London is Free

Lewis Schaffer is Free until Famous

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:10:15 +0000

Every Tuesday and Wednesday in Soho

Occasionally controversial, usually contentious, always unpredictable, and truly hilarious, this New York stand-up returns to Soho with his one 'American in Britain' Show. [Formerly titled: "Lewis Schaffer is An Evening with Michael McIntyre!" and "Jimmy Carr, Live!"]

Free admission with collection taken after the show.

Every Tuesday and Wednesdays at The Source Below 11 Lower John Street, London W1F 9TY Doors 7, Show 8 Piccadilly Tube

Call 0207 060 3614 or go to www.sourcebelow.com to reserve tickets.

What the press says about Lewis Schaffer

Chortle - Edinburgh 2009 **** [Four Stars] "Hilarious ...a tour-de-force performance from a comic who's been on the ropes but definitely come back bigger and bolder, connecting bang on the funnybone." http://bit.ly/1naSEA

The Scotsman - Edinburgh 2009 **** [Four Stars] "Blows a hurricane of freshness through many tried and tested subjects. Almost every laugh he gives us he then tops with another, bigger laugh. His jokes might have another comic arrested." http://bit.ly/13djFE

The Stage - Edinburgh 2009 "Possibly the most unpredictable comic at the fringe. In short, he is unique." http://ed.thestage.co.uk/reviews/639

The London Evening Standard 2009 "Something interesting in clearly going on here... fascinating." http://bit.ly/EveningStandard2009

The Londonist 2009 "Controversial... self-destructive... unforgiveable. Three people walked out. Benjamin Franklin would have been turning in his grave." http://londonist.com/tags/lewisschaffer

Malcolm Hardee Cunning Stunt Award Winner for the best publicity stunt at the Edinburgh Fringe, 2009

Listen to Lewis Schaffer's Radio Show "The Voice of Americans" Mondays at 10:30 PM on Resonance Radio 104.4 in London and at www.resonancefm.com on the web.

Watch Titanic in HD so real you get wet!

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:12:39 +0000

Those japesters in the Sky press office have excelled themselves with this latest wheeze - showing the Titanic movie in high definition in a swimming pool.

Film fans can get into the spirit of Oscars® Season on Tuesday 17th February as Sky+HD presents a unique High Definition screening of the multi-Oscar® winning film, Titanic.

This interactive adventure will transport the audience back to the high seas of 1912 and the fateful maiden voyage of RMS Titanic. The audience will be able to play their own part in the High Definition experience as they watch the drama unfold from their very own lifeboat in the water, all in costumes from the period!

Hammy acting, Kate Winslet waterworks and dodgy Oirish accents will all be required. The Sky+HD screening will take place at the Golden Lane swimming pool, Barbican, London from 6.30pm (screening at 7.30pm). Tickets are free and limited.

Film fans can apply by emailing SkyHDTitanic@cakegroup.com and are encouraged to dress up for the occasion! Ticket includes entry to the screening and refreshments throughout the evening.

For those not lucky enough to attend, all the excitement and intensity of Titanic and other Oscar® winning classics can be experienced from the comfort of your own living room in glorious High Definition, on Sky Movies Drama throughout February.

Comedy Virgins open mic night

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:00:34 +0000

Hugely popular stand-up comedy open mic night running every alternate Monday at the Cavendish Arms, Stockwell. Featuring 20 comedians ranging from genuine virgins to old slags, all performing 5 min slots for your pleasure! Doors 7pm, show starts 8.30pm. You can reserve a table in advance via email: Info@thecavendisharmsstockwell.co.uk www.thecavendisharmsstockwell.co.uk From the press release: WATCH OR PARTICIPATE! Either way it's a CRACKIN NIGHT! This new night for stand up comedians guarantee's one of the friendliest and supportive audiences on the comedy circuit. All you have to do is come down with your set/a couple of gags, a few friends for support and grab the mic! Straight from the horses mouth!....a selection of comments about our night from a few of our comedy virgins "Hi Dave, Just wanted to say I had a great time on Monday night - I thought the set up for the evening and the atmosphere was spot on. I'll definitely be recommending it to people. Really looking forward to 10 November when I get the chance to come back..!" "Hello! Thanks for last night. It was a very well organised night. And your efforts to ensure the acts bring friends and sticks around to support the night really pays off. Well done. By way of reward for that, I would like to regale you with my presence once again. Please could you put me down for your next available 5 min slot?" "Hi. I just wanted to send you a quick email to say thank you very much for the gig you gave Craig at Comedy Virgins last night. He really enjoyed it an was full of praise about how nice the venue and the people involved were." "Hi there Just wanted to say what a great night you ran last night. Really fab atmosphere and venue. Thoroughly enjoyed it and so did my friends. Do let me know when you next have a pre-bookable space as I would love to come and do more comedy. Thanks again really impressed." "Hi... First of all, just wanted to say thanks so much for such a great time last Monday. Me and my friend were both doing a routine for the first time and couldn't have been a better place for it - the atmosphere, way the night was run and of course the lovely Shirley and Dave were all brilliant. So good in fact that, now we've got our courage up, we'd both like to come again. How to get there: Stockwell tube - Victoria line

Franz Ferdinand signing at the HMV Store

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:01:24 +0000

Arty Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand will be performing songs from their new album in HMV Oxford Street on Monday 26 January.

Tickets to the 1pm event are free but limited to 300 people. Wristbands can be collected from the store from 9am on the day the usual first come, first served basis.

Franz Ferdinand's new album Tonight is released on the same day and the band will, of course, be signing copies. We saw them at Glastonbury last year and they blew us away not just with their old hits but their new songs too. So we'll be there shoving away for wristbands too.

How to get there:

The nearest tube station is Oxford Circus, with Tottenham Court Road also close by.

If taking the bus, jump on 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 55, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139, 159, 176, 189, 390, 453 or the C2.

iTunes Meet the Director: Skins 3

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:05:52 +0000

The directors of Skins 3, Charles Martin and Simon Massey, will be at the Apple Store on Wednesday 21 January along with members of the cast to discuss the new series and answer questions.

The BAFTA-nominated series returns to E4 on 22nd January and introduces a gang of new faces with just two of the original cast resuming their roles. The event will also be recorded and made available to download as a podcast from the iTunes Store.

The event kicks off at 7pm but as ever if you want a prime seat mosey on over as soon as you can.

From 19th January, Skins fans can visit the iTunes Store to own a free clip from the first episode of the new series and sign up for Season Pass to get the whole season at a discount.

The full first episode and all subsequent episodes will be available to purchase the day after they air. Catch up with Skins by downloading series two from the iTunes Store for the special price of £9.99 (available from 17th January).

Also coming soon to the iTunes Store are exciting Skins extras including celebrity playlists from the cast, music from the series and podcasts.

Meet the Director events are an opportunity to gain insights into the world of film and television with the most innovative talent in the industry. Previous events at the Apple Store Regent Street have included Baz Luhrmann (Australia), Anne Hathaway/Dwayne Johnson/Pete Segal (Get Smart) and Dave Gibbons (The Watchmen).

How to get there:

The closest tube stations are at Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus.

If travelling by bus the 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 25, 38, 55, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139, 159, 176, 189, 390 and 453 serve the area.

Guinness World Record global kissing attempt

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:20:42 +0000

Do you and your partner fancy trying to brak the global kissing world record this Valentine's day.

Well in a ~~blatant publicity seeking ruse~~ fun-filled, record-breaking move, licqueur company Bicerin is trying to get 1 million people across the planet to pucker up and suck face at 12.00 midday (GMT) on February 14.

The London venue is Trafalgar Square - and if they don't make the million they'll still break the record with a measly 7500 couples.

Join this event on Facebook. Once you confirm, share the event with 10 of your Facebook friends and then email bicerin.uk@googlemail.com for further details.

Event start times and places (TBC)

12.00 - LONDON - UK - Midday Greenwich Mean Time (Trafalgar Square)
13.00 - TORINO - Italy - Local time (Piazza Castello)
13.00 - VICENZA - Italy - Local time
13.00 - ROME - Italy - Local time
13.00 - MILAN - Italy - Local time
13.00 - BOLOGNA - Italy - Local time
13.00 - FIRENZE - Italy - Local time
13.00 - VIENNA - Austria - Local time
04.00 - VANCOUVER - Canada - Local time
13.00 - COPENHAGAN - Denmark - Local time
23.00 - SYDNEY - Australia - Local time
14.00 - ATHENS - Greece - Local time
11.00 - PARIS - France - Local time
14.00 - HELSINKI - Finland - Local time (Kompassi at the central railway station)

How to get there

By tube: Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines)

The following stations are within a few minutes' walk:

Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)
Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District and Circle lines)

By bus: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 53, 77A, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176, 453 go past Trafalgar Square. Routes 22 and 94 will drop you at nearby Piccadilly Circus.

By rail: Charing Cross Station is a 2 minute walk away.

Meet Yes Man author Danny Wallace at the Apple Store

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:25:47 +0000

Danny Wallace - the author of the book that the new Jim Carrey film Yes Man is based on - will be at the Apple Store Regent Street as part of the iTunes Meet the Author series this Thursday 8 January 2008.

Danny will no doubt talk about his new best mate Jim as well as his written work and do readings from his latest book Friends Like These. Friends Like These charts Danny's attempts to track down his twelve best mates from childhood to find out what has become of them as grown ups.

Danny will be talking between 7pm and 8pm but you are advised to get there early in case Jim Carrey and his posse bag all the seats.

The talk will also be recorded and made available to download as a podcast from the iTunes Store alongside the audiobooks of Friends Like These and Yes Man. The Friends Like These audiobook also includes bonus material in the form of a live quiz featuring Danny and his friends that is not available in the book or CD.

Danny is a bestselling author, comedian and radio and TV presenter. He has written a number of books including Join Me, Random Acts of Kindness, Danny Wallace and the Centre of the Universe and Yes Man.

Check out the Danny Wallace playlist on iTunes

How to get there:

The closest tube stations are at Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus.

If travelling by bus the 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 25, 38, 55, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139, 159, 176, 189, 390 and 453 serve the area.

RAF Photographer of the Year

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:34:36 +0000

The winning images from the Royal Air Force's Photograph of the Year Competition will be on view to members of the public from 10 January 2009 at the Royal Air Force Museum's Milestones of Flight Gallery.

Consisting of 12 categories ranging from "The RAF Experience" to "Technical & Engineering", this exhibition gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse of RAF personnel at work, rest and play both at home and in the field.

The Royal Air Force trains and employs a large number of photographers who deal with day to day technical and operational photography. Their bread and butter is the recording of aircraft and equipment damage, technical manuals, military incidents and accidents, media work and ground intelligence gathering, as well as administrative work such as photos for ID cards.

But as photographers, they also get unique access to their service colleagues and equipment and they bring their creative eye to this environment.

With varying categories for professional and amateur photographers, this annual competition gives Service personnel the opportunity to showcase their talents by encapsulating in a single image the strength, character, dignity and humour of the Royal Air Force.

The reward for the successful photographer is the recognition of their talent with the successful photograph selected from all 12 categories as "PR Photograph of the Year" being used in official communications by the Chief of Air Staff, the highest ranking officer of the Royal Air Force.

The exhibition will be open daily from 10am to 6pm until April 19 2008.

Visit the RAF Museum website

How to get there:

By tube: Colindale Underground on the Edgware branch of the Northern Line.

By bus: route 303 passes the front of the museum

Meet The Watchmen creator at the Apple Store

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:15:50 +0000

Legendary British comic book writer, illustrator and Den of Geek columnist Dave Gibbons will make a guest appearance at the Apple Store, Regent Street tonight (Tuesday 16th December) at 7pm.

Dave will discuss his Hugo Award winning graphic novel, Watchmen, soon to be a major motion picture from Warner Bros Pictures and Paramount Pictures.

Arguably the most honoured graphic novel ever created, Watchmen was named one of the best 100 novels of all time by Time Magazine. Download Watchmen Motion Comics and other film related-related content from the iTunes Store.

Find out more about free events at the Apple Store.

How to get there

The closest tube stations are at Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus.

If travelling by bus the 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 25, 38, 55, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139, 159, 176, 189, 390 and 453 serve the area.

New Street Square Christmas Launch Party

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:33:00 +0000

December 4th sees New Street Square transform into a magnificent winter wonderland this Christmas to celebrate its launch. The party, running between 5pm-9pm, is free and open to everyone.

Mulled wine and some delicious winter warmers will be served around its ice bar and let yourself be charmed by the stunning ice sculptures and live entertainment. Several acts will perform on the evening:

Fuse
One of the most exciting and edgy electric violin groups, Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee push the boundaries of musical convention with their passionate, live sets of rock, dance and contemporary melodies.

Pixel Poi
A technical juggling dance act will perform an awe-inspiring laser demonstration to the sound of upbeat, classical-fusion sounds.

Flaming Oz
An astonishing display of fire manipulation will amaze and delight. The group's high-impact blend of dance and artistry is not to be missed.

Win!
Ice sculptures will give you the chance to win prizes from the fantastic shops in the square.

Twilight premiere

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:03:15 +0000

Teenage vampire love drama Twilight premieres at the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square on Friday 12th December 2008.

We all know the story: Sweet troubled girl meets hot troubled boy as she starts high school and they fall in love. This time though, he's a vampire and hasn't aged since 1918 so he's, like, over a hundred years old.

Kristen Stuart (presented MTV Video Music Awards 2008) is Bella Star who falls for blood starved Edward Cullen played by Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter films). Billy Burke (who plays Gary Matheson in the 24 series and Alex Lesman in three Gilmore Girls episodes) is the not-so-nice Charlie Swan who comes between them.

The tag line: Forever. Begins. Now.

Unless you have a ticket for the premiere, you will be watching those who do walk the red carpet. It's a chance to see any of the cast and crew that you like and gawp at their outfits. Nobody knows who will turn up, so it's a bit of a lottery. The film is out on general release on December 19th.

You're advised to arrive in the afternoon to secure a spot, but if you find you have time on your hands then there's plenty of free stuff to do in the area such as The National Gallery and Covent Garden.

How to get there

The closest tube stations are at Leicester Square, Charing Cross and Covent Garden.

If travelling by bus, jump on the 14, 19, 24, 29, 38 or 176.

Plan your visit to London with Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you are walking, cycling or using the public transport system.

Harry Hill's TV Burp

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:22:06 +0000

On the show Harry will be summing up the week's most popular TV shows in his very own special and hilarious way and you can be part of the audience in Teddington Studios for FREE!

There is music, dance and much laughter guaranteed from this multi-award winning show.

Shows continue to be recorded on Thursdays 4th, 11th and 18th of December. The show starts at 7.30pm and free drinks are available from 5.30pm!

You can apply for tickets in advance through TVRecordings.com. The following information is required to register: name, postcode, contact number, email and a password for signing in. Signing up for email updates is optional.

To avoid disappointment, better do it now!

How to get there

Harry Hill's TV Burp is being recorded in Teddington Studios.

The closest over ground train station is at Teddington or Hampton Wick.

If on the bus the 33, 281, 285, 481, R68 and X26 all serve Teddington.

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

Obsessed About

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 23:16:53 +0000

Obsessed About, the free exhibition in The Foundry Gallery, is only on from Thursday 26th November to Saturday 29th November, so you'd better get down there soon. Dialogue from various sources has been cut up and recontextualised into 'music films' with modern electronic music, with video projections and an improvised dance performance on two of the three nights. Musician Alex Taylor's blog says: It started from a desire to hear particular words and phrases, repeated until they created a texture like a fabric... You will experience soundscapes, music films, and word textures built from various audio sources and original compositions. The installation is open is open 6pm-11pm, from Thursday - Saturday with a performance by Laura Brera on Thursday and Saturday at 9pm. Find out more about the artist Giulia Bacci and The Foundry (Just keep on scrolling), or for more information call 07748 368 112 or email. How to get there The closest underground station is located at Old Street. If travelling by bus the 21, 43, 55, 76, 141, 205, 214, 243, 271 and 394 all serve Old Street.

Family Day

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:35:00 +0000

Join and learn during Family Day in Chisenhale Gallery on Sunday afternoon, 7th December 2008. Your family is warmly invited to join artist educators Jenny Hendra, Alice Finbow and Sarah Michaels, from the Institute of Education's Artist Teacher Programme, for a family afternoon of art workshops inspired by Simon Martin's exhibition. Come ready to investigate and reinterpret objects! With drawing, storyboarding and bite sized performance, families will think creatively about familiar objects, work together to bring life to everyday items and have a family friendly introduction to the exhibition. See you there! Family Day is in the gallery on Sunday December 7th, from 2pm-5pm. Find out more about Chisenhale Gallery (this website is in development, so scroll down for information and click under Simon Martin about Family Day), email or call 020 8981 4518. How to get there: Trains - The closest train station is Cambridge Heath (London) Rail, then London Fields and Bethnal Green. Underground - The closest tube stations are Mile End and Bow Road, then Bethnal Green. Buses - 277 (to Victoria Park); 339, 8 and D6 (get off at Grove Road junction with Roman Road); 338 (get off at Grove Road junction with Victoria Park Road); 25 (get off at Mile End station). Plan your visit to London with Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you are walking, cycling or using the public transport system.

Friday Evening Music

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:28:58 +0000

Enjoy some free Friday Evening Music in various rooms of the National Portrait Gallery, practically every Friday starting at 6.30pm.

Imagine being surrounded by art you probably can't afford to buy, but free to enjoy the sight of whilst listening to a musical performance.

Practically every Friday evening the National Portrait Gallery, open predominantly free to the public, offers an eclectic variety of music to the public for free. Booking is not necessary, if there's room to stand or sit then you can go in and enjoy it!

Every Thursday and Friday the gallery is open until 9pm, so take a look around while your there.

Programme, Friday Evening Music: 28 November '08 - 27 February '09 (Except 19 & 26 December & 2nd January)

Friday 28 November, 6:30pm
Bridget Beraha Trio: An imaginative vocal-led modern jazz ensemble that sidesteps obvious standards to tackle lyrical material: music by Brigitte Beraha, Ivo Neame and Joe Auckland from the new album, Flying Dreams.

Friday 5 December, 6.30pm
Juice Vocal Ensemble: Vibrant a cappella music drawing from world, jazz, folk and pop genres.

Friday 12 December, 6.30pm
Concordia Foundation - Musical Portraits: Concordia International Ensemble performs a musical tribute to Gallery sitters Adelina Patti, Jenny Lind, Charles Dickens, George Bernard Shaw, Gilbert & Sullivan, Edward Elgar and John Field.

NOTE: There are no Friday music performances on 19th and 26th December 2008 and 2nd January 2009.

Friday 9 January, 6.30pm
Horses Brawl & Philip Thorby: Music from the court of the Holy Roman Emperor - Maximilian I and new pieces based on traditional English and Bulgarian folk music. Supported by the Arts Council of England's Escalator Scheme.

Friday 16 January, 6.30pm
Cellorhythmics: The WCM Orchestra (Working Classical Music Orchestra): cutting edge musicians brought together by Cellorhythmics' founder members James Hesford and Alfia Nakipbekova, featuring a new composition based on found objects.

Friday 23 January, 6.30pm
Jonathan Bratoeff Trio: F-ire collective guitarist and composer Jonathan Bratoeff presents his new quartet featuring Mark Hanslip, Tom Mason and James Maddren, playing contemporary material influenced by the New York downtown scene, Jason Moran and groove music but firmly rooted in the jazz tradition.

Friday 30 January, 6.30pm
Trinity College of Music: Trinity student Stjepan Hauser plays music for unaccompanied cello by Bach, Britten and Dutilleux.

Friday 6 February, 6.30pm
Farmyard Animals Trio: One of the UK's most intrepid alternative world jazz groups. Brendan Kelly (sax & bass clarinet), Gideon Juckes (tuba) & Pete Flood (drums).

Friday 13 February, 6.30pm
Ailsa Hunter & Stephen Bettaney: French music for violin and piano by Debussy, Ravel and Messaien.

Friday 20 February, 6.30pm
Renzo Murrone Trio: Vocal-led modern jazz, latin standards and originals. Renzo Murrone (vocals), Alex Stanford (piano) and Viktor Obsust (bass).

Friday 27 February, 6.30pm
Keziah Thomas: Award-winning harpist Keziah Thomas introduces the harp and its repertoire with music from around the world by Bach, Piazzolla, Buhr and Ortiz.

Find out more about Friday Evening Music and register for a rare and precious e-newsletter.

How to get there

The closest tube and train station to Trafalgar Square is Charring Cross.

Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Embankment and Covent Garden underground tube stations are also within walking distance.

If on the bus the 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 87, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176 and the 453 all serve Trafalgar Square.