Liverpool After Dark - Issue 8

Issue 8. September 2013 Free

l i h P e h T all t lA monic H

l ar i h l i h B P e t Th A y e l i a B Bill

013

al 2 v i t s e F y ed pool Com

Liver

Entertainment

Culture

Nightlife

Contents Issue 8. September 2013

Events

Music

4. Liverpool Food and Drink Festival Culinary celebration in the Park 5. Lynda La Plante In conversation at St George’s Hall 6. Liverpool Purple Flag Week A model city celebrates 8. Heritage Open Month Preview

12. Eels At the O2 Academy 12. Babyshambles Sequel to the prequel tour 13. Rod Stewart Time of his life at Echo Arena 13. Unplugged Fridays At Marco Pierre White’s 14. Visage, Swim Deep, Tinchy Stryder Previews

Comedy 1o. Bill Bailey Qualmpeddler At The Philharmonic 11. Sons Of The Desert Laurel & hardy resurrected at The Royal Court

Bars 101 16. AD 101 101 of the city’s best bars.

Get organising your nights out!

24. Club Nights 26. Clubs 28. Gay Bars 30. Hidden Gems

32. Celebrity Hang-Outs 34. Sports Bars 36. Venues

Nightlife 38. Juicy V Pause Freshers Fiesta At The Shipping Forecast 38. One Night In Amsterdam At Garlands 39. Subvert, Circus Previews

Theatre 40. Whats On A run-down of September’s Theatre

Cinema 28. Reviews The best film releases for September.

Magazine Team Editor Anthony Bennett 0151 214 3233 tony@liverpoolafterdark.com Art Director Roy McCarthy 0151 214 3235 roy@liverpoolafterdark.com Designer Lisa Robson 0151 214 3235 lisa@liverpoolafterdark.com Photography & Video Production Jonathan Dawe 0787 0257 942 jonathan@liverpoolafterdark.com Social Media Sean Weaver Advertising Advertising Manager Mike Clarke 0151 214 3232 mike@liverpoolafterdark.com Digital Sponsorship Jon Saunders 0151 214 3231 jon@liverpoolafterdark.com Contributors Anthony Mooney, Zoë Byrne, Ellie Phillips, Joe-Ann Randles, Larissa Wignall, Matt Gall

Thanks to Mike Cockburn, Adam Lewis, Warren Butcher, Joanne Evans, Rajesh Sharma, Joel Jelen, Craig Lawrenson, Alan McCarthy, Emma McHarrie, Kerry Quinn, Emma Allison, Clive Knowles, Eden Showers, Lisa Southern, Bill Elms, Mike Doran

Publishing Published by Survival Media Limited Bulloch House 10 Rumford Place Liverpool L3 9DG Telephone 0151 214 3230 Website www.liverpoolafterdark.com Facebook facebook.com/liverpoolafterdark Twitter @LpoolAfterDark

In partnership with

3

Events

Liverpool Food and Drink Festival 2013 Sefton Park

www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

Saturday 7th September 10.30am – 6.30pm Sunday 8th September 10.30am – 5.30pm £5 entry

A

n annual culinary celebration for all the family The Liverpool Food and Drink festival has its launch weekend at Sefton Park on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September. Alongside the offerings of the very best in food and drink the weekend is jampacked entertainment for all ages.

For younger visitors there’s an Interactive Children’s Area where they can discover how to prepare their own culinary masterpieces.

For adults you can take in exciting cooking demonstrations from celebrity guests in the Cookery Demonstration Theatre or in the ever-popular Masterclass Marquee find out how to prepare original dishes with locallysourced produce and top quality ingredients from the best chefs in the business.

You can enjoy a relaxing glass of

bubbly at the Lanson Champagne marquee or indulge yourself at the brand new Heavenly Chocolate Garden. Cocktails are available from the Entertainment Area and there’ll be live music from some of the city’s most talented singers and performers. For real ale fans, or if you fancy a cheeky jar or two, The Ship & Mitre will also be providing a beer festival.

As a climax to your festival day why not allow yourself to be wined and dined at one of the festival’s multiple themed dining areas on site before taking home some top quality produce from the fantastic Market Place in the heart of the festival site.

Celebrity guests include Levi Roots and Shelina Permaloo appearing on Saturday, while Gizzi Erskine and John Whaite and Aiden Byrne will be there on Sunday.

4

KUGB Presents The WSKA World Shotokan Karate Championship 2013 Echo Arena 28-29 September Day Ticket £25.00 Weekend Ticket £40.00 Sat: 8am – 8pm Sun: 8am – 7pm

Lynda La Plante: In Conversation St George’s Great Hall, Lime Street, Liverpool Tuesday 10th September £25

L

ittle Atom Productions successful Liverpool In Conversation series, continues with legendary Liverpool crime writer Lynda La Plante at the stunning Concert Room at St George’s Hall on Tuesday 10th September.

Five separate musical artists will perform one of the famous interviewee’s five favourite pieces of music - Natalie McCool, fellow Liverpool Music Awards nominee Anna Corcoran, vocal

harmony group Barbieshop, former West End musical star Emma Dears and Beatles tribute band with a twist, The Beatelles.

This is the first all female line up to the event and expect some melodic surprises from a series that so far has seen acts as varied as a classical guitar rendition of Are Friends Electric? by Tubeway Army and a 25-strong Baroque choir from Waterloo singing music by Henry Purcell.

5

The Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) will be hosting the 2013 WSKA World Shotokan Karate Championship at the Echo Arena on 28-29 September, and will be welcoming hundreds of International competitors to Liverpool.

Established in 1990 WSKA (World Shotokan Karate Association) holds its World Championships every two years. Liverpool has a great tradition of Karate; the famous Liverpool Red Triangle Karate Club has produced many top international competitors, instructors and coaches over the years and together with other KUGB Liverpool clubs provided competitors for the England Squads which have gained a huge tally of medals in recent World and European events, including some gold medals at the 2011 WSKA event in Chicago. www.kugb.org/kugb-eventdetails.php?event=478

Events

Purple Flag Week

Liverpool City Centre 21 - 29 September 2013

Celebrating Liverpool’s Model Night-Time Economy

P

urple Flag Week 2013 is designed to celebrate our city centre’s night time entertainment industry, and will be packed full of events, offering the opportunity to showcase the quality, diversity and vibrancy of our evening and night-time experiences, and highlighting the contribution the industry makes to our local economy.

It follows a successful summer for the region as our city centre retained its prestigious Purple Flag – a national award which recognises safe, clean and wellmanaged city centres at night – but the award judges noted Liverpool as a beacon of best practice and want the city to show other areas how it’s done.

Assessors from the association of Town Centre Managers have said: “Liverpool is a vibrant city with much to do. At all times the assessors felt safe and welcomed.

There was a good mix of early, mid and late night entertainment and something for the entire family.”

In their report they added: “This is especially impressive in the

face of substantial public sector funding cuts – the Panel are keen for you to share your expertise as an example to other cities facing similar issues.”

The Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, said: “The assessors visited the city on Light Night which also celebrated the opening of the new Central Library. This may have been an exceptional night, even for Liverpool but it also demonstrated how much we have to offer and how well managed the city centre is when we have even more people than usual visiting it. The fact that they want us to give advice to other cities speaks volumes.

It is acknowledgement from independent observers that Liverpool city centre is safe, welcoming and well-run with a huge amount for any visitor to do.”

The evening and night-time economy is worth millions annually to the city, supporting hundreds of businesses, jobs and seriously impacting our local economy.

6

This series of events intends to capture people’s imaginations, change perceptions and encourage people to do something different with their evening in a variety of locations. Our city centre is changing rapidly and it is important that we support social and communal uses for our city centre and encourage a mixture of both activity and people to ensure a better night out for all.

Ged Gibbons, Chief Operating Officer of City Central BID said: ‘’Liverpool city centre is now the safest in the UK and achieving Purple Flag Beacon status further underlines that fact. Make no mistake this is a huge achievement involving an army of people 24/7.

And as well as the kudos of being held up as a national role model, we can use it to further bolster the city’s appeal as a must see and enjoy destination – day and night.’’

Visit our website for updates on Purple Flag Week events www.liverpoolafterdark.co.uk/ purpleflag

7

Events

Heritage Open Month 2013 9th – 30th September

L

iverpool Heritage Open Month is fast becoming one of the essential events in the festival calendar.

Every September, Heritage Open Days (co-ordinated nationally

by English Heritage) celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally

charge for admission. Buildings of every age, style and function offer a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which brings local history and culture alive for everyone.

Liverpool has the largest programme outside of London with more than 70 venues

8

involved from the big – Liverpool Cathedral – to the small – Wavertree lock-up – with many more unusual ones in between.

Thousands of visitors attended the programme which ran for the whole month of September in 2012. www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ directory/laa/liverpool

9

Comedy

B

ill Bailey returns to the Liverpool Philharmonic on October 4th as part of the Liverpool Comedy Festival with his brand new live show Qualmpeddler. The multi faceted comedian (musician, actor, TV and radio presenter and author) will be channeling his feelings of unease and apprehension, with the help of religious dubstep, his folk bouzouki, Horntallica, and a re-appraisal of some of the world’s greatest works of art. Taking on an arcane mix of topics as diverse as lies, the epic search for the Higgs Boson and the hiding dentists, he tries to confront the angst of living in a era of nuclear threats, rare planetary alignment, spectacular ignorance and Spice Girl reunions that may be part of the Mayan End of Days prophecy.

Bailey’s trademark musical mashups, multi-lingual riffs, films, songs, philosophising and silliness on a grand scale are all on show with the addition of an incredibly talented owl.

Bill Bailey: Qualmpeddler Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Saturday 5 October 8pm £25, £31

Liverpool Comedy Festival 2013 26 September – 6 October The 12th Liverpool Comedy Festival, the city’s annual riot of mirth, arrives again on the 26th September to cheer us up even more than the kids going back to school or George Osborne getting a kick in the nuts.

Headliners this year include ambassador for extreme mullets everywhere and serial comedy show panellist Bill Bailey, the bizarrely minded and

unpredictable Simon Munnery and the off beat (that doesn’t mean boring) Tony Law. Apart from the festival’s staple of traditional stand up acts you can look forward to a heady mix of comedy clubs, comedy plays, comic readings, comedy sports (see EFC’s fixtures) and comedy quizzes (e.g. *Q: Why did the chicken cross the playground?.... ) The festival will also see

10

comedians in shops (buy one for the house maybe?), theatre performances, catch some comics in bars and pubs (like that’s a rarity) and you might even spot a comedian in the Anglican Cathedral or the Town Hall... the latter’s not part of the official Comedy Festival though. *Answer: To get to the other slide. www.liverpoolcomedyfestival. com

Sons of the Desert Royal Court Liverpool 27 Sept - 26 Oct 7.30pm

M Robin Ince

Unity Theatre Liverpool 10 September £14 (£12 conc) Robin Ince brings his brand new show The Importance Of Being Interested. The award-winning comedian and science enthusiast looks at Darwin, explains why we have eyebrows, bald dogs have bad teeth and heavy metal makes pigs deaf.

ichael Starke as Ollie and Roy Brandon as Stan recreate for the first time anywhere probably the most well known and best loved of all Laurel and Hardy’s films, Sons of the Desert, exclusively at the Royal Court Theatre Liverpool.

The real Stan and Ollie were last seen live on stage in Liverpool in October 1953 and now, almost exactly 60 years later, it’s a fitting tribute that the legendary pair should be brought back to life for this world stage premiere as part of the annual Liverpool Comedy Festival. The show’s producers received special permission to restage the film and have the option of a West End run if the show proves successful. Mrs Hardy is not happy about letting Stan and her Ollie attend the Sons

11

of the Desert convention and puts her foot down. In desperation the duo hatch a cunning plan, pretending that Ollie is suffering from “a nervous shakedown”, the only cure being that they should go for a trip to Honolulu.

Confident they’ve successfully pulled a fast one the Boys head to Chicago to join the party with the rest of The Sons Of The Desert, happy that their wives will be none the wiser. However the boys find themselves in another fine mess when the ship that they were supposed to be travelling on to Honolulu sinks! As a bonus, prior to the show the cast will perform a Laurel and Hardy Revue Show consisting of some of the most popular Laurel and Hardy sketches and songs.

Music

Eels Liverpool O2 Academy 5th September www.facebook.com/THEEELS twitter.com/THE_EELS eelstheband.com

Eels summer tour of European festivals and headline shows follows the release of their critically acclaimed tenth album Wonderful Glorious and a hugely successful Spring world tour. They arrive at Liverpool’s 02 Academy on September 5th.

EELS will also release new single Kinda Fuzzy on September 2nd on E Works/Vagrant Records. Directed by Jessica Hundley, the video sees EELS leader Mark Oliver Everett, a.k.a. E, as an alcoholic clown hosting a children’s TV show.

Babyshambles Sequel to the Prequel Tour Liverpool 02 Academy 9th September Babyshambles have announced an autumn tour which will be their first UK dates since November 2010. The band are set to release their third album Sequel to the Prequel and are looking forward to road testing the new tracks live in front of the fans. Early reports suggest their much anticipated return is a huge return to form.

Catch them at Liverpool 02 Academy on September 9th. www.facebook.com/ babyshambles

12

Unplugged Fridays New Acoustic Night Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Start the weekend in inimitable style at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill with the launch of its sensational new acoustic night - Unplugged Fridays.

John Witherspoon, a local singer/ songwriter, will be providing guests at the popular Chapel Street restaurant (located inside Hotel Indigo) a backdrop of laidback sounds every Friday evening from 7-10pm. It means guests can relax at the bar or enjoy a bite to eat in the acclaimed restaurant as guitarist John plays an eclectic mix of hits from the 60s onwards, incorporating indie, folk and rock classics, performed in a strippedback style. And with their Thank Fizz it’s Friday offer, you can enjoy a bottle of Champagne for only £20 before the acoustic session begins.

John said: “I played at Marco’s for two nights during the Grand National, and I have to say the atmosphere was unbelievable. It’s a beautiful performing space and perfect for this type of evening.”

0151 559 0555. www.mpwsteakhouseliverpool. co.uk www.hotelindigoliverpool.co.uk

Rod Stewart Liverpool Echo Arena 17 September

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Rod Stewart brings his tour for his new album Time to Echo Arena on 17 September.

“2013 is a momentous year for me,” says Rod. “I am excited to showcase this new material for the first time in two decades.

Nothing means more to me than performing for a live audience and I can’t wait to get back to the UK!” The tour celebrates the release of Rod’s first album of songs he has written and produced in almost 20 years. This landmark album marks Stewart’s long-awaited return to his song writing roots and has gained wide critical

13

acclaim. In addition to tracks from Time, the tour will also feature many of Rod’s classic hits including You Wear It Well, Maggie May, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Baby Jane, The First Cut is the Deepest, I Don’t Want To Talk About It, Tonight’s The Night and Sailing.

Rod Stewart has released 27 studio albums with an estimated 150 million in album sales worldwide. Now in the fifth decade of his career, Stewart has clocked up over six consecutive number one albums, 62 hit singles with 31 top 10s and six number 1s.

Music

Swim Deep The Kazimier Wednesday 18th Sep £8.00 Birmingham based Indie rock band formed in 2011 and comprised of Austin Williams, Tom ‘Higgy’ Higgins and Wolfgang J Harte.

The band’s 2012 debut single King City was followed by their debutalbum Where The Heaven Are We released this year.

Visage + Electro 80S Underground Ally And Dj Sebadee

Tinchy Stryder

East Village Arts Club Liverpool Wednesday 18th Sep 7:00 PM £15 ADV New Romantic pioneers Visage were a product of the London club Blitz, whose neo-glam sensibilities were the antithesis of the prevailing punk mentality of the late 70s. Their 1980 self-titled debut LP yielded the classic single Fade to Grey, an instant club classic, heralding the commercial breakthrough of synth pop.

Their first album in 29 years Hearts and Knives was released back in May, with a new band line-up featuring Steve Strange and Steve Barnacle with new members Robin Simon (ex Ultravox Guitarist) and Lauren Duvall. The set will feature a mix of new material and all the classic Visage hits.

Republik Liverpool Saturday 21st Sep £5.00 East London-based Ghanaian rapper Tinchy Stryder AKA Kwasi Danquah comes to Liverpool’s Republik on Saturday 21 September bringing his fresh original brand of grime and pop.

His most notable tracks to date include the number one singles Never Leave You and Number 1 from his 2009 hot crossover album Catch 22.

14

15

AD 101

k r a D r e Aft

AD 101 is After Dark’s at a glance guide to the best watering holes in the city centre. We’ve covered everything from the most popular sports bars, gay bars and celebrity hang-outs to club nights, venues and hidden gems. And funnily enough, there are 101 of them.

1 0 1 16

Clockwise from top right: Baa Bar, The Brink, Bar Hannah, The Abbey

3. Bar Hannah

1. The Abbey Hanover Street, L1 3DZ A very popular bar on Hanover Street serving fresh cocktails as well as cask ales. You can sit back and take in all the latest live sporting events on 3 big screens and the 3DTV, or just enjoy some well prepared food and a warm welcome.

2. Baa Bar

Medication Photograph: Anthony Mooney

43-45 Fleet St, L1 4AR 0151 708 8673 Baa Bar has been a top city night spot since 1991. Two decades in the city has proven them as a the go to venue for a great atmosphere, cool DJs, famous shooters, tasty Shootails, a huge selection of drinks and a welcoming team of well trained staff.

17

Leece St, L1 2TR 0151 708 5959 New York style bar where staff will mix great cocktails, even going off menu for the odd request.

Friendly staff and great panoramic views from the stunning roof terrace.

4. The Brink 15-21 Parr St, L1 4JN 0151 703 0582 The Brink is an alcohol free venue and cafĂŠ bar offering a welcoming and creative space where people from all walks of life can dine, hang out and relax.

The award-winning team have a great range of delicious nonalcoholic drinks and a menu produced from locally sourced ingredients.

Working with local artists, musicians, poets and performers they put on a wide range of inspirational events. All profits fund support for sufferers of alcoholism and addiction.

Bars 101

5. Brooklyn Mixer 78 Seel St, L1 4BH 0151 709 7079 The mantra of the bar is “Eats, Beats, Doodles & Beer” by which they mean a rich menu of unique bar snacks, an interesting and diverse musical playlist, rotating exhibitions of new artists work, photography, illustration and outsider art.

6. Bumper 18 Hardman St, L1 4AR 0151 709 3498 A firm favourite with locals and students, the front and back bars are bustling on Friday & Saturday nights playing indie, funky, retro and modern, with a lounge area for chilling downstairs.

7. Camp & Furnace 67 Greenland Street, L1 0BY 0151 708 2890 Based in The Baltic Triangle this is not just a very popular bar, it’s also an events space, eatery, music venue, boutique caravan hotel, indoor park, photographic studio,

camp shop and an exhibition space. As an old warehouse, the roaring fire centrepiece and cosy seating areas make this an inviting, contemporary meeting place for professionals, locals, creatives and students.

8. Ca’Va 4A Wood St, L1 4AQ 0151 709 9300 Ca’Va is an Aladdin’s cave of Mexican cactus culture, with bohemian decor, quirky film posters and comfy sofas. Featuring over a hundred types of tequila, sample anything from lime and apple to the unusual baked bean slammer.

9. Chameleon 7-9 Back Colquitt St, L1 4NL 0151 707 0283 At Chameleon Bar you can curl up on the snug velvet couches and chill out by the slightly psychedelic 3D wall, or dance the night away

to a ubiquitous sound track.

Whether you want help choosing your drink or just fast, friendly service, the staff are great.

10. Cinema Paradiso 2 St Peter’s Sq, L1 4AS 07874 839165 Great, relatively new addition to bar culture in Liverpool playing funk, soul, motown, RnB and hip hop. On top of this you can grab some mean cocktails served by accommodating bar staff.

11. Circo Britannia Pavillion Albert Dock, L3 4A 0151 709 0470 www.circoliverpool.com Roll up! Roll up! Ladies and gentlemen, the amazing and spectacular Circo is the North West’s most unique circus themed venue. Based at Liverpool’s historical Albert Dock, Circo bar and 1770 at Circo provide the ultimate dining and drinking experience with live circus performances weekly.

Clockwise from top right: Chameleon, Cinema Paradiso, Camp and Furnace, Circo, Bumper

18

19

Clockwise from top right: Heebie Jeebies, Envi, Leaf, Djangos Riff, The Head Of Steam

12. Djangos Riff

17. La’go

24 Wood Street, L1 4AQ Django’s Riff is a bar and music venue in Wood Street - off the Concert Square area, bringing you an array of underground music and culture. The emphasis is always on good tunes and a good vibe, with various drinks on offer.

20 Colquitt St, L1 4DE 0151 709 6116 Comfortable surroundings, classic grooves and very competitively priced drinks. The music spans from retro soul to cutting edge cool beats in this extremely popular and friendly bar.

13. Envi 17-21 Fleet St, L1 4AR 0151 709 3498 Near the busy Concert Square area, Envi’s a popular night spot with locals and students. An expansive dance floor features uplifting house and chart dance with the odd pop classic. Open until late 7 nights a week with an extensive range of drinks on offer, it’s free before 1 am on Friday & Saturday nights with an NUS card.

14. The Head of Steam 7 Lime St, L1 1RJ Reputedly the largest licensed premises on Merseyside, occupying half of the ground floor of the former North Western

Hotel, a grade 2 listed building.

It comprises 4 bars, with variable closing times. The American diner-like Display Bar is available for pool.

15. Heebie Jeebies 80-82 Seel St, L1 4BH 0151 709 3678 Over 2 floors, a popular hangout for Liverpool’s indie and alternative scene. There’s bustling bars on both levels, plenty of floor space to bust your moves and ample seating to chill out.

16. Igloo 78-82 Wood St, L1 4DQ 0151 708 7008 Enjoy your favourite cilled beer or wine or a sensational cocktail in a bar that prides itself on excellent customer service. With music inspired by London & New York’s top venues, expect a mix of indie, disco, classic hip hop, house and RnB.

20

18. LEAF 65-67 Bold Street, L1 4EZ 0151 707 7747 An independent teashop and bar,Leaf presents a variety of events in a distinctive setting with its own unique vibe and personality. Serving wholesome food and countless varieties of loose-leaf tea in a great atmosphere, making it the place for people to relax, enjoy culture and soak up the best in new music.

19. Modo 1 Concert Square, L1 4AR Modo is a good place to chill with one of their 2 for 1 cocktail offers or to party til late in the exclusive clubroom. Its extensive outdoor space on Concert Square is a popular hang-out day or night.

21

Bars 101

20. Mojo

23. Ruby Sky

Back Berry St, L1 4BB A big bustling bar that always seems packed out, it’s frequented by students and locals and features an amazing play list of indie, pop, retro and dance.

50 Wood St, L1 4AQ Ruby Sky is one of the largest bars and nightclubs situated in a prime location right in the heart of Concert Square. A very lively spot, very popular with locals, there’s various club nights throughout the week and great drinks promos.

21. The Peacock 49-51 Seel St, L1 4AZ 0151 709 2146 Great bar located on “the fourth hippest street in Britain”. Great drinks and amazing pizzas, plus a FREE BBQ every Friday. The weekend sees DJ’s upstairs in the Red Room, and downstairs there’s chilled out vibes on a Thursday evening.

22. Popworld 68 Hanover St, L1 4AG 0151 709 4637 A cheesy 90s bar which also plays modern day party and chart tunes.

Open 7 nights featuring busy student nights, weekend hen and stag parties and lively midweek nights.

24. Salt Dog Slims 79-83 Seel St, L1 4BB 0151 709 7172 With a range of world beers and, of course, a hot dog if you wish.

Salt Dogs has a quirky style with comfy chairs and a leather sofa, and the music is a fantastic variation in genres. Downstairs’ bar is always bustling and in the upstairs cocktail bar (accessible by a special code) friendly staff mix bespoke cocktails. The music is a fantastic variation in genres.

25. Slaters 15 Slater St, L1 4B Located on the conveniently named Slater Street, it’s hugely

popular with students, locals, drinking veterans... you name it. Whether socialising with colleagues after work, heading out for a quiet glass, or partying with friends, Slaters has a great mixed atmosphere and plenty of drinks offers.

26. Smokie Mo’s 9-13 Temple Court, L2 6PY 0151 227 1131 Smokie Mo’s offers a night club ambience, billing itself as the latest afterhours bar in the area with opening hours from 12.00pm – 6.00am. Split over two floors, one fitted with an illuminated dance floor playing the very best of R&B and chart music, whilst the ground has an “anything goes” policy playing a mix ranging from 70s to the latest dance floor fillers.

27. Sound Food & Drink Duke St, L1 5AA 0151 707 6363 Serving freshly prepared healthy food by day, and live music by local up and coming talent at night. A great hang out for creatives with a convivial, easy going vibe.

Clockwise from left: Salt Dog Slims Photograph: Amy Faith, Mojo, Sound Food & Drink

22

23

Bars 101

Club Nights 28. Medication Nation, Wolstenholme Sq Wednesdays from 11 Sept 2013 Medication at Nation (the legendary home of Cream) is quite simply the biggest student night in the country. The winners of Smirnoff’s prestigious national Battle of the Clubs in 2012, Medication is now into its 18th year and qualifies as a bonefide clubbing phenomenon.

With three rooms of music, the very best in lights and lasers, it’s not just a club, it’s more like a big indoor festival with crazy things going off in every area. Liverpool’s student super club opens its doors on the 11th of September.

WARNING - MAY CAUSE EUPHORIA* *A side effect of regular visits to MEDICATION

Medication Photograph: Anthony Mooney

24

29. Circus East Village Arts Club 90 Seel Street, L1 4BH 0844 847 2424 Radio 1 DJ Yousef founded the iconic Circus in 2002. Boasting serious house music and fun times, the club features an inspiring who’s who of DJs and artists. Past guests included Carl Cox, Loco Dice and Sasha.

30. Bedlam Garlands, 8-10 Eberle St, L2 2AG 0151 236 3307 Every Saturday night Bedlam is situated downstairs at Garlands, playing everything from progressive house to techno.

The genuine underground vibe allied with a friendly, troublefree environment encourages an ‘anything goes’ ambience of madness and mayhem.

31. Chibuku East Village Arts Club 90 Seel Street, L1 4BH 0844 847 2424 Iconic and legendary are adjectives that can certainly be applied to one of the biggest nights to ever come out of Liverpool. Now in its 13th year the emphasis is still on pushing the party envelope as far as they can.

Bringing the biggest names and the best in all genres of electronic music, the Chibuku name guarantees a quality experience.

32. Discoteca Poca The Shipping Forecast, 15 Slater Street L1 4BW. Discoteca Poca is an inimitable monthly mash up of musical tapas at The Hold, the night’s intimate

downstairs home at The Shipping Forecast. Discoteca Poca’s eclectic policy encompasses old disco classics, acid soaked cosmic disco, deep house and techno and past guests have included Andrew Weatherall.

33. Gossip Garlands, 8-10 Eberle St, L2 2AG 0151 236 3307 The Official student Thursday night event for LJMU, LGOS and LIverpool Hope University.

Hosted at Garlands which is famed for its iconic Liverpool nightclub and hedonistic Ibiza Boat Parties and spread over 2 floors and 5 rooms, it offers a wild night off from the scholastic grind.

34. Le Clique lounge (above Mojito Bar) 9 Victoria Street, L2 5QA Le Clique, a very unique and intimate VIP club venue playing the best known house anthems and club classics. Le Clique has an Old Skool Classics Cocktail inspired menu and the best in entertainment and sound system - from aerial artists, to fire eaters, to stilt walkers and special guest live percussionist and guest sax players.

25

35. MuMu Various venues in Liverpool mUmU has showcased live electronic, house and techno from producers, record labels and DJ’s, with the likes of Rhadoo, Mathias Kaden and Anja Schneider rocking clubs, basements, warehouses and terraces. A trademark sound of quality house & techno has cultivated a loyal following for their monthly parties and was voted 5th best UK clubnight 2008 by mixmag.

36. Revolution 02 Academy, 11-13 Hotham Street, L3 5UF Ruining Thursday mornings since 2008, Revolution is the 02’s pop, punk, metal and hardcore party every Wednesday. There’s a great mix of drinks and cocktails on offer plus you can even get a cheap hotdog.

37. Subvert Revolution Bar, Atlantic Pavilion, Albert Dock, L3 4AE. Enjoy the sunset on their terrace whilst sipping a carefully crafted cocktail or dance until the early hours to the best in house music from top line internationally renowned guests such as Foamo and Kissy Sell Out.

Bars 101

Clubs 38. G Bar 1-3 Eberle St, L2 2AG 0151 236 4416 A mainstay of the Liverpool club scene for over a decade, its one of the city’s best known clubs.

G Bar’s success is down to its diversity from being a leading gay venue (in bar hours) to one of the north west’s top underground after hours club venue. Boasting 3 unique rooms – the decadent, altar bearing Church Room, the underground haven of the Bassment and the left field Boosh Room. Open Thursday to Sunday.

26

East Village Arts Club

39. Aura 1 Mount Pleasant A 2,000 capacity venue based at one of the city iconic clubbing sites, Aura is attempting to bring big club nights back to the city featuring top national and international DJ’s (John Martin of Swedish House Mafia is a recent guest) with the best in house and dance, breathtaking surroundings and stunning visuals.

40. Blue Angel 106-108 Seel St, L1 4BL 0151 709 1535 The Blue Angel, aka The Raz is a largely student filled club where it’s all about dancing like a clown and having a laugh. A selection of tunes from dance, indie and retro.

41. Camel Club 18 Wood St, L1 4AQ 0151 707 1933 Good music housed in a cavernous, Arabic-flavoured den with comfy sofas, intimate lattice shutters, ceiling drapes and candlelight, as well as an uber chilled put upper room.

42. The Cavern 10 Mathew St, L2 6RE 0151 236 1965 “The world’s most famous club” due to its Beatle connections, The cavern is a dark cavernous brick cellar. It hosts live music from tributes and original bands on various nights, and its music

policy for clubbers sweeps from indie and retro to pop.

night, from Goths, indie kids and musicians, to students and locals.

43. East Village Arts Club

46. Le Bateau

90 Seel Street, L1 4BH 0844 847 2424 East Village Arts Club hosts club nights as well as a wide range of arts and cultural programming.

Refurbished and re-opened in May this year and has an ethos that embraces diversity and creativity. The Arts Club is the spiritual home of legendary local club nights Chibuku Shake Shake and Circus who run their regular events at the venue. http://mamacolive.com/ evartsclub/

44. Garlands 8-10 Eberle St, L2 2AG 0151 236 3307 For over a decade Garlands has been Liverpool’s most outrageous party. Four rooms of hedonistic abandon with pumping anthems for a scintillating soundtrack to your weekend. Both gay and straight friendly and a big favourite with locals, visitors and students alike.

45. Krazy House 16 Wood St, L1 4AQ 0151 708 5016 The Krazy House runs nights over 3 floors, offering different music policies on each. Attracting a mix of punters depending on the

27

62 Duke St, L1 5AA Liverpool’s legendary Le Bateau re-opened as in February 2013.

Frequented by students and alternative music lovers it offers cheap drinks, a lively atmosphere with special events 3 nights a week, on Thursday, Friday & Saturdays. Simple decor across both floors and all the indie classics you could want.

47. Privilege Duke St, L1 5AA Over 2 floors complete with VIP booths, Privilege attracts glamorous club goers from across the region with top local DJ’s such as Lee Butler and Anton Powers and legendary names of the ilk of Hed Kandi. Expect the best in house and club classics.

48. Sanctum 56 - 58 Stanley Street, L1 6AU 0151 236 0166 A basement club situated at Signature Living hotel in the heart of the city centre. Opulent surroundings create a safe and friendly clubbing experience for guests, members and friends who want to enjoy funky vocal house and classics with resident DJ Alan Hartley and guests. Offers great cocktails from the bar mixologists and bookable booths.

Bars 101

Gay Bars

49. The Curzon 8 Temple Lane, L2 5RQ 0151 236 5160 The Curzon Club is Liverpool’s longest running gay club. You can relax and unwind in a vibrant and friendly atmosphere or dance the night away and enjoy live entertainment from the resident drag queen French Crystal. Open Monday to Saturday.

50. G Bar 1-3 Eberle St, L2 2AG 0151 236 4416 A mainstay of the Liverpool club scene for over a decade, its one of the city’s best known clubs.

G Bar’s success is down to its diversity from being a leading gay venue (in bar hours) to one of the north west’s top underground after hours club venue.

51. Garlands 8-10 Eberle St, L2 2AG 0151 236 3307 Liverpool’s most outrageous party.

Four rooms of hedonistic abandon with pumping weekend anthems and a scintillating soundtrack.

52. Jupiters 8 Hackins Hey, L2 2AW If you enjoy sociable surroundings, friendly banter and

well-priced drinks then head for Jupiters. It shows all major sports games and has a regular Karaoke night for the keen singers out there.

53. The Lisbon Lisbon Buildings, 35 Victoria St, L1 6BG 0151 231 6831 Liverpool’s oldest gay bar and a place where the LGBT community can relax, have fun and be themselves. Great offers on drinks and cocktails & shots plus a great pool table. Thursday through to Sunday DJs play uplifting pop and dance with a few classics thrown in.

54. Masquerade 10 Cumberland St, L1 6BU 0151 236 7786 A down to earth bar with friendly staff and banter, a perfect place to start an evening of fun. DJs and drag artists do their best to launch your night with a bang.

55. Navy Bar 27-29 Stanley St, L1 6AA 0151 231 1456 The Navy bar is funky, swanky, big, bold and loud. With a split level seating area and dance floor populated by a diverse crowd from hen parties to young couples but

28

always fun and friendly. Pumping house music and disco lights make this one for high energy clubbers.

56. Poste House 23 Cumberland Street, L1 6BU Poste House pub offers a small selection of sandwiches at the bar, country and western on a Thursday and a sociable environment of all ages.

57. Shiva 27-29 Stanley St, L1 6AA Shiva offers comfortable, safe and warm surroundings with a strict “Gay but Straight Friendly” approach. Currently weekly residents are Mark Castley, Simon James & Marc Williams plus guests, play a mix of house and uplifting electronic.

58. Superstar Boudoir 22-24 Stanley St, L1 6AF 0151 236 6001 Boasting drag hostesses and a flamboyant drag queen DJ, Superstar Boudoir plays deliberately cheesy music attracting Liverpool’s gay community, but also hordes of local girls with boyfriends in tow.

29

Bars 101

Hidden Gems 59. Maya Wood St, L1 4DQ 0151 329 0200 Maya is a truly authentic Mexican experience, located underneath its sister restaurant Lucha Libra offering high quality Mexican street cuisine. Maya boasts luxuriant interiors evocative of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of The Dead) and is all about celebrating life. A late night trip to the other side with great cocktails and tunes as well as, of course, amazing tequilas.

30

Santa Chupitos Photograph: Amy Faith

60. Aloha 22 Colquitt St, L1 4DE 0151 707 8030 A tiki bar where you can expect exotic cocktails served in pineapples and volcanoes (among other things) delivered by friendly bartenders in Hawaiian shirts.

Listen to reggae and rock ‘n’ roll and expect to, limbo and conga in a great party atmosphere.

61. Berry & Rye

priced wine bar that donates 5% of profit to charity. Located in a basement off North John Street (accessed via Harrington Street) opposite the Hard Day’s Night hotel in the heart of Liverpool – they serve good quality wines, bottled lagers, ciders & ales, and decent Martinis at un-inflated prices. They host wine tasting evenings the first Friday and live musicians every last Friday of every month.

64. The Grapes

48 Berry Street, L1 4JQ A secret bar behind a nondescript front door located on Berry Street, Berry & Rye is small and intimate with excellent attentive service and an amazing selection of drinks from bartenders who know their craft. With a real old prohibition era - speakeasy feel, the convivial ambience and low music levels allows you to enjoy great conversation.

60 Roscoe St, L1 9DW 0151 708 6870 Established in 1780s it was recently listed as of unique local historic importance and its quirky interiors retains many original features and a cosy atmosphere.

Sample its range of 9 hand pulled real ales, 30+ rums and 15 gins.

Check out live jazz Thursday & Sunday nights.

62. The Caledonia

65. Santa Chupitos

22 Caledonia St, L7 7DX 0151 708 0235 A friendly, welcoming boozer famed for live music, real ale and its world rum selection. Cheap and delicious home-made pub food with full English and Sunday roasts on weekends.

41 Slater St, L1 4BX 0151 707 6527 An authentic rum/tequila bar with gritty, low-lit, bare bricked walls and urban graffiti stairway. A wide selection of beers including unique Brazilian bottled beers and exotic cocktails.

63. The Ethical Glass

66. The Ship & Mitre

30 North John Street, L2 9QA 0151 236 1403 This a sophisticated but honestly

133 Dale St, L2 2EZ 0151 236 0859 A regular in Merseyale and the

31

Good Beer Guide and Liverpool district CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2009, this is the city’s premier real ale pub serving an excellent range of cask conditioned real ale and imported draughts. 15 hand pumps offer ales and cider from all over the country as well as 100+ German, Belgian and American beers.

67. Studio 2 33-45 Parr St, L1 4JN 0151 707 1050 The studio where Coldplay, Take That, Stereophonics, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Smiths, Diana Ross and Elbow, among others, have recorded and now has been converted into a stylish bar.

68. The Swann Inn 86 Wood St, L1 4DQ 0151 709 5281 A fine selection of real ales (Marstons Pedigree, Wobbly Bob and Old Rosie Scrumpy and guest brews) amd the best rock ‘n’ roll jukebox in the city.

69. Ye Cracke 13 Rice St, L1 9BB 0151 709 4171 John Lennon’s old art school haunt, Ye Cracke is a charming, rough round the edges pub with a varied and popular jukebox with the likes of Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen. There’s been a pub in this historic building for over 150 years.

Bars 101

Celebrity Hang-Outs 70. Alma De Cuba Paradise Lane, L1 4BH Award winning bar with a spectacular bar area downstairs, including a real altar (it’s a converted church) and a beautiful restaurant on the upper floor. There’s live music in the week, and Brazilian dancers and gospel choirs at the weekends.

Photographs: Martyn Hicks

71. Blue Bar & Baby Blue

musicians play play a mixture of electric tunes to create the perfect ambience.

17 Edward Pavilion, Albert Dock, L3 4AE 0151 702 5831 Blue Bar is one of Liverpool’s most stylish venues located at the world famous Albert Dock, Blue incorporates a café bar, restaurant and an exterior terrace overlooking Liverpool’s Waterfront for the best alfresco spot in the city. Baby Blue is the downstairs venue, home to the popular Comedy Central stand up night.

74. Mojito

72. Kingdom 25 Harrington St, L2 9QA 0151 255 1559 Kingdom boasts sleek decor, atmospheric lighting and the piece de resistance, The Three Graces - the exquisite porcelain figures adding a classic hue to the surroundings. An exceptional cocktail menu for everyone’s taste, the music is an electric mix of funky and commercial house.

73. Living Room 15 Victoria St, L2 5QS 0151 236 1999 Situated in the business district, Living Room has a reputation for great cocktails, food, service and atmosphere. By night resident

9 Victoria Street, L2 5QA 0151 236 8474 Exclusive cocktail bar in the city centre where creative bar staff mix up shots and cocktails to please every taste. Expect a heady mix of uplifting funky house and a glamour filled dancefloor.

75. Moniques 3 Temple St, L2 6PY 0151 227 1131 Moniques 2 floors are adorned with impeccable and opulent design and stock one of the most extensive ranges of spirits and beers. With beautiful hostesses, a bird cage and possibly the UK’s biggest chaise lounge you’ll never be short of photo opportunities.

76. Newz Bar 18 Water street, L2 8TD 0151 236 2025 One of the City’s most prominent celebrity haunts, the décor is a mix of sumptuous red leather and decadent walnut with ambient lighting and an impressive restaurant area. The Art Deco bar, one of the longest in the country, is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cocktail.

32

77. Palm Sugar 5-6 Kenyon Steps, L1 3DF 0151 707 6323 A breath taking 15 metre long granite bar with Swarovski crystal chandeliers and a New York cocktail lounge atmosphere. A popular location for after work tipples, pre-meal drinks or a night on the town.

78. Penthouse 66 Bold St, L1 4HR 07525 394 466 This stylish 350 capacity venue prides itself on great service and excellent 2 for 1 cocktails. Playing a mix of vocal house and Ibiza style anthems every Saturday til late.

79. Playground The Hilton, 3 Thomas Steers Way, L1 8LW The late night venue at the Hilton Liverpool has all the luxurious drama and theatre of a Vegas show coupled with the opulence of a six star penthouse suite.

Inhabited by the glamorous, there’s a good mix of commercial house and R&B complimenting an extravagant ambience. You really must try the vanity booths in the ladies restrooms (unless you’re a fella).

33

Bars 101

Sports Bars

and friendly ambience and usually packed for the big sports events.

86. Pogue Mahone’s 77 Seel St, L1 4BB 0151 708 8301 Pogue’s is a great, popular pub, dedicated to sport and showing all major sporting events from Gealic football to hurling and rugby to football. They have two big screens, two plasma TVs and three other screens. The bar is managed and run by Irish staff and serves probably the best pint of Guinness in the city.

80. Envi 17-21 Wood St, L1 4AR 0151 709 3498 Envi is one of the city’s best venues for live sport, all major events are covered in this huge 750 capacity bar. You can choose from either of the 2 giant 20 foot screens, visible from anywhere in the main room, one of the live plasma screens dotted around the place, or maybe one of the cosy communal booths with private screens.

87. Tribeca Photograph: mooinblack shutterstock.com

81. The Bierkeller 6 Thomas Steers Way, L1 8LW 08455 333 000 Now transformed into a unique drinking and dining experience; the Bierkeller is a real piece of Bavaria in the heart of Liverpool city centre. The finest selection of draught German beers served in steins, by waiting staff in traditional Bavarian clothing and authentic regional food. Plus a massive big screen and numerous TV sets to catch all the latest sporting events.

82. Cafe Sports England 10 Thomas Steers Way, L1 8LW 0151 706 7440 Café Sports Express is part owned by football hero Jamie Carragher and offers a casual dining family restaurant with a healthy twist.

You can watch all live sporting events with over 30 wall mounted LCD TVs and if they’re not showing what you would like to watch just ask a member of staff. Be sure to book early for all major football matches. Situated in Liverpool One on the lower ground opposite The Hilton Hotel. the terrace is a popular sun trap

in summer where you can enjoy a speciality coffee or delicious cocktail.

83. The Font

17-19 Berry St, L1 9DF 0151 707 2528 8 huge HD ready screens, comfy booths and ridiculously good drinks offers (Sunday to Thursdays) make this one of the most popular places to cheer on your favourite team. They can even show multiple channels around the venue so you can keep an eye on all the matches at once.

24 Arrad St, L7 7JE 0151 706 0345 Situated on the edge of Liverpool University’s campus, The Font is an easy going, fun, student friendly bar with over 40 cocktails at process that won’t hurt your pocket. All sports are shown on large screens so every fan can watch comfortably.

88. Walkabout

84. Hope & Anchor

89. Woodys

Maryland St, L1 9DE 0151 702 7911 Great value offers, especially on a Thursday and Saturday nights and friendly staff. The Sunday night quiz is also good fun. Serves a great strawberry cider and boasts a very comfy couch to watch the match from.

70-74 Wood St, L1 4DQ 0151 708 6649 Woodys is ideally located right in the hub of Liverpool’s nightlife.

Whether you’re looking for an afternoon drink or a crazy night on the town, Woody’s cater for all ages and groups.

Every Thursday – Monday you can sing your heart out with one of the city’s top Karaoke nights. They also show all the big matches on their big screen.

Their stylish main room contains a spacious dance floor, a raised platform stage, black comfy couches and a variety of screens scattered around the room.

85. The Pilgrim 34 Pilgrim St, L1 9HB 0151 709 2302 Situated over 2 floors, this has long been a student favourite.

Downstairs sees diner style booths with a real cellar bar feel and well priced beers and spirits. A lively

34

26 Fleet St, L1 4AN 0151 708 0843 One of Liverpool’s most popular sports and late night party venues.

Try some authentic Australian tucker, kick back and watch your favourite sports on the city’s biggest HD projector screen.

35

Bars 101

Venues

venue spread over three floors.

Its stage has been graced by the likes of Radiohead, Muse, Oasis, Coldplay The Mission and Turin Brakes. Local legends all played there, Ian McCulloch, Ian McNabb and Pete Wylie to name but a few. The new custodians are local musicians and music lovers who put on an eclectic mix of genres from local and touring artists. The Cellar bar is open every night 6pm til late.

90. 02 Academy 11-13 Hotham St, L3 5UF 0844 477 2000 A popular venue for touring artists, it has a unique warehouse feel with both 1,200 and 500 capacity rooms for concerts and clubs. Recent headliners have ranged from Emile Sande, Lost Prophets and Labrinth to Blondie and Paul McCartney.

98. The Picket

Jake Bugg At The O2 Academy Photograph: Sakura

91. East Village Arts Club

94. Epstein Theatre

90 Seel Street, L1 4BH 0844 847 2424 East Village Arts Club hosts live music and club nights as well as a wide range of arts and cultural programming. The Arts Club is a fully modernised venue, with brand new sound, lights and a careful restoration of many of the building’s original features.

Stars such as Kate Nash, Ghostpoet, The Fall, CSS and Little Comets have graced the venue so far this year with many more to be announced.

Hanover St, L1 3DZ 0151 709 4044 The Grade II listed building is managed by Liverpool Sound City and offers music, theatre, film and dance from local, national and international artists. They also serve a great pint, cocktails and good, simple food.

92. Echo Arena Kings Dock, L3 4FP 0844 8000 400 The biggest and most stunning venue in Liverpool gracing the waterfront, this is the first port of call for mega stars playing the city.

The 10,600 seat arena also hosts conferences and events.

93. Empire Lime St, L1 1JE 0844 847 2525 The largest 2 tier theatre in the UK, The Empire is known for its lavish productions of mainly musicals. It also features big stars, in music, comedy and entertainment.

95. Erics 9 Mathew St, L2 6RE 0151 236 9994 This iconic late 70s punk venue recently re-opened after 31 years hosting a diverse mix of music, monthly comedy and club nights.

96. The Kazimier 4-5 Wolstenholme Sq L1 4JJ 0151 324 1723 One of the quirkiest venues in Liverpool hosting live gigs, themed nights, performances, film-screenings, workshops, fairs and artist talks. Arty, vibrant and unusual the Kazimier has a 480 people capacity and boasts many a sell-out night. So if you see an event you want to go to get your tickets quick!

97. The Lomax 34 Cumberland St, L1 6BU The Lomax is an iconic 90s music

36

61 Jordan St, L1 0BW 0151 708 6789 Legendary local venue supported by the likes of Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, Paul Weller and Suggs. It’s launched the careers of some of Liverpool’s best known musicians from the La’s, Space and Cast to Coral and the Zutons.

99. The Royal Philharmonic Hall Hope St, L1 9BP 0151 709 3789 Home of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, this is the venue for classical and world music. Housed in an elaborate art deco building the venue features top name artists, comedians and film.

100. St Bride’s Church Percy St, L8 8LT 0151 475 8888 This forward thinking practising church has opened its doors to the music community and makes for an interesting and unusual venue.

A number of local bands rehearse there and host gigs in the 1830s building.

101. Zanzibar 43 Seel St, L1 4AZ 0151 707 0633 This intimate venue plays host to touring bands and unsigned locals.

It holds about 300 and the layout means you’re never far from the stage or the bar. A hot, lively place to enjoy up and coming talent.

37

Nightlife

Juicy and Pause have both emerged as two of the top student club nights in Liverpool, and on Thursday 26th September the two come together for one dance extravaganza at The Shipping Forecast.

Juicy DJs Oscar Wildstyle and Wiggie Smalls will take over the bar for the evening bringing their banging brand of Hip Hop, Bassment and R&B tunes.

Pause’s Sublime and Drew Hill will set up in The Hold with their popular mix of UK Garage, Old School House and Funk.

Juicy v Pause Freshers’ Fiesta Shipping Forecast Thursday 26th September £3 earlybird / £5 advanced / more on the door 10pm - 3am

One Night in Amsterdam Garlands 6th September 10pm – 3am £10

38

The One night in Amsterdam world tour continues at Garlands. Dutch DJ’s and dance events have conquered the world and this night is all about bringing the Dutch club experience to Liverpool’s most vibrant of crowds. So far One Night in Amsterdam has landed at world renowned clubs Pacha, Luux, SaSaZu,The Sign, Sliver, Caleo and toured countries like Norway, Czech Republic, Macedonia, Sweden, Surinam and Bonaire.

Holland’s superstar DJ’s Ziggy, Rosh and Passa lead the night’s proceedings at garlands as you can expect an event that’s an authentic representation of the incendiary Ducth dancefloor vibe. http://onenightinamsterdam.nl/

Foamo and Jay Robinson Subvert Sat 7th September Revolution, Albert Dock, Liverpool 10pm – 4am £3 advance Rinse FM star Foamo and hot talent Jay Robinson take over Subvert at Revolution, Albert Dock on Saturday 7th September.

Subvert heralds a brand new direction for the Liverpool Albert Dock area, which has seen the night transform the city’s iconic

setting from a pre-party drinks excursion to a fully fledged dance music destination. The venue has recently undergone a £50k refurbishment.

Over the past five years headliner Foamo has carved out a powerful niche in UK club music with his takes on house drawing strong influence from drum & bass, garage and grime. The sub-bass is hard, punchy and optimised to rattle through the chest, drums are swung to a lean garage flex.

Prolific young star Jay Robinson has released tracks on the likes of Ministry of Sound (UK), Southern Fried Records, Trouble & Bass Recordings and is championed

by Armand Van Helden, Moby, Fake Blood and Laurent Garnier.

Ttalented behind the decks as well as in the studio, Jay has had one of his mixes played by Annie Nightingale.

Subvert’s own Lewis Jardine supports.

39

Yousef Presents

Circus Birthday

East Village Arts Club Saturday 28 September 10Pm – 4Am £20 Adv. Circus returns to its spiritual home at the East Village Arts Club on Saturday 28 September to celebrate the start of its second decade of dance (11th birthday!)

As ever expect a stellar line up alongside founder and driving force yousef including Seth Troxler, Scuba, Cassy, Catz n Dogz, Lewis Boardman, Scott Lewis, and featuring the Angel live.

Theatre

What’s On? Liverpool Empire

Beatlemania

Liverpool Empire

13 September 7.30pm £21.90 Celebrating 50 years since the band’s first number one hit, the authoritative Beatles live concert show comes to The Liverpool Empire in September.

Performing iconic tracks from the original mop top days, through to the free loving psychedelic era and climaxing to the final years of the classic Let It Be and Abbey Road, Beatlemania is a true homage to Liverpool’s favourite sons and the greatest band the world has ever seen.

As a fiftieth celebration, the first half of the show features hits from 1963, including four UK number one singles and three chart topping E.P.s.

Romeo and Juliet, features classic songs such as Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, America and I Feel Pretty.

Epstein Theatre The Sunshine Boys 3 – 7 September £15 - £20

Former Vaudeville double act Lewis and Clarke haven’t spoken for years until they’re invited to reunite to do a TV special.

Thrown together again old arguments surface and tempers reach boiling point with side splitting results. A Life in Theatre production of the famous Neil Simon play, The Sunshine Boys stars Andrew Schofield and Alan Stocks.

Cabaret

2 – 7 September 7.30pm £17.90 - £48.90 The hugely successful and ever popular musical Cabaret comes to the Liverpool Empire in September starring Pop Idol winner and international pop star Will Young reprising his award nominated role as Emcee.

Rufus Norris’ acclaimed production is touring the UK on the back of its successful West End run. Finalist in How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, Siobhan Dillon, who has earned rave reviews for numerous stage appearances including the West End run of Grease, takes the iconic role of Sally Bowles.

Debuting on Broadway in 1966 over its lifetime the musical has taken a breathtaking 7 BAFTAs and 13 Tonys.

Of course Hollywood’s classic movie version grabbed 8 Oscars including Best Actress for Liza Minnelli.

Featuing some of the most memorable songs in musical theatre including Money Makes the World Go Round, Two Ladies, Maybe This Time and of course Cabaret, stunning choreography and glitzy costumes, the production turns Weimar Berlin of 1931 into a sassy, sizzling haven of decadence.

West Side Story

24 September 7.30pm £12.90 - £68.40 Joey McKneely’s production of West Side Story featuring Jerome Robbins original choreography comes to the Liverpool Empire following its sell out international tour.

Leonard Bernstein’s towering musical, a reworking of Shakespeare’s

Bon Voyage

10 – 14 September 7.30pm £15 (£12.50 Consc) Rocky is having a special party thrown in his honour by his loving wife Maggie and daughter Lisa. Best friends Bumper, Dazzler and Plonk turn up and are treated to a few loving observations from Maggie’s pleasant father Archie. With

music, drink flowing and the obligatory jukebox, Rocky would have loved it... if he hadn’t been dead. Written by Richie Grice (who also directs) and Paul Nicholson, this hilarious comedy stars Mickey Finn and Lindzi Germaine.

51 Shades of Maggie

27 & 28 September Age 16+ This send up of 50 Shades of Grey is fresh from a hit run in Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin. It charts the story of lovable Maggie Muff’s search for love.

Having been let down by all the men in her life has she at last found romance in the form of hunky Mr. Big, who she met at the social security office? Or will the apparent man of her dream’s Private Room of Pain prove a slap in the face of their relationship? An hilariously naughty tale of love and whips, 51 Shades of Maggie provides a perfect ladies night out.

Lantern Theatre Sweets For My Sweet

6 – 7 September 7.30pm £10 A good old fashioned romantic comedy set in the 70’s against the backdrop of a Liverpool sweet factory. Billy the shop steward, who loves causing strife with his foreman, has been dating Mo for years. Trouble is she’s getting impatient for wedding bells, specially since she wants her terminally ill mother to see her married. Littered with colourful characters and set to a soundtrack of 70’s motown, Sweets For My Sweet promises to be a entertaining piece of nostalgic escapism.

musical arrangements of revered folk singer and squeezebox player John Kirkpatrick, featuring the songs and rallying hymns of the Dorset labouring classes.

Roberto Devereux

12 September 7.30pm £15 A tale of love and loss in the court of Queen Elizabeth, Donizetti’s Opera Roberto Devereux charts the historic love triangle and subsequent battle between Queen Elizabeth I, Roberto Devereux the earl of Essex and Sara, Duchess of Nottingham.

A semi-staged production sung in Italian with English subtitles.

phenomena of Beatlemania from the inside in this funny and touching one man show.

Playhouse Theatre

Over The Garden Fence

27 September 7.30pm £8 This comic and thoughtful two-woman play is a fast paced treaties on life, family and memory that pulls on the heart-strings as well as tickling the funny bones.

We Will Be Free – Tolpuddle Martyrs Story

19, 20 & 21 September £10 A new drama set in 1834 about the Tolpuddle Martyrs that follows the extraordinary true story of George and Betsy Loveless. He was a Methodist preacher and the leader of the six Dorsetshire farm labourers who were tried, convicted and condemned to harsh transportation by an oppressive Government for having the temerity to swear a secret oath and form a union to fight against a succession of wage cuts inflicted by the local landowner.

This vitally important story is told using Andy Vine’s powerful political cartoons and animation, puppetry and the

Beatle Mal

29 September 7.30pm £9 Nik Wood-Jones portrays Mal Evans, the Beatles ever present roadie who was with the legendary band throughout their tours, recording sessions and films. Wood-Jones plays Evans as a loveable rogue who was an indispensable part of the Beatle machine and who uniquely witnessed the

41

Melody Loses Her Mojo

20 – 28 September £10 - £20 Age: 13+ Melody is a troubled young girl who lives in care. The only constant in a turbulent life is her toy monster Mojo. Blessing is a long way from home in Nigeria and has found herself in the care system after her stay with her “Aunty” has gone badly wrong; she longs to be back in Lagos with her Nana. Rizla has just left care and has found a “new family” among older guys at a local hostel.

Combining an original mix of hip hop theatre, dance, puppetry and street art, this gritty and challenging play charts the teenage lives of three extraordinary young people in extraordinary circumstances as their stories entwine with moments of magic and surrealism. Written and directed by 20 Stories High’s Keith Saha who penned the award winning Ghost Boy.

Theatre

Unity Theatre The Unthinkable Mystery Of The Indigo Star

11 - 13 September 2013 £10 (£8 Consc) With the discovery of a dead body, a missing jewel and a mysterious note in a Paris apartment, the scene is set for a classic murder mystery. In the criminological equivalent of a supergroup, the com-

bined deductive talents of Hercule Poirot, Jules Maigret and Inspector Jacques Clouseau board the Orient Express in a bid to net an arch villain in the case of a lifetime.

Expect the unthinkable!

A Gambolling Arena production, written by Ed Bixter and directed by Suzy Walker.

Write Now 2013 Listings Guardian Angel

by Margot Agnew

Wed 18 - 7pm | Fri 20 7pm Unity 2 Desperately seeking a cure for her daughter, Karen is drawn into occult practices which have unexpected results.

Spooky Tales

14 September 2013 11:30am & 2:30pm £8 Adults I £6 Children We dare you to be terrified, delighted and entertained by tales of ghosts, ghoolies, witches and all manner of spooky

spectres, recounted with masterful eeriness by the aptly named Edward and Martha Creep. Perfect for age 9 plus. You can also create your own spooky tale in the after show workshop for free.

Write Now 2013 Unity Theatre

18 - 21 September £10 (£8 conc) Book 3 shows save £5 Book 6 shows save £12 0844 873 2888 unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk Write Now, the annual Liverpool One Act Play Festival welcomes the festival’s fourth year in 2013 with a relocation to the Liverpool Unity Theatre. The Festival also boasts a new structure that focuses on the playwright and director as much as the performers.

Founded by Ian Moore, Artistic Director of Black Box Theatre Company, Write Now seeks to support and encourage as well as open opportunities for new and original work by writers, performers, directors and technical specialists, and to make theatre accessible for everyone. Lionboy is Complicite’s first show for young people and families, inspired by Zizou Corder’s bestselling trilogy of novels and with a cast including Adetomiwa Edun from BBC’s Merlin. www.complicite.org

42

Happiness

by Danny Whitehead

Wed 18 - 9pm | Fri 20 5pm Unity 1 When we’re happiest, we’re at our most vulnerable. Happiness is a dark but uplifting exploration of love, rage, and forgiveness.

Hovering on the Edge

by Brian Brown Thu 19 - 9pm | Sat 21 5pm Unity 1 Two young men seek to profit by volunteering for charity but have their outlook changed by the experience

Last Tango at St Leonards

by Mari Lloyd

Wed 18 - 5pm | Fri 20 9pm Unity 1 Financial crisis hits the NHS. With innovative management, loyal staff, generous volunteers and grateful patients what could possibly go wrong?

The Road to Skibbereen

by Angela Walsh

Thu 19 - 5pm | Sat 21 9pm Unity 1

A poignant story of trainers in the fridge, Lady Macbeth, and the love between a daughter and her mother.

Sting Like a Butterfly

by Johnny Parker

Thu 19 - 7pm | Sat 21 7pm Unity 2 Life alone is the toughest fight for ex-boxer Biffo.

Could Salsa save him or is he too macho to mambo?

The WRITE NOW Playwright’s Challenge

Sat 21 - 12noon - Unity 2 Tickets £5 (no concs) Three playwrights, six performers and a director came together for the first time on Wednesday morning of the festival.

Their task is to stage one hour of brand new material.

Come and see the fruits of their labours.

The Liverpool Playwrights Script-in-Hand

Sat 21 - 3pm Unity 1 Tickets £5 (no concs) Four brand new fifteen minute pieces read scriptin-hand from Liverpoolborn / based playwrights From Heir to Eternity by Jane Barrow Moths Wing Soup by Patrick McGuire Premier Programme by EJ The Route of Evanescence by Neil A Edwards

43

Cinema

About Time Released: 6 September Director: Richard Curtis Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander

T

im (Domhnall Gleeson) finds out from his father (Bill Nighy)on his 21st birthday that he comes from a line of family members who amazingly can travel back in time, seemingly by finding somewhere dark and secluded, clenching their fists and thinking about a specific occasion.

Armed with such a momentous revelation, Tim sets out not to change the course of world history (which curiously enough he’s not able to do) but to get off with American beauty Mary, played by the delectable Rachel McAdams.

When he inadvertently erases their first meeting and trips back in time to make amends, he soon

finds hoping into your past to meddle can be a tricky business leading to a series of “comic” mishaps. About Time is Richard Curtis’s third film as writerdirector after Love Actually and The Boat That Rocked and in tone, look and feel is certainly closer to his earlier rom coms like Four Weddings and A Funeral. The obvious Hugh Grant impersonation notwithstanding, Domhnall Gleeson (formerly Bill Weasley of Harry Potter fame and son of Brendan Gleeson) is engaging and weaves a beguiling chemistry with the always watchable McAdams.

Curtis’s time travel plot device while unsubtle, does enable some

44

funny set pieces, but doesn’t really add any ingenuity to the narrative arc. The film’s focus about living life to the full could have been developed without the clunky science fiction twist. About Time is warm and enjoyable enough, with charming performances and Curtis fans will no doubt feel he’s returned to the success of some his 90s rom coms. However many will feel he’s travelled back in time to both classic films Groundhog Day and The Time Traveller’s Wife to borrow plot, gags and Rachel McAdams... but unfortunately none of the quality.

September 2013

1 out of 5 (12)

White House Down Released: 6 September Director: Roland Emmerich Starring; Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal

Roland Emmerich, who nearly twenty years ago brought us mindless global carnage in Independence Day, (and subsequently Godzilla and The Day After Tomorrow) hasn’t grown up at all and is still peddling massively scaled CGI smash ups in the belief that the size of the explosion is inversely proportional than the need for a decent script with even a shred of believability. There’s an internet rumour that the whole contrived, clichéd affair is actually meant as a subtle parody. While that would explain alot, it would still be cack. Channing Tatum is the boringly predictable put upon, down on his luck accidental hero in a vest saving his daughter, the president and the world. Jamie Foxx is the president who not only is able to negotiate middle east peace treaties, but he can figure out how to fire a rocket launcher under the stress of a high speed car chase, under fire, on the White House lawn... it really could happen.

Riddick Released: 6 September Director: David Twohy Starring: Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Jordi Molla

R

iddick is the latest chapter of the sci-fi action saga that follows from 2000’s hit Pitch Black and 2004’s disappointing The Chronicles of Riddick. Vin Diesel returns as the escaped convict with the shiny eyes on the back of his successful recent reprise of his Fast and Furious franchise which has seen his star back on the rise. Having been left for dead on a sun drenched, barren planet, Riddick soon finds himself up against alien predators more fearsome than anything he’s faced before. His only chance is to activate a distress beacon

45

which will alert a host of bad ass mercenaries to descend on the planet intent on claiming his head.

Writer-director David Twohy (The Fugitive) crafts an explosive mix of monster caper and pursuit movie for our antihero and the big budget is used to its fullest with myriad breathless set pieces. Diesel’s comfortable as ever playing smooth, relentlessly ruthless but fair and really carries the whole enterprise. No big surprises, but lots of big action in this gloriously Riddick-ulous exhibition of shaven headed machismo.

Cinema

Rush Released: 13 September Director: Ron Howard Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl, Olivia Wilde, Stephen Mangan

O

scar wining director Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon) teams up again with writer Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Queen) to cover yet another fascinating real life relationship, this time focusing on one of Formula One’s greatest rivalries between charismatic British playboy James Hunt (Thor actor Chris Hemsworth) and meticulously disciplined Austrian Niki Lauda (Inglorious Basterds’

Daniel Brühl ). Set against the breathtaking backdrop of 70s highly competitive and dangerous racetracks, Rush takes us through the adrenalin fuelled life styles of the two world champions from cockpit to private life and documents how in their private lives as well as their sporting lives, the drivers pushed themselves to the breaking point of physical and psychological endurance, where there is no shortcut to victory and

46

no margin for error. Morgan’s script moves briskly and the sharp exchanges are delivered expertly, gaining a real sense of the high stakes that motivated both extraordinary drivers. Howard gets a great balance between the explosive action and human fallout. A fascinating, engrossing and enlightening drama certainly not just for race fans.

47