Community Post Type: News

Liverpool-Irish, openly queer, and non-binary rapper M!key Garland becomes double Semi-Finalist in prestigious UK Songwriting Contest.

M!key Garland released their Arts Council England funded debut rap album Who’s Afraid of M!key Garland? in July of this year. The album explores Garland’s experience of homelessness in the early 2010s, and tackles themes of poverty, addiction, and mental health. The Liverpool-based rapper submitted 10 of the album’s 12 tracks into the first and second rounds of the UK Songwriting Contest to enormous success. All 10 songs ranked highly in the competition with commendation and praise, and two songs, Daydream, and The M.M. Effect (Crown of Thorns) have reached the Semi-Finals. Garland hopes that more songs may reach the Semi-Finals in the third and final round of entries.

Garland has been involved in the performing arts for over 15 years, but like many working-class artists struggled to find opportunities. “Most artists with my background simply don’t have the money to fund their own creative work,” says Garland, “I would never have been able to fund this project on my own, I’m truly grateful to Arts Council England, National Lottery Grants, and to ArtsGroupie CIC [record label] for giving me this opportunity”.

Commenting on their success in the competition Garland adds “Throughout this whole project I thought to myself “Am I deluded? Am I like one of those people who auditions for talents shows but is diabolically bad?” I can’t tell you what it means to be told by industry professionals that I really do have talent and can write songs to a high standard. Especially having been homeless only 9 years ago, I never thought this would happen for me. I’m over the moon.”

Many UKSC Winners, Finalist, and Semi-Finalist go on to find success in the music industry. More info on the competition can be found here.

Who’s Afraid of M!key Garland? is available for streaming and download via most major online music retailers (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL, etc.) https://ampl.ink/Ml5YM

The Bluecoat will be exhibiting three important solo shows focussing on Black identity from Friday 15 October 2021 until 23 January 2022.

A Look Inside, by US based artist Deborah Roberts (Austin, Texas 1962) critiques notions of beauty, the body, race and identity in contemporary society through the lens of Black children in the USA, combining collage with mixed media.

Practice Makes Perfect, by Rosa-Johan Uddoh (1993, Croydon), focuses on the timely subject of childhood education in Britain. The exhibition includes a major new work by Uddoh – a large-scale collage – which investigates the historical figure of Balthazar.

Sumuyya Khader’s Always Black Never Blue reflects on contemporary life in Liverpool and explores people and place through illustration, drawing, print and painting. Khader’s portraits focus on Black subjects and talk to Black lived experience and identity.

For more information on the three exhibitions, see their website here.

After months of being stuck at home, this year’s Homotopia Festival theme is Coming Out.

The theme Coming Out is a call to arms for a queer community to tell their own stories and control their own narrative, as well as a show of support for artists and cultural venues after months of lockdown.

Their programme celebrates LGBTQIA culture and Queer joy, through theatre, performance, spoken word, film, music and more with some of the biggest names the LGBTQIA community has to offer including performances from drag monstrosity Baby Lame, the comedy stylings of Rosie Jones headlining ‘Queer as in funny’ and David Hoyle hosts a one-of-a-kind evening of performing and provocation curated specially for Homotopia Festival 2021 and many more acts!

The Festival also has a digital offer for those who aren’t yet ready to Come Out. Including an on-demand series of LGBTQIA film shorts from around the globe, available to watch for the duration of the festival, Pearl Necklace, a Round the Horne inspired absurdist queer sketch audio production and much more!

The Liverpool based festival is held 28 October – 14 November, various venues.

For more details see here.

From World AIDS Day 1 December – 5 December 2021, 24 Kitchen Street in Liverpool will exhibit handmade panels from the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt.

This is the first time in UK History UK AIDS Memorial Quilt has been exhibited inside a nightclub. The Nobel Peace Prize nominated AIDS Quilt commemorates lives lost to the AIDS pandemic during the 1980s and 90s.

Traditionally nightclubs were, and still are, a space where most Queer people feel safe enough to exist authentically.

This exhibit is part of a wider programme of work to be released mid-September – full information will be released then.

Serena Cavanagh, Health Promotion Lead, Sahir House, said: ‘We are very excited to be working with 24 Kitchen Street to continue our work to reduce the stigma that still surrounds HIV and HIV testing.  The quilts enable us to reflect on our history but also look forward to our goal of ending new transmissions by 2030. 

Our HIV positive guest speakers who will be attending some of the events really bring HIV to life and help dispel the myths that still surround the virus.’ 

Josiah Worth, Partnership Development Coordinator at 24 Kitchen Street, said: ‘This project was born from the rage and love of our Queer community’s unwavering resilience. Connecting with this priceless historical relic in a space created for us and by us, is reinforcing how Queer people can affect real change worldwide on a historic scale.’

Jonas Roberts, Production & Development Manager at 24 Kitchen Street, said: ‘Club culture has become too disjointed from its Queer roots. It’s time for us to acknowledge and pay homage to Queer history.’

St Helens Theatre Royal has unveiled its full Autumn season of shows, revealing a packed programme of great events running between now until Christmas.

The theatre has now reopened its doors to audiences, and there’s non-stop entertainment promised across the next four months.

Music, drama, comedy and family fun combine to make it an Autumn feast of live performances with something to tickle everyone’s tastebuds.

Shows include major household names, iconic music stars, some of the world’s top tribute acts, as well as two showstopping pantomimes from St Helens Theatre Royal’s Regal Entertainments team.

Since reopening, St Helens’ audiences have already enjoyed live shows including Treasure Island starring EastEnders’ actor Todd Carty, hilarious Geordie Sarah Millican with her new Bobby Dazzler live stand-up show, and the fabulous We Love Little Mix tribute show.

St Helens Theatre Royal has been granted the use of the Society Of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s ‘See It Safely’ mark. This certifies that the venue is complying with Government and industry Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of staff, performers, and audiences.

Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan commented: “I’m absolutely delighted that after all the challenges of the past 18 months we’re once again able to offer a full season of fabulous entertainment for St Helens’ audiences. We’re also pleased to be able to welcome back old friends on stage, as well as presenting lots of shows and talented artists for the first time. 

“We couldn’t open a new season without a St Helens Theatre Royal panto – or two! In October we have the return of the great cast who performed Jack And The Beanstalk so brilliantly online at Easter – and now audiences can see it in real life. And looking ahead to Christmas, we present the magical tale of Goldilocks And The Three Bears. 

 “We’ve worked hard to make sure the theatre is a Covid-secure space, so everyone can be assured of a warm welcome and a safe visit.” 

St Helens Theatre Royal’s Autumn season brochure can be viewed here.

The season continues next week with Here Come The Girls on Thursday 9 September, promising no fewer than 11 great tribute acts in one incredible evening. Celebrate the music of icons like Blondie, Madonna, Cher, Adele and Lady Gaga plus the irresistible pop of Bananarama.

All Above Board arrives on Tuesday 14 September. This new farce penned by actor Nigel Planer (The Young Ones, Blackadder, Death in Paradise) centres on an unlikely bunch of modern day do-gooders and is a riot of mistaken identities and disastrous decisions.

The writers of Hormonal Housewives bring a new show to the stage in September with new musical comedy Girls Just Wanna Have Fun on Friday 17 September. Packed with favourite night out anthems, the show also has an unmissable cast including Maureen Nolan, Niki Evans, Stephanie Dooley, and Olivier Award winner Leanne Jones.

One of the great screen legends is recalled in The Doris Day Story Que Sera Sera on Thursday 23 September. The show comes from the producer and director of the award-winning Eva Cassidy Story, and features impeccable vocals, a live swing band and video projection.

Bye Bye Baby is a tribute to the hit musical Jersey Boys and the iconic hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Packed with roof-raising vocals, stylish choreography, and more than 30 timeless tunes, the show is on Friday 24 September. 

Another Frankie makes a date with St Helens Theatre Royal on Saturday 25 September – comedian Frankie Allen. Described as “the UK’s most feared comedian”, he’ll be joined by host Will Cranny with support from James Kilvington.

There’s a fab night of powerhouse vocals, precision harmonies, and iconic melodies on Sunday 26 September courtesy of The Upbeat Beatles. And if you’re not ready to twist and shout when you sit down, you’re guaranteed to be on your feet long before it’s time to get back to where you belong.

American R ‘n’ B legends and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Drifters appear on Wednesday 29 September, performing massive hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, Stand By Me, and Under the Boardwalk. 

Forbidden Nights on Thursday 30 September invites audiences to abandon their inhibitions and enjoy an evening in the company of talented acrobats, fire eaters, singers, aerial artists, and big top performers in one exhilarating sexy circus.

October gets off to an All Singing All Swinging start when singer, actor, and dazzling ice skater Liverpool-born entertainer Ray Quinn celebrates the incredible music of the Rat Pack. Enjoy an evening of iconic songs on Saturday 2 October made famous by legends including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.

Meanwhile the UK’s number one Ariana Grande tribute show returns to St Helens on Sunday 3 October. Crowd pleaser The Best of Ariana promises an evening of the superstar singer’s greatest hits for all the family to enjoy.

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Belinda Davids presents acclaimed stage show The Greatest Love of All on Wednesday 6 October, celebrating the late legendary Whitney Houston in a theatrical extravaganza complete with backing vocalists, a live band, and dancers.

There’s a chance to Thank Abba for the Music on Friday 8 October in a two-hour theatre spectacular that captures the essence of Sweden’s superstars, featuring their greatest hit songs – and those satin flares.

Four fabulous fairytale princesses become singing stars in Pop Princesses on Sunday 10 October. Expect a soundtrack of top pop hits from stars including Little Mix, Taylor Swift and Jojo Siwa. 

Hollywood icons, mother and daughter Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli take centre stage on Wednesday 13 October for the Judy & Liza Musical 10^th Anniversary Tour. West End stars Emma Dears and Helen Sheals deliver the duo’s best-known songs with uncanny resemblance.

Illegal Eagles, the world’s official number one tribute to the legendary rock band, land on Thursday 14 November.

While the following day, Rob Lambertini presents A Celebration of the Songs of George Michael on Friday 15 October. Rob started his career celebrating the man and the music when he emerged from the dry ice to appear as George Michael on smash-hit television show Stars In Their Eyes.

The Best Of Queen takes over the auditorium on Saturday 16 October with its Break Free Tour, packed with all those favourite Queen anthems and the showmanship you’d expect from a tribute to the UK’s greatest rock band.

Regal Entertainments presents Jack And The Beanstalk during the Autumn half-term break. The panto was a smash-hit online earlier this year and now there’s a chance to see Fleshcreep and company in the flash. Audiences are invited along between Tuesday 21 October and Sunday 31 October.

 Liverpool Legends revisits the Spirit Of Istanbul on Wednesday 3 November. This ultimate evening for fans of The Reds’ features a trio of stars – Luis Garcia, John Arne Riise, and Vladimir Smicer – who all played in the historic Champions League Final in Istanbul in 2005.

The red theme continues on Thursday 4 November with Come What May – The Ultimate Tribute To Moulin Rouge. The cast is headed by Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall, and also features a host of West End performers who will deliver all the best-known songs from the film along with favourites from The Greatest Showman and other musicals.

Expect a dancing spectacular with Strictly professionals and ballroom boys Ian Waite And Vincent Simone with Act Two. The dancers return on Friday 5 November after their successful 2019 tour.

Warm up the vocal cords and join in for Sing-A-Long The Greatest Showman on Sunday 14 November.

We Three Kings Of Rock ‘N’ Roll on Thursday 18 November sees West End artists Darren Page, Marc Robinson and Steve Halliday delivering their own superstar performances as Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, and Elvis Presley. 

 Enter a magical world of myths and legends with Dragons And Mythical Beasts on Monday 22 November and Tuesday 23 November. This fantastical new family show comes from the creators of Dinosaur World Live.

Clinton Baptiste Goes Stratospheric on Wednesday 24 November – join the comedian on his journey from Bolton to Vegas to the stars.

They won first prize in the National Tribute Music Awards, and now St Helens’ audiences have the chance to see Ultimate Coldplay for themselves on Thursday 25 November. The band are joined by DJ Wink.

St Helens’ finest Johnny Vegas pays a visit to St Helens Theatre Royal on Friday 26 November for a night of guaranteed fun and laughter with Johnny Vegas And Friends. Not to be missed.

Northern Live on Saturday 27 November celebrates the best music in the Northern Soul scene with an 11-piece band and four singers performing more than 30 original hits including Gloria Jones’ Tainted Love, Dobie Grey’s Out On The Floor, and Frank Wilson classic Do I Love You – Indeed I Do. 

Dig out the denim and crank up the volume on Wednesday 1 December for The Bon Jovi Experience.

The St Helens Christmas panto completes the Autumn season. Audiences are invited to join Goldilocks And The Three Bears in a big top adventure packed with family fun between Friday 10 December 2021 and Sunday 9 January 2022. Hollyoaks actor David Tag acts as the Ringmaster with an exciting cast of talented performers.

St Helens Theatre Royal has a range of Covid-secure measures in place. They include increased cleaning, hand sanitiser stations at points throughout the building, and a QR code phone app for audiences to order food and beverages to be delivered to them at their seats.

Customers are asked to continue to wear face coverings (unless exempt) as a courtesy to others, and are being encouraged to take a lateral flow test up to 48 hours before attending a show. People are asked not to visit the theatre if they have Covid symptoms. Meanwhile theatre staff are taking daily Covid tests.

Liverpool John Moores University are working alongside Johnsons and the FRC group to maximise reuse and minimise their impact on the environment through the donation and repurposing of furniture and office supplies from IM Marsh campus.

They have over 3000 items of furniture available for donation to any charities, schools and groups across the Liverpool City Region.

 

The dedicated online portal is now live, where charities and schools are invited to log on and browse the variety of furniture available. If you would like to browse the available furniture on our portal, LJMU Assets, or pass the link onto your connections mentioned, please follow this link– https://johnsons1871.com/ljmu-asset-portal/

 

As this project has been set up with the aim to maximise reuse and minimise waste, in order to get the items to you, they have partnered with Bulky Bobs For Business (FRC Group), who will be running free delivery for items. This will run every WED/THURS/FRI, until the end of September.