Tag: whats on

Film ReVue: Batman V Superman

By on 5th April 2016in Entertainment

Zack Snyder returns to the DC cinematic universe with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and the hype for its release has been exponential since its announcement in 2013. A follow up to Snyder’s Man of Steel, BVS marks to start of a yearly Justice League franchise and sets the pace for DC’s movie legacy. While elements of the movie are groundbreaking, BVS ultimately falls flat and fails to live up to the hype, but whether its successors will do the same remains to be seen.

Henry Cavill reprises his role as the righteous wonder-boy Superman and Ben Affleck takes up the mantle of the Dark Knight in a much grittier superhero movie than we’ve seen before. Also featuring Gal Godot as Wonder Woman, BVS follows up the devastating events of Man of Steel which saw the destruction of Metropolis by Kryptonian invader General Zod. Now, Superman must face the consequences of his actions and consider whether the world really needs him. Bruce Wayne, Gotham City’s eccentric playboy billionaire and secretly Batman, is among the victims of Superman’s consequential destruction, and vows to stop him at all costs. A number of DC’s well known comic book characters weigh in, including Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) who seeks to gain knowledge of the mysterious Kryptonite and assume control of Superman. Pitting him against Gotham’s brutal masked avenger, we see the two forces clash in a dramatic fight that answers once and for all: who will win.

There are some moments in BVS that live up to its great expectations. Among the highlights are Jeremy Irons’s portrayal of Alfred, Batman’s trusted accomplice and family butler. There is definitely a sense the two have been at it for a long time and their on-screen chemistry is engaging . Something Snyder’s captures very well is the inner turmoil of the Dark Knight; flashbacks of his parents’ murder haunt Bruce Wayne as he avenges the injustices of the world. Batman’s character in this film is given the perfect amount of back story, setting him up well for the films to come, and Affleck delivers a good performance, if not everyone’s cup of tea. Cavill delivers a convincing Superman, but still there is no development of his secret identity Clark Kent, who is essentially reduced to a cameo. Gal Godot’s Wonder Woman is perhaps the finest character in this film, and although her screen time isn’t considerably long she is set up nicely for the rest of the cinematic franchise. The most interesting performance, however, is in Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor. A different character entirely to the portrayals of Gene Hackman and Kevin Spacey, he is both interesting and detestable.

Unfortunately, BVS is a convoluted mash-up of characters and story lines. Scenes are short and hard to follow, and the overall pace of the movie is questionable. Half the time BVS feels like a Batman standalone; other times a Man of Steel sequel; not quite a Lex Luthor origin story, not quite a Wonder Woman standalone. There is no consistency, and while Snyder creates a distinct look he has failed deliver a coherent story. Characters often feel crammed in, and other times BVS’s main heroes seem like polar opposites to their cherished comic book depictions.

BVS:DoJ begs the question whether it was worth pitting Batman against Superman in the first place. Moments of awesomeness are few and far between; there are some, but they are scattered and easily forgotten. With a lacklustre story and confusing premise, Snyder fills DC’s cinematic void with more questions and hardly any answers. The Justice League heroes are teased in this movie but ultimately we’ll have to wait a long time to see them in action. If nothing else, Gal Godot as Wonder Woman in her upcoming standalone is shining ray of hope after a disappointing start to DC’s cinematic universe.

Cutting Crew And Blurred Vision Tour Together For First Time

By on 4th April 2016in Entertainment

On April 29th Cutting Crew’s main men, vocalist/founder Nick Van Eede and guitarist Gareth Moulton, head out with Blurred Vision as one unit to play a handful of selected UK dates…

Sometimes it takes a chance meeting, sometimes a span of years, sometimes it’s plain old synergy. Then sometimes it’s simply that old chestnut, six degrees of separation. There’s an argument for all points of view here.

When UK based Canadians Blurred Vision, founded by Iranian born brothers Sepp and Sohl Osley, met world rockers Cutting Crew it was their producer, the renowned Terry Brown, who made the introduction.

The Crew were just one of a host of luminaries that Terry had worked with. Always drawn to a cracking song – he produced the mega hit ‘(I Just) Died In Your Arms’ amongst others – he was instinctively drawn to Blurred Vision. The two groups met through him and, regardless of age gap existed, the music was on the same page.

Fast forward to 2016 and a one off merger of like minded souls and superlative musicians…

All the hits will be featured along with new material from both bands’ recent albums. The dates also mark the 30th Anniversary celebration of ‘(I Just) Died In Your Arms’. With the first leg of the tour already on sale, subsequent dates will be announced shortly.

Cutting Crew have sold millions of records world-wide and their huge radio play continues to grow. Their new album ‘Add To Favourites’ has already been called the ‘best of their career’ (Discussion magazine). Alongside his work with the band, Nick Van Eede is an in-demand song writer with credits including Pixie Lott, Mika, Marillion and Cher amongst others.

Blurred Vision have already caused quite a stir. Their version of ‘Another Brick In the Wall’ led to world-wide acclaim and a ringing endorsement from Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters. Their debut album ‘Organised Insanity’ was hailed by Team Rock UK as “one of the best of 2015” while Record Collector Magazine praised their live show as “Stadium/Arena sound with intellectual clout”.

The first leg of the tour has just been announced including the following venues: The Forum, Tunbridge Wells (April 29); Stockton ARC, Stockton On Tees (May 6) http://bit.ly/CC-BV-StocktonARC; The Fleece, Bristol (May 7) http://bit.ly/CC-BV-TheFleece; 100 Club, London (May 8) http://bit.ly/CC-BV-London;

Tickets are priced £12.50 – £15 and are on sale now from all venues.

It could be said there’s a blurring of lines between old and new, but the cutting edge stays the same. The message is clear…this is going to be one unique show!

Film ReVue: Allegiant

By on 29th March 2016in Entertainment

Vue Cinema’s Ivan Davison shares his thoughts on the latest film release…

By Ivan Davison.

The latest and third instalment of the popular YA series Divergent, Allegiant, continues to follow the struggles of Tris (Shailene Woodley), Four (Theo James) and their group of genetically modified Divergents as they survive during a power struggle between various conflicting factions in a post apocalyptic Chicago. This film, unlike the previous sequel, quickly finds the group escaping and venturing into a new & unexplored territory, namely a scorched earth located outside the boundaries of their city, known as The Fringe.

Whilst here they encounter an advanced society, named the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, led by the enigmatic David (Jeff Daniels). The society’s goal is to end the conflicts happening in Chicago and work towards rebuilding the world to what it that once was, and they see Tris as their best chance at leading them into the new future they propose. However as Four delves deeper into the workings and methods of the Bureau, he discovers that their intentions may not be as peaceful and well intentioned as they are leading others to believe.

Meanwhile the conflict in Chicago escalates when Johanna (Octavia Spencer) forms her own faction, named the Allegiant, in order to try and usurp the previous films antagonist and Four’s tyrannical mother, Evelyn (Naomi Watts).

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The film makes the wise decision early on to show the group entering new landscapes and situations, which gives the film a much more epic scale, and allows for some stunning visuals of the Fringe (which is very reminiscent of last year’s surprise breakout hit, Mad Max:Fury Road) as well as the Bureau’s headquarters, Providence. It also leads the plot to explore more of the world in which these characters inhabit more than previous instalments did, and explores bigger themes and more complicated concepts than just the conflict happening in their home city.

The two leads develop their relationship throughout the film, continuing to build on the excellent chemistry they have with each other, and its interesting to see that relationship strained at certain times due to David’s influence on Tris and Four’s weariness of his agenda, with both actors giving convincing performances. The film’s best performance by far however, comes from Miles Teller who plays Peter, as he injects such much needed humour into the film, whilst also giving his character an dark undertone in the second and third act that will hopefully be utilised in the next film in the franchise. Jeff Daniels also shines as the film’s newest antagonist, playing David as a trustworthy father figure rather than a monster, and his knowledge of Tris’ past gives her the much needed backstory she needs, as well as creating a multi-layered character that is can be both sympathetic and menacing in equal measure.

Fans who have followed the series may find themselves a little tried by the lack of action scenes compared to the previous two films in the series, but the amount of plot development, foreshadowing and build up will certainly mean that the next and final instalment of the franchise, Ascendant (due out next June) certainly will excite and entice those awaiting the final battle between the factions, and the addition of the Bureau into the mix adds a new layer of danger and intrigue to the coming war in Chicago. Its safe to say the all out war in the finale will be something viewers will be salivating to see.

Our Allegiant review was written by Vue Cinema’s Oliver Cobb. For more information on the latest cinema releases, or to book tickets, visit www.myvue.com.

Click here to book tickets for Allegiant.

Film ReVue: 10 Cloverfield Lane

By on 29th March 2016in Entertainment

“Crazy is building your arc when the flood has already come…”

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By Oliver Cobb.

From director Dan Trachtenberg (Kickin’, Portal: No Escape) and producer J.J. Abrams (Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens) comes 10 Cloverfield Lane, a ‘spiritual successor’ to 2008’s monster-thriller Cloverfield. While you’d not be crazy to think this a direct sequel, Trachtenberg takes a very different approach to filmmaking and storytelling to bring us a movie that is both unrelated and far superior to its predecessor.

After walking out on her, presumed, fiancée, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) finds herself in a car crash heading west of her home in New Orleans. Waking up chained in a dingy basement room, Michelle discovers that she has been rescued from a terrible apocalyptic attack on planet Earth. Her captor Howard (John Goodman), who has spent years preparing for such an event, assures her safety from the ‘poisonous’ air above in his fallout bunker. Along with Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.) the three must learn to survive in close quarters with a limited supply of food, air and water. But all is not quite as it seems, when Michelle and Emmett become leery of Howard’s suspicious past. Suspense and uncertainty ensue as we discover the truth in this gripping, claustrophobic feature.

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Perhaps the finest moments of drama and tension in this movie come from John Goodman, whose character Howard is mysterious and frightening. With almost no warning, the atmosphere of a scene can change from light-hearted and uplifting to devastatingly terrifying; Goodman’s abounding voice and eerie presence lend to the uneasiness of 10 Cloverfield Lane, and as his intentions are slowly uncovered the audience shares with his captees a sense of dread. At their first meal at the table, we experience Howard’s hot temper, which Goodman delivers effortlessly yet convincingly. Winstead and Gallagher are solid in this acting threesome. Despite its small ensemble, 10 Cloverfield Lane captures moments of genuine emotion, as is the case in a scene with Michelle and Emmett discussing his troubled past. Something Trachtenberg does so masterfully is convey the human condition, and although there are moments of cinema-screenplay-tropes they are outshined by the outstanding acting in this movie.

Stylistically, 10 Cloverfield Lane is simple yet effective. Taking place almost entirely in Howard’s safe house, cinematography is convincingly claustrophobic. Despite its homely facade, the bunker is a prison that’s prisoners would risk certain death to escape. In a scene where Michelle climbs through an air vent to fix the filtration system, we are reminded of the characters’ isolation as she looks longingly through a window to the outside world. Trachtenberg brilliantly evokes that sense of entrapment that frightens and worries his audience.

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Thinking about the tag line ‘Monsters Come in Many Forms’, it becomes clear that Trachtenberg is uninterested in the ‘real monsters’ of 2008’s Cloverfield. Conversely, the monsters in 10 Cloverfield Lane are found in the inhumanity of its characters, and in the imaginations of its audience. With a comparatively low budget of $15m, Trachtenberg shows how much he can do with so little. In fact, 10 Cloverfield Lane’s strengths are in its cinematic simplicity, making it one of the strongest releases of 2016 thus far.

Regrettably, Trachtenberg has not received the same PR limelight that producer Abrams has. Whose name is at the top of the poster? You guessed it. A little film called Star Wars may have had something to do with that.

Our 10 Cloverfield Lane review was written by Vue Cinema’s Oliver Cobb. For more information on the latest cinema releases, or to book tickets, visit www.myvue.com.

Click here to book tickets for 10 Cloverfield Lane.

Prom Princesses To Be Pampered At Ramside

By on 25th March 2016in Lifestyle

Prom princesses can now get pampered and preened on the lead up to their big night at a luxury North East spa…

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The £8m Spa at Ramside, at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham is opening its doors to school leavers with three special prom packages.

The packages, which are valid from May to July, include the ultimate Prom Princess package, the Dazzling Divas package and the Mii & My Prom make-up package.

Girls opting for the Prom Princess package can expect two indulgent sessions of pampering on the countdown to the big day, with the option to add on a third session with the in-house team at Reef Hair Salon.

The initial session will include a personal consultation with Ramside’s beauty experts, body exfoliation to prepare the skin for any tanning and an express booster facial for added radiance.

On the second visit, just before – or on the day itself – the treats continue with a polish and shine for hands and feet and a brow fix by in-house cosmetics company Mii. Guests can then either opt for a make-up tutorial prior to prom or choose to have their make-up done on the day.

For the girls wanting to pamper with pals, the Dazzling Divas package includes a polish and shine for both hands and feet.

Females wanting to focus on their face can go for The Mii & My Prom package, which includes brows by Mii and either a make-up tutorial prior to prom or make-up on the day.

“With proms being such a huge highlight for school leavers, we wanted to ensure that we provided packages that will add a bit of extra sparkle to prom night,” said Jill Russell, Spa Director.

“Proms are often compared to weddings in terms of preparation, so the Spa at Ramside aims to provide a memorable experience for young girls and really make them feel special for their first ‘big day’.”

Prom packages can be booked by calling 0191 375 3088 or going to www.ramsidespa.co.uk. Book before April 30 to receive a free gift on day of arrival.

Classical Violinists To Join Katherine Jenkins In Sunderland Performance

By on 23rd March 2016in Entertainment

A classical music concert in the North East is adding two new strings to its bow, with the inclusion of a violin playing double act…

Vladimir and Anton Jablokov, originally from Slovakia, have been announced as special guest performers for Katherine Jenkins’ highly anticipated appearance at Herrington Country Park, Sunderland on Friday May 6.

The brothers, who now live in Ireland, hail from four generations of professional musicians and have been playing together for more their 20 years, as well as pursuing successful solo careers.

In 2014 they joined forces for Two Brothers, a hugely successful stage show highlighting their individual talents as dazzling violinists and improvisers, as well as their almost telepathic skills as sibling musicians.

An album of the same name was released in 2015, with the duo paying tribute to the great composers of the past, as well as more modern favourites from the stage and screen.

Vladimir and Anton will now join Katherine and The National Symphony Orchestra for the first in a series of summer concerts being staged in Sunderland by The Northern Sessions, with more big names still to be announced.

“During the past decade Vladimir Jablokov has established himself as one of the leading lights in Ireland’s classical music scene,” said a Northern Sessions spokesperson.

“Since joining forces with his younger brother Anton their career has gone from strength to strength and we’re absolutely delighted that they will be crossing the sea to perform in Sunderland alongside Katherine and the National Symphony Orchestra.”

Tickets for Katherine Jenkins supported by National Symphony Orchestra and Vladimir and Anton are priced at £33 each and available from www.thenorthernsessions.co.uk.

For more information please visit the website, follow @thenorthernsess on Twitter or search The Northern Sessions on Facebook.

Easter Bunny Set To Attend Sunderland Sunday Lunch

By on 21st March 2016in Lifestyle

The Easter Bunny is hopping to Sunderland for a very special Sunday Lunch…

On March 27 the Stadium of Light will be donning its best Easter bonnet and serving up a three course feast for families from across the North East.

Featured in the menu, devised by chefs from 1879 Events Management, are a host of traditional British dishes, including creamed potato soup with shredded leeks, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and a farmhouse cheese selection.

Stadium tours will be available throughout the afternoon, with all young visitors also receiving a free gift from the Easter Bunny.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, said: “Easter Sunday is a great opportunity for families to get together and enjoy a little quality time, without the pressures of work or education.

“This year we’ve invited the Easter Bunny along to deliver a few extra gifts alongside our three course lunch and stadium tours.”

Easter Sunday at the Stadium of Light is priced at £19.95 per adult.  Children eat for half price and a 10 per cent discount is available for SAFC season card holders.

To book call 0871 911 1555 or email conf&banq@safc.com.  More information can also be found at www.safc.com/whatson or www.facebook.com/stadiumoflight.

Lumley Castle Hosts Wild Food Event

By on 20th March 2016in Entertainment

Foodies keen to find out more about foraging are invited to a special event at one of the North East’s most historic venues…

On Sunday 22 May, Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, is giving visitors the chance to learn more about ‘wild food,’ with the help of bush craft and survival expert Bruce Ferguson, of Wild North Discovery.

Throughout the morning he will take them on a tour of the 600-year-old castle’s ancient woodland in the search for wild ingredients, such as garlic, herbs, edible roots and berries.

Not only will he teach them to seek out and identify wild ingredients during a one and a half hour walk, but chefs from the hotel’s renowned Black Knight restaurant will then serve lunch, incorporating the foraged food.

Between courses, Bruce, who has been foraging for wild food for more than 30 years and recently took actor and presenter Robson Green seashore foraging for an upcoming episode of hit TV show, Tales from Northumberland, will give a talk about safe, legal and sustainable foraging.

He will also talk about food to look out for later in the year that may not yet be in season and the various types of location at which wild food can be found.

“This is the first time we have held an event of this sort,” said the hotel’s director of sales Tina Lowes “and we are all very excited to see what edible treasures can be found in Lumley Castle’s grounds.

“Not only will visitors enjoy an interesting and informative morning but they will then be served a wonderful lunch, incorporating the fruits of their labours.”

Places for the Foraging at Lumley day cost £29.50, to include lunch and can be booked by calling 0191 3895845 or emailing banquets@lumleycastle.com.

MFC Foundation Introduce New Transition Project For Teesside Schools

By on 18th March 2016in In & Around

Last October, Head of Ofsted Sir Michael Wilshaw said that the importance of a good start to secondary school “cannot be overstated”…

And now, a new schools project on Teesside is set to give children their best chance yet when making the step up from primary to secondary education.

Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation is teaming up with Middlesbrough Council to roll out the schools transition project, with more than 300 children to receive support from ‘transition coaches’ from the later years of primary education through to their first years at secondary school.

Delivered by qualified staff from MFC Foundation, the official charitable arm of Middlesbrough Football Club, the pull of the Boro badge will be used to engage with the young pupils. As well as leading classroom activities to prepare youngsters for the step up, the transition coaches will provide a consistent point of contact for the children throughout the process.

The £100,000 scheme, which includes £70,000 of funding from Middlesbrough Council, will be piloted in three Teesside secondary schools and their 12 feeder primary schools from May.

Recent government research has suggested that the culture shift from primary to secondary school is one of the most critical periods of a child’s education. Published by Ofsted in September 2015, a report entitled ‘Key Stage 3: The Wasted Years’ concluded that “the rate of pupils’ progress and achievement [in Key Stage 3] were not good enough”.

It is hoped that the project will provide a positive catalyst to improve Key Stage 3 for children in the Tees Valley.

MFC Foundation is currently advertising three staff positions to work on the transition project. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 22 March. Please visit www.mfcfoundation.co.uk for more details.

Stewart Smith, MFC Foundation’s Chair of Trustees, said: “Raising aspirations through education is a huge part of MFC Foundation’s vision for the Teesside community.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with Middlesbrough Council to target and improve a crucial part of the school experience for our young people.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “We are committed to improving outcomes for all young people, and the transition from primary to secondary is one of the most important periods in a great many young lives.

“Through this important scheme Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation is creating a unique opportunity to engage children in our disadvantaged communities and help them improve their self-belief, life skills, employment prospects and health.

“It is a fresh approach which has the potential to change lives for the better, and we are pleased to be able to support it.”

Brand New Heavies To Headline Sunniside Live

By on 10th March 2016in Entertainment

A SUCCESSFUL North East music festival is to return for the second time, headed up by a leading international jazz funk band…

Sunniside Live, Sunderland’s only city centre live music festival, is to take place on July 16 with headliners The Brand New Heavies, who will be journeying to Wearside ahead of a USA tour.

The band will be joined by a host of other acts, including North East groups Smoove & Turrell and Dennis, along with special guests Alison Limerick and Shola Ama.

The event is organised by Helen Davies and Sean Maddison who run both Bar Justice and newly opened Gin & Bear it Bar at West Sunniside and is being supported by Sunderland BID.

“We were over the moon with the response to last year’s event,” said Sean.

“And it’s that response that’s made us stage it again. We believe, as a business, that it helped to raise the profile of the area and we want to put the focus on Sunderland city centre and use it to showcase what we have here.”

The event, which will run from 12pm until 10pm, will include a number of food stalls, a pop-up café by The Place Café. There will also be a licenced bar run by Bar Justice and Gin & Bear It bar, a retro Pimm’s van and a bottle and spirits stall.

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID said he was delighted to see Sunniside Live return.

“This was an extremely successful event last year that attracted thousands of people to the city centre,” he said.

“And that success lasts beyond the event itself as it turns a spotlight on this area of the city and shows what fantastic bars and restaurants are situated there.”

During the run up to the festival, Bar Justice will also be holding a Battle of the Bands competition, with the winner opening Sunniside Live and performing alongside some of the music festival’s big names.

The plan for this year is to increase the event capacity from 2500 to 4000, with wristbands to attend on sale now at £10 from www.sunnisidelive.co.uk or by visiting Bar Justice or Gin & Bear It bar.

For more information about the event visit www.sunnisidelive.co.uk or contact us at info@sunnisidelive.co.uk.

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