CALLS. On telephones. Probably mobiles, as they now outnumber the people in the UK. By about 20m. And about 100m text messages are sent every day!
No surprise then, that mobile phones will feature in yet another highlight of 2008, tonight’s Now That’s What We Call Culture event at the Echo Arena. Organised by Open Culture, it is another opportunity for people to get involved in creating more homegrown culture, when 12 hopefuls will take to the stage with Claire Sweeney, Les Dennis and the cast of The Playhouse’s production of The Adelphi.
Although I did my bit yesterday helping to find those 12 acts from the hundreds that came forward, tonight it will be the audience’s calls, adding to all those text messages, that pick the overall winner.
Having seen the variety on offer, a £10 adult ticket, with £5 for kids and a family of four for £25, is great value for a terrific night’s live entertainment. If you are still at a loss for something to do tonight, and still haven’t been to the Arena, now’s your chance. You may even find discount fares on offer to get you there and back.
It may be becoming a bit of a cliché, now but it is hard to see any other city being able to put on such an event, due simply to the range and level of support coming from our established stars like Claire and Les.
Or Herbert, who is helping behind the scenes to give every act a decent makeover. Or Jennifer Ellison. And Philip Olivier and Alex Fletcher and Pauline Daniels and Billy Butler and Mike McCartney and Bryan Kirkwood and Hollyoaks and Charlotte and Karl and Diane and and and . . .
I know I have missed out too many people, so I’ll apologise now and plead lack of space, as there have been so many who have returned the calls. Most putting their time in, companies doing things at cost and others putting their hands in their pockets to give private financial support. They will all get a proper mention in the book!
More than that, though, tonight’s event, like the Superlambananas, is another sustainable model that we can build on to make these events annual occasions. Even if not Superlambs, perhaps Superliverbirds for 2009? These are things that sit comfortably alongside the big civic gifts like Tall Ships and Mathew Street but, ironically, at a fraction of the cost. As will, hopefully, the Boodles jewellery design competition (which will soon have its last calls for entries, by the way).
Anyway, after tonight’s event at the Arena, I’m off for the summer rehabilitation session. Last year, that was interrupted by the great Mathew Street saga. This year we have agreed that it is a civic, not a Culture Company event, so hopefully it won’t be me taking the calls!
