Latest 7 magazine

Barb Jungr, Mari Wilson and Gwyn Herbert were full of laughs and enthusiasm as they took to the stage with their cabaret-styled performance of classic pop songs. The women covered all things girly, from a section of songs on infidelity, including Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ to the slight mocking of domesticity with Doris Day’s ‘A Woman’s Touch.’ The three brought a warmth to the show with their own individual sound, that when harmonised together sounded beautiful, full of jazz, blues and soul. In their solo spots Gwyn sang ‘The Other Woman’, Mari delivered ‘Touch Me in the Morning’ and Barb really belted ‘Woman in Love.’ Even though the show makes for a brilliant girls night out, the men were the ones left cheering for more.

Komedia, 13 December 2011
Rating:
Laura Burgess

The Pavilion Theatre was buzzing with excitement as Craig Melvin hosted the Big Book Group with such charm and elegance and gave us an insightful, yet entertaining evening as he took us on a journey through the world of books, book groups and how to be a book critic. As well as this, star guests Carol Birch and Araminta Hall invited us into their worlds as they wrote and promoted their books. What made the evening particularly special was the interactive element including questions and answers and a big quiz. This event was definitely worth seeing and gave books, writing and reading a completely fresh approach.

Pavilion Theatre, Brighton Dome, 13 December 2011
Rating:
Sascha Cooper

Part of a grand American tradition of melodic alt-rock that includes the likes of Big Star and The Replacements, Evan Dando still looks largely the same as in his early 90s heyday – a striking look that helped to propel the band to the bigtime, along with his slacker celebrity and of course an ability to write melodic songs of quiet desperation. This tour is a celebration of perhaps their best album, It’s A Shame About Ray – the simple and tight (and loud) set up of bass, guitar and drums was a reminder that simplicity often works best. Simple in more ways than one as the band raced through umpteen songs with very little inter-song breaks or banter.

Concorde 2, 13 December 2011
Rating:
Jeff Hemmings

A seasonal treat and fantastic savings with Spamalot at Theatre Royal Brighton
The international smash hit musical comedy Spamalot gallops into Theatre Royal Brighton from Thursday 15 December 2011 to Saturday 14 January 2012. If you are looking for a feel-good family outing this Christmas, then look no further. Spamalot is harmlessly funny, very silly and has dancing, audience participation and great songs. It is truly a pantomime for all seasons. ‘Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life’, voted the nation’s favourite song, is guaranteed to have children (aged 8+), parents, teenagers and grandparents singing along.
Written by original Python Eric Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot is based on the story of King Arthur and his Knights – think Horrible Histories crossed with Merlin. The cast includes Marcus Brigstocke (CBBC’s Sorry I’ve Got No Head, BBC’s Have I Got News For You, QI etc) who plays King Arthur; Todd Carty (Tucker in Grange Hill and Tucker’s Luck, Mark in EastEnders) who plays his hapless sidekick Patsy, and Jodie Prenger (Winner of BBC’s I’d Do Anything, playing Nancy in the West End’s Oliver!) plays Lady of the Lake. All three won rave reviews when the show visited Brighton last year. Read the rest of this article »