Chief executive of the MVT Mark Davyd said that the research would contribute to the MVT's understanding of "what we can do to ensure we act together to protect, secure and improve the UK's grassroots music venues". In total, 109 venues across the UK responded to a survey as part of the research, of which almost 80% were dedicated music venues. The report said that small music venues were suffering from a negative image as well as from financial pressures. "Further work needs to be done to shift public perception away from a rather tired pejorative of the 'toilet circuit' to a more celebratory narrative," the report said.
The survey also offered insight into the quality of venues' facilities. Almost half of those responding did not have their own PA system, while 35% had no access for people with disabilities. The report said that such figures "may hint at the possibility of lack of funding for development", although it acknowledged that other factors could also contribute. A section of the report by the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, which contributed to the research, said that advocacy from the political, cultural and community arenas, as well as from institutions and organisations, was "crucial to furthering the cause of small music venues". The report concluded: "To sustain UK music economically, culturally and socially, investment must be driven towards the grassroots."
Down To Earth - David Bowie has composed music for a new stage version of The Man Who Fell To Earth, it has been revealed. Bowie has written songs and arranged older music for the production, which is set to hit the stage later this year at the New York Theatre Workshop. The production is based on Walter Tevis's novel, which was made into a 1976 film starring Bowie as a humanoid who lands on a parched Earth in search of water and becomes obsessed with alcohol and television. It was the first film for the British singer and actor but he didn't write the music for that version due to contractual disputes. There are few details about the stage version but Bowie is not listed as performing.
Royal Celebration - Theatre Royal Nottingham is to mark its 150th anniversary with a series of special events, including a Ken Dodd show and the creation of an archive that details its history. The archive is being developed in partnership with the University of Nottingham and will include information about the building, the performances that have been staged there and stories from people associated with it.
In addition, the theatre will celebrate 150 years of pantomimes that have been performed at the venue with an exhibition to open in December. This will feature posters, programmes and props from previous productions. This year's pantomime, Aladdin, will star Christopher Biggins. Elsewhere, the theatre will stage a community production of The School for Scandal which was the first to be performed at the theatre in September 1865.
Remembering Amy - The teaser trailer for a new Amy Winehouse documentary, featuring previously unseen footage, has been released. Directed by BAFTA award-winning Senna director Asif Kapadia, the film tells the singer's story in her own words. Titled Amy, it features previously unseen archive footage as well as tracks which have never been heard before.
The trailer features a montage of a young Winehouse with a voiceover of the singer, talking about herself, her music and her future. When asked by one interviewer how "big" she thinks she will be
