Sixty9° Spring 2020 Issue 99

9

MOROCCAN

ADVENTURE

SIGALA

ROMESH RANGANATHAN

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Cover Image by RIVER ISLAND

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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4... UPFRONT 14... SIGALA 26... THEATRE GAME CHANGERS

MOROCCAN

ADVENTURE

38... THE STYLIST

SIGALA

42... TRAVELLER

ROMESH RANGANATHAN

!

44... ROMESH RANGANATHAN

spring

50... CRI T ICAL LIST

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54... ALL THE NU THINGS

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NEXT ISSUE OUT JUNE ‘20

56... SI XTY9 SOCI AL sixty9magazine

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Kevin Urquhart. Managing Director kevin@fu-media.co.uk, 07713 740 272

69 MAGAZINE LTD LCB DEPOT 31 RUTLAND STREET, LEICESTER LE1 1RE

TEL. 0116 2533 445

WWW.69-DEGREES.CO.UK

Jonathan Fraser, Group Editor In Chief jon@fu-media.co.uk, 07725 809 654

Lilith Holsey-Sheppard, Advertising lilith@fu-media.co.uk, 07587 056 969

Evan Gillott, Advertising evan@fu-media.co.uk, 07903 448 812

Francesca Arculeo, Print & Online Editorial francesca@fu-media.co.uk, 0116 2533 445

Scarlett Smith, Print & Online Editorial scarlett@fu-media.co.uk, 0116 2533 445

THE LEGAL BIT. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers.Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy in compiling this publication, the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, breach of copyright or otherwise since compilation.The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any material submitted to the publication, not excluding advertisements.The views expressed within this title are not necessarily the views of the Publisher.Acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by the Publisher. © 69 Magazine Ltd 2020.

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X - RATED EARBUDS If, like us, you like your audio extreme, Scandinavian audio specialists X by KYGO have introduced the state of the art Xellence earbuds with wireless noise cancelling technology and new Mimi defined Hearing ID which personalises sound to a listener’s unique hearing assessing their hearing ability in minutes to hear every detail of their sound. By creating a Mimi Hearing ID in the Kygo Sound App, the audio processor automatically adapts all audio in real-time, lifting quieter details, while attenuating louder and tuned to their unique hearing ability.

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wORK OUT LIKE A HIGH ENERGY HERO A brand-new, state-of-the-art fitness studio with nightclub vibe has arrived in Birmingham offering gym goers a unique workout experience right in the heart of the city.

The boutique studio, BLAZE by David Lloyd Clubs, offers dynamic and fast-paced HIIT (high intensity interval training) full-body workouts combining combat and mixed martial arts with intense cardio and strength training – all led by ‘rock star’ instructors and synced to specially curated high-energy music plus cutting-edge light effects.

Located on Cornwall Street in the centre of Birmingham’s business district, BLAZE by David Lloyd Clubs offers a fresh and contemporary space for workout fans, with sleek, modern interiors, contemporary changing facilities, showers and lockers, and a capsule fitness retail space – all under one roof. There’s even an onsite smoothie bar offering a range of post-workout protein smoothies including ‘The Bull’, the ‘Floozie in the Smoothie’ and the ‘Cornwall Sweet’, all featuring protein whey combined with a range of fresh and healthy ingredients – from spinach and flax seed to blueberries and bananas.

Find out more on social: blazestudiobirmingham on Facebook and blazestudio_birmingham on Insta.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

6 NOTTINGHAM ENTREPRENEURS CREATE MAKE UP FOR EVERYONE

MAKE UP MATTERS Fast becoming the go to product line for MUA’s across the globe, if you’ve seen an amazing graphic liner with popping colour – chances are it’s Nottingham based Depixym.

Launched by Victoria and Alice who met sourcing and developing cosmetic ranges for Boot’s own brand ranges including Soap and Glory and No7, Depixym launched the range of 20 Cosmetics Emulsions last June to break through the bullshit of the beauty industry, with ONE product (in 20 shades) which can be used anywhere, anyway by anyone.

Want that perfect shade to match your outfit? Mix it yourself – don’t go buying a product for one night only. Designed to save shoppers money and reduce the amount of plastic waste from packaging, the Depixym range has been designed to be used by everyone, for Him, for Her, for Them. It’s also Vegan, cruelty free and with twice as much product in every recyclable pack than most other brands (so you buy less frequently and create less waste), what’s not to love?

Priced from just £18 from www.depixym.com

PASSION, GOOD VIBES, AUTHENTICITY AND IMPULSE

GET WOOD Fashionista favourite DSQUARED2 have launched two brand new strong, unique and sensual fragrances that invoke the contemporary essence of wood. Red Wood (for her) and Green Wood (for him) have been formulated to capture passion, good vibes, authenticity and impulse.

Red Wood features a cranberry accent with lychee, rose and magnolia to add sweetness whilst lemon and santolina are enriched with spicy bourbon pepper in Green Wood with both scents overlaid upon a musky cedarwood base.

Get Wood at The Frangrance Shop or online at www. thefragranceshop.co.uk priced from £44 (30ml). www.69-degrees.co.uk

WIN £100 voucher for GIGGLING SQUID!

Thai restaurant Giggling Squid have launched in Leicester, bringing its bold and exotic flavours to the city. The Thai restaurant chain promises to be an exciting addition to the vibrant St Martin’s Square area. We caught up with co-founder Pranee Laurillard to hear more about the restaurant that’s causing a stir in the city.

How did Giggling Squid come about? I actually worked in advertising back in Thailand but when I first came to the UK to study, I worked as a waitress in Brighton. I loved the fast pace, energy and getting to know guests by name. I had a hunger for running my own restaurant and saw there was a gap in the market for a Thai restaurant that had that buzz of Thai mealtimes. I was keen to introduce the concept of Thai tapas which was against the norm back then and broke away from the more traditional Thai offerings. Tapas is perfect for capturing that essential Thai mealtime experience with lots of dishes to be shared and enjoyed with friends or family in a relaxed setting. It was also important for me to focus on beautiful décor – to create a place where customers could delight in the surroundings as well as the food.

What attracted you to Leicester? With its great food scene and vibrant culture Leicester is exactly the type of place we want in our Giggling Squid familyLeicester is our 35th restaurant! It took a while to find the right site but we’re so thrilled to be in St Martin’s Square, with fantastic neighbours in what feels like a really special area. Our opening has far exceeded expectations and I’ve been thrilled to see the positive response to our arrival.

Can you tell us what inspired you when creating the dishes on the menu? My mum and the travels we made together in Thailand when I was growing up. Some dishes are inspired by coastal towns and others from the vibrant night markets. We are always evolving and excited by new ingredients; I’m always learning and go back to Thailand every year to continue to be inspired.

What’s your best food memory? It has to be one of the many trips in Thailand. One time, before getting a ferry to Koh Chang, we had the most unforgettable lunch. I had steamed fresh crabs where the meat was so naturally sweet from the freshness. We ended with sticky rice which was perfectly cooked in coconut milk with perfectly ripe mango - soft, creamy and sweet. I really wish I could have it right now!

If you could travel to cook in any country for a year, where would it be? I would choose somewhere less familiar than Asia. I would love to travel and learn to cook in either Italy or France.

They have all the right qualities: a passion for good food, great weather to bring exceptional flavours out of ingredients and an abundance of varieties of regional food.

What’s next for Giggling Squid? We’ve got some other exciting openings happening this year, but my goal has always been to make brilliant restaurants that make guests happy. Do that, and the rest will follow!

LING SQUID! WIN A £100 voucher to spend at GIGG k on competitions. visit www.69-degrees.co.uk and clic

Giggling Squid is at 5 St Martin’s Square, Leicester LE1 5DF. Tel. 0116 251 9999 www.gigglingsquid.com

THAI TAPAS COMES TO CITY

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10 What do you call a pile of kittens? A meowntain

FELINE FINE Leicester is set to get its very own Kitty Café this spring, the brand’s third location in the Midlands to take over a large and quirky space that’s part café and part kitty playground.

Opening in the city’s Highcross Shopping Centre on the 1st June, the majority of the 30 cats that will be cavorting amongst the coffee cups will be rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed. So enjoy an afternoon tea, pizza, cat themed mocktails and kitties, secure in the knowledge that you’re helping these gorgeous little fluffballs find their furever homes.

TRIO OF MADE AT CURVE PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCED

Find out more on social: @kittycafeUK.

COMING TO CURVE A trio of new Made at Curve productions have been revealed, with an enchanting musical, classic drama and brand new dance piece set to take to the theatre’s stages.

From 15 Jul – 1 Aug, Curve will create a brand new UK premiere production of musical Roman Holiday, based on the 1953 film starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Adapted from the Oscar-winning film, Roman Holiday is a whirlwind 24-hour adventure of romance, European old-world glamour and royal charm, as a privileged princess swaps diplomatic dinners and duties whilst on a tour of Europe for adventure and romance.

Tennessee Williams’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will run at Curve 11 – 26 Sep and takes us to the heat of the Mississippi and a family party where the claws come out.

The international tour of Samsara from the Aakash Odedra Company and Bagri Foundation, comes to Curve 20 – 21 Oct. Samsara merges mythological storytelling with personal anecdotes and is inspired by the 16th century classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.

Find out more about all three shows or book tickets at www.curveonline.co.uk.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

a dazzling new venue on victoria street for nottingham

NOTTs GETS COSY Cosy Club has opened its biggest restaurant so far in one of Nottingham’s most iconic buildings, former casino and fine dining restaurant, The Victoria Club.

The Cosy Club brand of relaxed dining, drinking and lounging in a fabulous, welcoming setting with a dash of nostalgia has been brought to the listed building’s three grand floors with stunning stained-glass windows, a refreshing gin bar and huge function room on the entire third floor of the building – perfect for wedding receptions, parties and events. The room will be a flexible and perfect space for any occasion.

The menu majors on comfort food classics throughout the day alongside some truly scrumptious cocktails and tipples for all tastes!

Guests will be able to enjoy various deals which run throughout the week including a free pot of tea every Wednesday between 10-11am in Cosy Club’s Free Teas For Those In Need, an initiative that bids to help fight loneliness.

Giggling Squid is all about the spirit of Thai mealtimes with plentiful dishes, bold flavours and exotic ingredients – enjoy lunchtime Tapas Sets from £9.95 and a wide selection of curries, stir fries and Thai salads.

VEGAN AND KIDS’ MENUS AVAILABLE plus outdoor seating when the British weather allows.

Open every day: Mon – Thurs 12noon – 22.00 Fri – Sat 12noon – 22.30 Sunday 12noon – 21.30 @gigglingsquid www.gigglingsquid.com leicester@gigglingsquid.com 0116 251 9999 Unit 3-5 St Martin’s Square, LE1 5DF

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Tattu Birmingham

DINING SPOTLIGHT

Tattu is an independent, family-owned, business founded in 2015 by brothers Adam and Drew Jones. The Tattu brand set out with a clear vision – to bring something unique and exciting to the UK’s culinary scene, delivering a dining experience that stimulates all senses, fusing beautiful and meaningful design with exciting and innovative cooking.

Diners are encouraged to embrace the customary approach of sharing dishes with their guests, from colourful dim sum and luxurious small plates to contemporary main course dishes and stunning desserts.

Each seasonal menu is created by Tattu’s talented chefs utilising only premium ingredients sourced from carefully selected suppliers, delivered by highly-trained front of house teams with a strong focus on meticulous and engaging customer service.

Signature dim sum and small plates include chicken truffle shumai served with freshly shaved truffle and soy and chilli and sesame roasted scallops with Chinese sausage, crushed edamame and mint.

Larger sharing plates include caramel soy beef fillet with shiitake and asparagus, as well the delicate ginger miso black cod served with hoba leaf, pickled lime and daikon salad.

Desserts are never a course to be missed at Tattu, guests can experience the smoking cherry blossom with chocolate mousse, cherry and candyfloss as well as the Asian pear sticky toffee pudding with cinnamon, vanilla and almond.

Guests can also raise a glass with a selection of bespoke cocktails designed especially for Birmingham. Sweet Huayuán is described as a ‘meteor garden in a glass’, with vanilla vodka, white chocolate syrup, matcha green tea and coconut. Light and Stormy is Tattu’s take on a classic serve with rum and plum topped with fiery ginger beer. Finally, Yin Yang is inspired by the venue’s contrasting interiors, where light and dark collide, with gin, hibiscus and apple.

Occupying a charming space within the city’s historic Grand development on Barwick Street, Tattu Birmingham’s interior design explores of the ancient Chinese philosophy of Yin Yang, the blending of contrary forces to create harmony. Managing director, Adam Jones, explained: “Each Tattu restaurant has its own identity and style that takes customers on a sensory journey as they dine. Yin is the dark element linked with femininity, shadows and water. Tattu’s main dining space represents ‘Yin’ and is detailed in feminine finishes, including its signature cherry blossom trees that create a canopy of delicate blossom throughout the space. The traditional wooden fretwork and carefully styled lighting cast shadows to create the effect of waterfalls against the granite walls.

Yang is the light element linked with masculinity, growth and fire. This new design is featured in the restaurant’s ground floor bar, dining area and semi-private dining room that overlooks the blossom canopy below. Utilising natural materials and imported stone.

Polished brass reflects light to create a warm glow throughout – the perfect environment to relax with one of Birmingham’s signature cocktails.”

Tattu’s opulent aesthetic and creative cuisine makes the restaurant a must visit in the city centre of Birmingham.

Tattu Restaurant and Bar, 18 Barwick Street, Birmingham.B3 2NT Tel. 0121 236 5556 www.tattu.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

18 Barwick St Birmingham, B3 2NT Book now for a unique, modern Chinese dining experience.

tattu.co.uk @tatturestaurant

SIGA

www.69-degrees.co.uk

ALA

AFTER A PHENOMENALLY SUCCESSFUL 2019 THAT SAW HIS SINGLE ‘WISH YOU WELL’ FEATURING BECKY HILL BECOME THE ANTHEM OF EVERYONE’S SUMMER HOLIDAY, SIGALA ROUNDED OFF THE YEAR WITH ANOTHER BANGER ‘WE GOT LOVE’ THAT BROUGHT TOGETHER THE SOARING VOCALS OF ELLA HENDERSON WITH THE TRADEMARK HYPNOTIC BEATS AND SLICK PRODUCTION WE’VE COME TO EXPECT FROM THE BRIT-NOMINATED BRITISH DJ, PRODUCER AND ARTIST. SIXTY9° CAUGHT UP WITH HIM AS HE CALLED INTO NOTTINGHAM’S ROCK CITY AS PART OF HIS EUROPEAN AND NORTH AMERICAN TOUR AND UPCOMING LONG PLAYER...

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www.69-degrees.co.uk

17 So, first things first, where does the name Sigala come from?

It’s actually an old family name, my mum was telling me about my great great grandfather, and he was called Amos Sigala - I just thought it sounded cool!

As a child you learned the piano, was that something that was thrust upon you by your parents or was it something you wanted to do, and how significant do you feel that was to how your career has turned out?

My parents introduced me to the piano at the age of 8 and I think they were happy to see how much I loved it (and how quiet it kept me!)

But I do love the piano, and to this day, most of my songs still include it – I usually start off on the piano as an acoustic song and then go from there. When you’re on the piano, I think it helps to write a better song because you’re not tricked by all the production. It’s just the piano and a vocal and if you can make something sound great on the piano, it should translate when it’s finished. So it’s certainly a huge factor in what I am doing now.

The piano is where it all started for me.

When did you first discover dance music and when was the moment you decided to try your hand at it?

I actually can’t pinpoint exactly when I discovered

dance music, but I was involved in a lot of bands in my teens and would record us onto my computer and then edit the tracks. The whole production and song-writing thing naturally evolved from there really.

moment to know that people are listening and enjoying my music. I was in Tokyo for New Year when I heard Say You Do in a shop, on the other side of the world! I find it a little mind blowing each time.

Were there any particular producers or DJs that you took inspiration from?

To say you’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the industry would be an understatement, how does it feel having other people be the face of your music?

There have been so many bands, producers, DJ’s and people that have inspired me over the years, but this changes massively across time.

I guess I get inspired by things that are happening at that moment.

Not even thirty years old and already you’ve achieved such incredible success, tell us about the journey so far, has it been what you’d expected?

What are some of the ups and downs?

Nothing about it is expected!

Music has always been such an integral part of my life and I worked hard on many different projects before landing on Sigala. Luckily I have a great team around me who are amazing and help make the Sigala vision possible.

Your music has become anthemic in clubs everywhere. What’s it like when you’re out socially and your own music comes on?

It never gets old hearing your song played on the radio… so much time and effort goes into each track, it’s always a hugely proud

It is one of my favourites parts of what I do; being able to work with amazingly talented people and learn from them and their creative processes. I’m very happy they are the face of my music - I think people would get bored if it was just my face!

Do you approach them or are you approached to work with - how do these collaborations come about?

It is different every time.

Sometimes it will start with a writing session which may be set up by my management or me direct - this is generally my preferred way as it is more organic, and you can build the track together. But then equally, sometimes I will have a track which I love and have been working on, and just need the right person to come in and vocal it - this is what happened with We Got Love, and it actually turned out great, because Ella was able to come in and add her own twist and really smash the vocals!

Who is the dream collaboration?

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18 studio and in rehearsals trying to perfect the show and the experience.

On the tour what can we expect, will there be any special guests, what are you planning for the stage show?

I’m really looking forward to showing people the next stage of the Sigala show – I want people to come and experience for themselves so trust me on this one! Doubly exciting as this is the first time I will take my live show outside of the UK. Expect to see me jumping around behind the decks trying to contain my excitement.

What do you do during your down time when on tour?

I try and explore a place as much as possible - I generally only ever have a few hours in each city before moving on but I will fit in what I can! Often if I really like a place, I will try to go back and explore it in downtime outside of writing and touring.

There are many so I feel like I always change my answer…

But a couple of names would be Anne-Marie or Tiesto!

And it’s not just the biggest names you’ve worked with. You’ve performed across the world in some of the biggest festivals and venues. How mindblowing is that?

It’s honestly crazy. I have been playing to some huge crowds over the last few years and when I hear a sea of

www.69-degrees.co.uk

people singing my song back to me, often twice as loud… wow!

You’re just about to embark on a European and Amercan tour. Tell us about the process of pulling the tour together…

A lot of work, haha. For me it’s essential that my live show is always evolving and feels new and exciting to everyone, including myself.

So before the tour starts I spend lots of time in the

After the tour, what does the future hold for Sigala, any plans set in stone yet or are you taking the organic route and taking things as they come?

My main priority for 2020 is getting out new music. I have loads of amazing music that I want everyone to hear, so that’s really going to be my focus once the craziness of my tour has subsided. www.sigalamusic.com

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Photo: Alan Edwards, British Gymnastics.

GAME CHA

THIS ISSUE WE LOOK AT SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE CHANGING THE FACE OF THEA PRODUCERS TO PAINT SHOP WORKERS, WE FIND OUT WH www.69-degrees.co.uk

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EMILY HACKETT DEPUTY HEAD OF PAINT SHOP AT NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE Emily has worked with the Playhouse for four years – having started as a freelancer, and now working fulltime as Deputy Head of Paint shop.

The paint shop creates big set pieces and backdrops that give productions an authentic, realistic feel.

She began her time studying Art A Level and a BTEC in Production Arts, knowing that she already loved theatre but unsure of what area she wanted to focus on. Eventually, she studied Scenic Art at Rose Bruford and found her place in the paint shop. It was also there that she gained experience of how theatre is produced professionally, as part of a team of fellow students.

Although working in such a fastpaced industry can prove stressful, she thinks that moving forward she would love to continue working with producing theatres like the Playhouse, saying that they are incredibly creative environments.

“If someone is interested in working backstage in a theatre, I’d suggest they have a go at everything they can – you might be surprised by Picture: Fraser Youngson what appeals to you once you get stuck in. I quickly realised that painting was when I felt happiest. It’s amazing when you finally get to step back and see your work on stage after focussing on tiny details for so long. It’s also very sad when it’s over and it gets brought back down – but then you start to work on a new ATRE IN OUR REGION. FROM DIRECTORS TO DESIGNERS, project and it’s always something HAT IT TAKES TO MAKE IT IN THE BUSINESS OF SHOW. varied and new.”

ANGERS

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Krysztina Winkel Emerging producer Krysztina Winkel, has joined Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre as Embedded Community Producer focusing on outreach and participation, bringing theatre to the people of Coventry and people from Coventry to the theatre!

Originally from Germany, Krysztina worked as Education and Outreach Officer for Deutsche Opera Rhein for four years, where she was responsible for running inclusive youth dance and theatre ensembles, as well as facilitating opera and dance outreach programmes. She has gone on to work around the world, working with community theatre group Barefeet Theatre in Zambia, as well as on social inclusion projects in countries ranging from Italy to Iraq. She is currently studying for a Masters in Arts Enterprise and Development alongside her work at the Belgrade.

“Through this role, I hope to widen the reach of the Belgrade’s engagement work, strengthening existing relationships with artists and communities in the city, as well as brokering new ones, by creating inspiring platforms for dialogue, wonder and creativity.” www.69-degrees.co.uk

KUSH PATEL Stage Technician at Nottingham Playhouse Kush first entered the arts sector as an actor, but began taking an interest in the technical elements of theatre in case it became useful in future. He ended up studying Technical Theatre and Stage Management – eventually freelancing at Bloomsbury Theatre in London before working at Leicester’s Curve for four years. He has now been at Nottingham Playhouse for nearly three years. Day-to-day Kush helps to fit up sets, making sure it’s safe for artists cast, creatives

23 Picture: Fraser Youngson

Danielle Stanley Danielle is a freelance, dancer, dance teacher and choreographer who has worked as the choreographer for Loughborough Town Hall’s annual pantomime for the last three years. Danielle says: “There’s something special about working in the venue you grew up performing in.”

As a child, her dream was to be on the West End stage, “Ever since I saw my first West End show, Cats. I got the bug for performing ever since. I also have a vivid memory of being in the 4+ at school, and making up movements to a song, which I then taught to the whole class. So perhaps choreography was always my destiny.”

Dancing from a young age, Danielle studied Dance at GCSE and A level which ignited her desire to audition for performing arts school and resulted in her attending The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts where she gained both a Foundation Diploma and a BA (Hons) in Dance.

She then went on to work two contracts abroad and began her career as a choreographer. She also teaches classes and workshops in various styles.

and technicians. Then the running of the shows comes into play– looking after elements such as flying in set or setting stage cues.

Once a production is over, he also helps move the set out ready for the next play or musical.

“Ultimately I wanted to do something that was fun, and that’s why I moved towards tech work. The hours can be unsociable, but one of the best things about the job is meeting the cast and creatives working on a production... they essentially become family during the time that a play is on stage.”

“As a dance teacher, the most rewarding aspects of my job are the little mile stones made with children I teach. I have taught many who wouldn't join in, who are now blossoming into gorgeous confident dancers/performers.

Or those who are just hungry to work hard, who I can push with more challenging choreography. Seeing their faces light up on stage is priceless.

As a choreographer, its the time the scrambled choreography in my brain miraculously comes together.

Most of the creative process happens just me prancing around at home. So the day I finally divulge it to the group, is both the scariest and best part of the job.”

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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CURVE CONNECT Leicester’s Curve theatre has launched an exciting new initiative to support creativity and performing arts in the Midlands. Curve Connect is a free membership scheme open to all theatremakers in the region - from writers to actors, directors, producers, designers, choreographers, dancers and beyond. It is designed to act as a central community hub and allow members to network with one another and access a number of benefits, including meetings with staff members at Curve, invitations to workshops, training and events and discounted tickets to Made at Curve productions.

Alexander Love Alexander Love is 19 and studying a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance at the London Contemporary Dance School in central London and works as a teaching assistant.

“I started dancing when I was four, although after my first ever class I didn’t want to go back.

However, my mum persisted and a few weeks later she took me back and I have never stopped dancing since. I began dancing at a local dance school, in the styles of ballet, tap and modern.”

Aged 12 Alexander was selected from over 500 male dancers for Lord of The Flies by Mathew Bourne giving him an incredible, professional experience performing at the Birmingham Hippodrome. It also showed him that men could dance and be proud. After that, becoming a professional dancer became his ambition.

Since then he’s performed in Matthew Bourne’s New Adventure performance, Romeo and Juliet, at Curve and is a member of the Curve Young Company; where the range of styles and the opportunities that have been made available to him has significantly developed his approach to dance.

“In my experience, the most challenging aspect for dance has to be discipline. 2020 will see me finish my first year of training and in the upcoming next few weeks there will be some big auditions, which we will keep our fingers crossed for!” www.69-degrees.co.uk

Curve has recently partnered with a number of organisations to develop and forge pathways for theatre-makers in the Midlands. The theatre is currently working with the Pleasance Theatre to support a regional artist in taking their work to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has revealed that the selected creative is emerging writer Holly Boyden. Further partnerships and opportunities will be announced soon.

Curve Connect is part of the theatre’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent in the region and creating exciting new work for audiences.

Speaking about the new initiatives, the theatre’s New Work Associate Beth Shouler said: “At Curve we recognise new work is made in a variety of ways and no artist has the same career pathway as anyone else. Curve Connect is an opportunity for us to get to know the creatives in the region better. Artists are our industry colleagues who are essential to what we do at Curve. Through this we can share our resources and have a more open dialogue with the brilliant independent artistic community in the region.”

Curve Connect is now open for theatremakers to join.

Find out more at curveonline.co.uk

from £15*

024 7655 3055

6 – 9 May

2 – 7 Jun

from £15*

www.belgrade.co.uk

from £15*

*Ticket prices include a £1.50 booking fee. No booking fee applies if booked online.

BOOK NOW

22 – 25 Apr

to save money

BOOK ONLINE

SPRING STYLE MUSTARDS, CREAMS, PASTELS AND PATTERN, WE’VE GOT SPRING 2020 COVERED

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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He wears Black Puffer Gillet, 22.50, Heavyweight Cable Jumper £35, She wears Cream Co-ord Structured Skirt and Tank, £26, £20, Boucle Jacket and Mini Skirt, £50, £30, Beret, £10 all from ASOS. www.69-degrees.co.uk

S T R E E TS T Y L E REAL PEOPLE, REAL STYLE by SALLYANNE KIRK

After what seemed like the mildest winter in history, I couldn’t wait to hit the streets to see Spring fashion in full bloom! Neutrals and muted tones are everywhere, from spring knits and cute co-ord sets, all the way through to outerwear. Beautiful pastels teamed up with light wash new season jeans and fresh white trainers are a feast for the eyes.

One off vintage finds and hand customised pieces create very unique looks, giving an all-important nod to sustainability. The Midlands has its finger firmly on the pulse of the current fashion climate, which we love! Gold stars all round!

A x . e n n a y Sall JACK: NOTTINGHAM FAVOURITE ACCESSORY: Sunglasses FAVOURITE DESIGNER: Pretty Green NETFLIX OR CHILL? Netflix

BRENDA: Leicester FAVOURITE ACCESSORY: Rings FAVOURITE DESIGNER: Yohji Yamamoto NETFLIX OR CHILL? Netflix www.69-degrees.co.uk

ELISKA: BIRMINGHAM FAVOURITE ACCESSORY: Earrings FAVOURITE DESIGNER: Zak Posen NETFLIX OR CHILL? Netflix and Food!

FAVOURITE ACCESSORY: A great pair of trainers FAVOURITE DESIGNER: Chanel NETFLIX OR CHILL? Chill! Depends who with though!

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MAX: Birmingham JIMMIE: LEICESTER FAVOURITE ACCESSORY: Trainers FAVOURITE DESIGNER: Hiroshi Fujiwara NETFLIX OR CHILL? Chill.

JACQUELINE: NOTTINGHAM

FAVOURITE ACCESSORY: Trainers FAVOURITE DESIGNER: Vintage Shops NETFLIX OR CHILL? Netflix

Shauna: Birmingham FAVOURITE ACCESSORY: Handbags FAVOURITE DESIGNER: Topshop NETFLIX OR CHILL? Chill

CORRINE: NOTTINGHAM

Izzy, Leicester

FAVOURITE ACCESSORY: Sunglasses FAVOURITE DESIGNER: Mugler NETFLIX OR CHILL? Netflix

FAVOURITE ACCESSORY: Earrings FAVOURITE DESIGNER: Alexander McQueen NETFLIX OR CHILL? Both! www.69-degrees.co.uk

30 Outfit by Nasty Gal

Nixo Watch

STYLE

HER

www.69-degrees.co.uk

PASTELS FOR SPRING

Christy pink leather cross-body bag, £435, Marc Jacobs Top, £60, River Island Top, £TBC, ASOS

Jacket, £65, River Island

Fazzoletto mini leather crossbody bag, £260, TL 180

Winslow blue dégradé shell sweatpants, £360, The Mighty Company.

V-10 suede sneakers, £115, Veja

Tie-dyed printed cotton sweatshirt, £300, Marc Jacobs.

xon Siren Lilac h, £85, Urban Outfitters

Laydream Scarf , £35, Dune London

Jumpsuit, £TBC, River Island

Pink Playsuit £45, Miss Selfridge

Dress, £TBC, ASOS Rockstud 100 light pink grained leather pumps, £660, Valentino Garavani

www.69-degrees.co.uk

HER

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V E G A N VISAGE

As more and more brands are ditching animal-derived ingredients, spring cleaning your makeup bag has never been as easy or as ethical. Both high-end and drugstore brands are producing products for you to achieve your desired look ethically without compromising on quality.

We’ve picked a few of our vegan friendly favourites, that are bound to have you in with the new and out with the old…

Base: e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer Sheer 21g Universal Sheer, Superdrug, £8- e.l.f’s poreless putty primer is the perfect make-up product to help make your make-up stay all day long all whilst making sure that your skin stays hydrated.

ingredients to help nourish your lashes and give you a fuller look.

Barry M WILDLIFE® Eyeshadow Charity Palette, Barry M, £7.99- By choosing the Barry M Wildlife palette not only are you buying a cruelty free vegan product but also supporting the worldwide rhino population as funds from this purchase will go to rhino conservations to help protect animals around the world.

Lips: Lime Crime Matte Velvetines, Boots, £18- The best matte lipstick that is guaranteed to last all day long with full coverage colour that makes it easy to apply, and with Lime Crime being a 100% vegan brand, we’ll definitely be trying more products!

Face:

NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Skin Veil, Boots, £14- Use the Nyx Bare With Me skin veil for a barely there tint to even out your skin and blur any imperfections, it leaves a satin finish and gives you eight hours of hydration for perfect skin.

Eyes: Milk Make-up KUSH High Volume Mascara, Cult Beauty, £10.25- The ground-breaking KUSH mascara is sure to be your new fav, with

www.69-degrees.co.uk

The Tools: Spectrum Brushes White Marbleous 12 Piece Set, spectrumcollections.com, £64.99- A 12 piece Spectrum brush set is exactly what your makeup bag needs, with five face brushes and seven eye, brow and lip brushes that are perfect for everyday use, as well as being vegan these brushes are the perfect add on for you make-up lovers.

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Suede Disco Fringe Chain Bag, £1390, Balmain.

Fringed Dress, £TBC ASOS

FRINGE

Stella McCartney Rainbow Fringe bag £122

BENEFITS

Suede Fringe Bag, £225, Maje.

Brown fringed suede waistcoat, £1850, Balmain

Straw Fringe Bag £12 Primark

Fringe Biker Jacket £38 TU.

Maje Fringe Denim Jacket £315 Selfridges.

Black tasselled leather sandals, £640, Jil Sander.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

STYLE

HIM

LET’S GO BOWLING

35 Blue paisley print pocket square, £40, Eton

Burton Printed Patchwork Shirt £25.

Navy Printed Shirt, £25, Burton

Simon Camp-Collar Printed Twill Shirt, £270, Acne Studios

Camp-Collar Printed Woven Shirt, £130, Polo Ralph Lauren..

Black printed twill shirt, £200, Saturdays NYC

Abstract Shirt, £25.99, Zara

Camp-Collar Printed Silk-Twill Shirt, £850, Gucci Claridge printed cotton shirt, £265, Dries Van Noten

Printed cotton shirt, £430, DSquared2.

Camp-Collar Printed Woven Shirt, £395, Wacko Maria

Canty CampCollar Printed Lyocell Shirt, £155, Saturdays NYC.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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BEARD BE GONE!

Word on the street is that it’s time to say goodbye to your beard. That’s right, it’s time to shave off your soul patch, bid adieu to your bumfluff and say goodbye goatee as the cleancut boy next door look is big for 2020. But before you take it all off you need to think about what lurks beneath… we look at the best tools for beardy bye byes.

The Tools: Ramer Shaving Towel - £6.99, ramersponges.com Ramer’s Shaving Towel is specifically designed to give you a barber shop experience at home, while softening the beard and opening up the pores to achieve a close and comfortable shave.

Doubloon Synthetic Shaving Brush - £9.99, bluebeardsrevenge.co.uk The Bluebeards shaving brush is perfect for replicating that barber shop feel, with the brush itself being vegan friendly it makes for the perfect partner for the ultimate wet shave. This quality brush is ideal for those of you seeking a vegan friendly tool in the comfort of their own home. www.69-degrees.co.uk

Shaving: Shaving Cream and PostShave Balm Kit - £18.99, bluebeards-revenge.co.uk The Bluebeards Revenge Shaving Cream and Post-Shave Balm Kit is a vegan-friendly duo that helps to prevent harsh stubble and irritation caused when shaving. The award-winning shaving cream is sure to tackle even the toughest stubble, and a post shave balm will help calm the skin with its soothing Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera.

The Post Shave Skincare: Scrivner For Men 5 Step Skin Strategy - £137, janescrivner.com A complete, 100% natural, morning and night skincare regime for men to achieve healthy,

soothed, soft, satisfied skin.

Featuring five different products to nourish your skin, this kit has all of your skincare needs covered!

PMD Clean - £89, uk.pmdbeauty.com The PMD Clean utilises unique SonicGlowTM technology by using over 7,000 vibrations to deeply remove the skin’s impurities, there are four different settings which allows you to choose what is right for your skin. The brush bristles themselves are very gently making it perfect for all skin types, and with this device being coated in ultra-hygienic silicone it makes the device easy to clean!

37 Tie-Dye Cashmere Beanie, £405, The Elder Statesmen.

Tie-Dyed Denim Jeans, £370, Orslow

TIE-DYE ASOS

Striped Tie-Dyed Cotton-Blend Velour Track Jacket, £550, Palm Angels

Dsquared2 Tie Dye Bum Bag, £325,

Tie-dye cotton-blend socks, £20, Stussy Roy Logo-Print Tie-Dyed T Shirt, £60, Nudie Jeans.

Bloom Embroidered Tie-Dyed Organic Cotton Hoodie, £275, Story MFG.

A-Cold-Wall x Diesel Red Tag Project tie-dye backpack, £630

Black tie-dye cotton T-shirt, £75, True Religion River Island Tie Dye Jacket £TBA

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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BEST FOOD HOL AROUND THE W

If you’re a foodie and love to travel, this one’s for you - there’s nothing better than eating your way around a new city. Pack your appetite so you’re ready to savour the world’s most vibrant kitchens, exploring steaming street-food stalls, traditional family-run bistros and Michelin-starred restaurants.

From 72-hour braised steak in Brazil to the ripest avocado in Australia, these three long-haul destinations might be places you’ve thought about visiting, but not for their food scene. Read on to discover three of the best food holidays around the world.

You can fly to all these destinations from Birmingham Airport. If you’re driving to the airport, pre-book parking online to save up to 70% and guarantee a space. Then, check out our useful travel tips to ensure a smooth journey.

Sydney When you think of Sydney, you may conjure up images of the Opera House, Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbour Bridge. You might not even think about the food it has to offer… it’s all vegemite sandwiches, right?

Wrong. Sydney is Australia’s flavour capital. Due to its rich multicultural heritage, you might be on holiday in Australia, but you’ll be tasting authentic cuisines from all around the world. Ready your taste buds for steaming Malaysian pancakes, Korean barbecues, and a smorgasbord of flavours from Vietnamese to Portuguese. www.69-degrees.co.uk

Deliciously tempting experiences range from waterside dining to neighbourhood street eats, fresh produce markets and towering sky bars.

Seafood platters are a popular choice in Sydney, Australia.

TOP 3 PLACES TO GO: • The Quay – what many consider as Sydney’s best restaurant, with a view of the Harbour Bridge to boot. Chef Peter Gilmore never lets his customers down, consistently delivering exquisitely crafted, adventurous cuisine.

• Mr Wong is a hip Cantonese joint with perpetual queues out the door. Enjoy mouth-watering dumplings, delectable duck and plenty of other Cantonese treats.

• Sydney Fish Market is a must-visit. Seafood is a popular choice in Sydney and oysters are essential.

The market is home to well-known restaurants such as Deep Seafood Café, Oyster Bar and Fisherman’s Wharf.

39 The city’s food is influenced by Italian, Lebanese, Portuguese, and Japanese immigrants who all call São Paulo home. There’s everything from fine dining (it was one of the two cities where the Michelin Guide launched its Brazil edition in 2016), to street food, to the magnificent Mercado Municipal Market.

LIDAYS WORLD A street vendor in Mumbai is one reason Mumbai is one of the best food holidays

It’s safe to say Mumbai satisfies every palette, on every budget.

TOP 3 PLACES TO GO:

.

• Mohammad Ali road is home to some of the best street food in Mumbai. From kebabs and shawarmas to the Nihari, and the Shahi Sherbet to the Phirnis, the road is so famous that many celebs have been spotted, ready to feast.

Mumbai Tantalise your taste buds in India’s restaurant capital. Mumbai’s food scene is simply thrilling. It is the only place in India where you can find coastal, Maharashtrian, northIndian, and quality vegetarian south-Indian cuisine. You can also expect to find many Halal joints due to the large Muslim population.

High-end modern restaurants serve delicious cosmopolitan food, with some of the finest pan-Asian, Chinese, Japanese, international and Indo-European cuisine around.

The real magic, however, happens elsewhere. Head to hole-in-the-wall dhabas that sell the finest kebabs, or family-run establishments cooking fresh seafood a stone’s throw from where it was caught. Or, make your way to Chowpatti beach, where the chatwallas serve the most moreish, spiciest food you can imagine. Finally, don’t forget the street vendors who nourish millions of Mumbai’s hungry population every single day.

• Ziya is the signature restaurant of the magnificent Oberoi Hotel.

Exotic spices and aromatic herbs of the East are used here by Michelin-starred Chef Vineet Bhatia to create bold flavours with a modern twist.

• A local Mumbai resident’s house. If possible, get yourself an invite to dinner for a true taste of authentic Maharastrain cuisine.

Locals are warm and welcoming, and there’s nothing better than homemade butter garlic crab, chilli marinated fish or sweet coconut prawn curry, washed down with a whisky soda.

São Paulo São Paulo is one of the most populated cities in the world and the largest in South America. It’s a city of contrast, which you can see through its cultural, as well as its culinary scene.

Whether you want high-end fusion dishes, simple and cheap eats, or something in between, you’ll find it in São Paulo. And it’s not all Brazilian barbecue, although you can’t leave the city without visiting an ‘all you can eat’ meat joint (locally known as churrascarias).

Mortadella sandwiches are very popular in São Paulo, one of the best food holidays in the world.

TOP 3 PLACES TO GO: • Vento Haragana – a churrascaria popular amongst locals and tourists with a reputation for their quality meats, impressive salad bar and good service.

• Bar de Mané in the Mercado Municipal Market for a traditional Mortadella sandwich of epic dimensions. You’ll bite into chunky sourdough bread piled high with nearly half a pound of mortadella sausage, Provolone cheese, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

• Bolinha - located in the upmarket Jardins district, Bolinha has been serving Feijoada, Brazil’s most beloved dish, since the 1950s. A hearty, comforting stew packed with the beautiful flavours of salty, smoky pork and beef alongside black beans.

Hopefully one of these foodie holiday destinations gets your mouth watering. If not, we fly to locations all over the world.

Discover where else you can fly from Birmingham Airport and book your next trip.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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STEP BACK IN TIME: FES A stalwart on the hippy trail back in the Swinging Sixties and known as the ‘Paris of the Sahara’, Morocco lies in the northwest of Africa and directly in line with the straits of Gibraltar. It’s a country reaching for the future but steeped in the past. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition that will leave you wanting more, as Kevin Urquhart discovered recently when he visited the ancient city of Fes. Fes is Morocco’s oldest city. Just two and a half hours flight into Fes Saiss airport with Air Arabia, you could have been transported back two and half thousand years into a biblical setting with tiny, oppressive cobbled streets in a bewildering maze; spluttering street lighting and thousands of anonymous doorways.

Not for the faint hearted nor the lily-livered jetset wanting a sanitised cocktails and chill holiday, visiting and staying in Fes is an assault on the senses and, to get the very most out of your experience here, we’d urge you to employ the services of a local tour guide. Without them, you simply will, without question, get lost. So labyrinthine-like is Fes that even Google gave up on trying to geo-map it.

It’s very clear, very quickly why this city is of such significance: it’s Morocco’s oldest walled town or medina - 1200 years old to be precise. 600,000 people live here and it’s the site of one of the oldest universities in the world – 859AD, founded by Fatima. There are no cars – everything is transported by donkey and cart; no machinery – everything is hand or sometimes, foot crafted and the preferred method of healthcare is traditional herbal

www.69-degrees.co.uk

remedies and potions sold on stalls within the souk. Our guide tells us that the Medina operates as a co-operative society where money is earned and recycled within its protective walls. Despite popular belief, it’s a matriarchal society where Mama runs the house and the kids, and where the men are sent out to work and provide for the family. It’s a long-held tradition in Fes that the larger the family, the more chance you have of survival, but the lack of support system is painfully evident at times primarily by the large numbers of beggars visible throughout the city.

A relatively poor city compared to Marrakech or Rabat (the capital), Fes is home to 272 mosques, numerous palaces and is considered to be ‘living history’. And this is why you

must forgive it the occasional stench of urine, the donkey poo on the floor, the unpredictable street lighting and gaping crevices in the pavement. It is an industrious city and one with a good heart.

If you are shy, retiring and easy to convince, this isn’t the city for you - or at least not as a solo traveller. The persuasion skills of the traders are relentless, but not without humour.

Be prepared to barter. That said, we had been told that goods could be bought for 75% less than the opening gambit, but we struggled at 50% as the traders are fiercely proud that everything they sell has been handcrafted here in Fes. That said, you can bag some bargains at the 13th century Widows Cooperative. Here, over 1365 women – divorcees or bereaved – weave the most magnificent and colourful rugs and Berber carpets, some of which can take years to create. So highly regarded are they that buyers from stores such as Harrods will buy here – at a fraction of the price they then sell them on for

(for example, a hand-woven rug may cost the equivalent of £1500 in Fes, but can be retailed at more than £12,500 in UK).

This Widows Cooperative has UNESCO protection specifically and is a mustsee. Handily, DHL can ship your purchase home for as little as £60.

Another must-see is the Tannery.

Be sure to accept the sprig of Mint you are offered as you enter, as the smell is heady – and even more so in the summer when temperatures in the Medina can reach more than 40-degrees. This blistering heat is also why the houses in the Medina are so tightly packed – to create natural air-conditioning even in the height of the midday summer sun.

Here, you are given a birds’ eye view of how animal skins are prepared and dyed for eventual use in clothing and textiles. You’ll see more than 270 men employed in back-breaking work, transforming the fresh-from-theslaughterhouse skins into soft, supple and highly coloured leathers ready to be transformed. This truly is a breathtaking experience and one unlike anything you will have seen outside of Fes. As you’d expect, you can buy these leather goods: wallets, purses, bags and clothing here, too.

Although aspects of Fes can be a little basic it does have its luxury side too. We stayed at Riad Fes, a luxurious retreat in the heart of the Medina. Riad Fes comprises five buildings dating from 1890 but redeveloped as one complex and behind an anonymous wooden door.

Each of the former buildings offers a different architectural style and finish, built around an internal courtyard with tinkling fountains, courtyard swimming pool, spa and tropical gardens.

Fez is, quite literally, like stepping back into time. It’s maze of fragrant streets with kittens playing in the dirt; the beasts of burden ferrying rugs in and out of the walled Medina and goodnatured haggling. It is how it is done.

How it was done before. And how it will continue to be done.

Getting There: We flew with Air Arabia.

Air Arabia operates direct flights to and from London Gatwick to Fes and Marrakech twice weekly, with prices starting from £51 one way www.airarabia.com/en

Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and operates a fleet of 55 new Airbus A320 and A321 Neo LR aircraft, serving over 170 routes across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Staying There: We stayed at Riad Fes in Fes. Room rates start from £150 off peak www.riadfes.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

ROMESH RAN

CRITICAL LIST YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE BEST THEATRE AND ARTS THIS spring... www.69-degrees.co.uk

NGANATHAN On his last nationwide tour, the monstrously successful irrational, Romesh Ranganathan was pondering whether he has an irrational viewpoint on the world or whether that can be attributed to absolutely everyone else. This time around, he’s putting together The Cynic’s Mixtape in which he offers perspectives on the world that are partly incredulous and wholly hilarious, writes Brian Donaldson.

“I enjoy puncturing the common point of view,” admits Romesh. “Sometimes I agree with it but often the common acceptance of certain things is based on facts that I find irritating, so I undermine that and deliberately say things, not to simply be provocative but because I like the reaction to them.”

As well as taking his views on tour, Romesh’s recent TV credits include a second series of his Sky One sitcom, The Reluctant Landlord, presenting duties on The Ranganation, Judge Romesh, and The Misadventures Of Romesh Ranganathan.

Away from the small screen, you can read his memoir, Straight Outta Crawley, or hear his award-winning podcast, Hip Hop Saved My Life, in which his most recent batch of guests have included rapper Kano, singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka and documentary-maker Louis Theroux.

And now, the man who was also recently voted

by The Guardian as the 17th best comedian of the 21st century, is out and about across the UK with his barnstorming new live show which he explains is divided into two distinct parts. “The first is looking at different issues such as the environment, a bit about the Liam Neeson thing, and how people respond on social media to the deaths of celebrities which is something I find quite weird.

I remember sitting with a friend when Whitney Houston died and he was agonising about what he was going to post online. I said, ‘you don’t have to worry about that, it’s not your business; the world is not waiting to hear what you’re going to say.’ People end up making these events about themselves.”

In part two of The Cynic’s Mixtape, Romesh zeroes in on more personal material, focusing on the relationship he has with his wife and their three children, and fretting about his own existence, which sounds heavier than it actually is.

“I got a medical when I turned 40, as I started to worry about my own mortality- not for myself but in terms of my kids. Before, when I was going to the gym or staying on top of fitness, I’d do it for some sort of vanity reason; I’ve long since abandoned that and have accepted that I’m never going to look good. So, the second half is about my reaction to that medical. My wife and I are very happily married but we’ve got to that point where we’re set in our ways a bit. That’s the nub of it.”

Romesh acknowledges that we live in interesting but testing times, with the terrain of stand-up comedy one where every utterance a comedian makes comes under extra scrutiny. “I don’t feel the need to agree with the person I’m watching to enjoy what they’re doing. In his last Netflix special, Dave Chappelle said a lot of stuff that I don’t agree with but it doesn’t stop me laughing about it. Similarly, I’m a massive fan of Bill Burr and in his most recent show he’s pretty full on about feminism and how male feminism isn’t a thing. I follow the logic of what he’s saying and I do find it funny while not necessarily agreeing with him.

We do seem to be living in hyper-reactive times now and people feel more ready to be offended than before. As an audience member myself, I don’t have that need to agree with everything the comic is saying.”

Romesh works from the standpoint that there will always be someone who doesn’t agree with what he’s trying to say in his comedy, but as long as he has worked hard on the material, can justify it from every angle and gets the big laughs, he knows he’s on the right road. “When I start performing material for the first time, that’s when I might offend people or push it too far, because I perhaps haven’t expressed what is definitely a good idea elegantly enough. So you play with it, and when the laugh for something is big enough you know that you’ve found an acceptable line through that way of thinking. But I never write something and think I can’t do that because I don’t want to get into trouble for it; I tend to just write what I think. I am guided by the laughs.” As he takes his Cynic’s Mixtape around the country, those resounding laughs are following him wherever he goes.

3 & 4 May 2020 @ Birmingham Hippodrome, www.birminghamhippodrome.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

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The Charli-XCX formed, Netflix docu-series stars, Nasty Cherry, are here to break all the rules and they’re starting with the most badass tour of 2020.

The Storm

28th & 29th Feb @ Curve, Leicester James Wilton Dance, one of Europe’s most in demand dance companies, present The Storm, a whirlwind of lightning fast, athleticism, where acrobatics, breakdancing, martial arts and contact work fuse to form dance that will blow audiences away.

KISSTORY Presents The Blast Off! Tour 3rd March @ Motorpoint Arena Nottingham 12th March @ Resorts World Arena Birmingham With a huge allstar line up, The Blast Off Tour! features live performance from top US artists Nelly, Salt N Pepa, Shaggy, Mya and Blu Cantrell.

Foreverland – Cosmic Circus Rave

29th Feb @ O2 Academy Leicester 13th March @ The Mill, Birmingham The UK’s most magical club night returns and this time they’re taking you on a fantastic voyage to the Cosmic Circus, with colourful aliens and intergalactic décor.

1st March @ O2 Academy Birmingham www.69-degrees.co.uk

The Book of Mormon, Broadway’s outrageous musical comedy from the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Bobby Lopez, co-writer of Avenue Q and Frozen, is coming to Birmingham Hippodrome for the very first time from 4 March 2020.

The hilarious musical follows a pair of Mormon boys sent on a mission to a place that’s a long way from their home in Salt Lake City.

Man On The Moon

5th March @ Nottingham Playhouse With the use of poetry, looped sounds and storytelling, this piece explores the impact that mental health can have on the family dynamic, particularly within the context of the Black British experience.

Poet in Da Corner

Nasty Cherry

The Mormons are coming to BRUM

6th & 7th March @ Curve, Leicester 10th – 14th March @ The REP, Birmingham 19th – 21st March @ Nottingham

The Book of Mormon made its World Premiere in March 2011 at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on Broadway, where it continues to play to more than 100% capacity each week having broken the theatre’s house record more than 50 times. Since winning nine Tony® Awards that season, including Best Musical, The Book of Mormon has been performed on three continents, won over thirty international awards and performed to over 17 million people worldwide.

The Book of Mormon opened at the Prince of Wales Theatre in March 2013 where it continues to play more than 100% capacity each week, the longest run of sold-out shows ever recorded in London. The production has become the 20th longest running musical in West End history, played to three million people and broke the record for the highest single day of sales on the day after opening night.

This March will be the first time the hilarious production has ever come to Birmingham, visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 to to get your hands on what is sure to be the hottest ticket in town.

Unforgettable performance, powered by you 0844 338 5000* birminghamhippodrome.com *Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge.

Wed 4 Sat 28 Mar

Sat 4 Apr

Wed 8 & Thu 9 Apr

Mon 13 Sat 18 Apr

Mon 20 Apr - Sat 2 May

Thu 7 May

Tue 12 Sat 30 May

Tue 2 Sat 6 Jun

Fri 19 Sat 27 Jun

Tue 30 Jun Sat 18 Jul

Tue 21 Sat 25 Jul

Tue 15 Sat 26 Sep

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Playhouse In this semiautobiographical piece, step into a technicolour world where music, dance and spoken word collide, and discover how grime allowed Debris Stevenson to redefine herself.

up show about it.

Join the “star of comedy” (The i) as he explores his inability to function in the most basic of public settings, social media’s constant pressure to “live your best life” and that one time a man stole his shoes.

Deluxe

Jax Jones

6th March @ Rock City, Nottingham 12th March @ O2 Institute Birmingham Ivor Novello, Grammy and two-time BRIT Award nominated producer, DJ and multiinstrumentalist, Jax Jones, will bring the party to cities across the UK as he heads out on tour in support of his new album, Snacks.

Iain Stirling

8th March @ Nottingham Playhouse Do you ever wonder how people manage to be normal? Iain does. So much so he’s written a brand new stand-

www.69-degrees.co.uk

Ghetts

8th March @ Rescue Rooms, Nottingham 13th March @ O2 Institute Birmingham Hot on the heels of his Ivor Novello nomination, East London rapper and Grime veteran Ghetts announces his biggest headline tour to date.

Blossoms

10th March @ Rock City, Nottingham 27th March @ O2 Academy Birmingham One of Britain’s favourite indie bands, Blossoms, are kicking off the new year with the release of their highly-anticipated third album, Foolish Loving Spaces, and an extensive headline tour to welcome the new songs into the world.

12th – 14th March @ Curve, Leicester Thrilling audiences and critics worldwide by blending both energetic and graceful dance with stunning music and film, Deluxe educates and inspires audiences far and wide with its unique and unmistakable style.

Twin Atlantic

15th March @ O2 Academy Leicester Following a blistering main stage performance at Reading & Leeds Festival, Twin Atlantic are making a full live return with an intimate spring tour. The live shows will be in celebration of the band’s scorching, charged-up fourth album, POWER.

Curtains

16th – 21st March @ Haymarket Theatre, Leicester Starring Jason Manford (The Producers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Guys and Dolls), this hilarious whodunnit is packed full of catchy songs, unforgettable characters and plot twists galore! From creators of Cabaret and Chicago, this Tony award winning backstage murder mystery musical will have audiences laughing and guessing right to the final curtain.

Dane Baptiste

21st March @ Derby Theatre 29th March @ Glee Birmingham Dane is now a

Grown Ass Black Man. Too old to be concerned with chicken or trainers.

Too young to be considered a peer of Trevor McDonald. Has he got a chip on his shoulder? Yes. A chocolate one.

Playhouse Critically acclaimed comedian Chris Ramsey is hitting the road for his biggest ever stand-up tour.

tells a vital and uplifting story of humanity and hope. A village alive with joyous celebrations is suddenly under siege. Everything changes forever.

New Hope Club Table Manners with Jessie Ware Grace Carter

22nd March @ O2 Institute Birmingham After a year of self-discovery, hard work and plenty of fun, Grace Carter is continuing her ascent to the top with her biggest headline tour to date.

I Think We Are Alone

24th – 28th March @ Curve, Leicester A delicate and uplifting play about our fragility, resilience and our need for love and forgiveness.

28th March @ Town Hall, Birmingham Currently in the midst of its eighth series, Table Manners sees critically acclaimed singersongwriter Jessie Ware and her chef extraordinaire mum Lennie chat with a guest from the worlds of music, culture and politics from the singer’s dinner table over a three-course meal.

Message in a Bottle

Chris Ramsey

27th March @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester 17th April @ The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 2nd May @ Nottingham

8th – 11th April @ Birmingham Hippodrome With a mix of exhilarating dance styles, dazzling footwork and breathtaking athleticism set to the music of Sting, Message In A Bottle

9th March @ O2 Institute Birmingham British pop trio, New Hope Club, will be back out on the road in the spring, bringing the fresh sounds of their longawaited debut album to the masses.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

13th – 18th April @ Birmingham Hippodrome Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime.

Their epic journey is a heartwarming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.

Harry Styles

15th April @ Arena Birmingham Harry Styles kicks off his 2020 world tour, ‘Love On Tour,’ in support of his upcoming album Fine Line in Birmingham.

HRVY

11th April @ O2 Institute Birmingham HRVY is the UK’s hottest rising pop star and after a non-stop 2019, he’s heading into the new year armed with new single, ‘Million Ways’.

Rak-Su

18th April @ O2 Academy Birmingham British R&B group and X Factor winners, RakSu, are stepping things up after a sold-out tour and the release of their highlyanticipated EP, Rome.

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26 – 30 MAY

FROM THE NOVEL

BY PATRICK NESS INSPIRED BY AN IDEA BY SIOBHAN DOWD

THE OLIVIER AWARD - WINNING SHOW DIRECT FROM THE WEST END

‘EXTRAORDINARILY

MOVING’ The Independent

‘HEARTBREAKING, SPECTACULAR, SOARING.

A MONSTER HIT’ The Times

‘REALITY MEETS FAIRYTALE FANTASY...

EXHILARATING’ The Guardian

15 JUL – 1 AUG LOVE EASY TO HOSE THIN GS ONE OF T JUST OU DO SOMETHING TO ME Y NIGHT & DAY L OF IN THE STIL THE NIGHT

A Musical

BASED ON THE PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION MOTION PICTURE ‘ROMAN HOLIDAY’ EATR

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LYRICS COLE MUSIC & CTOR NIKO PORTER BOO LAI FOSTE K KIRSTE N DIRE R GUENTHER & PAUL BLAKE

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ALL THE NU THINGS

there’s so much to see, hear, play and read THIS spring; Here’s our pick...

SEE: SIX From tudor queens to pop princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII finally take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red. We can’t wait to catch this new hit musical. -24th – 29th March @ Theatre Royal, Nottingham, 2nd – 7th June @ Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, 9th – 14th June @ Curve, Leicester

BINGE: How to get away with murder

HEAR:SonikkuJoyfull Death

The legal thriller about a group of aspiring law students and their talented criminal defence attorney and professor, Annalise Keating returns for its seventh season following Nate’s father’s wrongful death suit as well as the death of Governor Ron. Expect more twists, turns and thrills as the gang get involved in yet another twisted murder case.

“I love songs that make you want to cry and dance at the same time,” says Tony Donson, the London-based musician who Records as Sonikku. That sense of unfettered release and liberation drives his new album, a fluent, fertile and full-colour hybrid of vibrant italy-house, liquid synthpop, righteous disco and French philosophical asides, it’s an album that signals the emergence proper of Sonikku a fully formed dancefloor artist.

It’s also a farewell of sorts, perhaps, but with an emphatic rebirth at its heart. “This album feels like a transformation in the sense that I’m creating the music I’ve always wanted to

www.69-degrees.co.uk

make. A fully realised, coherent pop record that showcases my craft as a song-writer and producer.

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READ: The Boy from the Woods From the bestselling author and creator of the hit Netflix drama The Stranger,Harlan Coben, The Boy from The Woods tells the story of Wilde, found thirty years ago in the New Jersey backwoods. Having no memory of who he is or how he ended up in the woods, Wilde lives off grid when he reaches adulthood, semi feral and shunned by the community – that is until a child goes missing and his survival skills are needed to save a young life and uncover the secrets of his own upbringing.

The Killers – Imploding the Mirage A quick office poll revealed that of all the upcoming albums, it was The Killers new long player that we all anticipated the most.

Coinciding with a major UK and Ireland stadium tour, Imploding the Mirage, their sixth studio album is sure to be brimming with the anthemic bangers that Brandon and the boys are renowned for.

play: resident evil 3 A remake of the 1999 survival horror game, we follow former S.T.A.R.S officer Jill Valentine as she attempts to escape the zombie apocalypse of Raccoon City while hunted by an intelligent bioweapon known as Nemesis. Let’s hope it’s not as terrifying as the VR version of Resident Evil – we’ve still haven’t dared complete all the levels and still have nightmares about the garage…

WATCH: A Quiet Place part 2 Emily Blunt is back for the sequel of the 2018 American science fiction horror film.

Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue to fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk behind the sand path.

PLAY: Wasteland 3 In the freezing wastelands of a post-apocalyptic Colorado, players take control of the last surviving member of Team November, a Ranger Squad. Play by yourself or in a story driven multi player game which enhances the original Wasteland gameplay by including vehicles and environmental dangers. www.69-degrees.co.uk

52 SEe: Message in a Bottle

READ: Keeper - Jessica Moor

With a mix of exhilarating dance styles, dazzling footwork and breathtaking athleticism set to the music of Sting, Message in a Bottle tells a vital and uplifting story of humanity and hope. A village alive with joyous celebrations is suddenly under siege. and everything changes. Forever. Determined and daring, three parted siblings step out on their own extraordinary adventures. -8th – 11th April @ Birmingham Hippodrome

When Katie Straw’s body is pulled from the waters of the local suicide spot, the police decide it’s an open-and-shut case. A standard-issue female suicide. But the residents of Widringham women’s refuge where Katie worked don’t agree.

They say it’s murder.

WATCH: Mulan The latest Disney film to be transformed into a live action adaptation is Mulan, but this time the musical numbers are nowhere to be found as the tale of Hua Mulan takes centre stage. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Chinese Army defending the country from Huns, Mulan steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Disguised as a man by the name of Hua Jun, she must harness her innermost strength and embrace her true potential.

BINGE: Ozark Season 3 of the ultra-dark Netflix thriller starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney taking their Missouri based money laundering operation up a level with the opening of a floating casino. Named after the isolated, rural wasterside region in which it is set, this series sees the whole family get in deeper than the river upon which they float. There’s no going back now, not for any of them. It really is sink or swim. www.69-degrees.co.uk

don’t miss your chance to witness a rare insight into everything a pop star should be, and yet so rarely is.

Jinkx Monsoon & Major Scales: Together Again, Again Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

16th – 21st March @ The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 20th – 25th April @ Theatre Royal Nottingham Funny, fabulous and feelgood, this is the musical sensation for all the family and not to be missed! Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield.

Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation.

tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent!

21st April – 2nd May @ Curve, Leicester Now set in 2020, this sparkling

22nd April @ Rescue Rooms, Nottingham Renowned for the most entertaining of live shows, with added choreographed dance routines,

L Devine

7th May @ O2 Institute Birmingham Hailed as a vital new talent, L Devine’s growing status as the UK’s new pop icon is gathering pace.

Despite only playing her debut show in May 2019, the singer is now set for her biggest headline dates yet.

Magical Bones: Black Magic

Oliver Twist

Darwin Deez Sister Act

26th April @ Nottingham Playhouse 8th June @ The REP, Birmingham The RuPaul’s Drag Race Star and musical prodigy Major Scales return to the UK with their most outrageously raucous show yet!

creative sign language, audio description and captioning.

29th April – 9th May @ The REP, Birmingham This bold, brutal and beautiful new version of Oliver Twist sends you on a dark adventure through the twisted streets of London. Adapted by award-winning playwright Bryony Lavery (The Lovely Bones,Treasure Island and Frozen), every performance of Oliver Twist will feature the use of integrated

9th May @ Curve, Leicester Join one of the most explosive names in street magic today as he effortlessly combines intricate sleight of hand with jaw dropping break-dance moves in one of the most awe-inspiring shows you’ll see this year.

5 Seconds of Summer

16th May @ Arena Birmingham 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) are bringing their ‘No Shame’ 2020 headline, highoctane live show to Birmingham.

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Rox Ro

Sid Sottung Barber Shop Launch

Giggling Squid Launch

Rozu, Birmingham

Friday Club @ R Bar

Sid Sottung Barber Shop Launch

Cosy Club Nottingham

Gigg Gig

THE SOCIAL SOCIA Sid Sottung Barber Shop Launch

Cosy Club Nottingham

Coyote Ugly

Photography by: Matt Glover, Nikolay Galchev, Jas Sansi, Aaron Carter, Jack Spicer Adams, Louisa Thomson www.69-degrees.co.uk

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Indie Wednedday @ The Bodega

xy oxyBallroom BallroomLaunch Launch

Coyote Ugly

Taste of Milano

Roxy Ballroom Launch

gling gglingSquid SquidLaunch Launch

AL L Indie Wednesday @ The Bodega

Pounded @ R Bar

Giggling Squid Launch

Rozu, Birmingham

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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Photography by: Matt Glover, Nikolay Galchev, Jas Sansi, Aaron Carter, Jack Spicer Adams, Louisa Thomson

Gaucho

Indie Wednesday @ The Bodega

Milano Kitchen & Bar

www.69-degrees.co.uk

Giggling Squid Launch

Gaucho

Roxy Ballroom

Rozu, Birmingham

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Indie Wednedday @ The Bodega

Get Pounded @ R Bar

Giggling Squid Launch

Coyote Ugly

Milano Kitchen & Bar

Indie Wednesday @ The Bodega

Sid Sottung Barber Shop Launch

Giggling Squid Launch

Coyote Ugly www.69-degrees.co.uk

Music is essential energy, it’s commercial oxygen!

Music amplifies everything it touches and brings it to life. That’s why introducing it could be highly beneficial to your business and could help your organisation fulfil its potential.

Playing music could make your business seem more relatable, enhance the atmosphere for your customers and help to make the experience with your company more memorable. It could create an environment that people enjoy, define your brand and help to distinguish you from your competition.

Not only this, but music could boost staff morale, improve concentration and productivity whilst helping to make employees feel more engaged, driving collaboration with colleagues and their interaction with customers or clients.

So let’s turn it up and put the essential energy of music at the heart of your business!

Turn a frappé into a fiesta

Turn it up!

Discover how TheMusicLicence is helping businesses find their mojo.

0800 0868 805 Quote ‘Sixtynine Degrees Magazine’

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