The Met, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW | 0161 761 2216 | www.themet.biz

What’s OnJanuary »March2015EDDI READER

IAN McCULLOCK

CARA DILLON

THE SELECTER

MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK, JOHN MCCUSKER AND JOHN DOyLE

DREADZONE

LE VENT DU NORD

JOHN TAMS AND BARRy COOPE

Welcome

2

The Met is a much loved venue, but our 165 year-old building is starting to show its age. We want to refurbish and improve the building, to create an exciting and vibrant space for you and for artists, while retaining The Met’s unique character.

We’re calling this project A Better Met, and for the past three years we’ve been working hard behind-the-scenes to make it happen. Transforming the building will cost £4.6 million, of which we’ve already raised £4.1 million.

We need your help to find the final £500,000.

HOW CAN yOU HELP? The best way to help is by making a donation. You can donate on our website, by text (to send £5 right now text BMAA01 £5 to 70070), at our ticket office or at an event (look out for the red buckets). Every penny helps.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the support for the project so far and with almost 90% of our fundraising target already achieved, we hope you’ll join us in the final push to create a brilliant venue for arts and music in Bury.

The Met is operated byBury MetropolitanArts Associationa registered charity(No 701879).

Address The Met, Market Street, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9 0BW

Tickets 0161 761 2216

Admin 0161 761 7107

email post@themet.biz

web http://themet.biz

THE START Of THE yEAR IS always a treat at The Met with

heaps of brilliant international music and theatre in the heart of Bury.

Many of the shows listed in this brochure are already on sale so please don’t be disappointed. More and more people are visiting The Met with 2014 being a record year for new audiences thanks to our work within Bury and our reputation for specialist music festivals through the year.

Speaking of festivals, the Big Whistle Weekend is one of the highlights of our year with every corner of the building bursting with gigs, concerts, sessions and workshops. Be sure to drop in and sample the energy 19-21 February.

Families are spoilt for choice in February half term and we are delighted to expand our ever popular youth theatre to a younger group with ByT Minis every Wednesday. BYT minis promises the fun, creativity and friendships that our junior and seniors youth theatre has nurtured for years.

Our theatre programme sees the return of some amazing companies

– Paper Birds’ Broke was a 5 star highlight in Edinburgh last August while Living Spit’s Elizabeth I: Virgin on the Ridiculous looks to eclipse last year’s riotous Henry VIII.

Mesmerising and visual - Tmesis’ Amore will set the mood in mid February followed by Terry Jones’ Nicobobinus for a show which is sure to delight children and childish adults alike.

All this, plus community projects and weekly workshops for those wanting to try something different are only possible because of support from our funders and partners. Sponsorship and public funding from Bury Council and Arts Council England allows The Met to try things, take risks and keep developing. We hope you will take a few risks with us and enjoy the experience.

David Agnew, Artistic Director

We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders and sponsors:

Children & FamiliesADVENTURESWITH SAM…IN OUTER SPACE!Stories and More

Saturday 14 february 11am / £6

Join Sam as he jumps head first into a brand new story and zooms off on an intergalactic adventure! Meet Amber the Astronaut, her space puppy Sparkle and help them complete their mission around the Universe! Hold on tight as we head for the stars.

A fun filled show with original music where the children choose their own adventure. Ages 3-7.

NICOBOBINUSRed Ladder Theatre Company and DumbWise

Tuesday 17 february 7.30pm£10 / £7 children & concs

When Nicobobinus is magically turned to gold he and his best friend Rosie embark on a musical adventure to discover the Land of Dragons…

Red Ladder bring Terry Jones’ hilarious children’s tale to life with original songs, instrumental acrobatics, moving sets and a bucket load of Monty Python-esque wit. Ages 6+.

Red Ladder and Dumbwise present

a new family musical based on Monty Python star Terry Jones’ much loved children’s book

NICOBOBINUS.COM

Sat 07 February

The Berry Theatre, Southampton theberrytheatre.co.uk 023 8065 2333

Mon 16 February

Pocklington Arts Centre pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk 01759 301 547

Tues 17 February

The Met, Bury themet.biz 0161 761 7107

Wed 18 February

The Boo, Rossendale horseandbamboo.org 01706 220 241

Thurs 19 February

CAST, Doncaster castindoncaster.com 01302 303 959

Fri 20 February

Square Chapel, Halifax squarechapel.co.uk 01422 349 422

Sat 21 February

The Atkinson, Southport theatkinson.co.uk 01704 533333

Mon 22 February

The Lowry, Salford thelowry.com 0843 208 6000

Fri 27 - Sat 28 February

Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks 0113 224 3801

Wed 01 March

Mac Birmingham macbirmingham.co.uk 0121 446 3232 Thurs 05 - Fri 06 March

Bradford Playhouse bradfordplayhouse.org.uk 01274 800 415

Sat 07 March

Derby Theatre derbytheatre.co.uk 01332 593939

Sun 08 - Mon 09 March

Barnsley Civic barnsleycivic.co.uk 01226 327000

DUCK IN THE TRUCKBlunderbus Theatre Company

Wednesday 18 february 11.30am & 2.30pm / £8

This is the tale of a duck in a truck – a truck that was stuck in some yucky brown muck. A sheep in a jeep and a frog in a bush saw the truck stuck and gave it a push. But the truck stayed stuck!

Could a goat in a boat get them out of this mess?

Join Duck and his friends in this adventure with puppetry, sing-along-songs and plenty of joining in. Based on the bestselling book by Jez Alborough, this funny, silly, yucky mucky show will have you giggling away, singing along and laughing out loud. Ages 3-7.

PUSS IN BOOTSLyngo Theatre

friday 20 february 1pm / £8

Would you trust a talking cat? You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince. With smoke and mirrors and hidden trapdoors this sure-footed feline fools both the King and the Ogre to put his master at the top.

Patrick Lynch from CBeebies brings this classic furry tail to life with a host of puppets, a working windmill and an avalanche of fruit and nuts. It’s the cat’s whiskers! Ages 4+.

CAKEWhalley Range All Stars

Sat 28 feb 11am & 1.30pm / £6

Cake takes to the kitchen to tell a story of valour and bravery as fresh as lemon-scented washing-up liquid.

A heroic knight sets out through a forest of forks and a mountain of washing up, to do battle with a

vicious set of snapping teeth which threatens a large cake and the community that

lives inside it.

Ages 4-9.

Puss in Boots

Duckin theTruck

Nico-bobinus

Cake

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THAT’S AMORETmesis Theatre

Thursday 12 february 8pm£10 / £6 students

That’s Amore is a hilarious, fast-paced, passionate and poignant show that looks at the flesh and philosophy behind what makes our hearts beat faster – from chance encounters to hidden desires, and emotional extremes to the science of romance.

Tmesis theatre combine physicality and an ensemble of mesmerising performers with stunning visuals and an original score.

“Rarefied, intriguing… beautiful” The Guardian

SECRET DIARIESArt With Heart

Wednesday 4 March 11am / £6

Inspired by a true story and set to a soundtrack of 80s and 90s guilty pleasures, Secret Diaries charts the big stuff in life from teenage years to adulthood.

Declaring war on the girl stealing your best friend, striking a pose to Vogue, realising you’re gay and falling in love, facing rejection. But one day you’ll be happy in your own skin and you’ll laugh about all of that stuff.

This inclusive, honest story questions acceptance and allows you to challenge your own opinions on friendship, love, society, power, family values and discrimination.

Suitable for Key Stage 4, Secret Diaries runs for 1 hour with an after-show workshop for school groups.

“Great theatre that will fill people with hope” The Good Review

ELIZABETH I: VIRGIN ON THE RIDICULOUSLiving Spit

Wed 4 March 7.30pm / £10 / £6 conc

1558. England. A country divided by religion and politics, teetering on the brink of civil war. The hopes of the nation lie with one woman.

Present day. England. A country divided by those who enjoy plays featuring men in dresses and those who don’t. The hopes of the nation lie with two Bristolian actors.

After their sell-out hit with The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Living Spit are back with another lesson in Tudor history that you’ll never forget. Complete with dubious facts, dreadful wigs, silly songs, smutty shenanigans, perfunctory props and hilarious anachronisms Howard Coggins and Stuart McLoughlin dig a little deeper, act a little better and live a little dangerous-er as they attempt to tell the story of the greatest Monarch that ever lived – Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen.

TheatreThat’sAmore

SecretDiaries

Elizabeth I: Virgin on the Ridiculous

Experience theatre at The Met with our Theatre Special Offer. 20% off tickets for any 3 marked shows.

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UNITED WE STANDTownsend Productions

Thu 5 March 8pm / £10 / £8 conc

Neil Gore plays Ricky Tomlinson in the turbulent true story of the 1972 Builders Strike.

The events surrounding the infamous industrial battle still make headlines to this day, and forty-two years on, the Shrewsbury 24 Campaign, led by picket-turned-actor Ricky Tomlinson, is still seeking to overturn the unjust prosecution of 24 building workers.

United We Stand tells the story behind the dispute using folksong, political skits and cabaret routines to give a satirical account of the strike and the court cases that followed.

Townsend Productions’ entertaining theatrical style creates a production in a way that is both compelling and thought-provoking, with popular and political songs arranged by John Kirkpatrick.

“Vivid, politically committed theatre” The Observer

BROKEThe Paper Birds Theatre Co

Wednesday 11 March 7.30pm£10 / £7 concession

Question: Sally is British and broke. If Britain owes over £900 billion in National debt and Sally has been on minimum wage for most of her working life with the interest on her debt being equal to her monthly outgoings, then who is more broke, Britain or Sally?

A heartfelt and urgent look at the debt of a nation from displaced families and gambling addictions to beans on toast.

Based on interviews taken across the UK in 2014, multi award winners The Paper Birds explore, with real life stories from the front line of poverty and debt, what it means to be broke in this visually stunning new production. Suitable for ages 12+.

“Broke is a passionate and thoughtful show …exposing painful lies about poverty” The Scotsman

GHOST:THE MUSICALPADOS Youth Theatre Group

Wed 25 - fri 27 March 7.30pmSat 28 March 2.30pm & 7.30pm

£10 Wednesday / £12 Thu - Sat

Adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter, Bruce Joel Rubin, Ghost the Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death.

Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

This amateur production is presented by Prestwich Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society’s Youth Group.

r 0161 761 2216 q www.themet.biz

UnitedWe Stand

Broke

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Comedy MusicTHE ONLy WAy IS DOWNTONLuke Kempner

Thursday 29 January 8pm / £12

As celebrities start appearing at the Abbey, cultures clash and eras hilariously collide in this brilliant new parody...

Direct from a West End season comes this first national tour of Luke Kempner’s tour-de-force impressions comedy.

“A tightly written and performed mash-up of the saga with modern TV hits. An affectionate spoof.” Independent on Sunday

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The OnlyWay is Downton

CHRIS fARLOWE AND THE NORMAN BEAKER BAND20 Years Together Anniversary Tour

friday 16 January 8pm£16 / Blues

Renowned blues ensemble Chris Farlowe and the Norman Beaker Band bring their unique soulful style to The Met.

MANC fLOyDSat 17 January 8.30pm / StandingSun 18 January 8.30pm / Seated£12 / Rock and pop

Manchester based Pink Floyd tribute band Manc Floyd return to perform the incredible 1975 album Wish You Were Here in its entirety along with other classics.

Starting out as four friends in Manchester with a shared love of Pink Floyd, the band soon grew to become a talented eight piece line up delivering an unforgettable two hour show.

In true Pink Floyd style the performance will include a spectacular light show and stunning projections – not to be missed by any fan.

fIRST THURSDAy COMEDy CLUBThursday 5 february 8.30pm& Thursday 5 March 8.30pm£8 advance / £10 door

Top comedy from the UK and beyond. See our website for details.

SCOTTISH fALSETTOSOCK PUPPET THEATREfri 20 March 8pm / £10 / £8 conc

Earth’s funniest footwear return with a brand new show of songs, sketches, socks and violence on

topics far and wide.

After seven sellout years at the Edinburgh Fringe and

international tours from Aberdeen to Adelaide (Pick Of The Fringe), Manchester to Malta, Belfast to Birmingham and all points in between, the Socks are bringing their new show, and the best of their favourite stuff, to you.

“The pinnacle of comedy puppetry” Venue magazine

Manc Floyd

Chris Farlowe &

Norman Beaker

Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre

MusicMARK DOWDINGRamsbottom Folk Club

Wednesday 21 January 8pmat Ramsbottom Cricket Club£5 / folk

An evening of folk in Ramsbottom, this month featuring Mark Dowding, as seen in The Real Mill on Channel 4, with Tony Robinson.

MAT WALKLATE AND PAULO fUSCHIfriday 23 January 8pm£10 / Blues

Classic 50s and 60s blues, R&B and a little ska from British Blues Harp Champion Mat Walklate on harmonica and vocals, and Paolo Fuschi on guitar.

Hot, driving harp, immaculate, searing guitar and soulful vocals recreate the best of the golden age of urban blues.

“One of the best harmonica players on the planet!” Mike Harding

r 0161 761 2216 q www.themet.biz

LE VENT DU NORDSaturday 24 January 8pm£16 / £14 conc / World roots

Le Vent du Nord never fail to delight crowds with their mix of fiddle, guitar, accordion and hurdy-gurdy.

Combining a great stage presence with an energetic, dynamic flair they perform original songs inspired by the Québecois tradition.

ANDy WHITESupported by Little Rach

Thursday 29 January 8pm£10 / Rock and pop

Andy White merges pop sensibility with lyrical excellence, social commentary and acoustic guitars. One of the great Irish singer-songwriters, he tours the world with his 12 string guitar in one hand and a book of poetry in the other. He has worked with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Van Morrison, Mary Black and Tim Finn, and won Ireland’s top songwriting award.

THE SWING COMMANDERSfri 30 January 8pm / £11 / Jazz

The Swing Commanders jump jive their way into the new year with new songs and new musicians. This vibrant and versatile group perform a mix of 1940s classics, boogie-woogie, western swing and 50s jump jazz, wonderfully arranged with exquisite harmonies and hot solos.

fALSE LIGHTSSaturday 31 January 8pm£13 seated / £10 standing / folk

The brainchild of fingerstyle guitar genius and singer-songwriter Sam Carter and folk revolutionary Jim Moray, False Lights debuted in summer 2014 playing the headline slot at Folk East in Suffolk.

A shared love of folk and heavy guitar music, and a week of intensive writing in a log cabin in Lincolnshire produced a moshpit-inducing, ear-ringingly dynamic, blast of in-your-face indie attitude in the name of folk. Make no mistake, the False Lights sound has as much to do with Radiohead as Steeleye Span; it is an explosion of loud, electric, guitar-driven folk for the 21st century.

Andy White

FalseLights

Mat Walklate and Paolo Fuschi

Le Vent du Nord

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MusicTHUGS ON WOLVESfriday 6 february 8pm / Standing£6 / Rock and pop / folk

Manchester four-piece Thugs on Wolves create heartfelt and sincere music, combining tribal beats, elec-tronic surges, and folksy harmonies.

Beautifully constructed songs spin stories which are at times dark and haunting, and at others light and soul-warming.

The band will be launching their brand new album, recorded at Edwin Street Studio in 2014.

AMELIA CURRANThey Promised You Mercy

friday 6 february 8pm£10 / Americana

Amelia’s knife-sharp lyrics and unrivaled eloquence have earned her a reputation as an heir to Leonard Cohen. She received her first Juno Award (Canada’s version of The Grammys) for Hunter Hunter in 2010, and a further nomination at the same awards for her second album, Spectators, in 2012.

Her new album They Promised You Mercy was released in November.

THE STRANGE DOORS The Ultimate Doors Tribute Show

Saturday 7 february 7.30pm£12 advance / £14 doorStanding / Rock & pop

The Strange Doors have been thrilling audiences since 2010 with their recreations of The Doors’ music.

Experience ad-libbed poetry, a singer that jumps into the air and writhes on the floor, sweet organ sounds, bluesy slide guitar and powerful drums.

This two hour perform-ance includes all the Doors’ greatest hits.

THE BLUE PIG TRIORamsbottom Folk Club

Wednesday 11 february 8pmat Ramsbottom Cricket Club£5 / folk

Blackpool’s Blue Pig Trio play songs influenced by British/Celtic folk rock and Americana.

LUKE JACKSON AND AMy WADGEThursday 12 february 8pm£12 / folk

Two generations of captivating singer-songwriters touring together for the first time.

Amy Wadge is widely regarded as one of the country’s most successful female singer-songwriters, recently writing songs with superstar Ed Sheeran including current smash, Thinking Out Loud.

Luke Jackson is a rising young roots singer-songwriter who was nominated for both the Horizon Award for Best Emerging Talent and Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2013.

LAURENCE JONES BANDfriday 13 february 8pm£10 / Blues

A buzz has been building rapidly around Laurence Jones, having

clocked up serious road miles touring the UK and Europe.

He won the award for Young Artist of the Year at the 2014 British Blues Awards

“Call him the ‘Future of the blues’ and the ‘next

big thing’... Laurence Jones has turned his hot-tip potential into fully formed brilliance, and officially graduated

from boy wonder to main man.”

Classic Rock: Blues Magazine

Thugson Wolves

The Strange Doors

Laurence Jones

Amy Wadge

8 Amelia Curran

Luke Jackson

r 0161 761 2216 q www.themet.biz

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BONNIE DOBSONAND HER BOyS

Sunday 15 february 8pm£14 / £12 concession / folk

Canadian born folk star Bonnie Dobson had effectively retired from the music scene until she began recording a new album in the summer of 2013. She comes to The Met with her boys; a group of top young UK folk rock musicians – playing a mix of old and new songs, including her legendary song, Morning Dew, in a new arrangement.

KARNATAKAfriday 27 february 8pm£12 adv / £14 door / Rock and pop

Karnataka rose to the forefront of new, celtic inspired progressive rock with a string of critically acclaimed albums. Powerful, symphonic soundscapes, ethereal vocal melodies and epic instrumentation combine to create a unique sound and mesmerising live performances.

JOHN TAMS & BARRy COOPE A Mr Kite Benefit

Sat 28 february 8pm / £15 / folk

A member of the Albion Band and Home Service, John Tams is also at home with long time collaborator Barry Coope of Coope, Boyes and Simpson. Elsewhere, he has featured in the TV series Sharpe alongside Sean Bean and provided much of the

music for the War Horse stage show based on the book by

Michael Morpurgo.

If that wasn’t enough, he performed at the Royal Albert Hall before the Queen and a TV audience of 57 million in the 2014 Remembrance Service.

MAIASaturday 28 february 8pm£10 / Acoustic

Maia are a Huddersfield four-piece who play all sorts of disco sci-fi folk-pop on ukulele, trumpet, banjo, mandolin and whatever else they can get their hands on.

After three years on the road supporting the likes of Anais Mitchell, The Low Anthem and The Unthanks, the innovative Yorkshire quartet released their EP Finite World in April 2014.

THE SELECTERWith special guests The Tuts

friday 6 March 8pm / Standing£16 advance / Rock and pop

Platinum-selling 2-Tone veterans The Selecter mark their 35th anniversary with a brand new album Subculture, due for release in 2015.

The Selecter’s 1980 debut, Too Much Pressure, remains a classic for a generation of 2-tone lovers. Mixing punk, ska and reggae it reflected the issues of the early Thatcher years with irresistible hits On My Radio, Three Minute Hero and Missing Words.

THE IDLE HANDSSat 7 March 8pm / £10 / Blues

The Idle Hands have been championed “Britain’s best unsigned blues-rockers” by Classic Rock, voted Best UK Band 2013 by Blues Matters and came runner-up for Best Song at the 2012 Blues Award.

Now in their 25th year and heavily influenced by Zeppelin, Purple and Hendrix, ‘The Idles’ professionalism, musicianship and performances are consistently exalted by the music press as “a cut above the rest”.

The band will be playing original music from their highly acclaimed seventh independent release Feeding the Machine interlaced with a few choice covers.

Karnataka

John Tams &Barry Coope

Maia

The Selecter

Music r 0161 761 2216 q www.themet.biz

O’HOOLEy & TIDOW, LADy MAISERy AND GRACE PETRIEInternational Folk Women Day

Saturday 7 March 8pm£14 / £12 concession / folk

Three of the British folk scene’s finest, most formidable and forthright female acts take to the stage to celebrate International Women’s Day. BBC 6 Music favourites O’Hooley & Tidow will be joined by BBC Radio 2 Folk Award finalists Lady Maisery and the irrepressible Leicester songwriter Grace Petrie.

A rare opportunity to experience these thought provoking, heartfelt, entertaining and enthralling women in one unrepeatable performance.

GARy AND VERA ASPEyRamsbottom Folk Club

Wednesday 11 March 8pmat Ramsbottom Cricket Club£8 / folk

Gary and Vera Aspey sing songs exploring the seriousness and the laughter of life.

JUDITH OWENThursday 12 March 8pm£12 / £10 conc / Rock and pop

Welsh singer-songwriter Judith Owen’s new album Ebb & Flow evokes the spirit of the halcyon days of the great 1970s troubadours.

In a set of potent songs Owen fearlessly explores the human condition – and to do justice to the songs she turned to the musicians who created the 70s sound. Between them her core band of drummer Russ Kunkel, bassist Lee Sklar and guitarist Waddy Wachtel played on many of the landmark albums from the era, including Carole King’s Tapestry, James Taylor’s Sweet Baby James, Joni Mitchell’s Blue, and Jackson Browne’s Running On Empty.

THE POOZIESfriday 13 March 8pm£14 / £12 concession / folk

The Poozies are Sally Barker (recently seen wowing millions, including Sir Tom Jones, on BBC1’s The Voice), Mary Macmaster, Eilidh Shaw and Mairearad Green. Together they create a sparkling blend that comfortably bridges folk and contemporary to enchanting effect.!0

O’Hooley & Tidow The Poozies

Judith Owen

Lady Maisery YvonneLyon

yVONNE LyONSaturday 14 March 8pm£10 advance / folk

Yvonne Lyon is among the UK’s brightest and best emerging singer-songwriters. She returns to The Met with a collection of songs from her much anticipated new album, These Small Rebellions.

AN EVENING WITH IAN MCCULLOCHSat 14 March 8pm / £18.50 adv£20 door / Rock and pop

Ian McCulloch, iconic front man of Echo and The Bunnymen, gives a rare solo performance playing stripped down versions of Bunnymen classics and songs from his solo catalogue.

Formed in Liverpool in 1978, Echo and The Bunnymen became one of the UK’s most popular indie rock bands, with hits Seven Seas, Bring on the Dancing Horses, The Killing Moon and Nothing Lasts Forever.

IanMcCulloch

r 0161 761 2216 q www.themet.biz

SHEELANAGIGSupported by Tantz

Wed 18 March 8pm / Standing£12 / folk

Sheelanagig are probably the most fun you can have with a fiddle, flute, guitar, double-bass and drums.

As relentless on stage as their music is, they play a unique, energetic blend of folk, jazz and world music.

“Innovative and energetic. Quality musicianship, vibrancy and sheer joy.” Folk and Roots

EDDI READERfriday 20 March 8pm£28 / Rock and pop

Eddi Reader came into the limelight with Fairground Attraction and their chart-topping single Perfect. However, it has been her subsequent solo albums which signalled her increasing ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them her own. From the traditional to the contemporary, Eddi brings to life all forms of song and what sets her apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance.

Fundraiser: £8 from each ticket goes towards the A Better Met campaign.

DREADZONESat 21 March 8pm / Standing£15 advance / Rock and pop

Dreadzone’s fusion of dub, reggae, dance and rock has put them at the forefront of the British music scene for over twenty years.

They will be playing tracks from their latest album Escapades and back catalogue favourites.

METRO JAZZThu 26 March 8pm / £5 / Jazz

The Met’s community jazz orchestra, led by Munch Manship.

EMILy BARKER & GILL SANDELLfriday 27 March 8pm£14 / £12 conc / Rock and pop

Bafta and Ivor Novello award winning singer-songwriter Emily Barker blends classical, rock, country and folk to stunning effect.

After announcing a break from her longtime band The Red Clay Halo, she is now writing songs for her next solo album. Alongside old favourites, she will showcase her new songs here for the first time, accompanied by Gill Sandell.

Dreadzone

Emily Barker &Gill Sandell

EddiReader

Sheela-nagig

T’PAUThursday 5 February 8pm

Waterside Arts Centre, SaleTickets £17.50

Phone 0161 912 5616watersideartscentre.co.uk

1980s legends (ChinA in YoUr hAnd, heArT And soUl)

FeATUring CArol deCker

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Mr Kite Benefitsat Fox Lane Sports & Social Club, Leyland

Tickets available from The Met on 0161 761 2216

OhSusannaSupported byJim Bryson

Saturday31 January£13 adv / £15 door

PhilBeer

Sunday3 May

£14 adv / £16 door

Big Whistle Festival THURSDAy 19 fEBRUARy

CARA DILLONThursday 19 february 8pm£20 / folk

Described by Q Magazine as “quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice”, Cara Dillon is one of the finest exponents of traditional Irish song anywhere in the world.

Joined by her partner and husband Sam Lakeman she has successfully steered an eclectic musical path gathering both critical acclaim and commercial success with her captivating and emotive performances.

Cara’s latest album A Thousand Hearts was released on 19 May, featuring a mix of traditional Irish with contemporary sounds,

showcasing a more

matured, stronger

vocal.

With the humble tin whistle at it’s core,

The Big Whistle Festival is a gathering of traditional and contemporary musicians for a weekend of groove laden gigs, intimate concerts, musical gatherings and workshops.

The Big Whistle Festival is presented by The Met and Big Whistle Music.

fRIDAy 20 fEBRUARy

DROP THE fLOORfriday 20 february 7.30pm£6 / folk

Ribble Valley based Drop The Floor make a huge impact with their high energy traditional music repertoire, all delivered with a winning Irish influence. This multi instrumental and vocal quartet have infectious enthusiasm and musicality both in session or on stage.

MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK, JOHN MCCUSKER AND JOHN DOyLEfriday 20 february 8pm£20 / folk

Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle, three members of the BBC acclaimed Transatlantic Sessions come to Big Whistle as part of a unique European tour.

BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year 2006,

Michael McGoldrick is a master of flutes, whistles and Uillean pipes.

John McCusker’s unique fiddle playing has earned him a worldwide reputation as one of the most gifted and versatile musicians of any genre.

John Doyle’s gifts as a guitarist and songwriter have

played an essential role in the renaissance of Irish music.

TALKS & WORKSHOPSRunning alongside the festival’s concerts will be a programme of talks and workshops featuring many of the weekend’s artists, including: Michael McGoldrick; James Duncan MacKenzie and Calum MacCrimmon (Breabach); and Ross Ainslie (Treacherous Orchestra).

For details visit www.themet.biz/bigwhistle

fESTIVALTICKETSSee more of the Big Whistle Festival with our special offer festival tickets:

Thursday-Saturday ............ £63

Friday-Saturday ................. £49

Saturday only ..................... £32

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Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle

Cara Dillon

r 0161 761 2216 q www.themet.biz

SATURDAy 21 fEBRUARy

BREABACHSupported by Speldosa

Saturday 21 february 2pm£14 / folk

Breabach are often described as the new faces of Scottish Traditional music. Their career has already seen them voted Best Group and Live Act of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards and nominated for Best Group at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and European Folk Group of the Year at the German Folk Awards.

“Breabach once again displayed all the artfulness, ambition and imagination that set them so decisively apart from the pack.” Scotsman

ROSS AINSLIE AND ALI HUTTONSaturday 21 february 6pm£10 / folk

Big Whistle regular Ross Ainslie is making a real name for himself on the folk scene playing with bands such as Salsa Celtica and Treacherous Orchestra. Ross plays a fine mix of original and traditional tunes and is joined at The Met by guitarist Ali Hutton.

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MONKEy’S fISTSaturday 21 february 8pm£6 / folk

Monkey’s Fist is a four-piece instrumental Celtic fusion band that takes a sideways glance at traditional music and perfectly illustrates the phrase ‘something different’. Led by Sam Piper on whistle and Jody Smith on acoustic guitar, with counterpoint melody and groove provided by Chaz Collet on electric bass and Simon Ford on mixed percussion.

TREACHEROUS ORCHESTRASaturday 21 february 9pm£14 seated / £12 standingfolk

Treacherous Orchestra are a powerful force in Scottish music; a huge eleven strong, folk big band that delivers epic, incendiary live performances night after night.

On stage the players are hugely entertaining, mixing their original tunes up with theatrical anarchic rock attitude. Here is a band that is playing at the next level, technical, impressive and yet impossibly raw, whose shows are always vital and make the audience feel truly alive and in the moment.

“Membership reads like a who’s who of the latest

generation of Scottish tradition based music – an exciting and

invigorating breath of fresh air” Folk Radio UK

Monkey’sFist

TreacherousOrchestra

RossAinslie

Breabach

Classes and WorkshopsMETRO JAZZ Every Monday 6.30-9.30pm from 12 Jan / £80 / £55 conc per term

A community jazz workshop led by Munch Manship open to over 16s with at least intermediate skills.

HARMONICAAlternate Mondays starting 12 January / £45 / £35 conc Beginners 6.45-7.45pmAdvanced 8pm-9pm

Led by Mat Walklate, courses in harmonica for beginner and intermediate level players.

ROCK CHOIREvery Monday 7.30-10pm starting 12 January

New members welcome. Book at www.rockchoir.com.

STREETDANCEEvery Tuesday 5-5.45pm starting 6 January / £2.50

A Break-Dance crew for ages 13-19. Learn break dance moves and stunts with the chance to perform as a crew.

BURy yOUTH DANCE Every Tuesday 5.45-7.15pm starting 6 January / £2.50

For 13-19 year olds interested in creating innovative dance for performance.

SINGAlternate Wednesdays 7.30-9pm starting 11 february / £4

Enjoy group harmony singing. No music reading ability is necessary. Come along and see for yourself!

GUITAR WORKSHOPAlternate Wednesdays 7.30-9pm starting 7 January / £15All levels welcome from beginner to advanced. Call

0773 8009737 or email paul@proguitartuition.co.uk.

BURy yOUTH THEATREEvery Wednesday starting 7 January / £2.50Juniors (9-13 years) 5.30-7pmSeniors (14+) 7-8.30pm

Explore your creativity through devising, improvising, games, and other performance related activities.

BURy yOUTH THEATRE MINISEvery Wednesday 4.30-5.30pm starting 14 Jan / £2

BYT Minis is a new drama group for 5-8 year olds.

AIMING HIGH9-13s / Sat 10am-11.30am / £314-18s / Sat 11.30am-1.30pm / £4Starts 10 January

Arts and drama for young people suffering from mental and physical disabilities. Supported by Bury Council Children’s Services, BBC Children in Need and The Met.

BLOCO ASHÊEvery Sat 11am-1pm from 10 Jan£5 / £3 concs / £2 under 16s

A welcoming percussive group playing samba influenced grooves and beats. Call 01204 882201.

INTRODUCTION TO SOUND RECORDINGEvery Wed 7pm for 5 weeks starting 15 January / £75

This five week course covers; studio equipment, microphone technique and signal flow; drum recording techniques; instrument recording, Pro Tools and overdubbing; and hardware and software mixing techniques.

EDWIN ST COURSES

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INSPIRECOMMUNITyVOICESAlternate Saturdays 2-4pm£5 / £3 unemployed / £1 under 16s

An a capella, multi harmony community choir for all ages and abilities. Contact hello@inspirevoices.co.uk.

STAGECOACHEvery Sunday 10am-1pm starting 11 January

Dance, drama and singing for 4-18 years olds. For information contact Ruth Mauriello on 0161 763 6161 or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/bury.

COMING SOON

fIDDLE & TIN WHISTLE WORKSHOPSEvery Thursday starting 21 May

£42 / £34 concession

Tin Whistle 7-8pmfiddle 8-9pm

Two six-week workshops exploring play-by-ear fiddle and tin whistle playing, tutored by acclaimed folk musician Emma Sweeney.

Visitor InformationACCESSThe Met is a fully accessible venue, on both its ground and first floors.

• The entrance is fully ramped with a lift to the main theatre and an accessible toilet built to Changing Places standards.

• We have staff on hand to help. Should you require a personal escort, we can supply that person with a free ticket.

• A magnetic induction loop for hearing aid users is used in the Main Theatre for the majority of our events.

• Guide dogs are welcome, and water can be provided on request.

We want your visit to The Met to be a first class experience.

If you have any special requirements call us on0161 761 2216 to let us know, and we’ll do our best to help.

HIRE THE METFor performances, conferences, meetings and exhibitions, our spaces are as versatile as your needs. Our experienced staff and professional facilities take the hassle out of your event:

• Sound and lighting by experienced stage technicians

• Ticket sales through our friendly ticket office

• Fully licensed bar

• High quality catering from the expert chefs of Automatic

• Marketing advice and support

We welcome promotions by bands, amateur and professional groups, and independent event promoters.

Call 0161 761 7107 or email hires@themet.biz to discuss your requirements.

fOOD & DRINKStart your evening with a meal at The Met and end it with a drink in one of our candle lit bars.

Eat in our restaurant Automatic, serving fine food all day.

Sample real ales and a selection of fine whiskeys in our foyer bar Malt.

Our first floor Theatre Bar opens before, during and after each show.

To book a table for your meal, call Automatic on 0161 763 9399.

VOLUNTEERThe Met has a dedicated group of volunteers who assist with many areas of our activities. All volunteers are interviewed at application to ensure they get the most out of the opportunities we offer.

To get involved contact Scarlet Ordish at scarlet.ordish@themet.bizor call on 0161 761 7107.

GETTING HERE The Met is located in the centre of Bury, easily accessible by road and public transport. For directions visit www.themet.biz/location

TICKET BOOKING • By phone from 0161 761 2216

• Online via www.themet.biz

• In person Tue to fri noon-7pm Saturday 11am-5pm

• Concessions available for children, people over 60, on benefit or in education.

• Refunds We are unable to offer refunds. Ticket exchange may be possible with a £2 admin fee.

• A transaction fee of £2.50 is payable on phone and online bookings. There is no fee for bookings in person.

Sessions start from just £30 per hour, or free for under 19s living or studying in Bury.

For more details or to book a session phone 0161 761 7107 or email info@edwinstreetstudio.com

EDWIN STREET RECORDING STUDIOEdwin Street is a professional recording facility featuring state of the art equipment and superb acoustics. Perfect for all aspects of recording, mastering, mixing and learning, the studio offers affordable options for all.

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LET’S BE fRIENDSA Met friendship is the key to unlocking the incredible programme of music, comedy, theatre and family shows at The Met.

fRIENDS ExPERIENCE MORE

• Invitations to the Artistic Director’s choice of the events of the season

• Exclusive offers

• Advance season brochure with an introduction from David Agnew

ACCESS MORE

• Priority booking to our events and festivals

• Invitations to friend eventsSAVE MORE

• 10% off food in Automatic

• No ticket booking, refund or exchange fees

Choose from anINDIVIDUAL FRIENDSHIP (£30) or (for two people at the same address) a JOINT FRIENDSHIP (£50).

Timetable of events JANUARy fri 16 8pm Chris Farlowe and the 6 Norman Beaker Band

Sat 17 8.30pm Manc Floyd 6& Sun 18

Wed 21 8pm RFC: Mark Dowding 7fri 23 8pm Mat Walklate & Paulo Fuschi 7Sat 24 8pm Le Vent Du Nord 7

Thu 29 8pm Andy White 7Thu 29 8pm The Only Way is Downton 6fri 30 8pm The Swing Commanders 7Sat 31 8pm False Lights 7

fEBRUARy Thu 5 8.30pm First Thursday Comedy Club 6fri 6 8pm Thugs On Wolves 8fri 6 8pm Amelia Curran 8Sat 7 7.30pm The Strange Doors 8

Wed 11 8pm RFC: The Blue Pig Trio 8Thu 12 8pm That’s Amore 4Thu 12 8pm Luke Jackson and Amy Wadge 8fri 13 8pm Laurence Jones Band 8Sat 14 11am Adventures With Sam… 3 In Outer Space!

Sun 15 8pm Bonnie Dobson and her Boys 9

Tue 17 7.30pm Nicobobinus 3Wed 18 11.30am Duck in the Truck 3 & 2.30pm

Thu 19 8pm Cara Dillon !2fri 20 1pm Puss In Boots 3fri 20 7.30pm Drop The Floor !2fri 20 8pm Michael McGoldrick, John !2 McCusker and John Doyle

Sat 21 2pm Breabach !3Sat 21 6pm Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton !3Sat 21 8pm Monkey’s Fist !3Sat 21 9pm Treacherous Orchestra !3

fri 27 8pm Karnataka 9Sat 28 11am & Cake 3 1.30pm

Sat 28 8pm John Tams and Barry Coope 9Sat 28 8pm Maia 9

MARCH Wed 4 11am Secret Diaries 4Wed 4 7.30pm Elizabeth I: 4 Virgin on the Ridiculous

Thu 5 8pm United We Stand 5Thu 5 8.30pm First Thursday Comedy Club 6fri 6 8pm The Selecter 9Sat 7 8pm The Idle Hands 9Sat 7 8pm International Folk Women Day !0

Wed 11 7.30pm Broke 5Wed 11 8pm RFC: Gary and Vera Aspey !0Thu 12 8pm Judith Owen !0fri 13 8pm The Poozies !0Sat 14 8pm An evening with Ian McCulloch !0Sat 14 8pm Yvonne Lyon !0

Wed 18 8pm Sheelanagig !1fri 20 8pm Eddi Reader !1fri 20 8pm Scottish Falsetto Sock 6 Puppet Theatre

Sat 21 8pm Dreadzone !1

Wed 25 - Ghost: The Musical 5Sat 28

Thu 26 8pm Metro Jazz !1fri 27 8pm Emily Barker and Gill Sandell !1

COMING SOON

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman 2 April

King Pleasure andthe Biscuit Boys 11 April

Duke Special 16 April

Kris Drever &Boo Hewerdine 23 April

Sara Watkins,Sarah Jarosz &Aoife O’Donovan25 April

Edwina HayesFriday 17 July

Duke Special