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Friday, January 2, 2009

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the weekendFILMSFFrriiddaayy,, JJaannuuaarryy 22,, 22000099 3

A question of guilt

Teen schmaltz lacks abit of spark

THE READER (15)

Rating: 8.5/10

THE SISTERHOOD OF THETRAVELING PANTS 2 (12A)Rating: 5/10

SPIRIT (12A)

The collective guilt ofGermany’s ‘second genera-tion’, struggling to come to

terms with their parents’ role in theHolocaust, underscores every elegantframe of The Reader.Based on the novel by BernhardSchlink, this handsome and emotion-ally devastating drama contemplatesthe need of post-war children to holdsomeone accountable for their coun-try’s sins.“After the war, the German peopledidn’t want to look at what they’ddone... because they had too much tohide,’’ rails one angry law student(Voker Bruch) in a heated debate.“You’re not guilty of anything merelyby working at Auschwitz,’’ countershis professor (Bruno Ganz). “8,000people worked at Auschwitz.Precisely 19 have been convicted,and only six for murder.’’This tug of war between morality andthe law begs difficult questions of thecharacters, and of us, as we becomedrawn into the intertwined lives ofthese guilt-stained protagonists.At the blackened heart of the pictureis a tour de force performance from

Kate Winslet (above) as a womanaccused of heinous crimes during herstint as an SS guard, working initial-ly at Auschwitz, then at a smallercamp near Cracow.We despise the guard for her actionsyet Winslet delicately reveals theshame beneath the steely facade; thefrail, human face of a so-called mon-ster.The film opens in an apartment in1995 Berlin, where lawyer MichaelBerg (Ralph Fiennes) struggles with

the past as he attempts to reconnectwith his daughter Julia (HannahHerzsprung).Michael thinks back to 1958Neustadt, when as a young man(now played by David Kross), he felldangerously ill and was aided in hishour of need by passing strangerHanna Schmidt (Winslet).Fully recovered, Michael returns tothank Hanna and the pair embark ona passionate affair, with the olderwoman offering tutorials in sex in

exchange for Michael readingextracts from the works ofDostoevsky, Homer and Mark Twain.Eight years later, while studying atHeidelberg Law School, Michaelcrosses paths with Hanna again, onlythis time his former lover is standingin the dock.The Reader reunites director StephenDaldry and screenwriter David Hare,both lauded for their work on TheHours, who deliver similarly polishedwork here, navigating the shiftingtimeframes with aplomb.Winslet’s riveting portrayal of awoman capable of such cruelty (“Youdon’t matter enough to upset me,’’she tells the young Michael) getsunder our skin, as Hanna becomes ascapegoat for the actions of hundreds.Kross is impressive, generating palpa-ble screen chemistry with his leadinglady in their steamy sex scenes, com-plimented by a restrained but no lesspowerful performance from Fiennes.A Manhattan-set coda involving asurviving daughter of the Holocaust(Lena Olin) provides a sombre finalnote. “Go to the theatre if you wantcatharsis,’’ she suggests. Don’t go to

Coming soonComing soonDanny Boyledirects feelgood,Oscar frontrun-ner SlumdogMillionaire...Kate Hudson andAnne (right)come to blowsover who walksdown the aislefirst in Bride Wars and Daniel Craig,Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell risk theirlives to repel the Nazis in the harrowingtrue story, Defiance.

the camps.Nothing comesout of thecamps.’’films

Bid tobridlea supervillain

AUDIENCES who looked past theunwieldy title of the original TheSisterhood Of The Traveling Pants backin 2005 were rewarded with a well writ-ten coming of age story.Aimed at teenage girls, the charmingfilm charted the upheavals and roller-coaster romantic travails of four friends,united by a pair of jeans, which magical-ly fitted them all.The mystical denims travelled the globewith the girls as they found love, com-passion and a greater understanding oftheir parents’ failings.The cast reunite under new directorSanaa Hamri for this lacklustre sequel.Ugly Betty star America Ferrara (right)

benefits from her rising status by enjoy-ing slightly more screen time than herco-stars, playing the ugly duckling gift-ed a chance to break the mould.Elizabeth Chandler, who penned thefirst film, drizzles cloying sentiment butstill manages to navigate the minefieldof cliched adolescent angst to findmoments of self-reflection and pathos.Fate conspires to separate best friendsCarmen (Ferrera), Bridget (BlakeLively), Lena (Alexis Bledel) and Tibby(Amber Tamblyn) for summer.

Carmen accompanies attention-seekingdiva Julia (Rachel Nichols) to Vermontto take part in a drama festival, wherethe frumpy teen is dragged into thespotlight to audition for the role ofPerdita in A Winter’s Tale.Hunky leading man Ian (Tom Wisdom)makes it easy to learn the lines, whileJulia glares enviously.Bridget heads to Turkey on an archaeo-logical dig led by Professor Mehani(Shohreh Aghdashloo) where she final-ly confronts the anger and pain of hermother’s suicide, while Lena tries toheal the deep wounds of her break-upwith fisherman Kostos (Michael Rady)by taking an art class and falling for

nude model, Leo (Jesse Williams).Meanwhile, Libby and her boyfriendBrian (Leonardo Lam) face a pregnancyscare as the pressures of growing uptake their toll on the quartet’s long-standing friendship, with only the titularpair of jeans to unite them.The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants2 lacks some of the spark and raw emo-tion of its predecessor.The four leads are impressive, given theflimsy material at their disposal.Romance blossoms and crises are avert-ed with the minimum of tears andtantrums, with a sun-kissed finale thatcoats the obligatory happy ever afterwith a final sheen of schmaltz.

FRANK Miller, the creator of SinCity and 300, directs this visuallyarresting adaptation of the comicseries, starring Samuel L Jacksonand Scarlett Johansson (both right).The fantasy film follows a rookiecop (Gabriel Macht) in the crime-riddled metropolis of Central City,who returns from the dead as themasked avenger The Spirit.In his new guise, The Spirit wageswar against arch-nemesis and cold-hearted killer Octopus (Jackson), whoseems determined to destroy the city and

its denizens in his pursuit ofimmortality, with the help of punksecretary Silken Floss (Johansson) and

various henchmen.Aided and hindered by a bevyof beauties – including girl nextdoor Ellen (Sarah Paulson),jewel thief Sand (Eva Mendes),young cop Morgenstern (StanaKatic), phantom sister Lorelei(Jaime King) and nightclubdancer Plaster Of Paris (PazVega) – The Spirit fights torestore justice to a city wherethe good die young.● Samuel L Jackson and

Scarlett Johansson interview - don’t missLife! magazine free with The Gazettetomorrow.

TOP FILMS1 Yes Man2 Bedtime Stories3 Australia4Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa5 Twilight6 The Day The Earth Stood Still7 Inkheart8 Four Christmases9 Ghajini10 The Tale Of DespereauxChart courtesy of Cineworld Cinemas:www.cineworld.co.uk

the weekend LISTINGS wwwwww..bbllaacckkppoooollggaazzeettttee..ccoo..uukk6

AttractionsCCAARRNNEESSKKYY’’SS GGHHOOSSTT TTRRAAIINN.. A dark rideacross haunted borders - fusing theatre,circus, music andmore. Olympia, WinterGardens, off Coronation Street, Blackpool.Thursday to Saturday, 2 - 9pm. Sunday toWednesday, noon to 7pm. Closed Mondays.RRIIPPLLEEYY’’SS BBEELLIIEEVVEE IITT OORR NNOOTTOODDDDIITTOORRIIUUMM.. Wonders of the world andother oddities. Blackpool Pleasure Beach,Ocean Boulevard, South Promenade. From10am daily.BBLLAACCKKPPOOOOLL TTOOWWEERR.. The £3million JungleJim’s Towering Adventureland VictorianBallroom, Aquarium, Circus and Tower TopRide (weather permitting). Weekends, plusballroom only onWednesday. From 10am.Central Promenade, Blackpool. Details(01253) 622242SSEEAA LLIIFFEE CCEENNTTRREE.. Includes the latestattraction Suckers. Golden Mile, Blackpool.Daily from 10am. Details, (01253) 621258.SSAANNDDCCAASSTTLLEEWWAATTEERRPPAARRKK.. Celebrate aCaribbean Christmas . Weekends andDecember 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31.schoolholidays. Details, (01253) 343602.BBLLAACCKKPPOOOOLL ZZOOOOAANNDD DDIINNOOSSAAUURR SSAAFFAARRII.Home to more than 400 animals as well as32 different dinosaurs. Daily from 10am.East Park Drive, Blackpool. Details (01253)830830.LLOOUUIISS TTUUSSSSAAUUDDSSWWAAXXWWOORRKKSS.. Brad Pittand Samuel L Jackson are among the facesin Celeb City. Daily from 10am. CentralPromenade, Blackpool. Details, (01253)625953.FFAARRMMEERR PPAARRRR’’SS AANNIIMMAALLWWOORRLLDD.. Rarebreeds galore. With added Santa Claus untilDecember 24. Wyrefield Farm, Rossall Laneand Fleetwood Road, Fleetwood. Daily,10am to 5pm. Details, (01253) 874389.PPEENNNNYY FFAARRMMRREESSCCUUEE && RREEHHAABBIILLIITTAATTIIOONNCCEENNTTRREE.. Meet the horses and ponies.Visitor centre, guided tours. Free entry.Preston New Road, Peel. Wednesday,Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm. Details,(01253) 766095.

MusicRRHHYYTTHHMMKKIINNGGSS.. Easy listening pianodrums and vocals, jazzy swing. Westerfield’sRestaurant, North Euston Hotel, TheEsplanade, Fleetwood.

Theatre and showsAALLAADDDDIINN.. Mooky and Bubu plus aninternational cast combine circus skills andpantomime tradition. Blackpool TowerCircus, Blackpool Tower. Daily to January 2.ThenWednesday and Saturday to January18. Times vary. Box office, (0844) 8561111.AALLAADDDDIINN. Paul Crone, Casey-Lee Jolleys,Tim Vincent and Kade Ferraiolo star in acolourful version of the traditional tale.Charter Theatre, Guild Hall, Preston. Dailyto January 4 (no shows Thursdays). Timesvary. Box office (01772) 258858.CCIINNDDEERREELLLLAA.. Amanda Barrie, Steve Royleand Sophia Thierens star in the UKProductions annual festive attraction.Grand Theatre, Church Street, Blackpool. ToJanuary 4, times vary (no shows December31). Box office, (01253) 290190.PPEETTEERR PPAANN.. Manchester’s all starpantomime with Gary Wilmot, JohnThomson, Gemma Atkinson and MikeToolan. Opera House, Quay Street,Manchester. To January 4 (no showJanuary 1), times vary. Box office, (0844)8472295.SSLLEEEEPPIINNGG BBEEAAUUTTYY. Charles Way’s moderntake on the magical adventure of wickedspells and heroic rescues. The Dukes, MoorLane, Lancaster. Tuesday to Saturday untilJanuary 3. Times vary. Box office, (0845)3440644.DDAANNNNYY TTHHEE CCHHAAMMPPIIOONN OOFF TTHHEEWWOORRLLDD..David Wood’s adaptation of the Roald Dahlchildren’s classic. Octagon Theatre, HowellCroft South, Bolton. To January 17 - timesvary. Box office, (01204) 520661.GGRREEAATT EEXXPPEECCTTAATTIIOONNSS. Stage adaptationof the Charles Dickens classic by NeilBartlett - and an alternative to the usualfestive fun. Library Theatre, St PetersSquare, Manchester. To January 17. Timesvary (no shows Sunday). Box office, (0161)2367110.AA CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS CCAARROOLL. A revival of thetheatre’s 1999 success story - David

Social and otherdancingAADDUULLTT DDAANNCCEE CCLLAASSSSEESS. Class ActTheatre School, Holy Family Church Hall,Links Road, North Shore. 7pm.JJCC DDAANNCCEE CCLLAASSSSEESS.. Nursery dance,musical theatre skills, pop dance,modern and tap and adult tap (all levels).United Reformed Church, Queensway,Poulton. Details, (07792) 410390.TTEEAA DDAANNCCEE.. Ballroom, Latin and popularsequence. Includes tea and biscuits.Bispham United Reformed Church Hall,Cavendish Hall, Bispham. 2-4pm. Details,(01253) 356558.TTEEAA DDAANNCCEE.. Kirkham CommunityCentre, Kirkham. 2pm. Weekly toNovember 30.SSEEQQUUEENNCCEE DDAANNCCIINNGG. BisphamCommunity Centre, next to BisphamLIbrary, Bispham Road, Bispham. 1.30 -4pm. Details (01253) 396902.SSAALLSSAA,, BBAALLLLRROOOOMM,, LLAATTIINN. Allwelcome, no partners needed. ForestGate Baptist Church Hall, Blackpool. 1.30- 3.30pm. Details, (07976) 620196.UUPP TTOO DDAATTEE SSEEQQUUEENNCCEE.. St Cuthbert’sParish Church Hall, Church Road,Lytham. 2 - 4pm. Details, (07765)554877.PPOOPPUULLAARR SSEEQQUUEENNCCEE DDAANNCCIINNGG.Weekly. Bispham Community Centre,Bispham Road, Bispham. 1.30 - 4pm.

Rock, blues andpopRROOCCKK AANNDD RROOLLLL PPAARRTTYY NNIIGGHHTT.. Withguest bands. Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel,The Promenade, South Shore.

Social clubsAANNDDYY SSQQUUIIRREESS.. Hampton Road Social,Off Lytham Road, South Shore. Details,(01253) 341508.JJOOEE BBLLAACCKK aanndd JJAANNIICCEE YYOORRKKEE..Bloomfield Club, 128 Bloomfield Road,Blackpool. Details, (01253) 344583.EEDDDDIIEE MMAATTRRIIXX.. Hotels and ApartmentsClub, 122 Coronation Street, Blackpool.Details, (01253) 623784.MMRR FFIIZZEEEEKK (lunchtime). PhilharmonicClub. 70 Foxhall Road, Blackpool. Details(01253) 621039.FFRREEEE AANNDD EEAASSYY. With the Terry MartinDuo. Blackpool RBL Club, King Street,Blackpool. Details, (01253) 626308.

Pubs and barsSSHHIIVVEERR. King Edward VII, Central Drive,Blackpool.TTHHEE NNIICCKK DDOOWWBBLLUUEESS BBAANNDD.. TheSteamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood.JJIIMMMMYY DDAAYY. Back by popular demand.Che Bar, Talbot Square, Blackpool.DDAAVVEE GGAARRTTHHWWAAIITTEE.. Chart, commercial,r ‘n’b and dance. Schofields, BirleyStreet, Blackpool.CCAABBAARREETT NNIIGGHHTT.. Resident compere plusguest acts. The Princess Music HallTavern, Foxhall Road, Blackpool. AlsoFriday.PPAARRTTYY NNIIGGHHTT.. With resident dj Andy.West Coast Bar, Bispham Road,Cleveleys. From 8pm to 2am.SSAATTUURRDDAAYY NNIIGGHHTT TTAAKKEEAAWWAAYY.. Thebiggest party in town with prizes andGrab The Ads. Brannigans, MarketStreet, Blackpool.DDIISSCCOO AANNDD KKAARRAAOOKKEE PPAARRTTYY NNIIGGHHTT.Halfway House, St Annes Road, SquiresGate.JJAAMMMMAACCHHIINNEE. John J, Andy Senior andLeakie teaming their talents for big cityfeel in the intimate bar. Bar Red, ChurchStreet, Blackpool. 8pm to 2am.Admission free.RR&&BB NNIIGGHHTT. With DJ Benji. Chubby’s Bar,94-98 The Promenade, Blackpool. Freeadmission. To 3am.IIAANN CCAALLVVEERRTT aanndd SSCCOOTTTTWWAALLKKEERR..Party, pop chart and dance music. TheEdge, Hardhorn Road, Poulton. AndFriday.7700ss//8800ss NNIIGGHHTT. With DJ Dex. The Gynn,Gynn Square, North Shore.

Holman’s adaptation (with music) of theDickens tale. Theatre By the Lake,Keswick. To January 17. Times vary. Boxoffice 017687 74411.TTHHEEWWIIZZAARRDD OOFF OOZZ. Judy Garland’sdaughter Lorna Luft stars in the familymusical based on the classic Hollywoodmusical. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays,Greater Manchester. To January 4. Timesvary (no showMondays). Box office,(0870) 7875788.‘‘AALLLLOO ‘‘AALLLLOO.. The ever popular sitcomadapted for the stage by its creators - andseen recently in Blackpool. Timelesscomedy set in René’s French café. TheLowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, GreaterManchester. To January 10. Times vary(no show Sundays, December 31 orJanuary 1). Box office, (0870) 7875788.SSEEEE HHOOWWTTHHEEYY RRUUNN.. Philip King’swartime farce seen the Grand earlier thisyear - starring ‘Allo ‘Allo’s Arthur Bostrom.Royal Exchange Theatre, St Anns Square,Manchester. To January 4. Box office,(0161) 833 9833.CCIINNDDEERREELLLLAA.. It’s a Scouse special to endthe European Capital of Culture Year -with Cilla Black, Jenniffer Ellison, LesDennis, Ted Robbins and Peter Price inthe traditional tale. Empire Theatre, LimeStreet, Liverpool. To January 4. Timesvary. Box office: (0844) 847 2525.AALLAADDDDIINN.. Blackpool favourite Richard deVere in his eighth successive year - plusMia Carla, Schnorbitz and Mark Lawlerhead the cast. Theatre Royal, St Helens.To January 11 (no show December 31). Boxoffice, (01744) 756000.MMAARRYY PPOOPPPPIINNSS. One of only a handful ofregional dates for the blockbustermusical. Palace Theatre, Oxford Road,Manchester. to March 7. Box office, (0844)8472277.

Pubs and barsTTRRIIDDEENNTT.. Cover rock. The Royal, MartonDrive, Marton.DDAAVVEE LLEEEEMMIICCHHAAEELLSS.. The Steamer,Queens Terrace, Fleetwood.RRUUPPEERRTT FFAABBUULLOOUUSS.. King Edward VII,Central Drive, Blackpool.DDAAVVEE GGAARRTTHHWWAAIITTEE. Chart, commercial, r‘n’b and dance. Schofields, Birley Street,Blackpool.FFUULLLL OONN FFRRIIDDAAYY PPAARRTTYY NNIIGGHHTT..Walkabout, Queen Street, BlackpoolCCAABBAARREETT NNIIGGHHTT.. Resident compere plusguest acts. The Princess Music HallTavern, Foxhall Road, Blackpool. AlsoSaturday.PPAARRTTYY NNIIGGHHTT.. With resident dj Andy.West Coast Bar, Bispham Road, Cleveleys.From 8pm to 2am.TTHHEE NNUUTTSS AATT BBRRAANNNNIISS. Games, girls,giveaways and drinks offers. Brannigans,Market Street, Blackpool.DDJJ’’SS GGIINNGGEE AANNDD TTRRIIGGGGEERR.. Rumours,Talbot Square, Blackpool.

DDIISSCCOONNIIGGHHTT. With djs’ Kudos, Dave Gand Aka Ali. From the 60s to currentsounds.The Queens, Talbot Road, Layton.RR&&BB TTOOOOLLDD SSCCHHOOOOLL.. Chubby’s Bar, 94-98 The Promenade, Blackpool. Freeadmission.IIAANN CCAALLVVEERRTT aanndd SSCCOOTTTTWWAALLKKEERR.Party, pop chart and dance music. TheEdge, Hardhorn Road, Poulton. AndSaturday.SSOOUULL NNIIGGHHTT.. Soul, Motown, Philadelphiaand Northern with DJ John Miles. Pluslive acts. Soul Suite, Queen Square,Queen Street, Blackpool.DDAAVVEEWWAARRDD RROOAADDSSHHOOWW.. Disco night -latest releases, chart and classic hits. TheShip & Royal, Clifton Street, Lytham. 9pmto 1am.DDIISSCCOONNIIGGHHTT.. With Papa Greywolf. BayHorse Hotel, Station Road, Thornton.LLIIVVEE EENNTTEERRTTAAIINNMMEENNTT.. The Royal,Marton Drive, Marton.DDJJ NNIIGGHHTT.. Ed Mahon with house and HedKandi. 1am, Pleasant Street, Lytham.From 10pm.PPAARRTTYY NNIIGGHHTT.. With DJ Daryl. Bar 19,Queen Street, Blackpool.RROOYY LLYYNNCCHH. Radio Wave presenter inresidence. The Loft Wine Bar & Nightclub,Lofthouse Way, Fleetwood.DDIISSCCOONNIIGGHHTT. Halfway House, St AnnesRoad, Squires Gate.

KaraokeJJJJ’’SS KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. The Excelsior, LythamRoad, South Shore. 8.30pm.GGLLEENN’’SS KKAARRAAOOKKEE. Sing like a star.Victoria Bar, North Euston Hotel, TheEsplanade, Fleetwood. 9pm.CCAARROOLLOOKKEE.. Disco, fun and karaoke withCarol Hartwell. Last Orders, TrunnahRoad, Thornton.KKAARRAAOOKKEE NNIIGGHHTT. The Links, HeeleyRoad, St Annes.KKAARRAAOOKKEE DDIISSCCOO. Over 40,000 tracks.The Sandpiper, Cleveleys Avenue,Cleveleys.KKAARRAAOOKKEE NNIIGGHHTT.. Plus comedy fromJanice YorkeThe Old Bridge Cabaret Pub,Lytham Road, South Shore.KKAARRAAOOKKEE CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN.. Weekly £20drinks voucher for winner. ScruffyMurphy’s, Corporation Street, Blackpool.KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. Knobby’s Bar, West Street,Blackpool. From 7pm to late.BBIILLLLYY’’SS SSIINNGGAALLOONNGG KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. ThePlough, Chain Lane, Staining.KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. With DJ Marki. The Rose &Crown, Corporation Street, Blackpool.8pm.FFUUNN KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. With Steve and guests.The Duke of York, Dickson Road,Blackpool. From 8.30pm.KKAARRAAOOKKEE AANNDD FFUUNNQQUUIIZZ. With theCanny Man. Progress Sports & SocialClub, Exchange Street, Blackpool. 8pm -midnight.

KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. Jaggy Thistle, York Street,Blackpool. Noon to 2am.RRAAGGIINN’’ BBUULLLL KKAARRAAOOKKEE RROOAADDSSHHOOWW..The Albert, Lytham Road, South Shore.FFUUNN KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. Over 5000 song titles -discounted drinks for singers. TheDickens, Princess Road, Cleveleys.8.30pm.KKAARRAAOOKKEE && EENNTTEERRTTAAIINNMMEENNTT. PlusTake Your Pick. Burn Naze Hotel, GambleRoad, Thornton.KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. The Victoria, Dock Street,Fleetwood. To 1am.KKAARRAAOOKKEE PPAARRTTYY. With DJ RobDingaling and drinks promotions. Bar 19,Queen Street, Blackpool. 3 - 8pm.

Quiz nightsBBIIGGMMIICCKK’’SS FFUUNNQQUUIIZZ. The Squirrel,Bispham Road, Bispham.QQUUIIZZ NNIIGGHHTT.. With Barrie and Jean.Hampton Road Club, South Shore.

Folk, country andline dancingLLIINNEE DDAANNCCIINNGG AANNDD DDJJ. GreatBirchwood Country Music Park, LythamRoad, Warton. Free admission.CCOOUUNNTTRRYY &&WWEESSTTEERRNN NNIIGGHHTT. TheOutpost, Legion Sports & Social Club,Lofthouse Way, Fleetwood.LLAANNCCAASSHHIIRREE RROOSSEE LLIINNEE DDAANNCCEE CCLLUUBB.All Hallows Parish Church, Bispham. 2 -4pm.Community Centre, Breck Road,Poulton. 2 - 4pm and Broadway Rooms,St Nicholas’s Church, Broadway,Fleetwood. 7.30 -10.30pm. Details, 07766310260.FFAANNCCYY FFEEEETT LLIINNEE DDAANNCCEE.. Easy andsocial dancing - beginners hour at 7pm.Parish Rooms, Headroomgate Road, StAnnes. 10am to noon and 7-10pm.Details, (07984)188972.

NightclubsRRUUTTHH LLOORREENNZZOO.. The latest X Factorfinalist to arrive in town. The Flamingo,Queen Street, Blackpool.AANNDDYY JJ’’ss FFEEEELLGGOOOODD NNIIGGHHTT.. Start theweekend with a plus - free admissionwith flyer, drinks £1.50 until midnight.The Residence, Vicarage Road, Poulton.SSPPIIRRIITT.. Music for all tastes with guestdjs. Spirit, The Venue, North Promenade,Cleveleys. 10pm to 3am.UURRBBAANN UUNNDDEERRGGRROOUUNNDD. DJ Fontalbawith r&b, reggae and bashment. Hush,Talbot Square, Blackpool. From 10pm to4am.CCLLUUBB NNIIGGHHTT.. Dave Jay in the dancearena plus rota of residents withdifferent styles in different rooms. PlusOver 25s Night in The Gallery. ClubSanuk, North Promenade, Blackpool.

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

The Wizard of OzThe Lowry, Salford Quays

WEEKEND CHOICE

The Wizard of Oz is one ofthe greatest films of all time,helping to make the currentshow version a box officerecord-breaker at The Lowry.But the tale of a Kansas girlwho finds herself in the mag-ical land of Oz, has some fas-cinating history.The film was released in1939, often called the great-est year in film history.Over the Rainbow, sung byJudy Garland, was voted thegreatest movie song of alltime by the American FilmInstitute.Nine days into the filming ofWizard of Oz, Buddy Ebsen(Tin Man) was hospitalised ina critical condition. The alu-minum powder in the makeupcoated his lungs as hebreathed it in daily. His

replacement, Jack Haley,used an aluminum pastemake-up instead.Gale Sondergaard wasoriginally cast as theWicked Witch. She becameunhappy with the rolewhen the witch's persona

shifted from sly and glam-orous to scary and shewas replaced by MargaretHamilton who was severe-ly burned in theMunchkinland scene whenshe disappeared in a puffof fiery smoke. When she

returned from the hospital,Hamilton refused to do thescene where she flies abroomstick billowingsmoke.The show, starring LornaLuft Judy Garland’s daugh-ter, runs until Sunday.

the weekendLISTINGSFFrriiddaayy,, JJaannuuaarryy 22,, 22000099 7

AladdinCharter Theatre, Preston

WEEKEND CHOICE

FOR those not already famil-iar with the tale of Aladdin,Tim Vincent’s rarely frighten-ing Abanazar is only too readyto scene set.For those unfamiliar with PaulCrone’s Granada Reports cre-dentials he’s only too ready tostep out of character as theSultan and let us know.Everyone else gets on with itas Preston’s only professionalpantomime opts as usual for apolicy of not too instantlyrecognisable names mixedwith complete unknowns.Forced marriages and a creditcrunch have taken on a decid-edly contemporary feel withboth given more emphasis.Kade Ferraiolo (above) is anathletically choreographed, allsinging and dancing Aladdinand is cast well alongside the

DDJJ GGLLEENNNNMMIILLLLEERR.. Party soul and discoplus live acts. Soul Suite, Queen Square,Queen Street, Blackpool.CCOOLLIINN JJOONN. Party night. Rumours, TalbotSquare, Blackpool.TTHHEE JJOOEEWWIILLDDYY SSHHOOWWBBAANNDD.. Weeklyresidency. Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel, ThePromenade, South Shore.PPOOPP QQUUIIZZ.. Music through the decades.The Fairhaven, Marine Drive, Ansdell. From9pm.DDJJ NNIIGGHHTT. House and Hed Kandi. 1am,Pleasant Street, Lytham. From 10pm.UULLTTIIMMAATTEE PPAARRTTYY NNIIGGHHTT.. With DJ Daryl.Bar 19, Queen Street, Blackpool.FFAAMMIILLYY NNIIGGHHTT. Music and games for allthe family. Progress Sports & Social Club,Exchange Street, Blackpool. 8pm -midnight.

Theatre and showsSee listings for Friday.CCIINNDDEERREELLLLAA.. Amanda Barrie, Steve Royleand Sophia Thierens star in the UKProductions annual festive attraction.Grand Theatre, Church Street, Blackpool.To January 4, times vary (no showsDecember 31). Box office, (01253) 290190.PPEETTEERR PPAANN.. Blackpool-based StageworksProductions combine pantomime fun withstate of the art effects for a seasonalshow with a difference starring Phil Walkeras The Narrator and cast of circus,speciality and dancing talent. KingGeorge’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn. ToDecember 31. Box Office: (01254) 582582.

KaraokeKKAARRAAOOKKEE NNIIGGHHTT.. The Royal, MartonDrive, Marton.KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. The Gardeners Arms,Fleetwood Road, Thornton. 8.30pm.FF&&JJ’’ss AAFFTTEERRNNOOOONN KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. Churchill’s,Topping Street, Blackpool.KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. Knobby’s Bar, West Street,Blackpool. From 7pm to late.FFUUNN KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. With Steve and guests.The Duke of York, Dickson Road,Blackpool. From 8.30pm.RRAAGGIINN’’ BBUULLLL KKAARRAAOOKKEE RROOAADDSSHHOOWW.. TheAlbert, Lytham Road, South Shore. AndFriday.KKAARRAAOOKKEE//DDIISSCCOO.. Plus jackpot bingo. TheTank, Preston Street, Fleetwood.KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. The Victoria, Dock Street,Fleetwood. To 1am.KKAARRAAOOKKEE PPAARRTTYY. With DJ Rob Dingalingand drinks promotions. Bar 19, QueenStreet, Blackpool. 3 - 8pm.

DanceSSEEQQUUEENNCCEE DDAANNCCIINNGG.. Beginners class10am to noon with Rita and David Harrod.Modern sequence, 7 - 10pm. St Mark’sChurch, Westcliffe Drive, Layton. Details,(01253) 356284.SSTTRREEEETT AANNDD FFRREEEESSTTYYLLEE DDAANNCCEE.. Forchildren. Frank Townsend Centre, BeachRoad, Cleveleys. Morning. Details, (07967)970847.SSEEQQUUEENNCCEE.. With Shirley and Elsie. SeniorCitizens’ Hall, Victoria Road, Cleveleys.7.30pm. Details, (01253) 829556.BBAALLLLRROOOOMMAANNDD LLAATTIINN DDAANNCCIINNGG.. SueTurner and Nicky Figgins Stage School,Rear 216 Red Bank Road, Bispham. Noonto 1am. Details, (07708) 642908.UUPP TTOO DDAATTEE AANNDD PPOOPPUULLAARR SSEEQQUUEENNCCEE..St Cuthbert’s Parish Church Hall, ChurchRoad, Lytham. 7.15-10.15pm. Details,(07765) 554877.BBAALLLLRROOOOMMAANNDD LLAATTIINN.. Social evening -all welcome. Rio School of Dancing,Bispham United Reformed Church Hall,Cavendish Road, Bispham. 8-10pm. Details,(01253) 356558.SSOOCCIIAALL DDAANNCCIINNGG.. To the sound of theWurlitzer andWersi. Tower Ballroom,Blackpool Tower. 10am to 8pm.BBAALLLLRROOOOMMAANNDD SSOOCCIIAALL DDAANNCCIINNGG..Ballroom, Latin American and popularsequence, 8-10pm. Bispham UnitedReformed Church, Cavendish Road,Bispham. Ring (01253) 356558 for details.

NightclubsSSAATTUURRDDAAYY NNIIGGHHTT LLOOVVIINN’’.. With PaulDunne, Devito, Dave Jones and PaulWalker with dance, club anthems, house,electro, oldskool and trance (DanceArena), Jaylen & Jones with funky house,

r&b, current floorfillers (BuddhaRoom), Lee Hirst - chart and party, r&band bassline (The Studio and TheGallery). Club Sanuk, NorthPromenade, Blackpool.AANNDDYY JJ.. Resident dj in residence. TheResidence, Vicarage Street, Poulton.SSPPIIRRIITT.. Music for all tastes with guestdjs. Spirit, The Venue, NorthPromenade, Cleveleys. 10pm to 3am.UURRBBAANNOONN IICCEE.. DJ Fontalba withurban, real r&b, hip hop, reggae andbashment. Hush, Talbot Square,Blackpool. From 10pm - 4am.CCLLUUBB NNIIGGHHTT.. Party, chart and indiewith Lee “Jester” Watson (Level 1), DJFubar with dance, house and electro(main arena) and r’n’b and hip hop(Level 3)., The Syndicate, ChurchStreet, Blackpool.SSTTEEVVEE KKEELLLLYY.. Dance music all theway. Club Monaco, Teanlowe Centre,Poulton.

Social clubsBBIILLLLYY DDEEAANN.. Blackpool Central Club,Kent Road, Blackpool. Details, (01253)625735.JJEENNNNIIFFEERR JJAAMMIIEESSOONN aanndd BBIILLLLYYSSHHIINNEE.. Bloomfield Club, 128 BloomfieldRoad, Blackpool. Details, (01253)344583.JJOOHHNNMMAALLCCOOLLMM.. Hotels andApartments Club, 122 CoronationStreet, Blackpool. Details, (01253)623784.TTOOMMMMccLLEEOODD.. The Wainwright Club,117 Hornby Road, Blackpool. details,(01253) 620555.FFRREEEE AANNDD EEAASSYY.. With the Terry MartinDuo. Blackpool RBL Club, King Street,Blackpool. Details, (01253) 626308.CCAABBAARREETT NNIIGGHHTT.. Weekly guest.Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club, 135Victoria RoadWest, Cleveleys. Details,(01253) 852709.

Rock, pop andjazzMMIIKKEE LLOOVVEELLLL 44.. Weekly beats with theeats. Art Deco Cafe, Stanley Park,Blackpool. 1 - 3pm.AALLLL TTHHAATT JJAAZZZZ.. Wyre LeveeStompers (first Sunday), Sounds Easy(second Sunday), Ted Taylor Quintet(third Sunday) and Sounds 18 (lastSunday). North Euston Hotel, TheEsplanade, Fleetwood.JJAAZZZZ OONNAA SSUUNNDDAAYY.. Cyril Roe andSmooth Jazz (first Sunday), TeddyTaylor and Amanda Lucas (secondSunday), Teddy Taylor and guests(third Sunday) and James Swinnerton

(fourth Sunday). The Bourne Arms,Bourne May Road, Knott End. 3 - 6pm.CCRROOFFTTEERRSS JJAAZZZZ CCLLUUBB. This month’sguests - the Chicago Teddy Bears Society.Crofters Hotel, Cabus, near Garstang.8pm.

Theatre and showsSSeeee lliissttiinnggss ffoorr FFrriiddaayy aanndd SSaattuurrddaayy..

MusicAANNTTHHOONNYY KKIINNGG. Lunchtimemusic toaccompany Sunday lunch. WesterfieldsRestaurant, North Euston Hotel, TheEsplanade, Fleetwood.

Pubs and barsGGRROOOOVVEEBBRREEAAKKEERR.. King Edward VII,Central Drive, Blackpool.HHAASS TTHHEE FFYYLLDDEE GGOOTT TTAALLEENNTT?Weeklytalent showcase - entries in by 8.30pm.The Vogue, Back West Crescent, St Annes.From 8pm.TTOONNYYMMIITTCCHHEELLLL. In acoustic mood. TheSteamer, Queens Terrace, Fleetwood. 1 -3pm.II LLOOVVEE VVOODDKKAA SSUUNNDDAAYY.. Commercialdance and chart anthems. Brannigans,Market Street, Blackpool.IIAANN HHOOOOPPEERR AANNDD PPAAUULL DDOOBBIIEE.. Two ofthe area’s most popular singers andmusicians in weekly session. The Edge,Hardhorn Road, Poulton. 8pmDDJJ NNOORRRRIIEE.. Party night. Rumours, TalbotSquare, Blackpool.OOPPEENNMMIICC NNIIGGHHTT.. Take your owninstruments. Free admission. Drinkspromotions. The Blue Room, ChurchStreet, Blackpool. From 8pm.WWIINNDD DDOOWWNN SSUUNNDDAAYY. Soul - Motown andNorthern from Glenn Miller. Soul Suite,Queen Square, Queen Street, Blackpool.MMIISSSS PPAATTRRIICCIIAA’’SS MMUUSSIICC HHAALLLL.. TheatreBar, Queens Hotel, The Promenade, SouthShore. 1 - 5pm.CCAABBAARREETT NNIIGGHHTT.. Different actweekly.Theatre Bar, Queens Hotel, ThePromenade, South Shore. 8.30pm tomidnight.BBIINNGGOO AANNDD FFIINNDD TTHHEE JJOOKKEERR. Minimumcash prize of £50. The Golden Eagle,Anchorsholme. 3.30pm.DDJJ TTRRIIGGGGEERR’’SSWWEEEEKKEENNDD FFIINNAALLEE.. Bar 19,Queen Street, Blackpool.DDIISSCCOO//KKAARRAAOOKKEE. Plus Skint Or Mint. TheTank, Preston Street, Fleetwood.FFAAMMIILLYY FFUUNN DDAAYY. DJ SeanWhithamwithkaraoke, party hits andmore. The RoyalOak, Breck Road, Poulton. Noon to 4pm.PPOOKKEERR NNIIGGHHTT.. The Royal, Marton Drive,Marton.

NightclubsII LLOOVVEE SSUUNNDDAAYYSS.. Dave Pope and CraigSmith play r&b, hip hop and funky house.

Drinks promotions. Main Arena, ClubSanuk, North Promenade/SpringfieldRoad, Blackpool. 10.30pm to 3.30am

Quiz nightsPPRRIIZZEE QQUUIIZZ. Robin Ross or Stevie Good.Silver Sands, Burlington RoadWest,South Shore. 9pm.QQUUIIZZ NNIIGGHHTT. Free beer giveaway and£50 bonus question. The Excelsior,Lytham Road, South Shore. 8.45pm.FFUUNN PPUUBB QQUUIIZZ NNIIGGHHTT. With theCaroloke Zone. Last Orders, TrunnahRoad, Thornton.QQUUIIZZ DDAAYY. Plus bingo and Play YourCards Right with compere Joe Gordon.The Victoria, Dock Street, Fleetwood.From 5pm.QQUUIIZZ NNIIGGHHTT.. And Play Your Cards right.The Boot ‘n’ Shoe, Elswick. 9.15pm.BBEEAATTMMEE -- PPAAUULL GGEEEE.. Quiz night andPlay Your Cards Right. The Links,Heeley Road, St Annes.QQUUIIZZ NNIIGGHHTT. Plus The Accumulator.Presented by Danny. The Belle Vue,Whitegate Drive, Blackpool.TTHHEE BBIIGG QQUUIIZZ. Plus meat raffle andentertainment. Hosted by Trigger. TheBurn Naze, Gamble Road, Thornton.From 4pmQQUUIIZZ AANNDD CCHHAARRIITTYY FFUUNNQQUUIIZZ NNIIGGHHTT.Weekly quiz, firtnightly fund raiser forBrian House Children’s Hospice.Blackpool Catholic Club, Queen Street,Blackpool.QQUUIIZZ NNIIGGHHTT. Including generalknowledge andmusic rounds. AlsoOpen The Box. The Mere Park Hotel,Preston Old Road, Marton.SSTTEEVVEEMM’’ss SSUUNNDDAAYY QQUUIIZZ NNIIGGHHTT..General knowledge, pop, rollovers -hosted by Steve Mulligan. The MountHotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood.QQUUIIZZ NNIIGGHHTT.. Plus Open the Safe. Cashprizes to be won. Gardeners Arms,Fleetwood Road, Thornton.PPAAUULL GGEEEE’’SS QQUUIIZZ NNIIGGHHTT.. With Openthe Box. cash to be won. The Links,Heeley Road, St Annes.PPEETTEE’’SS QQUUIIZZ &&MMUUSSIICC. With prizes. TheClarence, Preston New Road, Marton.8.45pmLLAANNDDLLOORRDD’’SS GGEENNEERRAALL KKNNOOWWLLEEDDGGEEQQUUIIZZ. 40 weekly general knowledgequestions in the new look pub. The Boot& Shoe, Elswick. 9pm.BBEEEERR AANNDD CCAASSHHQQUUIIZZ. Chance to win£50 bonus prize. Dog & Partridge,Lytham Road, South Shore.QQUUIIZZ AANNDD BBIINNGGOONNIIGGHHTT.. Blackpool’sNo 1 Club, Bloomfield Road, SouthShore.MMUUSSIICC QQUUIIZZ.. Plus Guess the Key. RaikesHall Hotel, Liverpool Road, Blackpool.From 8.30pm.QQUUIIZZ NNIIGGHHTT.. The Admiral, St AnnesRoadWest, St Annes.FFAAMMIILLYY FFOORRTTUUNNEESS QQUUIIZZ. Devonshire

Arms, Devonshire Road, North Shore.From 9.30pm.

KaraokeKKAARRAAOOKKEE.. With guest DJ. The RoyalOak, Breck Road, Poulton. Freeadmission. From 8pm.KKAARRAAOOKKEE NNIIGGHHTT. The Old Bridge,Lytham Road, South Shore. 8.30pm.CCLLIIFFFF’’SS KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. The Steamer,Queens Terrace, Fleetwood.KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. Knobby’s Bar, West Street,Blackpool. From 7pm.KKAARRAAOOKKEE. King Edward VII, CentralDrive, Blackpool. From 8pm.FFUUNN KKAARRAAOOKKEE. And games. With hostSteve. The Duke of York, Dickson Road,Blackpool. From 8.30pm.FFAAMMIILLYY KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. The Hansom Cab,Station Road, Lytham. 4-7pm.AAFFTTEERRNNOOOONN KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. With Michael.Thornton Cleveleys Wings Club, VictoriaRoadWest, Cleveleys. 3-5pm.KKAARRAAOOKKEE.. Frenchman’s Cove, SouthKing Street, Blackpool.FFUUNN KKAARRAAOOKKEE. Jaggy Thistle, YorkStreet, Blackpool. Mid day to 2am.LLIITTTTLLEE JJOOHHNN’’SS AAFFTTEERRNNOOOONNKKAARRAAOOKKEE.. Churchill’s, Topping Street,Blackpool.KKAARRAAOOKKEE NNIIGGHHTT.. More than 3,000tunes. The Regal Hotel, Victoria RoadWest, Cleveleys. Also Thursday,8pm.KARAOKE NIGHT. Weekly session.The Victoria, Church Road, St Annes.KKAARRAAOOKKEE//DDIISSCCOO. Plus Skint Or Mint.The Tank, Preston Street, Fleetwood.KKAARRAAOOKKEE PPAARRTTYY.. With DJ RobDingaling plus quiz, bingo and drinkspromotions. Bar 19, Queen Street,Blackpool. 3 - 8pm.

Social dancingMMOODDEERRNN SSEEQQUUEENNCCEE DDAANNCCIINNGG.. Newdances taught. St Paul’s Parish Church,Lake Road, Ansdell. 7.30 - 10.15pm.Details, (01253) 776255.BBAALLLLRROOOOMMDDAANNCCEE NNIIGGHHTT. With AshleyFrohlick and the Empress Dance Band.Tower Ballroom, Blackpool Tower.Weekly to November 1.BBAALLLLRROOOOMM,, SSEEQQUUEENNCCEE AANNDD SSOOCCIIAALLDDAANNCCIINNGG. Weekly gathering. BestWestern Glendower Hotel, NorthPromenade, St Annes. From 8 - 11pm.details, (01253) 780599.FFRRIIEENNDDLLYY DDAANNCCEE CCLLUUBB. Modern andsequence dancing. Open to all. TheWainwright Club, Hornby Road,Blackpool. 7.30-11pm. Details, (01253)620555SSEEQQUUEENNCCEE DDAANNCCIINNGG. Every second andfourth Sunday. Holy Cross Church,Central Drive, Blackpool. 1.30-4pm.Details, (01253) 396902.

Irish, folk andcountryTTHHEE DDIIDDDDLLEEYY DDEEEESS. Weekly Irish andcountry session. The Halfway House, StAnnes Road, Squires Gate.TTHHEE FFLLEEEETTWWOOOODD CCOOLLLLEECCTTIIVVEE.Calming folk music to unwind to. Allwelcome to play or listen. The VictoriaBar, North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade,Fleetwood. 8.30pm.CCOOUUNNTTRRYY AANNDDWWEESSTTEERRNN NNIIGGHHTT. Livemusic, shoot outs, bucket draw.Hampton Road Club, South Shore.CCOOUUNNTTRRYY AANNDDWWEESSTTEERRNN NNIIGGHHTT.. Guestact weekly. Progress Sports & SocialClub, Blackpool. 7.30pm.

Social clubsLLEEAAHH FFAAIITTHH ((LLuunncchhttiimmee)).. LLOOUUIISSEELLOORRRRAAIINNEE aanndd NNIICCKKYY NNEEWWSSOOMMEE(Evening). Bloomfield Club, 128Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Details,(01253) 344583.MMAAGGGGIIEE OONN KKEEYYBBOOAARRDD.. Stanley RoadWMC, Stanley Road, (off Hornby Road),Blackpool. Details, (01253) 621168.FFRREEEE AANNDD EEAASSYY.. With the Terry MartinDuo. Blackpool RBL Club, King Street,Blackpool. Details, (01253) 626308.GGRRAAHHAAMM LLEEEE AANNDD GGUUEESSTTSS.. Lunchtimeand evening entertainment. ThorntonCleveleys Wings Club, 135 Victoria RoadWest, Cleveleys. Details, (01253)852709.

SUNDAY

petite and pretty Casey-LeeJolleys who makes a deter-mined and powerful mark asPrincess Jasmine.Stephen Swift’s WidowTwankey is combination of acamp Peter Kay and LittleBritain’s more familiar char-

acters whilst ChristineParle’s broad LancashireSlave of the Ring appeals tomuch of the audience.Richard Ashton is a toweringMustapha and Leon Tagoe’sGenie does what is expected.There’s a decent use of con-

temporary pop and goodstage filling productionnumbers from the wellchoreographed senior andjunior dance teams.● Daily to January 4 (notThursdays). Box office(01772) 258858.

the weekend wwwwww..bbllaacckkppoooollggaazzeettttee..ccoo..uukk8