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Arts and Comedy

Mark Little at The Cellars at Eastney

‘You know I’m not supposed to be here, but I’m making the most of it,’ came the Ozzie tones of the man on stage.

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Five Minutes With...Dr Phil Hammond

Critically-acclaimed, Edinburgh sell-out Dr Phil Rude’s Health Show comes to The Berry Theatre next weekend.

Stewart Francis at Southampton Guildhall

When a heckler shouts out ‘I’m having the best night of my life’ and actually means it, you know that things are going well.

Big Interview

Russell Watson will be performing at Portsmouth Guildhall on June 10.

‘It changes the way you view people’

Ahead of his appearance at Portsmouth Guildhall next month, Russell Watson talks to MISCHA ALLEN about his new album, recording from two brain tumours and being asked by Slash to be in his new band.

Denise Welch is appearing as Trudy in Steel Magnolias, which arrives at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton from June 4-9.

‘It’s the right time to go back to theatre’

Every day is a juggling act for Denise Welch as she balances her work and being there for her family.

‘When you’re the one put in the light, you have to represent’ video

Ahead of his gig at the Pyramids in Southsea, Tottenham-born rap star Wretch 32 talks to JODIE JEYNES about working with Ed Sheeran and Example, his love for Chipmunk and the Adidas advert that has brought him to the attention of a primetime TV audience.

Clubbing

It’s all on at the Edge

I do like it when a seemingly insignificant venue gets a push and, in some ways, starts to overshadow it’s big brother. This is happening right now with the Edge of the Wedge.

Tribes DJ at LJR’s

Camden’s very own indie rockers Tribes will be making an appearance in our city this week.

Time for a Silly Sunday

It’s always nice to have Monday off work. It gives you more time to soak up the sins of Sunday night before leaving you raring to take-on the short week ahead.

Gigs, Music and Reviews

The Horrors at The Pyramids

First – a confession: I never really liked Simple Minds the first time round. This means that no amount of lasers and strobes can make plodding, stodgy ‘80s rock a particularly attractive proposition.

Brendan Benson at The Wedgewood Rooms

With an opening salvo of a brand new number, the upbeat Light of Day, heading straight into the perky pop of Good To Me from 2002’s Lapalco, Benson, leading a four-piece band, starts like a man with a mission.

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Lawson Trio at Portsmouth Central Library

Those who were hearing music by David Knotts for the first time can now add his name to the list of living composers who know how to communicate at an emotional level.

The Drifters at the Kings Theatre, Southsea

Showbiz thrills don’t come much more magical than the arrival of Craneswater Junior School children on stage with The Drifters.

Soloist Andrew Ball will be performing with the Havant Chamber Orchestra at Ferneham Hall, Fareham on May 19.

Past pupil returns for 50th anniversary season

A pianist who first played with one of Peter Craddock’s Havant orchestras as a schoolboy in 1966 will return on Saturday, May 19, to take part in their 50th anniversary season.

Movies

Stage

In The Mood at Portsmouth Guildhall

Red lipstick, dancing shoes and even a retro car were the order of the day at Portsmouth Guildhall as vocal trio The Three Belles put on their 1940s nostalgic evening, In The Mood.

Cellist Steve Isserlis is performing as part of Winchester Festival. PICTURE: CREDIT Satoshi Aoyagi

Classical highlights for city’s celebrations

The Winchester Festival will begin on July 6 with a performance of Bach’s mighty Mass in B minor in the city’s historic cathedral.

Raining Men is arriving at the Kings Theatre, Southsea from May 24-26.

Life is a drag as nightclub needs a new act

It may be May outside but it’s coming up to Halloween at the Kings Theatre, Southsea next week as Raining Men takes to the stage.

Looking a head at the Kings Theatre, Southsea summer season - Born In The Gardens is at the theatre on May 30-31. Jonathan Parish and Katherine Senior

Summer’s highlights at city theatre

Summer is nearly here, and this year is a big celebration with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee just weeks away and the Olympics starting in July.

Choirs performances

The harmonic sound of voices singing together will fill the air in Portsmouth this weekend as two choirs are putting on performances.

Steve Power

Jessie kicks off Music Is Great Week

Jessie J will perform a one-off show at London’s HMV record store on Oxford Street today to kick off Music Is Great Week, which celebrates the success of British artists playing live across the globe.

New meaning to metallurgy

A New Zealand researcher has earned a doctorate studying the social habits of heavy metal fans. Dave Snell began his research at Waikato University in 2007, and used psychological tools to look beyond the stereotypical image of metal fans as anti-social and dangerous outsiders.

Backstreet Block supergroup want to tour again

NKOTBSB want to do another world tour. Although the supergroup, which comprises of pop heavyweights New Kids On The Block and the Backstreet Boys, are only on the UK leg of their series of concerts, with dates still to come across Europe, Asia and Australia, they are enjoying themselves so much they would love to tour together again.