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SY On The Sly – NovembbbbrrrrrrrBbbbrrrrrr! November is here and it really is starting to get b-b-b-bloody cold. Top techniques for staying warm include hotty-botties, three pairs of socks, always having a flask of tea to hand or, better yet, exploring the busy streets of Bristol and basking in the warmth of one of the many cinemas, theatres, clubs, bars, pubs or galleries out there. This month the venues of Bristol are packed to bursting with fantastic events that will all help you keep you mind off your freezing fingers and a soaring heating bill. Read all about them in the pages of this month’s Sy On The Sly!

November 2010 sees the twenty-first issue of SY On The Sly, the sister publication of Suit Yourself Magazine – Bristol’s number one independent, quarterly magazine which investigates, uncovers and promotes everything that makes Bristol such a fun, vibrant and altogether amazing place to live!

Read away and don’t forget to check out the latest issue of Suit Yourself Magazine, our listings service and our constantly updated blog, all found at:www.suityourselfmagazine.co.ukwww.bristollistings.co.uk

Donate Now!Help save our sausages and keep Bristol’s No.1 independent magazine! Just go to www.suityourselfmagazine.co.uk and follow the links.

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Contents/3/ Novembbbbrrrrrrr9/ Auntie Harper42/ Horoscopes by Mystic Ginger

A Sly look back at October12/ The best of Gigs25/ The best of Art26/ The best of Stage

A Sly look forward at November36/ Recommended Gigs37/ Recommended Art38/ Recommended Club39/ Recommended Stage40/ Recommended Cinema

For those of you pretending to work, you can also read the magazine online atwww.suityourselfmagazine.co.ukwww.bristollistings.co.uk

Keep Your WheelsIs your favourite mode of transport a scooter, moped or motorbike? If so, keepyourwheels.com could make you £100 better off this time next year. How come?

Well, keepyourwheels.com is one of those rare websites which actually gives you money – no joke! Imagine receiving a lovely cheque and what you could spend that cash on.

How does it work? It’s so easy. Simply, register your name and details at keepyourwheels.com to become a member. After that there are five simple steps to getting your cash;

Step1: Prove your roadworthiness – i.e. post, email, or photo message your paperwork to prove your legal. £20 credit.

Step2: Complete all 12 monthly quizzes – don’t worry even we got these right! £20 credit.

Step3: Get extra training – by booking a free keepyourwheels.com ‘One to One’ ride-out or by completing an advanced riding course and/or full licence. £20 credit.

Step4: Show us your skills on the track – attend a free keepyourwheels.com ‘Go-Karting’ session held during the year. £20 credit.

Step 5: Keep a clean licence for a 12 month period. £20 credit.

Keep Your Wheels

Don’t worry if you intend to go on to learn to drive a car, you can still take part so long as you’re aged 16-24 and live in Bristol, Bath & NE Somerset, South Glos or North Somerset. Numbers are limited so sign-up quick.

auntie harperSY's Agony Aunt answers your questions?

1. Christmas is on the way and I hate the whole thing. Is there anyway

to avoid it altogether? Become a Jehova’s Witness. I don’t think they

celebrate Christmas do they? Spend the day reading the Watchtower and

eating pringles while the rest of us enjoy ourselves!

2. I’ve been texting this girl but she doesn’t seem to be all that

keen. How do I get her to go on a date with me? Aaaah gutted you ugly

bastard! She clearly isn’t intererested so get the fucking message and

stop being suck a stalker!

3. Harper! Any advice on surviving this freeeeeeezing weather? Wank

yourself stupid whenever you can. Not saying it’ll make you any warmer,

but it’ll certainly stop you from moaning and pestering me about it.

To put your queries to Auntie Harper’s sympathetic ear just email:

info@suityourselfmagazine.co.uk

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Check out Suit Yourself Magazine, the sister publication of SY On The Sly. Suit Yourself Magazine is a free, quarterly printed magazine that has been going strong for over four years and can be found in every shop, cafe, pub, club, restaurant, hairdresser, gallery and venue all over Bristol!

Suit Yourself Magazine is an independent publication, a voice for all those young at heart, those interested in music, fashion, adventure, the arts, their environment and everything in between. A magazine which investigates, uncovers and promoters everything that makes Bristol such a fun, vibrant, and altogether amazing place to live.

Pick it up on the streets of Bristol or read back issues at:www.suityourselfmagazine.co.uk

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A SLY look back at October/

Reviews of all the best gigs, art, clubs, stage

and cinema over the last month in Bristol

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Mumford And Sons/Wednesday 6th October 2010 @ Academy, BristolWith Support From: Matthew And The Atlas, Johnny Flynn And The Sussex Wit

Their UK and American tour sold out in the blink of an eye, they’re gracing the front covers of music magazines across the land, and their debut album, Sigh No More, is platinum sold across the planet. We haven’t seen fever like this for a new band since four lads from Sheffield bonded over arctic apes. Mumford And Sons are so hot right now!

The atmosphere inside the Academy tonight is understandably electric; people are packing in early to grab the best possible spots to watch their idols and to warm us in gently, everyone’s favourite undiscovered indie-folk prince, Matthew Hegarty is on with his band, the Atlas. His tender, drawn out and heartfelt vocals backed with subtle banjos, guitars and a sparkly silver accordion are a real treat to listen to; beautiful and slight. Matthew And The Atlas need to work on their stage presence and thus audience reaction is a little muted at first but as soon as they inject a little vigor into their set, the Academy is foot stamping and jigging along happily.

Stark trumpet announces the entrance of Johnny Flynn And The Sussex Wit onstage (the opening bars of the understated but fantastic Hong Kong Cemetery). This excellent folk 6-piece are touring in their own right in December and it is a fantastic scalp to have them here as the second support act. They are a little short of space onstage but having to stand on each other’s toes gives them an added playful charm as they weave through two album’s worth of stunning folk-pop material. I can only hope that touring with “the UK’s hottest band” will gain them some very much deserved wider recognition.

As the time for Mumford And Sons approaches, bodies surge forward and each square foot of Academy floor becomes a valuable commodity. Any notion of personal space soon becomes immaterial though as our four heroes calmly walk out onstage to a chorus of delirious screams. This band’s dedicated fans have their songs etched onto their memories and tongues, they know them back to front, inside out, and they waste no opportunity to sing along starting with gig and album opener, Sigh No More. There are more screams of recognition and excitement during the opening chords of every song played tonight and it is simply a testament to the talent and popularity of the band. Such a sudden rise to fame will eventually

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inevitably come with its share of knock-downs and cynicism but right now Mumford And Sons are riding the crest of the wave and it really is hard to hate four lads that are so insatiably charming, hideously talented and heartwarmingly humble - it’s also pretty fucking cool watching a guy swinging a double bass around his head in pure jubilation!

The exciting thing is that there is still so much to come from these guys. Tonight’s show sold out in hours on the back of one album and most promisingly, their new songs tonight sound just as good as their current material, if not better! That’s all for the future but tonight they end with hit single, The Cave, and its chorus echoes around everyone’s lips as we start the walk home.

www.mumfordandsons.com

Matt Whittle

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Marina And The Diamonds/Monday 25th October 2010 @ Anson Rooms, Bristol

It’s a pleasure these days in British music to see so many bright, new, original female voices coming out of our small nation. For every Katy Perry and Rihanna our friends across the pond throw at us, we have more than met their match with a Florence, a Lily, or even a Paloma. So perhaps it is even more of a testament that tonight’s headline act, Marina And The Diamonds, have still managed to sound original amongst our nation’s other female big hitters.

Marina’s show gives you all the 60s glitz and glam of a big show act. The opening and back projections are more akin to the opening of a James Bond movie than a pop concert! It instantly has me asking the question whether this will be Sean Connery (smooth and hard-hitting) or more Timothy Dalton (difficult to take seriously). The answer is in fact somewhere in between; a Roger Moore if you will. A fantastic presence trying not to take her self too seriously then, Marina scorches into her set showcasing that unique voice in a full frontal display of brilliance. If the Bond intro didn’t get everyone hooked, this certainly does. The album tracks build the crowd in a well tempered frenzy before, after a first costume change (I counted four in total), she hits us with big single, Robot, and gets behind the keys herself for sing-along, Obsessions, really sending the room jumping. The singles and big hits like Drinking Champagne continue like a techno explosion before she apologises for her voice sounding “croaky and manly”. If this is how she performs not at 100%, I’d love to see her at full-throttle!

If I had one criticism of tonight’s show it would be that perhaps in a slightly misguided attempt to bring additional showmanship, a lot of props were introduced (balloons, pom-poms, plastic hamburgers) that for me did nothing to enhance the performance but only cheapened the showbiz feel. But with new song, Jealousy, being a real highlight, it just goes to show that there is so much more to come from one of our nation’s best exports.

www.marinaandthediamonds.com

Adam HooperPhotos by Laura Palmer

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Groove Armada/Tuesday 12th October 2010 @ Academy, BristolWith Support From: Retro Grade

A sold out gig at the Bristol Academy is usually a pretty good sign you’re in for one heck of a night. But let’s face it, any gig where you see the words Groove Armada on the line-up instantly becomes a winner for most folks.

Support for the night came from electro DJs Retro Grade. The two DJs are stuck in a little booth in the middle of the stage with what can only be described as ‘Tron-esque’ graphics projected onto it. The music truly is retro with a very 80s video game feel to it but because it was a nonstop set with no standout songs or singles to speak of, it unfortunately just became very loud background noise for most. Shortly after, the booth was dismantled and short fuzzy bursts of classic Groove Armada tunes and movie quotes crackle across the venue to whoops and roars from the crowd. As the band started to play, their new vocalist known as Saint Saviour slinked onto the stage and instantly had the crowd where she wanted them. Looking like Karen O, she performed more like a cross between Siouxie Soux and Pans People at times (Youtube ‘em kids!).

Strangely, if it wasn’t for some of the older tracks from Groove Armada, it almost seems like they are a new band with Saint Saviour as the front woman. Although their sound is still very dance and electro driven, the latest album, Black Light, sees them take a more rock based turn. It shows in the set with new songs like the guitar fused, Look Me In The Eye Sister, fitting seamlessly with the old ones such as My Friend and Get Down (reworked for the live show by Superstylin singer Mike Daniel).

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The crowd at the venue loved every second of the set and knew every lyric. From students to couples, families to ageing ravers, the venue had such a gamut of punters the likes of which I hadn’t seen there in a long time. By the final song, which was always going to be the anthemic Superstylin, everyone was dancing with their hands in the air. It was quite a sight.

The star of the show was certainly Saint Saviour; with her light up costumes and interpretive dancing she had the audience under her spell. And although the tour was lacking some of the other guest vocalists from past albums, the two that were there gave everyone an amazing night!

www.groovearmada.com

Stu Freeman

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The Hit-Ups/Friday 15th October 2010 @ The Croft, BristolWith Support From: The Fuck Buddies

Celebrating the release of their new tunes, Unforgivable and 66sexy, The Hit-Ups are partying down at The Croft. Supporting are The Fuck Buddies.

If The Darkness were inspired by The Strokes or The Ramones, instead of Queen, this is what you’d get. But it’s fun and interactive. The band are setup on the dance floor, not the stage, with the audience semi-circled around them. You get a real sense of engagement with them.

The Hit-Ups have very much that skater punk shorts, shades and back-2-front baseball cap kind of sound. A strong bass driven sound with rap-rock vocals and strangled guitars. And the audience love ‘em. If you’re not prepared to enter the mosh and come away with a bloodied boot mark stomped across your torn t-shirt, then you’d better stand at the back toe-tapping away to the chaos and watching the stage invasion when the last tune goes off.

With both these bands, in different ways, the experience and interaction brings an extra electric charge to the music. All in all, a good time was had by all.

www.thehitups.com

Mike Clarke

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I Blame Coco/Wednesday 13th October 2010 @ Thekla, BristolWith Support From: Rodeo Massacre

Although the majority of people aren’t at Thekla at 7pm on a Wednesday night, I am happy to admit that I relished in this fact, as not only did Swedish and French band Rodeo Massacre surprise me hugely in terms of their quirky rock, but perhaps even more so when lead singer Izzy Lindqwister decided to come and dance “The Creepy Dance” amongst the crowd. Izzy’s undeniably unusual yet powerful voice along with the band’s use of instruments and determined attitude really highlighted their musical flair and I can only hope to hear more of them in the future.

We were then swiftly into headline act I Blame Coco and lead singer, Eliot Sumner (also known as ‘Coco’ and daughter of famous musician Sting), uplifted us further with her upbeat and notoriously inspiring lyrics. Having first started writing songs at the tender age of 15, she decided to leave her former reggae based sound and moved closer to something altogether more eerie and hard-hitting. Her music is reminiscent of Duran Duran with the unique fusion of personal lyrics and a dash of something more enticing; evocative to a band such as The Killers.

Anticipation was high as the crowd waited her imminent arrival and soon enough Coco breezed onto the stage, redolent of style icon Alexa Chung in a casual yet classy shirt, trousers and brogues. She started off performing Please Rewind to the now hugely intense crowd with its instantaneous electro-rock tempo and almost immediately we were all absorbed into their unique world. Her next and probably most famous song, Self Machine (only her second single), was embraced with even more whoops and yells from the crowd. We were certainly in for a good night!

It is safe to say that Coco’s vocals are extraordinary as well as individual. Along with her stylistic fashion and outstanding voice, I am sure that it won’t be long till new song, In Spirit Golden (set to be released in late October), will no doubt be all the rage among young Bristolians!

www.iblamecoco.co.uk

Emily King

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Communion/Thursday 7th October 2010 @ Mr Wolfs, BristolFeaturing Performances From: Skin Suit, Ethan Ash, Suzy Conrad, Joyshop, Patch William

Communion- Bristol, was back again tonight, at Mr Wolfs. On a Thursday, this evening held far more students than Bristol’s last Communion, which was on a Sunday, like its originator. It took a relatively long time to fill up and many of the crowd seemed to all either know each other or be in one of the performing bands; boys stood slightly awkwardly or sauntered, whilst the girls were feisty and chatting like machines or ethereally floating about. A stylised affair, as expected with the folk scene now permeating everything from interiors and past times to Urban Outfitters and the ever increasing vintage brigade; however, there is of course nothing wrong with folk love and there was much enjoyment of tonight’s acts.

Starting the evening were Skin Suit. Unfortunately there weren’t many people for this act but they deserved a larger crowd as Michael Yianni’s lyrics, his playing and vulnerable yet relaxed presence is very good. Next, Ethan Ash sang well and seemed sweet, offering the crowd jelly babies. He has a huge amount of Jason Mraz ‘niceness’ about him and certainly he sounded just like the Mraz man. A highlight of the evening was the endearing Suzy Conrad who has a surprisingly deep, melodic voice and shares similarities to Tracey Chapman and Joni Mitchell, just a tad jollier. Joyshop sound well rehearsed and very merry with their large group of musicians on stage, however the lead singer could have played and sang without so many accompanying instruments as sometimes it was like watching a college band in a pub in the sticks. It also seemed that they lacked confidence and togetherness in their style. That said they do have potential, they just need to put a more defiant, original stamp on their music. In contrast, Patch William certainly gave the impression they know they are good and indeed they seem quite lovely. They have a touch of 80s about them too, which is always a plus. They had a bit of edge that the rest of the acts are on the cusp of...potentially.

After a slow start entering the scene, it’s good that Bristol is supporting folk. Communion is a pleasant evening jaunt. Just a shame that it isn’t on Sundays to attract a more varied crowd. However, with publicity and the sharpening up a bit of the acts, it can grow - and it should.

www.myspace.com/getcommunion

Helen Martin

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Badly Drawn Boy/Monday 25th October 2010 @ St Georges, Bristol

In 2000, an unassuming young man from Lancashire released a solo album called The Hour Of The Bewilderbeast. It won UK music’s greatest accolade, The Mercury Prize. Ten years and seven albums later, Damon Gough aka Badly Drawn Boy, is 41 years old and he’s still going strong. Tonight he’s with us at the stunning St George’s music hall to tour his latest album, It’s What I’m Thinking.

Dressed all in grey with his trademark beanie and shaggy beard, Badly Drawn Boy is just as unaffected, humble and honest as ever and he gets us rolling early on with a series of solo acoustic songs, recalling some of the best moments of his ten year career so far. With themes of suicide notes and friends going missing, the tone starts pretty morbidly but it is countered wonderfully by the beautiful fragility of the songs themselves and, of course, Gough’s thick Lancashire accent and dry humour; “Our new single is #1 in 45 countries – no, wait – it’s #45 in 1 country.” Watching his unshowy performance as he pulls hit after hit from his seemingly bottomless well of honest and fantastic songs, you are reminded just how much Badly Drawn Boy is one of the understated masters of acoustic indie from the past decade.

About eight songs in and halfway through the title track of the new album, Gough’s band slowly creep onstage and join him in the song one by one and it isn’t long before he is accompanied by drums, bass, keyboard and a second guitar in a typically unfussy transition from solo to full band gig. All together now, the band bulk out over an hour

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of Badly Drawn Boy’s best songs, including a lot of new material and I can report that on first listen, the new album sounds a bit more psychedelic than usual. It’s mixed bag however, ranging from the excellent first single, Too Many Miracles, to the turgid, Order Of Things.

Things were eventually brought to a close with the effortlessly beautiful Magic In The Air and an extra long version of Silent Sigh which got the entire St George’s audience up on their feet dancing. Overall, the sound might not have been perfect throughout the evening and although Gough might have forgotten the words occasionally, there’s no denying the quality of his songs. You could see he was genuinely touched by the crowd reaction and thanked everyone for being one of the warmest audiences they had had on tour and to should his gratitude one last time, just as everyone was gathering their coats Badly Drawn Boy returned for a fantastic solo piano rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s Thunder Road, a song he said changed his life. Marvelous!

www.badlydrawn.muronia.com

Matt Whittle

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Friday 1st October 2010 @ Southbank Centre, Bristol

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was invited to The Recession Collection - a vintage fashion show at Bedminster’s Southbank Centre. Once I’d taken my seat, I made a quick scan of the crowd, which revealed large groups of women chatting, laughing and coifing champagne as they eagerly waited for the show to start. Before long, the music began and the first of the models descended the catwalk to a chorus of whoops and yelps.

The models and their huge personalities were at times hilarious to watch, although the real show stoppers were the clothes; key pieces for Autumn/Winter, from classic raincoats to Halloween outfits and New Years Eve cocktail dresses, all selected for their personality by Recession’s creator Gill Loats. According to Gill’s website, Recession is “A fab little shop selling vintage, retro and second hand clothes, accessories and bits and bobs.”

For a surprisingly entertaining night out, keep an eye out for the next Recession fashion show. If its clobber that you want, pop in and see Gill at the shop at 8 Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells. The wise shoppers amongst you might want to pick up a little vintage number for the Christmas party season.www.recessionshop.webs.com

Kate @ www.curbyourconsumerism.comIllustrated by Gemma www.gemmarandall.com

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Carny Ville 4/Friday 1st until Sunday 3rd and Thursday 7th until Sunday 10th October 2010 @ Bridewell Island, Bristol

And so as the last flaming tightrope is extinguished, the final remnants of thick make-up are removed, and the doorway to the crypts are closed and padlocked, Bristol finally waves goodbye to Carny-Ville, the Invisible Circus and Artspace Lifespace at Bridewell Island. It’s been a drawn-out and emotional farewell but now this is surely it. The arts initiative who tour the city inhabiting semi-derelict spaces, rejuvenating and managing them as active creation centres while throwing some of the best god damn parties Bristol has ever seen, even for them time is up.

When they took it over, Bridewell Island was but a disused police, fire and law courts complex and now, two and a half years later, the powers that be want it back. It is destined to be converted into flats and a youth centre but the people behind Artspace Lifespace and the Invisible Circus can be proud in the knowledge that every Bristolian who marched through those high gates holds the events they experienced there very close to their hearts and will be salivating at the prospect of where this fantastic group will pop up next – “Not so invisible now!”

Carny-Ville waved goodbye to Bridewell Island by resurrecting itself for a fourth outing over two weekends in October. For those who haven’t attended one of these extravaganzas in the past, trying to get across the sheer fun, mayhem and jaw-dropping variety of a Carny-Ville night is a near impossible task. During the seven hours I was there I experienced such delights as the Haunted House where I was told ghost stories, watched shadow play surgeries and got assaulted by a man reeking of seaweed. There was the Micro-

Rave where you went inside a computer game to battle aliens and zombies by screaming “jump!”, “laser!” and “shield!” at a bloke in spandex. There was the Carny Hotel with all its delightful staff where you could torture Michael Jackson or listen to tales from the bearded lady. There was the Photobooth which was a 1920s cocktail café complete with stunning furniture, waitresses and grand piano with singer, all doused in faded gypsy glamour. And that’s not to mention all the circus acts throughout the night like the clowns, the dancers, the tightrope walkers, the fire jugglers, the trapeze artists, the cabaret acts, the magicians, the acrobats, the musicians and everyone who made up the unfair funfair.

Literally every corner you turned inside Bridewell’s maze of corridors, rooms and stages would have you see or experience something remarkable. One nice example of an event so overflowing with creative energy and ideas was found on one of the staircases behind the Bone Bar: Not content with leaving a flight of steps as a bland walkway, people had the option of recording their laughter so that it would play back and echo around them as they descended! Bonkers.

Events like this don’t come around too often and through sheer dedication, passion and hard-work, Artspace Lifespace and the Invisible Circus have secured themselves as the most innovative and exciting nights out around. They ruled the Audi Showroom on Cheltenham Road, they transformed the Pro-Cathedral in Clifton, they breathed life into Horfield Police Station and now they’ve seduced us all with Bridewell Island - bring on whatever next these talented, motivated and dynamic people have next up their sleeve. Bristol is very lucky and very, very proud to have them.

www.invisiblecircus.co.ukwww.artspacelifespace.com

Matt Whittle

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Bonnie And Clyde/Tuesday 5th until Saturday 23rd October 2010 @ The Brewery, Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

It’s the early 30s and America is in the throes of the Great Depression. Two chain smoking criminals, Bonnie and Clyde are causing chaos throughout the West. You’ve probably heard of them - so dangerous, so thrilling, so romantic! The media revels in their crimes and fabricates their written portrayals with showers of flamboyance, but what about the actual people and the relationship between Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow?

When one of their many showdowns are over and they’re shooting back in their car to their hiding place, dust spewing from the thick tyres, wind flying all the way through them and their adrenalin singing in their veins, how is it possible to come down to a reality? From chaotic robberies to corn fields and whiskey with just each other for comfort, does the romance and passion push through the brewing resentment and the deep down wish for normality and a traditional life? Bonnie And Clyde by local theatre company Fairground, beautifully depicts a world where violence, humour, passion, frustration and tinned food rules. So alone - it’s a desert out there and no one’s gonna help ya.

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The actors, Catherine McKinnon and Eoin Slattery, portray the two criminal celebrities with a raw, disturbing emotional clarity, retaining a tension that, though relieved with humour occasionally, is palpable throughout. Their external exploits filter into every aspect of their relationship and although the audience never sees the actual crimes and violence of the two (or Bonnie in a headscarf for that matter), their exploits and eventual demise is described through twanging guitars, lowered lights, slow motion on stage and narration by either Bonnie or Clyde. These moments are extremely effective and a highlight, especially with the stunning set design and its support of the vision of a huge expanse of land with Bonnie and Clyde’s shack solitary and the outside world just a reflective void.

Whilst no-one really knows what is fact and fiction regarding these two, writer Adam Peck and director Tid have created something beautiful, thought-provoking and very impressive. The biggest delight in watching is how every minute detail has been well thought through so that the music, the writing and the stage design fizz together within the play, like bubbles in a freshly opened bottle of Coke.

www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com

Helen MartinPhotos by Farrows Creative

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La Traviata/Tuesday 12th until Saturday 23rd October 2010 @ Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

Over the top and rather ridiculous is how some people would describe opera. With its bitter marmite taste, you either love it or hate it but to be honest, I’m rather torn between both sides. During Opera Project’s latest outing at the Tobacco Factory, La Traviata, the score mastered by the great Verdi was absolutely marvellous; a beautiful way of painting a sound-scape of a turbulent romance as the string section plucking their instruments with perfection. Violetta (Linda Richardson) is the leading lady and at the root of a loving yet problematic relationship with Alfredo (Dwayne Jones), a plumpish man who performs fabulously. His father does not condone their relationship due to the fact that Violetta’s sordid past is jeopardising his daughter’s marriage to a rich viscount. The drama prevails with the father’s unannounced interruption and meddling as he splits the couple up but only for a while as the melodrama seeks out in the final scene.

While the music was stunning and the costume and scenery flourished in a simple yet insinuating manner, my opinion differs slightly regarding the storytelling. The performance plot was a little hard to work out, particularly for someone who is new to the opera scene, but I’m happy to report that the energy and enthusiasm keeps you enthralled.

If you like melodrama and the way in which you can gorge yourself upon over the top emotions and highly emphasised ‘I love yous!’, then this slice of pie is a show you will want to watch. Though at times the diction lacks precision and absolute eloquence, the show is an overall success with a fabulous cast of actors. I highly recommend donning your best dress and bowtie and heading out to the opera for a nice glass of wine even if it is to see such an extraordinary orchestra in such a small theatre.

www.operaproject.co.uk

Kayleigh CassidyPhotos by Farrows Creative

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The Misanthrope/Thursday 30th September until Saturday 23rd October 2010 @ Bristol Old Vic, Bristol

After the sell-out success of Uncle Vanya in November 2009, excellent local theatre company Shakespeare At The Tobacco Factory return to the Bristol Old Vic for another Autumn retelling of an old classic. This time around it’s French visionary Molière and his comic masterpiece, The Misanthrope. All the action takes place on the top floor of a Parisian flat owned by Célimène and Alceste. Célimène is the greatest socialite in Paris, throwing constant parties and craving attention while Alceste, a successful writer, is harbouring a general contempt for all the insecure and incredulous people around him and seeks solitude; Alceste is The Misanthrope.

The production’s brightest star is without a doubt Dorothea Myer-Bennett as Célimène. The pressures of all the other characters weigh heavily on her shoulders and Myer-Bennett captures this intelligent beauty perfectly as she is torn between the man she loves and the lifestyle he wants them to lead. Simon Armstrong stomps around the stage as Alceste and is good fun for it but with his constant ranting, he is in danger of just sounding like a senile and bitter old goon with tourettes. This is an important element of the character of course but we do really need some downtime from his hysterics to really appreciate his ludicrous outbursts – Alceste’s so relentlessly fiery you end up questioning what

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Célimène sees in him at all! It seems one way the production tries to counteract his fury is by hamming up some of the other characters. It makes for fun watching but does undermine the integrity of the show a little. When characters are allowed the room to be more real however, we are treated to fantastic understated performances like those of Daisy Douglas (Eliante) and Lucy Black (Arsinoé).

The design is wonderfully simple and I particularly loved the 5ft portrait of Célimène that sat at the back of the set poignantly waiting to be hung on a wall. Every man in the play stares at it longingly, photographing it even (an excellent example of how this new adaptation fully embraced and therefore worked in its modern setting), but Alceste views it dispassionately. Perhaps he has taken it down from the wall rather than trying to find the right place to hang it?

When all’s said and done, The Misanthrope won’t be remembered as fondly as Uncle Vanya but it’s still a very good production and worthy of watching either to introduce yourself to the work of Molière or to see this playwright working very well within a contemporary setting. Hopefully we can look forward to this collaboration between Bristol Old Vic and SATTF being an annual event, the company producing excellent Shakespeare in the Spring and then old classics in the Autumn.

www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Matt Whittle

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A SLY look forward at November/

Previews of all the best gigs, art, clubs, stage and

cinema coming up next month in Bristol

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Recommended Gigs For November in BristolFoalsThursday 4th November 2010 @ Academy, Bristol

The Divine ComedySaturday 6th November 2010 @ Anson Rooms, Bristol

GoldfrappTuesday 9th November 2010 @ Academy, Bristol

BellowheadWednesday 10th November 2010 @ Bristol Old Vic, Bristol

Ellie GouldingSaturday13th November 2010 @ Academy, Bristol

Jimmy Eat WorldSunday 14th November 2010 @ Academy, Bristol

Holy FuckTuesday 16th November 2010 @ Academy, Bristol

Go Go DollsTuesday 16th November 2010 @ Academy, Bristol

We Are ScientistsWednesday 17th November 2010 @ Academy, Bristol

Skunk AnansieMonday 22nd November 2010 @ Academy, Bristol

CaribouTuesday 23rd November 2010 @ Thekla, Bristol

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Recommended Art For November In BristolCoal Fired Computers & Tantalum MemorialSaturday 25th September until Sunday 21st November 2010 @ Arnolfini, BristolMedia artists YoHa’s recent work responds to the displacement of coal production to emerging economic superpowers like India and China after the UK miners’ strike in the 80s. Coal Fired Computer also reflects on the complexities of our global fossil fuel reliance as well as the histories of labour and industrialisation. www.arnolfini.org.uk

Heartfelt:BristolFriday 19th until Wednesday 24th November 2010 @ Centrespace Gallery, BristolHeartfelt:Bristol brings together the work of 500 people who each tell the story of a life-changing moment that has stopped them in their tracks. Joyous, funny, heartbreaking, incandescent with rage or scared witless – this exhibition explores their myriad emotions. Reflect on these stories and record your own.www.centrespacegallery.com

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Recommended Clubbing for November In BristolPressureEvery Thursday @ Thekla, Bristol

PropagandaEvery Wednesday @ Syndicate, Bristol

RamshackleEvery Friday @ Academy, Bristol

Hear No EvilEvery Thursday @ Start The Bus

The Gunpowder PlotFriday 5th November 2010 @ Motion, Bristol

The BlastFriday 5th November 2010 @ Thekla, Bristol

Nothing But Green LightsSaturday 27th November 2010 @ Start The Bus, Bristol

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Recommended Stage For November in BristolThe Bristol Jam: Bristol Festival of Improvisation (Including Lifegame, Reggie Watts, The Seagull and The 30 Hour Improvisation)Tuesday 26th October until Saturday 6th November 2010 @ Bristol Old Vic, Bristol

CrocosmiaTuesday 2nd until Saturday 13th November 2010 @ The Brewery, Tobacco Factory, Bristol

Under GlassSunday 9th until Thursday 13th November 2010 @ Bristol Old Vic, Bristol

The Wild PartyTuesday 11th until Saturday 20th November 2010 @ Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

1984Tuesday 23rd until Saturday 27th November 2010 @ Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

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Recommended Cinema For November In BristolAfrica UnitedFriday 22nd October until Thursday 4th November 2010 @ Watershed, BristolAfrica United is a road trip through the heart of Africa following two soccer-mad Rwandan children on their journey to the South African World Cup. They are determined to reach Johannesburg, travelling 3000 miles, surviving wild animals, the elements and gun-wielding thugs armed only with ingenuity, determination and blind optimism.www.watershed.co.uk

Encounters Film FestivalTuesday 16th until Sunday 21st November 2010 @ Watershed, BristolBritain’s biggest international short film festival, Encounters, returns to Watershed with another glorious panoramic roundup of the best of the world’s cinematic shorts. The five day festival will present a bonanza slice of international short films and animations, screening hundreds of new short films from a huge range of countries, with education and training from respected industry professionals, and an array of special guests, parties and hotly contested awards.www.encounters-festival.org.uk

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Scorpio: Ooh, Scorpio you saucy bugger! Mystic supposes a saucy bugger is fine if you are into that sort of thing. Your lucky lubricant: Ketchup. Not mustard! Be warned.

Sagittarius: Romance is waiting for you! Unfortunately it won’t get parole this year. Keep yourself busy by practising your screaming-running for later. Your lucky cat: in a bin.

Capricorn: Body fluids are lucky for you this month but only when displaced. Try wiping snot in your ears, or spitting on your special place. Your lucky jigsaw: just sky. You can do it.

Aquarius: With Mars, planet of teeth rising in your chart this month, biting things is lucky for you. Especially if you bite things that bite back. Try biting dogs, leeches and small children.

Pisces: With Bluto rising in your chart this month, vintage cartoon bad-guy is the way for you to go. Try hatching a plot of some kind. Find an anvil and a cliff – you know the deal.

Aries: You are feeling a bit fragile this month Aries, so do be careful of any sudden movements. Even pulling your trousers up is likely to make your arms fall off. Your lucky toe: the one that goes wee wee wee wee all the way home.

Taurus: What do you get if you cross a serious trouser-related accident in front of someone you fancy, with a complete loss of self respect? You’ve guessed it! It’s you, Taurus!

Gemini: Avoid prime numbers this month Gemini, also pi. Anything having to do with pi is potentially deadly. There, see? You did need GCSE maths! Your dad was right.

Cancer: Trouble in your chart this month when Mystic can’t be bothered to make up a joke for you. I mean accurately predict the definitely true future! Yes. Your lucky whatever: Bleh.

Leo: With Saturn, planet of dogs, rising in your chart this month you will be feeling the urge to lick your own genitals. Mystic says if you can reach ‘em, go for it.

Virgo: Variety is the spice of life, Virgo. Remember that when you are sleeping in a different bush every day. Travel at night and don’t use your credit cards or your mobile. Obv.

Libra: Oh, Libra, what are you doing? Mystic does worry about you. No, no, not that way! Oh good lord. It won’t grow back you know. And what will you do for work?

SY On The Sly – November 2010 IssueEditor: Matt Whittle / matt@suityourselfmagazine.co.ukExecutive Editor: Faye Westrop / faye@suityourselfmagazine.co.ukDesign and Illustration: James Penfold & Louisa Christadoulou / penfold@suityourselfmagazine.co.uk

Front Cover: Ian Bradley

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of Suit Yourself Magazine.

Suit Yourself Magazine and SY On The Sly are independent publications distributed throughout Bristol.

Advertising Enquiries: faye@suityourselfmagazine.co.uk

Contributors for Issue:

Ian Bradley, Kayleigh Cassidy, Mike Clarke, Farrows Creative, Anna Freeman, Stu Freeman, James Harper, Adam Hooper, Kate, Emily King, Helen Martin, Laura Palmer, Gemma Randall, Matt Whittle