DVD Review - DangerMouse: Mission Improbable

I'm one of those people who cringes when I hear the word reboot uttered from TV and movie geeks but when I heard that DangerMouse was making a return to TV even I couldn't resist tuning in to CBBC with my youngest son.

The new series is bursting at the seams with terrific tales of derring-do and random ridiculousness that DM is famous for but with a 21st Century twist that sees our hero venturing even further afield to save the world with a dazzling array of high tech gadgetry and transportation that only the greatest secret agent could ever dream of owning.

Of course, every top agent needs a tip top team to support him and DM’s return sees him joined by some familiar faces as well as some new ones. DM is reunited with his right-hand hamster, Penfold and Colonel K is back to keep a watchful eye over every mission. A modern day secret agent needs state of the art gadgets and luckily for DM, the ingenious Professor Squawkencluck has joined the team and has a gadget for every occasion, although how long they’ll stay in one piece in DM’s hands is another question.

The classic voices of David Jason and Terry Scott as DangerMouse and Penfold have made way for Alexander Armstrong and Kevin Eldon, but the pair along with the voice talents of Stephen Fry, Ed Gaughan, Shauna MacDonald, Dave Lamb and Richard Osman have ensured the spirit and fun of the original shows is still there.

If you missed all the fuss when the show returned in October you can now catch up with the first seven episodes (including the feature length first episode DangerMouse Begins Again) on DangerMouse Mission Improbable.

Compared to some DVD's this is one of the more enjoyable cartoon series that even some of the grown ups can enjoy. As well as DM's classic arch nemesis Baron Greenback and his henchman Stilletto there are also a host of other villains for our hero to fight including a psychotic computerised toilet and a gigantic Welsh space plant with ideas of world domination (and he really sings in Welsh too, because my son, a fluent Welsh speaker, told me!)

• Dangermouse: Mission Improbable is available now from Freemantle Media.
• A version of this review by Andy Howells appeared in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide during November 2015.

On Stage: Jack and The Beanstalk, Newport Riverfront

Fee Fi Fo Fum I smell the lure of panto fun!

On the evidence of the third night performance, this years Riverfront panto, Jack and The Beanstalk, already has fun oozing out from an already tightly knitted ensemble cast to an audience who doesn't hold back from booing, hissing, cheering and having an all out good time.

Newport’s own Gareth Tempest is at the helm of the fun as the bright and brave hero of the piece, Jack, while established Riverfront favourites Richard Elis and Elin Llwyd raise the bar again this year with respectively fun and feisty appearances as Dylan the Daft and his beautiful sister Jill. Nerine Skinner also returns this year delivering a literally bubbly performance as the charming Fairy Liquid.

There are two new faces too, Simon Nock makes a flamboyantly brilliant Riverfront debut as Jack’s mum Dame Trott, while Patrick Marlowe is devilishly delightful as evil villain Fleshcreep.

The bright comical fun filled presentation doesn’t end there. There’s a few old gags freshened up, The Twelve Days of Christmas sketch presented by Elis, Bock and Tempest been a particular crowd pleaser. The ensemble cast as well delight with fabulous choreography and some nicely turned out musical performances.

The real fun of the show comes from the choreographically challenged cow Daisy operated to perfection by Emma Anderson and Natalia Iles and the spectacular giant operated by Jamie Anderson really has to be seen to be believed.

These are exciting times for Newport and the city has many things to be proud of, the high quality of its annual pantomime is certainly one of them. Don’t miss this year’s show which runs until January 3, 2016.

• Visit newportlive.co.uk/riverfront or book online at 01633 656757 for ticket information.

On Stage: An Evening Shared With Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan, St David's Hall, Cardiff

With Britain’s favourite impressionist Alistair McGowan and the original king of stand-up, Jasper Carrott delivering over two hours of side splitting comedy at St David’s Hall on Tuesday evening, the show was set to be a winner from the offset.

Feeling the pressure of a busy schedule in recent weeks, even I didn't realise how much of a good laugh I needed until McGowan stepped on to the stage and recalled a previous visit to Swansea Grand that had seen him greeted at the door by TV newsreader Huw Edwards mother. McGowan immediately dived into a comic news report in the unmistakable style of Edwards before paying tributes to Welsh Sport with perfect replications of Chris Coleman, Colin Jackson and Terry Griffiths.

McGowan diversified further with Moira Stewart’s summing up of reality TV star’s eyelashes getting tangled in a nightclub clash, an energetic performance of Eddie Izzard stepping in as a wildlife commentator and the cast of Dad’s Army re-imagined for the 21st century.

If that wasn’t enough value for money, further treats arrived when Jasper Carrott took to the stage. “Its said you only play St David’s Hall twice,” he began, “once on the way up… Well it’s nice to be back!”

Stark observations on growing old, eating a hot curry from a bowl made of space shuttle re-entry iron and bidding for his own autograph on eBay were a number of scenarios that kept the audience in constant fits of laughter.

A particular winner was Carrott’s graphic description of insomnia and the hell of observing your partners three stages of sleep at 4am in the morning.

An absolute treat to watch, this classic comedy pairing really lifted the spirits of all those in attendance including myself, in fact rereading my notes for this review I’m still laughing. Thank you Alistair and Jasper!

• Read Andy Howells' interview with Jasper Carrott
• A version of this review by Andy Howells appeared in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide on December 4, 2015

Pinocchio Story Brought to Life For Christmas

As Christmas approaches, Llanyrafon Drama Group have something a little special in store for their audiences this year.

Pinocchio is adapted and based on the original classic story, and follows Geppetto, a charitable toy maker who makes a wish upon a star, hoping that one day he will have a son of his own.

By magic, Geppetto’s wish comes true as his little wooden puppet Pinocchio comes to life, and when the evil Master of Disguise, hears of this, he plans to kidnap Pinocchio, and keep him for his very own.

Pinocchio promises lots of fun for the family, and is the perfect seasonal treat that everyone should see.

So if you’re looking for something to lighten your “wooden heart” this festive season then pop along to Llanyrafon Methodist church hall, Llanyrafon, Cwmbran.

Performances start today December 4 at 19:30, followed by performances on Saturday December 5 at 14:30, Friday December 11 at 19:30, Saturday December 12 at, 14:30 & 19:30. Tickets are only £5, and can be booked through the box office on 0845 4742545 or via the website on llanyrafondramagroup.co.uk

DBA Reunited For Surburban Ghosts Album - Geoff Downes Interview

Andy Howells chats to prog rock legend Geoff Downes about his latest project with top producer Chris Braide as DBA, Surburban Ghosts.

Three years after their critically acclaimed debut Pictures of You, creative powerhouse duo Chris Braide and Geoff Downes have reunited for the second chapter of their joint venture as the Downes Braide Association (DBA in short), Suburban Ghosts.

Prog legend Geoff Downes has played keyboards in The Buggles, Asia and Yes. He co-wrote the hits Heat of the Moment and Video Killed The Radio Star. Similarly Singer songwriter and producer Chris Braide has written and produced songs for numerous performers including Beyonce, Lana del Rey, Paloma Faith and Britney Spears, in his accomplished career he was awarded Ivor Novello, ASCAP and Billboard Awards It was at The Buggles’ reunion show in London back in 2010 that Chris and Geoff’s paths crossed for the first time.

“Chris was in a band called Producers and said, “I’d really like to write with you one day,” says Geoff, “ He moved to the States straight after that and I happened to be LA a few months later and we both said “Well, lets sit down and write some stuff together.”

With Chris busy working with both Paloma Faith and Lana del Rey and Geoff recording the Yes album, Fly from Here, DBA’s first album, Pictures of You was a culmination of a year of secret ‘moonlighting’ sessions. “The first one was very much testing the water,” says Geoff, “when we finally got together in an organised fashion we thought it would be a good idea to carry on and do another one.”

The sophomore album, Surburban Ghosts, has similarly been put together between both artists other work commitments. The quality of the release howeveris exceptional featuring a collection of melodic pop that is both nostalgic and new. Tracks such as Machinery of Fate and Number One are almost Buggle-esque in approach but with production qualities rooted firmly in the 21st century.

“The one thing we wanted to put to the fore was the synth and the melodies,” Geoff continues, “Chris was a big Buggles fan. One of the first albums he bought was our first album The Age of Plastic, so maybe its an unconscious nod in that direction. We’re not trying to emulate that, but certainly the sounds are nostalgic.”

Geoff has described DBA on his YouTube account as “the best band that will never tour”; I ask if performing live as DBA will always be out of the question? “I do know these things can always change,” he replies, “There are certainly no plans at the moment. Obviously I'm busy with both Yes and Asia touring so I don’t have a lot of time in that department. Chris is flat out with his song writing, but you never know if someone says “I’d really like to put you guys on and see how it goes,” I’m sure there’d be an appetite for it.”

The positive aspect for Geoff is that DBA material is something new for fans to get their teeth into. “Doing something like the DBA album is new music, As much as you want to play your old stuff its important to write new material and develop.”

• Surburban Ghosts is available now through Cherry Red Records.
• A version of this interview by Andy Howells was published in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide during November, 2015.
• Official DBA website

Meet The Artist: Rebecca James

Pop, urban, singer-songwriter Rebecca James blends vocal harmonies with a modern urban sound. Throw in a twist of classical training and a taste of youthful exuberance and you have an exciting and dynamic pop star.

Rebecca's single On My Way was previously a BBC Introducing track of the week on BBC 1Xtra. The track is now delighting music fans again with A Gifted Remix featuring the very talented V Simmons.

The remix puts Rebecca in a totally new space which only goes to show off her versatility. Her stunning vocals blend well with the trap style synths and compliments this more gritty remix with charm and bold expression.

After lining up on stage next to some of the UK’s biggest artists at The Wembley Arena and completing her own national schools tour, this has already been an impressive year for the Cardiff born singer, and with her mixtape due out soon as well as other exciting things planned for 2016, it would be best to keep an eye on Rebecca James for the coming year.

Andy Howells recently put questions to the rising star.

Have you always had an interest in music and what lead you to become a singer/songwriter?
Definitely, from the age of 3 years old, I was singing along to my Dad's favourite albums (including Stevie Wonder of course) and then I was doing musical theatre from the age of 6 onwards.. It wasn't until early teens when I really decided to be a singer/songwriter..I realised I loved the theatre but didn't want to be involved in it anymore, there was something else..and it happened to be singing and playing!

Who has inspired you most on your musical journey?
I would say Alicia Keys. She was my first artist inspiration and then I started to read Elton John's songs..And realised I loved them so wanted to write my own stuff and that started from there. Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston have also been big inspirations to me as a young singer.

You’ve had quite a busy year in 2015 – what have been your highlights?
I have indeed. My biggest highlight of the year has to be playing Wembley. The whole day was incredible, something just felt very right and homely when I was on that stage.

What inspired the new remix of your single On My Way?
I just really wanted to hear a different angle on it, I always get curious with my songs that’s why I appreciate remixes so much. I knew Gifted would do an amazing job with it so handed it to him and here we are.

How did you get involved with working alongside V Simmons on the track?
He came down to the studios where I work from a lot and we just vibe'd for a bit and he jumped on the track. He was very quick at doing his verse, it was pretty cool.

You have a mix tape coming out soon can you tell us more about that?
Yes! I cannot wait to release it. I wanted to put something out that showed everyone where my inspirations come from, what kind of thing I like listening to and showing myself (RJ) on different tracks. I've never done anything like this before so it was a challenge but it pushed me as an artist and I hope people who listen to it recognise that and most of all love it as much as I do.

Will you be doing any live dates in the near future?
So..I have a press event coming up for the near future. Its invite only and will be me and my full band with lots of RJ things going on. That’s in Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square this month. My rehearsal life is based around that at the moment and its been hard work but so much fun, I can’t wait for it to come around.

Which artists and albums are you currently listening to?
Ahh..I’m just gonna reel off some names..The Weeknd, Alessia Cara,Tori Kelly, Frank Ocean (Still..Waiting for his album..still), little bit of Ellie Goulding and the rest just depends what mood I'm in. But they're my main peoples at the moment.

How can people find out more about you and your music?
They can visit my website which is rebeccajamesmusic.com or I tend to post everything on my twitter which is @Rebeccajames_ for gigs, events..anything like that all my information will be over there!

• Listen to On My Way (Gifted Remix) on Soundcloud 
• A version of this Q&A by Andy Howells was featured in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide on November 20, 2015.

Meet The Band: Josh Flowers & The Wild

Josh Flowers & The Wild are a London based four-piece who blend crunching blues with rock and folk influences. Lead by front-man Josh Flowers, with Squiff on cello, Dave on bass and Reuben on drums, they charm their audiences with country inspired harmonies and high-energy shows.

With their debut EP, Young Bones, racking up over half a million hits on Spotify, the band have recently completed a tour with The Zombies and are currently playing UK solo dates.

An EP, co-written and recorded with Grammy and Brit Award winning producer Martin Terefe (Cat Stevens, Jamie Cullum, KT Tunstall), is set to be released before the end of 2015.

How did you come together as a band?
Me and Squiff met at a studio in North London where I was recording and went for Nandos afterwards. I got extra hot chicken and he got herb & lime, I guess opposites attract. It was fun so we played some gigs together and then brought Dave and Reuben on board over the next year, who make up the rhythm section of Josh Flowers & The Wild.

How would you describe your music?
Someone described it in a recent interview as 'grungy rock meets bluesy country' which I thought was pretty good.

Who are your musical inspirations?
Inspiration can be hard to pin down when you all listen to and make a lot of different music, but I guess the proof is in the pudding. Hopefully our band makes for an enjoyable pudding. My first loves were the old songwriters like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen; that's what made me want to write. As a band we all love Rage Against The Machine, The Doors, The Black Angels... And more recently Kurt Vile and Leon Bridges have been getting played a lot.

Can you tell us about your current release?
We just made a 3 track CD called Magpie Boy, which is only available in physical form on our tour with The Zombies. We won't be putting it online anywhere, so people have to come to a show to get their hands on one. Our next full release (On iTunes, Spotify etc) is happening in January through an exciting record label we can't mention yet.

Whats been your live show highlight so far?
The first show of the Zombies tour at Kentish Town Forum is still pretty fresh in our minds as it was only two days ago. It was a real step up for us to be playing on a stage that size to a big crowd and feeling totally comfortable doing it. We had a great time!

What can we expect from your forthcoming Cardiff Gig?
We'll bring everything we've got to you guys in Cardiff! It'll be loud and hopefully sweaty and definitely fun.

What can we expect from you in the future?
Look out for our next single in January and then our EP in April, as well as plenty more tour dates and good times going into 2016. Merry Christmas!

A version of this Q&A by Andy Howells appeared in The South Wales Argus on November 27, 2015.
Josh Flowers and The Wild play Cardiff Globe tonight (December 2). For more info on the band visit their official website.