So This is Christmas: Culture Diary, w/c 19-12-2011
Mon - The Voyages of Sinbad The Sailor (until 21st Jan)
One thing I said I wouldn’t be writing about this Christmas was a panto. The very first hint of ‘he’s behind you’ being uttered, and the same old ‘risqué’ stuff being bandied around triggers my inner Scrooge! Then what goes and happens? Only a much loved childhood story being staged by The Unity just in time for Chrimbo, that’s what! Director, Graeme Phillips describes the show as: “…traditional storytelling with a transformative twist! “ So here I am, recommending a panto. You’ll be able to read what I thought of Sinbad The Sailor later this week.
Tues – Paul McCartney
Liverpool Echo Arena
My next recommendation is one of those get in on the ground floor, one to watch hot tips. In fact we’re really surprised this guy didn’t make the BBC’s sound of 2012 picks. Argh, who am I kidding, I can’t keep this up for another sentence. Rock God (btw, that’s a few steps up from mere rock royalty) and glutton for nuptial punishment, Macca the evergreen former Beatle plays a triumphant homecoming show in Christmas week. Take it from one who knows, the guy is unforgettable live.
Wed – Les Enfants Du Paradis (18:30)
FACT
A tale of intrigue, rivalry and romance, Les Enfants is set in the theatrical quarter of early 19th Century Paris. Directed by Marcel Carne, the film is a minor miracle even before you see it, made as it was during Nazi occupation. Recently lovingly restored by the BFI, it is part of FACT’s Culture Shock strand of wonderful alternative Christmas screenings.
Thurs – Space (Doors 19:00, £12.50)
O2 Academy
Lucky for Macca Space chose Thursday for their special Christmas reformation gig and not Tuesday, he would’ve been playing to the new missus and Echo Arena staff, so earth-shatteringly exciting is this news! The 90’s indie-urchins return, apparently for nostalgia reasons, singer Tommy saying “…it feels right to give it a go again.” Cutting the smart-alec stuff just for a moment, Space had their share of tunes, and could hardly be described as a typical Brit-pop band – let’s not begrudge them another crack at it.
Sat – It’s a Wonderful Life (14:30, £6/£7 boxes)
Liverpool Philharmonic
Nothing says it’s Christmas quite like Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life as experienced at the Phil. With a packed house and live pianist playing the film in and encouraging the rattling of keys to evoke the bells on Santa’s sleigh, it’s probably the closest an adult can get to experiencing the season as a child. Add to this the prospect of popping over the road to the Philharmonic pub for some post-movie mulled wine, and you have yourself a perfect Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas dear reader!
