Flying high with Alice Marshall

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Peter Anderson chats to Alice Marshall, winner of the Brighton Fringe Best Comedy Award ahead of her shows this month.

Alice Marshall has won plaudits for her weird and wonderful characters, including bold and brassy Hispanic air stewardess Maria, once dubbed “the angriest woman in the skies”. Now she’s welcoming the Farnham audience on board for their 50-minute, non-stop flight into the Twilight Zone.

So, I want to ask Alice, where do the ideas for your characters come from?

“My characters come from all over the place. Some of them are heightened versions of different aspects of my own personality, some of them are based on people I’ve met in real life, and some of them are coping mechanisms I’ve invented to help me get through difficult situations. I came up with the main character in my new show, Maria the air hostess, to help me deal with my intense fear of flying. By turning myself into her, I can sometimes convince myself I’m not going to die at 30,000 ft.”

What can visitors expect from this show?

“My shows are something a little out of the ordinary. The characters are incredibly varied, and the concept of the show is also a little unusual… it  won’t be like anything you’ve seen before.”

Is there a place or venue you would really love to perform?

“As both a comedian and an actor there’s definitely a part of me that finds traditional West End theatres completely magical. I would love to do a show in one of them one day – The Apollo on Shaftesbury Avenue is my favourite; it’s spectacular. That would be a dream come true…”

Comedy can be a tough gig – one you are excelling at with flying colours! What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever had to help counter the nerves?

“Always look towards your next show; never get hung up on what you’ve just done. Whether a performance has gone brilliantly or terribly, it doesn’t matter. Don’t weigh your self worth based on what an audience thinks! If they love you, don’t get carried away. If they hate you, don’t let it affect what you do. It’s not about you, it’s about the work you’re making and that has to be all that matters.”

Alice Marshall will perform at Norden Farm Centre For The Arts on Thursday, 5th July; visit Norden Farm or call 01628 788997 and on Saturday, 14th July; visit  Cutty Sark Theatre or call 020 8312 6608 to book. Also visit www.alicemarshall.co.uk

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Level best

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Jonathan Lovett chats to Mark Chadwick of seminal band The Levellers ahead of their tour

Places such as Windsor, Eton, Ascot and Henley-on-Thames are beautiful,” enthuses Mark, “and we love our heritage – you can tell from the name of the band! We are contradictory; we have Tory-voting fans as well as lots of left-leaning ones…”

I’d just asked the lead singer of The Levellers if they are as happy playing more overtly “posh” areas such as the above which may not be the natural fanbase of a left-wing band named after a radical 17th-century democracy movement.

But Mark is nothing if not egalitarian and, combined with a passion for history, makes for the kind of stimulating interviewee who can quite easily fall into conversation about the Putney Debates of 1647!

“These were forced by the Levellers and paved the way for many of the civil liberties we value today,” he adds. “They were the first to talk to people as equals and the debates were a platform for common people within the context of the time. I wonder whether we need a modern Putney Debate today?”

Politics has always figured strongly in the work of The Levellers who celebrate their 30th anniversary year with a tour and the release of a new album, We The Collective. But they would never have been able to have preached to so many people if it was not for their wonderfully catchy tunes and sing-alongs which turned them into one of the most popular indie bands of the 1990s.

Indeed, they were so popular that the band still hold the record for playing to the biggest crowd Glastonbury has ever seen when an estimated 300,000-plus people saw them headline the Pyramid Stage in 1994.

“It was bizarre looking out into that crowd because it was so big,” says Mark. “It was terrifying and afterwards I had the worst stomach cramps I’ve ever had in my life because of this massive delayed nervous anxiety! I do look back with affection on those times and still get people coming up to me all the time going, ‘You helped change my life’, which is great.”

Still relevant and still challenging the status quo, We The Collective is the band’s highest-charting album entry in 21 years and features new arrangements of old classics such as Liberty Song and Hope Street alongside new songs such as Drug Bust McGee. “That’s about the subject of undercover police which is something we’ve experienced several times over the years,” adds Mark. “We’ve also been investigated and infiltrated by Special Branch and MI5 but we are no threat to society… the whole point of The Levellers is that we promote society!”

The Levellers play The Anvil in Basingstoke on Friday, 13th July. Visit www.levellers.co.uk

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Stomach acid is crucial for health

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Stomach acid is not a design flaw of the body (which is often how it is portrayed), but is, in fact, crucial for optimal health and wellbeing. Without appropriate levels of stomach acid, the whole digestive process starts off on the wrong foot. Proteins need to be broken down into their component parts (amino acids) for efficient absorption further down the digestive tract and stomach acid is essential for this process to happen efficiently. The efficient absorption of vitamin B12 and minerals is also dependent on sufficient levels of stomach acid. B12 is crucial for energy production, mental/nerve function and cardio-vascular health. Typical symptoms that might suggest less than optimal levels of stomach acid include bloating, cramping, gas/belching shortly after a meal, reflux/heartburn, parasitic and yeast infections, feeling tired after a meal, problems digesting animal protein, nausea, bad breath, skin problems, undigested food in stools, increased susceptibility to food poisoning, rectal itching, IBS, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, food sensitivities and weak fingernails. If you suspect that you might have suboptimal levels of stomach acid, the following actions may well help: consume ginger and sauerkraut, avoid drinking large amounts of fluid just before and after eating a meal, eat smaller meals, consume the largest meal of the day when you are the least stressed, chew your food thoroughly, sit down and take your time to eat and consider taking a ‘food state’ multi vitamin and mineral supplement, using digestive bitters (natural stomach acid stimulants) and the use of very specific stomach acid supplementation. Please note that if you are taking any medications or have any significant health concerns, it is essential that you work with a suitably qualified health practitioner/doctor before taking any supplementation. Call Mark BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) mBANT CNHC on 0118 321 9533 or visit www.entirewellbeing.com

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Heart to heart

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Rufus Wainwright, musician, dad and all-round superstar, chats to Rachel Wakefield ahead of his UK & world tour

Rufus Wainwright has sung jazz with Robbie Williams; crooned ballads with George Michael; created dance music with Mark Ronson; sung Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah to The Queen, and, if further approval were needed, Elton John has stated: “He’s the greatest songwriter on this planet.”

Rufus has also been gifted with a rich musical heritage: he’s the son of acclaimed folk singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and is brother to musicians Martha Wainwright, Lucy Wainwright Roche and Sloan Wainwright.

So, you might expect this American-Canadian singer-songwriter to be somewhat aloof. He’s not. “Oh, I’m the biggest prima donna when it comes to the recording studio,” he exclaims, but on stage, you’re only as good as your last performance. I’m excited to be coming to the UK,” “I have a special core fanbase here who follow me from concert to concert. It’s all very innocent.”

Rufus has recorded eight albums of original music and numerous film soundtracks. His work ranges from melody-driven pop to highbrow opera to piano torch songs to super eccentric stuff, even setting Shakespeare sonnets to music. “Oh, I frustrate! Marketing can’t put me in a box!” laughs Rufus, who is 44. “At my age, I’m no longer flavour of the month. And besides, when I try and pose for pubicity shots, well it’s a disaster: what I think is sexy and sultry, I often look angry and confused.”

Rufus is very driven. “With music, it’s the melodies that remain, not the personalities,” he states. “You listen to hundred-year-old operas, and they are fresh and present. This is my aim. Never to be defined by the media , always the music. I believe this has been my saving grace. My voice is too unique and my musical sensibilities are too sophisticated to capture. So, my ability to evade capture, has captured my audience’s loyalty.”

For his All The Poses, 20th Anniversary Tour, Rufus has picked 11 dates for the UK. With just a handful of dates, you do have to wonder if there is an ulterior motive to the choice of venues, which begin at Basingstoke’s The Anvil moving to Kenwood house, London, with a few smaller venues, including Whitley Bay and Bexhill-on-Sea.

The short visit may have something to do with being a dad to his seven-year-old daughter, Viva, whom he co-parents with childhood friend Lorca, the daughter of Leonard Cohen. But, Rufus reveals: “I’m writing an opera about Britain, which will be published in October, it’s got Romans and Celtics and that’s all I can tell.” He gushingly adds: “I love the nomadic differences with each town here. The mystical qualities of the landscape awestruck me as a child, touring with my father. I get lost in ancient dreams at every turn.”

Please visit www.rufuswainwright.com

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By Royal Approval

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Anne Denholm, Official Harpist to HRH Prince of Wales will perform one of Mozart’s most popular works for Grayshott Concerts on Friday, 15th June.

The harp is an important national instrument in Wales, and although the role of Official Harpist to the Royal Household, was discontinued during the reign of Queen Victoria. HRH Prince of Wales restored the position in 2000 in order to foster and encourage young musical talent.

The Prince of Wales has a £150,000 gold leaf harp, made by Italian harp makers Salvi Harps. It is this harp that is used by the official harpist, who is currently Anne Denholm, the sixth Royal Harpist. Her recent role was to keep the guests entertained during the Royal Wedding last month.

But you can have your very, own special performance with Anne, at St Luke’s Church, Grayshott, this month, on Friday, 15th June. She will perform Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto with award-winning flautist Emma Halnan, winner of the Arts Club-Sir Karl Jenkins-Classic FM Competition in 2016.

Patron, Sir Karl Jenkins, says: “This concert brings a number of strands together. The harp is particularly dear to my heart, so it’s a pleasure to see Mozart’s Concerto performed in Grayshott by Anne and Emma.

The programme will also include Debussy’s Dances Sacred and Profane for Harp and Strings, composed in 1904, accompanied by Grayshott Concerts’ orchestra-in-residence, the illustrious London Mozart Players. Also featured in the programme will be Britten’s Prelude and Fugue and Mozart’s Divertimento in D.

Tickets and more information at www.grayshottconcerts.co.uk.

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A good innings

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Home with Gareth Malone

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We chat to Gareth Malone, whose favourite hobbies are singing – and would happily sing ‘Yesterday’ everyday – and unwinds by ice skating!

Q. How long have you been singing for and how did you get into it?
“I’ve been singing since I was a toddler and my mother sang to me. I joined a school choir at the age of seven and have sung ever since.”

Q. What led to you present The Choir?
“I ran a local community choir at St Luke’s near the Barbican, which was one of the outreach projects run by the LSO (London Symphony Orchestra). Ana de Moraes, then at Twenty Twenty TV, was looking for a choirmaster for a new BBC series. She called Amy Armstrong at the LSO who fortunately recommended me. Luckily due to the success of the first series, it was immediately commissioned for another series and has continued.”

Q. Do you think people’s view on choir singing has changed? “Having something on BBC2 gives people the chance to see what’s going on which might otherwise be considered as quite niche, such as singing or baking.”

Q. How was it being a judge on Pitch Battle?
“Really fun. I’m not afraid of telling people what I think and I loved working with Kelis.”

Q. How do you do to relax?
“I play jazz piano and ice skate.”

Q. Any plans for the rest of the year?
“Very excited about more tour dates and filming for BBC.”

Q. If you were only ever allowing to sing just one song for the rest of your days, what would it be?
“Yesterday by The Beatles.”

Visit www.garethmalone.com

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Elegant Equine

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The Royal Horse Show celebrates 75 years at Windsor Castle, writes Rachel Wakefield

Windsor Castle will once again open its gates to the public for the Royal Windsor Horse Show, from Wednesday, 9th until Sunday, 13th May, for a spectacular 75th year.

With all eyes on Windsor ahead of the highly anticipated Royal wedding the following week, more than 55,000 spectators are expected to attend for top-class sporting action, entertainment and shopping across the five days.

This event is respected as a world-class equestrian competition. Last year, there was more than 3,000 entries; and, because of its upgrade to 5-star status, attracts the sports’ most prominent competitors. It is also the only show in the UK to host four of the eight The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) disciplines: show jumping; dressage, carriage driving and endurance.

The CSI5* Show Jumping category will return to the Castle Arena from Friday, 11th until Sunday, 13th May. It also includes a Saturday evening performance, with the climax of the action, being the Rolex Grand Prix taking place on the final day. Current World No.1 and reigning champion, Kent Farrington will be returning from injury to defend his title. Speaking after his victory in 2017, Kent said: “The Royal Windsor Horse Show, is one of my favourite shows. There’s a combination of, amazing setting, an unbelievable crowd, top course designing and great footing.”

The CDI4* Al Shira’aa Dressage Grand Prix and Freestyle to Music category will take place on the evenings of Thursday, 10th and Friday, 11th May respectively. Riders will have the unique opportunity to be judged by Susan Hoevenaars, one of the judges at the upcoming FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018, an unmissable chance for hopefuls heading there this September.

The CAIO4* Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix, a FEI World Cup™ qualifier adds to the roster of top international competition.Competitive Endurance action will take to Windsor Great Park on Friday, 11th May, as the CEI2* Royal Windsor Endurance supported by The Kingdom of Bahrain sets off about 120km of the countryside of Windsor and Ascot for the ultimate test of stamina for both horse and rider.

More than 120 showing classes will join the four FEI disciplines in the action-packed schedule with many of HM The Queen’s horses regularly in the starting line-ups. Competitors will strive to follow in the footsteps of HM The Queen’s Barbers Shop to be crowned Royal Windsor Supreme Showing Champion on the final day.

Visit www.rwhs.co.uk or call 01753 860633

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Is a vegan diet healthy?

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Society considers a vegan diet a “healthy” lifestyle choice (both for humans and the environment). But is it? Some of the most severe and chronic health conditions I see are often connected to current or past veganism.

The science is convincing; vegans are far more likely to present with a number of key nutritional deficiencies compared to omnivores, particularly B12, omega 3 essential fats, choline and bioavailable forms of calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A and D. Our cells require optimal nutrient levels to function. When cells malfunction, we develop disease.

Our digestive system closely resembles other predatory animals’ and is designed to break down animal protein with stomach acid. Herbivores do not produce stomach acid. Plants are difficult to break down, which is why herbivores have a special stomach (a rumen) containing significant quantities of bacteria whose sole purpose is to release nutrients. If you watch a cow eating, you’ll notice grass is regurgitated multiple times – “chewing the cud”. The human digestive system has very few bacteria in the stomach (stomach acid is very hostile to gut bacteria), with the vast majority residing in our version of a rumen, the colon (which is as far away from the stomach as possible) and located after the small intestine, the key part of the digestive system that absorbs nutrients (in herbivores the rumen is before the small intestine). We are designed to absorb the vast majority of our nutrients from foods broken down in the upper digestive systems (animal proteins/fats), with indigestible plant matter passed to the colon, where the gut bacteria get to work and produce a raft of essential metabolic by-products that we have discussed and confer considerable health benefits.

I’m not advocating we eat lots of animal protein; it should be the “garnish” with veg centre stage! I’m pointing out that abstaining from all animal protein is not “healthy”. A vegan diet is essentially a form of fasting.

Call Mark BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) mBANT CNHC on 0118 321 9533 or visit www.entirewellbeing.com

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Cross Country

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A Shakespearean comedy for Candlemas cycles into Capron House in Midhurst this month, as the lads from the Handlebards present Twelfth Night.

The Handlebards, comprised of Paul Moss, Callum Cheatle, Tom Dixon and Callum Brodie, have an eco-friendly ethos as well as a love of the Bard!

They have been touring the country, and further afield presenting plays by Shakespeare while pedalling hard between venues carrying all the costumes, scenery and camping gear on their four bikes. They are joined in their cross-country capers by the girls, who when they return from Asia will be touring the country with tales of star-crossed lovers.

Twelfth Night tells of Duke Orsino who is in love with lady Olivia, but she won’t have anything to do with suitors. Viola is shipwrecked and believes her twin brother Sebastian to be dead. She pretends to be a boy and becomes a servant to Orsino. Olivia falls in love with Viola, believing her to be a boy, whilst Viola falls in love with Orsino. Then Viola’s twin turns up…

Meanwhile, Sir Toby Belch (Olivia’s uncle), Sir Andrew Aguecheek (his friend), Maria (a maid) and Feste (a jester) plot to make a fool out of the pompous Malvolio (Olivia’s head steward).

Book your tickets for Twelfth Night on May 30th at 6.30pm for tickets for this evening of riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos. They’ll also perform at Guildford’s Electric Theatre on 27th. Visit www.handlebards.com

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