, official Debbie Harry & Blondie tribute band IINeil Griffiths Gallaghers Pub and Barbers, Birkenhead, Wirral, 7.30pm, 0151 649 9095, 80s music IILiverpool Rocks! Battle Of The Bands Final O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 7pm, £7.05, 0844 477 2000 IIUndercover Stamps Wine Bar, Liverpool Road, Crosby, 9pm, 0151 286 2662 IIRock-A-Oke Rock Karaoke Revolver, New Chester Rd, B'head IISinnerboy The Cavern Live Lounge, Mathew St, 8.30pm, £10, 0151 236 9091, Tribute to Rory Gallagher IIMissing Andy The Shipping Forecast, doors 7pm, £6 adv, 0151 709 6901 IIRoot Launch Party The Black-E, 10pm, £5 early bird/ £6 pre-sale/ £8 door, 0151 709 5109, dubwise and reggae influenced sounds from across UK's musical landscape IICrosby Music Festival Crosby Civic Hall, 0151 558 0401 IITake That Tribute plus guests The Green Room, doors 6.30pm/

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT LOWDOWN ON 0151 538 5224

LOWDOWN APRIL

start 8pm, £15, 0870 787 1866 IIR.E.M. UK Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £14.95 incl 3 course dinner, 01244 340005, Tribute to R.E.M IIThe Jar Family Telford's Warehouse, Chester, free before 9pm/ £4 thereafter, 01244 39 00 90 IIThank Funk it's Friday: The Robert Mather Band Studio 2, Parr Street, 9pm, 0151 707 3727, Funk IIGrimpen Mire plus Wort, Space Witch, Crypt Lurker and Nomad The Pilgrim, 7pm, £5, 0151 7092302

House, Fenwick St, 8pm, £15 Comedy Seated/ Meal Deal Options from £26, 0151 227 5946, MC Neil Fitzmaurice introduces Silky along with John Warburton and Jason Cook IIBottleTop Comedy presents 'Stand Up And Deliver' Envi, Fleet Street, 7.30pm, £5, 0151 214 3242 IIChris McCausland, Julian Deane & Ian Cognito The Laugh Inn, Chester, 8pm, £13.50, 0800 612 9714

Arts

IIJaws plus Soho Riots Mello Mello, Slater St, 8pm

IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIKumarachi & Liam Bailey The Zanzibar Club, 11pm, £5, 0151 345 3382

IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details

IIKif and Kin The Lomax, Cumberland St, 8pm, £3 OTD, Loka, Plank!, Dominoes, Melodien

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IITony Teardrop: Cut To The Chase Productions St Lukes 'Bombed Out' Church, 8pm, £16/ £12 Concs/ £10 Students, biting, humorous play about people living on the edges of society IIThe Mousetrap Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £12-£32.50, 0844 871 3017, by Dame Agatha Christie, atmosphere of shuddering suspense IITongues 81 Renshaw, L1, doors 7pm, £5.50, tense and disturbing horror thriller, not for the faint of heart

Comedy

IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details IIJMU Student Art Exhibition Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, all-day, 0151 227 5946 II10 year Celebration Lantern Company Dickens, Gladstone, New Heritage space and Heritage Centre, 10am-4pm, 0151 225 6903 IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm

IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIFresh Perspectives Lady Lever Art Gallery, see 1st for details

IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911

IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details

IIThe Victorian In The Wall The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £12/ £10 Concs, 0844 873 2888

IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIBeating Berlusconi! Epstein Theatre, 7.30pm, £12.50/ £10 Concs, 0844 888 4411, one actor, one city, thirty characters - laughter and tears

IISublime to Ridiculous: works

by Derek Couturier The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am-5.30pm, 0151 907 8360

IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £5/ £2.50 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Temperature's Rising'

IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art

IISilky plus guest The Slaughter

IIFour Seasons dot-art Showroom, Queen Ave, 12-6pm, 0845 017 6660, by Angela Burton

IIThresholds Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IIJames and the Giant Peach Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 2.30pm & 7pm, £14.50-£16.50, 0151 666 0000, fruitfilled fun and wizzpopping wonders IIThe Wizard Of Oz St. Helens Theatre Royal, 1pm, £8, 01744 756 000, wonderful Easter treat IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798 IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children IIWizard of Oz The Brindley, Runcorn, 2pm & 6pm, £14.50 adults/ £11.50 children & concs/ £48 family (2 adults, 2 children), 0151 907 8360 IIMuseum make and learn Museum of Liverpool, 2-4.30pm, find out more about the objects in the museum and make your own piece

of artwork to take home, especially for accompanied children under 11

Sports & Leisure IIGrand National: Ladies Day Aintree Racecourse, First Race: 2pm, £20-£179, 0844 579 3001 IIStrictly Social Ballroom and Latin Southport Conservative Club, Bath Street, 8-11pm, £20, 07857 596007, improve your dancing skills

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIGrand National Champagne Breakfast House, Bold Street, 9.30am, 0151 709 7141 IIGrand National Special: Murder Mystery Night Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 7.30pm, £25, 0151 287 4798, The Mystery of the Man on the White Horse IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers

SATURDAY 6TH Music IIRock Of Ages Revolver, New Chester Rd, B'head IITim Shaw, Jay Murray and The Shakers, Richard Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 12pm till early evening, 0151 236 9091 IIThe Cave Dwellers The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 9pm, £4, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Kappa, Tony Mac The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, live music from 2.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IIRLPO: Gorgeous Gershwin The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £16-£40, 0151 709 3789 IIRockabilly Extravaganza Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 2pm, £10, 0151 227 5946 IIThe Underdogs Stamps Wine Bar, Liverpool Road, Crosby, 9pm, 0151 286 2662

39 IIGrand National Party with The Lifeblood Band Studio 2, Parr Street, 9pm, 0151 707 3727 IISaturday With The Beatles ft. the Cavern Club Beatles The Cavern Live Lounge, Mathew St, 8.30pm, £15, 0151 236 9091, Beatles Tribute Show IISpace The Citadel, St. Helens, doors 7.30pm, £15, 01744 735436, indie-pop IIQuantour Apocalypse The Lomax, Cumberland St, 7pm, Bloodshot Dawn, Chapters, FuryBorn IICable Cars Elevator Bar, doors 7pm, £5 adv, 0151 707 1137 IIBrazen Goods Bumper, doors 7.30pm, £5 adv, Rock 'n' Roll, Metal, Rock IICrosby Music Festival Crosby Civic Hall, 0151 558 0401 IIOdyssey plus guests The Green Room, doors 6.30pm/ start 8pm, £15, 0870 787 1866 IIWe Came From Wolves Telford's Warehouse, Chester, free before 9pm/ £4 thereafter, 01244 39 00 90 IIVril Society Present, The Dirty Rivers, Mohebbi, Absolute Captain, Small Print The Zanzibar Club, 7.30m, £4, 0151 345 3382 IIHoxton Whores Revolution Albert Dock, 10pm, £4, 07927764128 IIGet Down The Shipping Forecast, 11pm-3am, £5, 0151 709 6901

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IITony Teardrop: Cut To The Chase Productions St Lukes 'Bombed Out' Church, 8pm, £16/ £12 Concs/ £10 Students, biting, humorous play about people living on the edges of society IILet's Hang On Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £17, 0151 342 1323 IIThe Mousetrap Liverpool Empire Theatre, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £12£32.50, 0844 871 3017, by Dame Agatha Christie, atmosphere of shuddering suspense IITongues 81 Renshaw, L1, doors 7pm, £5.50, tense and disturbing horror thriller, not for the faint of heart

Comedy IIThe Victorian In The Wall The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £12/ £10 Concs, 0844 873 2888 IIBeating Berlusconi! Epstein Theatre, 7.30pm, £12.50/ £10 Concs, 0844 888 4411, one actor, one city, thirty characters - laughter and tears IIComedy Central at Albert Dock Baby Blue, Albert Dock, 6pm, £15-£33, 0151 702 5834, Headliner: Philberto, Compere: Jim Smallman, Supporting: Caimh McDonnell, Jen Brister IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £8/ £4 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Boiling Point' IISilky plus guest The Slaughter House, Fenwick St, 8pm, £17.50 Comedy Seated/ Meal Deal Options from £28.50, 0151 227 5946, MC Neil Fitzmaurice introduces Silky along with John Warburton and Jason Cook II"Goin West" He 4th Annual Liverpool Improvathon 2012 The Kazimier, 1pm (6th) till 10.33pm (7th), £5/ £10/ £25, 0151 324 1723, an entirely improvised comedy epic that will run continuously for 2013 minutes (33 hours and 33 minutes) IIFour Candles Comedy House, Bold Street, doors 7.30pm/ start 9pm, £15/ £25 incl. meal, 0870 787 1866, Alfie Moore, Matt Green and Bethany Black IIChester Comedy Club Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £19.95 incl 3 course dinner, 01244 340005, headler: Keith Farnan IIChris McCausland, Julian Deane & Ian Cognito The Laugh Inn, Chester, 8pm, £13.50, 0800 612 9714

Arts

IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISublime to Ridiculous: works

by Derek Couturier The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am-3pm, 0151 907 8360 IIThresholds Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details IIJMU Student Art Exhibition Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, all-day, 0151 227 5946 II10 year Celebration Lantern Company Dickens, Gladstone, New Heritage space and Heritage Centre, 10am-4pm, 0151 225 6903 IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details

IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911

IIFresh Perspectives Lady Lever Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IIJames and the Giant Peach Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 2.30pm & 7pm, £14.50-£16.50, 0151 666 0000, fruitfilled fun and wizzpopping wonders IIThe Wizard Of Oz St. Helens Theatre Royal, 1pm, £8, 01744 756 000, wonderful Easter treat IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798 IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children IIWizard of Oz The Brindley, Runcorn, 2pm & 6pm, £14.50 adults/ £11.50 children & concs/ £48 family (2 adults, 2 children), 0151 907 8360 IIYoung Explorers World Museum Liverpool, Treasure House Theatre, drop-in from 10.30am-12.30pm, for 8-12 year olds, learn new skills and make a difference to their surroundings IICard Weaving World Museum Liverpool, Weston Discovery Centre, drop in from 1-4pm, join members of the Merseyside Guild of Weavers to find out more and see some of the projects they are working on

Sports & Leisure IIGrand National Day Aintree Racecourse, First Race: 1.45pm, £21-£232, 0844 579 3001

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IINot Just Vintage House, Bold Street, 11am, 0151 709 7141, Vintage Fair IINick Humphries: Through the Veil The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £10/ £9 Concs , 0151 907 8360, veil between the earth plane and the spirit world IIRecord Fair The Bluecoat, School

LOWDOWN APRIL

Lane, 10am-6pm, 0151 702 5324, Vinyl, tapes, CDs, DVDs, mags, annuals, prints and more IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIGrand National Champagne Breakfast House, Bold Street, 9.30am, 0151 709 7141 IIThe Official John Smith's Grand National Winner's Party Alma De Cuba, £15/ £55 incl. deluxe 3 course menu, 0151 702 7394 IIGrand National Special: Murder Mystery Night Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 7.30pm, £25, 0151 287 4798, The Mystery of the Man on the White Horse IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers

SUNDAY 7TH Music IIRonny Hughes, Tony Mac, Screaming Citizens The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, live music from 5.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IIJazz Con Fusion The Grapes, 9pm, 07950 828674, Live jazz with a Latin twist IIFire House, Bold Street, 8.30pm, 0151 709 7141, Live Music IIAlan Jeffs Jazz Jam Night Brewers Arms, Neston Wirral, 8pm, 0151 336 1627 IIThe House Of Love Eric's, Mathew Street, 8pm, £19.50, 0151 236 9994 IIJoe Brown The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £23-£30, 0151 709 3789, timeless classics, rockabilly, gospel, country, folk, and rock 'n' roll IIThe Luke and Emma Vaudrey Experience Stamps Wine Bar, Liverpool Road, Crosby, 6pm, 0151 286 2662 IITim Shaw The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 12pm, 0151 236 9091 IIMary Epworth, Fuzzy Lights, Paul Straws and Kiran Leonard Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 7.30pm, £8.50, 0151 707 7747 IIMove To The Groove The Yacht Club, Sefton St, 5-9pm, 0151 707

6888, UK's finest Motown & Soul bands IIPeterborough Chamber Choir Liverpool Cathedral, St James' Mount, 12.15-12.45pm, 0151 709 6271 IITrevor Carlisle Quartet Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, 2-5pm, 01244 340005 IIOpen Mic Session Telford's Warehouse, Chester, 01244 39 00 90, hosted by Chris Done IIThe Martin Smith Quartet The Caledonia, 4pm, 0151 708 0325 IIDavid Knopov - a Night of Sinatra Jalons, Smithdown Road, 4.30pm, 0151 734 3984 IIThe Mike Jackson trio Pistachio Restaurant & Bar, Lark Lane, 7pm IILatin Jazz Quartet La Cubanita, Campbell Square off Duke Street, 4pm, 0151 709 5335 IIDave O'Grady plus special guest Studio 2, Parr Street, 9pm, 0151 707 3727 IIThe Moon and Pea 64 Lark Lane, 7-9pm, 0151 727 3403, acoustic night

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IIReduced Shakespeare Company Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £16, 0151 666 0000, All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes

Comedy IIA Rush Of Laughter The Lantern Theatre, Blundell St, 8pm, £10, 0151 703 0000 IIBeating Berlusconi! Epstein Theatre, 7.30pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0844 888 4411, one actor, one city, thirty characters - laughter and tears IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £3/ £1.50 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Testing the Water' II"Goin West" He 4th Annual Liverpool Improvathon 2012 The Kazimier, 1pm (6th) till 10.33pm (7th), £5/ £10/ £25, 0151 324 1723, an entirely improvised comedy epic that will run continuously for 2013 minutes (33 hours and 33 minutes)

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThresholds Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details IIJMU Student Art Exhibition Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, all-day, 0151 227 5946 IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIFresh Perspectives Lady Lever Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IIThe Wizard Of Oz St. Helens Theatre Royal, 1pm, £8, 01744 756 000, wonderful Easter treat IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798 IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children IIFamily Nature Walk Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 1pm, £2.50, limited, 0151 233 6930, fun event for all the family

Sports & Leisure IITottenham vs Everton 2.05pm IILiverpool vs West Ham 1.30pm

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIRoast Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 12pm-5pm, 0151 227 5946, bring your family and friends for lunch in the indoor park IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IISundays at Sudley Sudley House, 1-4pm, free drop-in event, Tony Kehoe hosts an open floor of music, poetry and performance IIThe Official John Smith's Grand National Winner's Party Alma De Cuba, £15/ £55 incl. deluxe 3 course menu, 0151 702 7394

MONDAY 8TH Music IIPaul Jones, Jon Keats, The Two of Us (Lennon & McCartney Tribute), Jay Murray The Cavern

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT LOWDOWN ON 0151 538 5224

41 Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091

Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIIan Prowse The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 8pm, 0152 236 9091

IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art

IIKing Charles The Kazimier, 8pm, £10, 0151 324 1723 IIStandard Fudge plus Jam Studio 2, Parr Street, 8pm, 0151 707 3727, Funk/ Jazz

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IIAn Evening with the Stars from Strictly Come Dancing Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £16-£18, 0151 666 0000, Pasha Kovalev & Special Guest Katya Virshilas IIEllen Kent's Tosca Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £10-£35, 0844 871 3017, heady mixture of true love, torture and treachery

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The

IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details IIJMU Student Art Exhibition Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, all-day, 0151 227 5946 IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798

2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIUrban Craft Collective's Knitting Club Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 7-9pm, 0151 707 7747 IIBlue Lantern The Compass, Chester, 8pm, 01244 344890

TUESDAY 9TH Music IIPrazák Quartet St George's Hall, 7.30pm, £25, 0151 225 6911, Chamber Music IITony Coburn, Jon Keats, Jimmy Coburn, Paul Jones, Jay Murray The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Gary Murphy The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 7.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IIOut Of The Bedroom: Acoustic Open Mic Night Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 8.30pm, 0151 707 7747, with Johnny Sands IIUnplugged Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £2/ free before 9pm, 01244 340005, open-mic night IIBlue Magnolia Jazz Band British Legion Club, Rose Lane, 8.45pm, 0151 724 5753 IIParrJazz: Ant Law Studio 2, Parr Street, 8.30pm, £3 on door/ FREE Students (NUS), 0151 707 3727, Jazz and open jam session, guitarist

Theatre & Dance

IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children

IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child

IIMighty Mini-beast Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 1pm, £2.50, limited, 0151 287 4798, fun event and activity for children

IIRussian Cossacks Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £16.50-£18.50, 0151 666 0000, 300 costumes, 40 world-class performers, Russian State Dance Ensemble

Sports & Leisure IIFloral Tea Dance Floral Pavilion Winter Gardens, New Brighton, 1pm, £5 adv/ £6 door, 0151 666 0000

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org,

IIThe Leverhulme Drama Festival Youth Week Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £8, 0151 342 1323 IIEllen Kent's Carmen Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £10-£35, 0844 871 3017, guarantees an evening of passion and romance with unforgettable melodies IIMe & My Girl The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £15/ £13 Concs, 0151 907 8360, story transports you back to 1930s Hareford

IITwo Little Words The Liverpool Actors Studio Theatre, 7.30, £10, 07906 279258, latest play from the pen of Liverpool playwright Scott Murphy

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details IIJMU Student Art Exhibition Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, all-day, 0151 227 5946 IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT LOWDOWN ON 0151 538 5224

LOWDOWN APRIL

IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

WEDNESDAY 10TH

IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

IIKeith's Jarrett and guests Keith's Wine Bar, Lark Lane Sefton Park, 8pm, 0151 728 7688

IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798 IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children

Sports & Leisure IITea Dance amidst the Palms Sefton Park Palm House, 2pm-4pm, £5 (incl. a cup of tea and piece of cake), 0151 726 9304 IICycle for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10am, booking essential, 0151 296 7054

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIRoyal Court Heritage Tour The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 2pm, £5, 0870 787 1866, the theatre is one of Liverpool's most enduring and iconic building and has a rich history IILes Misérables The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £6/ £7, 0151 709 3789, film IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIJake Mills Quiz Night House, Bold Street, 7pm, 0151 709 7141 IIImprove your Drawing L18, 2-5pm, 07764 449948, tuition from professional illustrator

Music

IISteve Conte Eric's, Mathew Street, 8pm, £14, 0151 236 9994, The New York Dolls IIIl Divo and Katherine Jenkins Echo Arena, 8pm, £35-£85, 0844 8000 400 IIRLPO: Petrenko's Rachmaninov The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £13- £36, 0151 709 3789 IIPlaza Concert: Malcolm Hogarth and John Higham Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 12.30pm, 0151 666 0000, piano and trumpet

IIThe Trench The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £12/ £10, 0844 873 2888, live music, puppetry and physical performance

IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

IITwo Little Words The Liverpool Actors Studio Theatre, 7.30, £10, 07906 279258, latest play from the pen of Liverpool playwright Scott Murphy

IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

Comedy IIHormonal Housewives Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £20.50, 0844 871 3017, hilariously funny evening

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIPete Wade's Acoustic Open Mic Night Gallaghers Pub and Barbers, Birkenhead, Wirral, 7.30pm, 0151 649 9095

IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details

IIThe Gathering The Bluecoat, School Lane, 7.30pm-9.30pm, 0151 702 5324, a monthly space for musicians to meet and improvise together

IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIPaul Jones, Jon Keats, Jimmy Coburn, Tony Coburn, Richard Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091 IIKappa Band The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 9pm, 0152 236 9091 IIDeportees Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, 01244 340005 IIFreddie Smith Big Band Bebington British Legion, Wirral CH63, 8.30pm, 0151 608 2270 IIAfrican Strings Studio 2, Parr Street, 7.30pm, £3, 0151 707 3727, Ukulele Players and Extras IIThe Moon and Pea 64 Lark Lane, 7-9pm, 0151 727 3403, acoustic night

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child

IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm

IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIThe Leverhulme Drama Festival Youth Week Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £8, 0151 342 1323

IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art

IIMe & My Girl The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £15/ £13 Concs, 0151 907 8360, story transports you back to 1930s Hareford

IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details

IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details

IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798 IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children IIMuseum make and learn Museum of Liverpool, 2-4.30pm, find out more about the objects in the museum and make your own piece of artwork to take home, especially for accompanied children under 11 IIHatters Tea Party Sudley House, drop in from 1-4pm, magnificent tea party, listen to terrific tales and take part in tea time crafts, suitable for children over 3 years old IISounds of Nature Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 1pm, £2.50, limited, 0151 233 6930, fun event for all the family

Sports & Leisure IIWalk for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 1.30pm, 0151 287 4798, enjoy a healthy walk through the park IILatin Mania Telford's Warehouse, Chester, 8pm, £4 each/ £6 both,01244 390 090, Salsa Classes and Latin dance night

Other Events IIDickie Bird Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £16, 0151 666 0000, An evening with a National Treasure IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme

43 IISuper Effective Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 6pm-8pm, 07918 760225, social club for the geek-clique, gaming enthusiasts, quiz-fanatics and sports lovers IIContemporary Hand Embroidery The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6-8pm, £20 (incl. all materials), to book email: landbabyshop@gmail.com, 0845 017 6660 IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IICafé Crafternoon Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, 2-4pm, £5 (incl. tea and coffee), 0151 794 2348, weave a wonderful wall hanging using IIa range of wools and recycled materials IISpotify Wednesday Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 8pm, 0151 707 7747, Enabling the sharing, creating and modifying of each other's playlists IIWomen's Organisation Drop-In Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 10am-12.30pm, 0151 707 7747, free support in your venture to self-employment IICrosby Decorative & Fine Arts Crosby Civic Hall, 1.30-4pm, 0151 558 0401

Pub, Mathew St, 7pm, 0152 236 9091 IIFang Island The Kazimier, 8pm, £10, 0151 324 1723 IICup of Tea: Open Mic The Lomax, Cumberland St, 8.30pm IIThe Hungry Horse Acoustic Folk Club: Jez Lowe The Whitby Sports & Social Club, Ellesmere Port, 8.30pm, £9, 0151 678 9902 IISteve Gibbons Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £10/£8 adv, 01244 340005, country flavoured classic rock 'n' roll IIDoodleplanet Telford's Warehouse, Chester, 01244 39 00 90

Comedy IIComedy Central at Albert Dock Baby Blue, Albert Dock, 6pm, £15-£33, 0151 702 5834, Headliner: Smug Roberts, Compere: Dave Twentyman, Supporting:Steve Shanyaski, Peter Brush IICrissy Rock Mo*Nique's, 8pm, £12, 0151 227 1131, comedy cabaret sketch

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details

IIThe Jazzuits The Grapes, 9.30pm, 07950 828674

IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm

IILive Acoustic Evening Studio 2, Parr Street, 7.30pm, 0151 707 3727

IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIOpen Mic Night Vinyl Bar, Lark Lane, 8.30pm, 0151 726 0160

IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child

IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIQuiz Night The Compass, Chester, 8.30pm, 01244 344890

IIThe Leverhulme Drama Festival Youth Week Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £8, 0151 342 1323

IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIFilm: All Tomorrow's Parties Fact, 6.30pm, part of the art of pop video exhibition

IIBack in the Habit Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £18.50-£26, 0844 871 3017, Sister Act tribute show

IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details

THURSDAY 11TH

IIMe & My Girl The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £15/ £13 Concs, 0151 907 8360, story transports you back to 1930s Hareford

IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details

Music IISteve Gibbons Band Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £8, 01244 340005 IIPiano Quartets The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 1.05pm, £6, 0151 709 3789, Lunchtime Concert IIRLPO: Petrenko's Rachmaninov The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £13- £36, 0151 709 3789 IITony Mac, Jon Keats, Richard Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm till early evening, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Beatles Tribute Night The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 7.30pm, £3, 0151 236 9091 IIXander & The Peace Pirates plus support Tony Mac The Cavern

IIOthello The Lantern Theatre, Blundell St, 7.30pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0151 703 0000, Shakespeare tragedy IIThe Homecoming The Lantern Theatre, Blundell St, 7.30pm, £10/ £7 Concs, 0151 703 0000, masterpiece by Harold Pinter IITwo Little Words The Liverpool Actors Studio Theatre, 7.30, £10, 07906 279258, latest play from the pen of Liverpool playwright Scott Murphy IIAgatha Christie's: And then there were none St. Mary's Church Hall, Grassendale, 7.30pm, £7/ £5 Concs, 07977 562314

IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display

Centre, see 1st for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798 IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children IIEgg-cellent Creations Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, drop in 1-4pm, 0151 794 2348, paint your own colourful egg to celebrate Easter

Sports & Leisure IIWalk for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 6pm, 0151 287 4798, enjoy an evening healthy walk around the park

Other Events IICapstone World Cinema Series The Capstone, Liverpool Hope University, 7.30pm, £5/ £3 Concs, 0844 8000 410, classic cinema from Bollywood films to science fiction epics IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IITalking Poetry The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6pm-8pm, 0151 702 5324 IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IINT Encore: People [12a] Picture House at Fact, 7pm, 0871 902 5737, film, Starring: Frances de la Tour, Alan Bennet, Duration: 180 mins IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers

LOWDOWN APRIL

FRIDAY 12TH Music IIElectro80s Eric's, Mathew Street, 8pm, £6, 0151 236 9994 IINeil Griffiths Gallaghers Pub and Barbers, Birkenhead, Wirral, 7.30pm, 0151 649 9095, 80s music IIGypsy Fire Epstein Theatre, 8pm, £15, 0844 888 4411, An acoustic, white knuckle ride IINasher The Philharmonic Hall, Rodewald Suite, Hope St, 8.30pm, £12, 0151 709 3789, full Nasher gig, opening: conversation about his book and his career IIIron Knights Revolver, New Chester Rd, B'Head IIDeborah Bonham O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 7pm, £11.25, 0844 477 2000 IIPlaymasta P and the Biotics Stamps Wine Bar, Liverpool Road, Crosby, 9pm, 0151 286 2662 IITim Shaw, Ronny Hughes, Jon Keats, Tony Mac The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music 12-8pm, 0151 236 9091 IIRichard Batty & The Rockits The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 8pm, £3, 0151 236 9091 IILetz Zep The Cavern Live Lounge, Mathew St, 8.30pm, £10, 0151 236 9091, Tribute to Led Zeppelin IIM-Zone The Citadel, St. Helens, doors 6.30pm, £2.50, 01744 735436, for young people aged 10-18, Live bands, DJ's, Gaming, Performances & more IIBeth Orton & The Leisure Society The Kazimier, 8pm, £20, 0151 324 1723 IISolitary Confinement The Picket, doors 7pm, £5 adv, 08444 77 1000 II3B DJ's House, Bold Street, 8pm, 0151 709 7141 IIAled Jones Liverpool Cathedral, St James' Mount, doors 6pm/ start 7.30pm, £16.23-£86.90, 0151 709 6271 IIBuble & Sinatra Tribute The Green Room, doors 6.30pm/ start 8pm, £15, 0870 787 1866 IIThe Daymons Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £14.95 incl. 3 course dinner, 01244 340005 IICut Ribbons Telford's Warehouse, Chester, free before 9pm/ £4 thereafter, 01244 39 00 90

IIAnthroprophh The Compass, Chester, 8pm, £6, 01244 344890 IIMetal Goes Mental with Triple One The Zanzibar Club, 7.30pm, £4, 0151 345 3382 IIJohn Butler View Two Gallery, Mathew St, doors 8pm/ start 8.30pm, £5, 0151 236 9444 IIBeaty Heart The Shipping Forecast, 8pm, £4, 0151 709 6901

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IIThe Leverhulme Drama Festival Youth Week Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £8, 0151 342 1323 IIThe Magic of Motown Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £24, 0844 871 3017, fill your heart with joy and laughter IIMe & My Girl The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £15/ £13 Concs, 0151 907 8360, story transports you back to 1930s Hareford IIOthello The Lantern Theatre, Blundell St, 7.30pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0151 703 0000, Shakespeare tragedy

Comedy IIComedy Central at Albert Dock Baby Blue, Albert Dock, 6pm, £15-£33, 0151 702 5834, Headliner: Smug Roberts, Compere: Dave Twentyman, Supporting:Steve Shanyaski, Steve Day

IIJohn Fothergill plus guest The Slaughter House, Fenwick St, 8pm, £15 Comedy Seated/ Meal Deal Options from £26, 0151 227 5946, MC Chris Cairns introduces John Fothergill along with Tom Wrigglesworth and Alex Boardman

IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

IIBottleTop Comedy presents 'Stand Up And Deliver' Envi, Fleet Street, 7.30pm, £5, 0151 214 3242 IIChris Stokes, Dave Johns plus special guest The Laugh Inn, Chester, 8pm, £13.50, 0800 612 9714

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details

IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 8pm, £11-£21, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world

IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911

IIEntertaining Angels Southport Little Theatre, Southport, 7.45pm, 01704 541306, a comic tale of family secrets IIAgatha Christie's: And then there were none St. Mary's Church Hall, Grassendale, 7.30pm, £7/ £5 Concs, 07977 562314

IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details

IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm

IITwo Little Words The Liverpool Actors Studio Theatre, 7.30, £10, 07906 279258, latest play from the pen of Liverpool playwright Scott Murphy

IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art

IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £5/ £2.50 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Birthday Weekend'

IIThe Homecoming The Lantern Theatre, Blundell St, 7.30pm, £10/ £7 Concs, 0151 703 0000, masterpiece by Harold Pinter

IIOverspill The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0844 873 2888, poetic, honest and highly-energetic play

Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The

IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details

IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798 IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children IIMoon & Genie The Brindley, Runcorn, 10.30am & 1.30pm, £7/ £5, 0151 907 8360, new play for 3-7 years IIMuseum make and learn Museum of Liverpool, 2-4.30pm, find out more about the objects in the museum and make your own piece of artwork to take home, especially for accompanied children under 11

Other Events IIColin Fry-The Happy Medium Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £16.50-£18.50, 0151 666 0000, one of the world's most recognised spiritual mediums and healers IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT LOWDOWN ON 0151 538 5224

45 IICivic Dinner and Ball Sandbach Town Hall, Cheshire, 01270 759959 IICentral Library Reading Group The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6pm8pm, 0151 702 5324 IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IICharity in aid of Mark Swift Studio 2, Parr Street, 8pm, donation, 0151 707 3727, Mark Swift had a bike accident and is paralysed IIIf You Want to be a Screenwriter, Get Out of the House Fact, 10.30am-6pm, tickets from £50, one day course, opportunity to get some invaluable advice from experts and the skills to get your work seen IIWaterloo Farmers Market & Food Fayre Old Christ Church, Waterloo, 10.30am-3pm, 0151 649 0401 IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers

SATURDAY 13TH Music IIRalph Lawson, Steve Parry The Shipping Forecast, 11pm-3am, £9 adv, 0151 709 6901, Luna 1st Birthday IISuperSing! Liverpool Philharmonic at the Friary (Everton), 2pm, £50 (Participation fee)/ £25 (income support claimants only), be part of a massed choir on stage

The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, live music from 2.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IISaturday With The Beatles ft. the Cavern Club Beatles The Cavern Live Lounge, Mathew St, 8.30pm, £15, 0151 236 9091, Beatles Tribute Show

IIMe & My Girl The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £15/ £13 Concs, 0151 907 8360, story transports you back to 1930s Hareford

IISons Of Cream The Citadel, St. Helens, doors 7.30pm, £15, 01744 735436, first rock "supergroup" of the 1960s

IIThe Homecoming The Lantern Theatre, Blundell St, 7.30pm, £10/ £7 Concs, 0151 703 0000, masterpiece by Harold Pinter

IIThe Beautiful Word The Lomax, Cumberland St, 8pm

IIOthello The Lantern Theatre, Blundell St, 7.30pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0151 703 0000, Shakespeare tragedy

IIIndigo Violet The Picket, 7pm, £5 adv, 08444 77 1000 IIThe Probes plus The Temps The Brink, Parr St, 5-8pm, 0151 703 0582 IIShake Your Soul Mello Mello, Slater St, 8pm, £4 IICrosby Music Festival Closing Concert Crosby Civic Hall, 7.30pm, 0151 558 0401 IIMotown Special plus guests The Green Room, doors 6.30pm/ start 8pm, £15, 0870 787 1866, a night of non-stop hits IIModou N'Diaye & Kassa Afro Telford's Warehouse, Chester, free before 9pm/ £4 thereafter, 01244 39 00 90 IIOld Radio, Bolshy, The Corinthians, The Wasters Whitehouse, Kensington, 8pm, £4 IIThe Hollies Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, 7.30pm, £28.50, 0844 871 3021

IIWhite Hills, Plank & Mugstar Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 8pm, 0151 227 5946

IINasher The Philharmonic Hall, Rodewald Suite, Hope St, 8.30pm, £12, 0151 709 3789, full Nasher gig, opening: conversation about his book and his career

IIThe Works O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 7pm, £7.05, 0844 477 2000

IILive Acoustic Afternoon View Two Gallery, Mathew St, 2-4pm, 0151 236 9444

IIJaguar Skills & His Amazing Friends O2 Academy Liverpool, 10pm, £16.87, 0844 477 2000

IIFree'd Out Of The Ashes Battle of the Bands Revolver, New Chester Rd, B'head

IIKane Stamps Wine Bar, Liverpool Road, Crosby, 9pm, 0151 286 2662 IITim Shaw, Jay Murray and The Shakers, Richard Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 12pm till early evening, 0151 236 9091 IIThe Cave Dwellers The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 9pm, £4, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Kappa, Tony Mac

Youth Week Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £8, 0151 342 1323

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IILa Boheme Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £16-£18, 0151 666 0000, Performed by Heritage Opera IIThe Leverhulme Drama Festival

IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 2pm & 8pm, £11-£21, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world IIOverspill The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0844 873 2888, poetic, honest and highly-energetic play IITwo Little Words The Liverpool Actors Studio Theatre, 2pm (Matinee) & 7.30, £10, 07906 279258, latest play from the pen of Liverpool playwright Scott Murphy IIEntertaining Angels Southport Little Theatre, Southport, 7.45pm, 01704 541306, a comic tale of family secrets IIAgatha Christie's: And then there were none St. Mary's Church Hall, Grassendale, 7.30pm, £7/ £5 Concs, 07977 562314

Comedy

Bold Street, doors 7.30pm/ start 9pm, £15/ £25 incl. meal, 0870 787 1866, Anthony King, Michael J Dolan and Peter Otway IIChester Comedy Club Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £19.95 incl 3 course dinner, 01244 340005, headler: Paul B. Edwards IIChris Stokes, Dave Johns plus special guest The Laugh Inn, Chester, 8pm, £13.50, 0800 612 9714

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details

IIJimmy Carr The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 8pm, £25/ £31, 0151 709 3789, Gagging Order, brand new show, brand new jokes

IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details

IIComedy Central at Albert Dock Baby Blue, Albert Dock, 6pm, £15-£33, 0151 702 5834, Headliner: Smug Roberts, Compere: Dave Twentyman, Supporting:Steve Shanyaski, Steve Day

IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details

IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £8/ £4 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Birthday Weekend' IIJohn Fothergill plus guest The Slaughter House, Fenwick St, 8pm, £17.50 Comedy Seated/ Meal Deal Options from £28.50, 0151 227 5946, MC Chris Cairns introduces John Fothergill along with Tom Wrigglesworth and Alex Boardman IIFour Candles Comedy House,

IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT LOWDOWN ON 0151 538 5224

LOWDOWN APRIL

The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am-3pm, 0151 907 8360 IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798 IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children IIMoon & Genie The Citadel, St. Helens, doors 12.30pm, £7, 01744 735436, new play for 3-7 years by award-winning writer Tanika Gupta IIPirates Weekend World Museum Liverpool, Clore Natural History Centre, drop in from 1-4pm, make your own pirate costume plus much more

Sports & Leisure IICapoeira Club International Slavery Museum, Anthony Walker Education Centre, 10.30am12.15pm, 0151 478 4456, improves fitness, flexibility, strength and self defence IIEverton vs QPR 3pm IIReading vs Liverpool 3pm

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIA Great Score The Philharmonic Hall, Rodewald Suite, Hope St, 11am, £15 per session/ £90 for a series of 7 sessions, 0151 709 3789, Discover the Classics IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95,

Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IINot Just Vintage House, Bold Street, 11am, 0151 709 7141, Vintage Fair IITalk: Focus on...Frederick Lord Leighton Sudley House, 1-1.45pm, free drop-in event, find out how visiting European and Middle Eastern cities influenced her own life and works IIThe Antiquarian and Secondhand Book Fair Haydock Park Racecourse, St Helens, 10am4pm, 01942 725963 IIThe Martini Lounge Burlesque and Variety Show Epstein Theatre, doors 7.30pm/ start 8.30pm, £20, 0844 888 4411 IIWaterloo Flea Market Old Christ Church, Waterloo, 9.30am-1pm, £0.30, 0151 933 0132 IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers

SUNDAY 14TH Music IIThe Road to Out of The Ashes HEAT 7 The Compass, Chester, 7pm, 01244 344890 IIOnes To Watch O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 6.45pm, £8.05, 0844 477 2000 IIThe Band of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment Sefton Park Palm House, 2pm, 0151 726 9304 IIThe Rioters Dixieland Jazz Band Stamps Wine Bar, Liverpool Road, Crosby, 4pm, 0151 286 2662 IITim Shaw, Made In Liverpool (Beatles Tribute) The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 12pm, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Tony Mac, Screaming Citizens The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, live music from 5.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IIJazz Con Fusion The Grapes, 9pm, 07950 828674, Live jazz with a Latin twist IIKing Creosote The Kazimier, 7.30pm, £11.50, 0151 324 1723 IIRicky's Country Special The Green Room, doors 12.30pm/ start 2pm, £10, 0870 787 1866, charity

IIOut Of Nowhere Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, 2-5pm, 01244 340005 IIOpen Mic Session Telford's Warehouse, Chester, 01244 39 00 90, hosted by Jon Parry IIAlan Jeffs Jazz Jam Night Brewers Arms, Neston Wirral, 8pm, 0151 336 1627 IILoose Moose String Band The Caledonia, 4pm, 0151 708 0325 IIDavid Knopov - a Night of Sinatra Jalons, Smithdown Road, 4.30pm, 0151 734 3984 IIThe Mike Jackson trio Pistachio Restaurant & Bar, Lark Lane, 7pm IILatin Jazz Quartet La Cubanita, Campbell Square off Duke Street, 4pm, 0151 709 5335 IIRebel At Sea Studio 2, Parr Street, 8pm, 0151 707 3727, Acoustic IIThe Moon and Pea 64 Lark Lane, 7-9pm, 0151 727 3403, acoustic night

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IIThe Homecoming The Lantern Theatre, Blundell St, 7.30pm, £10/ £7 Concs, 0151 703 0000, masterpiece by Harold Pinter IIEntertaining Angels Southport Little Theatre, Southport, 7.45pm, 01704 541306, a comic tale of family secrets

Comedy IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £5/ £2.50 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Birthday Weekend' IIMarcus Brigstocke The Laugh Inn, Chester, 8pm, £15, 0800 612 9714

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall,

10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIIn Seven Days Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIThe Universal Addressability of Dumb Things The Bluecoat, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IISpotlight On Youth 2013 Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7pm, £8, 0151 666 0000, children variety show IIEaster Egg Hunt Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10.30am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798, fun for younger children and parents IIEaster Bunny Joke Trail Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 11am-5pm, normal Hall admission, 0151 287 4798

47 IIDonkey Rides Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 12-4pm, small charge for rides, 0151 287 4798, Great fun for younger children

IIOxide & Neutrino The Shipping Forecast, 11pm-3am, £5 Ealy Bird/ £7.50, 0151 709 6901

Theatre & Dance

IIRLPO: Teddy Bear's Picnic The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 2.30pm, £10/ £14/ £6 child, 0151 709 3789, Family Concert, We're going on a Bear Hunt

IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child

IIPirates Weekend World Museum Liverpool, Clore Natural History Centre, drop in from 1-4pm, make your own pirate costume plus much more

IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 8pm, £11-£21, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world

IIWorkshop: Get ahead and get a hat Sudley House, 1-4pm, free drop-in event, make and decorate your very own hat

IIEntertaining Angels Southport Little Theatre, Southport, 7.45pm, 01704 541306, a comic tale of family secrets

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIRoast Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 12pm-5pm, 0151 227 5946, bring your family and friends for lunch in the indoor park IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IILife Drawing Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 7-10pm, £9 OTD, 0151 707 7747

IISave the Last Dance for Me Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, 7.30pm, £25, 0844 871 3021, full of rock 'n' roll classics

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIAn Evening with Karen Sherlock Envi, Fleet Street, 6.30pm, £9, 0151 214 3242, psychic medium

IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911

MONDAY 15TH

IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963

Music IILudovico Einaudi The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £24.50-£34.50, 0151 709 3789 IIEnter Shikari Floral Pavilion Blue Lounge, New Brighton, 8pm, £15, 0151 666 0000 IIFearless Vampire Killers O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 7pm, £8.05, 0844 477 2000 IIPaul Jones, Jon Keats, The Two of Us (Lennon & McCartney Tribute), Jay Murray The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091 IIIan Prowse The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 8pm, 0152 236 9091 IISpectrum Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, 01244 340005

IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land

Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360 IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, School Lane, Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 10am6pm, 0151 702 5324, celebrate global women who are inspirational role models and humanitarians IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Other Events IILets Talk Bike! Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £14-£16, 0151 666 0000, An Evening with TT Champions Ian Hutchinson & Nick Jefferies IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIBlue Lantern The Compass, Chester, 8pm, 01244 344890 IIInternational Womens Day Studio 2, Parr Street, 7.30pm, donation, 0151 707 3727, Poetry Event

TUESDAY 16TH Music IINorthern Chamber Orchestra The Brindley, Runcorn, 7pm, £15/ £7 Students, 18s and under free, 0151 907 8360 IINHK Koyxen, Bantam Lions & Isocore Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 6pm-11pm, £5, 0151 227 5946 IIBig Country O2 Academy Liverpool, 7pm, £25.31, 0844 477 2000

IITony Coburn, Jon Keats, Jimmy Coburn, Paul Jones, Jay Murray The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Gary Murphy The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 7.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IIOut Of The Bedroom: Acoustic Open Mic Night Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 8.30pm, 0151 707 7747, with Johnny Sands IIUnplugged Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £2/ free before 9pm, 01244 340005, open-mic night IIDead Belgian Telford's Warehouse, Chester, £7, 01244 39 00 90 IIBlue Magnolia Jazz Band British Legion Club, Rose Lane, 8.45pm, 0151 724 5753 IIParrJazz: Trionomy Studio 2, Parr Street, 8.30pm, £3 on door/ FREE Students (NUS), 0151 707 3727, Jazz and open jam session

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IIThe Leverhulme Drama Festival Open Week Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £8, 0151 342 1323 IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 8pm, £11-£21, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world IIWaiting For Brando The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £8, 0844 873 2888, based upon an urban myth, two Liverpool seamen and their story IIEntertaining Angels Southport Little Theatre, Southport, 7.45pm, 01704 541306, a comic tale of family secrets IISave the Last Dance for Me Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, 7.30pm, £25, 0844 871 3021, full of rock 'n' roll classics

Comedy IIHormonal Housewives Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £20, 0151 666 0000, hysterical evening IIIf the Shoe Fits Epstein Theatre, 8pm, £15, 0844 888 4411, hilarious award winning comedy, touching,

LOWDOWN APRIL

sarcastic & indisputably funny IIMark Thomas The Slaughter House, Fenwick St, 8pm, £10 Seated and Standing, 0151 227 5946

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360 IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Sports & Leisure IICycle for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10am, booking essential, 0151 296 7054 IIArsenal vs Everton 7.45pm

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIDot-art: Life Drawing The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6.459.30pm, £16 per session/ £160 for 10 week course, 0845 017 6660 IIDot-art: Bookbinding The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6.459.30pm, £17 per session/ £170 for 10 week course, 0845 017 6660 IIBuild Your Own Website The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6.459.30pm, £75 for 5 sessions, 0845 017 6660 IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIJake Mills Quiz Night House, Bold Street, 7pm, 0151 709 7141 IILife Drawing Class Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, 2-4pm, booking required, 0151 794 2348 IIEncore: Manet: Portraying Life Picture House at Fact, 12pm, 0871 902 5737, film incl. exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the show's preparation, interwoven with a superbly crafted biography of Manet and 19th-century Paris, Duration: 91mins IIImprove your Drawing L18, 2-5pm, 07764 449948, tuition from professional illustrator IIMerv's Film Quiz Fact Bar, 8pm, bring your best cinephiles and test your film knowledge IILondon International Animation Film Festival: Shorts for Kids Picturehouse at Fact, 11am

WEDNESDAY 17TH Music IIKeith's Jarrett and guests Keith's Wine Bar, Lark Lane Sefton Park, 8pm, 0151 728 7688 IIPlaza Concert: John Prince Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 12.30pm, 0151 666 0000, pianist

IIPete Wade's Acoustic Open Mic Night Gallaghers Pub and Barbers, Birkenhead, Wirral, 7.30pm, 0151 649 9095 IIPatent Pending plus Erik Chandler O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 6.30pm, £11.25, 0844 477 2000 IIThe Fratellis O2 Academy Liverpool, 7pm, £20.25, 0844 477 2000 IIPaul Jones, Jon Keats, Jimmy Coburn, Tony Coburn, Richard Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091 IIKappa Band The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 9pm, 0152 236 9091 IIVeronica Falls The Kazimier, 8pm, £8.50, 0151 324 1723 IIFuturejack The Lomax, Cumberland St, 8pm IIOut Of Nowhere Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, 01244 340005 IIFreddie Smith Big Band Bebington British Legion, Wirral CH63, 8.30pm, 0151 608 2270 IIThe Original Panama Jazzband The Irby Club, Thingwall Road, Wirral, 8.30pm IISpeakeasy Bootleg Band Mello Mello, Slater St, 9pm IILooking Glass: Live Music plus DJ Studio 2, Parr Street, 9pm, 0151 707 3727 IIThe Moon and Pea 64 Lark Lane, 7-9pm, 0151 727 3403, acoustic night

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 5.30pm (Twilight Perf), £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IIThe Leverhulme Drama Festival Open Week Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £8, 0151 342 1323

upon an urban myth, two Liverpool seamen and their story IIEntertaining Angels Southport Little Theatre, Southport, 7.45pm, 01704 541306, a comic tale of family secrets IISave the Last Dance for Me Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, Matinee 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £25, 0844 871 3021, full of rock 'n' roll classics

Comedy IIIf the Shoe Fits Epstein Theatre, 8pm, £15, 0844 888 4411, hilarious award winning comedy, touching, sarcastic & indisputably funny

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIFootloose Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £17, 0844 871 3017, full of stunning dance routines

IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art

IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 2pm & 8pm, £11-£21, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world

IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIWaiting For Brando The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0844 873 2888, based

IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT LOWDOWN ON 0151 538 5224

49 IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Sports & Leisure IIWalk for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 1.30pm, 0151 287 4798, enjoy a healthy walk through the park IILatin Mania Telford's Warehouse, Chester, 8pm, £4 each/ £6 both,01244 390 090, Salsa Classes and Latin dance night

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIHitchcock The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £6/ £7, 0151 709 3789, film IILunchtime Learning The Philharmonic Hall, Rodewald Suite, Hope St, 1pm, £15, 0151 709 3789, join composer and lecturer Ian Stephens for a daytime series of inspiring music and relaxed learning IISuper Effective Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 6pm-8pm, 07918 760225, social club for the geek-clique, gaming enthusiasts, quiz-fanatics and sports lovers IITea Dance St Georges Hall, 1.30pm4pm, £5 payable on the door, 0151 225 6909, live music and dance, dancers of all abilities are welcome IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IITalk: Whaling and exploration Merseyside Maritime Museum, Lecture theatre, 4th floor, 1pm, from Liverpool's Greenland Street to Greenland's Liverpool coast, a lecture by Dr Chris Routledge, University of Liverpool IILamplight Tour Croxteth Hall and

Country Park, 6pm or 7pm, £10 adults/ £8 children, 0151 287 4798

of a young couple raising a disabled child

IISpotify Wednesday Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 8pm, 0151 707 7747, Enabling the sharing, creating and modifying of each other's playlists

IIMarat/ Sade LIPA, Paul McCartney Auditorium, 7.30pm, £8/ £4 Concs, 0844 873 2888, a controversial "play within a play" set in a French mental asylum

IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963

IIThe Leverhulme Drama Festival Open Week Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £8, 0151 342 1323

IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIQuiz Night The Compass, Chester, 8.30pm, 01244 344890

THURSDAY 18TH Music IIRLPO: Concerto for Orchestra The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £13-£36, 0151 709 3789 IITony Mac, Jon Keats, Richard Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm till early evening, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Beatles Tribute Night The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 7.30pm, £3, 0151 236 9091 IIMadison plus support Tony Mac The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 7pm, 0152 236 9091 IICup of Tea: Open Mic The Lomax, Cumberland St, 8.30pm IIThe Hungry Horse Acoustic Folk Club Singers And Musicians Night The Whitby Sports & Social Club, Ellesmere Port, 8pm, 0151 678 9902 IICrowded Scouse Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £5, 01244 340005, original UK tribute to the music of Neil Finn and Crowded House IIObelisks, Camera Telford's Warehouse, Chester, 01244 39 00 90 IISwingology The Grapes, 9.30pm, 07950 828674 IIBelicious Beats Studio 2, Parr Street, 8pm, £2, 0151 707 3727, Live Music IIOpen Mic Night Vinyl Bar, Lark Lane, 8.30pm, 0151 726 0160 IIEmperor X Bold Street Coffee, 0151 707 0760 IIBig Pete Blues Band Marina Bar & Restaurant, Sefton St, doors 8pm/ start 8.45pm, £12 adv/ £13 door

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 1.30pm (Matinee) & 7.30pm (audio described), £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain

IIFootloose Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £17, 0844 871 3017, full of stunning dance routines IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 8pm, £11-£21, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world

10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911

IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIWaiting For Brando The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0844 873 2888, based upon an urban myth, two Liverpool seamen and their story

IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art

IIEntertaining Angels Southport Little Theatre, Southport, 7.45pm, 01704 541306, a comic tale of family secrets

IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details

IISave the Last Dance for Me Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, 7.30pm, £25, 0844 871 3021, full of rock 'n' roll classics

II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360

Comedy IIDave Spikey The Brindley, Runcorn, 8pm, £17, 0151 907 8360, rich and spicey comedy casserole IIIf the Shoe Fits Epstein Theatre, 8pm, £15, 0844 888 4411, hilarious award winning comedy, touching, sarcastic & indisputably funny IIComedy Central at Albert Dock Baby Blue, Albert Dock, 6pm, £15-£33, 0151 702 5834, Headliner: John Warburton, Compere: Mike Wilkinson, Supporting: John Ryan, Harriet Dyer

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall,

IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details

IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Sports & Leisure IIWalk for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 6pm, 0151 287 4798, enjoy an evening healthy walk around the park

Other Events IISports & General Knowledge Quiz Cafe Sports England, Stanley Street, 7pm, Free but book a table for dinner or drinks,0151 239 5070, Hosted by Radio City's Simon Ross or TV's Ste Fletcher

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT LOWDOWN ON 0151 538 5224

LOWDOWN APRIL

IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIScrips The Bluecoat, School Lane, 1pm-2.30pm, 0151 702 5324, informal space for creative writing, from poetry to short stories IIIntro to Screen Printing The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6-9pm, £145/ £135, 0151 702 5324, Four week course with Mike Snowdon IIVinatge Tea Cup Pin Cushion The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6-8pm, £20 (incl. all materials), to book email: landbabyshop@gmail.com, 0151 702 5324 IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIVisit to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield Bluecoat Display Centre, meet 8.45pm, 8.50am-6pm, £35, 0151 709 4014, by minibus, talk about Park, exhibition, Fabric-ation, showing the work of artist Yinka Shonibare, explore the sculpture and the grounds IILiverpool Nautical Research Society talk Merseyside Maritime Museum, 12.30pm, William Robertson & Co-Short Sea Traders, Roy Fenton present their latest research IIJelly Liverpool Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 9am-5pm, 0151 707 7747, casual all day work-together for anyone with a laptop and some grafting to be done IIMurder in the Woods The National Trust Formby, 7pm, £8, 01704 878591, Murder Mystery night with a difference

0000, recreates the atmosphere of the great Pink Floyd in concert IIMichael Ball: Both Sides Now Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £38.50, 0844 871 3017 IIBilly Ocean The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £17.50-£25.50, 0151 709 3789, biggest black recording star Britain has ever produced IIYundi St George's Hall, 7.30pm, £25, 0151 225 6911, Chamber Music IIElevation Eric's, Mathew Street, 8pm, £6, 0151 236 9994, U2 Tribute IINeil Griffiths Gallaghers Pub and Barbers, Birkenhead, Wirral, 7.30pm, 0151 649 9095, 80s music IIManu Delago Handmade The Capstone Theatre, 7.30pm, £12.50, 0844 8000 410, sweet and delicate vocal line with colourful hang accompompaniment IITim Shaw, Ronny Hughes, Jon Keats, Tony Mac The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music 12-8pm, 0151 236 9091 IIRichard Batty & The Rockits The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 8pm, £3, 0151 236 9091 IIOasiz The Cavern Live Lounge, Mathew St, 8.30pm, £10, 0151 236 9091, Tribute to Oasis IIColin Vearncombe (aka Black) The Citadel, St. Helens, doors 7.30pm, £12, 01744 735436, eclectic, slightly melancholic and extremely classy singer-songwriter IIWarning The Lomax, Cumberland St, 8pm IIUndiscovered Society Elevator Bar, doors 7pm, £5 adv, 0151 707 1137

IIPros & Coms Vinyl Bar, Lark Lane, 0151 726 0160, mix of Comedy, Poetry and Live Music

IIRaise the Youth O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, doors 7pm, £6 adv, 0844 477 2000

IIThe Waterloo Beer Festival Old Christ Church, Waterloo, 6-10.30pm, £5, 0151 933 9660, over 200 beers

II3B DJ's House, Bold Street, 8pm, 0151 709 7141

IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers

FRIDAY 19TH Music IIUK Pink Floyd Experience Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £17.50- £19.50, 0151 666

IIThe Hungry Horse Acoustic Folk Club: Spiers & Boden Vocal Point The Whitby Sports & Social Club, Ellesmere Port, 8.30pm, £15, 0151 678 9902 IIErrol Brown & Tina Turner Tribute The Green Room, doors 6.30pm/ start 8pm, £15, 0870 787 1866 IIThe Moocows Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £6/ £14.95 incl 3 course dinner, 01244 340005

IIPaul Wilkes with DJ Nick Power Telford's Warehouse, Chester, free before 9pm/ £4 thereafter, 01244 39 00 90 IIRandom Hand The Compass, Chester, 8pm, £8.50, 01244 344890 IINine Lives Stamps Wine Bar, Liverpool Road, Crosby, 9pm, 0151 286 2662, rock/pop/inde covers band IIThank Funk it's Friday: Brickhouse Studio 2, Parr Street, 9pm, £3, 0151 707 3727, Funk IISuper Fast Girlie Show plus support Drop The Dumbells, Slater St, 8pm, £4 IIThe Physics House Band Mello Mello, Slater St, 8pm IIEnrages - Rage Against The Machine Tribute Revolver, New Chester Rd, B'Head

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IIMarat/ Sade LIPA, Paul McCartney Auditorium, 7.30pm, £8/ £4 Concs, 0844 873 2888, a controversial "play within a play" set in a French mental asylum IIThe Leverhulme Drama Festival Open Week Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £8, 0151 342 1323

Comedy IIMike Harding The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £15, 0151 907 8360 IIPatrick Monahan-Shooting from the Lip! The Brindley, Runcorn, 8pm, £15, 0151 907 8360 IIIf the Shoe Fits Epstein Theatre, 8pm, £15, 0844 888 4411, hilarious award winning comedy, touching, sarcastic & indisputably funny IIComedy Central at Albert Dock Baby Blue, Albert Dock, 6pm, £15-£33, 0151 702 5834, Headliner: John Warburton, Compere: Mike Wilkinson, Supporting: John Ryan, Prince Abdi IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £5/ £2.50 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Temperature's Rising' IIMarkus Birdman plus guest The Slaughter House, Fenwick St, 8pm, £15 Comedy Seated/ Meal Deal Options from £26, 0151 227 5946, MC Neil Fitzmaurice introduces Markus Birdman along with Tiffany Stevenson and Daliso Chaponda IIBottleTop Comedy presents 'Stand Up And Deliver' Envi, Fleet Street, 7.30pm, £5, 0151 214 3242 IIJohn Lynn, Joe Lycett & Carey Marx The Laugh Inn, Chester, 8pm, £13.50, 0800 612 9714

Arts

IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 8pm, £17-£27, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world

IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIWaiting For Brando The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0844 873 2888, based upon an urban myth, two Liverpool seamen and their story

IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm

IIIn Thoughts of You The Liverpool Actors Studio Theatre, 7.30, £12/ £10 Concs, 07906 279258, The Story of Billy Fury IIEntertaining Angels Southport Little Theatre, Southport, 7.45pm, 01704 541306, a comic tale of family secrets IISave the Last Dance for Me Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, 7.30pm, £25, 0844 871 3021, full of rock 'n' roll classics

IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details

IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see

51 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360 IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

IIThe Waterloo Beer Festival Old Christ Church, Waterloo, 12-4.30pm and 6-10.30pm, £5, 0151 933 9660, over 200 beers IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers

SATURDAY 20TH Music IIGarfunkel and Simon Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £15.50- £17.50, 0151 666 0000, this great night is sure to leave you 'feelin' groovy' IISimple Minds Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7pm, £37.50-£49.50, 0844 871 3017, Greatest Hits IIShowaddywaddy The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £18, 0151 907 8360, retro inspired rock & roll IIEdwyn Collins The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 8pm, £17.50-£23.50, 0151 709 3789

IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IILau St George's Hall, 7.30pm, £16.50, 0151 225 6911, contemporary folk music

IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

IIThe Released O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 7pm, £7.05, 0844 477 2000

IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Sports & Leisure IIStrictly Social Ballroom and Latin Southport Conservative Club, Bath Street, 8-11pm, £20, 07857 596007, improve your dancing skills

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIOne Night In Istanbul The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6.307.30pm, 0151 702 5324, Muge Iplicki and Murat Gulsoy, who ft in Comma Press's short story anthology The Book of Istanbul, will read short stories and discuss their work IIBook Fair The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10.30am-5pm, 0151 702 5324, Collectors' and bargain second hand books IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool

IITim Shaw, Jay Murray and The Shakers, Richard Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 12pm till early evening, 0151 236 9091 IIThe Cave Dwellers The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 9pm, £4, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Kappa, Tony Mac The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, live music from 2.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IISaturday With The Beatles ft. the Cavern Club Beatles The Cavern Live Lounge, Mathew St, 8.30pm, £15, 0151 236 9091, Beatles Tribute Show IICurved Air The Citadel, St. Helens, doors 7.30pm, £17, 01744 735436, progressive art-rock band IIBongripper, Conan, Humanfly and more The Kazimier, 6pm, £8, 0151 324 1723, metal IIThe Ruckus The Lomax, Cumberland St, 7pm, £3 OTD, Indie IIDeekline & Ed Solo, Featurecast, Jay Robinson, DJ Norx, James Sims 40 Seel St, 10pm, £10 adv/ £13 OTD

IIRobbie & Kylie Tribute The Green Room, doors 6.30pm/ start 8pm, £15, 0870 787 1866 IIThe Roving Crows Telford's Warehouse, Chester, free before 9pm/ £4 thereafter, 01244 39 00 90 IIDB Band ft Supergrass's Mick Quinn The Compass, Chester, 8pm, £8, 01244 344890 IIShamona Stamps Wine Bar, Liverpool Road, Crosby, 9.30pm, 0151 286 2662 IIThe Songbook Sessions The Zanzibar Club, 7.30pm, £4, 0151 345 3382, Fierce Inc, Jessica`s Ghost, Shoes 4 Brakes, Rainbird, Le Emu Tavern, Rachel Nicholas, Kate McLaughlan IICheap Purple - Deep Purple Tribute Revolver, New Chester Rd, B'Head

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 2pm (Matinee) & 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child

award winning comedy, touching, sarcastic & indisputably funny IIComedy Central at Albert Dock Baby Blue, Albert Dock, 6pm, £15-£33, 0151 702 5834, Headliner: John Warburton, Compere: Mike Wilkinson, Supporting: John Ryan, Prince Abdi IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £8/ £4 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Boiling Point' IIMarkus Birdman plus guest The Slaughter House, Fenwick St, 8pm, £17.50 Comedy Seated/ Meal Deal Options from £28.50, 0151 227 5946, MC Neil Fitzmaurice introduces Markus Birdman along with Tiffany Stevenson and Daliso Chaponda IIFour Candles Comedy House, Bold Street, doors 7.30pm/ start 9pm, £15/ £25 incl. meal, 0870 787 1866, Steve Harris, Sam Gore and Jim Smallman IIChester Comedy Club Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £19.95 incl 3 course dinner, 01244 340005, headler: Tudur Owen

IIMarat/ Sade LIPA, Paul McCartney Auditorium, 2.30pm (Matinee) & 7.30pm, £8/ £4 Concs, 0844 873 2888, a controversial "play within a play" set in a French mental asylum

IIJohn Lynn, Joe Lycett & Carey Marx The Laugh Inn, Chester, 8pm, £13.50, 0800 612 9714

IIThe Leverhulme Drama Festival Open Week Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £8, 0151 342 1323

IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 2pm & 8pm, £17-£27, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world

IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm

IIWaiting For Brando The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 2pm & 8pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0844 873 2888, based upon an urban myth, two Liverpool seamen and their story IIEntertaining Angels Southport Little Theatre, Southport, 7.45pm, 01704 541306, a comic tale of family secrets IISave the Last Dance for Me Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, Matinee 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £25, 0844 871 3021, full of rock 'n' roll classics

Comedy IIIf the Shoe Fits Epstein Theatre, 8pm, £15, 0844 888 4411, hilarious

Arts

IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details

IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details

LOWDOWN APRIL

IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am-3pm, 0151 907 8360 IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details IIAir Craft Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIEvery Man and Woman is a Star Walker Art Gallery, 10am-5pm, An exploration of the similarities and differences between the work of Martin Parr and Tom Wood IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IISt George's Weekend World Museum Liverpool, Clore Natural History Centre, drop in from 1-4pm, make decorations to celebrate St George's Day on 23 April

Sports & Leisure IICapoeira Club International Slavery Museum, Anthony Walker Education Centre, 10.30am-12.15pm, 0151 478 4456, improves fitness, flexibility, strength and self defence IISunderland vs Everton 3pm IILiverpool Birds Roller Derby Bout Greenbank Sports Academy, 1pm, £5 adv/ £7 door IIXtremeSTORM Endurance Race Esplanade Southport, 0845 894 6342

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am-

8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIBook Fair The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10.30am-5pm, 0151 702 5324, Collectors' and bargain second hand books IISinging in Harmony day with Sense of Sound The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am-4pm, £25, 0151 702 5324, workshop host by Jennifer John IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool

Arms, Neston Wirral, 8pm, 0151 336 1627 IIThe Martin Smith Quartet The Caledonia, 4pm, 0151 708 0325 IIDavid Knopov - a Night of Sinatra Jalons, Smithdown Road, 4.30pm, 0151 734 3984 IIThe Mike Jackson trio Pistachio Restaurant & Bar, Lark Lane, 7pm IIAnnie Long Duo Milan Restaurant, Banks Road, West Kirby, 7pm IILatin Jazz Quartet La Cubanita, Campbell Square off Duke Street, 4pm, 0151 709 5335

225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIThe Pirate Ship! World Museum Liverpool, see 1st for details IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details

IINot Just Vintage House, Bold Street, 11am, 0151 709 7141, Vintage Fair

IISlam Jam Stamps Wine Bar, Liverpool Road, Crosby, 6pm, 0151 286 2662

IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIRiverside Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally Riverside Holiday Park, Southport New Road, 10am4pm, £6/ £3 11 / under 11 free, 01704 215431

IIEasy Like Sunday Studio 2, Parr Street, 6pm, 0151 707 3727

IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art

IIThe Waterloo Beer Festival Old Christ Church, Waterloo, 12-4.30pm and 6-10.30pm, £5, 0151 933 9660, over 200 beers

IIQuentin Collin and Brandon Allen 4tet The Royal Clifton Hotel, The Promenade, Southport, 8pm, £14/ £13 members/ £8 NUS, 01704 541790, Swing/ Jazz

IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers

SUNDAY 21ST Music IIRLPO: Paul Lewis performs Mozart The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 2.30pm, £13-£36, 0151 709 3789 IIMartin Stephenson Floral Pavilion Blue Lounge, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £14, 0151 666 0000 IITim Shaw The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 12pm, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Tony Mac, Screaming Citizens The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, live music from 5.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IIJazz Con Fusion The Grapes, 9pm, 07950 828674, Live jazz with a Latin twist IIRoy Potts Five and a Penny Jazz Band Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, 2-5pm, 01244 340005 IIOpen Mic session Telford's Warehouse, Chester, 01244 39 00 90, hosted by Chris Ingram IIAlan Jeffs Jazz Jam Night Brewers

IIThe Moon and Pea 64 Lark Lane, 7-9pm, 0151 727 3403, acoustic night

IIKate Nash The Masque, 7pm, 0151 707 6171 IISlydigs The Zanzibar Club, 7pm, £8, 0151 345 3382, unadulterated rock 'n' roll

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child

Comedy IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £3/ £1.50 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Testing the Water'

Arts IITitanic and Liverpool: the untold story Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151

IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIEvery Man and Woman is a Star Walker Art Gallery, see 20th for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IIThe Chuckle Brothers - Meet The Phantom of the Theatre Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 2pm, £14, 0151 666 0000, A rip-roaring show featuring songs, slap-stick comedy, magic, puppets, full supporting cast and fun IISt George's Weekend World Museum Liverpool, Clore Natural History Centre, drop in from 1-4pm, make decorations to celebrate St George's Day on 23 April IISt George's Day Festival St George's Quarter, 11am, feature the debut appearance of CBBC character Mike the Knight

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT LOWDOWN ON 0151 538 5224

53 Sports & Leisure IILiverpool vs Chelsea 4pm IIXtremeSTORM Endurance Race Esplanade Southport, 0845 894 6342

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIRoast Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 12pm-5pm, 0151 227 5946, bring your family and friends for lunch in the indoor park IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIThe Clock and Watch Exhibition Haydock Park Racecourse, St Helens, 9am-3pm, £5 till 10.30am after £2.50, 01942 725963 IIRiverside Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally Riverside Holiday Park, Southport New Road, 10am4pm, £6/ £3 11 / under 11 free, 01704 215431 IIThe Waterloo Beer Festival Old Christ Church, Waterloo, 12 noon till 8pm, £5, 0151 933 9660, over 200 beers

MONDAY 22ND Music IIPere Ubu Eric's, Mathew Street, 7.30pm, £19.25, 0151 236 9994, featuring Gagarincplus Variety Lights (ex Mercury Rev) IIMarti Pellow The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 8pm, £32.50-£42.50, 0151 709 3789 IIPaul Jones, Jon Keats, The Two of Us (Lennon & McCartney Tribute), Jay Murray The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091 IIIan Prowse The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 8pm, 0152 236 9091 IIDaughter with special guests Liverpool Cathedral, St James' Mount, doors 7.30pm/ start 8pm, £13, 0871 220 0260 II62 Pieces of Lego Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, 01244 340005

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The

Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child

IIEvery Man and Woman is a Star Walker Art Gallery, see 20th for details

IIBlue Magnolia Jazz Band British Legion Club, Rose Lane, 8.45pm, 0151 724 5753

IIHairspray the Musical Liverpool Empire Theatre, 8pm, £10-£42.50, 0844 871 3017

IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 8pm, £11-£21, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world

IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

IIParrJazz: Stuart Mccallum and Mike Walker Studio 2, Parr Street, 8.30pm, £3 on door/ FREE Students (NUS), 0151 707 3727, Jazz and open jam session, guitarists

Comedy IIAn Evening with Alexei Sayle Picturehouse at Fact, 6.30pm, £15/ £12 Concs, 0871 902 5737

Arts IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360 IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIBlue Lantern The Compass, Chester, 8pm, 01244 344890 IIMouth Of The Mersey Studio 2, Parr Street, 7.30pm, 0151 707 3727, Story Telling

TUESDAY 23RD Music IIRLPO: Key Stage 2 Schools' Concert Preston Guild Hall, 11.30am IIMarti Pellow The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 8pm, £32.50-£42.50, 0151 709 3789

IITriangle Launch Party The Shipping Forecast, 11pm-3am, £6, 0151 709 6901

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IIAn Evening of Dance - Wallasey School of Ballet Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7pm, £10- £12, 0151 666 0000, fantastic evening of dance which features the ballet Les Patineurs: The Pleasures of Winter IIHairspray the Musical Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £10£42.50, 0844 871 3017 IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 8pm, £14-£24, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world

Comedy

IIAttack Attack! O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 7pm, £10.12, 0844 477 2000

IILast of the Summer WineTreading the Boards The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £10, 0151 907 8360, memorable evening of anecdotes, songs and film clips about Bill Owen

IITony Coburn, Jon Keats, Jimmy Coburn, Paul Jones, Jay Murray The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091

IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details

IIRonny Hughes, Gary Murphy The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 7.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IIGaz Coombes The Kazimier, 7pm, £12.50, 0151 324 1723 IIOut Of The Bedroom: Acoustic Open Mic Night Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 8.30pm, 0151 707 7747, with Johnny Sands IIUnplugged Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £2/ free before 9pm, 01244 340005, open-mic night IIScott Matthews Telford's Warehouse, Chester, £12.50, 01244 39 00 90, award winning singer/ songwriter

Arts IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT LOWDOWN ON 0151 538 5224

LOWDOWN APRIL

IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360 IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details IIArchiving the Arts Centre The Bluecoat, School Lane, Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 10am-6pm, 0151 702 5324, display will reflect curatorial developments and highlight key projects IIArchiving the Arts Centre The Bluecoat, see 22nd for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIEvery Man and Woman is a Star Walker Art Gallery, see 20th for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Sports & Leisure IICycle for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10am, booking essential, 0151 296 7054

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIDot-art: Life Drawing The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6.459.30pm, £16 per session/ £160 for 10 week course, 0845 017 6660 IIDot-art: Bookbinding The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6.459.30pm, £17 per session/ £170 for 10 week course, 0845 017 6660

IIBuild Your Own Website The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6.459.30pm, £75 for 5 sessions, 0845 017 6660 IIPhilosophy in Pubs The Bluecoat, School Lane, 1pm-2.30pm, 0151 702 5324, resident philosophers debate the important questions IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IISt George's Day The James Monro, 0151 236 9700 IIJake Mills Quiz Night House, Bold Street, 7pm, 0151 709 7141 IIImprove your Drawing L18, 2-5pm, 07764 449948, tuition from professional illustrator IILiterary Festival: In Other Words Various Locations, Liverpool city centre, see www.itsliverpool.com for details

WEDNESDAY 24TH Music IIKeith's Jarrett and guests Keith's Wine Bar, Lark Lane Sefton Park, 8pm, 0151 728 7688 IIThe Solid Silver 60s Show The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £23.50-£30.50, 0151 709 3789, original artists singing their greatest hits IIPlaza Concert: RLPO Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 12.30pm, £4, 0151 666 0000 IIK-X-P & Gigantes Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 8pm, £7, 0151 227 5946 IIPaul Rose Eric's, Mathew Street, 8pm, £15.50, 0151 236 9994 IIPete Wade's Acoustic Open Mic Night Gallaghers Pub and Barbers, Birkenhead, Wirral, 7.30pm, 0151 649 9095 IIRudimental O2 Academy Liverpool, 7pm, £12.37, 0844 477 2000 IIPaul Jones, Jon Keats, Jimmy Coburn, Tony Coburn, Richard Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091 IIKappa Band The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 9pm, 0152 236 9091 IIAcoustics Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, 01244 340005

IISynthesizers and Computer Music The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6-7.30pm, 0151 702 5324 IIFreddie Smith Big Band Bebington British Legion, Wirral CH63, 8.30pm, 0151 608 2270 IIStudio2 Band Night Studio 2, Parr Street, 8pm, 0151 707 3727, Jovean, Magnus Romo, The Varese's plus guest IIThe Moon and Pea 64 Lark Lane, 7-9pm, 0151 727 3403, acoustic night

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IIAn Evening of Dance - Wallasey School of Ballet Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7pm, £10- £12, 0151 666 0000, fantastic evening of dance which features the ballet Les Patineurs: The Pleasures of Winter

Arts IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIHairspray the Musical Liverpool Empire Theatre, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £10-£42.50, 0844 871 3017

IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art

IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 8pm, £11-£21, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world

IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIThe Swan The Liverpool Actors Studio Theatre, 07906 279258, by Pat Anderson IICameo Cinema Murders, Revealing a tragic miscarriage of Justice St Georges Hall, Crown Court, 6-8pm, £10, 07753 346 394, Entrance via Heritage Centre IIThe Smell of Envy The Capstone Theatre, 7.30pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0844 8000 410, for those of you who love the smell of yesterday

Comedy IIVariety Lunch Club The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 12.30pm, £3/ £6 incl. bowl of Scouse, 0870 787 1240, feature the best in local entertainment with variety of comedians, actors and entertainers IIFinding Joy The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0844 873 2888, a comic, anarchic, touching, full mask adventure

IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360 IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details IIArchiving the Arts Centre The Bluecoat, see 22nd for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIEvery Man and Woman is a Star Walker Art Gallery, see 20th for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Sports & Leisure IIWalk for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 1.30pm, 0151 287

55 4798, enjoy a healthy walk through the park IILatin Mania Telford's Warehouse, Chester, 8pm, £4 each/ £6 both,01244 390 090, Salsa Classes and Latin dance night

Other Events IIKitty Wilkinson Tour Liverpool Cathedral, St James' Mount, 6.30pm, £5, Tickets limited, available from Cathedral Shop, 0151 702 7255, actress Lucy Fiori as Kitty Wilkinson guiding around the Cathedral IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme

THURSDAY 25TH Music II10cc's Graham Gouldman & Friends The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £22.50, 0151 907 8360, Heart Full of Songs IITony Mac, Jon Keats, Richard Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm till early evening, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Beatles Tribute Night The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 7.30pm, £3, 0151 236 9091 IIXander & The Peace Pirates plus support Tony Mac The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 7pm, 0152 236 9091

IISuper Effective Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 6pm-8pm, 07918 760225, social club for the geek-clique, gaming enthusiasts, quiz-fanatics and sports lovers

IICup of Tea: Open Mic The Lomax, Cumberland St, 8.30pm

IIIn Conversation: The Shock of the Old The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6-7pm, 0151 702 5324, Bryan Biggs and Sara-Jayne Parsons discuss the building's rich, century-long exhibition history

IIThe Hungry Horse Acoustic Folk Club Singers And Musicians Night The Whitby Sports & Social Club, Ellesmere Port, 8pm, 0151 678 9902

IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IITalk: From whaling to MacFisheries Merseyside Maritime Museum, Lecture theatre, 4th floor, 1pm, Leverhulme, soap and the Outer Hebrides, a lecture by Gavin Hunter II20th Century Chic: Exhibition tours Sudley House, 1-1.45pm, free drop-in event, explore the changing shape of fashion IISpotify Wednesday Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 8pm, 0151 707 7747, Enabling the sharing, creating and modifying of each other's playlists IIQuiz Night The Compass, Chester, 8.30pm, 01244 344890 IIFilm Lecture Series: Rear Window Fact, 1pm, Tickets under 0151 707 4417, gives students a chance to study with industry professionals in a new environment, each screnning will be followed by a lecture IILiterary Festival: In Other Words Various Locations, Liverpool city centre, see www.itsliverpool.com for details

IIMaison Johnny Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 8pm, 0151 707 7747, new monthly night

IIMusic For The Greater Good Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £5/ £4 adv/ £3 NUS, 01244 340005 IIThe Doors Alive Telford's Warehouse, Chester, £10, 01244 39 00 90, tribute band to The Doors IIThe Grapes Band The Grapes, 9.30pm, 07950 828674 IILive Acoustic Evening Studio 2, Parr Street, 7.30pm, 0151 707 3727 IIOpen Mic Night Vinyl Bar, Lark Lane, 8.30pm, 0151 726 0160 IITea Jazz Dobbies Garden Centre Tea Room, 5-7pm, 01704 552920

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 1.30pm (Matinee) & 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IISummer of '42 LIPA, Sennheiser Studio Theatre, 7.30pm, £8/ £4 Concs, 0844 873 2888, a delightful coming-of-age musical about holidaying young buck Hermie

£11 Concs, 01744 756 000, most tragic tale IIThe Morning After The Lantern Theatre, Blundell St, 8pm, £7.50/ £5 Concs, 0151 703 0000 IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 8pm, £14-£24, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world IIThe Swan The Liverpool Actors Studio Theatre, 07906 279258, by Pat Anderson

Comedy IIFinding Joy The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0844 873 2888, a comic, anarchic, touching, full mask adventure IIComedy Central at Albert Dock Baby Blue, Albert Dock, 6pm, £15-£33, 0151 702 5834, Headliner: Andy Askins, Compere: Phill Ellis, Supporting: Ben Norris, Richard Massara

Arts IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art

IIHairspray the Musical Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £10£42.50, 0844 871 3017

IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIRomeo & Juliet St. Helens Theatre Royal, 12.30pm & 7.30pm, £13/

IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details

IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details

II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360 IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details IIArchiving the Arts Centre The Bluecoat, see 22nd for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIEvery Man and Woman is a Star Walker Art Gallery, see 20th for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Sports & Leisure IIWalk for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 6pm, 0151 287 4798, enjoy an evening healthy walk around the park

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIPoetry Cafe: Marilyn Hacker and Rachida Madani The Bluecoat, School Lane, 7.30-9.30pm, £6/ £4, 0151 702 5324 IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIAn Evening with Noddy Holder The Citadel, St. Helens, doors 7.30pm, £15, 01744 735436, in Conversation with Mark Radcliffe IIMurder Mystery Night Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 7.30pm, £25, 0151 287 4798, identify the murderer IILate Night Tower Views Liverpool Cathedral, St James' Mount, 5.309pm, £5/ £3.50 Concs/ £12 Family, 0151 702 7255 IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers IILiterary Festival: In Other Words Various Locations, Liverpool city centre, see www.itsliverpool.com for details

LOWDOWN APRIL

FRIDAY 26TH Music IIHighfield Male Voice Choir The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £10 adults/ £5 child, 0151 907 8360 IIBrian Kennedy Epstein Theatre, 8pm, £17 adv/ £17.50 OTD, 0844 888 4411, live performer and songwriter IIO'Hooley & Tidow The Philharmonic Hall, Rodewald Suite, Hope St, 8.30pm, £12, 0151 709 3789, chamber-folk duo behind The Fragile IINeil Griffiths Gallaghers Pub and Barbers, Birkenhead, Wirral, 7.30pm, 0151 649 9095, 80s music IIGreen Date O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 7pm, £13.50, 0844 477 2000, The Official Green Day Tribute Band IILiverpool College Lunchtime Concert Sefton Park Palm House, 1.15pm-2pm, 0151 726 9304 IIMarius Neset The Capstone Theatre, 7.30pm, £15, 0844 8000 410, saxophonist and composer IITim Shaw, Ronny Hughes, Jon Keats, Tony Mac The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music 12-8pm, 0151 236 9091 IIRichard Batty & The Rockits The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 8pm, £3, 0151 236 9091 IIJames Yorkston The Kazimier, 7.30pm, £14.50, 0151 324 1723 II3B DJ's House, Bold Street, 8pm, 0151 709 7141 IICowtown & Other Earth Blade Factory, 8pm, £3 IIBeyonce-licious Huyton Civic Suite, 7.30pm, £12.50, 0151 443 3761 IIAsa Murphy plus guests The Green Room, doors 6.30pm/ start 8pm, £15, 0870 787 1866 IIThe Fakes Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £5, 01244 340005 IIWashington Irving Telford's Warehouse, Chester, free before 9pm/ £4 thereafter, 01244 39 00 90 IIBig Social: Tyler Mensah, Bolshy, Shamona, Ed Poole Studio 2, Parr Street, 7pm, 0151 707 3727, live music IIRock & Rave Night The Zanzibar Club, 7.30pm, £4, 0151 345 3382, Killaflow, The Dirty Rich

IIOnly Child, Liva String Quartet, Roxanne de Bastion, Rob Clarke View Two Gallery, Mathew St, doors 8pm/ start 8.30pm, £5 adv/ £6 door, 0151 236 9444, acoustic folk

Theatre & Dance IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child IISummer of '42 LIPA, Sennheiser Studio Theatre, 7.30pm, £8/ £4 Concs/ £3 NUS, 0844 873 2888, a delightful coming-of-age musical about holidaying young buck Hermie IIMercury Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, 7.30pm, £16.50, 0151 342 1323, tribute to the the genius of Freddie Mercury and Queen IIHairspray the Musical Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £10£42.50, 0844 871 3017 IITwo by Jim Cartwright The Brindley, Runcorn, 7.30pm, £10/ £8 Concs, 0151 907 8360, Survey a myriad of customers through the beer googles of a 1980's public house IIThe Morning After The Lantern Theatre, Blundell St, 8pm, £7.50/ £5 Concs, 0151 703 0000 IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 8pm, £17-£27, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world IIThe Swan The Liverpool Actors Studio Theatre, 07906 279258, by Pat Anderson IICameo Cinema Murders, Revealing a tragic miscarriage of Justice St Georges Hall, Crown Court, 6-8pm, £10, 07753 346 394, Entrance via Heritage Centre

Comedy

Options from £26, 0151 227 5946, MC Chris Cairns introduces Gary Delaney along with Tom Stade and Martin Mor IIBottleTop Comedy presents 'Stand Up And Deliver' Envi, Fleet Street, 7.30pm, £5, 0151 214 3242 IIMike Newall, Chris Turner & Ben Norris The Laugh Inn, Chester, 8pm, £13.50, 0800 612 9714

Arts IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360

IIComedy Central at Albert Dock Baby Blue, Albert Dock, 6pm, £15-£33, 0151 702 5834, Headliner: Andy Askins, Compere: Phill Ellis, Supporting: Ben Norris, Phil Walker

IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details

IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £5/ £2.50 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Temperature's Rising'

IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

IIGary Delaney plus guest The Slaughter House, Fenwick St, 8pm, £15 Comedy Seated/ Meal Deal

IIArchiving the Arts Centre The Bluecoat, see 22nd for details

IIEvery Man and Woman is a Star Walker Art Gallery, see 20th for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details

IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Other Events IIAn Audience with Saint and Cally Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £12, 0151 666 0000, Liverpool legends Ian St John and Ian Callaghan talk revealingly live on stage to John Keith IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIThe Liverpool Philharmonic Experience The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 1.30pm, £7-£15, 0151 709 3789, see behind the scenes of the unique art-deco IIIndian Takeaway With Hardeep Singh Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £15/ £13, 0151 666 0000 IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIWorkshop: Liverpool landscape lunchtimes Museum of Liverpool, 1-2pm, sketch the landcscape from the spectacular second floor windows IIThe ABCs of Death Picture House at Fact, 9pm, 0871 902 5737, anthology of 26 short films by 26 directors depicting 26 ways to die, one of the most hotly anticipated horror releases of 2013 IIAn Audience With The Saint & Cally Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £12, 0151 666 0000, Liverpool FC legends Ian St John and Ian Callaghan talk on stage to John Keith IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers IILiterary Festival: In Other Words Various Locations, Liverpool city centre, see www.itsliverpool.com for details

SATURDAY 27TH Music IISara Grey & Kieron Means Floral Pavilion Blue Lounge, New Brighton,

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT LOWDOWN ON 0151 538 5224

57 8pm, £12, 0151 666 0000, Floral Folk Night IIMusic for The Mind and Soul The Capstone, Liverpool Hope University, 1pm, 0844 8000 410, Indian music IIGilmore & Roberts The Brindley, Runcorn, 8pm, £12/ £10, 0151 907 8360 IIRENT 20th Anniversary Echo Arena, The Auditorium, 8pm, £26.50-£35, 0844 8000 400, Starring Kerry Ellis and Rory Taylor

IISidney Baileys No Good Punchin' Clowns The Caledonia, 9pm, 0151 708 0325 IIVoodoo 20th Birthday Bash The Shipping Forecast, 10pm-3am, £10, 0151 709 6901, House, Techno IIThe Coopers Mello Mello, Slater St, 8.30pm, £5, happy folk IIStraighten Out - Stranglers Tribute Revolver, New Chester Rd, B'Head

Theatre & Dance

IIThe Mersey Beatles Epstein Theatre, 8pm, £13.50, 0844 888 4411, all your favourite Beatles classics

IIA Day in the Death of Joe Egg The Playhouse, 7.30pm, £12-£23, 0151 709 4776, the anger and strain of a young couple raising a disabled child

IIRLPO: Rossini's Mass The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £13-£36, 0151 709 3789

IISummer of '42 LIPA, Sennheiser Studio Theatre, 2.30pm (Matinee) & 7.30pm, £8/ £4 Concs, 0844 873 2888, a delightful coming-of-age musical about holidaying young buck Hermie

IIRehab Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 9pm-4am, £10, 0151 227 5946, best DJs from around the world IIThe Endings O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 7pm, £7.05, 0844 477 2000 III Am Kloot O2 Academy Liverpool, 7pm, £19.68, 0844 477 2000 IITim Shaw, Jay Murray and The Shakers, Richard Batty The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 12pm till early evening, 0151 236 9091 IIThe Cave Dwellers The Cavern Club, Mathew St, 9pm, £4, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Kappa, Tony Mac The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, live music from 2.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IISaturday With The Beatles ft. the Cavern Club Beatles The Cavern Live Lounge, Mathew St, 8.30pm, £15, 0151 236 9091, Beatles Tribute Show IIAynsley Lister The Citadel, St. Helens, doors 7.30pm, £12, 01744 735436, most exciting guitarists since Clapton at his peak IIGroove on the Green Chavasse Park, Liverpool One, Music Festival IISoul Tribute Special The Green Room, doors 6.30pm/ start 8pm, £15, 0870 787 1866, James Brown, Ray Charles IIThe Fallows Single Launch Telford's Warehouse, Chester, free before 9pm/ £4 thereafter, 01244 39 00 90, four-piece indie rock 'n' roll band

IIHairspray the Musical Liverpool Empire Theatre, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £10-£42.50, 0844 871 3017 IIThe Morning After The Lantern Theatre, Blundell St, 8pm, £7.50/ £5 Concs, 0151 703 0000 IIDown Our Street The Royal Court Theatre, City Centre, 2pm & 8pm, £11-£27, 0870 787 1866, celebrates life and times of Cammell Laird, the greatest shipbuilders in the world IIMichelangelo Drawing Blood The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £12/ £10 Concs, 0844 873 2888, 21st century theatre meets 16th century culture IIThe Swan The Liverpool Actors Studio Theatre, 07906 279258, by Pat Anderson IICameo Cinema Murders, Revealing a tragic miscarriage of Justice St Georges Hall, Crown Court, 6-8pm, £10, 07753 346 394, Entrance via Heritage Centre IIThe Chuckle Brothers Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, 2pm, £15, 0844 871 3021

Comedy IIJimmy Cricket Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £11-£13, 0151 666 0000 IIComedy Central at Albert Dock Baby Blue, Albert Dock, 6pm, £15-£33, 0151 702 5834, Headliner: Andy Askins, Compere: Phill Ellis, Supporting: Ben Norris, Phil Walker

IIBallroom Comedy Club Sandbach Town Hall, Cheshire, 8pm, £12 adv/ £15 door, 01270 600820, MC Steve Royle introduces Daliso Chaponda along with Philberto and Ben Norris

IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art

IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £8/ £4 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Boiling Point'

IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details

IIGary Delaney plus guest The Slaughter House, Fenwick St, 8pm, £17.50 Comedy Seated/ Meal Deal Options from £28.50, 0151 227 5946, MC Chris Cairns introduces Gary Delaney along with Tom Stade and Martin Mor

II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am-3pm, 0151 907 8360

IITom Stade plus support The Slug and Lettuce, North John St, 8pm, £17.50-£32.50, 0151 236 8820, MC Ste Porter introduces Tom Stade along with Martin Mor and Gary Delaney IIFour Candles Comedy House, Bold Street, doors 7.30pm/ start 9pm, £15/ £25 incl. meal, 0870 787 1866, Tony Burgess, Big Lou Jones and Chris Brooker IIChester Comedy Club Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £19.95 incl 3 course dinner, 01244 340005, headler: Gerry K IIMike Newall, Chris Turner & Ben Norris The Laugh Inn, Chester, 8pm, £13.50, 0800 612 9714

Arts IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details

IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details

IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details

IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details IIArchiving the Arts Centre The Bluecoat, see 22nd for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIPrint Journeys Bluecoat Display Centre, Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 12-5pm, 0151 709 4014, print show curated by local printmaker Gill Curry IIEvery Man and Woman is a Star Walker Art Gallery, see 20th for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Family IILet me tell you a story World Museum Liverpool, Treasure House Theatre, Drop in from 1-4pm, free ticket from the information desk in advance, bedtime storytelling event IITerrific tiles Sudley House, 1-4pm, free drop-in event, be inspired by the beautiful tiles that adorn the fireplace and make a design of your own, age 3 and over IIFamily Saturday Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, 1-4pm, 0151 794 2348, Indian silk painting

Sports & Leisure IICapoeira Club International Slavery Museum, Anthony Walker Education Centre, 10.30am12.15pm, 0151 478 4456, improves fitness, flexibility, strength and self defence IIEverton vs Fulham 3pm IINewcastle vs Liverpool 5.30pm

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IIGPW Recruitment Racing Haydock Park Racecourse, St Helens, 5.45-8.20pm, £11.70-£117, 01942 402624

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IINawal Gebreel: Print effect techniques using ink and gouache The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am-4pm, £30, 0151 702 5324 IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIMurder Mystery Evening The Royal Clifton Hotel, The Promenade, Southport, £22 per person, 0845 373 0796, 3 Course Meal with coffee & murder mystery entertainment IINot Just Vintage House, Bold Street, 11am, 0151 709 7141, Vintage Fair IIStone tools World Museum Liverpool, Weston Discovery Centre, drop in from 1-4pm, find out how a lump of stone can be transformed into a useful tool IIMet. Opera: Giulio Cesare Picture House at Fact, 5pm, 0871 902 5737, Duration: 271 mins IIModel Railway Show Old Christ Church, Waterloo, 10am-4pm, £4/ £2 Child/ £3.50 OAP/ free under 5, 0151 428 5618 IIShiverpool The Philharmonic Pub, 8.30pm, £11/ £8 Concs, The Hope Street Shivers IILiterary Festival: In Other Words Various Locations, Liverpool city centre, see www.itsliverpool.com for details

SUNDAY 28TH Music IIWirral Symphony Orchestra Floral Pavilion Blue Lounge, New Brighton, 2.15pm, £5-£10, 0151 666 0000, Romantic Interlude IITom Mcrae O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 7pm, £18.56, 0844 477 2000, solo

IITim Shaw, Made In Liverpool (Beatles Tribute) The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 12pm, 0151 236 9091 IIRonny Hughes, Tony Mac, Screaming Citizens The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, live music from 5.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IILiverpool Rocks The Cavern Live Lounge, Mathew St, 2pm, £15, 0151 236 9091, Merseybeat Special IIJazz Con Fusion The Grapes, 9pm, 07950 828674, Live jazz with a Latin twist IIMinus The Bear The Kazimier, 7.30pm, £11, 0151 324 1723 IIGroove on the Green Chavasse Park, Liverpool One, Music Festival IIRicky's Royle Variety The Green Room, doors 12.30pm/ start 2pm, £15, 0870 787 1866, charity IIOne Lump Or Two Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £4, 01244 340005 IISharp 4 Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, 2-5pm, 01244 340005 IIOpen Mic Session Telford's Warehouse, Chester, 01244 39 00 90, with Darren Eedens IIThe Road to Out of The Ashes HEAT 8 The Compass, Chester, 7pm, 01244 344890 IIAlan Jeffs Jazz Jam Night Brewers Arms, Neston Wirral, 8pm, 0151 336 1627 IIThe Rioters Dixieland Jazzband, Swingology Stamps Wine Bar, Liverpool Road, Crosby, 4pm, 0151 286 2662 IILoose Moose String Band The Caledonia, 4pm, 0151 708 0325 IIDavid Knopov - a Night of Sinatra Jalons, Smithdown Road, 4.30pm, 0151 734 3984 IIThe Mike Jackson trio Pistachio Restaurant & Bar, Lark Lane, 7pm IILatin Jazz Quartet La Cubanita, Campbell Square off Duke Street, 4pm, 0151 709 5335 IISoul4Soul Studio 2, Parr Street, 8pm, £4, 0151 707 3727, Funky Soul ft The Du'montts & Amique IIThe Moon and Pea 64 Lark Lane, 7-9pm, 0151 727 3403, acoustic night

Theatre & Dance IISnow White & Legends Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £12, 0151 666

0000, Wirral School of Dance IICameo Cinema Murders, Revealing a tragic miscarriage of Justice St Georges Hall, Crown Court, 6-8pm, £10, 07753 346 394, Entrance via Heritage Centre IILiverpool Contact Improvisation The Bluecoat, School Lane, 11am12.30pm, Jam 1.30-3pm, £6/ £4 class/ £4/ £2 jam, £8/ £5 combined, 0151 702 5324

Comedy IIF:Rated Comedy Club Floral Pavilion Blue Lounge, New Brighton, 8pm, £10/ £22 plus Meal, 0151 666 0000 IIHot Water Comedy Club The Crown Hotel Pub, City Centre, upstairs, 8pm, £3/ £1.50 Concs, 0777 211 2344, 'Testing the Water'

Arts IIBeryl Bainbridge, painter Museum of Liverpool, see 1st for details IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details IIOrdinary Women - Extraordinary Lives The Bluecoat, see 15th for details

IIArchiving the Arts Centre The Bluecoat, see 22nd for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIPrint Journeys Bluecoat Display Centre, see 27th for details IIEvery Man and Woman is a Star Walker Art Gallery, see 20th for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Sports & Leisure IIJospice Fun Run 2013 St Joseph's Hospital, Thornton, 10.30am, £10/ £15 family

Other Events IIRetro Sunday Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 11am-5pm, 0151 707 7747, vintage feast fit for kings IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IISave the child The Brindley, Runcorn, 7pm, £10, 0151 907 8360, raise money for the fantastic charity NSPCC IIRoast Camp and Furnace, Greenland St, 12pm-5pm, 0151 227 5946, bring your family and friends for lunch in the indoor park IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIStone tools World Museum Liverpool, Weston Discovery Centre, drop in from 1-4pm, find out how a lump of stone can be transformed into a useful tool IILiverpool Community Choir Lady Lever Art Gallery, 2-3pm, free drop-in event, come along and enjoy vibrant voices singing songs old and new IILife Drawing Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 7-10pm, £9 OTD, 0151 707 7747 IIRetro Sunday Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 11am-5pm, 0151 707 7747, vintage feast fit for kings IIBead Fair Haydock Park Racecourse, St Helens, 10am-4pm, £3.50, 01942 725963

59 IIModel Railway Show Old Christ Church, Waterloo, 10am-4pm, £4/ £2 Child/ £3.50 OAP/ free under 5, 0151 428 5618 IIAn Evening with Lorraine Bamford Envi, Fleet Street, 6.30pm, £9, 0151 214 3242, psychic medium IILiterary Festival: In Other Words Various Locations, Liverpool city centre, see www.itsliverpool.com for details

MONDAY 29TH Music IINigel Kennedy The Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, 7.30pm, £22.50£42.50, 0151 709 3789, Bach plus Fats Waller IIPaul Jones, Jon Keats, The Two of Us (Lennon & McCartney Tribute), Jay Murray The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091 IIIan Prowse The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 8pm, 0152 236 9091 IISpectrum Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, 01244 340005 IISpeed Pets plus support Studio 2, Parr Street, 8pm, 0151 707 3727, Electronic Live Music

Comedy IIPsychic Sybil St. Helens Theatre Royal, 7.30pm, £14/ £12 Concs, 01744 756 000

Arts IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see 1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The

Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360 IIArchiving the Arts Centre The Bluecoat, see 22nd for details IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details IIPrint Journeys Bluecoat Display Centre, see 27th for details IIEvery Man and Woman is a Star Walker Art Gallery, see 20th for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IIMagical Mystery Tour Albert Dock, 11.30am & 2pm, £15,95, Tickets from www.cavernclub.org, 2h Tour of Beatles Liverpool IIBlue Lantern The Compass, Chester, 8pm, 01244 344890 IILiterary Festival: In Other Words Various Locations, Liverpool city centre, see www.itsliverpool.com for details

TUESDAY 30TH Music IISing-a-long Afternoon Singing Our Socks Off Sefton Park Palm House, 2pm-4pm, £5 (incl. a cup of tea and piece of cake), 0151 726 9304 IITony Coburn, Jon Keats, Jimmy Coburn, Paul Jones, Jay Murray The Cavern Club, Mathew St, live music from 2pm, 0151 236 9091

IIRonny Hughes, Gary Murphy The Cavern Pub, Mathew St, 7.30pm, 0152 236 9091 IIThe Keys, John O'Connell, Jo Bywater The Zanzibar Club, 7.30pm, £4, 0151 707 0633 IIOut Of The Bedroom: Acoustic Open Mic Night Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 8.30pm, 0151 707 7747, with Johnny Sands IIUnplugged Alexanders, Rufus Court, Chester, £2/ free before 9pm, 01244 340005, open-mic night IISweet Baboo Telford's Warehouse, Chester, £6 adv/ £7 door, 01244 39 00 90

1st for details IIThe 43 Game: Invitation The Black-E, see 1st for details IIJudy Chicago: Voices From The Song of Songs The Black-E, see 1st for details IISylvia Sleigh Tate Liverpool, 10-5pm, 0151 702 7400, modern & contemporary art IIGlam! Tate Liverpool, see 1st for details IIStrangers in a Strange Land Walker Art Gallery, see 1st for details IIThe Art of Pop Video Fact, see 1st for details

IIBlue Magnolia Jazz Band British Legion Club, Rose Lane, 8.45pm, 0151 724 5753

II9th Halton Open Art Exhibition The Brindley, Runcorn, 10am5.30pm, 0151 907 8360

IIParrJazz: White Canvas Studio 2, Parr Street, 8.30pm, £3 on door/ FREE Students (NUS), 0151 707 3727, Jazz and open jam session

IIJoseph Hartley Bluecoat Display Centre, see 1st for details

Theatre & Dance IIGotta Sing! Gotta Dance! 2013 Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, 7.30pm, £12, 0151 666 0000, an evening of variety and entertainment IISleeping Beauty Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7.30pm, £10-£37.50, 0844 871 3017, ballet classic IIMind The Gap The Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, 8pm, £8, 0844 873 2888, an innovative theatrical experience

Comedy IIPsychic Sybil St. Helens Theatre Royal, 7.30pm, £14/ £12 Concs, 01744 756 000

Arts IIAn Age of Confidence Sudley House, see 1st for details IIDLA Piper Series: This is sculpture TATE, 10am-5.50pm IIThe Games of Art The Black-E, see 1st for details IIFace to face with the statues of the great hall The Great Hall, 10am-5pm, admission £1, 0151 225 6911 IIElvis and Us Experience The Beatles Story Pier Head, 9am-7pm, £6 incl. Fab 4D, 0151 709 1963 IIOil boom, Delta burns International Slavery Museum, see

IIArchiving the Arts Centre The Bluecoat, see 22nd for details

IIPrint Journeys Bluecoat Display Centre, see 27th for details IIEvery Man and Woman is a Star Walker Art Gallery, see 20th for details IIMessing about in boats Merseyside Maritime Museum, see 1st for details IIPrecious Commodities Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details IIQuiet Radicalism Open Eye Gallery, see 1st for details

Sports & Leisure IICycle for Health Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 10am, booking essential, 0151 296 7054

Other Events IIThe Bluecoat's 5th Anniversary The Bluecoat, School Lane, 10am8pm, 0151 702 5324, exciting programme IILeaf Pudding Club Leaf Cafe, Bold St, 6.30pm, £11.95, 0151 707 7747, five homemade puddings IIDot-art: Life Drawing The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6.459.30pm, £16 per session/ £160 for 10 week course, 0845 017 6660 IIDot-art: Bookbinding The Bluecoat, School Lane, 6.459.30pm, £17 per session/ £170 for 10 week course, 0845 017 6660

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#IndieNight PARR JAZZ: 4th Birthday Party Studio2 Unplugged, Acoustic Indie Rock Live Bands The Robert Mather Band, Funk Grand National Party: The Lifeblood Band Dave O’Grady, Acoustic Folk Standard Fudge plus Jam, Funk/Jazz PARR JAZZ: Ant Law African Strings, Ukulele Players Live Acoustic Evening Charity in aid of Mark Swift Rebel At Sea, Acoustic International Womens Day, Poetry PARR JAZZ: Trionomy Looking Glass: Live Music plus DJ Belicious Beats, Live Music Brickhouse plus DJ No-Bed, Funk Easy Like Sunday Mouth Of The Mersey, Story Telling PARR JAZZ: Stu MacCallum & Mike Walker Studio2 Band Night, Live Music Live Acoustic Evening BIG presents BIG SOCIAL Soul4Soul, Funky Soul Speed Pets plus support, Electronic PARR JAZZ: White Canvas

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Studio 2, Parr Street Studios: 33 – 45 Parr Street, Liverpool L1 4JN Tele: 0151 707 3727 email: Studio2.parrstreet@btconnect.com barsliverpool.co.uk

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SANTINO Authentic Italian cuisine now available at 449 Smithdown Road, Wavertree.

0151 733 3644

JACKSON’S FASHION specialise in being unique. Our collections contain one of a kind clothing and accessories for women who want to stand out. Each item is made here in Liverpool with the highest quality, as we believe in putting our customers first. Please view our items on-line for an affordable, eye-catching wardrobe Jacksons Fashion. www. facebook.com/JacksonsFashion

SOUND FOOD & DRINK, Duke Street. A friendly cafe/bar, open 10am til 1am 7 days a week offering hearty soups, ace pizzas, great coffee, world beers and live bands/ DJs. Sound Food & Drink, 52 Duke St, Liverpool, L1 5AA, 0151 707 6363

Music/Entertainment PROFESSIONAL STUDIO Budget rate. Newly refurbished analogue/digital recording studio.

Soundcraft 24 track 2 inch tape machine with Soundcraft 2400 series desk. Unbeatable drum sound. Tape recordings streamed into Pro Tools or Logic on an up to date iMac. Ideal for serious demos or self release EP/album projects.

Archiving of tapes to digital format can be arranged. Introductory rate of £100 for 6 hour session.

2/3 hour sessions available - rates negotiable. Contact dombryan@ hotmail.com CURLY MUSIC Cash Paid for Quality Used Instruments and Equipment. Large range of New & Used Guitars & Amps, Accessories, Effects, Drums & PA etc in Stock.

45 Ranelagh Street Liverpool, 0151 709 8383 – curly.music@ btconnect.com.

AFRICAN DRUM GROUP. Every Tuesday night from 7-9pm in the old police station off lark lane.

And every Thursday night from 7-9pm in mello mello (40-42 slater street, entrance on parr street.

All welcome. Contact Steve for further details on 07724450867 ATTENTION ORIGINAL ARTISTS/BANDS/POETS The Ian Prowse Monday Club is at Cavern Pub 8-11pm every week (Mon - just in case...) No covers strictly original material.

PILLBOX VINTAGE FAIRS An endearing, lovely, and unique shop for hand crafted accessories and ideas for your hand crafted life.

Visit our website at www.eluganu. com Pillbox Vintage Fairs offer the very best in vintage and retro at their regular monthly events. Leaf on Bold St – Last Sun of every month and The Shipping Forecast – First Thurs of every month.

ETHICAL MERCHANT SERVICES Card payments, Just nicer. Over 100,000 charitable donations and counting. Our ethical approach to merchant services is unique because we are a Not For Profit organisation. We give away 100% of our profit from every transaction we process. For the lifespan of using our service this becomes an integrated donation, payable to any good cause chosen by our customers. www.Ethecol. com for more info

Health, Beauty, Wellness BLEACH Whether you want to feel good, look good or just be totally pampered. Bleach Hair and Spa has it all! Specialising in all aspects of ladies and gents hairdressing, beauty treatments and spa facilities you can treat your mind body and soul. www.bleachliverpool.co.uk

Arts PERCY GULLIVERS PRINT SHOP & SOCIAL, 15 Slater St (above The Shipping Forecast),

Liverpool. Housing one of the NW’s largest affordable selections of screen printed gig posters and highly collectable art prints, we act as both a gallery and event space.

Follow @percygullivers

BRITISH DESSERTS Join the campaign to keep desserts for Brits. Too many foreigners are eating our puddings leaving a shortfall in quality British desserts.

If interested contact Jess ref 9383

CREATIVE EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS by CRAFT CREATIVE EVENTS. Vintage Hen Parties, Kids Birthdays, Baby Showers, Corporate Team Building, Community & Educational Events, Charity Workshops, plus many more. Contact becky@thecraftcreative.com 01512032409

ISLAND FOR SALE off the coast of Argentina. Some small ownership issues with neighbours but should be sorted soon. Offers ref 2029

LIVERPOOL BASED DESIGNER and illustrator Sara Cullen works under the name Cat and Fox Adventures. As well as designing for television shows including Nickelodeons ‘House of Anubis’, Sara produces personal work in the form of limited edition Woodland Collection prints which were featured in Creative Review’s blog and The Guardian’s Buy of the Day. You can buy them from her online shop www.catandfoxadventures.com

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UNWANTED PET Home wanted for pet crocodile. Getting a too big for current owners and need the bathroom back. Lovely temperment and great with kids.

Contact Joey ref 3038 ASTEROID DISASTER SERVICE After several near misses this year alone it could happen at any minute. We can help to prepare you for the fall of civilisation with survival lessons and other useful training. We also build nuclear bunkers. Contact Seb ref 0281 NOTICE For the woman in Old Swan who keeps calling the Police and sending them to my house every night at 9pm. My cat’s name is ‘HELP’ please stop. Thanks

2 KITTY KATS, a boy and a girl, 3.5 years old, looking for a loving home. Frankie (girl) is black tortoise and Francis (boy) is black with a white tummy and looks like Batman. They are not violent, not aggressive, but they do like to stare at you. And sometimes headbutt. If interested contact the Low Down

FOR SALE 200 tubs of Antifungal vaginal cream. No longer needed. Best offer gets the lot.

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ODD JOB MAN available for work. I can do anything at all and will accept anything as payment.

Contact Geoff ref 0292

POLITICIANS TRAINING COURSES Learn how to bend the truth without losing eye contact, how to claim for anything on expenses and other helpful tricks essential for anyone considering a life in politics. ref 9383 BABYSITTER WANTED to look after children who don’t smoke or drink. Contact Steph ref 6272

NOT FOR SALE Honda Civic 2008. Very lovely car. Starts first time and smells good as well. May consider selling in the future. John ref 0282

LARGE CHEST FREEZER Free to good home. broken but could be used as playhouse for kids or to hide embarrassing older relatives at parties. Selena ref 0292