wow what's on where december 2010

Complimentary Copy (£2.50 where sold) December 2010Issue 27

MusicGig listingsLive music for

December

Eating outA WOW look

at places to eat

AngelicWOW looks at fashion with feathersas we head into

the party season

THEATRE • CINEMA • COMEDY • MUSIC • FASHION • SHOPPING • ART • EVENTS • MOTORING

The essential guide to what’s on in the Midlands

Events inDecemberDays (and nights)out

Win With WOW

Win tickets to : Aladdin

Annie

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WOW_27_IFC.indd 51 29/11/10 2:06:31 am

2 UP FRONT – latest news.

4 THEATRE – We look at a few productions coming the

stage this month.

8 PANTO – Oh yes it is!

13 MOVIES – Previews of

releases for this month

16 MUSIC – Gigs in the region.

21 WOW Interview - WOW

talks to Port Vale Manager,

Micky Adams

22 WOW KIDS – Making music with Young Voices

24 FASHION – Feathering the nest!

26 HAIR & BEAUTY – Looking

towards Christmas.

28 COMEDY – Gags & guffaws

30 LADIES THAT DO... make

time for a Coffee.

34 WOW KIDS – Make festive

biscuits

36 EVENTS – Things to do in December.

39 EATING OUT – WOW’s pick of the eatsthis month

42 MOTORING – Oooo Alfa

46 WIN WITH WOW –

Competitions and

reader offers

47 CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY

– Big ones & small ones.

48 SECRET MIDLANDS – WOW

visits Stamford.

WOW What’s On Whereis published byWOW Publishing Limited,50 St Mary’s Road,Market Harborough,LeicestershireLE16 7DU.TEL: 01858 439999.FAx: 01858 469008.EMAIL:[email protected]:www.wowwhatsonwhere.co.uk

EDITORIALDIRECTOR: Tracy Webber.FEATURE WRITERS: DerekHammond, Elaine Lavender .MOTORING EDITOR: Tim Barnes-ClayMOVIES EDITOR: Jaz CoxCREATIVE DIRECTOR: Reg Cox.DESIGNERS: Tracey Flaxmer,Paul Condie, Leigh-Anne BottSALES DIRECTOR: Paul Calcott.

© WOW Publishing Ltd 2009/10.

The essential guide to what’s on in the Midlands

This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Liability: while every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information herein, or any consequence arising from it.

PICTURE CREDITS:Cover; iStock photo. pp36; Dreamstime.

WOW December 2010 1

Ladies do Coffee - page 30

All Angels - page 22

Mazda - page 42

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WOW TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON

� WOW December �010

A new campaign, I Value the Arts, went live on Monday 13 September 2010 urging the public to voice their support for the arts. Anyone who values the arts in their community is being asked to register their details on a new website: w w w. i va luethear ts .org .uk . All those who register will be kept in touch with plans that could affect arts provision nationally and in their local neighbourhood, with practical suggestions on what they can do to strengthen the arts in their area.

I Value the Arts is led by the National Campaign for the Arts (NCA), the independent umbrella body for all the arts in the UK. Industry bodies are lining up to support the promotion of the campaign, including the Society of London Theatre, the Theatrical Management Association, Visual Arts and Galleries Association, the Association of British Orchestras, Equity and Audiences UK. The campaign

Take action to save the Arts.

website and associated technology has been made possible thanks to generous donations of skills, time and resources by industry suppliers. No public money is being used to fund the campaign.

Louise de Winter, Director of the NCA commented: “Three quarters of the adult population attend or participate in arts activities every year and an even higher proportion of young people. At a time of recession,

For further information please contact the NCA, 1 Kingly Street, London W1B 5PA.Telephone: 020 7287 3777. Fax: 020 7287 4777. Email [email protected]: www.artscampaign.org.uk

more and more people are turning to the arts and culture. Reduced opportunities to take part in the arts could have a major impact on the quality of people’s lives and the vibrancy of their communities. As the Government is encouraging us all to get engaged and create a ‘Big Society’, we believe it is important for those people who care about the arts to get involved in the decision making about what their communities will look like. This campaign

gives everyone who cares a chance to have their voice heard and collectively show that the arts provide a valued public service.

“This is a really simple and straightforward campaign. It will take thirty seconds for someone to visit the www.ivaluethearts.org.uk website to register their email address and postcode, and then we’ll be able to keep them up to date with information about plans for their local area. The website will go live from 9am on Monday, 13 September.

With a wide base of support within the sector, we hope this campaign will gain public momentum and snowball throughout the UK.”..

Subscribe to WOW What’s On Where for only £20 a year, and get all the latest news hot off the press. For details see the ad on our classifieds pages.

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WOW December 2010 �

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People is urging business to stay green this festive season and donate to the charity rather than send Christmas cards to work colleagues.

The Loughborough-based hospice has created a free ‘Christmas Greetings Poster’, which can be put up in a place of work. It invites people to leave a special message for friends and colleagues they work with rather than send expensive Christmas cards.

Those leaving messages on their workplace poster will be invited to leave a donation in a Rainbows collection box

Support Rainbows and stay green this Christmas.

that will make its way to the hospice, which offers care and support to life-limited children and their families.

Scott Lea, Marketing Manager at Rainbows, said: “The Christmas Poster is a brilliant way for East Midlands businesses to stay green this festive season, whilst donating to charity, too.

“The Poster allows people to offer their Christmas wishes to friends and colleagues without the cost and environmental damage of Christmas cards and also contribute to essential funds needed to run Rainbows 365 days a year.”.

The One Millionth Range Rover

Land Rover have chosen to give Help for Heroes their millionth Range Rover. This is a real

milestone in their history and so a very special donation, made even more special because the money raised at auction from the sale of the car will be used to provide much needed funds to help our wounded heroes on their road to recovery.

For further information on Rainbows, or to request a free Christmas Greetings Poster, visit www.rainbows.co.uk/shop or call 01509 638009

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� WOW December 2010

Magical

WED 11 DEC - SUN 9 JAN 2011“The wardrobe is magic. There’s a wood inside it, and a lamppost, and a country called Narnia where it’s snowing all the time. And I met a faun called Mr. Tumnus, and we had tea together..”

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, CS Lewis’s wonderful tale of the magical land of Narnia, has delighted children and families for over fifty years. Recent blockbust-

er film The Chronicles of Nar-nia revived the much-loved classic, with iconic charac-ters brought to life on the big screen. Now Royal & Derngate are delighted bring this en-chanting tale of good versus evil to the Royal stage for its Made in Northampton Christ-mas show from Wednesday 1 December.

Join evacuees Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they step through an old wardrobe into

the mysterious land of Narnia, where the ruthless White Witch ensures it is always winter but never Christmas. Alongside a host of forest friends, including Mr. Tumnus the faun and Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, the four siblings join with the majestic lion Aslan to battle the Witch and bring happiness – and Christmas – to the land of Narnia once again.

C.S Lewis’s magical children’s fantasy was voted the best children’s book of all time

in a poll by literary charity The Book Trust, and is presented in an evocative adaptation by Theresa Heskins. Under the direction of Dani Parr, who brought 101 Dalmatians to life for Northampton audiences at Christmas in 2007 and is renowned for her work with children and young people including sell outs Wish Wash and Mini Break, this is sure to be another Christmas delight on the Royal stage!

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe casts its magic spell over Royal & Derngate from Wednesday 1 December to Sunday 9 January. For more information on performances times and tickets prices, or to book, call the Box Office on 01604 624811, or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

WOW TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE LATEST THEATRICAL HIGHLIGHTS

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As the iconic new civic hub, the Corby Cube, opens its doors to the public, the new arts venue housed within, The Core, announces an exciting programme of events and activities for its inaugural season. With family shows, comedy, music, theatre and spoken word, and a wide range of workshops and classes, The Core at Corby Cube has something for everyone to enjoy.

The first professional production created by The Core will be the witty and wickedly entertaining re-telling of the magical fairytale Hansel and Gretel, a fast-paced show which will have the whole family in stitches this Christmas. An energetic cast of incredible professional actors will bring a host of hilarious characters to life, from a corkscrew that sings, and a Humbug in love, to a sassy young girl who might just save the day. On stage at The Core from 3 to 26 December, this non-stop musical journey will take audiences deep into the darkest forest and back again.

When the spring season gets underway, there will be the chance to enjoy some great entertainment for children and their families. Theatre of Widdershins explores some of the more perplexing questions raised by popular fairytales with their delightful puppet show, Three Billy Goats Gruff and Other Furry Tails. Another premier children’s company, Little Angel Theatre, present their fascinating show The Fabulous Flutterbys, exploring the journey from camouflaged caterpillar to beautiful butterfly.

Music events include the veteran performer Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen, proponents of

It’s not square.

traditional jazz for the last 50 years, one of this generation’s most inventive folk bands, Lau (Best Group at BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards three years in a row), the ever-popular Counterfeit Stones and Clive John as the ‘Man in Black’ in The Johnny Cash Roadshow.

Comedienne, and Grumpy Old Women regular, Jenny Eclair brings her brand new stand up show, Old Dogs New Tricks, to Corby, and celebrated broadcaster, writer and raconteur Hardeep Singh Kohli combines comedy with inventive cuisine in a laid back evening’s entertainment, The Nearly Naked Chef.

Hotly-tipped theatre collective Pen-ultimate take audiences to a seedy spoken-word underworld where gangsters, high-rollers and con-men compete in the high stakes Scrabble game to end them all. A Night on the Tiles is a Tarantino-esque tale of revenge, murder and Devonshire cream teas!

In the New Year, The Core’s

regular Sunday Sessions will get underway, with four themes of activity. The first Sunday of the month sees Word Furnace, hosted and compered by Joel Stickley, bringing the stars of UK Spoken Word scene to Corby, to perform alongside the best of new local writers. The second Sunday of the month will be Barb Jungr and Friends, where Barb will introduce top musical performers from the genres of jazz, traditional music and singer-songwriting, who will also be joined new local talent. On the third Sunday of the month Laughing Boy Comedy Club will feature some of the best names from today’s live stand-up circuit along with up-and-coming comedians. On the fourth Sunday of the month it will be open house for local artists to come together to create new work at The Core, and experiment with creative ideas.

There will be plenty of other opportunities to get involved and actively participate in activities at The Core with

sessions on Urban Arts, ranging from Hip Hop, digital art, music production and song writing. Youth Theatre classes will cover a wide range of ages and styles, and there will also be the opportunity to work with top theatre companies such as Frantic Assembly when they have a residency at The Core. Regular Family Fun sessions will cater for the under fives and their families, and a range of other community activities will be available.

Local groups will also be performing at the venue throughout the season, starting with Corby Amateur Theatrical Society’s pantomime, Cinderella, which runs from 29 December to 2 January. Other community performances include Everyone Loves Variety, SHAPE Dance Show, Cross School Dance Showcase, and Wendy Sharpe and Sharon Potter School of Dance Showcase.

The COre aT COrby Cube,The Corby Cube, George Street, Corby, NN17 1QGTicket Office: 01536 470470www.thecorecorby.com



MOn 20 Dec - Fri 31 Dec This heart-warming rags-to-riches story of Annie’s adven-tures, from Miss Hannigan’s orphanage to the luxurious home of Oliver Warbucks, has been told all over the world for decades. First seen on stage in 1976, it really has become one of the best loved family musicals of all

Annie

time!With a memorable score in-

cluding It’s A Hard Knock Life, Easy Street and, of course, the legendary Tomorrow, brilliantly visual choreography, and a side splittingly hilarious script, Annie is a spectacular treat for the whole family.

Book now… don’t wait until tomorrow.

Annie is at De Montfort Hall, Granville RoadLeicester LE1 7RU. For tickets call the box office on 0116 233 3111 or visit www.demontforthall.co.uk



Fri 10 Dec - Sun 9 Jan 2011Following last year’s hugely successful production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this Christmas Royal & Derngate stages the spectacular giant of a pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk. Heart throb, TV and West End star Ray Quinn will

Beans means ray

lead the cast in the role of Jack, while Emma Stephens plays the Princess.

Ray has become one of the UK’s much loved performers appearing in the X Factor finals and winning Dancing on Ice. In 2008 he starred in the West End production of Grease at the

WOW LOOKS FORWARD TO PANTOMIME SEASON... OH YES WE DO!

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Royal & Derngate from Friday 10 December 2010 to Sunday 9 January 2011. Tickets can be booked on 01604 624811 or www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

Piccadilly Theatre playing Danny. Ray will be taking a break from his current West End role in Dirty Dancing to appear in Jack and the Beanstalk.

Emma trained at Laine Theatre Arts and shot to fame when she starred with Ray in the West End musical Grease as Sandy. Her previous credits include Starlight Express and Saturday Night Fever, and she can currently be seen in the West End production of Dreamboats and Petticoats.

Joining Ray and Emma on stage will be Nick Weir, best known for hosting the popular TV quiz show Catchphrase, who will be playing the hilarious Simple Simon. Renowned TV and theatre star Hilary O’Neil, will take on the role of the

hysterical good fairy.Jack and the Beanstalk is

staged by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s largest pantomime producer. Featuring magnificent scenery, beautiful costumes, an abundance of comedy, a larger than life beanstalk and one very mean giant at the top of it, this favourite fairy tale will be brought magically to life in Northampton’s biggest pantomime. With ticket prices to suit all pockets you won’t have to sell the family cow to enjoy spectacular pantomime at Royal & Derngate.

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10 WOW December 2010

RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 31 Tickets are booking fast for Hansel and Gretel, the fun-filled Christmas show for all ages taking place at The Core at Corby Cube, the brand new arts venue situated in the iconic new building in the centre of the town. This witty and wickedly entertaining re-telling of the magical story can be seen

Sugar Cube.

from Friday 3 to Sunday 26 December.

With plenty of slapstick fun this will be an energetic and physical production, under the direction of Gary Sefton, whose experience includes working as movement director for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Beauty and the Beast. The cast of hilarious characters includes

Tickets for Hansel and Gretel are available from The Core’s Ticket Line on 01536 470470 or online at www.thecorecorby.com.

a gang of Glaswegian bats, a singing corkscrew, a Humbug in love, and a feisty young girl who is determined to save her brother from the clutches of the evil and greedy witch!

Tickets prices range from £7 to £13, making this an affordable treat for all the family. All tickets are just £7 for the preview performances

from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 December, so why not enjoy an early Christmas treat and be among the first to see this fast-paced fairytale at The Core? Free schools workshops are also be available for the first 20 schools booking for groups of 40 or more.

Proud to be a brand new centre for live entertainment serving Corby and the surrounding areas, The Core will welcome top class comedy, drama, dance and music, plus a host of exceptional family and children’s shows.

We’re not Scared!

WE’RE GOinG On A BEARHunT * London Cadogan HallTue 30th November - Sat 18th DecemberBOX OFFICE 020 7730 4500www.cadoganhall.com * Leicester CurveTue 7th - Sat 11th DecemberBOX OFFICE 0116 242 3595www.curveonline.co.uk* Birmingham Town HallTue 21st December - Wed 12th JanuaryBOX OFFICE 0121 780 3333www.thsh.co.uk

21 DEC 2010 – 12 JAn 2011Michael Rosen’s award-winning book We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is brought vividly and noisily to the stage in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score.

Join our intrepid adventurers on their quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and

the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure - plus a few special surprises!

Are they scared? Of course not!


WOW December 2010 11

MOn 6 – Thu 30 DeceMberHave you seen the man who goes by the name of Robin Hood? According to folk lore, he steals from the rich to give to the poor! All your favourite characters will be there, with Friar Tuck, Little John, and of course the love interest Maid Marion. You’ll see all the action unfold with the Sheriff of Nottingham and

Men in tights.

you can decide – who’s the real baddie after all?!

Emmerdale’s Richard Grieve will be taking on the role of the Sheriff of Nottingham! Richard played the role of Jonny Foster in the popular soap from 2007 to 2009. Audiences may recognize him from his roles in favourite Australian soaps, playing biker Sam Kratz in

rObin hOOD runs from Mon 6 – Thu 30 December with tickets starting from £8.50. Tickets for public sales are now on sale, so call the Box Office on 01933 270 007 or online at www.thecastle.org.uk

Neighbours in 1994 and then Dr Lachlan Frazer in Home and Away in 1996.

Artistic Director Nik Ashton says, “Following the huge success of our 2009 production The Jungle Book, I am delighted to announce this year’s Christmas offering will be an energetic and entertaining version of Robin Hood. I can

promise our audiences a high quality musical adventure suitable for all the family.”

SaT 4 Dec TO Sun 16 Jan 2011 Pantomime at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal will enter another and very exciting dimension this year as television personalities Stephen Mulhern and Gray O’Brien lead the cast, alongside a very unusual 3D co-star, in Aladdin.

Aladdin has all of the elements of traditional family pantomime but with the added surprise of an array of outstanding and unmissable visual effects, including a 3D Genie! Wearing 3D glasses at points throughout the pantomime, you can see the magical Genie rise from his lamp and move around the auditorium, rub the magic lamp as it hovers right in front of your nose and further 3D wizardry will transform the stage into a 3D cave of riches, where

2 aladdins!

Aladdin finds his fortune. The show also features a wonderful 3D magic carpet ride sequence and other visual surprises.

The Theatre Royal Nottingham has announced a short-term celebrity cast change for their seasonal pantomime. For eight performances in mid-January, Stephen Mulhern’s role of Aladdin will be taken by Ian H Watkins, best known as ‘H’ from ‘90s pop super-group Steps.

Ian will be stepping in to the role whilst TV presenter Stephen Mulhern films for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent. Check the website (www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk) for details.

alaDDin runs at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal from Saturday 4 December 2010 to Sunday 16 January 2011. Tickets can be booked by calling the Box Office on 0115 989 5555 or online at www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk



TUES 21 DEcEmbErOn the 21st December 2010 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery will host the Beauty and the Beast pantomime showing at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Through her great capacity to love, a kind and beautiful maid releases a handsome prince from the spell, which has made him into an ugly beast. Enjoy this well loved fairytale performed by the Looking Glass Theatre.

beastly tale.

Luton Library TheatreLuton Central LibrarySt George’s SquareLuton, Bedfordshire LU1 2NGBox office: 01582 547474

Fri 10 - SUn 26 DEcEmbErWhen Aladdin arrives at The Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering this pantomime season, expect a fantastic musical Show full of festive family fun in colossal quantities – with bucket loads of boos and hisses, huge doses of heckling ‘he’s behind you’, panto dames, and maybe even a wish or two from the Slave of the Ring.Opening on Friday 10th Sunday 26th and continuing until Sunday 26th December, more than 25 festive performances are in store for audience members at The Lighthouse this year.Expect to see a flying magic carpet, marvel at a host of magic tricks, watch out for

Aladdin at The Lighthouse

Aladdin (played by JOSH DUBOVIE, Eurovision star); Abanazar (played by DAVID VAN DAY – the man we all love to hate!) on his journey from rags-to-riches, winning the heart of the beautiful princess (played by Big Brother winner NIKKI GRAHAME). The kids will love Wishee Washee (played by TV favourite FRAZER HINES – Emmerdale and Doctor Who) and the hilarious policemen including PAUL DRAYTON and DANIEL FOX (2009 X-factor finalist).With a live band and a host of other familiar faces, this year’s pantomime cast promises good old fashioned family entertainment fit for all ages, a trip to The Lighthouse shouldn’t be missed.

ALADDin is at the The Lighthouse TheatreKettering Conference CentreThurston Drive, KetteringNN15 6PB. For tickets, call the Box Office: 01536 414141 or Email: [email protected]

David Van Day stars as Abanazar

Tickets are available from Northampton Museum & Art Gallery in person or by telephone 01604 838111 and cost £3.50 (for children up to the age of 16) and adults £5.

10 TO 30 DEcEmbErThis year Luton Library Theatre is proud to present the brightest, boldest and most dazzling pantomime of them all, Cinderella, from 10 to 30 December 2010.

Cinderella is this Christmas’ must see show for lovers of glitz and glamour. This lavish, traditional re-telling of an old favourite has all the necessary panto ingredients. The well loved heroine’s dreams come true; Prince Charming promises a great pair of thighs ripe for the slapping and the hilarious ugly sisters will have you groaning at their bad jokes and their disgustingly outrageous outfits!

cinderella

Then there’s the ever lovable Buttons, encouraging everyone to join in with all the OOOO’s and AHHHH’s and of the course the obligatory, “He’s behind you”. But do not fear there will also be some unexpected twists and turns thrown in for good measure when you come to see the full cast of gifted musical theatre performers this Christmas season.



WOW’S JAZ COX LOOKS AT SOME OF THE NEWEST CINEMA RELEASES

FriDay 3rD

MEGaMiNDMegamind is the most brilliant super–villain the world has ever known... and the least successful. Over the years, he has tried to conquer Metro City in every imaginable way. Each attempt, a colossal failure thanks to the caped superhero known as “Metro Man,” until the day Megamind actually defeats him in the throes of one of his botched evil plans. Suddenly, the fate of Metro City is threatened when a new villain arrives and chaos runs rampant, leaving everyone to wonder: Can the world’s biggest “mind” actually be the one to save the day?

SECrEtariatagainst all odds, housewife and mother Penny Chenery (DiaNE LaNE)-with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (JOHN MaLKOViCH)-navigates the male-dominated horseracing business, ultimately taking Secretariat on a spectacular journey to become the first triple Crown winner in 25 years and perhaps the greatest racehorse of all time.

FriDay 24tH DECEMBErThe test of wills between Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) and Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) escalates to new heights of

Little Fockers Christmas

comedy in the third installment of the blockbuster series-Little Fockers. Laura Dern, Jessica Alba and Harvey Keitel join the returning all-star cast for a new

DirECtOr: Paul WeltzGENrE: ComedyCaSt: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Jessica Alba, Owen Wilson, Barbra Streisland.CErtiFiCatE: TBCruNtiME: TBC

chapter of the worldwide hit franchise. It has taken 10 years, two little Fockers with wife Pam (Polo) and countless hurdles for Greg to finally get “in” with his tightly wound father-in-law, Jack. After the cash-strapped dad takes a job moonlighting for a drug company, however, Jack’s suspicions about his favorite male nurse come roaring back. When Greg and Pam’s entire clan-including Pam’s lovelorn ex, Kevin (Owen Wilson)-descends for the twins’ birthday party, Greg must prove to the skeptical Jack that he’s fully capable as the man of the house. But with all the misunderstandings, spying and covert missions, will Greg pass Jack’s final test and become the family’s next patriarch... or will the circle of trust be broken for good?

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The WarriOrs WayThe Warrior’s Way, a visually-stunning modern martial arts western starring Korean actor Dong-gun Jang who plays an asian warrior assassin forced to hide in a small town in the american Badlands. rounding out the ensemble cast are Kate Bosworth (superman returns), Oscar(r)-winner Geoffrey rush (shine), Danny huston (The Kingdom), and Tony Cox (The hustle).The fantasy action film was written and directed by newcomer sngmoo Lee, and is being produced by Barrie M. Osborne (Lord of the rings), Jooick Lee (seven swords) and Michael Peyser (hackers).

FriDay 10Th

NarNia- vOyaGe OF The DaWN TreaDerLucy and edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. along the way they encounter dragons, dwarvf camps, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world.

FriDay 17Th

aNiMaLs uNiTeDin the Okavango Delta, Billy, the little mischievous meerkat, and his best (and only) pal socrates, the friendly lion, wait for the annual flood, essential to the Delta and all the animals living there. Wanting to prove

FriDay 17Th DeCeMBerThe 1982 film “Tron,” was about hacker/arcade owner Kevin Flynn who is digitally broken down into a data stream by a villainous software pirate known as the Master Control Program (MCP) and reconstituted into the internal, 3-D graphical world of computers. It is there, in the ultimate blazingly colorful, geometrically intense landscapes of cyberspace, that Flynn joins forces with Tron to outmaneuver the MCP that holds them captive in the equivalent of a gigantic, infinitely challenging computer game.

The new movie is acting as a “next chapter.”

Tron Legacy

TRON is a 3D high—tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever cap-tured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (GARRETT HEDLUND), the tech—savvy 27—year—old son of Kevin Flynn (JEFF BRIDG-ES), looks into his father’s dis-appearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatori-al games where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidant (OL-IVIA WILDE), father and son embark on a life—and—death journey across a visually—stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous..

DireCTOr: Joseph KosinskiGeNre: Sci-fi fantasy adventureCasT: Jeff Bridges, Michael Sheen, Olivia Wilde, Garrett Hedlund.CerTiFiCaTe: PGruNTiMe: TBC



FRIDAy 17th DECEMBERAli (Christina Aguilera) is a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes hardship and an uncertain future to follow her dreams to LA. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge- a majestic theater that is home to an inspired musical revue, Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress from Tess (Cher), the club’s proprietor and headliner. Burlesque’s outrageous costumes and bold choreography enrapture the young ingenue, who vows to perform there one day. Soon enough, Ali builds a friendship with a featured dancer (Julianne Hough), finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer

Burlesque

(Kristen Bell), and garners the affection of Jack (Cam Gigandet), a bartender and fellow musician. With the help of a sharp-witted stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and gender-bending host (Alan Cumming), Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice restores The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, though not before a charismatic entrepreneur (Eric Dane) arrives with an enticing proposal....

DIRECtOR: Steve AntinGEnRE: Drama, musical.CAst:Cher, Christina AguileraCERtIFICAtE: TBCRuntIME: TBC

Wed 1S1 the girl who kicked 15 the hornet’s nest 4pm, 7pmS2 chico and rita 15 4.20Pm, 6.20PmS2 burke and hare 15 8.20Pm

Thu 2S1 the girl who kicked the hor-net’s nest 15 1pm, 4pm, 7pmS2 burke and hare 15 4.20Pm, 8.20PmS2 chico and rita 15 6.20Pm

Fri 3S1 disability film festival: the best of oska bright 11.30Am, 12.30PmS1 disability film festival: short film selection 2pmS1 disability film festival: raspberry ripple 4pmS1 the girl who kicked the hornet’s nest 15 8.15PmS2 the american 15 4.15Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm

Sat 4S1 the girl who kicked the hornet’s nest 15 8pmS1 a celebration of the work of stewart charles 6.30PmS2 the american 15 2pm, 4.10Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm

Sun 5S1 the girl who kicked the hor-net’s nest 15 12.30Pm, 8pmS1 slackistan tbc 3.30PmS1 we are what we are 15 5.45PmS2 the american 15 11.30Am, 8.15PmS2 bygone leicester 2.30Pm, 5.30Pm

Mon 6S1 the girl who kicked the hornet’s nest 15 1pm, 8.15PmS1 slackistan tbc 4pmS1 we are what we are 15 6.15PmS2 the american 15 1.15Pm, 4.15Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm

Tue 7S1 the girl who kicked the hornet’s nest 15 8.40PmS1 slackistan tbc 2.30PmS1 we are what we are 15 4.30PmS1 exit through the gift shop 15(public marooned) 6.30PmS2 the american 15 4.15Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm

Wed 8S1 the girl who kicked the hornet’s nest 15 4pmS1 slackistan tbc 7pmS1 we are what we are 15 9pmS2 the american 15 4.15Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm

Thu 9S1 the girl who kicked the hornet’s nest 15 4pm

S1 slackistan tbc 7pmS1 we are what we are 159pmS2 the american 15 4.15Pm, 6.30Pm, 8.45Pm

Fri 10S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 4.15Pm, 7.15PmS2 london boulevard tbc 4pm, 9pmS2 uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives 12a 6.30Pm

Sat 11S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 1pm, 4.30Pm, 7.30PmS2 london boulevard tbc 2pm, 7pmS2 uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives 12a 4.30Pm, 9.30PmS3 nightmare before christmas pg 4.45PmS3 the muppet christmas carol u 6.30PmS3 gremlins 15 8.30Pm

Sun 12S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 12pm, 3pm, 6.15PmS2 london boulevard tbc1pm, 6pmS2 uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives 12a 3.35Pm, 8.35PmS3 nightmare before christmas pg 4pmS3 the muppet christmas carol u 1.45Pm, 6.25PmS3 gremlins 15 8.15Pm

Mon 13S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 1.10Pm, 4.05Pm, 7pmS2 london boulevard tbc 1pm, 8.40PmS2 uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives 12a 4pm, 6.20Pm

Tue 14S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 4.25Pm, 7.20PmS2 london boulevard tbc 8.45PmS2 peeping tom 15 4.15Pm, 6.35Pm

Wed 15S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 3pm, 6pm, 9pmS2 london boulevard tbc3.45Pm, 6.15PmS2 peeping tom 15 8.45Pm

Thu 16S1 harry potter and the deathly hallows - part 1 12a 4.30Pm, 7.30PmS2 london boulevard tbc 4.15Pm,

6.40PmS2 peeping tom 15 9pm

Fri 17S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pmS2 let me 15 in 2pm, 8.30PmS2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 4.20PmS2 an ordinary execution 12a 6.15Pm

Sat 18S2 family christmas event 10.30AmS1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 12.35Pm, 3.30Pm, 6.30Pm, 9pmS2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 3pm, 9.40PmS2 an ordinary execution 12a 5pmS2 let me in 15 7.15PmS3 nightmare before christmas pg 4.45PmS3 the muppet christmas carol u 2.45PmS3 gremlins 15 6.35Pm, 8.45Pm

Sun 19S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 12pm, 2.30Pm, 5pm, 7.30PmS2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 3.35PmS2 an ordinary execution 12a 1pm, 5.30PmS2 let me in 15 7.45PmS3 nightmare before christmas pg 12.30Pm, 4.15PmS3 the muppet christmas carol u 2.25PmS3 gremlins 15 6pm, 8.15PmMon 20S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pmS2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 6.45Pm, 8.45PmS2 an ordinary execution 12a 1pmS2 let me in 15 4.20Pm

Tue 21S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pmS2 it’s a wonderful life u 1.15Pm, 4.10PmS2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 6.50PmS2 let me in 15 8.45Pm

Wed 22S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pmS2 it’s a wonderful life u 1.15Pm, 6.35PmS2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 9.15PmS2 let me in 15 4.10PmS3 nightmare before christmas pg 12.30Pm, 4.15PmS3 the muppet christmas carol u 2.25PmS3 gremlins 15 6.05Pm, 8.15Pm

Thu 23S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pmS2 it’s a wonderful life u 1.15Pm, 4.10PmS2 rare exports: a christmas tale 15 6.50PmS2 let me in 15 8.45PmS3 nightmare before christmas pg 12.30Pm, 4.15PmS3 the muppet christmas carol u 2.25PmS3 gremlins 15 6.05Pm, 8.15Pm

Fri 24S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc12.30Pm, 3pm, 5.30PmS2 somewhere 15 12.15Pm,4.30PmS2 monsters 12a 2.25PmS2 it’s a wonderful life u 6.40PmS3 nightmare before christmas pg 12.40PmS3 the muppet christmas carol u 2.25Pm, 4.15PmS3 gremlins 15 6.15Pm

Sat 25 closedSat 25 closedSun 26S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1pm, 4pm, 6.30PmS2 somewhere 15 2pm, 7pmS2 monsters 12a 12pm, 4.30Pm

Mon 27S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pmS2 somewhere15 2pm, 6.45PmS2 monsters 12a 4.15Pm, 8.45Pm

Tue 28S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pmS2 somewhere 151.45Pm, 6.45PmS2 monsters 12a 4.15Pm, 8.45Pm

Wed 29S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pmS2 somewhere 15 1.45Pm, 6.45PmS2 monsters 12a 4.15Pm, 8.45Pm

Thu 30S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pmS2 somewhere 15 1.45Pm, 6.45PmS2 monsters 12a 4.15Pm, 8.45Pm

Fri 31S1 tron legacy (3d) tbc 1.30Pm, 4pm, 6.30Pm, 9pmS2 miral 12a 1.45Pm, 6.45PmS2 of gods and men 15 4.15Pm, 9.10Pm

to his adoring son Junior that he’s not the screwball loser everyone, sometimes justifiably so, thinks he is, Billy sets out to find water, accompanied by socrates. On their journey, they meet a truly wild and funny bunch of animals from all over the world, who have flocked to Africa in search of a new home.

FRIDAy 24th

GullIvERs tRAvElstravel writer lemuel Gulliver takes an assignment in Bermuda, but ends up on the island of liliput, where he towers over its tiny citizens

thE WAy BACkA fact-based story centered on soldiers who escaped from a siberian gulag in 1940.



The gigs, The groups, The goss...

Cutting Edge

There aren’t many bands around who conjure up the spirit of Studio 54 New York Nights together with that of Freddie Mercury, Pink Floyd and Abba; but Scissor Sisters are as eclectic as they are electric, as

effortlessly suggestive as they are regressive, and furiously cutting edge to (stack-heeled leather) boot.

The latest album, Night Work, is the disc of choice of a Friday night at WOW Towers,

and rest assured we’ll be air-podium wiggling all the way to the NEC. Don’t Feel Like Dancing? It takes a hard heart to resist this knowing disco-rock mix, never mind a lady called Ana Matronic.

Fri 3 SCISSOR SISTERS + HURTS LG Arena Birmingham Tue 14 Trent FM Arena Nottingham

To advertise your event in the east Midlands’ fastest-growing guide to what’s going on and where to be seen,

email [email protected] or call 01858 439 999

WOW_27_pp16_20_Music.indd 16 29/11/10 12:16:24 am


If you only go to 30 gigs this month… with DJ Fontana

Wed 1 THE STYLISTICS De Montfort Hall Leicester MATT BERRY Sub91 Leicester

Thu 2 TV SMITH Sawyers Kettering CAROLS & CAPERS 2010: MADDY PRIOR AND THE CARNIVAL BAND The Stables Milton Keynes

Fri 3 THE BLUETONES New Roadmender Northampton STEVE HACKETT The Stables Milton Keynes

Sat 4 THE TRIBUTE SHOW Wicksteed Park Kettering THE COURTEENERS O2 Academy Leicester

Sun 5 MARC ALMOND: 30 YEARS OF MUSIC The Assembly Leamington Spa HANG COOL TOUR: MEAT LOAF LG Arena Birmingham

Tue 7 JESSE MALIN O2 Academy Leicester

Wed 8 ARCADE FIRE + DEVENDRA BANHART LG Arena Birmingham

Thu 9 SCOTT KELLY + STEPHEN BRODSKY Firebug Leicester BILLY BRAGG The Assembly Leamington Spa SIMPLY RED + MACY GRAY Trent FM Arena Nottingham RUNRIG The Royal Centre Nottingham

Fri 10 ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER Black Horse Leicester RICHARD FAIRHURST’S TRIPTYCH Embrace Arts Leicester THE MODFATHERS Y Theatre Leicester

Sat 11 THE BEAT The Music Cafe Leicester

As part of their Christmas programme, Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Service present their Big Sing, a family-friendly feast of vocal and instrumental music from around the world. A massed choir from the county’s primary schools will be tugging furiously at heartstrings, ably assisted by guest performances from Northants’ Senior Girls Youth Choir and Training Youth Brass Band.

No less family-centric is the hotly anticipated visit of Lee Mead, fresh from the West End musical Wicked. It’s one of only

Singalonga Chrimbo

Thu 2 NMPAS BIG CHRISTMAS SING Royal & Derngate Northampton Fri 3 LEE MEAD Royal & Derngate Northampton Sat 4 Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

two shows by the dishy Essex fave in the region, doubtless packing in fans who witnessed his triumph on BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do back in 2007. Since his spell in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lee has also hit big in Tommy and the Phantom Of The Opera.

Subscribe to WOW What’s On Where for only £20

a year, and get all the latest news hot off the press.

For details see the ad on our classifieds pages.



UK SUBS Lock 42 Leicester THE MEN THEY COULDN’T HANG The Rescue Rooms Nottingham

Sun 12 BUDDY HOLLY AND THE CRICKETERS The Stables Milton Keynes

Tue 14 BELLE & SEBASTIAN De Montfort Hall Leicester

Wed 15 THE WEDDING PRESENT The Assembly Leamington Spa THE BLUES BAND The Stables Milton Keynes

Thu 16 IAN BROWN Rock City Nottingham

Fri 17 DIESEL PARK WEST The Musician Leicester

Sat 18 ROY WOOD + T-REXTASY Market Harborough Leisure Centre JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS RHYTHM AND BLUES ORCHESTRA NIA Birmingham Sat 18 THE HUMAN LEAGUE De Montfort Hall Leicester

Sun 19 THE FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS The Stables MK

Tue 21 JLS LG Arena Birmingham

Wed 22 THE ENID The Assembly Leamington

Tue 28 EL PUSSYCATS The Musician Leicester

Jazz & Classical Sat 4 LEICESTER UNIVERSITY CHAMBER CHOIR Church of St James the Greater Leicester THE FOUR SEASONS BY CANDLELIGHT: MOZART FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA Royal & Derngate Northampton

Wed 8 TAD NEWTON’S JAZZ FRIENDS The Castle Wellingborough

Ah, so what if Les McKeown is out on the road these days without his old mukkas Woody, Derek, Eric and Alan – and so what if he’s no longer a skinner wastrel teen idol in too-short tartan trucks? He’s far from

We want the Rollers!

Buster Bloodvessel territory, and retains an ironic Scots air of beaten heroism.

Always the star of the show, ever since the ‘90s Les has been whipping up a retro guitar storm to remind us

Fri 10 BAD MANNERS The Assembly LeamingtonMon 27 HMV Institute Birmingham Sat 11 Dec LES McKEOWN’S BAY CITY ROLLERS The Assembly Leamington

all that the Rollers were the biggest band since the Beatles. Ah, so what about the missing millions. Never mind the recent admissions about his secret sex life, and the demon drink.

Squint as you bop and you might very nearly convince yourself you’re 13 again. .

Any band who can call themselves ‘Britain’s most successful chart band in music history’ is surely worthy of a festive nod, and to heck with getting out our Guinness Book of British Hit Singles and slide rule. Twenty-one Top 20 singles between 1978 and 1986, plus a dozen more in recent years, and it’s almost as if the Nutty Boys never went away. Support is from ex-Housemartin and Beautiful

South singer Paul Heaton, who also knows a tune or two to get you in party mood. We predict a Happy Hour and Perfect 10s all round – especially as the bands are playing two-show dates, including a matinee for kids, in both Leicester and Brum

On second thoughts, aren’t the Bootleg Beatles ‘Britain’s most successful band in music history’? They do all the hits to perfection, after all, and have

May Contain Nuts

Sat 4 DO NOT ADJUST YOUR NUT TOUR: MADNESS + PAUL HEATON De Montfort Hall LeicesterSat 11 02 Assembly Birmingham Fri 10 THE CHRISTMAS SHOW: BOOTLEG BEATLES De Montfort Hall Leicester Tue 21 NIA Birmingham

been going donkey’s years longer than the original Fab Four!



Out of all the jazz, folk, world, pop and comedy talent set to entertain us this month at The Stables in MK, two female songstresses stand out from the highly talented crowd. First Beth Orton brings her moody beats and dreamlike vocal visions to the stage in early December, bringing to

No Room At The Inn

mind Joni Mitchell thrust into the noughties with her eerie, skittering trip-hop beats.

And what a treat in the run-up to Christmas when The Stables’ First Lady herself gives her celebrated tonsils a festive airing in fundraising concert in aid of Wavendon Allmusic Plan. High quality family fare with John Horler on piano and Alec Dankworth on bass, amid warm waves of violin and sax virtuosity.

Fri 3 BETH ORTON The Assembly Leamington Sun 5 The Stables Milton KeynesThu 16 THE LADY IS A DAME: CLEO LAINE The Stables Milton Keynes

It’s now ten years since folkie supergroup the Albion Band wheeled out their special Christmas Show on tour, and ever since it’s been attracting sell-out crowds.

It isn’t just the combined talents of some of British folk-rock’s true legends – we’re talking Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie White (Al-bion Band), Simon Care (Ed-ward II) and the Guv’nor him-self, Ashley Hutchings (Fairport

Up the Albion!

Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band – what a CV!) – but a route back to seemingly simpler times that keeps the crowds flocking in.

Traditional Christmas songs played on traditional instru-ments. A knees-up and sin-galong. Possibly even a tankard of mulled wine or two…

Sun 12 The Albion Christmas Band The Castle Wellingborough



RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 31 The Concert being held on the 16th December 2010 at Welland Park College, Market Harborough, is already a sell out with proceeds going to two great charities ‘Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland Air Ambulance’ and ‘Option 55’, Equipment for a brand new Paediatric Wing at Kettering General Hospital.

Songbirds have only been performing for just under two years and have already raised over £4000 for charities and good causes.

Maureen O’Malley Chair of Songbirds said “We are delighted that Strung Out Sister are special guest with us for our Concert and Christmas. It is going to be a great evening of talented ladies performing popular music and of course some traditional Christmas Carols. Songbirds are building

‘Songbirds’ Join Forces for Good Causes

quite a reputation locally, under the direction of our great Musical Director Mr David Hubery. We are being invited to perform more and more for the local community. After Christmas we are looking forward to entering our first competition

SATuRDAy 18 DECEmBERIn May 2001 Rock Legend Roy Wood was awarded a prestigious Ivor Novello Award for his exceptional contribution to popular music. Since then the awards have continued. In 2008 Roy was made an honorary Doctor of Music by the University of Derby and over the past few months has received awards for best classic songwriter by Mojo Magazine and Classic Rock Magazine. Just this week, the people of Birmingham will honour Roy when the city unveils a Star in his name on

Sub Head

Broad Street’s Walk of Stars. Roy Wood is one of the

UK’s most prolific singer songwriters and was responsible for such massive bands as The Move, E.LO, and Wizzard.

On Saturday December 18th 2010, Roy Wood visits Market Harborough (a favourite haunt of his) with his latest band. Fans can hear all the classic hits that have won this British Rock Icon such esteemed accolades. Songs such as Blackberry Way, California Man, See My Baby Jive, Ball Park Incident, Fire

This one off and UK exclusive concert takes place at Market Harborough Leisure Centre on Saturday December 18th 2010. Ticket are priced £18.50 For further information you can call Mad Hatter direct on 01858 44 66 62 or visit the web site at www.madhatter-concerts.co.uk

For information about the Choir contact Maureen on 07890858705 or email [email protected]

‘Kettering Eisteddfod’ which is rather scary but very exciting. Watch out for news of how we get on.”

For anyone who would like to see Songbirds but were not able to get a ticket they will be performing again at Welland

park College next Summer on the 1st and 2nd of July 2011

brigade, Angel Fingers and many more.

Very Special guests at this event will be the wonderful T.Rextasy, The Worlds only official tribute to the late great Marc Bolan & T.Rex. The bands incredible attention to detail is both visually and musically stunning, bringing you the incredible experience of a Live T.Rex gig at the height of their fame… As you’d expect, they’ll be playing all those massive hits such as Jeepster, Ride a white Swan, Metal Guru, Telegram Sam and Children of the Revolution.



s a player, Micky Adams was always an honest, hard-work-ing right-back – attributes he’s

carried forward into his career as a foot-ball manager. Much travelled over the 30 years in the game as a player, player-manager and boss, the straight-talking Yorkshireman put down roots in Market Harborough when he joined Leicester City in 2001, and he’s still here with his wife and young family. Micky led City into the Premier League Promised Land dur-ing his three years at the club. And he’s currently top of the league once again with League 2 Port Vale…

It’s great to be able to talk to a football manager when you’re top of the league…

We’re having a decent season. We laid the foundations last season, and we’re carrying it on. We’ve got good players with a fantastic spirit amongst them; they’re a fit bunch and they want to do well for each other. It’s my job to get all those ingredients together, but we’re not getting carried away as there’s still a long way to go.

Apart from Vale, what other clubs’ results do you look for on a Saturday afternoon?

Well, Leicester City’s very close to my heart. I’m still living in Harborough, around City fans all of the time, so that’s one of the main ones that I look for. Sheffield United was the team I supported as a boy, so that allegiance will never change. And also all the other clubs I’ve been at.

Brighton are doing great as well now, top of League 1.

There’s another one, Brighton. I’ve been lucky, I’ve had three promotions in my career – Brighton, Fulham and Leicester City – so they’re the ones I look at first.

Derek Hammond meets Micky Adams, Leicester City’s most successful manager of the last 10 years.

You’ve remained living in Harborough even though you’ve had some long commutes in the past few years. Port Vale and Cov aren’t so bad, but Brighton and Colchester…

It’s a fantastic area and we love the town. The kids are settled in their schools, so there’s no reason to uproot everybody. Port Vale is a 180-mile round trip most days, but the important thing is that the missus and the kids are happy. While they’re happy, I’m happy. I just get a bit bored on the M1 occasionally!

Your stay at Leicester was the longest in your managerial career…

The average lifespan of a manager is 14 months now, so that tells you how precarious the job is. It’s results-driven. Fans want instant success. The chairman and board of directors demand it – and it doesn’t always happen. So if you say I had three years at Leicester City, that’s quite a spell!

Leicester have had eight managers in the six years since you left. It must be a strange job, zero security and seemingly always unsettled. You were linked with the City job again at the start of this season.

Yes, that’s the nature of the job. If

you’re not doing well you’re out of a job, and if you’re doing well you get linked with other jobs. But I’m nice and relaxed about things at the moment. If I’m attracting attention from other teams, it means I’m doing my job well at Port Vale.

You must have some fond memories of your time at Leicester City. I know I do!

We had some good players: Muzzy Izzet, Matty Elliott, Gerry Taggart. Brian Deane and Paul Dickov. Y’know, that season we got promoted to the Premier League was against the backdrop of administration as well, so it was a difficult time to come through. The only thing that disappointed me slightly was we never invested in the team when we got there. I think I’m the only manager in recent times to face that problem, and consequently we got relegated and I left my job the year after.

Let’s finish up with your greatest hits: who are the players you’ve spotted and signed who have gone on to great things?

Well, I took Bobby Zamora from Bristol Rovers reserves into Fulham, and consequently look at where he is now, playing for England. I bought him for £100,000 and I think the club got £1.5 million for him from Spurs!

Micky Adams, Manager at Port Vale

WOW_27_pp21_Interview_MA.indd 21 29/11/10 2:30:37 am

Young Voices is the largest Children’s choir concert in the world. We went along to Birmingham’s LG Arena to watch these WOW KIDS sing their hearts out.


rom rehearsal to the concert, Young Voices offers an experience that children remember for ever

and each year many are inspired to begin their own musical journeys. Last month we featured a group of kids from Little Bowden School in rehersals, here we see them at the main event

Dionne Bromfield

Street Dance Specialists - Urban Strides

Artistic Director - Andy Instone

Hostess - Gigi Morley

WOW_27_pp22_23_WOW Kids 2.indd 22 29/11/10 4:35:56 am


Josh Osha

Principal Conductor - David Lawrence

All Angels

Urban Strides

WOW_27_pp22_23_WOW Kids 2.indd 23 29/11/10 4:41:11 am


The WOW team takes a look at What’s On Wear...

ur (both real and fake) is this season’s instant glamour hit and nothing will keep you warmer.

However feathers are just as big a hit for the festive season... and I don’t mean in the form of angel wings!.

The White Feather Foundation embraces environmental and humanitarian issues and in conjunction with partners from around the world, helps to raise funds for the betterment of all life and honours those who have truly made a difference. Find out more atwww.whitefeatherfoundation.com

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WOW_27_pp24_25_Fashion.indd 24 29/11/10 2:39:46 am

1. Gold chainmail crystal drop

earrings £230 Erickson Beamon,

Gold ‘Statement’ necklace £650

Erickson Beamon, Ivory strapless

‘Cher’ gown £595, Anoushka G, Gold

Swarovski crystal cuff £170 Anton

Heunis. House of Fraser

2. Rushes and Reeds Sleeveless

Dress £185, French Connection.

3. Purple 20’s Sequin Top £35.

A|wear.

4. Florrie Feather Party Dress, £225,

Monsoon.

5. Limited black lace and feather

dress, £89, Marks & Spencer.

6. Feathered Glenda Boot £74.99,

River Island.

7. Ravel-finn, www.gorgeous-online.

com.

8. Next.

9. Feather Bolero £69, Country

Casuals

10. Feather Skirt, £60, Next.

11. Bustier Feather Dress - £290,

Freemans.

12. Hobo Ostrich Feather Bag £49.99,

River Island.

13. Crystal drop earrings £70

Delphine-Charlotte Parmentier, Silver

Swarovski crystal bow necklace

£170 Anton Heunis, Mink silk corset

£80 Untold, Gold ‘Deco’ ring £180CC

Skye, Black feather mini skirt £225

Michael Michael Kors, Black fishnet

tights £8 Untold. House of Fraser.

14. Vintage Starlet Head Band,

£68.00, GlitzySecrets.com

15. www.halojewellery.co.uk

16. Star by Julien Macdonald Lash

Feather, £8.50 each

17. Black Feather Jewel Brooch, £12,

Talullah Tu London.

18. Feather Evening Bag £13, Savida

19. Ravel-feature-silver, www.

gorgeous-online.com.

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WOW_27_pp24_25_Fashion.indd 25 29/11/10 2:44:58 am


MAKE SURE YOU’RE BEAUTY, NOT THE BEAST...

At this time of year a girl is looking for ways to make the most of her locks with all the functions she has to attend. Well of course we can’t all have a hairdresser under the bed so here’s a look at some products to help us D.I.Y. this Christmas.

Party time

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FROM RECEPTIONGIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FROM RECEPTION

Bed Head - www.asos.com Hait Heat Wave Curlers (all sizes) - £20.95, HAITO. www.hairtools.co.uk

Girls with Attitude Gift Set - £23.97. Heatons

Hair Care Styling Kit, £9.50. Marks & Spencer

Head Jog Purple Brush Set (4 brushes) - £19.95. www.hairtools.co.uk

PARLUX 3800 Eco Friendly Green Ceramic Ionic - £145.95. www.hairtools.co.uk


WOW_27_pp26_27_Hair & Beauty.ind26 26 29/11/10 12:32:15 am

WOW December 2010 27GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FROM RECEPTION

The Beauty Manor (above Browns Hairdressing)

Manor House, High Street,Market Harborough,

Leicestershire LE16 7NL.Tel: 0844 999 4365

www.thebeautymanor.co.uk

NEW AESTHETIC TREATMENTS AVAILABLE:LASER HAIR REMOVALSKIN REJUVENATION

ACNE & ROSACEA TREATMENTSUN DAMAGE & PIGMENTATION TREATMENT

Jessica GELeration 3 week Manicure are perfect to last over Christmas.

Treat your loved ones to ‘Your Spa Experience’ at The Beauty Manor.

Decleor Luxury Gift Sets are available with limited stock.

If you are unable to pop into salon to buy your gifts then call 0844 999 4365 or visit

www.thebeautymanorboutique.co.uk

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FROM RECEPTIONWOW_27_pp26_27_Hair & Beauty.ind27 27 29/11/10 12:33:04 am


WOW FINDS OUT WHERE THE LAUGHS ARE THIS MONTH

If you only go to 20 comedy gigs this month… with DJ Fontana

Wed 1 NONSENSORY OVERLOAD: ROSS NOBLE Royal & Derngate Northampton RHOD GILBERT & THE CAT THAT LOOKED LIKE NICHOLAS LYNDHURST Royal Centre Nottingham

Sat 4 MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES IN ORDER: FELIX DEXTER Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa

Sun 5 JOKES. LIFE. AND JOKES ABOUT LIFE: ALUN COCHRANE Warwick Arts Centre Coventry BE HONOURABLE!: JOSIE LONG The Cornerhouse Nottingham

Tue 7 COMEDY NIGHT: GAVIN WEBSTER, RICHARD MORTON, JOSH WIDDICOMBE The Picturedrome Northampton MAGNERS FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: ROB ROUSE, WILSON DIXON + Lyric Rooms Ashby De-La-Zouch

Wed 8 SCREAMING BLUE MURDER: ANDREW BIRD, SIMON CLAYTON, STEVE DAY The Stables

Fri 10 LAUGHTER THERAPY: JIMMY CARR Warwick Arts Centre Coventry

Sun 12 FRANKIE BOYLE NIA

To advertise your event in the Midlands’ fastest-growing guide to what’s going on and

where to be seen,email [email protected]

or call 01858 439 999

To Minch or Not To Minch?

Just as it suggests on tim-minchin.com, the aforemen-tioned cabaret ivory-tinkler is a comedian, actor, composer, songwriter, pianist, musical director and huge rock ‘n’ roll megastar.

Just to refine his description a little more clearly, imagine if you will a postmodern, antipodean version of Richard Stilgoe, wibbling wordily over his joanna.

A male version of Pam Ayres bumping gently up against Victoria Wood.

Noel Coward, except considerably more brave on the mascara front. And – not a lot of people know this – one of Northampton’s finest!

Wed 8 TIM MINCHIN The NIA Birmingham Sat 18 Trent FM Arena Nottingham

WOW_27_pp28_29_Comedy.indd 28 29/11/10 12:42:35 am


They might not be the comedy choice of many alt.humour moshpit punters over the age of 16, but Christmas isn’t all about sensible choices, excellent taste or the superior quality of cracker joke.

For some curious reason transcending all logic and likelihood, kids love Paul and

With Love To Me, To You

Sun 12 THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS in THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS De Montfort Hall

Barry Chuckle – aka Paul and Barry Elf, battling here to prevent Jack Frost from ruining Christmas.

So, when you take the miniatures to this special matinee show, bear in mind the proud history of our ChuckleVision heroes in British culture – not only the winners of TV talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1967, but also of New Faces in 1974.

The Spice of Life

Thirty years after they stopped putting on musical acts with comedians, they only went and reinvented the wheel, presenting a star-heavy bill of top funny men interspersed with golden grooves and glam.

This year’s Rock With Laughter spectacular features Brummie local boy Lenny Henry leading a cornucopia of all-singing, all-jesting talent. Ed Byrne is number one in the sidesplitting stakes, while it’s only a couple of months since we interviewed Ade

Fri 10-Sat 11 ROCK WITH LAUGHTER 2010: LENNY HENRY, ED BYRNE, ALAN CARR, JO BRAND, BEVERLEY KNIGHT, ROLF HARRIS, BJÖRN AGAIN, SLADE, ADRIAN EDMONDSON & THE BAD SHEPHERDS LG Arena Birmingham

Edmondson, and are chuffed to see the good a bit of publicity has done his career as a punk folkie.

Neither are a patch on the unique genius of Rolf Harris, mind. Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport. Do you know what it is yet? All this, didgeridoos and wobble boards too!

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In the build up to Market Harborough’s Late Night Shopping event on December 10th, Harborough’s coffee shops welcome you. Tracy and Elaine try some out.

ith Christmas around the corner, WOW does a tour of Market

Harborough’s Coffee Shops, and looks forward to Late Night Shopping on December 10th

Giorno Café - Claudiu

Aldins Café - Alison & Nadine

Aldwinckles Coffee Shop - Sarah & Melanie

Blend - Sally & Maria

First we get in the festive mood with a hat from the Card Factory

Then for some coffee with...

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New Horizons Coffee Shop - Mary & Kay

Café Nero - Bryony & Kayleigh Emmerson & West Café - Jo & customer - Tilly

Costa - Charlie, Holly, Lee, James & Lex

Timo - Franki & Andrea

Webbs Café - ChloeZizzi - Tamas & Victoria

Enigma - Nicky, India & Angie

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Get down with the kids this Christmas by snapping up this year’s most sought-after stocking fillers.


h Christmas, the season of goodwill, peace on earth – and parents fighting in the aisles

over the season’s top toy sellers. Every year there’s a festive frenzy over the most sought-after children’s stocking fillers. But with the help of our round-up of perfect pressies you can be one step ahead of the masses this year.

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1. Main image, Next.2. Marks & Spencer. Tablefootball.3. Matalan. Alien robe, from £10.4. M&Co. Embroided aubergine taffeta bow dress, £22, glitter-frilled party shoe, £10, embroided red taffeta bow dress, £22, black sequin party shoe, £11.5. Ebay Fashion Outlet.Zingzillas Big Zing guitar, £20.6. John Crane Ltd. Pink first bike, £53. 7. Debenhams. Twilight Eclipse boardgame, £20. 8. Littlewoods.com. Sylvanian Regency hotel, £120.

9. Matalan. Special tiered dress, £16.10. Woolworths.co.uk.Barbie sports bag, £10. 11. Monsoon.Tea set, £15. 12. Mamas & Papas. Christmas novelty unisex two-piece set, £14.13. Debenhams.Talking Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear, £40.14. Brantano. Slipper club crocodile, £8.15. Woolworths.co.uk. Fisher Price Chatter Telephone, £6.

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WOW kids go cookie.


OW kids decide to decorate the christmas tree with homemade festive stained glass window

biscuits. They prove to be a huge success...

You can pick up all of the ingredients required for this recipe at your local

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350g/12oz plain flour, (extra for dusting)1 tsp bicarbonate of soda½ tsp salt2 tsp ground ginger100g/3½oz butter175g/6oz soft brown sugar1 free-range egg, beaten4 tbsp golden syrupA packet of wrapped, fruit-flavoured boiled sweets.A straw and festive shaped cookie cutters.

Narrow ribbonReady roll white icing and cellophane to gift wrap (both optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.2. For the biscuits, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and ginger together in a bowl.3. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, then stir in the sugar. 4. In another bowl, beat together the egg and golden syrup, then add this

mixture to the flour mixture and fold in to make a smooth dough, knead-ing lightly with your hands.5. Roll the dough out on a floured work surface to about 0.5cm/¼in thick, then cut into shapes using a selection of festive cookie cutters. Transfer the biscuits to baking sheets lined with baking paper.6. Use a small cutter in the centre of each biscuit, making sure you leave a good edge all around the biscuit. Pop a boiled sweet into the shape in each biscuit.7. Make a hole at the top of each biscuit using a drinking straw so that you will be able to thread a ribbon through it later. Bake the biscuits in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden-brown.8. Remove the biscuits from the oven. While they’re still warm, check that the holes for the rib-bon are still there - if necessary push a straw through again. Do not remove the biscuits from the baking tray until they have cooled because the boiled sweets need to harden. Once the sweets have hardened, gently lift the biscuits onto a wire rack with a palette knife to finish cooling.

9. Another option is to decorate the biscuits with white ready roll icing using festive shaped cookie cutters. Thread ribbons through the holes in the biscuits to make loops for hanging from the tree.

A great biscuit to be left out for Santa on Christmas Eve along with a carrot for Rudolf! Merry Christmas from WOW kids.

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WOW LOOKS AT WHAT’S GOING ON...

FRIDAY 10 DecembeRThe annual event in Market Harborough that marks the start of Christmas, yes Late Night Shopping is here again. .

The whole of Market Harborough town centre will once again be closed to traffic, and there will be lots of attractions to keep the expected crowds of around 10,000 people entertained.

Shop ‘til you drop!

We are expecting the local retailers joining in with a fancy dress competition.

The HFM Radio roadshow will also be there making sure everyone has a great time. The official switch on for the Christmas lights will be by a number of local celebrities.

The event is organised by a small group of volunteers – most of them

taking time out from their own businesses during the year to plan the festival and it is designed to raised money for local charities as well as to put

on a great evening for all the people coming into town for the Christmas period.

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FROM SaT NOveMbeR 27‘My shoes are killing me’ will explore how those harmless objects you wear everyday on your feet, could be the beginning or the end of a crime!Visitors will be given a chance

to investigate the darker side of the sole. The exhibition will also feature an interview with a Senior Forensic Investigator from Northamptonshire Police.

There will be a mystery to solve with the help of some clues from ‘Shoelock Holmes’ and his sidekick ‘Dr.Clogson’.

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Exhibitions Officer, Victoria Davies said: “We are really looking forward to this exhibition and can’t wait for visitors to look at how different shoe prints over the years have played an important part in investigating crime.

“We want to explore the importance of shoe prints and the important role they play in solving crime whilst educating

My Shoes are Killing Me

visitors to the museum. This exhibition will also feature a pair of Rosa Klebb’s knife shoes from the film from Russia with love.”

Cath Pankhurst, Senior Forensic Investigator at Northamptonshire Police, said: “Our Scientific Support Department has provided some footware gelatine lifts and footware casts that have been produced in a training exercise for use in the exhibition.

“An interview will also be displayed as part of the exhibition that gives some detail about how we recover footprints at crime scenes and analyse them.”

The exhibition will also look at counterfeit shoes, shoe crime in Northamptonshire and shoe crime in literature.

NORThaMpTON MuSeuM aNDaRT GalleRy, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DPTelephone: 01604 838 111

SaT 11 NOveMbeROn 11th December 2010, at Abington Park Museum, there will be a range of Christmas crafts to help you celebrate the festive season. The workshops run from 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. No need to book, just drop in. There may be a small charge for some activities.

Get Crafty at abington park Museum

Abington Park MuseumPark Avenue SouthNorthamptonNN1 5LWTelephone: 01604 838 110



DON’T JUST STICK TO YOUR USUAL HAUNTS, TRY SOMEWHERE NEW TO EAT!

New Year’s Eve, Mediterannean Style

ThE OlD BakEhOuSE aNDOlivE lOuNgE19 Market hill, Rothwell, North-amptonshire NN14 6BWTel: 01536 712512www.mmmtheoldbakehouse.co.ukwww.theolivelounge.com

It’s our favourite restaurant and wine bar in the Northants-Leicestershire border country – and they’ve only gone and lined up a New Year extravaganza…

From the moment you walk through the doors at the Old Bakehouse and Olive Lounge, you get the feeling that you’ve left England behind, experi-encing the familiar warmth of ambience and welcome that recalls all your sweetest Medi-terranean memories. Thanks to Philippos, his family and team, the sunny southern Eu-ropean atmosphere runs far deeper than mere décor or the wonderfully friendly serv-ice. The Mediterranean flavour here is soul deep, running right through the food – home-made

Italian meatballs, Giouvetsi slow-cooked beef, fantastic Greek sausages – the wine list, the lightness of ambience,

all perfectly geared to relaxa-tion and fun.

And that’s only part of the reason why New Year’s Eve in

Rothwell sounds unmissable this year. The Old Bakehouse offers a five-course meal with Champagne and canapé recep-tion, plus live entertainment with a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Sam-my Davis Jr. and Dean Martin (tickets £65 per person, booking required). Meanwhile, the Olive Lounge is hosting a masquer-ade party with a Champagne and canapé reception (tickets £20 per person). Before mid-night, the two parties turn into one, with a DJ, music and danc-ing until 2am – promising a night to remember…

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NOW OPEN

To book your table


42 WOW November 2010

WOW TAKES A LOOK AT THE LATEST DEALS ON WHEELS

Mazdaaaaah!

It’s not every day you get a chance to fly to Cornwall. And it’s not very often you get the chance to be flown down there just to be given a test drive. But that’s what happened after Mazda insisted on inviting me to test their new Mazda5 at the of-ficial UK launch in Newquay on

20 October. I was impressed straight

away with the car. Maybe it’s because the Mazda is aimed at someone like me who has a young family. You see, with its seven-seater versatility, intel-ligent packaging and engaging style, the new Mazda5 compact

multi-activity vehicle has obvi-ously been engineered from the ground up to meet the demands of even the most active families.

Priced from £17,695 to £21,495 it is available in Maz-da’s familiar TS, TS2 and Sport trim levels. Standard equipment levels are exceptionally gener-

ous and include six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System, two ISOFIX child seat anchor points, air-conditioning, cruise control, a six-speaker CD audio unit and alloy wheels across the range.

The Mazda5 also sees the debut of the Japanese motor


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WOW November 2010 43

manufacturer’s distinctive Na-gare design language. Inspired by the flowing elements found in nature, the Mazda5 is instant-ly distinguished by its boldly sculpted flanks. These distinc-tive contours are complement-ed by the company’s striking face, piercing headlamps, and a steeply raked windscreen an-gle resulting in a lithe silhouette that’s a world away from its more humdrum looking people-carrier rivals.

Getting in and out of the Maz-da5 is now even easier. Its large, twin sliding rear doors open to a wide 686mm, providing exceptional access in even the tightest spaces. For me, this is a great bonus. Until I had children I never realised how much hassle it can be to fit a baby seat into a car – and how easy it can be to hurt your back while twisting

and leaning in to do so. Access to the new Mazda is

further enhanced by a broad 130mm foot step and low 439mm step-up into the cabin. Sport models also come with power sliding doors as stand-ard, which is pretty useful if you have a child seat in one hand and a baby held to your chest with the other.

The Mazda5’s innovative seven-seat layout is another massive plus point. The three rows of seats create a wide range of passenger-luggage combinations – from seven seats for friends and family on shorter journeys, to four seats with a generous luggage com-partment for longer journeys, to just two seats and a vast, flat-floored cargo area for hauling larger items. Its seven seats can be flipped and folded to create a

NeW Mazda5 2.0 TS2eNgiNe: MZR 2.0-litre DISI i-stopTraNSMiSSiON: Six-speed manualPOWer: 150psTOrque: 191Nm at 4500rpmMax SPeed: 120 mph0-62 MPh: 11.0 secondsCOMbiNed MPg: 40.9mpgCO2: 159 g/kmPrice: £18,895 on the road

variety of load-carrying configu-rations.

The new Mazda5 range de-buts with the choice of three engines. The two petrol-pow-ered units – a 115ps 1.8-litre and a 150ps 2.0-litre DISI – are joined by a 115ps 1.6-litre MZ-CD turbo diesel lump. Combined economy climbs 14.2 percent to 40.9mpg and CO2 emissions drop a full 15 percent to 159g/km over the outgoing 2.0-litre petrol engine. Performance is equally strong with a 0-62mph time of 11 seconds and a 120mph top speed. The 1.8-litre powertrain has a four percent economy boost to 39.2mpg and a six percent CO2 emis-sions drop to 168g/km over the outgoing 1.8-litre model. The car touches 62mph in 12.8 seconds and posts a 113mph maximum speed. The diesel offering fea-

POSiTiVe• Versatile • roomy • economical• Lively

NegaTiVe• Won’t retain value

tures common-rail fuel injec-tion and a turbocharger. The MZ-CD 1.6-litre certainly packs a technical punch too, acceler-ating to 62mph in 13.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 111mph, while returning an ex-cellent fuel economy figure of 54.3mpg and tax-friendly CO2 emissions of just 138g/km.

Certainly this new Mazda has everything that a family in need of a large car could possi-bly want. As well as being eco-nomical and versatile it is also engaging and lively to drive. The only possible downside is that even with all the design tweaks in the world this sort of car is never going to look sexy. But if you have a family large enough to need a people-carrier, are you ever going to get the time to care how good it looks on the drive? I suspect not...

WOW december 2010 43

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44 WOW November 2010

Fun on wheels

The Fiat 500C with its retro roll-back fabric roof and 1.3 start-stop technology diesel engine is a funny little thing.

It’s not my cup of tea because I’m a bald six footer with a goatee – so I do look a bit daft driving it. However, my wife nearly cried when the test car went back. She loved it.

Even though I felt ridiculous driving the Fiat 500C 1.3 Multijet (95bhp) Pop 2d, it was actually a real laugh to rip around in. On the move you immediately notice a bit of whistling from around the roof, but that can be forgiven, because at the touch of a button the rag-top peels back for fun open sky motoring. It’s also quick to fold back, if you get caught in a sudden shower, or if you can’t stand the cold at this time of the year.

The engine is great; the

1248cc 4-cylinder turbo-diesel is very punchy, although it does sound a bit like an angry lawnmower if revved too hard. The car also soaks up the bumps and goes where you point it with rapid self-confidence. Ok, the steering and controls all have a weightless feel, but that’s something many people in the market for this kind of car will love.

The Fiat 500C is undoubtedly a car for the image conscious. It has that hip characteristic that its rivals - the Peugeot

207CC and Renault Wind don’t have. In my view, the only other major rival - the Mini Cooper convertible - beats it on looks. The Fiat is also a motor for the economically minded; the petite car can go an awful long way on one tank – up to 72mpg, while pumping out just 104g/km of CO2 emissions. Now, that’s seriously cheap, recession-busting motoring!

The 500C is a genuine giggle to drive and it’s relatively spacious for what it is. The

rear bench take two child seats and two kids without any problem, and when my wife borrowed the Fiat to take the children to nursery, she raved on afterwards about how easy it was to park in the manic crèche car park. The only real downside, if you have children or you plan on doing lots of driving holidays, is the tiny boot – but at around £14,865 on the road, you really can’t go far wrong for this kind of pleasurable motoring.

POSITIVE• Image • Economical • Fun

NEgaTIVE• Tiny boot

FIaT 500C ENgINE: 1248cc 4 cylindersTraNSmISSION: Five-speed manualPOWEr: 95 bhpTOrquE: 148 lb-ft max SPEEd: 112 mph0-62 mPh: 10.4 secondsCOmbINEd mPg: 72 mpgCO2: 104 g/kmPrICE: £14,865 on the road.

44 WOW december 2010

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...AND READER OFFERS FROM WOW WHAT’S ON WHERE.

Please state clearly which competition you are entering and send your entries along with your name, address, phone number and email address to WOW What’s On Where, 50 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DU.

WOW What’s On Where has a 12 month subscription worth £20 to give away.

Apart from receiving each issue hot of the press, the winner will also have their name entered into all of our

competitions over the length of the subscription. Do you feel lucky?

To win, all you need to do is tell us in less than 50 words what you like and/or dislike about WOW.

Please be sure to send us your name, age, address, telephone number, mobile and email address and mark your entries “WOW December Subscription Offer”.

Good Luck!

Aladdin arrives at The Lighthouse Theatre in Ket-tering from 10th - 26th December.

Theatre Produc-tions have kindly given us a pair of family tickets for WOW readers.

For your chance to win, send your entries to Aladdin Competition. Clos-ing date for entries is Thurs 9 Dec.

Annie - the world’s best-loved Christmas musical, is on from 20 - 31 December.

Annie is a spectacular treat for the whole family.

WOW has a family ticket to give away to the show at De Montfort Hall

on Tuesday 21st December at 7.30pm.

For your chance to win apply to ‘Annie Competition’ to the address at the foot of the page. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 15 December.

WOW_27_pp46_Compos.indd 46 29/11/10 5:31:28 am


To advertise in the Midland’s fastest-growing guide to what’s going on and where to be seen in our region,

email [email protected] or call 01858 439 999

WOW is expanding andlooking for

highly motivated Account Managers. If you feel you are the right person,

please email sales@wowwhatsonwhere.

co.uk and explain why!

NEW!

WOW_27_pp47_Directory.indd 47 29/11/10 5:29:03 am


Derek Hammond visits the shortest (or maybe the narrowest) street in Europe (or should that be Market Harborough?)…

n the lookout for historical secrets and interesting forgotten

corners, there are two main sources of clues. The first is vintage guidebooks, which can certainly turn up paydirt as you follow your 1948 map through Leicester city centre or the wilds of Northamptonshire. It’s a hit-and-miss affair; but once-accurate, hopelessly out-of-date information is usually far more useful than the main alternative: Googling on the internet.

“Hey it’s sunday and I’m bored enough to look up my town on the wikipedia,” writes one messageboarder on a gaming forum I’m directed to in search of Market Harborough history off the beaten track. “I find out that the guy who played bobba fett in star wars was

born here. Also my town has the smallest street in Europe (Interesting :p).”

There’s a link to Wikipedia, which in the meantime has ditched any mention of the smallest street. But there’s no smoke without fire….

“In the center of Market Harborough you will find one of the most extraordinary buildings to be seen,” I discover on the American ezinearticles.com. “This ‘stilted’ medieval building acted as the town’s grammar school during the seventeenth century. The town is known for being the home to the shortest street in all of Europe, appropriately named ‘Short Street’.”

There’s no such street.An off-the-peg article on

marqueehireguide.com reveals

“Market Harborough is a countryside location near to the border with the county of Northamptonshire. It is the site of the shortest street in Europe called ‘Little Street’ which is near to the old Town Hall.”

This is corroborated by the Chinese whispers on travbuddy.com – “Centered around a castle-like 14th century church, Market Harborough is a stunning example of a traditional English market town. The shortest street in Europe, ‘Little Street’, leads to a popular local pub.” But here there’s a picture of the Three Swans Inn, taken to include the, ahem, short street opposite. Here and elsewhere the little street in question is described as running

“between the Red Cow and the old Town Hall”.

However a trip to town reveals this road is 15 yards long, with no street sign. Little Street turns out to be the alleyway which runs from Church Street into the High Street.

The narrowest street in Europe, perhaps? Certainly in Harborough. As for the shortest street in the world, that’s the 6-foot 9-inch Ebenezer Place in Caithness, Scotland – despite iffy internet claims for Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate in York!

Harborough Museum are on the case, hunting for the truth behind our spurious claim to fame. This one could run and run…

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wow what's on where december 2010

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