Lifestyle and Culture Magazine
Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire
Stewart Lee
No: 164 February 2020
Free
heads up the Ocelot Spring Theatre Guide p11
What's on Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 1
/ STYLE / EATS / BREWS / THEATRE / MUSIC 29/01/2020 12:07
Mag
04 Pu 06 En 07 Br 11 Th 24 D 30 A
#1 Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 2
29/01/2020 12:07
Plan your spring with our massive theatre guide p11 Magazine highlights 04 Puppets book review 06 Encyclopaedia Ocelotica 07 Brews and Eats 11 The Theatre Guide 24 Dancin’ Oxford 30 Agony Girl
#164 Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 3
The Editorial Team EDITOR - Jamie Hill - jamie@theocelot.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR - Ben Fitzgerald - ben@theocelot.co.uk The Sales Team Dave Stewart dave@theocelot.co.uk - 07872 176999 Rosy Presley rosy@positive-media.co.uk - 07717 501790 Main Number - 01793 320043 Positive Media Group, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Swindon SN1 4BJ PRINTED BY - Deltor, Saltash, Cornwall 29/01/2020 12:07
REVIEW: Puppets by WM Kirkland By Jamie Hill This is definitely a book that isn’t for the faint-hearted. Puppets by local author Wayne Kirkland at times had me gasping in shock and at other times I felt like I was rubber-necking into lives that were like real life car crashes. I couldn’t look away as the depraved actions of the characters jumped off the page. At its essense Puppets is a revenge tale. But it’s so much more than that as it depicts a seedy and shadowy part of our lives that are just below the surface. Without giving too much away the main story follows Anthony as he enacts his twisted revenge plot. He is joined by a supporting cast of characters each more disturbed and depraved than the last. But what sets this story apart is how close to our reality this story really is. The characters could be taken right from our own lives. The security guard, the middle manager and the company
boss. It’s as if one of the main aims of the book is to tear apart our preconceptions of the staid and white-washed corporate environment that we all recognise. Laying bare the dirt underneath. But, if you think what I’m describing makes this book sound bleak you’d be wrong as there’s a lightness of touch in the writing injecting dark humour through every sentence. The plot zips along very nicely, keeping you guessing as to where the story is going to take you. And although some of the characters make uncomfortable companions on this journey, everything remains completely relatable. You can pick this book up on Amazon in paperbook and ebook and it’s one that I would definitely recommend if you like your reading material to have that added bite.
RPAT TEST MOBILE SERVICE
Get a free quote or if you have any questions or special requests, please email or call me. Phone: 07500 904363 Email: ron.pattesting@yahoo.co.uk Facebook: RPAT Test Mobile Service PAT Testing for bands and musicians
4
PORTABLE PAT TESTING SERVICE RELIABLE AND PROFESSIONAL SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
www.rpattestmobileservices.co.uk
www.theocelot.co.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 4
29/01/2020 12:07
FEBRUARY 2020
SAT 1st FLASH HARRY - FOLK ROCK FRI 31st JAN - 1ST FEB THE RAPTURE - UN-HOLY COMMUNION WILL BE SERVED CAJUN BLUES - 9pm - 11.30pm - 11.30pm-3am SAT 1ST STILLMARILLION: EUROPE’S BEST MARILLION TRIBUTE - 8.30pm 11.30pm £12 WED 5TH ARIEL POSEN - INTERNATIONALLY-RENOWNED BLUES GUITARIST - 7.30pm - 10.30pm £16 ADV FRI 7th - SAT 8th ONE STEP BEYOND SWINDONS BIGGEST SKA/ REGGAE/2-TONE PARTY - 10pm - 3am SAT 8th - SUN 9th FEELIN’ THIS - A BLINK-182 PARTY - A CLUBNIGHT CELEBRATING BLINK-182 AND ALL THE OLD SCHOOL POP-PUNK ANTHEMS - 11pm - 3am
FRI 7th KOKROK - STADIUM ROCK ANTHEMS - 9pm - 11.30pm
SAT 8th RAVE AGAINST THE REGIME - A LIVE BAND PLAYING DANCE HITS FROM THE 90S TO NOW - 9pm - 11.30pm MON 10th MANIC MONDAYS GAME NIGHT - EVERY FORTNIGHT - 6pm - 11pm FRI 14th DAMN GOOD REASON - A ROCKIN’ ‘N’ ROLLIN’ 5-PIECE CLASSIC ROCK OUTFIT - 9pm - 11.30pm
SAT 15th ONE CHORD WONDERS - VINTAGE PUNK AND NEW WAVE SAT 15th THE LOCK IN - LIVE RAP/GRIME/ - 9pm - 11.30pm FRI 14th - SAT 15th 80’s VS 90’s - CLUB NIGHT - 10pm - 3am HIP-HOP MUSIC - 8.30pm - 11.30pm
TUE 18th ALEX BAND, THE CALLING - LEAD SINGER OF THE CALLING - 7pm - 11.30pm FRI 21st - SAT 22nd FREAK ON A LEASH - THE BIGGEST NU-METAL CLUB NIGHT - 10pm - 3am SAT 22nd LASTELLE/HOMELAND/EDENFALLS - BANDIT MUSIC - 8.30pm - 11.30pm £4 adv £6 otd FRI 28th RISING FROM THE DEEP - DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW & WHITESNAKE TRIBUTE - 8.30pm - 11.30pm £6 adv £8 otd SAT 29th - SUN 1st MAR BLACK PARADE - EMO ANTHEMS CLUB NIGHT - 11pm - 3am
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 5
FRI 21st BELOW THE SALT - A BLUES ‘N’ RHYTHM ORIGINALS AND COVERS - 9pm - 11.30pm SAT 22nd THE WICKED JACKALS - HARD ROCK BAND FROM HERTFORDSHIRE - 9pm - 11.30pm MON 24th MANIC MONDAYS GAME NIGHT - EVERY FORTNIGHT - 6pm - 11pm FRI 28th CHICAGO 9 - 50’S & 60’S ELECTRIC BLUES - 9pm - 11.30pm SAT 29th THE VIPERS - CLASSIC ROCKABILLY - 9pm - 11.30pm
29/01/2020 12:07
Encyclopedia Ocelotica:
By Ben Fitzgerald
The Droste Effect
The Droste Effect
The Droste Effect
6
The Droste Effect
The Droste Effect
You can glimpse infinity in a cocoa tin. In 1904, artist Jan Misset was commissioned to design an image for a Dutch brand of cocoa. And at first glance, it’s a decent enough design, with a picture of a nurse who appears to be gracefully carting a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a tray. She also happens to have a tin of cocoa on the tray. Nice. But take a closer look and you will notice that the tin of cocoa on top of the tray features the exact same design, with a picture of a nurse. And unsettlingly she appears to also have a cocoa tin perched on her tray… Think about it too long and it tumbles your brain down an endless tunnel as you realise with a jolt that the tin on the tray has to have infinitely small cocoa tins featuring the same design; ad infinitum. That’s one hell of an unsettling cup of cocoa no? The freaky effect came to be known as the Droste Effect,
The Droste Effect
after the brand of cocoa, and is a motif that has cropped up in a variety of contexts ever since. You will find it in the video of Seven Nation Army by the White
Stripes, with a repeating infinite series of triangles and on the cover of the 1969 Pink Floyd album Ummagumma where the band are reflected endlessly in a mirror. The Droste effect can also
be seen and even in the logo of Laughing Cow cheese spread which shows a cow wearing earrings. When you look closer, these are actually images of the circular cheese spread packages, each of which have an image of the laughing cow. And it’s even been embraced by the ‘information superhighway’ the examples are, appropriately enough, seemingly infinite. One that caught my eye was sparked when a 55-year-old teacher, Cindi Decker, from Jacksonville posted a pic on Reddit of her holding a painting of a swan that she had created. A few days later, Swedish artist Kristoffer Zetterstrand painted a picture of himself holding a painting of Cindi holding her painting of a swan and posted it on the site. Of course, the gauntlet was thrown down and the thread exploded with multiple mind-bending paintings of pictures of paintings of pictures of paintings of pictures of paintings of pictures of paintings of pictures of paintings of pictures of of pictures of paintings of pictures of paintings of
paintings of pictures of paintings
pictures of paintings of pictures of paintings of
pictures of paintings of pictures of paintings of pictures of paintings of
pictures of paintings of pictures of
You get the picture!
www.theocelot.co.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 6
29/01/2020 12:07
The
recipe:
By Ben Fitzgerald
Baked celeriac with spiced quinoa, kale and hazelnuts
Bake the celeriac whole to allow the flesh to stay firm as the heat and salt draw away moisture. Cut into steak-like pieces, it makes for a toothsome centrepiece. Although this dish seems complete, it is perfect as part of a veggie roast dinner. Ingredients: 1 large celeriac 2 tbsp Dijon mustard Salt and pepper 1 orange 150g quinoa 1 pinch of saffron - optional 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp cardamom pods ½ cinnamon stick 1 head of black kale 25g dried cranberries Olive oil Small handful of parsley 40g toasted hazelnuts
Method: Preheat your oven to 150˚C/Gas 2. Wash the celeriac and rub the outside with mustard. Season it very generously with salt – the mustard allows the salt to stick to the celeriac. Place it in the oven and bake gently for 2-3 hours, or until completely soft in the centre. Leave to cool for 20 mins. Put a kettle on to boil. Use a peeler to remove 4 long strips of zest from the orange. Put a saucepan on a medium heat. Add the quinoa, spices and orange zest. Dry fry in the pan for about 2 mins, until smelling fragrant. Tip in 400ml of boiling water, season well with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12 mins, until the grains are tender and all the liquid is absorbed. While the quinoa is cooking, strip the kale leaves away from
the stalks and tear them into bitesize pieces. Cook them in a saucepan with a dash of water and a pinch of salt for 3-4 mins, until wilted. Add a dash more water if they look like drying out and catching in the pan. When the quinoa is ready, stir in the kale, cranberries and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper and a squeeze or 2 of orange juice. Cover and leave to rest while you finish the celeriac. Cut the skin away from the celeriac and then cut into 2cm thick slices. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a frying pan and cook the slices until golden brown, about 3-4 mins a side. Pile the warm quinoa onto a serving plate and lay the celeriac slices on top. Scatter over the parsley and hazelnuts to garnish.
www.theocelot.co.uk Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 7
7
29/01/2020 12:07
The wine column By Darren Willmott of vinesight.me
W
Have you got the bottle to drink wine from a can?
ith years of tradition behind it, wine isn’t a product that changes
fast. Sure, certain grape varieties come and go as trends and tastes change, but when it comes to serving wine, the glass bottle has been the method of choice for centuries. Other formats quietly exist, and bag-in-box wine recently made a modest comeback helped by the fact that the quality has come on leaps and bounds since the dinner parties of the 1980’s. Last summer’s trend of wine served in a can was generally met with more disdain. Canned wine does have its benefits. They’re light and portable which is perfect for al fresco drinking or when you’re on the move, plus you get the benefit of keeping the wine airtight and fresh, just like in a bottle. You can get smaller measures than when you open a standard bottle (and perhaps drinking more than you should as “it’s a shame to waste it”), but something about wine from a can just feels…wrong. We happily switch from drinking beer in a bottle to beer in a can, but with wine it doesn’t currently feel 100% natural to do so.
8
But then, you may ask, what makes the 75cl glass bottle so right? Using glass makes absolute sense being inert, sturdy, and able to be mass produced, but why is 75cl the accepted size? There’s lots of fanciful myths and, whilst it would be romantic to believe that 75cl was the maximum lung capacity of a glass-blowers breath or was scientifically calculated as the perfect amount of wine for 2 people to share, the truth is much more mathematical. Historically, barrels of wine would be shipped over from France and bottled here to aid
the logistics of transporting heavy and breakable glass by boat, but producers eventually started bottling at the château to stop shippers adulterating their wine in any way. These barrels had the
capacity to store 225 litres which, when split down to a nice even 300 bottles, gave them their 75cl size. Interestingly, wine merchants and producers will tell you that the 75cl size isn’t actually the best for showing off the liquid inside. Less likely to suffer temperature variations, the greater volume of wine in larger bottle formats such as the Magnum and Jeroboam still only comes in to contact with the same amount of air as found in a standard bottle, thereby slowing the ageing process. These larger bottles are visually impressive and create a real sense of occasion, their powerful biblical names such as Balthazar, Salmanazar and Nebuchadnezzar, only serving to make them even grander. In reality though they are heavy and awkward to pour, and definitely not for opening on weeknights when you only fancy one glass. So, it seems that the 75cl bottle is here to stay. That’s probably best as it’s hard to imagine saying to someone “Fancy coming over tonight and sharing a bag of wine?”. Cheers!
www.theocelot.co.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 8
29/01/2020 12:08
By Ben Fitzgerald
Fabio: long-established Italian gem of a restaurant
F
abio restaurant in Swindon is one of those amazing places that keeps drawing you back. Perhaps it’s because the staff at the long-established Old Town restaurant understand that people don’t go to a restaurant just to fill up… Ultimately what keeps bringing people back is the memory of how they felt when they left the restaurant last time. It’s all about atmosphere. Mario Freti, his family and staff have been delighting customers for more than 20 years - going all out to generate an atmosphere of relaxed conviviality. And they have certainly succeeded, judging by the hundreds of wine corks, left by countless happy customers, which have been stuck to the ceiling. The corks, not the customers, you understand. But let’s not forget the food, which is hearty rustic Italian
cooking at its best. I chose the delightful Capesante - ‘scallops individually wrapped with Italian pancetta, served on a bed of rocket salad, olive oil and a reduction of balsamic vinegar’ simple ingredients
which were left to speak for themselves. Totally great. Jamie tried the Linguine allo Scoglio - ‘linguine pasta cooked with fresh chopped tomato, garlic, basil, scallops, prawns, clams and mussels splashed white wine served with garlic bread or salad’ - and received
the nod of approval from the waiter. He declared it to be: “a cornucopia of fishy delight.” And Karen went for the classic feelgood Lasagne al Forno layers of lasagne pasta cooked with tomato sauce, bolognese sauce and bechamel with mozzarella and parmesan cheese melted on top. She said: “you can’t really go wrong with a lasagne and this didn’t let me down. “I left happy and full.” Sue opted for the carbonara ‘spaghetti cooked with bacon, parmesan cheese and a touch of cream and egg yolk’ which she said was “one of the best carbonaras I’ve had. I’m being serious!” And she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to carbonara - and most other things for that matter. For more information, log on to www.fabioswindon.co.uk. To make a booking call 01793 615306 or alternatively drop by the restaurant at 15 Bath Road, Old Town SN1 4AS
www.theocelot.co.uk Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 9
9
29/01/2020 12:08
A history of pepper
Pepper, for reasons best known to itself, shares the top spot alongside its long time companion, salt. In fact, Piper Nigrum, is the world’s most commonly used spice. And unlike salt, which is found and made practically anywhere in the world, black pepper is indigenous only to a specific province in southwest India - Kerala. Interestingly, Vietnam is now the largest producer and exporter, producing more than a third of the world’s crop. So, how were the dried fruits of this flowering vine lifted from obscurity to become the superstar of the spice rack? Black pepper has long been recognised as a unique additive with the power to improve almost any food. References to pepper appear in Greek and Roman texts suggesting an ancient trade between India and the West. As early as 1,000BC, merchants from southern Arabia controlled the spice trade and pepper routes, holding a monopoly. And by medieval times, the middle leg of the pepper trade routes was controlled by traders from the Middle
10
By Ben Fitzgerald
East, while the powerful Italian city states such as Venice and Genoa held a monopoly on shipping lines once the spice reached the Mediterranean. Pepper was expensive to ship, having to be transported along the 4,000-mile silk road. However, such was the demand that the Italian traders could almost set their own prices - and it became something of a status symbol. Soon, other European countries decided they wanted to get in on the act and launched fleets of explorers and traders to track down the source. Once more trade routes were established, the popularity of pepper rocketed and prices dropped. But they didn’t always get it right during one of his voyages, Christopher Columbus stocked the holds of his ships with what he believed to be pepper and set sail from the West Indies only to discover on arriving that he had actually brought over much less valuable chilli peppers… Easily done, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve returned from Sainsbury’s having made a similar mistake. Those spices can get quite confusing.
www.theocelot.co.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 10
29/01/2020 12:09
ald
The Ocelot’s guide to all things theatre this Spring Words by Jamie Hill
It’s weird how quickly February has come around - New Year seems like a far distant memory. But, to be honest, I’m hardly mourning because Spring is on the horizon and that means theatres across our regions have announced some incredible shows coming up! This month The Ocelot has aimed to sort you out with a selection of theatre productions, comedy shows, talks and music for your ears at some of our favourite venues including Oxford Playhouse, New
Theatre Oxford, The Watermill, and Swindon Arts Centre. As I hope you’ll find, there is a vast range of shows and talks on offer to benefit you culturally - things you may not usually consider opening your mind - and if nothing else entertain you. During the process of creating this guide, I myself felt spoilt for choice and I’m sure you will too. The Ocelot would love to hear from you for show previews and reviews email editorial@theocelot.co.uk
www.theocelot.co.uk Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 11
11
29/01/2020 12:09
Jon Boden (Picture by David Angel)
Cornerstone Arts, Didcot Since 2008 Cornerstone Arts have been providing South Oxfordshire with exhibitions, theatre and outreach work to enrich Didcot’s arts and culture scene. This Spring be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the comedy stylings of Stephen K Amos (Feb 5 - 6), Mark Thomas (Feb 13), Matt Richardson (Feb 15), Dom Joly (Feb 22), Gary Delaney (March 7), Sofie Hagen (March 12), and Lucy Porter (May 14). For families highlights include The Elves and The Shoemakers (Feb 16), Yana and the Yeti (Feb 23), Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday (March 22), and Better Together (April 5). There’s also a smorgasbord of music including Excalibow (Feb 21), Jon Boden (March 5), and Gigspanner (April 22). And if it’s dramatic theatre or dance you’re yearning for highlights include Emergence (Feb 14), The Disappearing Act (Feb 27), Ladykiller (March 10), and Jeeves and Wooster (April 16). www.cornerstone-arts.org
Lucy Porter
Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury It’s a little gem out in the wilderness of West Berkshire. Acts small and niche have passed through the doors here - and all profits made go to the Mary Hare School For The Deaf Charity. Highlights for the Spring season as always include more music than you can throw a drum stick at. Highlights include Steve Knightley (Feb 7), Cara Dillon (Feb 15), Ben Poole (Feb 20), Whole Lotta Led (March 6), Fleetwood Bac (March 20), Elles Bailey (March 26), Big Bloater and The Limits (April 24), Sari Shorr (April 24), Sounds of the 70s with The Zoots (May 21), and Kai Strauss (May 28). In drama and dance there’s also heaps including 3Fall (Feb 3), Once Upon a Time (Feb 5), The Addams Family (March 3), The Thinking Drinkers (March 28), Lila Dance - The Hotel Experience (May 16) and Don Juan in Soho (May 22). If comedy is your bag you’ll be able to catch Sam Avery (March 19) and Lucy Porter (April 25). www.arlington-arts.com
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 12
29/01/2020 12:09
The Cor keep a The a new sho British S three p Angelo 8) - bri Quim featurin dance. Strange product Marish instantly Book of Full m product of life c assistan own sho ultimate wands suggest Box O
Corn Exchange, Newbury
Quimera
The Corn Exchange Newbury has a variety of live shows for spring that will keep audiences entertained over the coming months. The acclaimed theatre company Ad Infinitum return to Newbury with their new show, Extraordinary Wall of Silence (Feb 5 - 6), a show that combines British Sign Language and spoken English with physical theatre, exploring three powerful coming-of-age stories. Edwin Starr’s original band, featuring Angelo Starr and special guest Lorraine Silver, present Northern Soul (Feb 8) - bringing you an evening of music featuring all the classics. Quimera (Feb 25) is a quirky circus show inspired by Don Quixote, featuring German Wheel, stunning aerial acrobatics and contemporary dance. Trains meet books, meet parallel worlds with comedy thriller, Strangers on a Train Set (Feb 27). The Band (March 8) is a humorous production about two washed up pop stars who reform for one night only. Marisha Wallace (March 11), one of the West End and Broadway’s most instantly recognisable voices from smash-hit shows Dreamgirls, Waitress and Book of Mormon, will be in Newbury for her first ever UK solo tour. Full mask maestros Vamos Theatre return to Newbury with their new production Dead Good (March 13 - 14)- a funny and poignant tale of end of life care. The Disappearing Act (March 26) tells the tale of a magician’s assistant, Edie Rose, who on the eve of her fortieth year, finally hosts her own show. The Bon Jovi Experience (March 28) takes you through the ultimate journey of Bon Jovi hits. Potterheads out there should grab their wands for the improvised Harry Potter comedy play based on an audience suggestion of a fanfiction title, Spontaneous Potter (March 27). Box Office 0845 5218 218 www.cornexchangenew.com
The Watermill, Newbury
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Fair play to this picturesque little cottage - The Watermill Theatre has been bringing Newbury some of the best award-winning shows around, and the next few months are no exception (look to the left)! Coming up, look out for the in-house production in association with Jermyn Street Theatre presents One Million Tiny Plays About Britain (Jan 29 - Feb 15) by Craig Taylor - ‘A layered, comic, moving portrait of everyday life in the UK’ The Guardian. Following huge acclaim from audiences across the country, The Watermill Ensemble’s magical production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns for a limited run at the end of a UK wide tour (Feb 19 to March 7). Then there’s a folk-inspired new musical, The Wicker Husband which tells the timeless tale of the outsider (March 12 to April 4). Rounding off the season, it’s a return to Shakespeare with a bold, innovative female-led production, The Watermill Ensemble breathe new life into Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy Hamlet (April 17 - May 23). www.watermill.org.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 13
29/01/2020 12:09
Woman in Black
Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)
Oxford Playhouse Oxford Playhouse’s spring season features hilarious comedies, gripping dramas and bold physical theatre alongside some of the best comedy on the circuit, a wealth of homegrown talent, and plenty of springtime treats for families. As always, the Playhouse’s programme is filled with an abundance of top-quality drama. The season features two new Oxford Playhouse co-productions - the irreverent and acclaimed Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) (March 10 - 14) which lands in Oxford in March following a trailblazing tour, and a new mustsee production of enthralling wartime thriller Alone in Berlin (March 24 - 28), adapted by one of TV’s sharpest writers Alistair Beaton (Spitting Image). Other Spring 2020 blockbusters include the hilarious and heart-warming comedy Educating Rita (Feb 4 - 8) starring Stephen Tompkinson; Harold Pinter’s darkly comic masterpiece The Birthday Party (April 21 - 25); and Susan Hill’s spine-chilling ghost story The Woman in Black (March 16 - 21).
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 14
29/01/2020 12:09
Room on the Broom
The season is also jam-packed with an exciting array of family-friendly shows. In half-term, David Walliams’ hilarious story The Slightly Annoying Elephant (Feb 19 - 23) goes from page to stage in a hilarious new stage adaptation filled with puppetry. Easter 2020 sees a whole host of Julia Donaldson’s colourful characters brought to life in two delightful productions: The Room on the Broom (April 4 - 5) and Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales (April 13 - 15). And Oxford Playhouse Artist on Attachment Daniel Naddafy brings his enchanting adaptation of John Light’s magical story The Flower (April 8 - 12 & April 14 - 19) to the Burton Taylor Studio in a heart-warming Oxford Playhouse coproduction for young audiences. As with every spring season, the theatre is hosting a range of brilliant Oxfordshire-based amateur companies. Oxford Playhouse regulars Oxford Operatic Society return with feel-good musical Crazy for You (Jan 20 -25); Oxford Theatre Guild put their own spin on Chekhov’s bittersweet masterpiece The Cherry Orchard (April 28 - May 2) and Oxford Opera Company are back with Puccini’s moving love story La Bohème (March 6 - 8). University of Oxford students also bring two Hilary term productions Merrily We Roll Along (Jan 29 -Feb 1) and Shadows of Troy ((Feb 12 - 15). Spring 2020 once again sees the return of the Young Players Festival, which includes the Oxford Playhouse
17|25 Young Company’s zestful and energetic ensemble production of Christopher Marlowe’s remarkable drama Doctor Faustus (March 31 - April 2); and MYCO’s stylish reimagining of hit musical Chess (April 8 - 11). The Playhouse continues to programme some of the most exciting and daring theatre around, and Spring 2020 is no exception. The theatre is pleased to welcome back theatrical innovators Gecko (The Wedding, Missing) with A Little Space (March 3 4) - a unique collaboration with leading learning disability theatre company Mind the Gap. Plus, energetic physical theatre company Frantic Assembly returns in May with electric new production I Think We Are Alone (May 5 - 9), directed by Kathy Burke and Scott Graham. In addition, the Oliver-Award winning OperaUpClose present a new English version of Madam Butterfly (Feb 17) performed by a diverse-led cast of talented singers and musicians. There’s a top line up of comedy too, with comedian and Playhouse patron Stewart Lee (Feb 24 - 29) returning for six nights, as well as brand new shows from Adam Buxton (May 17), Ardal O’Hanlon (Feb 16), Alexei Sayle (Feb 21 - 22) and Tommy Tiernan (March 5). For further information or to book tickets for any of the events at Oxford Playhouse, call the Ticket Office on 01865 305305 or book online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com
www.theocelot.co.uk Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 15
15
29/01/2020 12:09
Ross Noble
Cabaret
Oxford New Theatre There has been a theatre on George Street for almost 185 years. The first theatre was built in 1836, and a second in 1886. In 1908, the Dorrill family took over the venue and finally in 1934, the third Theatre opened; the ‘New Theatre’. Stanley Dorrill masterminded the rebuilding of the theatre as we know it today. He commissioned a new building from the well-known theatre architects William and T.R. Milburn of Sunderland. The Milburns developed the decadent art-deco interior with T.P Bennett and Sons, who also designed the Saville Theatre in London. Cabaret returns to the New Theatre (Feb 4 – 8) and stars John Partridge (EastEnders and winner of Celebrity MasterChef 2018) as Emcee, Kara Lily Hayworth (Cilla The Musical) as the iconic Sally Bowles and Anita Harris, who first rose to fame as a singer in the 1960s and has appeared both on screen and on stage. Absurd and very funny Milton Jones (Feb 16) brings Oxford his new show Milton: Impossible and Jimmy
16
www.theocelot.co.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 16
29/01/2020 12:09
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Carr, who seems to be everywhere at the moment rocks up to Oxford too (Feb 28). The big show in March is We Will Rock You (March 2 - 7). The future-set musical using the music of Queen has been a massive hit in the West End for years and is definitely one you should catch during its Oxford run. March also gets a bit more musical with Elvis Costello and The Imposters (March 15), Jamie Cullum (March 16) and Clannad (March 19). Also in March you can catch Rob Beckett with his new show Wallop! (March 21) and get ready to move their feet for the ultimate in Irish jigs with Riverdance (March 24- 26). In April it definitely won’t be a ‘drag’ when Priscilla Queen of the Desert rocks up in Oxford (April 6 - 11). The colourful show sees a trio of drag acts on an Australian cross-country journey that definitely opens the eyes of some of the denizens that they encounter in all their finery. The musical Once takes over from April 10 to 14. Based on a cult 2006 Irish indie feature, originally shot on a micro-budget of just $160,000, it tells the uplifting yet yearning story of a part-time Dublin guitarist busker (who works by day in his dad’s Hoover repair shop) who falls unexpectedly in love with a young Czech immigrant fellow musician. As we follow their relationship across five short days, big changes happen to both of them in little ways.
Comedian Chris Ramsey closes off the month on April 30 with his new show. May kicks off with some amazing musical shenanigans from Robert Cray (May 4) and Paul Weller (May 5). And then it gets very kid friendly with In The Night Garden (May 9 - 10) which will transport the younger ones to a very surreal and colourful world. Keeping on the surreal theme, comedy fans will be able to catch the always hilarious Ross Noble (May 15). Balletboyz (May 18) will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary with their brand new show. BalletBoyz are one of the most cheekily original and innovative forces in dance, thrilling audiences and critics with their distinctive style which blends achingly beautiful dance both exhilarating and graceful, with stunning music and film. OXOPS (or Oxford Operatic Society if you aren’t in the know) will be presenting their new production of My Fair Lady at the end of the month from May 26 to 30. This adored musical, set in Edwardian London, tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young working-class Cockney flower seller. She is taken under the wing of Henry Higgins, a phonetics & linguistics professor who is determined to win a bet to transform her into a successful and respected ‘lady of society’. But who will really be transformed once the bet is won? www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford
www.theocelot.co.uk Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 17
17
29/01/2020 12:09
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 18
29/01/2020 12:09
The Gift
North Wall, Oxford There’s a wonderful selection of work at The North Wall over the next few months. Poltergeist Theatre present existential comedy caper Art Heist (April 29), direct from the Edinburgh Fringe, and producer Ellie Keel returns with Hotter (Feb 14) after a sell-out run at Soho Theatre. The theatre also welcomes back Ad Infinitum with Chloe and the Colour Catcher (Feb 15). The family friendly production is touted as a quite a show. With the acclaimed production of Not I (March 18 - 21), Jess Thom has created a theatrical experience simultaneously exploring neurodiversity and Beckett, asking who is allowed to perform what and who gets the final say. Eclipse Theatre return with The Gift (Feb 21 - 22), an outrageous play about imperialism, cross-racial adoption, cultural appropriation…and tea. LUNG Theatre bring their 2018 Fringe First award-winning show Trojan Horse (Feb 25 - 26), adapted from real-life testimonies of those at the heart of the UK Government’s inquiry.. www.thenorthwall.com
Pegasus Theatre, Oxford We’ve got a real soft spot for Pegasus Theatre on Magdalen Street and this season has got us really excited. On February 1, they welcome the enchanting Skewbald Theatre to Pegasus, as they bring to life Sir Michael Morpurgo’s Mimi and the Mountain Dragon for some child friendly high-jinks at 11am and 2pm. How Does This Politics Thing Work Then? (Feb 8) will definitely make your children laugh. The boomsatsuma Professional Acting Diploma at Pegasus Theatre presents Girls Like That (Feb 20 & 22) by Evan Placey, performed by an all female cast of 10. The play focuses on adolescent female friendship in the present day. Still Touch (March 6) is Richard Chappell Dance‘s collaboration with internationally renowned sculptor Anna Gillespie and emotes the personal and human need for touch to be reciprocated by a living and moving person. Performed by Magdalen College School Theatre Academy The Three Musketeers (March 20 - 21) promises to be a real swashbuckler of a show. www.pegasustheatre.org.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 19
The Three Musketeers
www.theocelot.co.uk
19
29/01/2020 12:09
Joe Brown
Sooty
Swindon’s Theatres Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square As the town’s main theatre The Wyvern always has an impressive diversity of performances from comedy to theatre and dance to musicals. This spring is already looking pretty darned good for comedy with Jim Davidson (Feb 4), Carl Hutchinson (Feb 8), Jimmy Carr at The Oasis (Feb 20), Milton Jones (March 1), Josh Widdicombe (March 8), Ed Byrne (March 13), Kojo Anim (March 17), Iain Stirling (March 22), David Baddiel (April 4), Jack Dee (April 19), Crissy Rock (April 20), and Joel Dommett (April 29). If it’s music you’re after there’s Joe Brown on his 60th anniversary tour (Feb 6), UK Pink Floyd Experience (Feb 7), the always amazing Beyond The Barricade (Feb 16), Elkie Brooks (Feb 20), Hermans Hermits (March 4), Islands in the Stream (March 5), Sounds Of The 70’s Live with Johnnie Walker (March 6), A Star Is Born This Way (March 7), Junior Voice Festival - Carnival (March19), Handel’s Messiah - Swindon Choral Society with Professional Soloists and Orchestra (March 21), Swinging at the Cotton Club (March 29), The Bon Jovi Experience (April 3), The Cavern Beatles (April 10), Toyah & Hazel O’Connor (April 16), Go Now - The Music Of The Moody Blues (April 26), and Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac (April 30). When it comes to drama, dance and showstoppers you’ve got Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (Feb 10 - 15), Spirit of the
20
www.theocelot.co.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 20
29/01/2020 12:09
La Voix
Dance (Feb 22), Chinese New Year (Feb 23), Giovanni Pernice - This is me (March 2), Russian State Ballet Of Siberia - Sleeping Beauty (March 9), Russian State Ballet Of Siberia - The Nutcracker (March 10), Russian State Ballet Of Siberia - Swan Lake (March 11), That’ll Be The Day (March 12), Kitty Langan Studio Presents Showstoppers (March 15), One Night in Dublin (March 16), Havana Nights - Graziano Di Prima (March 20), Clinton Baptiste -The Paranormalist Returns (March 23), John Cleese’s BANG BANG! (March 24 - 28), Seven Drunken Nights (March 31), Menopause The Musical 2 (April 1), Cirque Enfant (April 5 - 6), Friends The Musical Parody (April 8), Sooty (April 9), Ian Waite & Vincent Simone - Act Two - the Ballroom Boys (April 11), Russian State Opera - Aida (April 15), The Wizard Of Oz (April 17), Anything For Love - Steve Steinman (April 18), and Buddy -The Buddy Holly Story (April 21 - 25). The Wyvern is also going great guns when it comes to talks about everything under the sun with An Evening with Alan Titchmarsh (Feb 18), Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour (Feb 19), Ben Fogle - Tales from the Wilderness (Feb 25), Sir Ranulph Fiennes (March 3), Spotlight On...Graham Cole OBE (March 21), and An Evening With Sir Geoff Hurst (March 30). www.swindontheatres.co.uk Swindon Arts Centre, Devizes Road The Arts Centre on Devizes Road in the heart of Old Town is always a hotspot of new theatre, comedy and unusual goings-on. If drama is your wont there’s The Navy Lark (Feb 2), Moby Dick (Feb 6), Tweedy -The Missing Company Of
Sherlock Holmes (Feb 9), Flo & Joan (March 2), Woman at War (March 4), Western Players present Table Manners (March 11 - 14), Waiting For Godot (April 7), Gerard Logan ‘Night Terrors’ (April 9), family friendly Andy & The Odd Socks (April 14), Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society - Princess Ida (April 21 - 25) Comedy’s always good at The Arts Centre and you can catch Andrew Lawrence (Feb 15), Matt Richardson (Feb 27), Arabella Weir (March 6), Lucy Porter (March 7), Jarlath Regan (March 15), Wanted (March 16), Tangle Volpone (March 17), La Voix (April 3), Simon Evans (April 5), Pete Firman (April 15), Nick Helm (April 16), Jayde Adams (April 17), Rhys James (April 18) If music is your thing there’s The ELO Experience (Feb 28), The Bootleg Shadows (March 1), The Noise Next Door (March 5), and Swindon Music Festival (March 21 & 23 - 28). www.swindontheatres.co.uk Shoebox Theatre, Health Hydro, Milton Road Great things come in small packages and The Shoebox is no exception. The Bish Bosh Bash (Feb 28) will get you comedy fans in a lather with a bit of improv. Fuse Festival (March 20 - 22) gives emerging artists and companies the opportunity to develop and share new work in a supportive and creative space. www.shoeboxtheatre.org.uk Special mention should go to Swindon Fringe Festival which takes place annually in April. No details have been released yet but you can keep up to date on their website at www.swindonfringefestival.com
www.theocelot.co.uk Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 21
21
29/01/2020 12:09
By Ben Fitzgerald
Stewart Lee Snowflake Tornado Television’s Stewart Lee will be standing awkwardly in a crumpled suit and whittering on about things he has noticed recently, when he brings his two pronged comedy extravaganza to the Oxford Playhouse. The two hour show (with a 20 minute interval) asks some
22
important questions - and attempts to answer them. Tornado questions a shipwrecked Stew’s position in the comedy marketplace after Netflix mistakenly lists his show as “reports of sharks falling from the skies are on the rise again. Nobody on the Eastern Seaboard is safe.” What is anything? Is it this?
And Snowflake questions our worth in a collapsing society which no longer shares the liberal values we have for so long been keen to be seen to espouse, in a fairy-tale landscape of winter wonder. If you would like to witness Stewart’s struggle, simply purchase the appropriate £26 ticket and turn up at the Oxford Playhouse where he is appearing from 24-29 February. www.oxfordplayhouse.com
www.theocelot.co.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 22
29/01/2020 12:09
ld
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 23
29/01/2020 12:09
Dancin’ Oxford Next month sees the return of the annual Dancin’ Oxford spring dance festival which invites some of the best new talent. The event includes performances, talks, taster sessions and workshops from leading dance pracitioners. Among those taking part are Neon Dance, Gecko & Mind the Gap, Tavaziva Dance, Richard Chappell Dance, Sonia Sabri Dance, Kapow Dance Circus Theatre, Pro-Motion and Baby Boogie. Tickets can be bought from Pegasus, Oxford Playhouse and North Wall. Festival Launch: February 29. Noon - 5pm. Free Dancin’ Oxford‘s afternoon of free dance performances at Westgate, Oxford is, for some, the highlight of the festival, with thrilling experiences from professional companies and Oxford youth dance groups. This year sees the return of the popular Infuse Dance’s Bodyguards and local youth groups Step2Dance and Messy Jam plus TPYD making its Festival debut. For the first time organisers welcome Kapow Dance Circus Theatre with an energetic and uplifting family-friendly duet, an entertaining take on gardening. They will be joined by the internationally known popping and animation dancers Pro-Motion. Moving with the Times: is a triple bill from three exciting dance companies offering new work
24
that is often explosive, moving and thought provoking. Burning House is a highly physical contemporary dance piece that explores human mortality from Amy Foskett Dance. In a time of tick boxes, labels and separation Thomas Page Dances‘ Commonality looks at the parts of life that everyone has in common. Drishti Dance’s Sanket is a contemporary expression of Kathak dance tradition, in all its exquisite grace and composure, creating a dynamic fusion of movement and rhythm. Moving With The Times is a commission by Dancin’ Oxford and Pegasus. Pegasus, Oxford. February 28 - 29
Sketch II, takes inspiration from the life and sculptures of Camille Claudel (1864 – 1943) who, after being Rodin’s talented assistant and muse, spent the last 30 years of her life interned in a psychiatric institution. St Nicolas Church, Market Place, Abingdon 3pm, March 1 £10 on the door
Joelle Pappas – Nocturne: Dancer and Choreographer Joëlle Pappas performs an original programme of French music and song with Diana Hinds (pianist) and Rory Carver (tenor). This new solo, to Fauré’s Nocturne No 1 and Takemitsu’s Rain Tree
Let’s All Dance – Sleeping Beauty Let’s All Dance is delighted to present this much-loved ballet for the whole family. Dazzling dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score and gorgeous costumes bring this glittering classical ballet to life.
Neon Dance – Puzzle Creature Puzzle Creature is a multidisciplinary dance work by Neon Dance, inspired by the architectural designs of Arakawa and Madeline Gins. Forget the mundane everyday and immerse yourself in the magic of movement. 7pm, March 1 £12, discounts £10
www.theocelot.co.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 24
29/01/2020 12:09
d
2020 Cornerstone, Station Rd, Didcot 1pm & 3pm, March 1£9.50, Concs £7.50, Family £28 Gecko and Mind the Gap – A Little Space A Little Space combines Gecko’s (The Wedding, Missing) unique blend of theatre, choreography and stunning imagery with incredible performers from Mind the Gap, one of Europe’s leading learning disability theatre companies. Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont St, Oxford 7.30pm, March 3&4 £10 - £25, £1 off for Festival Pass Holders Richard Chappell Dance – Still Touch Questioning the relationship between three dancers and three life-size human sculptures, Still Touch is Richard Chappell Dance‘s collaboration with internationally renowned sculptor Anna Gillespie. Still Touch emotes the human need for touch to be reciprocated by a living and moving person. It explores the sensitive dynamic of touch between performers in perpetual motion and individual sculptures fixed in time and constant stillness revealing expression in motion and image. Pegasus, Magdalen Rd, Oxford 7.30pm, March 6 £14, discounts £10, £1 off for Festival Pass Holders. Sonia Sabri Dance – Same Same… But Different A feel-good family show mixing Kathak, hip hop,
contemporary and street dance, with live music and physical storytelling, to create a playful and colourful world exploring curiosities and fears, the times we feel different and when we belong. Inspired by the AngloAsian phrase ‘Same, Same… but Different’, meaning “Yes, something kind of similar, but not the exact same thing”, the
The North Wall, South Parade, Oxford 2pm, March 7, 2020 £8, discounts £6, £1 off with Festival Pass Baby Boogie Do you have young children with boundless energy who love to dance…then we’ve got just the event for you…Baby Boogie. Our disco lights create a fabulous atmosphere, bubbles abound,
three dancer-musicians conjure a magical atmosphere celebrating individuality, diversity and the bonds which connect us all. There is a 60 minute workshop associated with this show. Award-winning Sonia Sabri Company is one of the UK’s leading dance and music companies renowned for dazzling, lively performances.
there are games to enjoy and the music is lively what better way to have fun! It’s a great way for families with young children to spend time together. In partnership with Pegasus Open Day. Pegasus, Magdalen Rd, Oxford 10.45 - 11.30am, March 7, Free
www.theocelot.co.uk Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 25
25
29/01/2020 12:09
By Ben Fitzgerald
Lechlade Festival turns ten! Lechlade Festival (22-24 May) is celebrating a decade of good times, great music and funky food. The multi-award winning family friendly festival, alongside the River Thames, takes place over three days (and nights) and promises a wealth of uplifting cultural offerings. Expect to see street dance, storytelling, music workshops, yoga, pilates, circus skills workshops... that sort of thing. Oh and there’s music... including an appearance by Sunday night headliners The Boomtown Rats headed by the legendary Bob Geldof. Other announced bands on the line-up include the Bleedin’ Noses and IDestroy with more surprise announcements yet to come.
26
On the food front you will be faced with the temptations of the Chuck Wagon kitchen, Toasties on Another Level, Thai Next
Door and the Pommarola Pizza Garden. For tickets and information see: www.lechladefestival.co.uk
www.theocelot.co.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 26
29/01/2020 12:09
K
Kiefer Sutherland
By Ben Fitzgerald
Oxford O2 Academy Monday March 2
When he’s not torturing people to a strict deadline, your man Kiefer likes nothing more than to treat us to his rock n’ roll meanderings - something cynics amongst you might suggest amounts to much the same thing. That’s right, it’s rock and roll from the same Hollywood star who has not only played Jack Bauer in 24 but also a Vampire in The Lost Boys in which he drains his victims of their lifeforce... which cynics amongst you might suggest amounts to much the same thing. You never know, he might actually be quite good, and how will you ever know unless you rock up to the Oxford’s O2 Academy on Monday March 2 at slightly earlier than 7pm? Can you live without knowing? If nothing else, it means that you will have breathed the same air as Kiefer Sutherland, it’s worth a shot. Book your tickets before time runs out. His new album is called Reckless & Me. Tickets £36.75 www.academymusicgroup.com
www.theocelot.co.uk Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 27
27
29/01/2020 12:09
Lawrence Fox The Bullingdon 26th February Tickets: £19.25 www.thebullingdon.co.uk
Music for the months ahead Variously known as Billie Piper’s ex, DS James Hathaway from outta Lewis, the son of Edward ‘Day of the Jackal’ Fox, brother in law of Travel Man’s Richard Ayoade and cousin of actress Emilia Fox - Lawrence Fox has a simmering musical career on the side.
28
And you can bear witness to this fact when Fox takes to the stage on 26 February to tour his debut album Holding Patterns which was released in February 2016. Sharing his thoughts about dipping his well-connected toe into the waters of pop he told
the NME: “It’s not shit, so I don’t really care. I mean, I didn’t really have a choice – I had to do it. “And I’d much rather it was shite but I did it, than not doing it and regretting it later in life.” Go right ahead and judge for yourself!
www.theocelot.co.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 28
29/01/2020 12:09
By Ben Fitzgerald
Larkham & Hall
Elkie Brooks
The Tuppenny, Swindon Thursday 20 February Tickets: free www.thetuppenny.com
Wyvern Theatre, Swindon Thursday 20 February Tickets: £32 www.swindontheatres.co.uk
The Bullingdon, Oxford Wednesday 5 February Tickets: £13.20 www.thebullingdon.co.uk
The Oxymora + Concord Drive +
The Big Moon
The Mission
O2 Academy, Oxford Tuesday 3 March Tickets: £14.10 www.academymusicgroup.com
Cheese & Grain, Frome Sunday 1 March Tickets: £33 www.cheeseandgrain.com
Southbank Crows The Victoria, Swindon Thursday 20 February Tickets: £3.30 www.thevicswindon.com
Kiefer Sutherland O2 Academy Oxford Monday 2 March Tickets: £36.75 www.academymusicgrou.com
The Smoke Fairies
Thumper
The Night Cafe
Crofter’s Rights, Bristol Wednesday 4 March Tickets: £8 www.croftersrights.co.uk
Sub89, Reading Sunday 5 April Tickets: £14 www.sub89.com
www.theocelot.co.uk Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 29
29
29/01/2020 12:09
Agony Girl Six-year-old Amy celebrates her seventh birthday this month. We read her the questions and these are her answers... Dear Amy, For as long as I can remember people have called me fat. I’m more beached body than beach body. The pressure in society is to be skinny but whatever I do I can’t seem to lose weight. Can you help me? Terence Trent, Derby Exercise is good. It doesn’t matter that you’re fat. Being a nice person is better. Dear Amy, My computer and phone keeps getting hacked and overtaken by viruses. My workers seem to think it has something to do with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia but that’s ridiculous. How can I make sure my computer is good? Jeff Bezos, San Francisco Give the computer medicine. It’s a shame laptops can’t wash their hands. Dear Amy, If you were a sea creature what would you be? Ryan, Marlborough I think I’d be a turtle because if anything’s coming I could pretend I was a rock. Dear Amy, I’ve always wanted to be a superhero and be able to help others in their time of need but I’ve always been a bit befuddled as to what superpowers I would
30
have. If you could have any superpower what would it be? Gina, Swindon I would talk to animals and go invisible. I would be able to talk to Jessie the cat to make sure she’s alright and if I go invisible I would be able to get chocolate without my daddy knowing. Dear Amy, There’s a lot in the news at the moment about feminism and equality. There seems to be a real battle of the sexes going on. But having read your columns for years I know that you would have the answer to this. Who’s better - boys or girls? Karen, Oxford Both. Because really both of them are kind of the same as we’re all human. Dear Amy, Australia is on fire. Our oceans are choking on single-use plastics and parts of the world are constantly under seige from the effects of manmade climate change. It’s scary for all of us especially as the polar ice caps are melting at a speed that is unprecedented. Can you help me save the planet please? Greta, Sweden Yes. I’d help animals that are tangled up and I will pick up all the rubbish that’s on the floor. I would be a vegetarian and that’s it!
Amy
www.theocelot.co.uk
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 30
29/01/2020 12:10
y Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 31
29/01/2020 12:10
Ocelot 164 February edition.indd 32
29/01/2020 12:10