PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT ANNOUNCE SPRING 2016 UK DATES OF NEW ORDER’S “LOW LIFE” (1985) & “BROTHERHOOD” (1986) PLUS AN OPENING SET OF ‘JOY DIVISION’ MATERIAL!
Back by popular demand, Peter Hook & The Light takes to the road for a string of dates in Spring 2016 to perform New Order’s third and fourth albums, “Low Life” and “Brotherhood”, returning to many venues where the band's previous shows have sold out and been very well received, calling at Wakefield for what is sure to be a sell out show.
After appearing to widespread acclaim at Pontefracts Crooked Ways we wrote "Hooky owns the stage and has a suprsieingly good singing voice that lends itself well to a set...that focuses on Joy Division but brings us all the New Order classics we want to hear"
Having recently returned from touring the albums in across the world, the shows mark the opportunity to see the LPs performed in full in England.
As has become standard, Hooky and The Light will be supporting themselves at the concerts performing a selection of Joy Division material.
The concerts will include the singles and B-sides from New Order’s most prolific period. From August 1983 up to 1987, taking the audience from “Confusion” to “True Faith”, with both “Low Life” and “Brotherhood” performed in full alongside all the other tracks from that fans consider New Order’s greatest period including “Thieves Like Us” “Bizarre Love Triangle”, “The Perfect Kiss” and many more.
Both the singles and the albums for this period stand out as some of the finest work ever produced by the band and marking the high period of New Order artistically. The critical plaudits heaped upon “Power, Corruption & Lies” were followed by similar notices for “Low-Life” and “Brotherhood”, which are considered as a trio as the band’s greatest albums.
Releasing “Low Life” in 1985 alongside epic single “The Perfect Kiss”, whose 9 minute 12 inch mix is considered one of the best of the decade, “Low Life” has made many regard it as New Order’s most complete single album. Aside from the singles, the album contains many great records that have entered the canon, including “This Time Of Night”, “Sunrise”, “Elegia”, “Sooner Than You Think”, and the album’s closer “Face Up”, an energetic club track.
“Brotherhood” itself took a unique approach, splitting the rock side of the band to the first side of the album, with tracks “Paradise”, “As It Is When It Was” and “Way Of Life”, whereas the flip side was electronic, taking in the two singles and also “Every Second Counts”.
The Light’s concerts run up to 1987 when New Order enjoyed their biggest international hit “True Faith”.
Peter Hook & The Light’s “Lowlife” & “Brotherhood” shows chart New Order’s final stage of evolution from the post punk of Joy Division to defining themselves as electro pop pioneers at the cutting edge of the emerging club scene in the mid to late Eighties.
Friday 4th March 2016
COVENTRY - The Copper Rooms (Warwick University)
Website - http://www.thecopperrooms.com
Box Office: 08444 77 1000
Saturday 5th March 2016
WAKEFIELD - Warehouse 23
Website - http://warehouse23.co.uk
Box Office: 0844 249 1000
Friday 11th March 2016
NORWICH - The Waterfront
Website - http://ueaticketbookings.co.uk/
Box Office: 01603 508050
Tickets for all 3 dates go on-sale on Friday 5th December 2015
For videos and concert footage from The Light check -www.youtube.com/peterhookandthelight
www.peterhook.co.uk / www.facebook.com/peterhookandthelight
Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott have announced dates as part of the Forestry Commission’s Forest Live music series where an eclectic mix of acts perform in unique woodland locations around the country each summer.
Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott’s latest top ten album, ‘Wisdom, Laughter and Lines’ includes the singles ‘I Don’t See Them’ and ‘The Austerity of Love’ which was ‘Record of the Week’ on BBC Radio 2. This follows their critically acclaimed, certified gold debut in 2014, ‘What Have We Become,’ their first recording reunion since the multi-million selling days of The Beautiful South classic albums ‘Miaow’, ‘Blue Is The Colour’ and ‘Quench’ with witty and ironic hits such as ‘Rotterdam’, ‘Don’t Marry Her’ and ‘Perfect 10’. The Forest Live gigs will see them play material from their new album and songs from The Beautiful South and the Housemartins.
Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission to bring forests to new audiences. Income generated from ticket sales is spent on protecting, improving and expanding England’s forests and woodlands and increasing their value to people and wildlife. Over Forest Live’s 15 years history, money raised has contributed to a wide range of projects, from wildlife conservation to making improvements for visitors. With everything required for a great night out, including full catering and bar facilities, the gigs are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere.
Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott plus guests.
Friday 24 June Sherwood Pines Forest, near Mansfield, Notts.
Friday 1 July Delamere Forest, near Northwich, Cheshire.
Saturday 2 July Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk.
Saturday 9 July Cannock Chase Forest, near Rugeley, Staffs.
Tickets £32.50 (plus £3.75 booking fee) go on sale 9am Friday 11 December from the Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400, or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music.
of battles that are packed with emotional kicks to the gut. Director Francis Lawrence continues to show remarkable reverence for the source novels while relying on his A-list cast to bring layers of nuance to even the smallest roles. The result is a massively textured war movie that's packed with darkly personal moments and glimpses of wit and spark. It's also a satisfying conclusion to the franchise that avoids the usual Hollywood bombast.
As the rebels prepare to attack Panem's Capitol and President Snow (Donald Sutherland), the rebellion's figurehead Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) decides to take matters into her own hands. Rebel leaders Coin and Plutarch (Julianne Moore and Philip Seymour Hoffman) try to stay one step ahead of Katniss, using her as the Mockingjay to rally the troops. With Gale (Liam Hemsworth), a not-quite-unbrainwashed Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a small group of cohorts, Katniss works her way across the bombed-out city to Snow's mansion, intending to put an arrow through his heart. But the battle takes a shocking twist, and Katniss has to make a difficult decision about doing the right thing no matter what it costs her.
Right from the start, the filmmakers continue to echo Katniss' earliest act of heroism when she volunteered for the Hunger Games to protect her sister Prim (Willow Shields) and then vowed to keep Peeta safe in the violent arena. These are the things that drive her right to the very end of this saga, holding the audience in an emotional grip. This means that the political nastiness, violent warfare and publicity posturing all have a much deeper resonance for the audience, while for Katniss they are virtually irrelevant. Her mission remains untainted: she just wants to protect her loved ones and make the future safe. Which is why her speeches carry such rousing power.
As in Collins' novels, Katniss never accepts her role as a symbol of freedom. She knows that the world is more complicated than that, and Lawrence plays her as a young woman churning with conflicting feelings as she tries (and often fails) to understand what's going on around her. But as the series has progressed, she's grown more adept at spotting the real villains around her. And Lawrence beautifully plays her scenes with Hutcherson and Hemsworth to reveal subtle details.
But then, all of the actors are superb, offering involving, layered performances. Every supporting cast member brings a blast of authenticity to his or her role, adding to the earthy realism that makes this franchise far more than a teen-dystopia fantasy. This is a series about finding hope for the next generation. And the elegant final scene reminds us that there's always a better way to do this than shooting each other.
Steven Spielberg takes on the Cold War with a stately, sentimental thriller that gurgles along with quiet intensity, only occasionally finding a real spark of energy. Most intriguing, and important, is the way the film refuses to indulge in the usual moralising, allowing its characters to be complex and confused as they try to do the right thing. Even the Russians are depicted as real people rather than shady villains. And this makes what happens utterly riveting.
Set in 1957 New York, the story centres on lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), who is hired to represent Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) as he is tried for being a Soviet spy. But James is fighting a losing battle against a culture that's determined to convict Rudolf, regardless of the evidence against him. Three years later, an American U-2 spy plane is shot down over Russia, and its pilot Gary Powers (Austin Stowell) captured. So now James is drafted in by the CIA to negotiate a swap: Rudolf for Gary. He heads to Berlin to orchestrate the hand-off, and there decides that he also wants the East Germans to free an American student (Will Rogers) who was wrongfully detained as the Berlin Wall was being built.
Donovan was a remarkable man who tirelessly went far beyond the call in everything he did. He's also a terrific movie character, and Hanks plays him with deadpan honesty, adding shadings to every scenes that make him easy to identify with. This is a likeable person who represents today's political ideal: a tenacious man who ignores partisan politics to do the right thing. The characters around him are less developed, although Rylance offers some strong support as an honest, perceptive man who accepts his fate with dignity. And Ryan has some pointed moments as Donovan's observant wife. All of the actors benefit from the strong screenplay by Joel and Ethan Coen and Matt Charman, which stirs plenty of edgy humour into the Cold War tensions.
As always, Spielberg tells the story with skill and elegance, using every aspect of filmmaking to bring the themes home. Some elements are a bit overstated, such as production design that depicts 1950s America as warm and comfortable while Berlin is an icy, dark nightmare. But the issues the film grapples with are hugely resonant today, mainly in the depiction of the clash between Eastern and Western styles of security and government. Spielberg depicts the Cold War without indulging in its paranoid attitudes, which offers a clear message to our own troubled times and perhaps will also help to heal some old wounds.
Its many years since I last came to Sundown, in truth I don’t recall much other than the children had a great time. That was sufficient to look into a pre Christmas treat for our nearly 20 month old Joe who has just discovered Santa.
Sundown is running a Christmas Spectacular through November and December although the drizzle that was falling as we pulled into a third full car park meant it felt a little less spectacular than we had hoped. The grim day obviously putting off speculative visitors, every cloud etc,..
Through Market square we headed for Shotgun City, a wild west themed area with static displays such as horse and carts for the kids to climb on and enough buildings to explore and capture the eye. Wes we had arrived at lunchtime we were hoping for something to eat and drink. In this area is one of the cafes and indoor play areas, here we got the first indication that catering is woefully inadequate. The place was choked and people were queuing out of the door, even if you could get food there was far too little seating. We opted to head on and luckily Joe had spotted the Rocky Mountain train ride. Bagging front seat a very excited little boy spent the next few minutes fascinated by a) the fact he was on a train) and b) all the things he could see, the waterfall, bridge, tunnels, cowboys, donkeys all sort, his excited shouts getting louder and louder. As we came back into the station he shouted “More, more” which means, again!
We walked up towards Toy Town as we knew his other fascination, Tractors has a ride there, none of the set piece areas is much of a walk and generally there is theming on the way, here be dragons and fantasy unicorns, again opportunity’s for him to climb and explore.
The tractor ride, again gives Joe the opportunity to sit up front and pretend steer a tractor through the farm with a number of set pieces depicting cartoon farm life, again fascinating for Joe and at times even mildly amusing for adults, the pigs in muck lying on their backs rubbing their bellies pre-empting my look come Boxing day perhaps.. Close by is the Robin Hood ride, again one we could pretty much just walk straight on to, at no point did we what more than 3 or 4 minutes to get on a ride, a huge plus with very young children. The Robin Hood ride follows the formula, a 5 minute ride in carriages pulled by horses through “Sherwood Forest”, the theme lost on Joe but enough for him to see and wonder what was round the next corner. Maid Marion being abducted and drunk Friars it seems!
It’s fair to note at this point too how friendly the ride operators were, given it’s a dull, repetitive job, they interacted with Joe, asking him if he was ready to which he shouted Go! It’s nice to see staff making the effort and its appreciated
Second attempt for food was at the Crash Landings indoor play area, an altogether bigger area, a raucous atmosphere as anyone familiar with soft play will appreciate. Themed in a jungle style, we luckily found a table, well sprinted to one in advance of at least two other families bearing down on it. The food choice is poor and the quality too. For a park which caters for young children I did expect better options, what did come was cold and tasted way past any freshness. My wife had a jacket potato with cheese, the potato was cold and hard, the cheese also hard as though it had been left out for a while. My chip butty fared no better, cold chips in a tiny bread bun that given how it disintegrated in my hand suggested it didn’t come out of the bakers oven that very morning.
Outside the play area was the first indication of Christmas theming we had seen (except the singing bear near the entrance) with a roped off Santa, snowman and assorted presents, etc.. the roping keeping Joe too far away to get really excited but by now it was time to take Santas sleigh ride and meet the big man himself…
I am not sure what this is the rest of the year but at this time of year it’s a simple ride through festive scenes, bright twinkly lights and snowmen, toys and elves that were exciting enough for Joe even without the promise of Santa at the end. The ride drops you at his front door where you wait for one of his assistants to lead you into Santa’s very festive front room where he and Mrs Christmas wait. Joe was enthralled and developed a severe bout of shyness.. it was still a magical moment as both Santa and his Mrs spoke to Joe as Joe received his present, said “ta” and “bye bye”. I took some photos as my wife sat with Joe and Santa and there is an official one taken too of all of us. I have to say the photos on my camera as far more vivid and colourful than the official one but at £4 it was nice to have all of us the scene.
From here we opted to retain the festive feel by moving on to the Night Before Christmas ride, more scenes of the build up to Christmas that for Joe at least continued the wonderment, perhaps we should have done them the other way around, who know..
This seemingly though is where the festivities end, there are token bits and pieces here and there but as we walked over to storybook village via Monkey Mischief we saw no other signs of a Christmas spectacular. The Monkey Mischief is a series of displays of.. well monkeys getting up to mischief. Very clearly taking its lead from the Jungle Book there are games to play which will amuse older kids, the younger ones like Joe will enjoy pressing the button to see the big crocodile come out and gnash his teeth menacingly!
Storybook village was possibly Joe’s favourite, few people around so he could run in and out of the houses, seeing the characters, hearing the story, rocking the chairs in the dwarves house, even kissing the three little pigs – he is a very affectionate little boy! If children are at all familiar with these stories they will love this area, lots of things to do and push and pull, we had a job on pulling Joe away!
The Angry Birds area is really just branding on a playground but given how far Angry birds have fallen from flavour of the month it could do with ripping out and tying into some timeless characters. Within this area there are a couple more rides, a variation on a teacups ride which Joe enjoyed but wasn’t bothered about a repeat ride and also a flying pigs ride that we though Joe just a little too young for.
There are several other areas, variations on a theme but we had promised Joe he could have repeat rides and he chose the Tractors and the Train so true to our word…still quiet and still pretty much walk up on loved them as much as the first time, .
In the car we let Joe open his present from Santa, it’s a shame he wasn’t interested in it as it was a little comforter thing, the kind that he last used at 6 months not age appropriate at all, I am not sure if the young assistant had misjudged his age but that was a shame, there are surely better age appropriate things, little books or toy cars etc…
We have to say we had a great day and Joe had a wonderful one…I am sure he will love coming back, as we will, in the summer, a time when we can bring our own food as we have learnt that the catering here is unfortunately not up to standard. Toddlers and upwards will find their own level of enjoyment and rides suitable for all, there was nothing that Joe couldn’t go on with us.
In summary a wonderful family day out, for those that have recently been its arguable whether its worth a special trip on the basis of it being a Christmas Spectacular, if you haven’t already been then yes avail yourself of Santa and all that goes with it. Guaranteed smiles all round.
Josh Warrington fights at the O2
Josh Warrington will defend his WBC International Featherweight title at The O2 in London on December 12.
The Leeds star is hunting a showdown with WBC champion Lee Selby having defended the title with a shutout win against mutual opponent Joel Brunker in his hometown fortress in Leeds, and the will be out to impress on the bumper London bill as he aims for World title action in 2016.
“2016 is going to be a very big year for me,” said Warrington. “I can only beat who is in-front of us – but it’s time to step it up and fight these guys at world level. The Selby fight has been spoke about but by this time next year, I think I’ll be ready for anyone.
“It was a great performance against Brunker, I was written off by many people who didn’t expect me to go past five rounds. We had a great camp and stuck to the game plan – it worked perfectly. We expected him to come forward and try to over-power me. We had ways of dealing with his pressure and barrage of punches.
“I’ve been down to the O2 a few times, I was there to watch Lee take the World title from Evgeny Gradovich in May. It’s a great venue and a massive card to be a part of – it has the top stars in British boxing and something I’m proud to now be a part of.
“I want to box all over the country, it’s well documented that I have a great fanbase in Leeds – but I’ve been out to Germany already and I’m keen to grow my fanbase across the UK. Anthony Joshua has done it and it’s the right approach to have to be a big star.”
Warrington is part of a stella bill at The O2 where bitter Heavyweight rivals Anthony Joshua MBE and Dillian Whyte clash for the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles.
Chris Eubank Jr and Spike O’Sullivan meet in a final eliminator for the WBA World Middleweight title, Liverpool Cruiserweight favourite Tony Bellew faces Mateusz Masternak, while Kevin Mitchell and Luke Campbell MBE both also feature.
Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte is SOLD-OUT – visit http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ to get your hands on tickets.
Regrettably the late addition and sell out status means that our planned train ticket / hotel offer is of little use, however if you have tickets already - or get them - please let me know if we can help!
StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua MBE.
The fact that warehouse 23 was packed is testament to two facts. Wakefield has been criminally starved of genuine headline names for many years, this venue and others such as Unity House are beginning to remedy this. Secondly, Ian McCulloch and co have tread an admirable line between retro and relevant, punters can be safe in the knowledge that for every People Are Strange there is a Villers Terrace..
In fact it was a trio of ‘hits’ from that first album Crocodiles that opened the show – the title track – Rescue and aforementioned Villers Terrace. The later nicely segued into Roadhouse Blues with a touch of Jean Genie added for good measure. Those unmistakable rich tones of McCulloch sounding rich and full which added a different but no less enjoyable tone to those early songs.
On stage there was little in the way of interaction, but those familiar with the Bunnymen expected nothing less. The dry ice and lighting was in full effect giving the impression of a Sisters of Mercy show, I was at their gig earlier in the week and I couldn’t see them either…
Seven Seas must be the only song ever to include the words kissing the tortoise shell, it’s a classic and was met with some relief by the casual observers amongst us, it was a powerful song then and it retains that, Will Sergeants guitar driving the chorus while beer flew across the room as the swimming motion from the video is recalled and attempted.
People Are Strange could quite easily be seen as one of those quirky hits that a band would rather forget – not quite Bowies Laughing Gnome but you get the idea. Clearly no such thoughts as its delivered straight and true and memories of Kiefer Sutherland before he grew up into Jack Bauer come flooding back.
Constantinople is for me the stand out track on last year’s excellent Meteorites album, it’s one of two tracks, together with the title track to get a run out tonight, live they sound fresh and loud and would have been a good advert if only Mac had identify their provenance.
A run of sure file solid gold hits closes the show, Never Stop, the sublime Bring On the Dancing Horses and the gloriously extended Killing Moon get a run before The Cutter (my personal favourite) has me grinning, singing, shouting, jumping and pointing, all at the same time.. its magnificently powerful, urgent and benefits from guitars over the originals sitars.
1997 surprise comeback hit Nothing Lasts Forever is still a classic and so fitting of that time, tonight it lends itself to include elements of both Walk on the Wild Side and less predictably, In the Midnight Hour. Lips Like Sugar closes the set.
Echo and the Bunnymen left a warehouse full of satisfied punters if the roar of approval was anything to go by, its true it was a near faultless set and virtually career spanning. Wakefield may be genuine headline band starved but tonight it got what it wanted and much more. Echo and the Bunnymen still relevant in 2015, I never would have guessed that 30 years ago at Glastonbury..
The BBC has today confirmed that the award-winning Inside No 9, written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, is set to return for a third series.
The first series of Inside No 9 was garlanded with praise and won two major prizes at the Banff World Media Festival and another from the Royal Television Society. It was also nominated for a BAFTA award for its screenplays, as well as for two British Comedy Awards. The second series made a similar impact with widespread acclaim.
Guest stars in previous films have included Gemma Arterton, Denis Lawson, Sheridan Smith, Timothy West, Anna Chancellor, David Warner, Alison Steadman, Tamsin Greig, Jane Horrocks, Jack Whitehall and many others and the third series promises to raise the bar ever higher.
The anthology format continues as before, each film being set in a different location, the style and tone changing each week, combining a different mix of horror, thriller, drama and comedy, always aiming to surprise, delight, unnerve and amuse in equal measure. With ambitious production values and screenplays that tell original stories in ways which most sitcom and drama series do not attempt, the third series will continue to celebrate the craft of the stand-alone comedy drama.
Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning, says: “Reece and Steve's grasp of story-telling and comic inventiveness slices the top of your head off. This return will continue to enthral and surprise audiences with some ideas that may even make you want to sleep with the light on.”
Kim Shillinglaw, Controller, BBC Two and BBC Four, says: “BBC Two should be the place where creatives can do their best, most signature work and I’m delighted that Steve and Reece are returning with another series of Inside No 9; their deliciously dark, grown up humour is just what I want to see on the channel. “
Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith say: “We (are thrilled to have the chance to explore six more number 9s. Every story is a labour of love, so we will do our best to ensure the viewers are once again moved to tears of laughter and terror. (If you can get tears of terror.)”
Yet again, the doors of a number of different No 9s open, and once you’re Inside No9... anything can happen.
Fearne Cotton is being the voice of a Voice Trumpet in the new Teletubbies and we caught up with her late last week and she told us all about being part of a returning phenomenon
How does it feel to be back doing kids’ TV?
It's really nice to be back doing children's TV. First time round I was a kid, now I'm a mum, I understand the language of kids' TV and how you talk to younger children. I watch a lot of kids' TV, probably more than I ever have, so I feel like this is the best time I probably could have done a show like this.
Which TV shows did you watch when you were growing up?
Being a kid of the '80s, there were some big shows like Button Moon, which I loved. A bit of Rainbow as well. A bit later on, stuff like Art Attack, anything that you could get involved with. I think we were quite lucky, because kids' TV started to get really good in the '80s, and it's just got better and better. Button Moon's got to be my favourite though.
What made you want to be one of the voices on the new Teletubbies?
Weirdly, I’ve always wanted to do a voice for something, whether it be a cartoon or a kids' show. I think it seems like the ultimate fun thing to do, and because I do radio, which is the power of using your voice and the words you're saying, I get a bit of a nerdy kick out of that. That's the sort of thing that I feel really comfortable doing, so this is a complete dream. I think being a mum is an added bonus because I watch a lot of kids' TV, and it'll be wonderful to see my own children watching something that I've been a part of for the first time. Everything about it was an instant decision. There was no deliberation period. It was like, 'Do you want to do it?' 'Yes.' Done.
How do you think your children will react to hearing you on Teletubbies?
I'm not sure how the kids will take to hearing me on a show that they're watching. I think for my stepchildren, who are a bit older, it'll just be hilarious, and they will just think it’s the funniest thing ever. I think for my son, who's just over two, and for the new baby watching, I'll have to explain it, and they probably won't believe me for a little while, until they're old enough to go, 'Was that really you doing the Teletubbies?' I will really enjoy being part of that, and I think it's a real landmark moment for me. It's really exciting and it is a new chapter for me, work-wise, and a new chapter in my life as well, so it all definitely fits.
Are you excited to be part of such a global phenomenon?
It's so exciting being part of something this big! It was at the forefront of kids' TV, and I imagine that this will be exactly the same. The fact it’s an international brand and reaches children from all parts of the globe is so exciting. I've never been part of anything that's been that big globally, so I'm thrilled.
How have people reacted to you featuring in Teletubbies?
Some people are massively excited – myself included - and think it's the coolest thing that I've done. Then some are puzzled, going from doing Radio 1 straight into Teletubbies is quite different ends of the extreme, but for me it's the perfect match where I'm at in life, and being a mum. I've always wanted to voice an animation or a cartoon or a kids' show, so it ticks all the boxes for me. My favourite reaction was my stepdaughter who is just like, 'Why are you doing that?' I think when she watches it, she's going to think it is brilliant and love it, and love the cute factor and the whole concept of it. I think she's finding it quite weird that her step-mum is going to be on Teletubbies. It's freaking her out slightly.
How do you prepare for a role like this?
I think I'm pretty well rehearsed for this role, just in life in general, because I spend so many hours of my day watching kids' TV. You end up watching it in a different realm to the way that your kids are watching it. They're just enjoying the vibrant colours and stimulation of the show. I'm watching it from a TV perspective and thinking, 'Who's voiced that bit, and why have they done that? Oh, that's good, that's clever. So I feel quite well-prepared in that way, and also doing a lot of radio, you get used to your voice being the only thing in existence for people to grab hold of. You can't rely on facial expressions or your physical side. It's all about the voice, so that's something I have to think about every single morning of my working life.
What can viewers expect from the new series of Teletubbies?
I think viewers are going to go absolutely crazy for new Teletubbies. Obviously historically it's an iconic brand; people know it and love it, so you're going to get exactly what you want from Teletubbies, but 2015-style. I think the brilliant thing about Teletubbies is it's instantly so visually gorgeous. The colours are there, the characters are very animated, and it's all about play. It's all about getting involved in play and having that interactive element. So there's going to be some brilliant new surprises, like the Tubby Custard Ride, which will be chaotic and fun for kids to watch, lots of custard going everywhere, and also the Tubby Phone.
What do you voice in in the new Teletubbies?
I'll be voicing a number of the Voice Trumpets that pop up during the show, to encourage the Teletubbies to play. There are lots of nice surprises and lots of things arrive in Teletubbyland, one of them being a magical envelope which has a voice, and that voice is me.
Who’s your favourite Teletubby?
I'd probably go with Po. Po's the cutest, right? Actually, you know what's funny? When I first got my cat twelve years ago from an animal sanctuary she was called Tinky Winky! Because I worked in kids' TV, I was like, 'This cannot stick around,' so I changed her name to Tallulah. It might be time to call her Tinky Winky again and reverse the name process, if she doesn't mind.
Kirsten Dunst (Interview with the Vampire, Spider-Man, Melancholia) and Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad) star in this new series set in 1979, 30 years previous to the events of the first series. Dunst plays Peggy Blomquist, a small town beautician with big city dreams who is trying to figure out who she really is and what she really wants as she struggles with traditional societal expectations. Her husband Ed, played by Plemons, a butcher's assistant who wants to be supportive of his wife’s self-discovery, even if he doesn’t quite understand it.
They are joined by Patrick Wilson (Insidious, Young Adult) who stars as Lou Solverson, previously seen in the first series, a clean-cut Minnesota State Patrolman, four years back from Vietnam, where he served in the Navy. Ted Danson (Cheers, Saving Private Ryan, 3 Men and a Baby) plays Hank Larsson, the Sheriff of Rock County, Minnesota. An unflappable WWII vet who embodies a certain cowboy poetry, Hank is Lou’s father-in-law.
Jean Smart (24, Frasier) will play Floyd Gerhardt, the matriarch of the Gerhardt crime family. She’s stood by her husband’s side for 40 years, but now that he’s at death’s door she thinks it’s her turn to run things…
The all-new “true crime” case travels back to 1979 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Luverne, Minnesota, where a young State Police Officer Lou Solverson (Wilson) investigates a case involving a local crime gang and a major Mob syndicate. Helping him piece things together is his father-in-law, Sheriff Hank Larsson (Danson).
The investigation will lead them to a colorful cast of characters that includes Karl Weathers (Nick Offerman – Parks and Recreation, 22 Jump Street), the town lawyer of Luverne, Minnesota: he’s a Korean War vet and a flowery drunk blessed with the gift of gab and the eloquence of a true con artist. Three-time Emmy-winner Brad Garrett (Finding Nemo, Everybody Loves Raymond) will play Joe Bulo, the front man for the northern expansion of a Kansas City crime syndicate. The new face of corporate crime, Joe’s bringing a Walmart mentality to small town America. His number two is Mike Milliga (Bokeem Woodbine – Ray, Total Recall, The Rock). Part enforcer, part detective, Mike is always smiling – but the joke is usually on you.
Bulo and his crew have their sights set on the Gerhardt crime family in Fargo, currently led by matriarch Floyd Gerhardt (Smart). With her husband at death’s door, Floyd takes over the family business, frustrating her eldest son, Dodd Gerhardt (Jeffrey Donovan – Burn Notice, Hitch). An impatient hothead with a cruel streak to match his ambitions, Dodd can’t wait for both his parents to die so he can take over and expand their business from kingdom to empire. Bear Gerhardt (Angus Sampson – Insidious, Mad Max: Fury Road) is the middle son, an intimidatingly large man who, although inarticulate, is the most decent of his clan. Rye Gerhardt (Kieran Culkin – Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, Igby Goes Down), the youngest of the Gerhardt clan, views himself as a big shot, but in reality he’s just a small dog who barks big.
Episode 1 of series 2 FARGO, Waiting for Dutch debuts on Channel 4, 19 Oct 2015, 22:00
JAMES MARTIN ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER UK TOUR
‘PLATES, MATES AND AUTOMOBILES’
Tickets on sale Friday 16 October at 9am FROM Livenation.co.uk
Top chef and TV personality James Martin today announced his very first UK tour. Kicking off in Glasgow on 22 February 2016, he will visit 25 venues across the UK including London’s Hammersmith Eventim Apollo with his interactive live show.
The tour marks 20 years since James first graced TV screens, winning the hearts of the nation. His show will be a fast-paced, interactive and high tech extravaganza. Packed with James’ signature cooking demonstrations, full of surprises and not to mention some very special guests, audiences across the country will be thrilled as this multi media production is brought live to the big stage.
James been cooking told us "I've on TV for 20 years now and I felt it was time to do something I’ve never done before that was truly special. I’m so excited to be heading out on my first ever tour, doing what I do best but on the big stage. I can’t wait to get out there and visit so many great parts of the UK, this show is going to be super cool. I’m pulling out my favourite recipes and mixing in plenty of surprises and special guests in what I hope is going to be feast of a live show. Hope to see you there!”
James Martin began catering college at 16 and went on to open his first restaurant at the extraordinary age of just 22 years old. His television career started in 1996 and he’s rarely been off the screen since. James has become a true household favourite, presenting and taking part in some of the nation’s most loved programmes. His Saturday morning TV show currently attracts viewers in excess of 3.5 million viewers every week.
James is also the author of 15 best-selling and award winning cookbooks as well as being a car and motorbike enthusiast. In honour of his cooking roots as a pastry chef, James’ new recipe book, Sweet, is out now.
James Martin: ‘Plates, Mates And Automobiles’
A cooking, talking, speed extravaganza!
Live Tour 2016
Full Tour Dates:
February
Mon 22 GLASGOW, Royal Concert Hall
Tues 23 EDINBURGH, Usher Hall
Wed 24 NEWCASTLE, City Hall
Sat 27 HARROGATE, International Centre
Sun 28 YORK , Barbican
March
Tues 1 BRIDLINGTON, Spa Royal Hall
Wed 2 GRIMSBY, Auditorium
Thurs 3 BLACKPOOL, Opera House
Sat 5 NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall
Sun 6 SHEFFIELD, City Hall
Mon 7 SOUTHPORT, Theatre
Tues 8 BRADFORD, St George’s Hall
Wed 9 PRESTON, Guildhall
Thurs 10 BIRMINGHAM, Symphony Hall
Sat 12 LIVERPOOL, Philharmonic Hall
Sun 13 MANCHESTER, Opera House
Mon 14 BLACKBURN, King Georges Hall
Tues 15 LLANDUDNO, Venue Cymru
Wed 16 STOKE, Victoria Hall
Thurs 17 CROYDON, Fairfield Halls
Sat 19 BATH , Forum
Sun 20 BOURNEMOUTH Pavillion
Mon 21 LONDON, Hammersmith Eventim Apollo
Tues 22 BRIGHTON, Centre
Wed 23 PORTSMOUTH, Guildhall
*Ticket booking fees apply
http://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/james-martin-tickets
www.jamesmartinchef.co.uk
**TICKETS FOR LET'S ROCK LEEDS! 2016 ARE NOW ON SALE**
After a hugely successful 2015, Lets Rock returns with an even stronger line up....take a look at this...
We are excited to announce that the line-up for Saturday 18th June 2016 is as follows:
BILLY OCEAN
Billy Ocean is the biggest black recording star Britain has ever produced, one who has sold over 30 million records in his lifetime. He has collected a pile of Gold and Platinum records across the world and hit the number one spot worldwide on pop charts including the USA, Australia, Germany, Holland, and the UK. Billy has achieved extraordinary success as both an artist and a songwriter.
Billy got his first break when he signed to GTO records, for whom his second single was the Motown-ish Love Really Hurts Without You,which reached No. 2 in the UK charts and No. 12 in the US.
Two top twenty singles followed; Love on Delivery and Stop Me, then Red Light Spells Danger became a smash in both the UK and the US.Billy changed record labels and his move to Jive Records provided instant success, with the million selling American number one single Caribbean Queen (for which Billy won a Grammy for best R&B Vocal), followed by Loverboy, and Suddenly, which became the first of Billy’s killer ballads. The Album from which these singles came from spent a year in the US Charts selling double platinum (triple in Canada).
Billy also performed on the American half of Live Aid, making 1985 a truly incredible year for him.1986 wasn’t bad either, opening with When the Going gets Tough (the tough gets going), the theme song to the Michael Douglas/Kathleen Turner/Danny Devito movie Jewel of the Nile. Billy then launched the Love Zone album, which went straight to No. 2 in the UK charts, staying in the top 40 for six months. In the US, there was a No. 1 single with There’ll be Sad Songs (to make you cry). More Hits were to follow with the now classic Get Outta my Dreams; Get into my Car, giving Billy yet another US No. 1 hit.
JASON DONOVAN
Jason Donovan came into our lives in the late 80s as Scott Robinson on the hit Australian series, ‘Neighbours’. Throughout 1988/89 he had several hits and his album ‘Ten Good Reasons’ was the best-selling album of 1989. Since that time, he has rarely been away from stage or screen including leading stage roles in ‘Joseph’, ‘The Rocky Horror Show’,‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, ‘Priscilla’ and ‘The Sound of Music’. In the two years since we saw him make the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ final, he completed the ‘Strictly Live UK and Ireland Tour’, released an album, was interviewed by Piers Morgan for his ITV1 ‘Life Stories’ series, and was a mentor/judge with former Spice Girl, Melanie Chisholm, Dawn French and Andrew Lloyd Webber for the ITV1 musical talent show ‘Superstar’. In the winter of 2012, Jason was delighted to return to Jeff Wayne’s War Of The Worlds – The New Generation, in the role of Parson Nathaniel.
SOUL II SOUL
Founded by Jazzie B and featuring a changing roster of other musicians – notably Penny Ford, Nellee Hooper, Simon Law, Phillip 'Daddae' Harvey and Caron Wheeler – Soul II Soul's experiments in music-making of their own resulted in the dub plate "Fairplay," which secured them a recording contract with Virgin Records.
Their first singles in 1988 failed to make the UK Top 40, but the group went on to commercial success in 1989 with the singles "Keep on Movin'" and "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)", which topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks, and was the fifth best-selling single in the UK that year. Both tracks, which featured Wheeler on vocals, were taken from their debut album Club Classics Vol. One which reached number 1 in the UK Albums Chart and was certified triple platinum by the British Phonographic Industry. In July 1989, the British music magazine, NME, reported that Soul II Soul had to pull out of their scheduled live appearance on BBC Television's Top of the Pops programme, following a dispute with the programme's producer.[3]
Their follow-up album, Vol. II: 1990 – A New Decade, yielded two Top 10 hits, "Get a Life" and "A Dream's a Dream", the latter featuring vocals by Victoria Wilson James. This album also reached number 1, and was certified platinum by the BPI, and reached the Top 30 in the US where it was certified gold. In April 1990, Soul II Soul got three US Soul Train awards.[4] The band had one more Top 10 in 1992 with "Joy", taken from their third album Vol. III: Just Right, which itself peaked at number 3 and was certified gold by the BPI. The group then virtually disbanded for some years, but reformed for various live dates in the 2000s.
JIMMY SOMERVILLE
The unmistakable voice of Bronski Beat and The Communards, featured on massive hits such as ‘Smalltown Boy’ and ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ – it can be none other than Jimmy Somerville.
Bronski Beat not only introduced the world to Jimmy’s unique voice, their debut smash hit ‘Smalltown Boy’ tackled pertinent social issues with it’s lyric addressing the isolation and rejection felt by a provincial gay youth forced into leaving town. Although not the first pop song to deal with this topic, Bronski Beat’s chart friendly early 80’s electronic dance sound and the everyday ordinariness and honesty of the three performers, made ‘Smalltown Boy’ the biggest record about gay issues there’d ever been.
Jimmy’s next band The Communards enjoyed a string of hits from their two hit albums ‘Communards’ (1986) and ‘Red’ (1987). One moment the Communards were hurtling to the number one spot – a position they held for weeks in the UK in 1986 – with their energetic, hedonistic cover version of the Philly soul classic ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’, the next stunning audiences into silent awe with their touching lament for a loved one lost to AIDS, ‘For A Friend’.
1989 saw Jimmy embark on a solo career with 5 more hit singles and two albums; ‘Read My Lips’ (1989) and ‘The Singles Collection’ (1990). These included a stirring cover of Sylvester’s disco anthem ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)’.
CHINA CRISIS
When “Christian” made UK #12 in early 1983, this brought them to national prominence. The album peaked at#21 in the UK Albums Chart. During this period the band toured supporting Simple Minds
Adding to their line-up, a second album, Working With Fire & Steel: Possible Pop Songs – Volume 2 was released in November 19’83. This was regarded as a more consistent effort, with tracks including “Tragedy and Mystery” (released as a single six months earlier), “Hanna Hanna” and the title track, “Working With Fire & Steel”, which became a hit single in Australia. ‘The album was a Top 20 success in the UK, and China Crisis spent 1984 and 1985 making their biggest chart run, beginning with their only UK Top 10 hit single, “Wishful Thinking”, which peaked at #9.
CHESNEY HAWKES
In 2001 Chesney embarked on a ‘mini’ tour with his four piece band. Initially intended to take in five dates, the touring has never stopped. Headlining at universities, colleges, and clubs continues unabated and performances have now passed the 1,200 date mark during this period. Further appearances at festivals and radio promoted open air summer road shows, together with events abroad, have brought the combined ‘live’ audience to which he has performed to close to 2 million. In 2014, Chesney joined Ant and Dec for 12 dates on their nationwide ‘Takeaway’ tour and in April 2015 Chesney performed to an audience of 12,000 at the NEC to mark the 10th Anniversary of Rock Choir.
CUTTING CREW
Formed in 1985, the Grammy nominated rock band will always be remembered for their classic songs “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” and “I’ve Been in Love Before” (number 1 and 9 in USA). Original singer and writer Nick van Eede performs every gig now with his amazing guitarist, Gareth Moulton. The past few years have brought appearances/duetting with Chaka Khan, Roger Hodgson of Supertramp, Greg Lake, Jack Bruce & Midge Ure. Plus concert tours of Germany and USA with ABC, Berlin and Wang Chung. Their great live show has reached the hearts of audiences across the world
JOHNNY HATES JAZZ
In 1987, as the era of Electronic Pop and New Romantics was reaching its culmination, Anglo-American band Johnny Hates Jazz were catapulted to fame with the release of their single ‘Shattered Dreams’ on Virgin Records. It became a top 5 hit worldwide, reaching number 2 in the USA and Japan, and has since been played over 3 million times on American radio alone.
‘Shattered Dreams’ was followed by other hits including ‘I Don’t Want To Be A Hero’, ‘Turn Back The Clock’ and ‘Heart Of Gold’. Their album ‘Turn Back The Clock’ entered the UK charts at number 1, going double-platinum and selling 4 million copies in the process. It is arguably one of the definitive albums of the 1980’s, and is one of only two debut albums released by Virgin Records that immediately went to the top of the charts upon its release — the other being ‘Never Mind The Bollocks’ by The Sex Pistols.
The band went their separate ways shortly afterwards, deciding to focus on other musical projects instead. In fact, over the next 20 years, they completely lost contact with one and other. Then, in 2009, original members Clark Datchler and Mike Nocito decided to come back together to write, record and produce a brand new Johnny Hates Jazz album for the modern era. At the same time, they began to perform at festivals in Europe and Asia.
TOYAH
From punk princess to high priestess of TV, Toyah Willcox is a uniquely gifted performer. Charismatic, outspoken and impossible to categorise, she is one of Britain’s iconic household names – an award‐winning rock legend as well as a much loved actress and music composer. Toyah’s band gained critical success with the debut single Victims of the Riddle (no.1 in the independent charts) and six track EP Sheep Farming in Barnet. Her first album, The Blue Meaning, became a Top 40 hit. A TV Documentary “Toyah”, an accompanying live album Toyah! Toyah! Toyah! – as well as hit singles It’s A Mystery, I Want to Be Free, Brave New World and Be Proud, Be Loud, Be Heard plus the platinum albums Anthem and The Changeling ‐ confirmed her status as one of the most significant talents of the Eighties. In 1982 she won the Best Female Singer at the Rock & Pop Awards.
KATRINA
Katrina Leskanich is the lead singer from the Grammy nominated band, Katrina & The Waves. The band got their first break in 1984 when The Bangles covered their song, ‘Going Down to Liverpool’.
In 1985 ‘Walking on Sunshine’ was a top ten hit all around the globe and has since featured in countless advertisements and films including, High Fidelity, Secret of My Success, American Psycho and Walking on Sunshine and it’s been covered by Dolly Parton and was a mash up with Beyonce’s ‘Halo’ sung by the Glee cast. Follow up hits were, ‘Do You Want Crying’ (US Top 40), ‘Sun Street’ (UK Top 30), ‘That’s The Way’ (US #16). Katrina also sang back up vocals on ‘Torn’ by Natalie Imbruglio and has recorded songs with Eric Burdon and Rick Wakeman.
In 1997 Katrina and the Waves’ ‘Love Shine A Light’ won the Eurovision Song Contest with the largest ever margin, followed by an unprecedented four consecutive appearances on Top Of The Pops and a No. 3 in the UK Charts.
MODERN ROMANCE
The band released "Everybody Salsa" in summer 1981, which reached the UK Top 20. They followed this later in the year with similarly themed "Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey", which reached the UK Top 10. Despite these two hits, the band's debut album, Adventures in Clubland, was not a success. However, in the US they scored a number 2 hit on the Billboard Dance chart with "Can You Move", a mostly rap variation of "Everybody Salsa". After further UK Top 40 hits with "Queen of the Rapping Scene" and a cover of the 1955 hit "Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White", Geoffrey departed the band in 1982 to pursue solo projects.
Michael J. Mullins took over the mantle of lead vocalist, and their next release saw the band reach their highest UK chart position with "Best Years of Our Lives" in late 1982. Further hits followed in 1983: "High Life" (UK No. 8), "Don't Stop That Crazy Rhythm" (UK No. 14), and the ballad "Walking in the Rain" (UK No. 7). Both "Best Years Of Our Lives" and "Walking In The Rain" earned Silver discs
OWEN PAUL
Owen Paul, the Scottish singer, producer and co-writer of the 1986 UK and European smash summer hit (My Favourite Waste Of Time) has done many things in the twenty or so years since he first came to musical prominence. He has played a leading role in a major musical theatre production, toured the UK and Europe with Phil Collins as one of ‘ Mike and the Mechanics ‘ as well as being their vocal arranger on their last album ‘ Rewired ‘, and Owen has even been harassed by Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne in the infamous ” noisy neighbours ” episode on MTV’s record breaking show ‘ The Osbournes ‘.
Buy Tickets
Let's Rock Leeds!
Temple Newsam, Leeds
Saturday 18th June 2016
Gates at 11:00, Show starts: 12:00
Age restriction: All Ages Event
Please note that maximum order quantities apply per person/card/household.
Adult (13+)
Tickets £49.50 (inc. booking fee)
Child (3-12yrs) £23.10 (inc. booking fee)
Family (2 adults + 2 children) £123.20 (inc. booking fee)
VIP Ticket £148.50 (inc. booking fee)
To book, please visit Lets Rock Leeds / Gigantic HERE
Updated 20.54 01/11/15
Competition is now closed and we are delighted we can now announce the winners are:
3rd: 2x tickets to Harrogate Christmas Foodies Festival: Diane Carey @capodemonte
2nd: 2x tickets as above: being redrawn 21.12 congrats Donna @bdonna191
1st: 2x VIP Tickets to Harrogate: Anthony Kelly (by email)
Thank you to all, much greater interest by email this year although all three winner retweeted. Please be aware that we recognised there could have been some confusion in the original phrasing of our question. Although we received only 1 incorrect entry, that too was included/ We apologise for any confusion we inadvertently caused.
All winners will be contacted by their original entry method, can you ensure you remain following us so we can DM you and receive your full details. Thank you
Foodies Festival follows up on a very successful summer season with a festive offering, Foodies Festival Christmas visits Harrogate International Centre 11-13th December and we have tickets - including VIP ones to win.
We ran a competition for the summer show which was hugely popular and all our winners had a fab time, well this Christmas it could be you.
Alongside traditional and modern dishes, chefs at Harrogate will cook their favourite Retro Recipes, transporting you back in time to the 1960s when green piped potato, glacé cherries and multi-coloured cheese and jellies were all the rage. Classic recipes such as the Prawn Cocktail, Baked Alaska, Sherry Trifle, Chicken Kiev, Vol-au-vents and Duck a l’Orange will be brought back to life in each chef's signature style.
Sample and shop from over 150 artisan producers in the Christmas Market, where you can pick-up everything you need to make this Christmas extra tasty and special, and visit the Pudding Hall for festive favourites such as eggnog, mulled wine and cider, mince pies, Christmas cakes, marzipan bonbons and macaroons.
The Yorkshire Gin Theatre offers Christmas Cocktail-Making masterclasses, while wine, champagne and craft beer experts host masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre.
Indulge in flavours from around the world in the Street Food Village and sip on a chilled glass of bubbly from the Champagne Ski Bar while the little ones are entertained in the Elf Cookery School baking snowballs, gingerbread men and cookies to leave out for Santa.
Just like Christmas day there is lots of post-feasting fun to be had with live music, carolers and entertainment throughout the day
Tickets start from just £8 and can be purchased here and at time of press early bird prices were available.
WIN!
We have one pair of VIP tickets and two pairs of adult tickets to win!
To win: Via twitter -
follow @jmyorks and RT any of my tweets with the hashtag #winfoodiesxmas
You can also also email here with subject Win Harrogate include your name and address (1 email per person) with your answer either A, B or C to this easy question:
Foodies are hosting other Christmas Festivals this year in November and December. How many Foodies Christmas festivals are there in total.?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
hint: look here for 'inspiration'
Rules:
1. Competition opens 15.00hrs 22/09/15 and closes 22.00hrs 31/10/15
2. You can enter via twitter you must be following @jmyorks and are permitted to retweet any or all of my tweets with the hashtag #winfoodiesxmas.
3. You can email using the link given and by answering the question. You must include name and address. One entry per email address.
4. You are permitted to both email and retweet, all entries following the rules will count.
5. Tickets will be valid for entry on any day of the event at Harrogate. Tickets supplied directly by the promoters and may not be supplied until the week of the event.
6. Winners names and postal towns will be posted on this blog entry once we have contacted all winners.
7. We will contact winners by the details used to enter if we have not heard back within 72hrs we reserve the right to reallocate the prize.
8. 1st prize winner wins 2x adult VIP tickets, next two win 2x adult entry tickets each.
9. Readers of Just Music and Just Families can also use the entry detailed in the email
With Dr Who returning to screens this weekend (19th) we caught up with the Doc, Peter Capaldi
Coming back to film your second series, how has the atmosphere been on set?
It’s been lovely to be back and everything’s been very positive. I think everyone’s been happy to be on set in Cardiff and the scripts are very good and strong. Everyone’s become enthused with the spirit of adventure that runs through the scripts, it’s been exciting!
How are you feeling about this new series? What can viewers expect?
I think they’ll find a lot of thrills, lot of mystery, a reckless Doctor in pursuit of adventure. It’s very thrill aired, hopefully full of spectacle and adventure - it’s not a sitting back, domesticated, reflective series, it’s the Doctor and Clara roaring through time and space in search of thrills. So I think it’s great, it should be a fun watch for audiences at home.
Can you tell us about the opening episode?
The opening episode of the new series is fabulous - the story is going to take us across the Universe in to all types of dark, terrifying and funny places. It’s a particular epic one to start, with lots of old favourites, Missy and the Daleks are returning and particularly for those who are nostalgic with the Daleks of the 60s, there are some special surprises in store.
Has the TARDIS changed?
There’s been a few changed in the TARDIS. As we came to know my Doctor a little bit more, we needed to reflect that more in the environment that he lived in. I don’t think my Doctor fits in with the whole idea of Edwardian time traveller, there’s a kind of resurge of that in the look of the TARDIS as it was, so I wanted to make it a little sharper. There are a few more elegant, 60s, classic design things knocking around, as opposed to Edwardian or Victorian.
How has the dynamic changed between the Doctor and Clara since series 8?
I think the Doctor and Clara are really having a good time. They’ve had some conflicts and challenges, but generally if you can weather the storms, you often find that your relationship is much stronger. That’s certainly the case with the Doctor and Clara.
They’re very bonded, they’re like a little gang. The Doctor has realised that he’s 2,000 years old and life is short, he wants to enjoy himself and enjoy having Clara around. She’s very good at trying to help him. He’s still rather impatient with human beings, which some people take as being socially inept, but he just can’t be bothered with them, he has better things to do. But she helps him a lot more, she tries to improve his manners and social skills. But they are very deeply bonded. It’s a very curious relationship, it doesn’t really have an equivalent in television. It’s a non-romantic, but deeply bonded pairing which is strangely full of affection, more deeply felt than simple romantic relationships.
What is his relationship like with Missy in the opening episodes?
I wouldn’t say their relationship has changed since he saw her last. Missy’s role is slightly different, but you’ll have to wait and see!
With a wealth of different sets and filming days on locations, would you say they enhance the look and feel of the episodes?
I think the design of the show is always really, really important - it gives a great cinematic feel to the show. It expands it, makes it not simply domestic, but quite cosmic and big. It’s good to have spectacular sets and locations, because it adds more physical texture to the show and opens it up more, it’s all pretty cinematic.
Have you got any favourite moments from playing the Doctor?
For me, obviously to get to play the Doctor, the whole things is a delight. Some of my favourite moments are when we reveal something of the Doctor’s more alien nature. For instance, in Kill The Moon when he’s able to look into time and read it, and communicate that, I think that was fun to do.
What was it like to battle Daleks from the different decades in episode 2? Any favourites?
I don’t have a particular favourite, but I do like to see the little old ones, they’re very sweet as they’re quite small. But actually they’re still strangely brutal, nasty little pieces of work, but are rather handsome and classy. They were great fun and do what is expected of them, you get a whole group of them together in the opening episode. I think we had about 20 of them in the studio so that was very exciting. Once you had them all moving, it was very funny watching Hettie (Macdonald) directing them, because she was directing them like actors - ‘you’re getting upset at this moment, have a look at your friends’ - and they’d look at their friends and then she’d say - ‘you need to look nervous now’ - and they’d actually be able to convey nervousness - it was actually very, very clever. It was like being in a Dalek theme park, with a free ticket, so that was fun.
Both the singles and the albums for this period stand out as some of the finest work ever produced by the band and marking the high period of New Order artistically. The critical plaudits heaped upon “Power, Corruption & Lies” were followed by similar notices for “Low-Life” and “Brotherhood”, which are considered as a trio as the band’s greatest albums. 
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