latest 7: no. 765

9 – 15 February 2016

FREE WEEKLY

www.thelatest.co.uk

VALENTINE’SGIFT GUIDESweet treats foryour sweet

STEVE MASONFormer BetaBand man talks

RULE OF LAWMadcap comicTony Law’s intown

HENRY NORMALInsight from thepoet & producer

PRENUPPREPARATIONSWise up withSherwoodSolicitors

B R I G H T O N

Let a beautifulLydia ring fromAlexis Dovereflect yourlove page 16

THE RINGOF TRUTH

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ModelworldThis year the organisers arebringing a fresh new show to the

city featuring the world-renowned Titan – an 8ft futuristicrobot!Brighton Centre, 19-21 February2016, £9.50/7.50/5.50,www.brightoncentre.co.uk

Soul II Soul ftJazzie B & CaronWheelerThey’ve performed in over 20countries, and appeared at someof the most famous venues in theworld and now they will bringtheir funk and soul performanceto Brighton Dome.Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 21February 2016, £26/24.50,brightondome.org

3 www.thelatest.co.uk LATEST 7watch on channel 8, channel 159 or at thelatest.tv

My phone is doing mynut in. Nobodywould really think

that I need a new phone, and Idon’t usually confuse ‘need’ with‘want’. but my phone is being amare.

Several years ago I had ameltdown at my service providerwhen my last phone died a deathand my contract insurance didn’tcover it. ‘Reasonable wear andtear’ it was called and I wasasked to buy a new phone. I did.And got a phone-free rollingcontract. I was pleased withmyself, I won’t deny it, andrelished the idea of havingbought the hardware outrightand a very cheap monthly bill.

Fast forward to now and asmuch as I’ve tried to carefullymanage what is held on my vitalpart of modern-ish tech, I’ve nowgot to the point where I can’ttake pictures of the sea andlisten to music at the same time.I tried. It crashed. Twice. It’sdoing my nut in.

So I put a shout out on socialmedia for a ‘new’ phone. It justneeds to be newer than mineand less inclined to crash underthe pressure of soaring melodiesand beautiful scenery – just like a

weepy auntie at a Merchant Ivorymarathon.

I’ve given things with shoutouts in my day too. Actually, inthe day of only last week – whenmy defunct chest of drawers wasclaimed by the flatmate of thefriend that helped me move it tothe curb. Convoluted but in agood home.

I’ve also had boxes of videotapes claimed when I finallyrealised my video player hadgiven up the ghost. It wasn’t like Ifound a fellow fan of Buffy TheVampire Slayer, but that afilmmaker pal was still workingwith tape and was running out ofcassettes to record onto.

It’s always worth offering whatyou’re losing, and equally askingin return. Someone just mightbite. And I know this becausesomeone’s just offered me aniPhone 5.

LATEST GROUPManaging Director Bill SmithBusiness Director Angi MarianiCreative Director Andrew KayFinance Manager Sharon CapleCommercial Manager Patrick Kneath

LATEST 7/HOMESEntertainment Editor Victoria NangleAdvertising Sophie BoulderstoneEditorial Joe FullerDesign Kyle MoonProduction Ryan Chambers

LATEST TVCE0 Bill SmithHead of News Tim RidgwayTV Scheduling Jason Weaver

LATESTMUSICBARRuth RatnerStella PittAli Cluney-Hickford

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PAGE 12

Channel 8 Channel 159

thelatest.tvNow available on: Streaming live

24/7 on:

4 Latest TVGrowing Concerns, DigitalNation & highlights

7 Andrew Kay Yak Yak YakSpinning around landmarks

8 Valentine’s Gift GuideTips to make your specialsomeone feel magical

11 Hot ListRestaurants, cafes &takeaways

13 Sherwood SolicitorsThe lowdown on prenups

15 Henry Normal interviewPoet, producer and celebratorof The Joy Of Frogs

17 Science/Brighton’s ArtyLeaving marksMemories, emotions & more

18 Guy ThoughtsGuy hears the morning call

18 Entertainment newsWhat’s on for stage, film,comedy, art & music –plus the chart

21 Mike Ward At Large/ReviewsStar-struck restrain, Plus what’s been happeningaround our city

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21 things you didn’t knowabout Brighton’s veryown Seedy Sunday!

1. It’s the largest, original andbest heritage seed swap in theUK!

2. Little in this world feels betterthan an abundant home growncrop.

3. It started in 2002 and this is its15th year.

4. Local seeds are best suited togrow locally, amazed yet?

5. It originated from Salt SpringSeeds from Salt Spring Island inBritish Columbia in Canada.

6. Dan Jason created Salt SpringSeeds to specialise in heritageand heirloom open-pollinatedand non-GeneticallyModified Originvarieties of plants.

7. Sharon Rempelorganised the SeedSwap there.

8. A couple of locals from theBrighton and Hove OrganicGardening Group or ‘theBHOGGers’ went on holidaythere in brought the idea back.

9. A seed swap is a style ofmarket or fair where growersexchange seeds from plants theyhave grown themselves.

10. Kindred spirits shareknowledge with each otherabout their home-saved seeds.

11. The UK's first ever seed swap

took place in St George's Hall inKemptown in February 2002.

12. At first in the Old Market inHove then to Hove Town Hall andnow at the suitably named CornExchange.

13. It’s still run entirely byvolunteers.

14. The event now includes talks,food demonstrations, plantsales, cafe and other activitiesthat make it the vibrant eventthat it is.

15. A community seed swap is aplace where seasoned andwould-be growers alike shareseeds for the following year'scrop and share tips on how togrow.

16. Little beats the fulfilment ofan abundant crop from seedsyou have gathered, saved andsown yourself.

17. There is pleasure in sharingthem with other growers andsharing their successes in return.

18. By saving these gardenvarieties from extinction, you are

There are many ways toget from A to B. Somepeople say it doesn’t

even matter what ‘B’ is like, it’sthe journey that matters – andDigital Nation might just agreethis week.

Hop over to Leeds to join TomBosworth – three time Britishrecord holder and current UKchampion at Race Walking – as he

puts Beth Krysta Wilson throughher paces at the UK Centre forRace Walking. How fast do youreckon you could walk withoutrunning? Give it a go!

Some people prefer to put theirfeet up when they travel, taketheir time, take in the views.Maybe take the train... or tram...or tram train. That is a thing! Justask the folks at Sheffield Live asthey investigate a new scheme

set to revolutionise travel acrossthe city with transport movingwithout a hitch from train to tramtracks and back again. Cleverstuff.

helping to protect not only yourlocal communities, but also theplanet's bio-diversity.

19. We’ve lost over 75% of theworld’s plants in the last centurysay the United Nations

Education, Scientific, & CulturalOrganisation (UNESCO).

20. Thousands of people attendto donate and rummage throughall those trays and boxes of handfilled, home grown seeds inenvelopes.

21. You can bring your own andbag them up on the day at ourSeed Packing table, beside theSeed Swap Stalls.Find out more by watching GrowingConcerns this Sunday at 3.30pm onLatest TV.www.seedysunday.org

LATEST TVDIGITALNATIONVICTORIA NANGLE

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MEET...MALCOLM COOK

“The UK's first ever seedswap took place in St

George's Hall in Kemptown inFebruary 2002

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Of course, just putting one footin front of another is also theperfect time for a little personalreflection, to share a story, and tohear a deep truth – as witnessedby NVTV in Belfast. Testimoniesfrom survivors from all overEurope have been recorded andare being shared via soundinstallations for you to listen to asyou walk symbolically across abridge. Walking through storms,blue skies and more has neverbeen shared by so many, sopoignantly.

Stories of walking and travellingare as old as time, and almostmirroring these contemporarytales is the 200 miles trek fromSouthampton to Canterburyrecorded as Pilgrim’s Way. Formerteacher Steven re-enacts thejourney step by step – includingwalking back on himself –incorporating historical accuracyand a jovial sense of humour.

Plus there’s the glory of theRussian State Ballet of Siberia inCardiff, Glasgow’s stories ofwitches and warlocks entwined inits Tollbooth Steeple, and a blackpudding makeover in Lancashire –including a vegetarian variety!

Tune in and travel around thecountry in style with DigitalNation, picking up tales ofwonder... as well as a few traveltips.Digital Nation, 8.30pm, Tuesday 9 February

52%, Tuesday 9 February,9.30pmRita Jones from the LiverpoolChild and Adolescent MentalHealth Services (CAMHS) joinsthe panel today. Having startedup initially meeting around akitchen table, the need for such agroup has seen it grow,recognising the social stigma,social and educational problemsyoung people face when struckby mental problems.

Film Live Academy, Wednesday10 February, 1pmWant to make a film? Don’t thinkyou know how? Here’s how! Theultimate guide on all aspects offilmmaking turns its attention to

cameras, shooting techniquesand moving photography. Lifethrough a lens can happen foranyone, and it’s up to you todecide which side of the lens youwant to be.

At Home At Hodsock, Thursday 11 February, 7pmIf you fancy a step away from the

hustle and bustle of it all then joinFrances Finn and John Stirland asthey take an exclusive behind-the-

scenes look at the historic countryhouse Hodsock Priory. From

exploring the primroses to thegargantuan effects behind thescenes preparing for February’s100,000 visitors – well, it is onlyopen for that one month a year –it’s another world. How nice.

DJ Box, Friday 12 February,10pmGet your dance on with this

documentary-style showcase ofup-and-coming dance acts fromacross Europe and closer to home.

With no host, it’s all about thetalent, getting up close andpersonal with each of them in thisbrand new series. And if you wantto hear more of the music youlike – tune in on Saturday at12.30am for the live session.

Movie Line, Saturday 13 February, 8.30pmIt’s the weekend, so that mustmean it’s movie time! Whetheryou’re after reviews of currentreleases, or a recommendationfrom the vaults, Jessica Kellgren-Hayes and Joseph Gunn haveyou covered.

Under The Radar, Sunday 14 February, 5.30pmNot so much ‘under the radar’this week, as enjoying guiltypleasures. Paul Mex and JeffHemmings turn their attention toAbba’s ‘Gimme, Gimme, Gimme(A Man After Midnight)’ – Paul’shidden vinyl during the post-punk era – and ‘Take It Easy’ byThe Eagles – all the more timelyin light of Glen Frey’s passing lastmonth.

The Vote, Monday 15 February,8pmStay abreast of the local issues –and the big ones – with Frank LeDuc as he invites topical guestsin to discuss them all. A greatway to get the little grey cellsgoing at the start of the busyweek.

LATEST TVHIGHLIGHTSTHIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE LATEST TV

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Jessica Kellgren-Hayes and Joseph Gunn

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01273 911 760 07873 280522

[email protected]

Specialising In Gorgeous Hand-Tied Bouquets, The

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Landmarks in your life canbe epic in proportion –and pathetically

mundane. A first watch at ageseven, then not much at 14, thena huge to-do at 21, even thoughthe age of consent had beenchanged to 18. Yes 18, I’m notthat old, well not that old quiteyet thank you very much.

For me getting into collegewas a massive milestone at thetender age of 17 years old, butnot as monumental as themoment I was given a grant toactually take that place.

Graduating four years laterwas equally massive, but atChelsea School of Art there wasno graduation ceremony, nocaps and gowns and thecertificate looked more like a gasbill than a BA Honoursdocument. I didn't much carebut I think mum and dad wouldhave like a bit of gold embossingand a picture of me looking like aright prat. Hats of any kind onhair like mine look far too 'Cocothe clown'.

The next landmark I guess wasthe first job. It came fast, a dayafter finishing my education, butnot in the most glamorous ofways. I had taken a job washingup in a posh Knightsbridge cafeand chocolate emporium – tomake ends meet. Fortunatelythrough a kind tutor theymanaged to track me down. Nowremember, this was pre-mobilephones and email so it was notthat easy and had they not foundme that day my life might havebeen very different.

The next day I was sat at adesk in Clapham High Street andstayed there for nearly six years.It remains one the happiestperiods of my life. It wasn't themoney, well £3,792 per annumwas hardly earth shattering, butit did finally give me someindependence.

A year on and I bought my firstcar. It was a maroon Fiat 850, oldbut fun, and it served me well forseveral years. That first car is areal milestone I guess but I wasnot a petrol head, it was a meansof getting about more than a

status symbol.That came laterwhen the MD ofthe firm made itpossible for meto upgrade to adirector’s cast offcompany car.Well an AlphaRomeo was quitespecial and I didlove it even if inthe end I couldnot afford tomaintain thepoor old thingand had to let itgo.

Earning adecentish salaryalso led toanothermilestone. Foryears and years Iwas alaunderette kindof guy. Initiallysitting there andreading as thewash and tumbleprocess chuggedaway. I thendiscovered theservice wash, afar moresophisticated process by far andone that I wholly embraced.

But one day I decided it wastime to buy a washing machine.It was a major decision and amajor expense, a washer backthen cost about as much as itdoes now. It came from JohnLewis and arrived on time. Thepoor guys had to carry it up fourflights of winding stairs to mytiny South London garret andinstall it in my tiny kitchen. Forquite some time I sat and staredat it, not summoning up thecourage to plug it in and turn thething on.

Eventually I did it, I gatheredup some laundry and afterconsulting the manual put on amixed coloured wash, well I wastoo nervous to go for a hot whitewash.

So what did I do next? I shouldhave gone and relaxed, made apot of tea or poured a G&T, but

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no not I. I drew up a chair and Iwatched, I watched as mywashing swirled around beforemy eyes – and I cried. Tearsstreamed down my face.

I cried, I wept because this bigwhite machine marked a majorturning point in my life, whitegoods and the ownership ofthem marked the move intoadulthood – and in such a drabway. As landmarks go I could notthink of anything more drearilydepressing. My youth was over –but my washing was clean.

At the time I was 25, so I hadprolonged youth for perhapsmore time than most peoplewould, but I felt flat for weeks,really low.

Of course I got over it, Irealised that 25 was no age at alland that a washing machine wasa useful thing that was going tosave me so much time. Iploughed on to thirty, a good

“Eventually I didit, I gathered up

some laundry andafter consulting themanual put on amixed colouredwash. Well, I wastoo nervous to gofor a hot white wash

year, followed by a less goodone and then fast forward to 39which was terrible, forty whichwas better and fifty whenthings took a serious dive.

The last ten years have hadtheir ups and downs, goodtimes, really good times, andsome really lousy times too. Iwon't dwell on them, I don’tregret them either but they aregone and I have moved on.

So now, as I am only a fewdays from 60 I was looking forthe major landmark.

It happened on a dull Sundayafternoon. I had made lunch,washed up my dishes andsettled down to a few games ofonline Scrabble. Suddenly myemail went ping and it was amessage from a friend, acontemporary, to say that shehad booked a train ticket tovisit me using her new SeniorRail Card.

I had just renewed myNetwork Rail Card so I was alittle cross with myself forwasting that money, butundaunted I went online andset about registering for thecard. It was a big form and I hadto prove that I was about toturn 60, but half an hour later Iwas done and the card wasready to be dispatched. I wentfor the three year option, I feltthat it was not too optimistic aninvestment, surely I will make63? Surely?

So there we have it, thelandmark for hitting sixty willbe a card that defines me as asenior person. I don't knowwhat else would mark theoccasion in a less cheery waybut I have a few days left to findsomething a little lessdownbeat. I will no doubt beout and about, having drinkswith friends, eating of course inmy all time favourite place,Bardsley’s in Baker Street, andthere is a chance that I mayeven get a little tipsy.

If you see me in any of theseplaces or states then please sayhello, but please do not sayhello old timer. There’s life inthe old dog yet!

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LOVE ME DOStuck for ideas this Valentine’s Day? Find inspiration

from our hand-picked selection of Brighton's brilliantarray of unique gifts in our double-page guide. You'resure to find something to make your sweetheart go weak at the knees...

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Cavendish 2013 RRP ￡24.95 A rich golden colour with exceptionally finebubbles. The nose is expressive with hints of redfruits. The Pinot dominance brings depth andcomplexity to the palate with a long-lasting finish,whilst the Chardonnay adds finesse and freshness.

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Sweeties for your sweetie! Bespokechocolate for Valentine’s Day, have

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Beautiful designer lingerie from She Said: Fuschia silk & peach lace bra ￡56.99,

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The Winners!Steve and Gina Smith – Nominated byKayleigh Smith: "This ismy dad Steve andstep mum Ginaand I'mnominatingthem asBrighton'smost lovedup couplebecause theyhave beentogether for15 years andmarried for 12.If you ask anyonewho knows themthey will tell you they aremeant for each other. They are bestfriends and soulmates and they have arelationship that I one day want."Congratulations to winners Steve & GinaSmith who have won themselves a dinnerfor two with wine at DonatelloRestaurant.

Runners upSaskia Hadley and Ben Bramley – “Meand my fella, Benhave beentogether for thelast two years,some of it spentlong distancewhile I was livingin Paris. It waspretty tough but itwas an amazingfeeling when hedrove to Paris tobring me home forChristmas. Whenwe got back, we saved up and decided togo travelling for fourmonths togetheracross Europewhich was thebest experienceof my life!”

Kayleigh Shawand MeganHassan – “Meand my fiancéeare definitely lovedup. We are gettingmarried next year and have been savingup which means no treats for us.”

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The perfect treat for your Valentine – from Cocoon

How about trying something totally different this Valentine’sDay? The gift voucher above is a ticket to Brighton’s onlyfloatation centre and they have special experiences lined

up for the romantic celebration! You can buy a gift voucher like the one pictured and treat your loved

one to one of the following offers:Valentine Couple Float – £69One hour cabin (single) – £35One hour pod float (single) – £30Special Deal 4 anytime floats – £90

Cocoon offer a profoundly luxurious and relaxing experience in a state-of-the-art pod or a luxury cabin. The cabin includes unique LED GalacticCeiling for a superior floatation experience.There are a host of other treatments to try out too, including:Winter warming aromatherapy / Ayurvedic massageHead massageSalt scrubsYummy facialsSpiritual readings & moreCocoon, 20–22 Gloucester Place, Brighton, BN1 4AA01273 686882, www.cocoonhealthcare.co.uk

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CAFE

Kiki & Flowers“Kiki’s Kitchen offers simple, healthyfresh lunches such as slow cookedVietnamese beef with rice or grilledhaloumi salad all at really reasonableprices. The lunch boxes special is just£5. Once the evenings get lighter theywill be opening later and later -perfect for an after-work glass ofwine."Opening hours Monday to Saturday8am - 6pm Sunday 10am-3pm63 Holland Road,Hovewww.kikisflowershop.co.uk

INDIAN

The Chilli PickleThe Chilli Pickle is a local favourite with national recognition which combinestraditional Indianmethods with localproduce and anindividual style. Theirample Thalis spice upa midday meeting ora catch-up withfriends, whilst theevening menu offersinventive street food,decadent Tandooridishes and tastyregional curries,served in a vibrantand bustling setting.The Chilli Pickle featured in the National Restaurant Awards’ UK top 100 in 2011–14and has retained its Michelin Bib Gourmand from 2010 to 2015.The Chilli Pickle, 17 Jubilee Square, Brighton, 01273 900383, www.thechillipickle.com

The Chilli Pickle CanteenThe definitive delivery service from The Chilli Pickle launched this year. Bold,Indian-inspired design, specially commissioned artwork and smart delivery stakeout new ground in home dining. Meanwhile, the menu showcases some of therestaurant’s familiar touches, with regional curries and homemade pickles andchutneys, plus superb ice creams.The Chilli Pickle Canteen: order online at thechillipicklecanteen.com, 01273 900384

Chaula’s LewesChaula’s is renowned for its signature dishes, distinctive décor and friendly staff. Allmeals are made fresh to order and every curry has its own distinctively flavouredsauce. Also a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan as well as gluten and wheat-freedishes. Buffet available 12pm–3pm Monday to Saturday. Chaula’s, Eastgate House, 6 Eastgate Street, Lewes, BN7 2LP, 01273 476707,www.chaulas.co.uk

Chaula’s BrightonA second venue for this brilliant Indian restaurant is now open here in Brighton.Superb regional dishes, fresh tasting and exciting. Chaula and her team breathefresh air into the idea of Indian food with authentic recipes served in bright andstylish surroundings. The cooking is executed with a light touch too, no heavyghee-based sauces here but an altogether healthier approach – but not at the costof flavour. Both delicious and affordable. Thali Deals available 12pm-3pm; MealDeal for £9.99.Chaula’s, 2–3 Little East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HT, 01273 771661, www.chaulas.co.uk

ITALIAN

DonatelloFlagship venue of this local family-run

business serving excellent Italian food instylish surroundings. Brilliant value mealdeals on blackboards – two courses £7.95or three for £9.95 – as well as à la carte. Thehaunt of celebs in season from soap starsto politicos. Fun, friendly and fabulousvalue.

Donatello, Brighton Place, Brighton, BN11HJ 01273 775477, www.donatello.co.uk

HOT LIST

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Are they binding? Prenuptial agreements are commonlyrecognised in many European countries, however, at themoment, these agreements are not currently binding in the

UK. That said, with many family arrangements now including aninternational element, there is mounting pressure on the UK courts tomaintain consistency with other jurisdictions, and so, it can only be amatter of time before the courts here follow suit.

In 2014 the Law Commission released their recommendations forQualifying Nuptial Agreements (QNAs) to be incorporated into Englishlaw to replicate agreements being entered into across Europe. Thisreport suggested that such agreements, whether entered into beforeor after marriage (commonly referred to as pre or post nuptialagreements), should generally be upheld provided they are drawn upin accordance with specific requirements.

In practice, whilst those recommendations have not yet beenenshrined in law (the proposals still to be debated in Parliament), thecourts have become much more willing to take such properlyprepared agreements into account and uphold the terms withoutsignificant variation where appropriate.

Do I need a prenup? Entering a QNA in accordance with the LawCommission’s recommendations is not a decision to be taken lightly.Pre-planning is vital and you should each take independent legaladvice at the earliest opportunity as the agreement may takeconsiderable time to perfect. There must also be a detailed process offinancial disclosure which requires openness and honesty on all sides.Therefore, QNAs will not be appropriate for all couples as the time

POST-VALENTINE PLANNING

and expense of drawing up such an agreement may outweigh anybenefit to be gained.

What to think aboutbeforehand: As ageneral rule, youmust considerwhether thedisparity in therespectivewealth of eachparty is suchthat it warrantsthe additionallayer of protectionoffered by a QNA.Factors such as havingchildren or movingabroad should also beconsidered as many courts (whether here or abroad) will still retain awide discretion when it comes to making financial provision forchildren and so, failure to pre-empt these future events may renderthe QNA unenforceable.Sherwood SolicitorsThe Little Globe, 153 Edward Street, Brighton, BN2 0JGwww.sherwood-solicitors.co.uk, 01273 [email protected]

Sherwood Solicitors discuss the basics ofPrenuptial agreements

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Henry Normal was oncedescribed by TheTelegraph as “The

funniest man you've never heardof”. While this may be true, youwill be familiar with the vastarray of comedic gems he isresponsible for. Our televisionscreens would have been a lotless funny without Gavin andStacey, The Mighty Boosh,Moone Boy, The Royle Family,Mrs Merton and anything SteveCoogan related (with theexception of Alan Partridge). Healso wrote and produced theOscar nominated, incandescentfilm Philomena.

This Valentine’s Day Henry willbe reading his own poetry atLatest Bar in: The Joy of Frogs –“A poetic celebration of love,romance and other unrealisticexpectations”. The event is afund-raising benefit for Amaze, acharity that provide information,advise and support to parentsand carers of children and youngpeople with special educationalneeds and disabilities. Thecharity is close to his heart as heand wife screenwriter, AngelaPell, have an autistic son,Johnny, who is now 15. Thefamily reside happily in Brighton.

How did you come up with thename – The Joy Of Frogs?The Joy Of Frogs is the title of apoem I wrote 20 years ago. It’s aplay on the idea of the twoaspects of love being ‘the joy ofsex’ and ‘the fairytale nature ofkissing frogs to find your truelove’. My Son Johnny drew thefrog for the poster so it seemed afun idea for the Amaze Benefit.

Can you give an example of thekind of poetry we can expect tohear on the night? The Joy Of FrogsFrogs need kisses like anyone elseNot all of them want to becomehandsome PrincesSome prefer a more pond-basedlifestyleWhat if you turn into a handsomePrince and the Princess reallyPrefers frogs?What if you're not that handsomea Prince?Maybe you're more handsome afrog?

Let's face it, chances areIf you can get kissed fairlyregularly by a PrincessAnd remain a frogYou've got it madeIf she gives you tonguesThen go for it

The event will be a poeticcelebration of romanticlove. I’ve researched StValentine, Cupid,Chicago massacresand all thingstraditionallyromantic. As I amnow happilymarried and haveno reason to lie orperpetuate anymyths I canexplore thissubject with ahealthy criticaleye. There willbe plenty ofupbeat lovepoetry andsome livemusic toget us all in themood. Cynics are welcomeand encouraged.

I read that writing poetry isyour first love – is this true? Andif so why?I’ve been lucky to make a livingworking in TV comedy but poetryis definitely my first and one truelove (apart from my wife andchild of course). It allows a personto communicate their perceptionof the world to others efficiently

without compromising truth. Truth is the basis of both poetry

and comedy. Which is true andpoetic but

unfortunately notcomic. Don’t worry if you are notclassically educated on poetry,you’ll be in good company. I usedto think Bathos and Pathos weretwo of the three Musketeers.

How long have you been apatron for Amaze?My wife Angela, myself and myson Johnny have been connected

to Amaze since he wasdiagnosed as autistic 14 yearsago. They do a great job workingwith families that have specialneeds. Angela and I have beenpatrons for several years now

and have helpedestablish The Big

Cheer comedy gig asan annual event. I’d

like to see if we coulddo a similar job with

making poetry a greatnight out.

How have amazesupported you as a

family?It was difficult at first

understanding how we copewith the challenges of autism

and Amaze were invaluable inputting us in touch with local

people and services. At timeslike those you really needfriendly advice from people whoare informed. It makes a bigdifference.

The obstacles seem daunting.Then when we needed tounderstand the schoolingoptions available Amaze helpedus negotiate the system.

How will you be celebratingValentine’s evening after theevent?Angela will be coming to theevent. I’m hoping myperformance so moves her that Ican warm my feet on her backwhen we snuggle into bed. Nowthat is true love.Interviewed by Sam Harman

HENRY NORMALINTERVIEW

015_LS765_Henry Normal_Layout 1 05/02/2016 16:22 Page 1

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Alexis Dove Jewellery, The Needlemakers,

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Awhile back I was looking at the shocking suggestion made byprivate schools’ Head Teachers to scrap GCSEs and replacethem with, well nothing, leaving all exams until pupils are 18.

Very few other countries have anything like the GCSE and yet GCSEs arevery expensive to implement. We are led to believe that pupils only wantto learn if there is an exam or grade at the end of it. From the evidence wehave gathered so far; this is far from the truth.

We now teach STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)on the KS3 curriculum. It is a project-based approach and the onlyassessmentthat takesplace is peerassessmentwhen thepupils have topresent theirwork to theirclassmates.We havedemonstratedthat childrenare verymotivated tolearn whenthey are allowed the freedom to develop a project their way.

Not once has any pupil asked the STEM teachers for a grade; yetthey allcompleted thetasks set.Furthermore,pupils (evenchallengingones!) ask if theycan take thework home with them. The answer is always yes but we nevermention the homework word! Here are some comments from thestudents: “I think STEM lessons are great. They open up the studentimagination. I love STEM lessons. They can get us used toentrepreneurial attributes.”

“The team worked well as a team and we were able to create amasterpiece with a brilliant teacher.”

“The project was a lot better than I thought as not only was it funbut it was interesting.”

A comment from a parent: “when my son has STEM he always sayshe feels like a proper scientist!”

Implementing the STEM strategy is not for the fainthearted and hasinvolved some risk taking and creativity. We are after all kicking backagainst the traditional Victorian model of education and areintroducing 21st century elements into the classroom. However, thesuccess of the STEM centre is not solely down to me but thanks to awhole host of fantastic people whom I have met along the way. Thelist is a long one but to name a few: STEMSussex, Aj from STEMNet,Phil Avery from Bohunt Academy, Scott Atkins from Midhurst RotherAcademy, East Sussex Astronomy Society, Gill Collinson NationalSTEM Centre, Ricardo Engineering, Dr Howland and Dr Baskill fromUniversity Sussex, the science technicians and the wonderfulscience/maths teachers at PACA who deliver the STEM curriculum. Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) is a college offeringsixth form, 11-16 years, youth centre, adult learning, communityeducation, sports centre and pre-school. Find out more atwww.paca.uk.com

Memories. Emotions. People. I’m not sure I could betterthat as the perfect triumvirate to inspire a powerful bodyof art. And coming up are two brilliant exhibitions by

local artists underpinned by just these themes.At Naked Eye Gallery in Farm Mews, Hove, be awestruck by latest

drawings by Ian Hodgson – an artist whose work engages withidentity and placeexploring thetransformative process ofjourney filtered throughmemory. The depiction oflight in space and onsurface plays with thedivisions between thephysical and psychological, the solid and the ethereal. Heads andbodies represent internal conflict and resolution regarding his placein the world, andlook out for therecurringfingerprint motif,which Ian uses tosignify the self.

Workingprimarily ingraphite on paper,Ian finds thatrestricting hismaterial choiceallows him to fullyexplore theproperties of this medium. Applyingsandpaper and embossing tools towork on the paper adds further layersof texture and mark-making. Hisdrawing process often leads to re-drawing objects, figures and spaces,and this repetition has inspired thetitle of the show – ‘Refrain’ – wherecertain passages and phrases arereplayed in order to underlinemeaning. From 12 to 28 Feb.

Out of town: For the past threemonths Mary Beaney hasworked tirelessly producing anew collection for her first soloshow at Eastbourne’s LilyClifford Gallery. Entitled‘Emotions’, the works dig deepinto her past and use membersof her family as the startingpoint to depict a state offeeling. Mary’s work is full oftexture, in mixed mediacomprising everything fromacrylic paint, polyfilla, glue,tissue paper, bleach, ink, salt, sand, tea and coffee... to gold and silverleaf, which expresses the richness and passion she feels. The galleryspace is well worth a visit, housing cutting-edge artworks andpromising a warm, friendly welcome. From 15 Feb to 6 March.www.artymagazines.comTwitter @brightonsarty

“We are led tobelieve that

pupils only want tolearn if there is agrade at the end

SCIENCEUNLOCKING POTENTIALDr Caroline Oprandi keeping you up to

date with science & technology at PACA

BRIGHTON’SARTY ALISON KROGEMOTIONAL CHARGE

“Heads andbodies

representinternal conflictand resolution

Ian Hodgson

Ian Hodgson

Mary Beaney

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When I get the call from my boss at the radio station, I knowit’s unlikely to be an offer of a pay rise or an interview withRihanna. The chances are, I’ve done something wrong or

I’m going to be asked to do something that I don’t want to do. Call mepessimistic but I’m nearly always right on this one. And so it provedyesterday, when I was out filming with my other work, Latest TV and I gotTHE CALL from my boss. I knew Rihanna was on the verge of releasing anew single but I also knew that she’d probably want to chat with‘Grimmy’, rather than me. Fair enough Grimmy, she’s yours. Have youinterviewed Dr. Karl Kennedy from Neighbours? You can only dream boy.

Anyway, back to the callfrom my boss. It wasn’t somuch bad news, morecatastrophic. It was onlyTuesday and this call hadpretty much written off therest of my week and probablyscrewed up my weekend too.And it was the six words that Idreaded most: “Can you cover Breakfast this week?”. Which translatedmeans, “would you like to get up at3.30am every morning thisweek?”. How can youreply to thatsensibly? “Yes,please. I wasplanning onhaving threehours sleep anightanyway, sowe may aswell throw ina radio showin to the mix.”

Being theconsummateprofessional, I keptthese thoughts tomyself and gave him thisclassic delayed response, “can I getback to you after I’ve finished filming?”. Which translated means, “I’ve gotan hour to make an excuse up and get out of this”. The hour passed. Icouldn’t really think of anything to do, apart from walking in to the sea.And that felt a little drastic. And very choppy, this time of year. I bit thebullet, rearranged all my school runs, meetings, etc. and gave him theanswer he was looking for. Through gritted teeth.

Now this may sound very ungrateful. Don’t get me wrong, I’m fullyaware that I am doing my dream job and I feel lucky to still be doing itafter ten years. But getting up at 3.30am? Seriously? I remember the daysof getting in at that time. Something I can occasionally still do when I’mon Drive. Who are these people listening to the radio at this time?Vampires? I quickly realised the negativity was creeping in and I had tocut that out, to get in the zone to actually entertain these creatures of thenight.

Luckily, I have a fantastic co-host (the lovely Hana Neter) and shebrought me grapes (I’m such a diva) and she made everything alright.And actually, despite the extreme lack of sleep, I’m never happier thanwhen I am on the radio (apart from hanging out with my family, if my wifeis reading this). Yes, I feel jet-lagged and I’m not really sure what I’mdoing. But it’s still the radio. And I love it.

GUY THOUGHTSGUY LLOYD A dreaded call from the boss

“Would youlike to get

up at 3.30amevery morningthis week?

St Paul's Church hosts a unique concert this Sunday, whenyoung musicians from Brighton will perform to raise fundsfor a fascinating project. Brighton and Palestinian Artists

Together has invited children from the Edward Said NationalConservatory of Music to play in Brighton Fringe, in a concert at StMichael and All Angels Church on the 4th June 2016. Four of the youngmusicians are students at the Gaza Music School and three of themare students at ESNCM branches in the West Bank.

This Sunday however will see young musicians aged from 11 to 19perform a wildly eclectic range of music to raise funds for the Juneconcert. Bach's Double Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C Minor is firston the bill, and we'll then have the starker, stranger violin solo sonata(by Bartók) followed by a Chopin Nocturne. A new piece from localcomposer Guy Richardson called 'Houryia' (Freedom) will bepremiered and there will also be some Mendelssohn, Jean-BaptisteBarrière and a Beethoven piano trio. The programme thereforestraddles at least five centuries by my count, so there really issomething foreveryone to enjoy.

Three of theperformers arethrough to theString category finals of this year’s BBC Young Musician Competition:Louisa Staples (violin), Joe Pritchard (cello) and Sheku Kanneh-Mason(piano). The smorgasbord of talent will also include musicians fromBrighton Youth Orchestra String Ensemble, Royal Academy of Music,Yehudi Menuhin School and Purcell School of Music.

I've attended several youth performances before and the standardis always astonishing. This performance will be all-the-moreimpressive since Brighton violinist 16 year old Ayla Sahin and herfriends are not only performing, but have arranged this concert too.

The three boys pictured above are also 16 years old, and playganoon, oud and guitar whereas 12 year old Najlaa has anextraordinary singing voice. These are the children who the organisershope to bring to the Fringe. That’s for the June concert mind you, notthe one this Sunday, keep up!

All the money raised this Sunday will go directly to paying for theflights and visa costs for the young Palestinian musicians. The concertis superb value and promises to be a fun, exciting evening.Valentine’s Day Concert, St Paul’s Church, 14 February, 6pm Tickets on the door £10 or £7 concessions. Children under 16 free.For information or advance reservations, text or telephone Tracey Felshamon 07909 244198.

“The programmestraddles at

least five centuries

ENTERTAINMENTJOE FULLER Valentine's Day concert for Gaza Music

School students

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In an age when being gay is pretty well accepted and our TV screensare filled with openly homosexual men and women it is hard toimagine that once upon a time such things were taboo. Actors like

Frankie Howard and Kenneth Williams suffered massively from theoppressive forces of homophobia as did so many others. Then alongcame Larry Grayson with his undeniably camp act littered with fictitiouscomedic friends. Amazingly Grayson managed to pull it off, on TV at leastand the country took him to heart when he took over as the host of TheGeneration Game.

Now Slack-Alice and Everard, his two most famous creations, areonce more brought to life in this behind the scenes peek at TVpresenter Larry Grayson. Said to be ‘waiting for the right woman tocome along’ in a time when presenters could not be openly gay, theGeneration Game host’s personal life has had a muted publicattention. Three Days and Three Minutes with Larry takes theaudience backstage at his last performance in 1994 at the RoyalVariety Show, when the camp comedian befriended a spiritual healerto help him get his three minute act together. The team behind Cissieand Ada: An Hysterical Rectomy have been researching the Graysonfamily archives to bring audiences closer to the beloved GenerationGame host and relive some of his best loved material and characters.

Three Days… will star Ian Parkin as Larry. Ian is one of the foundingmembers of 4 Poofs and a Piano, made famous by their long career onFriday Night With Jonathan Ross. With 4 Poofs, Ian also tourednationally from sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, sixyears in a row at Glastonbury Festival and supporting Joan Collins onher one woman show. Solo, Ian has appeared in the West End in CallMe Madam with the late Noele Gordon, Seven Brides for SevenBrothers and Peter Pan the Musical with Lulu and George Cole. Likethe character he plays, he has also appeared in the Royal VarietyShow.

Lee Peart will play his spiritualist friend Mark. Lee is a Manchester-based comedian, presenter and actor. He has hosted ManchesterPride’s Big Weekend main stage for the past three years, andperformed as a warm up act for TV shows such as Loose Women andThe Jeremy Kyle Show.

Larry Grayson first appeared on our TV screens in the 1950s, whichled to complaints that his act was too outrageous. He returned in the1970s with Shut That Door! and The Larry Grayson Show, but his

popularity was at its highest when he replaced Bruce Forsyth as thehost of The Generation Game, where he stayed for four years. His lastTV appearance was on 3rd December 1994 at the Royal VarietyPerformance; he suffered from a perforated appendix later in themonth, and died in January 1995.

Writer Chris Mellor said “I first met a spiritual friend of Larry's, whotold me about the way Larry made his big life decisions like giving upthe Generation Game after consulting a Medium. After researching hisarchive I soon found that Larry's creative work was heavily influencedby those psychics who enjoyed his company. The play is a fun way ofexploring the comedian's spiritual journey, and of course his hiddencamp.”

The Campiest Workshop in Town.For followers of Camp and Comedy there promises to be one of theCampiest workshops in Eastbourne for some time, when locals willbe given a chance to do their best Larry Grayson impersonation. ALondon Theatre Producer will launch his new script on the Gay oldergroup – the Eastbourne Rainbow.

The project to engage older gay people in theatre has beenlaunched by the Royal Hippodrome Theatre working with Cutting theStrings Theatre Company.

The Workshop takes place on Wednesday 24 February at 2pm atthe Venton Centre on Junction Rd Eastbourne and involves groupmembers playing out the role of comedian and Generation Gamehost Larry Grayson. The members will be using the newly writtenscript from the play ‘Three Days and Three Minutes with Larry’ whichwill be showing at the Hippodrome during Easter week.

Darren Weir, Community Engagement Director of the RHT says,"Weare working with Age Concern and the Rainbow group to devise newways to help older people keep active and creative. Supported by theArts Council the project will use the group to help shape and developthe new script for the show, which looks at the last performance byLarry at the Royal Variety show in 1994.The show Three Days and Three Minutes with Larry will be at RHT onMarch 24-26th at 7.30 pm with a Saturday Matinee at 3 pm. Ticketsfrom 01323 80 20 20

SHUT THAT DOORThe life of Larry Grayson is celebrated at Eastbourne’s Royalhippodrome Theatre

STAGE ANDREW KAY

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Imoved down here in May2014,” says Steve. “I was livingin the woods in Fife. I don't

know if you have ever lived onyour own in the woods in Fife... it’sgreat for a bit, but then it gets a bitlong. I had enough. As the albumtitle says, I wanted to meet thehumans, re-introduce myself intopolite society,” he laughs.

Indeed he has. The new album‘Meet The Humans’ is once againbeing released on the highlyregarded Dominolabel, home to ArcticMonkeys, Villagers,Robert Wyatt, AnnaCalvi, Hot Chip et al.While his previousalbum, ‘Monkey Mindsin The Devil's Time’was a more overtlypolitical and angryaffair, ‘Meet TheHumans’ sounds morelike a sigh of relief,with Mason in a better

frame of mind than for manyyears. “It’s things that peoplewho live in towns and cities takefor granted, things I haven'texperienced for a long time;walking to a pub, or walking to arecord shop, or walking to see amate. Little things like that. Forme, it's a bit like coming out ofjail, you take the time to do thesimple things again... I’m reallyenjoying having a social life.Brighton has been a very

welcoming place, very relaxed.There's a lot of people doing ****all here, but there's a lot ofpeople doing some great stuff. Alot of interesting characters, andI like that. I certainly feel a hell ofa lot more positive than I havedone for many many years. Ienjoy being able to say I feelhappy.”

As well as the album, and adate at Concorde 2 this month,you can see him DJ at Cooper's

Cask in Hove, one amonth. “I have a guestevery month, playrecords and have a goodtime! It's whatever thehell you feel like playingat any given time. AtCooper's, from midnightto one is the mad hour,when everyone goesmental. Dancing,screaming...”Concorde 2, Thurs 11 Feb,7.30pm, £16

It’s great when someone a bit‘different’ rolls into town afteran absence of a few years

filled with promise andexpectation. When it’s a showthat’s only played to half a dozencities before arriving here so theshow is fresh and unknown,intriguing and exciting. It’s reallygreat when it arrives from aChortle award-winner and Fostersaward-nominated comedianknown for the absurd and refusingto give too much away ahead oftime. Let’s raise a glass to TonyLaw, arriving at The Old Market onWednesday.

The Edinburgh Fringe in Augustis great at showcasing andpolishing shows from top of thebill and fresh to the circuitcomedians alike. It does meanthat the rest of the country canmiss out on that frisson ofexcitement a comic has abouttheir brand new baby of a show,as it makes its first few outingsafter having been previewed intoone shape and then another until

it’s the perfect form. Tony’s Law’s ‘Frillemorphis’

made its debut at the tail end oflast month in Aldershot, and withpromises of getting back to hisshouty roots, including powerfulideas, air hugs and generalhysterical chaos, this is the bestkind of show to see while itscreator is still enamoured with it.

It may still feel like thebeginning of the year, but it won’tbe long before works-in-progresswill start turning up fromrespected names in comedy.Wednesday night over at the

Ropetackle will see Ross Noble’ssold out warm up show for hisnext big tour. Next Tuesday pairsSean McLoughlan’s new show‘Kamikaze’ with Phil Jerrod’s triedand tested show that stormed lastyear – ‘Hypocrite’ – over at theCaroline Of Brunswick. There’splenty to keep your eye out for interms of previews, and the Springmonths and Brighton Fringe’s Maywill be peppered with them.

So check out the websites andjump on those tickets online foryour favourite comedians as theywork through their interestingideas. Just check Komedia,Caroline Of Brunswick,Otherplace, The Old Market andthe Brighton Fringe. And keepyour purchasing finger primed.Tony Law: Frillemorphis, The OldMarket, Wednesday 10 February,8pm, £14/11, theoldmarket.comPhil Jerrod & Sean McLoughlan, `16 February, 7.45pm, £4,carolineofbrunswick.co.uk

MUSICJEFF HEMMINGS

LATESTMUSICCHART

COMEDYVICTORIA NANGLE

Another week and anothergreat music chart for you!Listen online to get yourfavourite to the top and tosubmit your own tracks.

TOP20

Latest BrightonDownload Chart

1 The Black Fields The Fighter

2 Gudjohr Hey Gurl

3 The Fooley Mantras The Truth

4 MIGHT Fate

5 Asher Fynn Love is aDependency

6 John Maher Over the line

7 Sweet Jonny Carpe Diem

8 Tony Blair Witch ProjektLet’s Have Some GoodTimes

9 SuicideDefects With A TitleLike This You’d Think ThisWas A Song By Fall Out Boy

10 The Speak Diggin a hole

11 Nick Conroy Forever

12 Left Hand Red Rope Burn

13 The Popguns BN3

14 The Last Cry Rebekka

15 Freudstein Sister Sleaze

16 Swarf Parlour Tricks

17 Moonlighter Every Time I Fall

18 Slipp Electro ft Osaro It’s Lifting Me (Remix)

19 Digitalis No Control

20 Surrender Monkeys EWith Friends Like These?

TO LISTEN TO TRACKS &TO SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC& VIDEOS GO TOwww.thelatest.co.uk/music-chart

Tony Law brings his own brand of fresh surreal joy to Brighton

Steve Mason – Former Beta Band man is now Brighton-based, as he

tells Jeff Hemmings

020_LS765_comedy/music/chart_Layout 1 05/02/2016 11:03 Page 1


You'll never guess who I bumped into the other day. Which iswhy I'm going to tell you. It was Brett Anderson, lead singer ofSuede.

How cool is that, eh? I love Suede. I realise they're all about 107 yearsold now, but what the hell, so am I. And besides, their latest album, ‘NightThoughts’, is genuinely fantastic.

I say "bumped into". What I actually did was spot him through a pane ofglass. I was up in London, at the BBC's New Broadcasting House – ooh, getme – waiting to pop into the studio to do the TV review for 5Live'sAfternoon Edition thing, when I realised the guy already in there lookedfamiliar.

"Hey, that's BrettAnderson fromSuede!" I exclaimedto Emma from theTV Times, who wasthere to do theprogramme withme. "When hecomes out, do youreckon I should askhim for a selfie?"Emma clearlyhadn't a clue whoBrett Anderson was("Suede? Should Iknow any of theirsongs...?" she'd later ask me), but clearly didn't want to burst my bubble,which was awfully sweet of her. "Yeah, go on, Mike," she replied. "You'llonly regret it if you don't..." So I took out my iPhone and excitedlyanticipated the big moment.

As we waited for Brett's interview to finish, however, the doubts beganto creep in. Why? Well, for one thing, I'd never actually asked anyonefamous to pose with me for a selfie before. Was there a certain etiquette I'dneed to observe? Also, perhaps even more significant, I remembered that Ihate the whole idea of selfies. I also hate the actual expression "selfie",come to that.

As for asking a famousperson to actually posefor one, wasn't that acommonly recognisedsign that you're an uttertwonk? I believe so. Oh,he'd have politely agreed,I don't doubt that. And I dare say he'd have pulled an appropriatelyenthusiastic face. Brett is from Sussex, after all, so he'll have been brungup dead proper.

But I fear his expression would have been concealing a rather differentthought. Such as: "Is this what my life has come to? Being forced to posefor pics with random speccy middle-aged fatsos?"

So eventually I abandoned the idea. When Brett Anderson of Suedestepped out of the studio, I simply let him walk straight past me. Way moredignified, right? The quiet respect this would earn me, I'd decided, meanta thousand times more than some daft, self-indulgent photo.

"Wow!" he probably thought to himself when he got to the lift. "Thatrandom speccy middle-aged fatso just completely ignored me. What arude git."Mike Ward is the TV Critic of the Daily Star and the TV Editor of the DailyExpress Saturday magazine. Hear him every Monday afternoon with GuyLloyd on Brighton’s Juice 107.2Twitter: @mikewardontv

“The quietrespect this

would earn memeant more thansome daft photo

MIKE WARDAT LARGE

REVIEWS

SELFLESS DISDAINFOR SELFIES

DynamoBrighton Centre, 27 January 2016, ★★★★★

It takes real talent to make a venue as large as the Brighton Centrefeel intimate but this talented young magician did just that. Hiscleverly scripted show brings a gentle and, dare I say it, ordinarycharm to the world of magic. No showbiz razzamatazz or glitter forhim, just a very matter of fact story about his childhood, the bullyingand his grandparents giving him the means to carve a career as amagician.

And what a magician, his tricks and illusions are captivating, themanual dexterity is awesome and the mind play is more thanfascinating – it’s unbelievable. The show may be called Seeing IsBelieving, but for the most part seeing is simply mystifying, how doeshe do it? That of course is the key to a great magic show, not workingout how it is done, leaving drowned in a sense of mystery and ofcourse disbelief. Dynamo is charmingly ordinary which makes whathe does seem even more extraordinary. That’s not to say the show isordinary, far from it. It may not come with sequins and leggy dancersbut it does come with very high production values, slick lighting andanimation and wonderful film footage of his Nanna! From intimate TVto arena spectacle, Dynamo is the exciting face of modern magic.Andrew Kay

13th Annual Poets Vs MCsConcorde 2, 28 January 2016 ★★★★★

This was a staggering feat of the meeting of communities, billed as abattle and born from a heckle, the event was an inclusive embracethat was inspiring and warming. Presented in three parts, the firstsection introduced us to some of the players, MCs and poets withsome good-natured side-swipes at the opposition as well as musingson everything from death and cynicism to the joy of seals, as well assome slamming rhymes in Spanish, succinctly done and enjoyablyperformed.

The middle section served as an open mic for MCs, but was also abrilliant showcase for MC-in-chief Heinz’s school-liaison work giving avoice to the next generation of MCs in this impressive setting.

The actual battle was in the final part, which suffered a little fromtiming issues and a few personal non-rhyming/poetic shots, but oncethey were away showed exactly why this joyfully vocal confrontationhas continued to grow each year. Wit, banter, smart beatbox andglorious performance were all in evidence as events played out. Whoactually won wasn’t entirely clear, or entirely important. Stereotypeswere challenged, minds met and it was a great night. Boom.Victoria Nangle

STRUCK

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