10 Questions: An Interview with Eccentronic

May 14th, 2012

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Eccentronic’s musical comedy show “We Won’t Rock You” is an electrifying show  from the 11th to the 27th of May at this year’s 2012 Brighton Fringe Festival.  Eccentronic are John Callaghan from Warp Records and Ms Hypnotique (the glamorous TV theremin player).  Thermin playing, comedy and hauntingly beautiful electronic music has to be a show worth seeing.

Eccentronic @ 2012 Brighton Festival Fringe

1.    When you attend a festival/fringe, what’s your first impression?

The enthusiasm of the performers and audiences, the lovely beach in the sky and the moon of Kuwai.

2.    Describe yourselves?

We are a musical comedy duo using electro-techno mash-ups.  We are also two solo electronic acts – Hypnotique and John Callaghan.  We thought we’d share the laughs we have doing gigs with the wider world. People often think techno artists are rather ‘too cool for skool’ or devoid of personality – Eccentronic put the ‘Tea’, ‘Ech!’ and ‘No’ back into Techno!

3.    What’s your show all about?

We Won’t Rock You is Eccentronic’s first ‘mainstream musical’. Our previous show, Waiting for Bono, (the Samuel Beckett play reinvented with Bono off of U2) was a bit ahead of its time, so we’re bored of being skint and want to make some cash. We Won’t Rock You is our attempt at answering William Blake’s question on whether one can be both artistically valid and commercially successful.  We go on a musical journey which mashes-up and sabotages Queen, The Smiths, Nine Inch Nails and Black Lace, amongst others. Hypnotique will tinkle the ethers by playing her theremin – this is a Russian electronic instrument invented in 1920 which is played without touch and makes some very haunting sounds in her hands.

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4.    What do you do on a daily basis to grow as an entertainer?

Dress as a banana and Timmy Mallet and run around Croydon.  It is character building.  Occasionally we also rehearse.

5.    Do you have a secret talent and what is it?

Hypnotique  is the third best theremin player in the UK (excluding Northern Ireland).  John Callaghan has a propensity for gurning.

6.    What makes you uncomfortable?

John: Trying to fasten Ms Hypnotique’s corset.   Hypnotique:  Wearing my stage corset!

7.    What’s the most distant place you’ve visited?

8.    Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

9.    What’s your biggest gripe?

The giant inflatable mallet we use in our show. Wackaday!

10.    What activities make you lose track of time?

Dossing about on the internet – particularly Chat Roulette, Angry Birds, Temple Run and LOLCats.

10. How would you like people to remember you and your show?

In happy delusion, with warm glows and smiles – possibly with our catchiest number ‘mainstream song’ endlessly on loop in their brain forevermore.

Eccentronic

10 Questions: An Interview with Ben Tinniswood

May 11th, 2012

Ben Tinniswood (What's the Time, Mr Wolf)

Benn Tinniswood is the sole cast-member of ‘What’s The Time, Mr Wolf?‘, a dark comedy where justice is seen to be done through the machinations of the media.  You can hardly open a newspaper without seeing the two contradictory processes  happening side-by-side.   Mr Tinniswood has picked a topical winner here…

Show Details: What’s The time, Mr Wolf?

1.     When you attend a festival/fringe, what’s your first impression?

Usually Prince Charles on a walkabout, or a drunk Terry Wogan, depending on the lay of the land.

2.     Describe yourself?

Six foot, medium build, GSOH, Of generally positive outlook, team player, but also equally capable of working under own initiative.

3.     What’s your show all about?

Ah, serious answer required for this one – The show takes a look at our society’s hunger for fast justice and how even the Justice system can be influenced by the media perhaps? The show has definite echoes of the recent Jo Yeates Murder case in Bristol. Her landlord had his life totally torn apart on the evidence that he “Looked a bit weird”.  Another prime example being Barry George’s conviction for the murder of Jill Dando. It was something of a convenience, justice needed to be seen to be done and he was a “Local Loony”.  Dangerous times.  The play is a comedy too though and there’s plenty of knob gags.

Ben Tinniswood - What's the Time, Mr Wolf-2Small4.     What do you do on a daily basis to grow as an entertainer?

Keep looking and listening.  Eat a lot of saturated fats.

5.     Do you have a secret talent and what is it?

I can stick drawing pins into the side of my head with impunity – hang on, it’s not a secret anymore now I’ve told you, damn.

6.     What makes you uncomfortable?

The thought of people reading the daily newspapers and unquestioningly accepting everything they are reading. Over-tight Underwear!

7.     What’s the most distant place you’ve visited?

Me!

8.     What’s your biggest gripe?

I once caught one that was nearly a metre in length, but it got away before I could get a photo.

9.     What activities make you lose track of time?

Clock watching. Doing work that I’m passionate about.

10. How would you like people to remember you and your show?

I don’t need to be remembered, but the show does.  I’d love it if people came away laughing and thinking.

www.doggettandephgrave.co.uk

www.mostlycomedy.co.uk
www.gladalloversixties.co.uk

Buxton Military Tattoo 2012

May 10th, 2012

Buxton Tattoo2012Saturday 7th July 2012,  2.00 pm and 6.30 pm

Inside the magnificent Dome

Buxton, Derbyshire

Press Release:

Buxton Military Tattoo returns for the third year on Saturday 7th July with two performance at 2.00 pm and 6.30 pm – early sell outs in both 2010 and 2011, Buxton Military Tattoo has been acclaimed as “a triumph”, “a phenomenon” and “breathtaking”.

2012 sees a new line up of over 200 performers including some of the finest military bands in the United Kingdom, as well as some exciting displays.

Heading the line up will be The Band of The King’s Division, supported by our local regiment, The Band of The Mercian Regiment together with The Band of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, The Yorkshire Volunteers Band and The Pipes and Drums of The Scots Guards Association.

Back for a third year will be last year’s favourites, 126 Squadron RAF Air Cadets with an all new precision Drill Display.

Event Manager Chris Thornton says “Tickets for the 2012 Tattoo have been selling briskly and we are delighted to present a show that the public enjoy so much. Work is well under way to produce an exciting show with a spectacular Massed Bands finale.  The fantastic opportunity of hosting the Tattoo indoors in the fabulous setting of the iconic University of Derby Devonshire Dome brings with it a natural limitation in the number of seats we can sell, so I would urge anyone wishing to experience the Tattoo to buy tickets sooner rather than later and risk disappointment.”  Tickets priced from £15 (adult) and £10 (under 16s) are available from Buxton Opera House 0845 127 2190.

Also available this year, are Hospitality packages including either a Carvery supper at The Leewood Hotel or Dinner in the acclaimed Dome Restaurant. Details are available on the tattoo website www.buxtontattoo.org.uk

Buxton Military Tattoo is proudly presented by the Derbyshire Committee of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Buxton Military Tattoo 2012

Saturday 7th July 2012,  2.00 pm and 6.30 pm

Inside the magnificent Dome, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6RY

Featuring

The Band of The King’s Division

The Band of The Mercian Regiment

The Band of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment

The Yorkshire Volunteers Band and Corps of Drums

The Pipes and Drums of The Scots Guards Association

126 (City of Derby) Sqn RAF Air Cadets Drill Display Team

Massed Band  Finale and Lone Piper

Performances:  2.00 pm – 4.00 pm  Adults £15.00, Under 16s £10.00

6.30 pm – 9.00 pm  Adults £19.50, Under 16s £13.50

Tickets Available Online, by Phone, Mail Order or in person from: Buxton Opera House: 0845 127 2190  or www.buxtontattoo.org.uk

Hospitality Packages are also available:

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The Silver Hospitality Package includes Evening Performance Tattoo Ticket with Reserved seat, VIP entrance avoiding the queue, Complimentary Souvenir Programme, Two course Carvery Supper at The Leewood Hotel, Buxton inc transport from The Dome to The Leewood Hotel            £45.00 per person

The Gold Hospitality Package for parties of ten includes: VIP entry,  Front Row Seats for the Tattoo, Complimentary Souvenir Programmes, the Lord Lieutenant’s Champagne Reception before the show, three course Dinner with five bottles of quality wine and coffee served in the acclaimed Dome Restaurant after the show.                £795.00 per party.

Please note that the Hospitality Packages are only available from the Tattoo Office – please call Chris Thornton, the Event Manager on 01298 25568 or see www.buxtontattoo.org.uk for more details.

10 Questions: An Interview with Oliver Meech

May 10th, 2012

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With “When Magic and Science Collide” we embrace the magic of cerebral alchemy.  Oliver Meech takes his magic show with it’s scientific twist to this year’s 2012 Brighton Festival Fringe.  So hobgoblin along to the Laughing Horse and catch the awesome Mr Meech in action!

Oliver Meech: When Magic & Science Collide

21st – 24th May 2012

Laughing Horse @ The Hobgoblin

1.    When you attend a festival/fringe, what’s your first impression?

Energy. Not in a ‘Ooh, the lay-lines are caressing my aura’ way, just the amazing mass of creative people doing what they love. There’s a real buzz that you don’t get anywhere else.

2.    Describe yourself?

I’m the Magic Boffin – a comedy magician who combines Magic and Science for your entertainment pleasure.  I studied Psychology at Oxford University, Creativity at top London ad agencies, and Trickery at the Magic Circle. I fuse all three to produce magic that’s “fascinating and different to other magicians” (Girl Who Just Wants To Be Entertained blog).

3.    What’s your show all about?

It’s a magic and science mash-up. Expect brain-boggling tricks inspired by mind-blowing science. My previous Fringe shows mixed magic with Time and Neuropsychology, and I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and Manchester Comedy Festival. With this show, I’ve expanded things to meddle with the rest of the universe. It’s a bit like if QI did a magic show. But since I’m a magician rather than a scientist, it’s not a lecture or exposure show, but a bubbling test-tube of science-flavoured magic and merriment. You don’t need any prior science knowledge, just an appreciation of the weird wonders of the world.

4.    What do you do on a daily basis to grow as an entertainer?

Think. And then think some more. It’s always tempting to stick with your first idea, or first way to perform a trick, but there’s usually a more interesting idea lurking beyond it, waiting to be tempted out. It just takes time (and maybe a slice of cake).

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5.    Do you have a secret talent and what is it?

Ah, a magician never reveals his secrets!

6.    What makes you uncomfortable?

The first time I perform a new trick in public, as you never know what the reaction to it will be. But that’s also what makes it so exciting.

7.    What’s the most distant place you’ve visited?

Perhaps not the most distant, but the furthest from my London upbringing was a Cabaret tour of Wales I was invited on after Edinburgh last year. We played some amazing venues, including Cardiff’s Millennium Centre, but driving back along country lanes afterwards the sky was so dark that I thought my eyes were closed!

8.    What’s your biggest gripe?

I’m not a very gripe-y person, so I suppose it would be people who gripe all the time.

9.    What activities make you lose track of time?

Reading an obscure magic book in the Magic Circle library. I’ll be walking past a bookshelf and the next thing I know it’s 2 hours later and I’ve got a dusty tome in one hand and a deck of card in the other.

10. How would you like people to remember you and your show?

Blimey – that sounds like I’m about to die. Do you know something I don’t?!  I’d like to be remembered as someone who gave people a good time (but not like that – filthy minds!)

10 Questions: An Interview with Tanju Duncan

May 9th, 2012

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Today we chat with Tanju Duncan who is the Artistic Director of  “byMoonlight Theatre”.  She has worked extensively with young people and has directed many plays over her 25 years in the business.   At this year’s 2012 Brighton Festival Fringe she directs Steven Berkoff’s 1975 play, “East” which deals with the rights of passage in London’s rough East End.

“East”  performed byMoonlight Theatre @ 2012 Brighton Festival Fringe

1.    When you attend a festival/fringe, what’s your first impression?

Our experience of festivals is that of a fantastic atmosphere, brimming with anticipation.  There is a real feeling of community and camaraderie and your senses are hit by all sorts of theatrical events and street entertainment and encouragement and friendliness abound.  Costumed people vying for your attention (us included!) with a diversity that is celebrated.

2.    Describe yourselves?

By Moonlight’s emphasis is on creating theatre that establishes an actor-audience relationship that is immediate – no judgement necessary – just working hard to engage the spectator with pure enjoyment – bringing theatre back to just being human – taking out any political correctness where classics (both old and new) can be appreciated, not just for the ‘elite’ who understand them – but for everyone.  Affordable theatre, but with honest conviction.  We use expressive physicality, mime, music and dance and bring our audiences into the action so they can just enjoy themselves on one level or connect intellectually on another, if they so wish.

3.    What’s your show all about?

East by Steven Berkoff is a nostalgic look at life in the East End.  It is an elegy for the old East End and its energetic waste – it is episodic and the stories build up a picture of the characters lives – the use of blank verse and slang heighten the poetry of the language and the visual colour is amplified by the use of mime, movement and music – it is fun and naughty, full of humour and satire – it makes you laugh when you feel you shouldn’t – but that’s Berkoff’s magic.  Come along and laugh your dirty socks off!

4.    What do you do on a daily basis to grow as an Artistic Director?

Tanju Duncan-1SmallAs the Artistic Director of byMoonlight I constantly research, either as a bookworm or going to see many diverse productions – it’s the only way to keep up with what’s happening and what we need to do as a company to progress.  This is passed on through workshops, which are primarily fun based, but where learning and experimentation occurs – amazing things can happen when least expected.

5.    Do you have a secret talent and what is it?

My talent is spotting others’ talent and making sure they use it so they feel good about what they’re doing!

6.    What makes you uncomfortable?

Conflict and judgmental people – we are all so different and unique – how exciting is that? – it should be celebrated rather than commented on.

7.    What’s the most distant place you’ve visited?

Sakhalin Island in the Far East of Russia – I’m sure it’ll help byMoonlight one day…

8.    What’s your biggest gripe?

All talk and no action – that’s why I’m passionate about theatre – it’s all action!

9.    What activities make you lose track of time?

Rehearsals – I love them: the exploration; the response from actors; the ideas/energy they bring; how organic the process is – you may have one vision but the collaboration with others makes it boundless.

10.    How would you like people to remember you and your show?

That we have created a piece of theatre that is truthful, yet allows the spectator be a part of it, it is a piece for them, rather than an indulgence – that they walk away having had a right old royal larf – and can’t wait to see us again!