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International best-selling crime writer Peter James offered insights into the creative process that lays behind his writing as well as exploring the psychopathology of the murderer, a subject which clearly fascinates him and which drives much of his work. The Q&A element was, unfortunately, sabotaged by a series of dull and rather trivial questions which Mr James fielded with grace and good humour. The unflattering anecdote about bumping into Martin Amis was a hoot, though, and easily worth the price of admission. Watch out for a character called Amis Smallbone in James’ new Roy Grace novel out next May.

The Old Market, 6 December 2011
Rating:
Gary Mepsted

When one thinks of Electric Six one inevitably thinks of their hits: “Gay Bar” and “Danger! High Voltage”. Sadly they seem to be two of the only bright ideas the band’s ever had, since their music was strangely dull despite lead singer Dick Valentine’s posturing and endearingly surreal sense of humour. In fact his bizarre rants were the most interesting part of the night, telling funny tales of studying flamenco music in Spain and demanding recognition of his drummer’s Englishness. The band were technically skilled however and were quite ballsy and vibrant, but the songs were lacking and the night was instantly forgettable.

Concorde 2, 6 December 2011
Rating:
Joe Fuller

With an audience ranging from pre-teens to pensioners this could have been a panto crowd but as the band came on to The Ramones, the inbetweeners in the mosh pit showed their appreciation for the NME favourites. ‘Wreckin’ Bar’ was explosive and they displayed their New York influences throughout, including new Spectoresque song ‘Teenage Icon’. There was minimal interaction but the final encore ‘Norgaard’ really encapsulated their catchy bubblegum, slacker sound. Sunderland’s Frankie & The Heartstrings were a perfect support, who performed, to anticipatory screams, a short set of teenage pretty-boy indie anthems that showcased their increasing breakthrough potential.

Eastbourne Winter Gardens, 6 December 2011
Rating:
Steve Clements

Generally when attending a puppetry show you might expect some loveable fluffy animals and maybe a sing-a-long or two. Turn up to ‘Punched’, the adult puppetry show at the Nightingale Theatre however, and you’ll be faced with a different kind of human-controlled monster.

There were five acts in total, some performances such as Biting the Dust were overtly performance-art based and insufferably pretentious. The Hare & the Tortoise II and A Brief History of the Universe stuck a more comedic chord and were genuinely funny – and would be worth seeing a full show. If you want the next Avenue Q however, you’d best stick with a DVD.

The Nightingale Theatre, 6 December 2011
Rating:
Woodrow Whyte