Calling all Spice Girls wannabes, Robbie Williams tributes and Abba fanatics. Youstar Karaoke has landed on Broad Street in Reflex bar! Youstar is a Kaaoke service with a difference, so banish those embarrassing thoughts of karaoke days gone by.

We’ve all been there. You get to the pub/bar and realise that it’s karaoke night. After a drink (or four), and a lot of encouragement from your frenemies you decide to sign up for a karaoke favourite. Let’s say, Hero, by Mariah Carey. You get up to the stage and suddenly realise that the venue is much bigger and much more packed than you had originally thought. You turn a deep shade of beetroot, shy away from the top notes and will the whole experience to be over!

Youstar Karaoke launched today at Reflex bar on Broad Street and is here to change all of that. Youstar provide little karaoke pods for up to 12 people, so you and the people that will judge you the least can raise to roof and become superstars for as long as you like. With a full list of mega hits including current songs and classics you’ll definitely find something to fit your vocal range, no matter how limited.

Once you shut the door of your pod, you really are in your own world. You pick and control the songs. And more importantly, the drinks come to you! You don’t need to leave the pod for a thing (apart from to spend a penny), so get the imagination at the ready. Wembley Arena, Glastonbury, Jazz Cafe – from just £20 per hour, the pod is your oyster!

Visit www.youstarkaraoke.co.uk to check out the song list and book some pod time.

Youstar Karaoke: Reflex Bar, 36 – 37 Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2DY

The campaign want young people to show their peers that they are turning their backs on knife crime. This can be done by taking a picture of the back of their head and posting it onto the Count Me In facebook page. They’re also asking people to post links to Count Me In on their status, or change their profile pics to either the back of their head or the campaign logo

Earlier this week Eastenders star Brook Kinsella was in Birmingham as part of the launch. She knows only too well the agony of knife crime after losing her younger brother to a knife attack in 2008. She and other victims of knife crime spoke to students at Holte Visual and Performing Arts College and Washwood Heath Technology. Richard Taylor – father of Damilola Taylor also spoke of losing his ten year old son in 2000.

Their visit to the school sent ripples through the audience of students who had experienced or witnessed similar events. One such Birmingham teenager Cherai Douglas has vowed to back the campaign. Cherai’s cousin was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity in West Bromwich in 2004. She was very close to her cousin and feels that she is honouring his memory by supporting a campaign to end violence.

Another teenager Asif Altaf, aged 18, of Hodge Hill, spoke of seeing two friends stab each other for being from different postcodes.

“More kids need to know the consequences of carrying knives,” he said. “We need to spread awareness.

“My friends are OK now but it could have been so much worse.”

The aim is to collect more than a million online signatures from young people, so do what you can to encourage all the young people you know to sign up.

Search Count Me In on Facebook

]]> http://directoryofbirmingham.com/blog/2010/03/20/count-me-in/feed/ 0 http://directoryofbirmingham.com/blog/2010/03/19/actors-from-the-rep-use-library-archives-to-research-roles/ http://directoryofbirmingham.com/blog/2010/03/19/actors-from-the-rep-use-library-archives-to-research-roles/#comments Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:50:53 +0000 dna-admin http://directoryofbirmingham.com/blog/?p=2301 BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE & LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM

Actors from Birmingham Repertory Theatre experienced a taste of things to come when they used Birmingham Central Library’s Archives and Heritage facilities to prepare for the theatre’s upcoming production of Arthur & George, which premieres at The REP from 19 March to 10 April.

The play, a stage adaptation of Julian Barnes’ 2005 novel by Birmingham playwright David Edgar, focuses on the true story of Midlands solicitor George Edalji, who was defended by Arthur Conan-Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes, from accusations of horse slashing crimes in 1906.  Conan-Doyle, who was working in Aston at the time, was able to achieve a pardon for Edalji, (half British, half Indian) who, it is claimed, was the victim of racial discrimination, in the case known as ‘The Great Wyrley Outrages’. It was partially as a result of this case that the Court of Criminal Appeal was established in 1907, so not only did Conan Doyle help George Edalji, but his work helped establish a way to correct other miscarriages of justice.

Author Barnes visited the archives at Birmingham Central Library whilst researching the novel, and recently actors Adrian Lukis (Arthur) and Chris Nayak (George) followed in his footsteps in preparation for their stage roles, looking through a variety of original paperwork and letters including a letter from George Edalji to Birmingham MP Benjamin Stone, missives from Edalji’s mother, Charlotte, and copies of the Home Office paperwork detailing the case and subsequent appeal.

The items are part of Central Library’s Archives and Heritage department, which will be moved into an enhanced environment for the display and storage of valuable archive collections at the Library of Birmingham, making its most valuable treasures more accessible to the public than ever before. The new partnership between The REP and the Library of Birmingham means actors and theatre-goers alike will be able to see real life collections related to the stories brought to life on stage, and bringing the opportunity of library archive displays relating to current performances at The REP.

Paul Hemmings, Head of Archive and Heritage Services, Birmingham Libraries said:

“The Great Wyrley Outrages was a particularly important case not only for the West Midlands region, but, because of its importance in helping to introduce the appeals process, for the justice system too. The items we keep are particularly effective in bringing the story to life, and we were delighted to welcome Julian Barnes into the library when he was researching the novel, and now the actors from the stage adaptation too.”

The move into the Library of Birmingham and its improved storage and display facilities can only help us to keep stories such as this one alive, and we look forward to making the materials more accessible to the public than ever before in 2013.”

Rachel Kavanaugh, Artistic Director at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre said:

“Arthur Conan-Doyle’s involvement in the case of George Edalji is an intriguing and important story in the history of our region, and one that we’re delighted to bring to life on stage. Birmingham Central Library offers a number of excellent original source materials and we’re really pleased that the cast have had an opportunity to see them.

“The REP and Birmingham Central Library share common artistic goals.  The areas of cultural diversity, work with young people and children, and work with living writers are the three cornerstones around which we at The REP build our programme, and they are high on the Library’s agenda too.  The Arthur & George collaboration of sharing information and creative ideas demonstrates just one of the ways we can work closely with the Library of Birmingham in the run-up to 2013 and beyond.”

ENDS

Arthur & George – Listings Information

Friday 19 March to Saturday 10 April

Performance Times: Evenings at 7.30pm apart from Tuesday 23 March at 7.00pm.
Matinees at 2.00pm on Saturday 27 March and Thursday 1 April
Audio Description and Touch Tour: Thursday 8 April
BSL Interpreted Performance: Thursday 1 April at 7.30pm
Captioned Performance: Saturday 10 April at 7.30pm
Theatre Day: Thursday 1 April at 2.00pm

Tickets: £10 – £32
Box Office: 0121 236 4455
Online Booking: www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

For further information about the show please contact:

Eleanor Warren: Tel: 0121 245 2071 Email: eleanor.warren@birmingham-rep.co.uk

Mark Farnan: Tel: 0121 245 2072 Email: mark.farnan@birmingham-rep.co.uk

For more information about the Library of Birmingham, please contact:

Roulla Xenides or Tom Parker, S&X Media: Tel: 0121 604 6366

Whenever I think of the Ryder Cup, I think of sunshine, golf, men in plaid, and of course due to recent press events – naughty naughty Tiger Woods. Birmingham is not something that comes to mind when thinking about the Ryder Cup, however that could soon be set to change.

The Belfry Hotel and golf course in Sutton Coldfield is preparing to bid to hold the prestigious game in 2022. If successful it would make it 20 years since golfs biggest event was held near brum – it was last held at the Belfry in 2002. £3.5 million has already been pumped into the golf course in recent years. And with a whopping £200 million revamp of the Belfry in the pipeline, the surroundings will definitely be able to match the quality of the event.

Now you may not be the biggest fan of golf, but just think of what a coup this could be for your home town. I’m sure the council will pull out all the stops in ensuring our city centres are nice and sparkly in prep for the event. They’ll probably be a load of job openings as the Belfry and surrounding companies as they attempt to make extra effors in providing very best customer service. With the golfers, their entourages and their fans hitting the city, they’ll inevitably be a lot of money pumped into the area. It may finally encourage the youth of brum to take up a sport and get fit. Not to mention to opportunity for a little bit of celeb spotting.

If your thinking of getting into the swing of things (terrible pun I know), you can book lessons with trained professionals at the Belfry. Lessons cost from £40 per hour for adults and £30 per day for children. For those who are already know that golf is their cup of tee (I just can’t help it), you can book rounds from just £25.

Visit www.thebelfry.co.uk for more information on booking.

The NIA have done something to pander to those who feel just as bitter and lost as I do. They’re putting on a performance called ‘Three Classic Fairytales.’ The clues in the title, I hope you’re excited!

Mickey, Minnie and more than 25 of their Disney pals make appearances during this live performance where moments from three stories magically come alive to create an unforgettable experience. The show has a beautiful transforming set, captivating choreography, innovative lighting and breathtaking costumes; all created to treat families to an authentically woven tale of happily ever after.

With the exception of the recent Princess and the Frog, Disney haven’t made an animated, song filled movie for 10 years! For all those who have a child/sibling/cousin/neighbour below the age of 10, I feel it is your duty to educate. The ‘Three Classic Fairytales’ performance will provide a crash course in what once was. Providing snippets from Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Beauty and the Beast

“With genuine Disney characters, familiar songs and nostalgia hidden in each storyline, Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales is one of the closest and most intimate Disney experiences that we have ever produced,” said Tony Award® winning producer Kenneth Feld.

The show runs from 19^th – 21^st March at the NIA. Visit http://www.thenia.co.uk/whatson/disney-live for tickets

However, unlike other mundane photography companies, this one seems to be run by a couple of people who truly love taking photos. Their website is full of beautifully taken shots, some of which capture life in Birmingham where the company is based

Their very first exhibition is currently on in the Urban Outfitters shop in Birmingham town centre. The location is pretty much testament to their ‘cool’ as only the coolest people shop a Urban Outfitters – so I’ve been told.

When you look at their shots you’ll definitely want them to photograph your weddings, christenings, birthdays and bar mitzvahs, I’m pretty sure these two could even bring life to a funeral!

I personally love love love, so go take a peek!

www.jimmy-photo.com
Exhibition at Urban Outfitters on Corporation Street until 21st March

So in an effort to liven up your Wednesday this week, why not check out these things that are happening in and around Brum

Open Mic Night 
Old Orleans Bar from 8pm
Check out the untapped comedy talent in Birmingham at this regular Wednesday slot.

Juniper Cinema Presents the Classics
Jekyll & Hyde Pub – Film starts at 8pm
Every Wednesday Jekyll & Hyde treats it’s customers to a free movie and free popcorn. This week will be a range of classic films from the 40’s and 50’s.

Handful of Henna
Drum – 7.30pm Wednesday and Thursday
A play about 13-year-old Nasreen who is dragged by her mother back to the family village thousands of miles away. In the monsoon rain, surrounded by wagging tongues of relatives and not being able to text friends, the mystical power of henna leads to unexpected events. Based on real stories from Muslim women this is an evocative and enchanting story of homecoming, adventure, fear and joy for a girl and her mother.

As part of A Night Less Ordinary – Arts Council England’s Free Theatre Ticket Initiative, The Drum has a limited number of tickets to give away for this event to anyone aged 26 or under. For more information visit www.anightlessordinary.org.uk or call The Drum’s Customer Service Team on 0121 333 2444

A Crafty Beer
The Victoria – 7pm – 11pm
Check this out for a night of creative arts, skills workshops and downright craftiness.
Every month ‘A Crafty Beer’ brings together all craftspeople in Birmingham, giving them a space to get comfortable and creative in one of the coolest independent venues in the city centre.
For more info search for the ‘A Crafty Beer’ Facebook group for updates on events and information.

So turn that frown upside down and start to love your Wednesdays!

This time it’s the turn of Think Tank in Millennium Point. They’re currently running a 4 month long Genetics Season, where they have loads of activities and talks planned looking into DNA, genetics and other CSI type things.

Tomorrow night at the Jekyll and Hyde pub they will be holding a Café Scientifique. This is where groups of people of all scientific ability can get together and debate contemporary science issues of a cup of coffee and a maybe even a bit of cake. In keeping with the Genetics theme, tomorrows event will welcome Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys. The inventor of DNA fingerprinting and Fellow of the Royal Society will be leading a discussion into some of the cutting edge issues in his field.

Doors open at 6.00 with a 6.30 start.
Jekyll and Hyde
28 Steelhouse Lane
Birmingham
B4 6BJ
For more information on activities during the Genetics Season, visit www.thinktank.ac