Spare Times

Winter warmer at the Arts Centre

2008-12-17T15:01:06Z

If you get the chance to catch The Holly and The Ivy at Southport Arts Centre this week, I really recommend it. I went to the opening night last night and it's by far one of the best Christmas plays I've seen in a long time - a fantastic, heart-warming story of a family fraught with tensions who find themselves thrown together over the festive season. Plus it stars Welsh national treasure Philip Madoc, so you know you're on to a winner. Be warned: it's a bit of a tear-jerker in parts! But you come out feeling strangely uplifted. The show runs until this Saturday, December 20, and tickets are still available. To book call 01704 540011 or visit www.seftonarts.co.uk

It's panto time!

2008-12-11T16:31:33Z

Oh no it isn't! (Okay, okay...) Cinderella opens at Southport Theatre tonight - to the delight of panto fans across the town. I bunked into rehearals yesterday for a sneak preview of the show, which is gearing up to be a magical mix of mirth and mayhem packed with loud music, laughter and a whole lot of boo-ing. In between scenes I caught up with the gorgeous Sherrie Hewson, who plays the wicked stepmother in the show for a quick chat. The Loose Women star said that although she wasn't suffering from too many last-minute nerves, her musical number was still a bit of a worry. "I can't sing!" she wailed. "In my 40 years as an actress I have never been able to sing. And in the show I have to sing AND dance! I sing 'Push the Button' by the Sugababes. It's a sight for sore eyes..." But if what I saw in rehearsals is anything to go buy, Sherrie's set to steal the show! To book your ticket call 0844 847 2380 or log on to www.southporttheatre.org.uk

Harry Hill's TV Burp

2008-12-04T16:16:06Z

]]> Spending the weekend in London, and the surrounding £6-a-pint-tastic Hertfordshire I didn't think it would be easy. Then we discovered this website: www.tvrecordings.com All your favourite TV shows, with all your favourite hosts/guests/comedians, live, in a warm studio, exclusively, before the telly audiences get to see them. FOR FREE! Harry Hill's TV Burp is my far my favourite show on TV at the moment, so we couldn't resist the chance to see our huge-collared idol in the flesh. After booking our seats online, all we had to do was turn up to Pinewood Studios in leafy Teddington (frightfully posh - fancy a wild mushroom risotto down the local, anyone?) and hand in our e-ticket. With the tickets being free, the studio tends to overbook, to compensate for potential no-shows, so it's best to arrive early. Besides, that way you can sit back in the audience marquee and enjoy a free beer, the studio's way of making sure you're on top form for chortling loudly at all Harry's witticisms. The show itself is well worth a watch. It's filmed more or less exactly as it appears on telly, straight through from start to finish, with any re-takes or adjustments done at the end. All in all it takes about 2 hours, including impromptu slices of stand-up from the man himself, so it's a good-sized, ultra cheap night out. In fact it's probably cheaper than staying in to watch the show on the box, because you'll only end up paying 18 quid for bottle of plonk and a Domino's pizza. Staying in to watch the show... Going out to see it being recorded live... But which is better? There's only one way to find out....

Christmas Carrack-er

2008-11-26T12:45:39Z

Paul Carrack made a welcome return to the North West this week with a gig in Southport - but the sub-zero seaside temperatures did nothing to stop fans of the velvet-voiced one (including me) beating a path to the theatre door. The singer, whose soulful vocals have adorned hit after hit for bands including Ace, Squeeze and Mike and the Mechanics, was flying solo, joined by a six-piece band and some striking strobe lighting. After opening with the sultry crowd-pleaser, 'Satisfy my Soul', Carrack beamed at his cheering audience and thanked everyone for coming out on such a freezing cold evening (Any time, Paul!) Dressed in a sophisticated black suit, along with his trademark boho hat and shades, Carrack delivered a cool first half of hits including 'My Kind', 'Don't Dream It's Over' and 'Am I in That Dream', fresh from his new album, 'I Know That Name'. The second half saw Carrack stepping up the pace with Ace anthem 'How Long' and new single 'I Don't Want to Hear Any More' before breaking into a brilliant Mike and the Mechanics section, featuring favourites like 'Over My Shoulder' and 'The Living Years' - which had fans young and old singing along. 'Another Cup of Coffee' (as always) went down a storm with the audience, but for me the highlight of the evening was a bouncy, smile-inducing reggae version of 'Eyes of Blue'. As well as their funky, soulful sound, Carrack's band were compelling to watch, with great chemistry. Backing singer Lindsay Dracass was a fantastic addition to the mix, with her strong, rich voice, and it was clear she was enjoying the gig as much as the audience. Carrack's onstage persona matches his music - his laidback style indicates he has nothing to prove - having written and peformed with legends of the music industry from The Eagles to Elton John, it's safe to say his music speaks for itself: fantastic. Paul Carrack is on tour until the end of February, so go and catch him live at a venue near you! For more details visit www.carrack-uk.com

Pachelbel's Kanye

2008-11-20T13:35:24Z

Entertainment-wise, I've had a great week. And not just because of John Sergeant's disproportionately high profile departure from Strictly Come Dancing, although that was entertaining, to say the least. This week's music-fest started on Saturday when I braved rain, wind and rail replacement buses to get to Birmingham to see Kanye West. It was SO worth it. I've always quite liked Mr West (as he was frequently referred to throughout the show - quite a formal guy, apparently) but I wasn't really sure what to expect. I liked his Graduation album, and Gold Digger made me laugh... and I LOVED his contribution to Estelle's American Boy. But a whole concert? It was unbelievable. As the electronic intro to 'Stronger' faded into the opening bars of 'Good Morning' and the man himself became visible against a futuristic, spacey set, the crowd went crazy. And stayed crazy. For two hours. Mr West certainly made sure we got our money's worth, as he tore through hit after hit, from Touch the Sky to Homecoming. Highly recommended. Last night I found the perfect winter warmer in the form of The Four Seasons by Candlelight at the Philharmonic Hall. Performed by the Mozart Festival Orchestra in - get this! - full period costume, the concert of 18th century and Baroque classics was nothing short of breathtaking. As we settled down to enjoy a candlelit set packed with classic pieces including Bach's Air on the G String, Pachelbel's Canon and Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, it really was like going back in time. Crispian Steele-Perkins and Tom Rainer gave invigorating and humorous trumpet performances, and spectacular violinist David Juritz had the audience cheering for more. If you get the chance to catch the Mozart Festival Orchestra they are definitely worth a watch, I can't wait to see them again. Now tonight I'm off to see Mamma Mia for the fifth and final time before it closes after a whopping FIVE months in UK cinemas... My my, how can you resist it...?

MTV blues...

2008-11-06T16:59:58Z

THE MTV Europe Music Awards are landing in Liverpool tonight and I for one cannot wait! Not because I'm going or anything. No, I had about as much chance of getting tickets as Jonathan Ross has of being booked as an after-dinner speaker at a Fawlty Towers convention. I'm not bitter. Really.. I will be watching it from the comfort of my living room, all warm and cosy, with no queues, no £8-a-pint lager and no one trampling on my feet, or blocking my view of Gary Barlow. And let's face it, there's nothing better than an armchair music fan is there? I can still enjoy myself. What could be more fun than kicking back in my flat with a bottle of Blossom Hill while the music industry's glitteratti brave the icy Kings Dock winds in their finest Roberto Cavalli? Who wouldn't want to be sitting in their grey marl tracksuit and giraffe slippers, plate of chicken korma in one hand, glow stick in the other, bellowing with rage at the TV set as Coldplay beat Take That to the 'music industry teacher's pet' award? Again. Oh who am I kidding? I can't believe it's all happening just a few miles away and I'm not going to be there! I can practically hear Beyonce's diamonds rattling from here! There had better be a reeeeally good dose of TV coverage, that's all I'm saying.. Holly Willoughby rampaging up and down the red carpet guffawing at Paul McCartney's jokes will not suffice. Now where did I put my glowsticks...?

Lisa and Sara win £25,000 each!

2008-08-28T08:31:45Z

Big Brother contestants Lisa Appleton and Sara Folino have each won £25,000 in cash after competing in a live "nomination face-off". The pair faced the "Prisoner's Dilemma" in which each was asked to chose whether to take or share a £50,000 pot. If both had chosen to take, neither would have won anything, but if just one chose to take, that person would have won all of the money. ]]> After a minute of deliberation, Lisa and Sarah both agreed to share. Minutes before the face-off, Lisa, 40, from Warrington in Cheshire, and Australian Sara, 27, from London, were selected for eviction on Friday. Once in the task room and facing their dilemma, Sara said: "I will choose to share. I think the world of you Lisa, you know that." Lisa replied: "I wouldn't want to do anything different. You have been my best buddy on the show." McCall said afterwards: "That was just a lovely moment of sisterhood." The two women will now face the public vote for eviction on Friday.

Mohamed secures place in the final

2008-08-26T09:23:19Z

BBC reports: Big Brother contestant Mohamed Mohamed has secured his place in the final week of the reality TV show after being voted head of house. Housemates were asked to vote for head of house instead of making nominations for eviction. The 23-year-old toy demonstrator's promotion means he will be immune from the public eviction vote this week. ]]> Eight contestants are competing for the £100,000 prize. The winner will be announced on 5 September. Mohamed sat in stunned silence on the sofa when the winner was announced while his fellow housemates whooped and cheered. "It's amazing isn't it? He's guaranteed a trip to the final, it's great," said Darnell Swallow. "It's just funny how the show's gone. You would think there was a script for this show but there isn't. It's like a movie." Mohamed received four votes from his fellow housemates while Kathreya Kasisopa received three. Darnell, Rachel Rice and Lisa Appleton each received two votes and Sara Folino, Mikey Hughes and Rex Newmark received one vote each.

Nicole gets the boot!

2008-08-22T22:46:23Z

Student Nicole Cammack has become the 10th contestant to be evicted from the Big Brother house after getting over 90% of the public vote. The 19-year-old was the loser in a three-way competition between fellow nominees Lisa Appleton and Sara Folino. She had received four nominations from her housemates, including Mikey, who branded her "quite selfish" in the diary room.]]> Cammack joined her boyfriend, chef Rex Newmark, on the show two weeks ago. But some housemates felt the student did not deserve her place on the programme. "She hasn't been through all the stuff we went through to get here," said songwriter Darnell Swallow. When told of her nomination, Cammack reacted angrily, saying it was "pretty obvious" she had fallen victim to a conspiracy. Radio producer Mikey Hughes is currently the favourite the win the reality show, which ends on 5 September.

Stuart or Rachel?

2008-08-15T15:00:17Z

So who will it be? I predicted Stu would go last week and I was wrong, and I realy hate to admit it but I think Rachel may be getting the boot. I actually don't mind her at all. I don't know why some of the housemates think she has a game plan - I think they forget she's a teacher and sometimes she comes across a bit patronizing but that's because she deals with children every day. Rex and Nicole are getting on my nerves still - just wanna smack them!

Dale's gone...I can't believe it!

2008-08-09T15:00:42Z

Really wasn't expecting gorgeous Dale to go - but at least he got to see Jen again. He was very funny in his interview with Davina as well. It's shame that he was up against Stuart. After all the rivalry between them over Jen, they became good friends once she left - a proper double act.

Sissy Stuart will go out the door!

2008-08-07T15:06:39Z

So it's the battle of the tanned pecks, spiky hair and miserable faces as Stuart and Dale go head to head. And I think Stu will be leaving come tomorrow night. Granted he has a daughter and he misses her, but at the end of the day, why doesn't he just go? ]]> I've got nothing against Stu I think he's a nice guy and what makes me laugh is how Dale and him have become close since Jen left - it's a shame the best buds are up against each other. I think no matter which one goes it will be a shame, when Nicole and rex are still in there! AARRGGHH! They are really starting to annoy me!

I want to strangle Nicole already!

2008-08-04T15:09:57Z

OMG! Watching BB last night - could Nicole be any more miserable - it's a suitcase for God's sake - get over it! I think we could quite possibly witness the first real-life break-up on national TV. I know I won't be bothered!]]> Channel 4 reported Nicole and Rex are discussing their future in the House... Nicole has been in a mood for a while now, and Rex confronts her about it in the Garden. "I'm not angry, I'm just really upset. I don't want to argue with you," Nicole told Rex. "I just want my suitcase, I want my makeup. If they won't give that to me I'll go home, she sobbed." "There's no reason not to speak to me though," said Rex. "What have I done?" "I know," said Nicole, "I'm high maintenance." "So are you gonna go if you don't get your case?" asked Rex. "Yeah," said Nicole. "When? Tonight?" said Rex, just a little too quickly. "I didn't even know it was wrong," said Nicole, "if I'd known I'd never have done it." Not only is Nicole in the Hell half of the House, Big Brother has confiscated her suitcase full of personal belongings as punishment for jumping over the Heaven and Hell divide. It seems make up means a lot to Nicole. More, perhaps, than making up with Rex? "I could have coped with anything but not this," said Nicole dramatically. "I want my suitcase." "The more you want that suitcase the more Big Brother won't give it to you," said Rex. As the live-in lovebirds kissed and cuddled, Rex tried to cheer up his girlfriend. "You can do this," said Rex. "I can't," said Nicole, "not without my suitcase." "What can I do to make you feel better? "Nothing," said Nicole sulkily. "Throw myself in the pool?" offered Rex. Come on Nicole, that might help...

Rex's missus enters the Big Brother House...

2008-08-02T22:32:57Z

Channel 4 reports: We'd just got used to Mario and Lisa just being Lisa, when here comes another one. Significant other that is. Rex's girlfriend, Nicole will enter the House tonight. Thats bound to shake up sleeping arrangements. ]]> Last seen in the identity parade, and not picked out by Lisa and Luke in the lineup challenge, Nicole's arrival could boot the alpha male from his self-appointed throne. Wonder if he's under the thumb?

Mikey's funniest moment so far...eating the hottest chilli in the world!

2008-08-02T14:30:26Z

This had me in stitches - possibly the funniest thing on BB9 so far! Mikey decides to sample a Scotch Bonnet chilli pepper - when asked if its hot he replies: "How's a Scotch bonnet hot for a true Scotsman." Followed by seconds later by: "I'm not saying I'd have another!" HILARIOUS!