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Fancy a cuppa at FortyFive Vinyl Café? Not to drink but to view or buy in Lotte Inch’s exhibition by a cracking set of makers

“I’ve been a huge fan of Ali Tomlin’s work for some time now,” says Cups and Such curator Lotte Inch

DESIGNED to be a hug for you, or for someone else, the Cups and Such pop-up exhibition of beautiful, handmade drinking vessels promises to offer comfort and solace for all, says curator Lotte Inch.

Working in tandem with exhibition hosts FortyFive Vinyl Café, the welcoming haven of music, coffee and comfort food in Micklegate, York, Lotte Inch Gallery has selected cups, mugs, beakers, tea bowls and more, made by hand by Rebecca Callis, Reiko Kaneko, Ali Tomlin and the Leach Studios.

“After two years of not really being able to be close to our nearest and dearest, I imagine that I’m not alone in saying that the search for warmth and comfort in other objects and experiences has become an essential part of our every day,” says Lotte.

“Providing a sense of connection and an opportunity to embrace, we hope that through Cups and Such, you will all find something that offers that hug-in-a-mug feeling from the selection of deftly curated pieces.”

“The search for warmth and comfort in other objects and experiences has become an essential part of our every day,” says Lotte

Here CharlesHutchPress asks Lotte Inch for her thoughts on mugs, cups, tea, coffee and cafés.

How and why did you select Rebecca Callis, Reiko Kaneko, Ali Tomlin and the Leach Studios to take part in this exhibition, Lotte? 

“Rebecca, Reiko and the Leach Studios have exhibited with Lotte Inch Gallery since the early days, and I’ve always loved their work, each one being so different from the other.

“It’s been a joy to see how Rebecca and Reiko’s work has developed over the years and I’m honoured to have been witness to this while collaborating with them.

“I’ve been a huge fan of Ali Tomlin’s work for some time now too, and when planning this show, I decided to ask if she’d like to be a part of it. Thankfully for me, and York’s ceramics fans, she said ‘yes’!”

A handmade tea-drinking vessel by Ali Tomlin at FortyFive Vinyl Café

What are the “and more” items in the exhibition?

“Some of the makers in the show have some beautiful jugs that complement the drinking vessels on display. And there are a few items from other makers that might have caught my eye and crept into the exhibition too – although once they have sold, they’re gone, so I’d recommend getting down there soon to see for yourself.”

After mounting Jonny Hannah’s Songs For Down Town Lovers exhibition in February 2020 and now Cups and Such, what makes FortyFive Vinyl your favourite York café ?

“It might be something to do with being married to one of the owners! Or perhaps the amazing grilled cheese sandwiches! But on a serious note, it’s just such a welcoming, easy-going and adaptable space. I love the combination of music and art and the large walls offer a brilliant backdrop for exhibiting work.

“It’s been a joy to see how Reiko Kaneko’s work has developed over the years,” says Lotte. Picture: Cat Garcia

“I love that it’s also open in the evenings at weekends for gigs or just for a beer. It’s that flexibility of the place that makes it an ideal venue to collaborate with on projects or to just visit in a more everyday capacity.”

What is your favourite cuppa? Tea or coffee?

“Tea. I can’t start the day without it. And it’s the last thing I drink before I go to bed at night.”

Milk first or teabag and water first?

“This depends on how much of a rush I’m in and if I’m making it just for me or for someone else. Inevitably, the milk goes in first, with the teabag, these days! Toddlers and opportunities for relaxed tea-drinking don’t really go hand in hand.”

Mug for coffee…teacup for tea…Or aren’t you fussy?

“A bone china or fine stoneware mug for either would be my preference. As long as it isn’t a polystyrene cup, I’m happy!”

A mug by Reiko Kaneko in the Cups and Such exhibition

How do you feel when you break a mug or cup?

“Generally, pretty devastated. If it’s salvageable and can be used in another capacity, I will try and find another use for it. Otherwise, I try and take it as an opportunity to replace it with another mug from one of my favourite makers.”

Favourite biscuit to go with a cuppa?

“Dark Chocolate Digestives. Definitely something chocolatey.”

Do you have a favourite mug in your home?

“I have a porcelain mug that I bought before I opened Lotte Inch Gallery, made by Irish maker Adam Frew. I would be heartbroken if this one got smashed. I think it was buying this at Ceramic Art London that sparked my love for collecting – and selling – ceramics. I’ve always wanted to work with Adam, but it’s never quite worked out. One day maybe?”

Cups and Such…or, A Hug In A Mug, a pop-up exhibition by Lotte Inch Gallery, runs at FortyFive Vinyl Café, Micklegate, York, until March 6. Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 5pm, Friday, 10am to 8pm; Saturday, 10am to 6pm.

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Madness and Sugababes confirmed for York Racecourse Music Showcase Weekend gigs on July 22 and 23

Madness this way lies: The Nutty Boys return to York Racecourse this summer

MADNESS are on course for the York Racecourse Music Showcase Weekend for the second time post-racing at the July 22 evening meeting.

Camden’s Nutty Boys last played the Knavesmire track in July 2010, and once more Suggs and co will roll out such ska-flavoured music-hall hits as Our House, One Step Beyond, Baggy Trousers, It Must Be Love, House Of Fun, Michael Caine, Wings Of A Dove, Night Boat To Cairo, My Girl, Driving In My Car, Tomorrow’s Just Another Day and Embarrassment.

The veteran London band – they formed in 1979 – have performed outdoors over the years at Glastonbury, Camp Bestival and their own Madstock Festivals and they took part in Danny Boyle’s opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.

The second Music Showcase Weekend, immediately after the afternoon race card on July 23, will feature the original Sugababes line-up of Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy. The London girl group last played York as long ago as 2003 with a line-up of Buchanan, Buena and Heidi Range at the Barbican Centre, as was.

Sugababes, who revived the trio of Buchanan, Buena and Donaghy in 2019, have six number ones to their name, placing them second only to the Spice Girls among British girl groups. Racegoers can expect chart-toppers Freak Like Me, Round Round, Hole In The Head, Push The Button, Walk This Way and About You Now, alongside cherry-picks from 20 more Top 40 hits such as Overload, Ugly, Red Dress, Girls and Get Sexy.

Those booking now can take advantage of the early-bird and group rate deals on general admission tickets. To book, visit yorkracecourse.co.uk; admission to the main grandstand and paddock enclosure starts at £32 per person for a group of six and racegoers aged five to 17 enjoy a special rate of £10 (subject to limited availability). As well as free car parking, no booking fees apply.

On the course itself, the sporting action features seven races on both days, headlined by the Listed European Breeder’s Fund Lyric Stakes on the Friday and the Sky Bet York Stakes as Saturday’s six-figure centrepiece.

The race dates in late-July fall when the prevailing weather should further contribute to the positive steps made by the Covid-19 vaccination programme. Nevertheless, racegoers are offered a guaranteed refund in the event of Covid-related alterations, as well as the reassurance that all Covid-19 protocols applicable at the time will be followed.

James Brennan, head of marketing and sponsorship, says: “Everyone at the course is really excited that these magical racing and music events are scheduled to return. Bands that bring a smile to many faces, add in the spectacle of the racing itself, and we hope it will prove a summer weekend to savour.”

Please note, admission is not available on a concert-only basis; the gates will be closed at the time of the seventh and last race at both meetings.

There will not be a third race-day concert at York Racecourse this summer after the British Horseracing Authority removed that meeting from the 2022 calendar.

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More Things To Do in York and beyond despite Killer Queen banning rock music. List No. 69, courtesy of The Press, York

Bohemians in rhapsody: We Will Rock You weaves its way through 24 Queen songs at the Grand Opera House, York. Picture: Johan Persson

FROM Queen’s “rock theatrical” to Britney fandom, a café’s mug exhibition to folk’s witching hour, outlaw cabaret with gin to confronting digital intrusiveness, Charles Hutchinson finds diversity aplenty to enjoy.

Musical of the week: We Will Rock You, Grand Opera House, York, Monday to Saturday, 7.30pm; 2.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday

WRITER and comedian Ben Elton directs the 20th anniversary of We Will Rock You, the “guaranteed-to-blow-your-mind” Queen musical built around his dystopian futuristic storyline.

In a system that bans rock music, a handful of rebels, the Bohemians, vows to fight against an all-powerful global company and its boss, the Killer Queen.

Musical advisor Brian May says “the world’s first true Rock Theatrical” now has a state-of-the-art new look, with a story of breaking free from conformity more relevant than ever. Box office: 0844 871 7615 or at atgtickets.com/York.

Reiko Kaneko: Taking part in the Cups and Such exhibition at FortyFive Vinyl Cafe. Picture: Cat Garcia

Cracking (or hopefully not) exhibition of the week: Cups and Such…or, A Hug In A Mug, FortyFive Vinyl Café, Micklegate, York, until March 6

“A HUG for you, or for someone else, Cups and Such is an exhibition of beautiful, handmade drinking vessels that promises to offer comfort and solace for all,” says curator Lotte Inch.

Working in tandem with FortyFive Vinyl Café, that welcoming haven of music, coffee and comfort food, Lotte Inch Gallery has selected cups, mugs, beakers, tea bowls and more, made by hand by Rebecca Callis, Reiko Kaneko, Ali Tomlin and the Leach Studios to “offer someone a moment of warmth, a sense of connection and an opportunity to embrace”. 

“This can’t be it,” ponders Mark Watson in Pocklington tonight. Picture: Matt Crockett

Topical comedy gig of the outside York: Mark Watson, This Can’t Be It, Pocklington Arts Centre, tonight, 8pm

AMID so much pandemic pondering about the fragility of life recently, don’t worry, comedian Mark Watson has it covered.  At 41 – he turns 42 tomorrow – he is halfway through his days on Earth, according to the life expectancy calculator app that cost him all of £1.49.

That life is in the best shape in living memory but one problem remains. A huge one. Spiritual enquiry meets high-octane observational comedy as the No More Jockeys cult leader strives to cram two years of pathological overthinking into an evening of stand-up. “Maybe we’ll even solve the huge problem,” says Watson. “Doubt it, though.” Box office for returns only: 01759 301547 or at pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk.

Shereen Roushbaiani in Saving Britney at Theatre@ 41, Monkgate, York

Noughties’ nostalgia of the week: Saving Britney, John Cooper Studio, Theatre@41 Monkgate, York, tomorrow (13/2/2022) at 8pm

MILLENNIALS such as Jean grew up with Britney Spears. Saving Britney recounts how the Princess of Pop influenced Jean’s life and how the connections shared between them led to an unbelievable moment of self-discovery.

Inspired by the #FreeBritney movement, Shereen Roushbaiani takes a humorous yet heart-breaking look at celebrity obsession, sexuality and growing up in the early Noughties. Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.

Heal & Harrow’s Rachel Newton and Lauren MacColl

Folk concert of the week: Heal & Harrow, National Centre for Early Music, York, Monday, 7.30pm

HEAL & Harrow are folk musicians Rachel Newton, from The Shee, The Furrow Collective and Spell Songs, and Lauren MacColl, of Rant and Salt House.

Working as duo for the first time, they combine newly composed music and accompanying visuals in a tribute to those persecuted in the 16th and 17th century Scottish Witch Trials, 80 per cent of them women.

The project also explores historical beliefs in the supernatural and modern-day parallels, each piece being based on commissioned works by author Mairi Kidd. Box office: 01904 658338 or at ncem.co.uk.

Reality check: Corinne Kilvington’s Polly in The Girl In The Machine

Premiere of the week: Theatre Space North-East in Girl In The Machine, John Cooper Studio, Theatre@41 Monkgate, York, February 17, 7.30pm

STEF Smith’s ground-breaking play Girl In The Machine explores our unease over digital intrusiveness, then pushes it a step into the future in Jamie Brown’s touring production.

In brief: Owen (Lawrence Neale) and Polly (Corinne Kilvington) are in successful careers and wildly in love, feeling ready to take on the world, but when a mysterious new technology, promising a break from the daily grind, creeps into everyone’s phones, their world is turned upside down.

As the line between physical and digital dissipates, Owen and Polly are forced to question whether their definitions of reality and freedom are the same. Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.

Back on the Chain Gang: Miles Salter lines up new band members for Black Swan gig

Meet the new Gang: Miles And The Chain Gang, The Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York, February 19, 8pm to 11.30pm

YORK writer, musician and storyteller Miles Salter is back with a new Chain Gang for a headline show at the Black Swan.

“This is the first gig with the new line-up and it’s sounding great,” says Salter, introducing Daniel Bowater on keyboards, Steve Purton on drums, Mat Watt on bass and Mark Hawkins on lead guitar.

Miles And The Chain Gang will be supported by Sarah Louise Boyle, Lee Moore and Monkey Paw. “It’ll be a diverse and fun evening, so do come along,” says Salter. Tickets: at prime4.bandcamp.com/merch/miles or on the door.

Sax Forte: First concert of York Unitarians’ 2022 lunchtime series

Sax to the max: Sax Forte, York Unitarians Friday Lunchtime Concerts, St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel, March 11, 12.30pm

CELEBRATING their 350th anniversary in 2022, York Unitarians open their 11th season of  Friday lunchtime concerts with the return of York saxophone quartet Sax Forte.

Playing together since 2016, Chris Hayes, Keith Schooling, Jane Parkin and David Badcock all have extensive experience with other quartets, bands and orchestras. They are equally at home playing programmes of serious and light classical music or jazz and swing standards. Tickets cost £6 (cash) on the door.

Gin up: Drag diva Velma Celli hosts Outlaw Live cabaret night with a dash of York Gin

Not just the tonic: Velma Celli and York Gin’s Outlaw Live cabaret night, National Centre for Early Music, York, March 25, 8pm to 10.30pm

YORK drag diva Velma Celli invites you to “celebrate your inner outlaw” at York Gin’s cabaret soiree at the NCEM.

For one night only, glamorous Velma and friends will be celebrating all that’s naughty, villainous and defiantly outrageous about York and its outlaws, from Guy Fawkes to Dick Turpin, with a combination of song, laughter and York Gin.

Tickets are on sale at tickettailor.com/events/yorkgin/590817/ and admission includes a gin cocktail on arrival.

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REVIEW: Martin Dreyer’s verdict on York Light’s Evita at York Theatre Royal

Emma-Louise Dickinson’s Eva Perón and Jonny Holbek’s Che in York Light’s Evita. All pictures: Tom Arber

York Light in Evita, York Theatre Royal, until February 19, including Saturday matinees. Box office: 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

IT’S no fun being out of action for two years. So there was relief and pleasure on all the faces of York Light – the musical theatre company formerly known as York Light Opera Company – when they returned to their rightful home base in a rousing Martyn Knight production of Evita.

The company is sensibly alternating two groups of principals over its 12 performances. On this second night (10/2/2022) it was Team Blue’s turn.

Eva Perón, familiarly known as Evita, and even Santa Evita to diehard fans, still excites
controversy today, even in Argentina. She was both an ambitious social climber who slept her way to the top but also a benefactress, a figurehead who spent lavishly on herself, a unifying icon for some and a uniquely self-seeking politico for others.

Neil Wood as Juan Perón : “His baritone serves him well over a wide range”

None of which makes it easy for the actress playing her. How likeable should she be?
Emma-Louise Dickinson’s response is bravely sassy, which comes close to being a warts-and-all exposé. It is the right approach. Nobody wants a prissy heroine. Tim Rice’s lyrics don’t allow her to be.

Much of her singing is stridently assertive, which doesn’t always make for the prettiest of sounds. For those we have to wait till Act 2 and in particular the scenes surrounding her illness and death.

Like all true operatic heroines, Evita takes a long time to die but Dickinson uses it to show us that she has a pleasing soprano. She is the main reason why Act 2 generates such pathos. Buenos Aires and You Must Love Me are poles apart but her versatility is more than equal to both.

Jonny Holbek’s Che: “Brings a folk-singing style to the role”

Juan Perón may have been twice Eva’s age when he married her, but their personalities were well-matched. He strong-armed his way to power and was just as ruthless. His police state is echoed here with several shows of repressive policing. But Neil Wood plays him with sensitivity as well as strength and his passion for his young wife is never in doubt. His baritone serves him well over a wide range.

Jonny Holbek brings a folk-singing style to the role of Che, the narrator and social conscience of the unfolding events, which makes him an engaging man of the people, even if he sometimes strays from the notes that are actually in the score. He is mainly dressed in camouflage pants which verge on the paramilitary. He leads And The Money Kept Rolling In superbly.

Two other roles deserve special mention. Richard Weatherill’s big number as Magaldi, Eva’s
home-town boyfriend, comes early but he is more than ready. So too is Hannah Witcomb as Peron’s glamorous bit on the side, neatly crystallised in Another Suitcase In Another Hall.

Melanie Groom and Tom Menarry: “Dancing a succulent tango”

A word, too, for the top brass in the musical chairs of The Art Of The Possible: good fun. There is also a succulent tango danced by Melanie Groom and Tom Menarry. Considering the importance of tango in Argentinian music, we could stand to see a lot more of them.

The chorus shows a marvellous mix of voices and ages, with plenty of young blood among several company veterans. All its numbers are danced, which means that a huge amount of choreography – also by Martyn Knight – has had to be memorised, an incredible feat considering they barely put a foot wrong.

Chorus delivery is occasionally on the shouty side but the opening Requiem is beautifully sustained and there is some lovely quiet singing in Act 2. The ladies look especially appealing in vintage hats and dresses.

Hannah Witcomb as “Juan Perón s glamorous bit on the side”

Mike Thompson conducts an 11-piece orchestra with plenty of pizzazz. Its feel for Latin
American rhythms is consistently excellent. The balance is not always quite right. The bass is too boomy in Act 1, which means that several delicate phrases from keyboard or guitar do not get the prominence they deserve. In general the amplification could be turned down a notch to good effect.

The show is well served by its permanent set (from Lowestoft, but otherwise uncredited), which casts a presidential aura. It is absolutely heart-warming to have York Light back in action and in such amazing shape. The company’s enthusiasm is infectious. You daren’t miss it.

For the record, the Yellow Team principals are Alexa Chaplin as Eva, John Hall as Perón and Dale Vaughan as Che. All are seasoned performers.

Review by Martin Dreyer

Alexa Chaplin, centre, as Team Yellow’s Eva Perón with the ensemble in in York Light’s Evita


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REVIEW: Joseph Rowntree Theatre Company in Kipps, ‘The New Half A Sixpence Musical’

What a catch! Jennie Wogan-Wells’s Ann Pornick reaches for the bouquet in the Joseph Rowntree Theatre Company’s Kipps. All pictures: Mike Darley

Kipps, Joseph Rowntree Theatre Company, at Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, tomorrow, 2.30pm, 7.30pm. Box office: 01904 501935 or at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk

FLASH, bang, wallop, what a picture of joy as Jennie Wogan-Wells’s Ann Pennick leaps to catch the wedding bouquet at the finale to Kipps on opening night, fully three years after the Joseph Rowntree Theatre Company acquired the rights to this Half A Sixpence re-boot.

Under the pandemic’s shadow, the JoRo’s in-house company moved the production dates three or four times, recalls director Kayleigh Oliver in her programme notes. Kipps may advocate “singing a simple tune”, but there has been nothing simple about the “Herculean effort” of staging a show whose cast is in its 37th incarnation. Yes, 37.

Jamie Benson’s Arthur Kipps with the predatory James and Mrs Walsingham (Stuart Sellens, Helen Spencer) and daughter Helen (JenniferJones)

It remains “a simple story about a simple bloke who just wants a simple life”, as first conjured in HG Wells’ subversive 1905 novel depicting a simple soul, caught between the head and the heart.

Half A Sixpence made cheeky charmer Tommy Steele’s name in David Heneker and Beverley Cross’s stage show and 1967 film musical. In 2016, it re-emerged as Kipps in a refreshing revamp co-created by impresario Cameron Mackintosh with seven new numbers by alchemical songwriting duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe to complement Heneker’s original songs.

Significantly too, the radical, overtly political new book is the sprightly work of Downton Abbey’s Julian Fellowes, the upstairs-downstairs chronicler who tools Kipps with rigidity-busting, robust humour rooted in the clash of the English classes with its accent on having the ‘correct’ accent. It is still a romantic tale, but now has much more of the punk spirit of Richard Bean’s socialist comedy knees-up, One Man, Two Guvnors.

Head over heels: Jamie Benson’s Arthur Kipps and Jennifer Jones’s Helen Walsingham

Jamie Benson’s Arthur ‘Artie’ Kipps is a warm-hearted innocent abroad, an orphaned Folkstone apprentice draper who is suddenly bequeathed a fortune. Out goes a childhood vow to Ann; in comes the properly nice Helen Walsingham (Jennifer Jones) and a “world of upper-class soirees and strict rules of etiquette” that leaves him all at sea on the Kentish coast.

More to the point, Fellowes depicts high society as mercenary snobs, typified by Stuart Sellens’s James Walsingham and Helen Spencer’s scene-stealing Mrs Walsingham, the dragon mother desperate to bring Kipps’s new money into her crusty family via Helen’s entwining with Kipps

Just as the Walsinghams work on exploiting Kipps’s innocence, so Chris Gibson’s story-spinning artful dodger thespian Chitterlow seeks to entice him into backing his new play in his lovably rakish manner beneath his unruly wig.

The Joy Of Theatre, as espoused by Chris Gibson’s dapper thespian, Chitterlow

That elicited the song The Joy Of Theatre, one of the high points of this perky show that so affirmed everyone’s delight at being back in the JoRo, whether on stage or in the auditorium.

From lovable Benson to jocund Gibson, spirited Wogan-Wells to thoroughly decent Jones, self-pitying Spencer to Jane Woolgar’s Lady Punnet, Ben Huntley’s food-loving Buggins to Alastair Bush’s foppish photographer, there is so much to enjoy in the performances and singing, supported ever enthusiastically by the ensemble. Not forgetting the opening cameos of Ben Wood as Young Kipps and Kate Blenkiron as Young Ann.

Jane Woolgar’s costumes could not be more colourful; musical director James Robert Ball’s orchestra have a ball with songs older and newer alike and Lorna Newby’s choreography consistently brings a beaming smile. Never more so than in the stand-out Pick Out A Simple Tune, led by the banjo-playing Benson before the Flash, Bang, Walloping finale. Stick it in the family diary for tomorrow: Kipps is indeed “the pick-me-up we so desperately need in grey February”, as Kayleigh Oliver puts it. Book NOW for Kipps with everything.

Picking Out A Simple Tune: Banjo-playing Kipps (Jamie Benson) leads the high-society soiree in a merry dance
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Why Yard Act’s debut The Overload is the best Leeds album in years…

TWO Big Egos In A Small Car arts podcasters Graham Chalmers and Charles Hutchinson enthuse over the rise of Yard Act from Leeds novelties to number two in the album charts in Episode 76.

Under discussion too: is Kenneth Branagh’s Oscar-nominated childhood memoir Belfast a masterpiece or a fudge? Plus Graham’s interview hiccup with 10CC’s Graham Gouldman and Charles’s verdict on Ross Noble’s chaotic Humournoid show in York.

To listen, head to: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1187561/10004493

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Big show news! Michael McIntyre to play Work In Progress show at Grand Opera House, York. Ticket rush, 10am, Tuesday

Michael McIntyre: New material on trial in York

COMEDIAN Michael McIntyre will try out brand-new material at the Grand Opera House, York, in a Work In Progress show hastily arranged for February 28.

Tickets for the 8pm warm-up gig go on sale on Tuesday, February 15 at 10am, priced from £25 at atgtickets.com/York. Bookings are limited to four per household and the age guidance is 14 upwards.

The 45-year-old Londoner is noted for his observational comedy, wherein he turns everyday situations into outpourings of startled exasperation.

McIntyre’s big break came when he performed on the televised 2006 Royal Variety Performance. His tours have since sold four million tickets and he holds the record for the highest-selling artist at Britain’s biggest arena, London’s O2, where he sold out 28 shows.

He hosted Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow on BBC One from 2009, winning the National Television Award for Best Entertainment Programme in 2012.

In 2016, he began fronting Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, now into its sixth series on Saturday nights on BBC One, with a BAFTA for Best Entertainment Performance among its awards. He has chaired two series of BBC One’s Saturday game show The Wheel too. Last year he penned his autobiography, A Funny Life.

McIntyre previously played a three-night run of Work In Progress gigs at the Grand Opera House from July 2 to 4 2012.

UPDATE 17/2/2022

MICHAEL McIntyre’s Work In Progress show at the Grand Opera House, York, on February 28 sold out within two hours of going on sale on Tuesday morning.

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Drag diva Velma Celli is just the tonic as York Gin hosts ‘outrageous’ Outlaw Live cabaret at National Centre for Early Music

Velma Cellli: A night of song, laughter and York Gin

YORK drag diva Velma Celli invites you to “celebrate your inner outlaw” at York Gin’s outrageous cabaret soiree at the National Centre of Early Music, Walmgate, York, on March 25.

“York is a city of outlaws: Guy Fawkes was born here. Dick Turpin was hanged here,” says York Gin Company events coordinator Harri Marshall. “It’s even home to the super-strength York Gin Outlaw, which comes with a warning: ‘Drink, with ice, tonic … and care’.

“Now – for one night only – one of the UK’s ‘baddest’ drag queens will be celebrating all that’s naughty, villainous and defiantly outrageous about York and its outlaws.”

Back home in York from America after a month of shows on Atlantis Gay Cruise ships, Velma Celli promises a night of song, laughter and York Gin as Velma and friends “unleash a riot of glamorous outrage”.

Ingredients for Outlaw Live: Velma Celli + York Gin + Cabaret + NCEM

Tickets are selling fast at tickettailor.com/events/yorkgin/590817/ and admission includes a gin cocktail on arrival.

“If you love drag, gin, and being just a little bit naughty, this one’s for you,” says Velma, the vocal drag creation of West End musical actor Ian Stroughair, 39.

In Velma’s diary too is a March 19 performance of Me And My Divas at York Theatre Royal at 7.30pm and a June 30 performance of A Brief History Of Drag at Pocklington Arts Centre at 8pm. Box office: York, 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk; Pocklington, 01759 301547 or at pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk.

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Miles is back but with a different Chain Gang for Black Swan gig on February 19

Miles Salter: Ganging up with new band members

YORK writer, musician and storyteller Miles Salter is back with a new Chain Gang for a headline gig at The Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York, on February 19.

“We had some line-up issues with the first version, so I’ve re-wired the band and it sounds great,” says Miles, introducing Daniel Bowater on keyboards and accordion, Steve Purton on drums, Mat Watt on bass and Mark Hawkins on lead guitar.  

“Daniel previously played with Acko Pulco And The Cliff Divers and has been musical director at the Richmond Theatre pantomime for a number of years; Mark is a veteran of hundreds of gigs, including as stand-in guitarist for NoWaySis, the touring Oasis tribute.”

Counting down to the debut gig with the new gang in tow, Salter says: “After a very quiet couple of years – we played just one gig in 2021 – I’m pleased with how the new line-up sounds; it feels great. We’re looking forward to playing more gigs in the area soon.”

The support slots on the 8pm to 11.30pm bill go to Sarah Louise Boyle, Lee Moore and Monkey Paw. “It’ll be a diverse and fun evening, so do come along,” says Salter. 

Tickets are on sale for £5.50 at prime4.bandcamp.com/merch/miles or at £7.50 on the door.

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Carole King tribute show to mark Manhattan songwriter’s 80th birthday at Grand Opera House in October

Carole: Marking Carole King’s 80th birthday

CAROLE – The Music Of Carole King celebrates the 80th birthday of the Manhattan songwriter, singer and musician at the Grand Opera House, York, on October 27.

From the producers of the West End shows Seven Drunken Nights – The Story Of The Dubliners and Fairytale Of New York – Coming Home For Christmas, this landmark tribute takes a musical journey from her early beginnings in New York as part of the Brill Building song-writing team to Los Angeles, the Troubadour Club and the Laurel Canyon singer-songwriter movement of early 1970s’ California.

King, who wrote her first number one, The Shirelles’ Will You Love Me Tomorrow, at only 17, turned 80 on February 9.

Carole – The Music Of Carole King: Visiting Grand Opera House, York, this autumn

The show features not only songs from the Carole King songbook but also hits written and recorded by Aretha Franklin, The Drifters, The Shirelles, The Monkees, The Beatles, The Everly Brothers, Dusty Springfield, Little Eva, Herman’s Hermits and James Taylor.

Co-producer Ged Graham says: “Carole King is one of the most influential songwriters in pop music history. Her music has rocked the world for so long and all the songs have been laced into the fabric of life for over 60 years. This production is a showcase of not only her music but just how much she has been a force that has shaped pop music.”

The autumn tour show brings together singers, musicians and dancers to cover more than six decades of music. Tickets are on sale on 0844 871 7615 or at atgtickets.com/York.