Milton Star Things Fall Apart | Music News

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Fiona Hill

Milton Star follow their hugely successful double A side record ‘Salvation’ and ‘Sorryville’ with the release of their new single ‘Things Fall Apart’. The track is another example of duo Alan Wyllie and Graeme Currie’s unerring ability to create wonderfully atmospheric stories about love, loss and regret framed in beautifully structured melodies and carried by an expansive tremolo wall of sound and a dark soul.

For those familiar with simultaneously released debut, ‘Things Fall Apart’ finds them in similar territory with a tale of the darker side of the human condition, referencing the destructive capacity of depression and all it entails. “I think we all have that capacity to fall foul of our inner demons at times.” says Alan “and the pace of modern life and the inherent shallowness of relationships lived through social media & technology can detach us a little from the real world and the problems many suffer from, itching just below the surface.”

From the first Duane Eddy inspired twang underpinned by wandering strings and rhythmic arpeggio piano we are in cinematic noire territory and the accompanying video speaks volumes, the roll of the dice, the miniature Mariachis, the Mexicano tarot cards, the sinister skull-painted faces, the burlesque dancers – this is a beautifully tragic song rich in imagery.

Alan and Graeme have been collaborating in different guises dating back to the early days of post punk but these days the duo write and record their unique blend of indie and dark country in a converted church where Alan lives in Fife, which, as Alan explains, is pivotal in the writing process. “The things that feed the ideas and make the sound are the environment and acoustics here in the church and the setting of the surrounding countryside. Out in those fields you could be anywhere at any point in time, and that’s where the stories start to form.”

Graeme adds “Although we have a lot of shared musical influences like the Velvet Underground, Bowie and Roxy Music, I veer towards the more experimental side of things like Captain Beefheart whereas Alan likes a lot of early 50s vintage rock and country. Once you factor into that mix the cinematic soundtrack influences like Angelo Badalamenti and Ennio Morricone, that’s when the Milton Star sound comes together.”

Words for the Wounded Independent Author Book Award By WforW Founder Margaret Graham

Posted on June 6, 2015 by Margaret Graham

The Independent Author Book Award has been a revelation. There are just so many good writers out there, which made our task hugely enjoyable, if difficult. At last we decided on commended, highly commended, and then – the three winners. In the end, our decision was unanimous. Great books all three winners. Thank you all so much for entering – rest assured that 100% of the entry fees go to the wounded.

Thank you, Palamedes PR for sponsoring a professional press release for the winner, and the opportunity of a discounted press release for 2^nd and 3^rd. Thank you Frost Magazine for publishing a review of the top three

Roll of drums for the list of winners, highly commended and commended.

1^st The Cheesemaker’s House. Jane Cable

2^nd No Stranger to Death Janet O’Kane

3^rd Man, Dog, Stroke Eric Sinclair

Highly Commended

Alphabetical order

The Grown-ups Wouldn’t Like it. Diane Kay

Callum Fox and the Mousehole Ghost. A. C. Hatter

Commended

Alphabetical order

The Roman Citizens from Class 6B Kevin Brooke

Run fast, keep low Eleanor Broaders

Ruby’s New Coat Jane Carling

Chasing the Dark Clouds Courtney Hulbert (Guy Mortenson)

Brandy Row Shelagh Mazey

Orange Juice and Codliver Oil. Peter Morley

Pegasus to Paradise Michael Tappenden

The Unorthodox Arrival of Pumplin Allan Susie Twine

The Labyrinth Year Clare Weiner

The great good news is that Felicity Trew, of the highly respected Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency, is now representing the winner, Jane Cable.

Also we are honoured to announce that Felicity Trew will be our final judge for the 2015 Independent Author Book Award.

Let’s have a closer look at our winner, Jane Cable, with The Cheesemakers’ House that achieved First Place in the inaugural WforW Independent Author Book Award. Congratulations!

First Place: The Cheesemaker’s House by Jane Cable.

Alice Hart’s husband runs off with his secretary, she runs off with his dog to lick

her wounds in a North Yorkshire village. Soon she decides to start renovating the barn next to her house and opens a whole can o’ worms.

Judges’ comments: The Cheesemakers’ House by Jane Cable was the only possible winner. The clarity, structure and story line was immediately inviting, the characters interesting. They weave, twist and develop towards the denouement, always keeping us with them. Cable is adept at peeling back the layers; the writing is snappy, the tension implicit. She holds back, and you have to keep turning the pages unable to work things out until she wants you too.

There is a paranormal flicker, which can be clumsy, but in this case we found it believable, and in keeping with the book. Alice is the main character, a survivor of a marital breakup, but unembittered. Owen is the secondary character and is complicated; infuriating, almost fey. All this set against a rural village setting, which Cable ‘gets’ perfectly.

The Cheesemaker’s House is Jane Cables’ first published novel, but it is the work of an experienced writer. Has she many discarded novels in a drawer? Or has she worked with writing groups and really learned her craft? We do wish this is the case with more writers, because until clarity, organization and structure is achieved, fiction won’t work. It is only then that characters haul you into their world.

Jane Cable’s biog.

I have lost count of the number of stories I have started over the years but my first breakthrough came when I actually finished one. It was a romance about cricket and completely unpublishable. But it made me a much better writer. A few more followed, before I started The Cheesemaker’s House. I changed to writing in the first person and it felt different – it felt as though I had found my voice.

In May 2011 The Alan Titchmarsh Show announced a competition to find a new author – a People’s Novelist – and my mother persuaded me to enter The Cheesemaker’s House. I did and was shortlisted, and then made it through to the final. Though I didn’t win, it gave me confidence.

Mainstream publishing was becoming so risk-averse it was harder than ever to get a contract unless you were already famous and this was making many very talented writers go it alone. I had already come across Matador at a self publishing conference organised by The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. I like them because they are selective about the books they take and very, very professional.

The Cheesemaker’s House was really well received by book bloggers and readers and at the time of writing has sold around a 1,000 copies. I am absolutely thrilled to have won the Words for the Wounded Independent Author Book Award (such a good cause) and a professional press release from Palamedes, and publicity in Frost Magazine. My next novel, The Faerie Tree is now finished. Life is good.

The Faerie Tree Book Review

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

I loved Jane Cable’s first book, The Cheesemakers House. It was her debut novel and won the suspense & crime category of the Alan Titchmarsh Show People’s Novelist competition in 2011. You can read the Cheesemakers House review here. Cables new novel is even better than the first. Her grasp of human emotion and character description is something to behold. She is a naturally talented writer, destined for even greater things. Cable captures the human condition perfectly, you have the feeling that she could write the phonebook and make it fascinating.

Frost is very proud that Cable is one of our writers and wrote a great series on the making of The Faerie Tree. This in no way influences my review, The Faerie Tree is an enjoyable book of depth. Robin and Izzie are great characters and everyone can relate to a lost love. But will they be reunited? Buy The Faerie Tree to find out.

How can a memory so vivid be wrong?

I tried to remember the first time I’d been here and to see the tree through Izzie’s eyes. The oak stood on a rise just above the path; not too tall or wide but graceful and straight, its trunk covered in what I can only describe as offerings – pieces of ribbon, daisy chains, a shell necklace, a tiny doll or two and even an old cuckoo clock.
“Why do people do this?” Izzie asked.
I winked at her. “To say thank you to the fairies.”

In the summer of 1986 Robin and Izzie hold hands under The Faerie Tree and wish for a future together. Within hours tragedy rips their dreams apart.

In the winter of 2006, each carrying their own burden of grief, they stumble back into each other’s lives and try to create a second chance. But why are their memories of 1986 so different? And which one of them is right?

Stars Of Film, Music and F1 Take Theatrical Journey Into The Art Of Blending At Monaco’s Ermanno Palais as Johnnie Walker Blue Label Presents Symphony In Blue

Posted on May 30, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL welcomed icons from the worlds of film, music and F1 to SYMPHONY IN BLUE, MONACO on Thursday evening, May 22nd 2015 – an experiential spectacular that transported guests including Eva Longoria, McLaren Honda Formula One driver Jenson Button, England Rugby Captain Chris Robshaw and his girlfriend Camilla Kerslake into a universe of flavour, craftsmanship and heritage.

Hosted inside Monaco’s Ermanno Palais, Symphony in Blue kicked off a long weekend of glamour, style and sophistication. As anticipation in Monte Carlo grew for one of the greatest jewels in the motor racing crown – the Monaco Grand Prix – Johnnie Walker and the McLaren Formula One Team celebrated the 10th anniversary of their partnership.

Just sixty guests from around the globe were invited to Friday’s intimate Symphony in Blue experience, which showcased how a multi sensorial, theatrical experience that plays with imagery, sound and light can influence the perception and taste of a whisky hailing from the four corners of Scotland. Two-time Formula 1 World Champion and Johnnie Walker Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador, Mika Häkkinen, joined Button and Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO McLaren Group, to celebrate the unique partnership forged over the past decade.

Guest attendee, Eva Longoria, wearing a white tasseled mini dress by AK Studios, said, “It has been a real pleasure to be a part of Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s Symphony in Blue, Monaco this evening. To be here on race weekend, when the atmosphere is so electric, is an amazing experience!”

Jenson Button said, “Living here, I understand the unique character of Monaco and what makes it so glamorous, which is why Symphony in Blue, is the perfect match for this Grand Prix. It’s the pinnacle race of the season and the perfect way to celebrate our historic 10 year partnership.”

On arrival, guests were drawn into a Scottish woodland, as oak, moss, peat, barley and water surrounded them, bringing to life the rarity of Johnnie Walker Blue Label that comes from uniquely delicate ingredients and a symphony of rich flavours.

In further rooms guests continued to explore the unparalleled rarity, heritage and craft of Johnnie Walker Blue Label with each experience encapsulating the delicacy and intricacy of detail that goes into every bottle.

Global Brand Ambassador, Tom Jones, was on hand to mentor guests on the impeccable character demanded for Johnnie Walker Blue Label, “Only one in 10,000 casks of whisky are selected to form our blend so we gave guests the opportunity to experience the perfect serve over 10,000 year old ice chiseled by their own hand, to represent the rarity of our liquid.”

As they looked over a city buzzing with excitement ahead of Sunday’s race, guests sipped on stunning Johnnie Walker cocktails which were carefully paired with luxurious canapés such as haggis bon bons with whisky marmalade and freshly shucked oysters to delicately enhance the whisky’s unique flavour profiles.

The guests were served these innovative cocktails:

Johnnie Walker pear & cucumber press

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Freshly pressed pear Juice, Freshly pressed cucumber juice, house-made roasted barley shrub cordial, lemon juice, soda

Johnnie’s berry shrub

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve steeped in strawberry and raspberry, Lime juice, soda

Pear & Apple press

Freshly pressed pear Juice, Freshly pressed apple juice, house-made roasted barley shrub cordial, lemon juice, soda

East meets North

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, White port, Lapsang souchong & jasmine tea mix, Lemon juice, Water, Soda

Scotch Bonnet

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Antica Formula, Angostura bitters, Blood Orange juice, Scotch Bonnet syrup

Fire & Ice

Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Averna, Fig liqueur, Gomme, Black walnut bitters

Golden Gloves

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Sweet rhubarb syrup, Seude bitters, Fresh ginger juice, Lemon juice

Canapés were carefully crafted to hero the six key flavours found in the pinnacle blend Johnnie Walker Blue Label:

Peaty

Heirloom beetroot with pecans and wild rocket and a pecan dressing served on a tiny focaccia croute served on a bespoke tray made of bark and peat

Fresh and Spicy

Freshly shucked oysters served with a spicy shallot vinegar served in their shells

Served on a silver tray with dry ice pouring out of the middle of the tray

Fresh

Fresh tuna rice paper roll with julienne of carrot, avocado with mint and basil topped with a wasabi mayonnaise

Served on a gold frame with a beautiful padded picture inside to match the design of the rooms

Smokey

Stuffed quails eggs with sumac, chipotle and 24 carat gold leaf

Served on a silver tray nestled inside a tiny birds nest

Fruity

Haggis bonbons with whiskey marmalade

Served on a gold frame with a beautiful padded tartan picture

Wood

Wild mushroom and creamy gorgonzola tartlet piled with fresh truffle

Served on a wooden panelled tray

Puddings:

Smokey

Johnnie Walker whiskey flavoured homemade chocolate truffles rolled in gold leaf, cocoa powder and plain chocolate coated

Served on beautiful glass petit fours cake stands with dry ice bellowing out

Fruity

Tiny pear and almond tartlets with gold leaf

Served on a leather tray

About JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™…

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL is one of the pinnacle offerings from JOHNNIE WALKER.

Only sublime, rare whiskies at the pinnacle of perfection are used in the blending of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each is hand selected by the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken lineage of Master Blenders stretching back over 190 years – it is an ultimate expression of whisky making today and an remarkable achievement for the modern era.

Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of BLUE LABEL.

BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate.

About DIAGEO…

DIAGEO is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor whisky, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

DIAGEO is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about DIAGEO, its people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. For DIAGEO’s global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About JOHNNIE WALKER in F1®…

In 2005, JOHNNIE WALKER took another bold stride on its journey of global success, when it began its partnership with the McLaren F1® Team. McLaren are proven winners and hold proud credentials as one of the most successful teams of the modern era.

F1® and McLaren have long partnered with some of the world’s most established companies and brands, but perhaps none more symbolic than JOHNNIE WALKER. The famous Striding Man logo adorns the wing mirrors, overalls, visors and track signage at some of the most glamorous locations on the circuit. But the significance of the partnership runs much deeper.

McLaren Honda and F1® epitomise the characteristics of JOHNNIE WALKER: pioneering, progressive and the essence of quality, style and sophistication. It links an iconic brand with an iconic team and sport on a global scale – the perfect blend.

JOHNNIE WALKER has placed responsible drinking at the heart of its ten-year partnership with the McLaren Formula One Team and Formula 1®. Through its pioneering sponsorship and with the profile of the race team this provides an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of issues around drink driving to a wider audience.

At the 2014 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX, Johnnie Walker announced a new commitment target for the Join the Pact responsible drinking campaign. This target is to collect 5 million pledges to Join the Pact, and to continue to drive awareness around the globe to never drink and drive.

To honour the five million commitments, Johnnie Walker will give away globally 5 million kilometres of safe rides home. To Join the Pact, visit www.jointhepact.com

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Havoc Dyed Ink: Hockney by Adam Birtwistle

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Margaret Graham

by Margaret Graham.

Piano Nobile, 129 Portland Road, London W11 4LW Friday 8th May – Saturday 13th June 2015

Havoc Dyed Ink presents David Hockney by Adam Birtwistle: Pop Art’s foremost icon seen through the eyes of Britain’s pre-eminent portraitist.

I wasn’t altogether sure what to expect, but Birtwistle’s drawings are excellent.

I choose that word – excellent – carefully. With drawings the faint hearted are spotted immediately: all those feathery strokes and light pencil marks. Not here though – Adam Birtwistle whacks in, his work giving the impression of effortless talent. Here you could think is someone who picks up a pencil and ‘just does it’. The lines flow, the red braces draw you in.

It’s not as simple as that, though. There’s that other thing, talent. And what about the sheer hard graft, and perception? What about the ability to see the nuances of expression, and the ability to convey them? Birtwistle captures Hockney. We see the humour, the thoughtfulness of the man. We collude with the artist and the sitter, joining in and recognizing the joke, the thoughts, the body language.

We see the pre-occupation, and sometimes the look of ‘What, really?

The roots of Havoc Dyed Ink began with a fortuitous meeting in 2001 when Adam Birtwistle visited David Hockney in his studio. The following year Birtwistle painted two portraits of Hockney using studies made during this meeting.

Havoc Dyed Ink unites Birtwistle’s studies from 2002 and 2014 with a new painting of Hockney from 2015. Throughout his career, Birtwistle has painted many other icons, such as Jeremy Irons, and Elvis Costello. But it is to David Hockney that Birtwistle keeps returning.

Hockney’s status as a national treasure has continued to grow, yet Birtwistle strips away the noise of fame, recognising Hockney as a kindred creative spirit. Candid, playful and revealing, these studies and one painting give the sensation of sustained time in the company of Hockney. Birtwistle captures shifting poses and attitudes.

Downstairs at Piano Nobile are his – well what? Hogarthian paintings, with witty, or scathing commentary ditties? Some will love them, some won’t. Not my bag. I’ll stick with Hockney, but interesting nonetheless. Good for Birtwistle. I like artists who experiment.

Go and see it all. A feast, it is.

Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular Review

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Jack Bowman

Inspired by the stunning decade of live Doctor Who recitals – including the 50^th Anniversary BBC Proms in 2013 – the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular arrives in the UK for the very first time, celebrating the music of the world’s longest-running television series. A regular event for families in Australia, Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular makes its début here, now touring across Doctor Who’s homeland, doing so in style and (here in London, at least) to a packed celebrity audience, including the Twelfth Doctor himself – Peter Capaldi.

Vision Nine, working in association with BBC Worldwide have set about to present the very best musical experience that Doctor Who can offer, celebrating the series’ rich musical past. Focusing on the acclaimed work of Murray Gold – who has scored every episode of the series since its revival in 2005 – and with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC National Chorus of Wales, lead by Ben Foster, the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular delivers on every level with assured confidence and a dazzling sparkle, all at the sweep of a Sonic Baton.

There is a clear and concise technical execution of the show in terms of staging, lighting and sound – written and directed by Paul Bullock – which adds to the slickness of Ben Foster’s elegant rapport with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC National Chorus of Wales – a rapport no doubt built up due to Foster long history of working with both groups, orchestrating and conducting Murray Gold’s music since David Tennant’s début episode back in 2005. Not one note, not one beat, not one cue is missed to make this look like an effortlessly smooth event – no easy feat when you find yourself coming under siege from the most terrible things the universe has ever bred.

Because, yes, beware! There are monsters! A Doctor Who concert would not be complete with a large, seemingly numerous collection Doctor’s most dangerous foes sweeping us up into events, threatening to disintegrate, assimilate or exterminate. Even though the fear factor for the audience was high, there were plenty of children in the families to comfort their terrified parents, no doubt assured by the presence of the Doctor himself. Or should that be Doctors? Because Peter Capaldi was not the only Timelord present – events were wittily and charming lead by the ever-charming Peter Davison (who played the Fifth Doctor) who bantered with the performers with great ease, forming a lovely verbal and visual comedic double-act with Ben Foster for the audience between sets, which climaxes with… sorry, sweetie. Spoilers. Also present for fans are the ever-versatile Nick Briggs (Big Finish Maestro, voice of the Daleks, Cybermen, the Judoon, and many more), and regular Doctor Who monster performers Paul Kasey and Jon Davey.

These touches are really the icing on the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular cake – the real star is the music and those who perform it. With over ten years worth of material to choose from, this is two hours representing the very best Doctor Who has to offer. It isn’t until you step into the arena with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC National Chorus of Wales you can begin to feel the real power of Murray Gold’s scores and Ben Foster’s orchestration – unlike on television, you really can hear and feel the music on an immediate and effecting level. Added by silent (no pun intended) visuals, the emotional essence of each piece is able to immediately effect the packed audiences present. Particularly effective was the beautiful voice of Elin Manahan Thomas, who excelled with her vocal work on the Tenth Doctor’s swansong Vale Decem, and most movingly, Abigail’s Song (from Matt Smith’s first Christmas Special, A Christmas Carol).

Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular remains true to its roots and remembers that Doctor Who is a family show for children of all ages, and carries that through every second of the performance, and ends with the audience on their feet, applauding to the roof tops and calling for the TARDIS to be used to start the show over again, all as the Doctor Who reaches its crescendo. This half-term, whether you have to beg, borrow or steal a ticket, take a journey with Vision Nine, Murray Gold, Ben Foster, Peter Davison, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC National Chorus of Wales to have the ultimate musical adventure in space and time guaranteed to thrill everyone. Stylish, effecting and exciting, this might be the best treat for any Doctor Who fan in your family.

Tickets: http://www.doctorwhosymphonicspectacular.com/

A Vision Nine Presentation in association with BBC Worldwide

Easterleigh Hall At War Book Review

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

Many authors write about war. Some do it well and others not so much. What sets out the good writers is always the same thing: research. Talent matters of course and Margaret Graham has it in abundance, but she also puts in the valuable research time. Which is why the books she writes that are set during wartime are not only so captivating, but also so educational, So worthy of your time and attention. The characters are wonderful, you want to know more about them and what happens in their life, but the obvious attention to detail brings Easterleigh Hall At War up yet another notch.

Evie is the protagonist, a spunky young woman with ambition but also kindness in abundance. Evie is a wonderful character: a role model for anyone, even in the modern age. The Forbes family and the Brampton family are forever entwined: the Forbes are ‘downstairs’ and the Bramptons are ‘upstairs’, as it were. I don’t want to give too much away but this book is the second book in the series. Yes, a series. So you can really get stuck in and, trust me, you will want to. Margaret Graham is one of my favourite writers. So much so that she is now the contributing editor of this very magazine. I have read many of her books. Grab this one and the first Easterleigh Hall book if you have not yet read it. Then wait with baited breathe for number three. This book is prefect for lovers of Downton Abbey. Someone send Julian Fellowes a copy quick, it will be his next hit.

Easterleigh Hall at War is available here.

The second novel in a compelling new series set in County Durham just before and during the First World War.

England is at war and Easterleigh Hall has been turned into a hospital for the duration of the hostilities.

With its army of volunteers and wounded servicemen, cook Evie Forbes is determined that everyone will be properly provided for, despite the threat of rationing and dwindling supplies.

All the while she waits for letters from her fiancé and beloved brother, fighting on the Western Front.

Then the worst happens – a telegram arrives with shattering news. And Evie wonders if she’ll have the strength to carry on…

You can read A Day in The Life of Margaret Graham here.

Good Lord! Michael Flatley Talks to Vicky Edwards

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Vicky Edwards

Michael Flatley talks to Vicky Edwards about his farewell tour, dancing in paint and the bliss of brunch

To call a Michael Flatley production a dance show is to undersell it on an epic scale. With more explosive thrills than a bottle of Moet uncorked on a roller coaster, The Lord of the Dance can never stand accused of failing to give value for money.

His latest show, Dangerous Games, is no exception. Complete with a new score by Gerard Fahy, audiences can expect everything from breath-taking special effects and ground-breaking technology to robots, world champion acrobats, unicorns and of course some of the most exceptional dancers on the planet. A dance show? Nah, this is a theatrical extravaganza. With bells on.

“And it’s a family show, too,” says Michael, his soft and melodic Irish-American tones somehow at odds with someone who holds the world record for slamming his foot onto a stage to make the most taps (an incredible 35) in a second.

And for Michael it is the audience’s response that is especially gratifying.

“People of all ages feel uplifted and happy after they have seen it and to transport people and fill them with joy is our whole goal,” says Michael, who began his career with Irish folk band The Chieftains in 1994. Going on to change the face of Irish Dance forever by incorporating upper body movement into his awe-inspiring creation Riverdance, in 1996 he topped the seemingly un-toppable with Lord of the Dance.

But with Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games marking Michael’s farewell performances (his body simply can’t withstand the intense challenges that his shows demand any longer) is there, I enquire, a sense of loss?

“I am sure I will miss dancing,” he concedes, “but I’ve always been the creator and the choreographer and my dream going forwards is to bring new talent through and give them the chance to shine like the stars they are.”

Having returned to London, to the Dominion Theatre, in March, having sold out at the Palladium last year, Dangerous Games is touring some of the country’s biggest venues, concluding at the Wembley Arena on 4 July before embarking on a world tour. Michael, who is appearing on only a handful of the UK dates, is urging people to come and see the new ‘Lords,’ reassuring fans that they will not be disappointed and that his involvement in the creative aspects of the Lord of the Dance brand remains absolute.

Of his team of dancers, many of whom have been with him since his Riverdance days, Michael is fulsome in his praise. Highlighting the particular talents of James Keegan, Matt Smith, Morgan Comer, and Zoltan Papp “it’s a show I can be proud of,” he says, clearly relishing his role as mentor and teacher.

“It’s incredibly satisfying and rewarding,” he agrees, a note of excitement creeping into the gentle lilt. “It’s wonderful to see dancers fulfilling their potential and reaching for the stars.”

But while his protégés are reaching for the stars someone has to come up with the ideas and choreography. Where does Michael draw inspiration from?

“I think if you really want to create something special then you have to go deep inside of yourself. But you have to work for it; it won’t be given to you.”

His work ethic has roots and Michael needs no prompting to identify them. “He was my hero,” he says quietly, referring to his much-loved father who died only recently.

“He was such a hardworking and driven man. He wouldn’t let negativity into his head. As young men my brothers and I worked with him on construction sites and digging ditches and from him we learned self-discipline and the importance of doing things properly. He taught us to be the one who set the pace rather than the one who followed it.”

But even though he is giving up performing, Michael isn’t hanging up his dance shoes entirely.

“I became fascinated by the great painters who went before us. Once they painted a work it was there forever. With my art I had to paint it, live, every night. And it had to be perfect every night. I dreamed that there was a way that I could turn that whole 3D experience into a 2D image that would last forever.”

It was a problem that needed considerable pondering, but in 2005 he sussed it. Having longed to dance at Madison Square Gardens, where all his boxing heroes had fought, Michael proceeded to sell out at the 18,000-seat venue – unheard of for a dance show. Afterwards he received a framed cut-out of the vinyl flooring that had been covering the trap door on the stage, complete with scuff marks from his taps. A memento of his realised dream, the surprise gift gave Michael the answer to his dilemma.

“I’m a great fan of abstract expressionism and so I went into a studio, put vinyl on the floor and a little paint on my shoes and danced. Then I started throwing paint because I refuse to be just held to the one thing.”

Enjoying considerable success with what he self-deprecatingly calls ‘my last efforts,’ in June he will see his first exhibition unveiled.

“It’s my new passion and I just love it,” he says, with gleeful enthusiasm.

But not even painting comes close to his real passion. Married to his former leading lady Niamh O’Brien, with whom he has an eight-year-old son, for the man who has made millions family time is the most priceless thing in his world.

“For me real happiness is Sunday brunch in London with my beautiful wife and son. I leave the phone at home and we walk in the park, laughing and talking, and it’s just perfect.”

He will always be the Lord of the Dance to his legions of fans, but there’s a whole lot more to Michael Flatley. As warm, funny and charming as he is talented, driven and smart, the Lord is also an absolute gentleman.

Vicky Edwards

For further details of the UK Tour visit www.lordofthedance.com

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Category Archives: Culture