SPORTS TEAM

I left the Waterfront with my ears buzzing

Damp Matches Album Launch

I was really looking forward to my first shoot at Norwich Arts Centre, and to local band Damp Matches debut album release party - and I was not disappointed.

EARTHTONE9 & THE FIVE HUNDRED

They might not be Pavlis’ thing on record but Earthtone9 deliver the goods live.

An Evening With John Illsley

A most rewarding, and well-curated, evening.

David Olusoga - A Gun Through Time

What was most surprising was how witty a speaker Olusoga is, quite a revelation given his austere TV persona. Given the grim journey he was about to take us on, perhaps its purpose was simply a chance to get to know each other before discussing the elephant in the room - or at least the gun on stage - the Maxim gun, known as the Devil's Paintbrush, spewing out 666 bullets a minute.

Northern Ballet - Merlin

Challenging, intelligent and visually stunning.

Nick Helm

It says much for Helm's evident charm - almost in spite of himself - that a combination of meandering chat and show tunes worked at all, let alone proved thoroughly engaging.

Warhorse

The moment when Joey transforms from a foal to a fully grown horse is a gasp inducing theatrical wonder. Such is the skill of the three puppeteers operating Joey, they are entirely invisible to the mind's eye, despite being in plain sight

NORWICH FILM FESTIVAL - DJ AHMET

North Macedonian director Georgi M. Unkovski’s debut feature.

Norwich Film Festival - East Anglian Shorts

East Anglian Shorts showcased a wondrous range of cinematic talent from the region.

Norwich Film Festival - Late Night Shorts

A selection of eight distinct dark comedy and horror shorts from local and independent film creators.

Norwich Film Festival - High Wire

The directorial debut from buzzing talent Calif Chong

Kids in Glass Houses discuss their new album

Kids in Glass Houses guitarist Iain Mahanty joined me for a quick call just days before the release of the group’s comeback album Pink Flamingo.

The Howlers

Gabby Rivers - Rework Taylor Swift 8th June

Barish - Rework Taylor Swift 8th June

Rock'n'Roll Circus

Rock N Roll Circus is coming to town for three packed days of live music &entertainment – and here is All You Need to Know.

Norwich Castle Keep

Simply stunning and superb in equal measure

THE CASTLE: REBUILDING HISTORY -Literally a look behind the door

Get a feel for the amazing work that has gone on.....

Wild Paths 2025 14th - 18th October

Alogte Oho & His Sounds of Joy

From the rainforests of Ghana, Alogte Oho brightens the rainy skies of Norwich with his enthusiastic Sounds of Joy.

Corto.alto

This electric jazz performance had me shocked with how good it was.

BBC Singers

Stunning semi-improvised sections made for a compelling listening experience, enhanced by some stunning solo singing.

Toast + Songs of the Bulbul

However many N&N shows you see, at least one Toast session should be part of the mix, especially if you can top it off with a Song of the Bulbul.

When Rivers Meet

King King - Waterfront Norwich - 10th March

Afternoon Tea - That's Right Afternoon Tea

What the hell is Outline up to you may well say.......... Well we got an invite so why not go along, thought we would send our Jessica along

Brix and Bones

I usually try to surmise at the end of a review, but let’s put our cards on the table: what is to follow is an attempt to do justice to one of the most exciting, most exceptional meals I’ve had in a long time.

Danomey Kitchen @ The Stanley

A month in but Danomey kitchen are serving beautiful plates with a whole heap of great tastes.

Blue's Kitchen @ The Rosebery

Blue's kitchen made their name with their impressive lockdown takeaways, now this was my chance to go out, into the real world, and try it ........

Feast - Eliza Delf and the Wilderness

Here is a collection of songs to feast on, a taster menu of all that Eliza and her pals offer, one artfully window dressed in poignant lyricism, of love and longing and loss.

COMPULSION - COMFORTER & THE FUTURE IS MEDIUM

Two arguably unrecognised classics get the rerelease treatment and are well worth checking out.

Kitewing

Support local talent. Buy this album. And watch Kitewing soar.

Brown Horse - Reservoir

It’s a brilliant debut with all the flavours and buzz of that very special gig.

Best of 2023

Our volunteer writers and photographers are STARS. Not only do they trudge along to all kinds of shows and gigs in Norwich, they also take the time to write reviews and take photos so y’all can pretend you were there. Here are some of their personal picks on music and more in the year of 2023!

Baque Luar - NNF 2024

Baque Luar is all about the beat, and that is what their first visit to Norwich will be remembered for, long after this year's Norfolk & Norwich Festival has ended.

Apartment House NNF 2024

The musicians’ performance was very respectful of the original album and largely managed to recreate its dark, chilling, chaotic quality while being able to add subtle touches of their personality

An Accident/ A life

Viewed as pure spectacle, this was the kind of grandstanding show not seen at the festival for years, thankfully forestalling what had been a shrinking theatrical component. The bigger question, however, is whether that spectacle served the show's strong autobiographical content.

Laura Misch - NNF 2024

Another wonderfully atmospheric music evening within the Adnams Spiegeltent.