News of The Lass O' Gowrie Pub in Manchester

March

The Best Premieres at the Lass O’Gowrie in March as part of the Manchester Irish Festival!

Join us at the Lass 12-18^th March for the world premiere of an extraordinary lost Jack Rosenthal script - the Best.

“Once a week I was God to 50,000 fans all screaming for miracles. A whole city. A whole country. Millions of people. Miracles I was good at.”

It’s 1981 and George Best has hit rock bottom. While his wife, Angie, opens up to a journalist about their tempestuous marriage, George checks into a clinic in California. Looking back over a remarkable life that took him from the backstreets of Belfast to global stardom with Manchester United, George goes toe-to-toe with his demons and the guilt that fuels them…

Originally written as a Hollywood screenplay in the 80’s, this script has had quite a journey to the stage, discovered languishing in the archives by Producer Gareth Kavanagh; “ it was clear we were looking at something very special indeed and we were thrilled to get the green light from Maureen Lipman to develop the screenplay into a vibrant fringe production. I mean, a lost Jack Rosenthal script about George Best? That's just Manchester royalty squared for us and we're thrilled to be bringing this amazing script back to life in time for the Manchester Irish Festival!”

Such is Maureen’s enthusiasm for the Best, we were privileged to have her join us in person on Friday, 8^th March for a rehearsal session and to give her notes, after which she had this to say;

“ I had never even read this until two weeks ago, now to watch it being performed by a group of truly gifted actors. It was very moving for me but also very funny and enlightening about the nature of hubris. It’s really good. I didn’t expect to go to a reading of Jack’s play in a pub in Manchester and it turn my heart over. But it did ."

We’re in for a treat!

Starring: Benjamin Patterson, Charlotte Dalton, Sinead Parker, Steve Cain, Hannah Ellis, Derek Lawson, Catia Perry, Amy Gavin, Jimmy Allen and Lee Joseph. Directed by Colin Connor and Assistant Director Nick Birchill. Adapted for the stage by Ian Winterton from an unfilmed screenplay by Jack Rosenthal, with the kind permission of Jack Rosenthal's estate. Produced by Gareth Kavanagh and Lisa Connor.

DATES: March 12th-16th and 18^th

TIMES: 7.30pm

AT: The Lass O Gowrie, Charles Street, Manchester

TICKETS: £8

Available at wegottickets.com

More info on the Manchester Irish Festival can be found at

www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk .

LOG Productions – The Lass O’Gowrie’s acclaimed in–house Production team to launch dedicated site to launch March 2013

The last 12 months has seen our in–house production team execute some of the boldest fringe productions in Manchester. From the Cobbles of Weatherfield to the far flung diamond mountains of the Planet Midnight, we’ve seen it all. And with a whole host of productions in the pipeline, we think it’s about time we got our own site!

Come and see us late March at www.logproductions.co.uk

Doctor Who Returns to the Lass on Saturday, March 30^th

Just a quick reminder that the new series of Doctor Who returns on Saturday, March 30^th and you can catch the episode live on the big screen of the Salmon Room with fellow fans.

We’ll also be showing all the other episodes in either the Salmon Room or the Snug, so do come and join us for every Saturday you can!

The Sitcom Trials returns to the Lass in May

The Sitcom Trials returns in force in 2013, with the ultimate competition to find the best new situation comedy talent in Britain. And this year we have joined forces with The Gilded Balloon, producers of the UK’s longest running comedy new talent competition – So You Think You’re Funny.

The dates for the heats are:

Fri May 3 – Manchester Heat 1 (Lass O’Gowrie)
Fri May 10 – London Heat 1 (Camden Head)
Fri May 31 – Bristol Heat 1 (Wardrobe Theatre)
Fri June 7 – Manchester Heat 2 (Lass O’Gowrie)
Thu June 13 – Bristol Heat 2 (Wardrobe Theatre)
Fri June 14 – London Heat 2 (Camden Head
Fri July 19 – London Semi Final 1 (Camden Head)
Mon July 22 – London Semi Final 2 (Camden Head)

Final August 2013 (The Gilded Balloon, Edinburgh Fringe)

The deadline for entries is March 31st. Read on for details…

Since it began in 1988, So You Think You’re Funny? has kick–started the careers of dozens of the country’s top stand-up comedians including Peter Kay, Dylan Moran, Lee Mack, Tommy Tiernan, Sarah Millican, Rhod Gilbert to name a few, with heats held across the country and a grand final at the Edinburgh Fringe. Now the Sitcom Trials are offering that same opportunity to sitcom creators.

The Sitcom Trials has been running since 1999, showcasing brand new sitcoms in a competition format. Its first Edinburgh Fringe show in 2001 at the Gilded Balloon starred Miranda Hart in a self–penned sitcom set in a joke shop, with a little blonde–haired sidekick and a fanciable chap in the café next door (sound familiar). The following year’s show starred future Perrier-winner Laura Solon. If you think you could follow in those illustrious footsteps, now is your chance.

The Sitcom Trials – So You Think You Write Funny is open to writers and writer-performers whose comedy writing has never before been broadcast on national TV or radio.

You are invited to submit a 10–minute sitcom script (to guidelines, below). The entries will be selected by our panel of script reading judges, and the lucky shortlist will be showcased on stage, by our teams of professional actors, and voted for by the audience and a panel of judges from the comedy industry. The 5 scripts that prove most popular in the heats will be performed in the grand final at the Edinburgh Fringe where one sitcom will win their own show at the Gilded Balloon in Edinburgh and a development deal with Gilded Balloon Productions.

If you are a writer–performer, whether an actor, a comedian, or a sketch–team, and you wish to perform the competing sitcom yourself, then that is fine. You’re asked to submit a YouTube demo of your performers along with your script entry, it’s as easy as that.

Oh, and did we mention The Sitcom Trials – So You Think You Write Funny is completely free to enter?

The deadline for script & video submissions is midnight March 31st 2013 and all details can be found at the website sitcomtrials.co.uk

EDINBURGH COMEDY PREVIEWS incoming for March, April and May

We’ve a packed programme of comedy previews coming up in the next few months. These intimate gigs are crucial to comedians for the fine tuning of their acts before venturing into the bear pit of Edinburgh. They also allow you to enjoy top talent for a fraction of the price, so please do take advantage!

Forthcoming treats include;

March

22^nd March – Danny Pensive, 9pm

April

1^st April – Gein’s Family Gift Shop, 7:30pm

3^rd April – Mike Newall – 6 Weddings, 7:30pm

15^th April – Phil Ellis, 7:30pm

17^th April – Ruth Cockburn – 8:30pm

18^th April – Danny Pensive, 9pm

19^th April – Beth Vyse – No Turn Unstoned, 8pm

20^th April – Beth Vyse – No Turn Unstoned, 8pm

22^nd April – Michael J Dolan, 7:30pm

25^th April – Beth Vyse – No Turn Unstoned, 8pm

May

6^th May – Gein’s Family Gift Shop, 7:30pm

8^th May – Kevin Dewsbury “Out Now”, 7:30pm

New shows are being added every week, so please do keep an eye on our interactive events calendar.

New FRINGE DRAMA coming for March, April and May

Following the Best, we’ve a packed few months coming up and some real treats – including a number of brand new companies!

March 21^st and 26^th – 28^th brings the Blue Room – a brand new adaptation of the David Hare classic.

Here’s the info; “ Yer Maun Productions and the Lass O Gowrie are proud to present David Hare’s adaptation of Arthur Schznitler’s play the Blue Room on the 26 ^th to 28^th of March 2013. The play is an exploration of men, women, class, gender & sexual politics, shown through the lives of ten people and all performed by just 2 actors. The 5 female characters are played by Paida Noel who has just received excellent reviews for her performance as “Valarie’ in V for Vendetta’. The 5 male characters are played by Phillip Barwood Scott, fresh off the extraordinary success of ‘Withnail and I’ also at the Lass .”

April 2^nd sees another first for the Lass – a live streamed production of a new Off–West end play, Cissie and Ada. Based on two of Les Dawson’s best loved characters, this is really not to be missed! http://www.thebroadwaybarking.com/event/cissie-and-ada/

Thursday, April 4^th brings a great touring production from Charioteer Productions, Macbeth – a Biography of a Killer. It’s the first Shakespeare we’ve hosted at the pub since 2011, so not to be missed! For more details, you are urged to visit

http://www.charioteertheatre.co.uk/a-biography-of-a-killer

Finally, the much anticipated fringe adaptation of Blade Runner makes its debut on April 6^th – 10^th. Delayed from January due to cast and crew illness, this is going to be unmissable.

Monthly reads announced for Book Club in April, May and June

Generally held on the first Monday of the month (excepting bank holidays), Book Club has now been going for nearly Four years and is a great way for book lovers to meet, chat and socialise. The format is simple; just read the book and pop along for a lively discussion over a drink in the Snug or Salmon Room from 7pm.

The book up for discussion at the April meet–up is Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse (genre: Mid–life Crisis from the male perspective)

The book up for discussion at the May meet–up is The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne by Brian Moore (genre: Mid–life Crisis from the female perspective)

The genre for June is “Exploration”.

For more details, you are urged to visit the dedicated meetup group at http://www.meetup.com/?a=ea2_grp&rv=ea2

Arcade Machine Roundup

Great news! The Gauntlet machine is finally up and running! This machine really is a beautiful and somewhat of a rareity, so don’t delay. It’s 50p for 500 health, so you’ll need all your skill and a bit of food too.

Thanks to our arcade tech and his endless patience. Paperboy on the other hand has developed a graphics fault. We’re on to it, don’t worry.

Don’t forget; you can enjoy the arcade machines on the ground floor every day. Currently we have out Donkey Kong (original Japanese Boardset), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Gauntlet, Track n Field, Pac–man and a 60 in one multigame table. Sega Quartet and Alien Syndrome are available to play during our larger Computer Club do’s upstairs, held on the last Tuesday and Second Friday of the month.

February

New Menu Launches

After a good few weeks off, we’re delighted to give the menu a good dust down. We think you’ll particularly enjoy our new range of gourmet hotdogs – good quality bratwurst and bockwurst sausages with a host of toppings! There’s even some very tasty veggie hotdogs for our veggie customers!

They’re cheekily named after some of our favourite Grange Hill icons, choose from;

Bronson – Bratwurst Sausage with mature Cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce and bacon bits.

McClusky – Bockwurst sausage with chopped white onions, pickles, tomato wedges, celery, salt, mustard, and dill pickle (v also)

Zammo – Bratwurst Sausage topped with house beef chilli, mature Cheddar Cheese, crispy bacon bits and Jalepeno chillies

Roland – Bockwurst Sausage with caramelised onions, mature Cheddar cheese and salsa (v also)

Tucker – Bratwurst Sausage with Stilton cheese, celery n caramelised onions (v also)

Gripper – Bratwurst Sausage with bacon bits, tomato, black pudding and ketchup.

Kendall – Veggie hotdog with mustard, caramelised onions and grilled sauerkraut V

Baxter – Simply a Bockwurst sausage, grilled sauerkraut and mustard (V also)

Download a PDF of our new menu here.

Who @ 50 Fringe Festival is Coming to the Lass in November

An early heads up, but we’re in the early stages of planning an unforgettable two week long celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Doctor Who in November.

The festival is pencilled in for November 11^th to the 25^th and will include several new pieces of drama commissioned from some of our finest collaborators, exploring different aspects of the programme and fandom, supported by comedy, screenings and an exhibition of artwork.

And of course, for the big anniversary on Saturday November 23^rd we’ve pencilled in a very special party in the pub, complete with what we hope will be a unique and one off piece of drama. Pop it in your diaries! It’s gonna be special.

Of course in the meantime, please feel free to pop into any of our Vworp Doctor Who fan gatherings, generally held in the Snug on the last Saturday of the month from 3pm.

Lassfest 2013 Reflections

Well, another Lassfest has come and gone and once more. We got unlucky with a few productions dropping out due to a combination of illness, family issues and in one brilliantly honest case – it not being finished on time, but overall we’ve been proud to bring some amazing productions to you.

And it certainly looks like you guys appreciated it! Here’s a taster of some of the drama reviews;

Coronation Street 1977

“Unmissable” - 5 Stars, What’s on Stage

“A triumphant and worthy return”, 5 Stars, the Fiction Stroker

“ Made me feel proud to live in this part of the world”, 4 Stars, the Good Review

“This is our Chaucer. These are our people. Our words”, 5 Stars, Fictionmaker

“Quite simply, great theatre”, Mudkiss

Full reviews;

http://www.whatsonstage.com/Coronation+Street+1977.html

http://thefictionstroker.coronation-street-1977-live/

http://thegoodreview.co.uk/coronation-street-1977-

http://fictionmaker.coronation-street-1977-live.html

http://www.mudkiss.com/coronationstreet1977.htm

Articles;

There’s a lovely piece on the Corriefest fan convention over at http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/corriefest-pics-and-review-coronation.html

Photos;

A full set is available to review at http://p-b-e.smugmug.com/Parties/Corrie . If used, please credit to Elspeth Moore.

V for Vendetta

“Faithful, successful and brilliant” 4 stars, the Good Review

“Self–indulgent” 1.5 stars, the Public Review

“Immensely watchable, and ruthlessly engaging … another triumph of the Fringe”, 4 stars, the Fiction Stroker

“A strong theatrical element”, 3 stars, What’s on Stage

Full reviews;

http://thegoodreview.co.uk/v-for-vendetta-lass-

http://www.thepublicreviews.com/v-for-vendetta

https://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/v-for-vendetta-live/

http://www.whatsonstage.com/news/V+For+Vendetta+(Lassfest+-+Manchester)+.html

Articles;

http://ilovemanchester.com/v-for-vendetta-at-the-lass-ogowrie/

http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.co.uk/v-for-vendetta.html

http://www.cultbritannia.co.uk/tag/taking-the-v-bringing-an-enigma-to-life/

http://vivalifestyle.co.uk/v-for-vendetta/

http://mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/-v-vendetta-takes-stage-manchesters-lass

https://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/fiction-stroker-speaks-to-dan-thackeray/

http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2013/reviews-v-for-vendetta-takes-to-the-stage/

http://geeksyndicate.co.uk/2013/01/29/the-v-for-vendetta-stage-pay-comes-to-the-sci-fo-weekender/

Photos;

http://scytheplays.blogspot.co.uk/

Harvey

“Harvey leaves the audience with a sense of love and hope; it was an absolute pleasure to be in the presence of such a great ensemble cast”, 5 stars, the Good Review

“With some beautifully subtle comedy moments, Harvey is a true gem”, 4 Stars, the Fiction Stroker

Full reviews;

https://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/12/17/harvey-live/

http://thegoodreview.co.uk/2013/01/harvey-lass-ogowrie-manchester/

Withnail and I

“ writer Ian Winterton and director Trevor MacFarlane have done a fine job of, ahem, distilling both the comic and more poignant aspects of the tale – and the fact that it’s actually enacted in a pub, as part of the enterprising LassFest, doesn’t hurt either .” , Manchester Theatre Awards

“a unique and distinctive way to see what is widely considered as one of the best British movies living and breathing on the stage”, 5 Stars, the Fiction Stroker

“True 3D”, 5 Stars, the Public Reviews

Full reviews;

https://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/withnail-and-i-live/

http://manchestertheatreawards.com/reviews/246

http://www.thepublicreviews.com/withnail-and-i-the-lass-ogowrie-manchester/

Articles;

http://www.cultbritannia.co.uk/tag/withnail-andi-live-in-manchester/

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/withnail--i

http://www.anniewallace.com/

http://shredproductions.co.uk/a-brand-new-adaptation-of-withnail-i/

The Ballad of Halo Jones

“The undeniable strength of The Balad of Halo Jones is the obviously committed and highly watchable cast”, 3 stars, the Public Reviews

Full reviews;

http://www.thepublicreviews.com/the-ballad-of-halo-jones-lass-ogowrie-manchester/

Previous reviews available from January 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V9BukmqO6Q

January

Blade Runner rescheduled for April

Due to cast and crew illness in the cruel month that was January, Blade Runner has been rescheduled for early April. We’re thrilled though to announce a fine replacement in Frank Morgan, “Tales from Paradise Heights”. For more details, keep an eye on our online calendar.

December

Drama Coronation Street, My Gay Best Friend, V for Vendetta, Harvey, Plenty O Fish, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me, Withnail and I, Off to do a Killing, Blade Runner, the Ballad of Halo Jones, Suspended in Space.

Comedy Danny Pensive, Frank Sanazi, Let’s See What Happens.

Music Girls at our Best, Open Mic, Smooth.

Culture Corriefest, Big Fat Stupid Quiz, Computer Club, Book Club, KINO film special – Withnail & I and Blade Runner, Vworp.

January 2nd – February 2nd 2013

Drama
Harvey

The classic tale of a man doubting his own sanity, brought to the Lass by the up and coming company Yer Maun Productions. Elwood P. Dowd is a mild-mannered, pleasant man, who just happens (he says) to have an invisible friend resembling a six–foot rabbit.

DATE: 11/01/13 & 12/01/13

TIME: 7.30pm

VENUE: Salmon Rooms

PRICE: TBA

TICKETS: Online or On the door

LINKS: https://twitter.com/YerMaunProd

CORONATION STREET 1977

Two live Coronation Street episodes, celebrating writer John Stevenson, one of Coronation Street’s most prolific and loved writers. John penned an incredible 399 episodes of Coronation Street between 1976 and 2006 and is widely considered one of the greats of the programme.

The two episodes featured centre on the original Rovers Return landlady Annie Walker taking delivery of a very special monogrammed carpet for her parlour, but is all as it seems? See ionic characters such as Bet Lynch, Fred Gee, Betty Turpin, Eddie Yates, Hilda and Stan Ogden, Rita Fairclough, Len Fairclough, Alf Roberts and Elsie Tanner. Legendary casting director June West, casting director for more than 15 years on Coronation Street, the BAFTA award winning The Road to Coronation Street and our Corrie 1968 live episodes, is again using her inside knowledge to sign up a stella cast, directed by David MacCreedy (who previously directed Hot Fat).

Coronation Street 1977 LIVE! is sponsored by Thwaites. Presented with the kind permission of ITV and John Stevenson

DATE: 02/01/13* - 04/01/13 also 06/01/13 - 07/01/13

TIME: 7:30pm (02/01), 6:30pm & 8:30pm (03/01 - 04/01 & 07/01), 1:30pm & 4pm & 6:30pm (06/01)

VENUE: Main Pub

PRICE: £14.00 (£12.50 concessions)

TICKETS: Online or On the door

LINKS: http://coronationstreet.wikia.com/wiki/1977

*(Special Premiere of Part 1 at TAURUS BAR)

My Gay Best Friend

The Manchester premiere of MY GAY BEST FRIEND, written by and starring LOUISE JAMESON (best known as Tom Baker’s companion Leela in Doctor Who) and NIGEL FAIRS. Winner of the Argus Angel Audience Award in the Brighton Fringe in 2012, MY GAY BEST FRIEND is a sparkling new play, a heady mixture of high camp, melancholy reflection on friendships and the childhood dramas that haunt us all.

DATE: 05/01/13

TIME: 6:30pm & 8:30pm

VENUE: Salmon Rooms

PRICE: £12 (£10 Concessions)

TICKETS: Online or On the door

V FOR VENDETTA

Taking us back into unfamiliar territories, this time in a brand new fringe adaptation of Alan Moore’s classic 1980’s comic strip from the team that brought you the Ballad of Halo Jones in January. It’s London, but not as we know it. A shadowy freedom fighter known only as "V" uses terrorist tactics to fight against his totalitarian society. Adapted by SEAN MASON (Hot Fat, the Ballad of Halo Jones, Porridge), the Lass is delighted to premiere this important and prescient tale of a struggle against oppression in the surveillance society.

DATE: 08/01/13 - 10/01/13 & 13/01/13 & 27/01/13

TIME: 6:30pm & 9pm (8th), 2:30pm & 6:30pm (9th), 6pm (10th)8pm (13th), 8pm* (27th)

VENUE: Salmon Rooms

PRICE: £10.00 (£6.00 concessions)

TICKETS: Online or On the door

LINKS: V for Vendetta the stage play

*(also available as a double bill for £12.00 with The Ballad of Halo Jones)

Someone Who'll Watch Over Me

Someone Who'll Watch Over Me by Irish dramatist Frank McGuinness, (January 16-19) is a fiction but based on the story of John McCarthy, Terry Waite and Brian Keenan when they were held hostage in Beirut.

The play has touches of Beckettinian absurdity as the audience tries to distingish between the characters' insanity and humour. Brought to the Lass by Yer Maun Productions, It has been a massive hit on both sides of the Atlantic, scooping awards and attracting a star-studded cast including Jonny Lee Miller, Aiden Gillen and David Threlfall (Frank Gallagher in Shameless).

DATE: 16/01/13 - 19/01/13

TIME: 7:30pm (16/01 - 18/01), 3:00pm & 7:30pm (19/01)

VENUE: Salmon Rooms

PRICE: TBA

TICKETS: Online or On the door

LINKS: Someone Who'll Watch Over Me

Withnail and I

Staying in cult film territory, January 20th – 22nd brings the stage debut of WITHNAIL & I. A brand new adaptation, once again by the award-winning IAN WINTERTON and directed by TREVOR MACFARLANE, this fringe adaptation promises to delight fans of the original as well as providing new insight into this poignant, funny tale of two starving, down at heel actors struggling to survive in sixties Camden and the wilds of the Lake District. If you know your Camberwell Carrots from your root vegetables, this is not to be missed.

Withnail and I is Sponsored by Robinsons Brewery

DATE: 20/01/13 - 23/01/13

TIME: 8pm (20th), 2pm & 6pm & 9:30pm (21st & 22nd), 2pm & 6pm (23rd)

VENUE: Salmon Rooms

PRICE: £10.00 (£6.00 concessions)

TICKETS: Online or On the door

LINKS:

Off To Do A Killing

A script in hand reading of a brand new tale of revenge and reconciliation on a railway platform from Sean Mason.

DATE: 24/01/13

TIME: 7:30pm

VENUE: Salmon Room

PRICE: Donations on the door

TICKETS: Online or On the door

LINKS:

Blade Runner

We stay in the future for a brand new adaptation of BLADE RUNNER (January 30th – February 2nd) from IAN WINTERTON (Sherica) and BRIAN GORMAN (Everyman). Probably one of the most influential pieces of 80’s cinema, Blade Runner is the futuristic tale of a Policeman assigned to track down and terminate four rogue androids who have returned to earth seeking their maker. This stripped back fringe adaptation, a Lass Premiere, considers profound questions of what it actually means to be alive and, who defines what constitutes life.

DATE: 30/01/13 - 02/02/13

TIME: 6:30pm & 9pm (30th - 2nd)

VENUE: Salmon Room

PRICE: £8.00

TICKETS: Online or On the door

LINKS:

The Ballad of Halo Jones

We’re also thrilled to welcome back an old friend to the Lass in the form of the Rebellion authorised adaptation of THE BALLAD OF HALO JONES. Halo and her friends live on the Hoop - a repository for the unemployed in the 50th century, but she won’t be beaten. She dreams of getting out and becomes a legend in the process. Presented on January 27th for ONE DAY ONLY as a double bill with V FOR VENDETTA, this critically acclaimed adaptation of the bittersweet tale of the 50th century girl next door, created by Alan Moore and Ian Gibson and originally presented in 2000AD in the 80’s is not to be missed!

DATE: 27/01/13

TIME: 4pm (available as a double bill with V for Vendetta)

VENUE: Salmon Room

PRICE: £8.00 (or £12.00 as a double bill with V for Vendetta)

TICKETS: Online or On the door

LINKS: The Ballad of Halo Jones

Suspended In Space

A brand new play from Keith Temple, who has written extensively for EastEnders, Byker Grove, Casualty and Dr Who. Keith has been a regular at Doctor Who conventions, having written Planet of the Ood in 2008 for David Tennant's Doctor in the TV series, and draws on his own experiences to tell a blackly comic tale of a star, an extra and an excitable fan trapped in a lift at a sci-fi convention.

DATE: 26/01/13 - 28/01/13

TIME: 4pm (26th), 6:30pm (27th & 28th)

VENUE: Salmon Room

PRICE: £8.00

TICKETS: Online or On the door

PLENTY O FISH

Script in hand performance of Sean Mason’s brand new drama. Peter would do anything for love - but he doesn't want to spend another day with his future father in law. The tale of two men trapped in a boat. One is always sticking his oar in, so the other throws the oars out!

DATE: 15/01/13

TIME: 7:30pm

VENUE: Salmon Room

PRICE: Donation on the door

TICKETS: On the door

Comedy
Let’s See What Happens?

Longform improvisation from the cast of ComedySportz. We start with one local comedian. Add your suggestion. The comedian tells a story based on the suggestion, the actors make stuff up from it… let’s see what happens…

DATE: 26/01/13

TIME: 8:00pm

VENUE: Salmon Room

PRICE: £3.00

TICKETS: Online or on the door, if not sold out

LINKS: http://www.facebook.com/groups/205928816111073/

DANNY PENSIVE’S PLAYTIME

“I will be at the Lass O’Gowrie in Manchester to try out lots of new things and idea what are all part of the show going to Edinburgh later in the year.”

DATE: 10/01/13

TIME: 9:00pm

VENUE: Salmon Room

PRICE: £3.00

TICKETS: Online or on the door, if not sold out

LINKS: dannypensive.co.uk

FRANK SANAZI

Singer, comedian, entertainer, Ubermeister of Lounge, and now Hackney Empire’s New Act of the Year 2008…runner-up; but hey! He may not be a real nazi but he’ll still give you one helluva gas!

DATE: 25/01/13

TIME: 9:00pm

VENUE: Salmon Room

PRICE: £6.00

TICKETS: Online or on the door, if not sold out

LINKS: franksanazi.com

Music

Girls at our Best

We only play records with female vocals from Indie Pop Post Punk Sixties Girl Groups Northern Soul Punk New Wave Rock n Roll. This is our launch night at the fantastic Lass o Gowrie in Manchester If it goes well then we will be doing it all again monthly so come give it a go!

DATE: 11/01/13

TIME: 8:00pm

VENUE: Main Pub

PRICE: Free!

Open Mic

Whether you need to warm up for a gig, practise your skills, try out new material or you want a regular chilled out live spot – The Lass will welcome you.

DATE: 28/01/13

TIME: 8:00pm

VENUE: Main Pub

PRICE: Free!

LINKS: http://www.facebook.com/lassopenmic?ref=ts

Smooth

After-dinner at Meat–Free Monday at the Lass, as your chef Martin the Mod slips into DJ mode and plays Smooth 7 inch vinyl to ease you into the week.

DATE: 28/01/13

TIME: 8:30pm

VENUE: Main Pub

PRICE: Free!

LINKS: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=35146927696&v=wall

Culture

Big Fat Stupid Quiz

A quiz featuring elements of trivia and general knowledge, audio rounds, tasting rounds, artistic rounds (clay modelling etc), Picture rounds, Endurance rounds, in fact you name it and we’ve asked questions on it! Depending on the venue, The Big Fat Stupid Quiz has given away thousands of pounds of prize money and some pretty amazing prizes too, on a weekly basis!

DATE: 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st January

TIME: 9:00pm (10th), 8:00pm (17th, 24th, 31st)

VENUE: Main Pub

PRICE: £1.00 per person

Corriefest

A dedicated convention celebrating the worlds of Coronation Street. Expect guests drawn from both sides of the camera as well as rare footage, exclusive talks, a special quiz from our very own BIG FAT QUIZ guru Giles, merchandise and guided walks – perfect for the dedicated Corrie fan

DATE: 05/01/13

TIME: 10am - 4pm

VENUE: Main Pub

PRICE: £6

Computer Club

Console session offering SNES, Megadrive, GameCube, PS, Saturn, Dreamcast and other old platforms.

DATE: 11/01/13 & 29/01/13

TIME: 6:00pm

VENUE: Salmon Room

PRICE: Free!

Book Club

Meet kindred book lovers in a local Meetup Book Club! Fiction or non–fiction, paperback or hardcover, you’ll read a new book every month. Come to laugh, share stories and make new friends! The book up for discussion at the January meet–up is Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges (genre: Short stories)

DATE: 16/01/13

TIME: 7:00pm

VENUE: Snug

PRICE: Free!

VWORP! DR WHO FANS MEET IN THE SNUG

Our monthly meetup for Doctor Who fans of all ages in the Snug from 3pm. Come to chat, watch things, relax, gossip and eat cake with fellow fans!

DATE: 26/01/13

TIME: 3:00pm

VENUE: Main Pub

PRICE: Free!

KINO FILM SPECIAL – WITHNAIL AND I

A special introduced screening of the 80’s cinema masterpiece, in advance of the Lass’ brand new fringe adaptation. This screening will be accompanied by an optional pre–orderable tray of alcoholic drink tasters, to be imbibed as part of the infamous Withnail and I drinking game.

DATE: 14/01/13

TIME: 8:00pm

VENUE: Salmon Room

PRICE: £2

Tickets: On the door

KINO FILM SPECIAL – BLADE RUNNER

A special introduced screening of the Ridley Scott masterpiece ahead of its debut as a fringe play at the Lass.

DATE: 29/01/13

TIME: 7:30pm

VENUE: Salmon Room

PRICE: £2

Tickets: On the door

Tickets are available online from www.wegottickets.co.uk (search for Lass O’Gowrie) or on the door, although priority will be given to online bookings.

November

Lass O’Gowrie makes the final for Best Pub/Bar in the Manchester Tourism Awards ’People’s Choice’

If you love your Lass, please swing by the link to quickly vote Lass O’Gowrie in the People’s Choice Award for pubs and bars in the Manchester Tourism Awards. Please vote x http://t.co/ABoXo7Rv

Who said winters were to be feared?

Once more, we welcome January with open arms! That’s because for thirty–one days, Manchester city centre’s award–winning Lass O’Gowrie – current Supreme Pub Champion of Great Britain in the Great British Pub Awards, will become a one venue fringe festival, hosting an amazing array of unique events.

So what do we have in store for you?

CORONATION STREET 1977, V FOR VENDETTA, WITHNAIL & I, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME and BLADE RUNNER. These are just some of the highlights that make up this year’s amazing Lassfest.

Building on our unenviable reputation as a one venue fringe, the Midwinter Lassfest covering an eye–popping range of genres, including comedy, live music, new writing and adaptations, revivals, ale tasting, literature events and geek culture. But drama, quite rightly is at the heart of our programme and we’ll be making full use of the ground floor of the pub as an evocative, standing set. You’ll see the Lass transformed into Seventies Weatherfield, a doom filled Yorkshire Moor, Sixties Camden and a totalitarian Britain, dripping with suspense and secrets!

Opening Lassfest is a welcome encore for HARVEY – the classic tale of a man doubting his own sanity, brought to the Lass by up and coming company Yer Maun Productions. Elwood P. Dowd is a mild–mannered, pleasant man, who just happens (he says) to have an invisible friend resembling a 6–foot rabbit!

CORONATION STREET 1977 follows on January 3^rd, 4^th, 6^th and 7^th. As with January 2012, we bring you a pair of live Coronation Street episodes, this time in celebration of writer JOHN STEVENSON, one of Coronation Street’s most prolific and loved writers. Working on the programme from 1976 until 2006, John would go on to pen an incredible 399 episodes of Coronation Street and is widely considered one of the greats of the programme with a body of work spanning four decades.

As with January 2012’s critically acclaimed Coronation Street 1968 episodes, these brand new, full cast dramatisations will take place in the ground floor of the Lass making them a totally immersive and dramatic presentation.

Maureen Lipman joins members of the cast for January 2012’s acclaimed Coronation Street 1968

The two episodes featured are from 1977 and centre on original Rovers Return landlady ANNIE WALKER taking delivery of a very special monogrammed carpet for her parlour, but is all as it seems?

A classic slice of 1977 Street, these episodes are the jewel in the crown of Lassfest and include a host of well–loved characters including BET LYNCH, BETTY TURPIN, HILDA OGDEN, STAN OGDEN, EDDIE YEATS, FRED GEE, RITA FAIRCLOUGH, LEN FAIRCLOUGH, ALF ROBERTS and ELSIE TANNER.

We are hugely grateful to ITV for allowing us to stage these episodes and can’t wait for you to see them! These tickets are much sought after and bound to sell out, and with only room for thirty customers for each performance you’ll need to be on your toes!

Complementing CORONATION STREET 1977 is CORONATION STREET SHORTS (January 3^rd – 7^th) – a dramatic presentation of short vignettes, featuring classic characters from the Seventies. You’ll see ELSIE TANNER at her lowest ebb, finding an unlikely shoulder to cry on in MIKE BALDWIN, witness ENA SHARPLES duelling with ALBERT TATLOCK for control of the Snug and more besides. This is comedy and drama at its’ finest. A rare chance to see both performances and dialogue stripped back to the essence.

With a new brand new cast brought together by the legendary JUNE WEST, Casting Director for over 15 years on Coronation Street and the BAFTA award winning Road to Coronation Street and with direction from Lass favourite DAVID MACREEDY (who previously helmed January’s brilliant Hot Fat), these productions are not to be missed!

Completing our celebration of all things Corrie is CORRIEFEST (January 5) – a dedicated convention celebrating the worlds of Coronation Street. Expect guests drawn from both sides of the camera as well as rare footage, exclusive talks, a special quiz from our very own BIG FAT QUIZ guru Giles and guided walks – perfect for the dedicated Corrie fan!

Also on January 5 is the Manchester premiere of MY GAY BEST FRIEND, written by and starring LOUISE JAMESON (best known as Tom Baker’s companion Leela in Doctor Who) and NIGEL FAIRS. Winner of the Argus Angel Audience Award in the Brighton Fringe in 2012, MY GAY BEST FRIEND is a sparkling new play, a heady mixture of high camp, melancholy reflection on friendships and the childhood dramas that haunt us all.

V FOR VENDETTA (January 8^th – 10^th and 27^th) takes us back into unfamiliar territories, this time in a brand new fringe adaptation of Alan Moore’s classic 1980’s comic strip from the team that brought you the Ballad of Halo Jones in January. It’s London, but not as we know it. A shadowy freedom fighter known only as “V” uses terrorist tactics to fight against his totalitarian society. Adapted by SEAN MASON (Hot Fat, the Ballad of Halo Jones, Porridge), the Lass is delighted to premiere this important and prescient tale of a struggle against oppression in the surveillance society.

Horror makes an appearance from January 13^th – 15^th in the form of AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON – another Lass Premiere! A brand new adaptation by the award winning Salford playwright IAN WINTERTON (Sherica, the Ballad of Halo Jones, Baby Jesus Freak), this promises to be a fully immersive experience using the entire set of the pub as the set – from the Slaughtered Lamb Pub, to the haunted Yorkshire Moors and onto the streets of London with a werewolf on the loose!

Staying in cult film territory, January 20^th – 22^nd brings the stage debut of WITHNAIL & I. A brand new adaptation, once again by the award–winning IAN WINTERTON, this fringe adaptation promises to delight fans of the original as well as providing new insight into this poignant, funny tale of two starving, down at heel actors struggling to survive in sixties Camden and the wilds of the Lake District. Supported by drinking games and a screening of the original classic, if you know your Camberwell Carrots from your root vegetables, this is not to be missed.

We’re also thrilled to welcome back an old friend to the Lass in the form of the Rebellion authorised adaptation of THE BALLAD OF HALO JONES. Halo and her friends live on the Hoop – a repository for the unemployed in the 50^th century, but she won’t be beaten. She dreams of getting out and becomes a legend in the process. Presented on January 27^th for ONE DAY ONLY as a double bill with V FOR VENDETTA, this critically acclaimed adaptation of the bittersweet tale of the 50^th century girl next door, created by Alan Moore and Ian Gibson and originally presented in 2000AD in the 80’s is not to be missed!

We stay in the future for a brand new adaptation of BLADE RUNNER (January 30^th – February 2^nd) from BRIAN GORMAN (Everyman). Probably one of the most influential pieces of 80’s cinema, Blade Runner is the futuristic tale of a Policeman assigned to track down and terminate 4 androids who have returned to earth seeking their maker. This stripped back fringe adaptation, a Lass Premiere, considers profound questions of what it actually means to be alive and, who defines what constitutes life.

Other Lass drama premieres include SOMEONE WHO’LL WATCH OVER ME – by Irish dramatist Frank McGuinness, (January 17–19) is a fiction but based on the story of John McCarthy, Terry Waite and Brian Keenan when they were held hostage in Beirut, brought the stage courtesy of Yer Maun Productions. The play has touches of Beckettinian absurdity as the audience tries to distinguish between the characters’ insanity and humour. It has been a massive hit on both sides of the Atlantic, scooping awards and attracting a star–studded cast including Jonny Lee Miller, Aiden Gillen and David Threlfall (Frank Gallagher in Shameless).

OFF TO DO A KILLING (January 16^th) is a tale of revenge and reconciliation on a railway platform from Sean Mason and new work from a selection of Manchester’s best and brightest writers.

STRANGERS IN SPACE (January 26 – 28) is a brand new play from Keith Temple, who has written extensively for EastEnders, Byker Grove, Casualty and Dr Who. Keith has been a regular at Doctor Who conventions, having written Planet of the Ood in 2008 for David Tennant’s Doctor in the TV series, and draws on his own experiences to tell a blackly comic tale of a star, an extra and an excitable fan trapped in a lift at a sci–fi convention.

Other treats include your old favourites in our OPEN MIC on Wednesday nights, the BIG FAT STUPID QUIZ on Thursdays, LET’S SEE WHAT HAPPENS – improv comedy from COMEDYSPORTZ on the last Saturday of the Month and COMPUTER CLUB , our retro gaming nights on the second Friday and last Tuesday of the month, as well as KINO and sceenings of classic and cult films to keep you thoroughly entertained.

Stay tuned for the final line–up as we promise a few surprises. We’re adding new drama and comedy all the time and are working hard to make this the best festival we’ve ever staged!

The Midwinter Lassfest will run for every day between the 2nd January and 2^nd February.

We believe strongly in an art without risk ethos, with performers either paid direct by the Lass O’Gowrie, via profit share or we simply provide the space for free, leaving artistes and promoters with all takings.

October

Get yer laughing gear around this! The Greater Manchester Fringe Comedy Festival is incoming for the final two weeks of October!

In the wake of the announcement that the annual Manchester Comedy Festival had been cancelled in 2012 due to budgetary reasons, a group of local comedians, the Greater Manchester Fringe and associated venues got together and decided it would not stand.

Manchester has some of the greatest comedy heritage in the country, and we owe it to ourselves to celebrate it.

So from the ashes, the festival has been resurrected as a spin–off from July’s inaugural Greater Manchester Fringe.

Proudly a fringe event, The 2012 Greater Manchester Comedy Fringe is a festival open to all performers, from local acts, to comedians from far and wide, offering the very best in each and every comedy genre, to suit all audience tastes.

Accompanied by its rich heritage of big name home grown talent lending their support, Manchester is now home to a festival run by its own comedy community for its indigenous comedy loving audience.

With the backing of numerous venues, including the prestigious Frog and Bucket, no act is too big or small in this new non–corporate event. GMC Fringe Festival has been designed to appeal to the county’s established comedy lovers, whilst attracting the uninitiated to Manchester’s famously rich and diverse comedy circuit.

Our method is simple; make it as easy as possible for the Manchester audience to enjoy comedy.

Everything is run from a single website – http://www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk. A one–stop shop to find your comedian, venue, date and time of choice. The personalised listings allow for each comedian to sell you their show personally. We’re reclaiming our city’s celebration of comedy. One laugh at a time.

Highlights at the Lass include the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre, the Sitcom Trials, new comedy drama, If the Cap Fits and more! For more info check out our listings page on this very site or via;

@gmfringe

#gremcoff

gmcomedyfringe@gmail.com

http://www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk

Play EXPO Fringe

Formerly Re:Play, Play Expo is the country’s largest retro gaming event and it’s here, in Manchester this October!!!!

As home to several arcade classic machines, Computer Club and a cultural centre of retro gaming, this pleases us greatly so expect happy hour prices all weekend for attendees as well as special Computer Clubs and some special entertainment!

For more information, you are urged to visit www.playexpo.net.

Together in Electric Dreams is BACK this October!

Just a quick reminder that the amazing Together in Electric Dreams is back for you all to enjoy this October.

Drink in the rave reviews of this extraordinary show – Together in Electric Dreams (Fiction Stroker ***** Public Reviews *** WOS ***) below!

together–in-electric-dreams-live/

http://www.thepublicreviews.com/greater-manchester-fringe http://www.whatsonstage.com/reviews/theatre/london/

Grimmfest Specials at the Lass!

As you may have guessed, we love a bit of cult tv and filmage at the Lass O’Gowrie. That’s why we’re thrilled to be sponsoring this amazing festival – Grimmfest coming to The Dancehouse Theatre in Manchester this October (4th–7th). Expect special offers on food and drink all weekend and we’ll be looking after guests too!

Grimm Up North presents the fourth annual Grimmfest, one of the country’s leading horror film festivals. The event which promises a blood–splattered array of the finest new and cult horror films, as well as a variety of special guest appearances.

The festival runs from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 October, but it will first kick off with a preview night on Wednesday 3rd. This will see Grimmfest, for the first time, spread like a very welcome virus out of Manchester into the neighbouring town of Stockport, with the Stockport Super Plaza hosting a double–bill of Sinister, a haunted house thriller, starring Ethan Hawke, which isn’t released nationwide until the following week, and American Mary, the new film from Jen and Sylvia Soska, whose previous work, Dead Hooker In A Trunk, met with a rapturous response at the 2010 Grimmfest.

However, it is on Thursday 4th that the festival will get in full swing, with a gala opening featuring exclusive showings of Comedown, a UK take on the US slasher from the director of Kidulthood, and the eagerly anticipated Cockneys Vs. Zombies. Actors Adam Deacon (Unuvahood, Comedown), Jessica Barden (Coronation Street, Comedown), Michele Ryan (Bionic Woman, Dr Who, Cockneys vs Zombies) and Honor Blackman (Cockneys vs Zombies, The Avengers) should be joining us alongside the films directors for a special Q+A after the movies.

Other highlights across the festival include: a celebration of Clive Barker’s 60th birthday, with a showing of the Cabal (and longest) Cut of his cult classic Nightbreed alongside a special Q+A with cast members and sfx experts; the UK premiere of Spanish smash Attack Of The Werewolves; Stitches, a slasher comedy starring Ross Noble as a killer clown.

Ross will be with us on Sunday evening for a Q+A after the screening; and Some Guy Who Kills People, the first film to be distributed by Grimm Up North.

Along with the film showings, there will also be the opportunity to meet special guests at Q&A sessions. Guests confirmed so far include Reece Shearsmith, Ross Noble, The Sarah Jane Adventures’ Tommy Knight and Emmerdale’s Dominic Brunt. While some may consider Emmerdale to be horrific, Brunt will not be attending to discuss the village soap but to discuss Before Dawn, a zombie film which he has made with his wife.

The great value full festival passes for Grimmfest finish Wednesday 19th Sept so snap yours up now and get the best value from Grimmfest. with over 28 movie premieres and more celebrity guests than you can shake a stick at, the pass also grants you half price entry to the preview night (full price £8), and free entry to the opening gala, and opening and closing parties. Its stupendous value! From the 19th Sept onwards well ONLY have day passes and individual screening tickets on sale.

Full info on movies and guests here: www.grimmfest.com

September 2012

The Lass O’Gowrie is crowned Supreme Champion Pub of Great Britain and National Winner in the Entertainment and Live Music category!

Miracles do happen! Yes, in a stunning vote for the little guy, the Lass was crowned Supreme Champion Pub of Great Britain at the Great British Pub Awards on September 13th. Having won the National crown for Best Entertainment and Live Music Pub earlier in the evening, the Lass was then pitched against the other 15 category winners for the title of overall winners.

Praised for our “creative resilience” in the face of the BBC’s relocation, we’re still a little in shock but soooooo humbled. It’s a vote for leftfield, lateral thinking and is a credit to all our team. Thanks again to all who have supported us over the years and contributed towards making the Lass a mecca of creativity. This is for all of us.

Here’s how the Manchester Evening News reported it;

City centre Lass O’ Gowrie named as best pub in Britain

Cheers! A cosy city centre boozer has been named the best in the country.

Judges have confirmed what discerning Mancs have known for decades – that the Lass O’ Gowrie on Charles Street is the best bar none.

The traditional Victorian pub, named after a 19th Century Scottish poem, draws a mixed crowd from students, artists, city centre workers and real ale fans.

And bosses are toasting regulars for helping win the stunning success in the pub industry Oscars. The Grade II–listed building – which retains its original glazed tiles and glasswork – also hosts clubs of every description, with retro video gamers and Doctor Who fans making the pub their base. It has also been used as an intimate venue for theatre, poetry and comedy.

Manager Lisa Connor, who runs the boozer with Gareth Kavanagh, said the accolade also belonged to staff and regulars.

She said : “Everyone at the Lass O’ Gowrie has worked tirelessly to make the pub a success and this is a wonderful reward for all the hard work.”

“We will be putting the award behind the bar for our customers to see.”

Lisa and Gareth received Great British Pub of the Year award from funnyman Jason Manford in London this week.

Judges praised the owners for building the pub’s reputation as a venue and organising a huge number of events.

Regulars enjoying a pint in the pub were unsurprised by its success.

Tony Slatcher, 45, an IT manager, said: “This pub has a friendly atmosphere and excellent bar staff. I’ve been coming here for years.”

And Sam Orton, 46, who teaches English, said: “I’ve been coming here 27 years, since I was a student. It’s retained all its character. It just feels authentic.”

The real ales and food also won praise – especially the home–made pies.

Student Sam Robinson, 25, added: “It strikes a good balance between being a student pub and a traditional pub. It’s a hidden gem of Manchester.”

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1588864_city-centre-lass-o-gowrie-named-as-best-pub-in-britain-

New Menu and Offers launched

As we ease into the Autumn we’ve given our menu a wee shake up. Back comes old favourites like Hot Pot alongside new faves like breaded Pork Escallops and Moule Frite! Mmmmm! We’ve also extended our special offers to now include half priced Bratwurst every Tuesday and Half Price Bar Pies every Thursday, the perfect accompaniment for the Big Fat Quiz.

Check out our new menu here.

Bye Bye BBC…

As I write, there is less than 50% of the Oxford Road building left and how we miss the old girl. From the old lady of Charles Street, we wish you a fond farewell and thanks to all who quaffed, rowed, celebrated, loved and lost in our walls for 35 glorious years!

We will never forget you.

August

The Lass is NW Community and Entertainment Pub of the Year for the third year running!

Crumbs! For the third year running, the Lass O’Gowrie has scooped the award for North West Entertainment Pub of the Year in the Great British Pub Awards! It’s wonderful to have our hard work and investment in bringing the people of Manchester some of the best and most innovative entertainment around and we promise to try even harder this year with plans afoot for a second Midwinter Lassfest and Greater Manchester Fringe.

Just as pleasing, we’ve been named North West Community Pub of the Year to boot! This really satisfies as it’s often said that the city centre is a place devoid of community, but we feel (and the judges agree) that it couldn’t be further from the truth. Our communities are diverse and disparate, owing as much to common purpose than mere geography but nonetheless, are communities and worthy of cherishing and recognition.

And it doesn’t end there. We’re now through to the Grand Final of the Great British Pub Awards in London, with two shots of being crowned national winner in our categories and representing Manchester’s hopes alongside (winners in the North West Live Music Pub of the Year category) and the Mark Addy (winners in the North West Gastro–Pub of the Year category) of being crowned overall winner of Pub of the Year.

Will it be third time lucky for the Lass then? Cross your fingers for us on September 13th… For more information, you are urged to visit www.greatbritishpubawards.co.uk .

The Quiz regenerates! Big Fat Stupid Quiz, Thursdays, 8:30pm from August 9th

After some stringent health and safety tests, we can announce that for the first time ever, Manchester’s most ridiculous Quiz comes to The Lass O’ Gowrie... Quizzing, (as you may well know) can be a dangerous business but as yet BFSQ has only encountered 223 fatalities in it’s 12 year history..(an excellent safety record I’m sure you’ll agree). So, join us Every Thursday from 9th onwards for some excellent (but dangerous) knowledge based fun.

1st Place – Cumulative entry fees of £1 Per person plus beers and prizes

2nd Place Beers and prizes

3rd place Quality Tat.

Come join us…

Lass O’Gowrie Athletic FC is looking for new players!

The Lass is home to two sides that together are Lass O’Gowrie Athletic. The lads train on Wednesday evenings and play on Sunday mornings in the Manchester Amateur Sunday Football League. At present, both teams are looking for players of all standards to join us for the forthcoming season, so if you fancy joining – do get in touch via info@thelass.co.uk or by joining our dedicated Facebook Group – http://www.facebook.com/groups/88019183805/ .

New Shows incoming as part of Pride Fringe this August

In a welcome new diversion from the showpiece weekend that centres in and around Canal Street, we’re delighted to be hosting two events as part of the fast growing and respected Manchester Pride Fringe.

Treats in store include;

Forever 27 – an encore for this 4 star rated drama, first presented in the Greater Manchester Fringe.

A one man, dark comedy with life, love and lust of an extraordinary gay man, in an average, straight world living by the motto ‘Live fast, die young’ Jimi, Janis, Jim, Kurt, Amy Winehouse… Forever 27:

An exclusive club for the brightest stars. But even if you’re not rich and famous, everyone wants to be remembered for something! Mark is Mr Average, who is trying to make his life more interesting, like trying to create a tick list of amazing things to do before you die. He feels that if he cannot be successful in his life, then he will be instead successful in Death.

Monday 20 August* // 19:00 and 21:00, Lass O’Gowrie, £8 (£7) *Please note the change of date differs to that advertised in the hardcopy brochure. The above online date is correct.

Trouser Wearing Characters – One performer. Two vintage banjoleles. Four ‘trouser–wearing characters’. Fifteen cameo characters. Seven songs.

Acclaimed writer and performer Rose Collis unbuttons her Trouser–Wearing Characters, in what is probably the first original, one–woman cabaret–style musical show ever created and performed by a British author. Trouser–Wearing Characters is a one–woman show, with a cast of many characters – including the veteran banjoleles, ‘Alvin’ and ‘Bud’. This original entertainment, written and performed by Rose Collis, is a unique mixture of music, history and comedy. It combines stories, vignettes and songs (evergreens and originals) about some of her favourite, eclectic ‘trouser–wearing characters’. From 50s media star Nancy Spain to masquerader ‘Colonel’ Victor Barker and cabaret legend Douglas Byng to the ‘f**king lady’ herself, actress Coral Browne. There are also cameo ‘appearances’ by the likes of Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich and Vincent Price.

Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 August // 20:00, Lass O’Gowrie, Charles Street. £8.50 (£6.50)

For more information, please visit http://www.manchesterpride.com/ .

Manchester Science Festival @ the Lass O’Gowrie in October

A great festival and one we’re proud to be a part of, nestling as we do from the great scientific nexus that is the University of Manchester (or UMIST as we fondly think of it).

Forthcoming treats at the Lass include;

Sensored Science – Sensored Science is a pub–based event for adults. Ever wanted to design your own experiment? Fancy testing your sight and perception in challenging sensory science busking activities and a quiz? Can science really be funny? Come along to find out.

Date: Tuesday 30 October

Time: 5pm – 11pm

Cost and booking info: £2. Booking required

The XXX Files: Everything you wanted to know about science but were too afraid to ask – Join us as we set sail on an after–dark voyage of sexual discovery with MMU Biologists at the helm. This evening of adult–themed talks will surprise and delight as you take a sneaky sideways glance at some of the more surprising and intimate aspects of the human body. If you’re looking for action then the cosy surroundings of the Lass O’Gowrie pub is the place to be as we deliver light relief on topics including the Evolution of the Penis, Embarrassing Bodies (with Professor Val Edwards Jones from the TV show!) and Famous People with Congenital Diseases.

Date: Thursday 1 November

Time: 7pm

Cost and booking info: £3. Booking essential

Together in Electric Dreams – Back for an encore at the Lass, the story of the momentous dinner date in 1986 between future Lord Alan Sugar and had–been king of the British computer scene, Sir Clive Sinclair. Don’t miss this comedy drama play showcasing a rarely–talked about moment in history and a clash of two distinct egos.

Date: Monday 29 and Wednesday 31 October

Time: 6pm – 7.15pm and 8pm – 9.15pm

Cost and booking info: £6. Booking advised

For more information, you are urged to visit www.manchestersciencefestival.co.uk .

New Guided Walks! The Lass to host ‘Off the Beaten Track’ and the Smiths 30th Anniversary Guided Walk and Talk

We’re delighted with what we hope will be the first of many such collaborations to come with the excellent New Manchester Walks.

First up is Off The Beaten Track in Manchester (Saturday, October 27th). Taking you to places you always wanted to go to but never knew how to find…involving George Orwell, the River Medlock, Paradise Factory, the Mormons, John Dalton, Aunty’s Bar and Little Ireland. Meet (and finish) at the Lass O’Gowrie pub, Charles Street, 3pm.

The eagerly awaited Smiths talk follows on Thursday, October 4th as Ed Glinert hosts a talk in celebration of Manchester’s finest on the 30th anniversary of their first gig. Begins 7pm. Cost: £3.

See www.newmanchesterwalks.com for more info.

July

Greater Manchester Fringe Roundup

What a month it’s been! As we write, it’s been 31 days of top notch entertainment brought to you by eight top venues!

The festival will be brought officially to a close with a few drinks and a curry at the Lass on August 2nd and overall, we were very pleased to have been a part of the very first GM Fringe.

Reflecting on the month is Gareth Kavanagh of the Lass and GM fringe….

“Once more, it’s showed that theatre can be anything. That we can tell complex and high–concept tales in spaces with the audience buying into the deal and going a long with it. We’re fighting with the telly, with people’s busy life so it’s important we give people the right mix of new writing, revivals and things that are accessible to all. Lord Sugar, Clive Sinclair, Porridge, Doctor Who all alongside bold new writing like Einstein’s Daughter and up and coming comedians.

The Year of the Sex Olympics probably got the biggest audiences for us, and I’m very proud of Together in Electric Dreams which for a new piece of writing involved everyone who came through the door. I mean, how can you refuse Lord Sugar when he asks you to join him in a karaoke sing–a–long....? Storm Mine made people think and debate the ending and the shock ending of Einstein’s Daughter left everyone similarly speechless. This is where drama is at its best, when people are talking about it at the very end. Porridge was superb and made the most of our bijou space, meaning you were in literally the cell with the cast which is something the TV original can never manage.

Robots of Death and Storm Mine were quite a surprise, in that we got a huge range of people in the door. I mean, the Doctor Who and sci–fi fans, we kind of expected but what we ended up with as well was a younger female audience much like Russell T Davies’ Doctor Who (Russell also sent us a lovely good luck message which gave us all a real lift) who responded well to the humour and strong characters. One of the reviews described it as immersive, 3D TV which was pretty apt. People also responded well to the different surroundings, and as non–theatre spaces go Fab Cafe is great fun.

Myself and Lisa Connor have produced an array of shows we can all be proud of. Working with established properties, new writers and genre revivals all brings separate challenges but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Particular thanks have to be given to Debbie Manley for the brilliant PR without which we’d have not reached the audiences with did.

Overall, the festival showed me the need for something where small scale productions and new ideas get a chance. Something that both stands on its own two feet and compliments the excellent 24:7 Festival and, come 2013, MIF. Stay tuned!”

You can get a taste of the month in the wonderful reviews for productions at the Lass or produced by the Lass for our partner venues. Check it out!

Porridge (Fiction Stroker **** WOS ***)
http://porridge–live/ http://www.whatsonstage.com/reviews
Together in Electric Dreams (Fiction Stroker ***** Public Reviews *** WOS ***)
http://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/together–in–electric–dreams–live/ http://www.thepublicreviews.com/greater-manchester–fringe http://www.whatsonstage.com/reviews/theatre/london/
Einstein’s Daughter (Fiction Stroker ***** Public Reviews **** WOS *****)
http://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/einsteins-daughter-live/ einsteins-daughter-lass-ogowrie-manchester/ /Einstein%27s+Daughter+%28.html
Gin and Chronic Arthritis (Fiction Stroker *** WOS ***)
/gin-and-chronic-arthritis-live/ Manchester+Fringe+Festival%29.html
The Year of the Sex Olympics (Fiction Stroker **** Public Reviews ****)
http://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/the-year-of-the-sex-olympics-live/ http://www.thepublicreviews.com/greater-manchester-fringe-the-year-of-the-sex-olympics-lass-ogowrie-manchester/ http://speakertoanimals.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/manchester-fringe-2012-the-year-of-the-sex-olympics/
Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre
http://crispycomedycuts.com/2012/07/22/review-scottish-falsetto-sock-puppet-theatre-manchester/
Robots of Death* (Fiction Stroker **** Public Reviews ****)
http://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/07/23/robots-of-death-the-stage-play-live/ http://www.thepublicreviews.com/robots-of-death-the-fab-cafe-manchester/
http://speakertoanimals.wordpress.com/2012/07/23/manchester-fringe-2012-robots-of-death/ *- staged at FAB and produced by the Lass O’Gowrie

Forever 27 (Fiction Stroker **** Public Reviews ****)
http://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/07/26/forever-27-live/ http://www.thepublicreviews.com/greater-manchester-fringe-forever-27-the-lass-ogowrie-manchester/
Norris and Parker’s Comedy Wake
http://crispycomedycuts.com/2012/08/04/review-norris-parkers-comedy-wake-manchester/
Storm Mine (Fiction Stroker ****)
http://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/storm-mine-the-stage-play-live/ http://speakertoanimals.wordpress.com/2012/07/31/manchester-fringe-2012-storm-mine/
And, although it’s outside of the Fringe by a few weeks – we really need to mention the excellent, five star rated Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads (Fiction Stroker ***** )
20988/whatever_happened_to_the_likely_lads%3F/review /whatever-happened-to-the-likely-lads-live/
The Greater Manchester Fringe will return in July 2013 alongside the Manchester International Festival. Lassfest, the Lass’ own Fringe festival will return in January 2013.

June 2012

It’s taken a bit of planning, but this July the Lass is proud to be a big part of the very first Greater Manchester Fringe!

A platform for performers to experiment, without losing their shirts, GMFF brings vibrancy to Manchester, while the students are away and there’s no football on.

It’s also great for performers to hone their shows before the Edinburgh Fringe in August at Fab Cafè, King’s Arms, Lass O’Gowrie, O’Shea’s, Sandbar, Satan’s Hollow, Taurus and Tiger Lounge.

Lass treats include the premiere of Together in Electric Dreams (July 4 - 26 at Lass O’Gowrie) by Dan Thackery about Sir Clive Sinclair and Lord Alan Sugar in the 1980s, when British computers ruled the world, Storm Mine, with the premiere on July 1 at Fab Cafe featuring Paul Darrow (Avon in Blake’s 7), as well as Porridge (July 1-24, Lass) and The Year of the Sex Olympics (July 31-31 Lass), screened by the BBC in 1968.

There’s also new writing from Michelle Ashton (The Waiting Room, July 10-11 Lass), Rebekah Harrison (script in hand, July 11- 17, Lass) and Stella Grundy (The Rise and Fall of a Northern Star, July 27, Lass). Comedy at the Lass includes Iain Stirling (July 6), The Brides of Comedy (July 9-19), Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer (July 10), a brand new staging of two episodes of Porridge and The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre (July 20). Or maybe you want to participate by submitting a new script to The Sitcom Trials (July 20).

The patron or the inaugural Greater Manchester Fringe is Arthur Bostrom, who played Officer Crabtree, an English undercover agent disguised as a French gendarme in TV sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo, constantly mispronouncing phrases like “Good Moaning”.

He said: "Greater Manchester already has established itself as a vibrant hub for the Arts in the North of England. With the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival we’re looking to build further on that success with a collaborative effort between venues and artists to give an affordable range of events to suit all tastes, and hopefully expand them.

“Venues, performers, ticketing are all working together and we hope to make this first Festival a good springboard and make it a successful annual event.”

Greater Manchester Fringe Festival is brought to you in conjunction with 24:7 Festival and sponsored by Outstanding Beers of Bury http://www.outstandingbeers.co.uk/ and Jameson Irish Whiskey. Tickets on sale through www.quaytickets.com (search under name of venue)

For more details visit www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk.

You can download a list of all the Lass Shows here.

May 2012

Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads debuts at the Lass this June

We love our sitcoms at the Lass O’Gowrie and, after Rising Damp and Steptoe and Son, you might even say we’re getting somewhat of a reputation for them. So with all that in mind, we’re so pleased and delighted to announced that for the first time ever, writer Dick Clement has given the Lass and CSZuk permission to stage two episodes of the seminal seventies sitcom – Whatever happened to the Likely Lads.

Coming to the Lass from June 5th-10th, here’s the big info…..

“1973. Before social networking, Facebook and mobile phones, Northern men sat in pubs and talked about work, woman and the difficulties of modern life. Bob Ferris and Terry Collier are two such men. Having lost touch for five years, decommissioned Terry returns home to Newcastle and is reacquainted with his old school mate. Bob has a new house, a second car, an impending wedding to his beloved Thelma and a bright future. For jobless Terry the only thing to look forward to is the past. Despite their new circumstance, and the still best of mates, Bob and Terry are the original Northern bromance.”
Recreating two classic episodes for the stage, Strangers on a Train & Boys Night In, with John Cooper as Terry Collier & Sean Mason as Bob Ferris.

Tickets cost a mere £6.00 and are available in advance from http://www.wegottickets.com/f/4633 , as well as on the door if not sold out.

For more info, you are urged to visit http://www.whateverhappenedtothelikelylads.co.uk/.

EURO 2012 – In your own Language

As we know, England rarely deliver at these big events so it bemuses us as to why so much emphasis is placed on them by British pubs. After all, there’s another 15 nations competing so why shouldn’t they be treated with the courtesy we routinely demand when abroad.

It sounds so obvious, but why not join us for Europe’s premier tournament and take in the best atmosphere in the whole city?

As usual we’ve got some real treats in store, including;

Our famed “In your own Language” coverage, with German, French, Italian, Portuguese and many other commentary languages available for all your games.

Special match food and buffets from our kitchen.

HD projector giving you a crystal clear piccie of all the action.

Retro gaming – the classic Taito Mexico ·86 arcade games will be up and running!

Outdoor telly, letting you recline, drink and smoke like the good old days.

Private hire options, including; reserve a table – £25.00 for up to 8 people. Includes 8 bottles of Carlsberg and waiter service, 30 minutes before and throughout the match, reserve the Snug – £60.00 for up to 20 people, includes 20 bottles of lager and waiter service, 30 minutes before and throughout the match. Add a buffet for £5 per person.

If any of that sounds of interest, please do drop us a line.

Pies, glorious pies!

We’ve got a new toy! Yes, a fine new back bar pie warmer and we fully intend to use it. Dee is currently experimenting with a host of new pie fillings and we’ll be debuting out own mini pies very soon for you to enjoy, including lovely pie, mash and gravy takeaways served from the bar in less time than it takes to make a cappuccino!

Join in the debate over at the Lass Kitchen facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003800138848

New at the Lass – TAGO>MAGO

It’s a brilliant new night from our good pals at Valentine Records. Here’s what they have to say over at http://www.valentinerecords.co.uk/tagomago.html

Introducing our brand new night TAGO>MAGO!

This night is going to be completely different from anything we’ve tried before - less like a nightclub, more like being invited to a house party in our collective mind: Forget To Amy With Love, Transmission and all the others - they were all great, but this is something NEW...

House Rules...Each TAGO>MAGO will:

1) Have a theme. You’ll only find out the theme when you get there.

2) Feature a performance from the house band (MONKEYS IN LOVE)

3) Be hosted by the wonderful SHIROKUMA - who will guide you around our
little total-immersion–house–party-in-the-sky...
4) Will cost as little as possible to get in. The first one is a mere £2.
In the words of the FPI project we’re going back to our roots...
5) Feature an insane cocktail of folk/prog/glitch/hardcore/pop/noise/jazz/
soul/grime/exotica courtesy of our BLACK ANTLERS DJs

Each Month will then feature 2 special guests performing live

#1 – Saturday April 21st:
Shirokuma (album preview set)/Lynskey

#2 – Saturday May 19th:
Superpowerless/Les Malheureux

#3 – Saturday June 16th:
Petrol Bastard/Kurt Dirt

#4 – Saturday July 21st:
SPECIAL GUESTS TBA/The Paraffins

#5 – Saturday August 25th:
Damo Suzuki/Babyslave

Yes; you read right. The amazing Damo Suzuki will be with us on the Saturday of the August Bank Holiday for a gig NOT TO BE MISSED! More info on Damo Suzuki can be found at http://www.damosuzuki.com/.

HISCORE – Your Last chance to Enter…

Not long now until our competitive arcade gaming weekender on June 2nd and 3rd, and there´s less than ten places left for this very special national competition.

The event pits together 50 applicants against one another in a high score challenge on a wide range of games. The king of the coin-ops will be set to walk out with a one of a kind custom-designed Minicade MAME cabinet worth £350, a step up from the £100 cash prize from last year.
The event will also offer prizes for those who didn’t quite claim the crown along with other console based competitions. And if competitions aren’t quite your thing, you’ll still be able to enjoy a selection of freeplay machines during the weekend.

For more information, you are urged to visit http://hiscore.cgeu.info/index.html

Arcade Machine Update

Another month and more machines have come and gone. Most excitingly, we´ve picked up an outrageously rare Gauntlet two player machine. Unfortunately, after a frantic two hour gaming session the board developed a fault so it´s back in sickbay until we can get someone to give it the once over.

We´ve also picked up a few working boards in a giant lot of untested boards. New treats include Wrestlefest and a strangely hacked Street Fighter 2, so expect to see them soon.

Lass O´Gowrie FC Update

Well its season´s end and alas, heartbreak for both teams. The first team narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League, losing their final game 3-2 whilst the seconds were relegated to Division 4. Still, if we know these lads as we think we do, we´re sure they´ll be picking themselves up and dusting down their disappointments.

Check out the tables at http://www.masfl.co.uk/Divisions?div=5203&age=all and http://www.masfl.co.uk/Divisions?div=5206&age=all

Training is held on Wednesday evenings and matches on Sunday mornings. We´ve got two teams so there´s lots of opportunity to get involved! Contact us for more info here, while you can follow the lads´ exploits over at http://www.facebook.com/groups/88019183805/.

Megabyte to provide exclusive DJ sets in June and August

A nice little extra to two already great events, we´re pleased to announce that the boys and girls of Megabyte will be providing DJ sets of classic gaming tunes for the Saturday evenings for both HISCORE (June 2nd) and the Videolympics (August 4th).

From their homepage…

“MegaByte is Manchester’s 8 bit party.

A night of dirty lo–fi music, chiptunes, video game soundtracks, nerdrave and OCRemixes with a hint of nerdcore, geek rock and much more - all aimed squarely at the dancefloor.

MegaByte is about awesome video game inspired tunes, retro gaming, live music and cheap super potions.Check out our upcoming events and join us.”

For more information on the excellent Megabyte nights you are urged to visit http://www.megabyteclub.co.uk/

The Good Life to premiere at the Lass this Christmas!

And finally, our quest for sitcom supremacy has received a further boost with the pleasing news that we´ve been permission to stage a revival of the Good Life at the Lass! Working with our good pals director Brianne Edge and Jane Leadbetter who is looking forward to bringing Babs to life, the intention is to stage the feature length Christmas special this December, so bring a party hat.

We can´t wait to get reacquainted with Babs, Tom, Jerry and Margot! Big thanks to writer Bob Larbey for his kind permission and encouragement. We promise not to let you down.

April 2012

The Greater Manchester Fringe is incoming this July!

We´ve always believed passionately about community and working with our neighbours for the greater good. That´s why the Lass is proud to be part of the very first Greater Manchester Fringe, launching this July. Don´t worry, Lassfest will remain in January but we´re so excited to be part of something so special as the GM Fringe!

Fringe festival events will include drama premieres, live music, dance, stand-up comedy, visual arts, literature and workshops.

LORD Alan Sugar will be one of the stars of the inaugural Greater Manchester Fringe Festival taking place in July 2012 – he just doesn´t know he´s been hired yet! The man who has the power to hire or fire on Apprentice will be appearing in the WORLD PREMIERE of a brand new play called Together In Electric Dreams.

The play, written by Daniel Thackery from Oldham, was specially commissioned by the Lass O´Gowrie for the festival and focuses on a meeting between outspoken Sugar and Sir Clive Sinclair in a restaurant in 1986.

The meeting of these two Titans of the 1980s computer scene was when Sugar´s company Amstrad bought out Sinclair´s Spectrum, which had been the world´s best-selling computer. Daniel, who appeared in the award-winning “Say Can Blues”, plays Sir Clive in a script packed full of incredible detail because it is based on extensive research and interviews with people that worked for both men.

Peter Michael Marino will be bringing the UK PREMIERE of his one man show “Desperately Seeking The Exit” straight form New York to Taurus Bar on Canal Street on July 30. For anyone not familiar with Peter´s work he was the funny guy in Stomp for five years. He wrote this show about appearing in the West End musical Desperately Seeking Susan, which flopped after four weeks losing £4 million. But Peter is keen to point out “this is not a sour grapes show… that would not be fun or funny. I don´t point fingers or do character assassinations. I simply tell the story from my own point of view.”

Blake’s Seven star Paul Darrow is appearing in the opening nights of Robots of Death and Storm Mine, brand new stage adaptations of Dr Who stories from 1977 by Alan Stevens, thanks to a joint collaboration between Fab Café and the Lass O´Gowrie.

As with the adaptation of Russell T Davies´s Midnight at Lassfest in January, neither story features Dr Who or his companion. They feature the main characters from Magic Bullet´s series of audio adventures - Kaston Iago and Elska Blayes, taken from Chris Boucher´s original rehearsal scripts.

Manchester City Ballet and Jazzgalore dance companies will be showcasing A Dance Review at The Dancehouse (July 5-7). Jongleurs Comedy Live - the legendary London comedy club brings a selection of the country’s finest up-an-coming stand-ups to The Dancehouse on July 27. Other highlights include Cabaret Regale (July 13) and Grimm Up North, a horror film double bill (July 19).

There will be a brand new live stage adaptation of the classic sitcom Porridge at the Lass O´Gowrie, plus a welcome return for Fearne Cotton’s favourite chap hop artiste Mr B - the Gentleman Rhymer. Also returning will be the Sitcom Trials and the Scottish Falsetto Puppet Theatre for one show only, so don´t delay.

The Outstanding Brewing Company of Bury have come on board to provide a bespoke festival ales that will be available in bottle, draft and keg. Jeremiah Weed are also sponsoring the festival.

The dedicated ticketing service will go live towards the end of May through Quay Tickets, with 10,000 copies of the festival brochure being distributed throughout Greater Manchester.

Friends of the Festival will be able to get priority booking when ticketing portal opens in May and a discount on food and drinks at participating venues throughout July 2012.

The patron for the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival 2012 is Arthur Bostrom, famed for his role as Crabtree, the vowel-mangling gendarme in the BBC hit comedy series ‘Allo ‘Allo. Co-creator and director Gareth Kavanagh said: "We´re passionate about providing performers with an affordable platform for their talent in the important pre-Edinburgh period. “It´s exciting and we just can´t wait to see how this develops over the next few months.”

Co-creator and director Lisa Connor said: "I am very excited to be launching the inaugural Greater Manchester Fringe and looking forward to what promises to be a veritable feast of fringy goodness. “A plethora of diverse artists will be served up across a host of GM venues throughout the whole of July.”

David Slack, Executive Producer of 24:7 Theatre Festival, said: “Over the last 10 years, since planning and starting up the 24:7 Theatre Festival, I have observed a steady increase in the number of determined performers looking for somewhere to put on a show. “It’s now great to see so many alternative and non-theatre venues welcoming them in and giving the support they need.

“I’m sure that The Greater Manchester Fringe Festival, covering the whole of July, will bring a huge variety of productions to the attention of the public and put on display a fantastic range of creative performers in the region.”

Participating venues are:

The Dancehouse, 10 Oxford Road, Manchester M1 5QA

Fab Cafe, 111 Portland Street, Manchester M1 4RJ

King's Arms, 11 Bloom Street, Salford M3 6AN

The Lass O'Gowrie, 36 Charles Street, Manchester M1 7DB

O'Shea's, 80 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6NF.

SandBar, 120 Grosvenor Street, Manchester M1 7HL.

Satan's Hollow, 101 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6DD

Taurus Bar, 1 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3HE.

Tiger Lounge, 5 Cooper Street, Manchester M2 2FW.

Any venues, writers, producers or artists that want to get involved can visit www.greatermanchesterfringe.com.uk or email gmfringe@gmail.com

March 2012

Professor Elemental is BACK on March 20th!

He's back, in his northern climes to thrill us with his latest chap hop offerings! Last time sold out so don't delay!! Doors at 7:30pm. Tickets cost £8.00 of your English pounds and are available at http://www.wegottickets.com/event/155655 or on the door, if not sold out/

The Prof adored his visit to the Lass last year and is determined to top this one, and with our old pal Dez Skinn in toe with DJs and more, it´s going to be quite a night!

For more info, as ever you are urged to visit http://www.professorelemental.com/fr_home.cfm

The Lass to Host HISCORE 2012!

Although we're just weeks into the new year, yet another retro gaming event has added itself to the growing line up in the form of a tournament. HISCORE 2012 is an arcade gaming competition hoping to find the greatest coin-op gamers around the country in June, here at the Lass!

In the past the event organisers CGEU have held their HISCORE events at the now closed Arcade Barn, which has inevitably pushed the event further north. HISCORE 2012 is set to take place in Manchester's finest pub, the Lass O'Gowrie on June the 2nd and 3rd. Having previously hosted a wealth of gaming events such as Eurocon and the Sega8bit meet, you'll be in safe hands due to our vast experience of all things retro!

The event is to put together 50 applicants against one another in a high score challenge on a wide range of games. The king of the coin-ops will be set to walk out with a one of a kind custom-designed Minicade MAME cabinet worth £350, a step up from the £100 cash prize from last year. The event will also offer prizes for those who didn't quite claim the crown along with other console based competitions. And if competitions aren't quite your thing, you'll still be able to enjoy a selection of freeplay machines during the weekend.

For more information, you are urged to visit http://hiscore.cgeu.info/index.html

New Menu Launched!

Yes, with spring round the corner, we´ve given our menus a spring clean, so in comes old Mr´s Connor´s Irish Stew, Dee´s Roasted Peppers and sandwiches are BACK! Most excitingly, we´ve extended our offers, building on our madly popular Burgertime initiative giving you half price burgers every Wednesday!

Yes, you can now enjoy 50% off Hotpots on Tuesdays, 50% off Burgers on Wednesday, 50% off our Steam and Ale Pies on Thursdays and half price Fish and Chips every Friday! Mmmm indeed.

You can download a PDF of our menu here.

Euro 2012 is a coming!

Is it REALLY four years ago since the amazing Euro 08? Crumbs, not long now until Euro 2012!
Well, as usual we've got some real treats in store, including;

Our famed “In your own Language” coverage, with German, French, Italian, Portuguese and many other commentary languages available for all your games.

Special match food and buffets from our kitchen.

New HD projector giving you a crystal clear piccie of all the action.

Retro gaming - the classic Taito Mexico '86 arcade games is up and running!

Outdoor telly, letting you recline, drink and smoke like the good old days.

Private hire options, including; reserve a table - £25.00 for up to 8 people. Includes 8 bottles of Carlsberg; and waiter service, 30 minutes before and throughout the match, reserve the Snug - £60.00 for up to 20 people, includes 20 bottles of lager and waiter service, 30 minutes before and throughout the match. Add a buffet for £5 per person.

We´ve also some very special theatre productions in the pipeline, including – we hope brand new adaptations of Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads (including this gem - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPiKQGJZfkc) and the brilliant “A Night in November” by Marie Jones.

So as ever we plead with you - don't give soulless corporate bloaters like Wetherspoons all your cash, come join us and your fellow connoisseurs at the Lass!

Lass O´Gowrie FC Update

Could they do it again? With the first team in second place, on the brink of promotion to the Premier League of the Manchester Amateur Sunday Football League and with only seven games to go at time of writing, it´s all possible! However, it´s harder going for the seconds in Division Three but we´re rooting for you…

Check out the tables at http://www.masfl.co.uk/Divisions?div=5203&age=all and http://www.masfl.co.uk/Divisions?div=5206&age=all

Training is held on Wednesday evenings and matches on Sunday mornings. We´ve got two teams so there´s lots of opportunity to get involved! Contact us for more info here, while you can follow the lads´ exploits over at http://www.facebook.com/groups/88019183805/.

February 2012

Midwinter Lassfest roundup

That was an amazing month. Thanks to everyone who came and supported us, to our fine sponsors Greene King, Molson Coors, Carlsberg, Sambuxo and Malevilus Publishing and in particular, to our good pal Debbie Manley who worked so hard to get the incredible press and media support we enjoyed!

Midnight sold out, as did the Weir, whilst Halo Jones proved so popular, we remounted in early February to great acclaim. We were also thrilled and humbled to welcome the great Maureen Lipman – wife of the late Jack Rosenthal who enjoyed our critically acclaimed productions of Coronation Street and Hot Fat.

A taste of the great press and reviews enjoyed can be sampled below.

General coverage

http://www.citylife.co.uk/greetings_to__a_new_season
http://www.manchestergossip.com..jack-rosenthal-tribute-midwinter-lassfest
http://nowthenmanchester.blogspot.com/2012/01/preview-mid-winter-lass-fest-2012.html
http://www.creativetourist.com/news-culture/news-and-blog/event-radar-january

Coronation Street 1968

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews..coronation-street-classics-at-manchesters-lass-ogowrie-pub
http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-1968-corrie.html
http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.com/2011/12/cast-announced-for-coronation-street.html
http://mancunianmatters.co.uk..coronation-street-scripts-%E2%80%93-live-lass-o%E2%80%99gowrie
http://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/coronation-street-the-ogdens-live/
http://www.mudkiss.com/coronationstreetreview.htm
http://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/corrie-1968-the-wedding-of-dennis-tanner-part-1-live/
http://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/corrie-1968-the-wedding-of-dennis-tanner-part-2-live/
http://www.thejc.com/community/community-life/61858/street-party-rosenthal
http://www.myeloma.org.uk..coronation-street-classics-to-raise-money-/
http://www.thejc.com/community/community-life/62313/tribute-right-lipmans-street

Hot Fat

http://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/01/17/hot-fat-live/

The Ballad of Halo Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHyuzE6IYBE
http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2012/increased-leisure-citizen-2/
http://edfortune.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/the-ballad-of-halo-jones-the-stage-play/
http://thefictionstroker.wordpress.com/2012/02/02/the-ballad-of-halo-jones-live/
http://www.whatsonstage.com/The+Ballad+of+Halo+Jones.html
http://www.starburstmagazine.com/reviews/eventsupcoming-genre-events/1758-review-the-ballad-of-halo-jones
http://writinghood.com/online-writing/event-review-stage-show-the-ballad-of-halo-jones/
http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2012/01/re-staging-halo-jones-inside-story.html
http://www.penwing.me.uk/node/283
http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=35037.0
http://scytheplays.blogspot.com/
http://fictionmaker.blogspot.com/2012/01/ballad-of-halo-jones.html

Russell T Davies´ Midnight

http://www.sfx.co.uk/2012/01/03/blog-doctor-who-midnight-live%E2%80%A6-sort-of/
http://www.list.co.uk/event/20261548-midnight/
http://www.kasterborous.com/wordpress/2012/01/midnight-live-2/
http://fictionmaker.blogspot.com/2012/01/midnight.html
http://www.penwing.me.uk/node/283
http://bookstove.com/book-talk/event-review-stage-show-russell-t-davies-dr-who-midnight/

Lassfest will return in January 2013, whilst we have even bigger and better plans in store for our July 2012 fest. Just wait and see…

More info, as ever can be found at www.thelass.co.uk .

December 2011

Welcome to Midwinter LassFest!

Who said winters were to be feared? We love January! That's because for twenty-nine days, Manchester city centre’s award-winning Lass O’Gowrie will become a one venue fringe festival, hosting an amazing 70+ events.

So what do we have in store for you?

LIVE CORONATION STREET, RUSSELL T. DAVIES' MIDNIGHT, MR. B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER, HALO JONES, THE WEIR and a celebration of the life and works of JACK ROSENTHAL (including the chance to savour his inaugural Play for Today script 'HOT FAT', for the first time since 1974!), are just some of the highlights that make up this year’s amazing Lassfest!

Building on our unenviable reputation as a one venue fringe, the newly minted Midwinter Lassfest covering an eye-popping range of genres, including comedy, live music, new writing and adaptations, revivals, ale tasting, literature events and geek culture. But drama, quite rightly is at the heart of our programme and, for the first time ever, we'll be making full use of the ground floor of the pub as an evocative, standing set. You'll see the Lass transformed into a luxury space liner, a 50th century ghetto, sixties Weatherfield and an Irish pub, dripping with suspense and secrets.

Dominating two weeks of programming is our tribute to the late JACK ROSENTHAL - one of the north's greatest literary sons and author of classics like the BAFTA award winning Bar Mitzvah Boy, The Evacuees and Spend, Spend, Spend - about the football pools winner, Viv Nicholson. He also wrote The Knowledge, a film about London taxi-drivers which has become a classic for cabbies-in-training and created London's Burning as a one-off drama in 1986, as well as penning an incredible 129 episodes of Coronation Street during the 1960's.

Fittingly, we are pround to present three epsiodes of Jack's CORONATION STREET from 1968. We are hugely grateful to ITV and Jack's family for allowing us to stage these episodes and can't wait for you to see them! These brand new, full cast dramatisations will take place in the ground floor of the Lass making them a totally immersive and dramatic presentation. The first two episodes (#777 and #778) cover the wedding of DENNIS TANNER and JENNY SUTTON and includes a host of well loved characters including ENA SHARPLES, MINNIE CALDWELL, ELSIE TANNER, ANNIE and JACK WALKER and ALBERT TATLOCK.

Complementing these two classic slices of sixties writing, is a new adaptation of CORONATION STREET episode 788 - also from 1968 which centres on THE OGDENS with STAN OGDEN treating HILDA to a slap up, Chinese meal. This is comedy and drama at its' finest, trust us. With a new brand new cast brought together by the legendary JUNE WEST, Casting Director for over 15 years of Coronation Street and the BAFTA award winning Road to Coronation Street and directed by theatre stalweart HELEN PARRY, this is not to be missed.

Complementing these witty northern treasures is HOT FAT - a full cast play exploring Jack Rosenthal‘s wry comic drama of friendships and deals made (and broken) in a men’s sauna. With this being Jack's first work Play for Today in 1974, and with the tapes have long since been wiped by the BBC, this a rare opportunity to enjoy never since performed classic slice of TV drama, powerfully reimagined for the stage by Director DAVE MACREEDY.

Anyone fancy a ghost sotry in a pub? Presented in a real bar for the very first time, join us for Conor McPherson’s THE WEIR - a powerful tale of a barman, three men, a woman and their tales of life, loss lore and love. Other drama premieres include ‘SINFUL' by Carly Tarett – a clever twist on the seven deadly sins, ‘EVERYMAN’ by Brian Gorman - a surreal biopic of the late Patrick McGoohan, ‘WE TOOK THAT AND PARTIED' by Rebekkah Harrison, a bittersweet northern tale of two former friend who jack it all in to follow Take That on tour and 'THINKING OUT LOUD' – a collection of shorts, also by Rebekkah.

It wouldn’t be a Lassfest without oodles of geek culture in the form of our famous pubcons and this year we have a series of crackers. First up is a brand new, Rebellion authorised adaptation of 'THE BALLAD OF HALO JONES'. Halo and her friends live on the Hoop - a repository for the unemployed in the 50^th century, but she won’t be beaten. She dreams of getting out and becomes a legend in the process. Join us for a brand new, full cast production of Books one and two the 50^th century girl next door, created by Alan Moore and Ian Gibson and originally presented in 2000AD in the 80‘s.

We're also thrilled to present a brand new full cast adaptation of 'RUSSELL T. DAVIES' MIDNIGHT' - an amazing exercise in pychological terror following a group of strangers marooned on a land buggy in the mysterious dimaond mountains of a poisoned landscape. We're also looking forward to ‘BASE UNDER SIEGE’ - A Doctor Who improvised episode, whereby the audience suggests the title for a NEW Doctor Who episode, complete with new monsters and a new Doctor and the Comedysportz team deliver it! last, but not least we have our dedicated retro video gaming weekender – 'THE HOMEBREW VIDEO GAMING WEEKENDER', celebrating the cream of 80’s video-gaming and culture. Expect Commodores, Spectrums, Megadrives, competitions, talks from industry pros, live coding, exclusive themed burlesque and comedy .

Literature makes a welcome return this year in the form of our an exclusive showcase with genre publishers HIRST BOOKS, whereby we bring you readings and Q&A’s with some of the imprint's best and brightest writing talents. Stay tuned for the final lineup, but we promise a few suprises!

We've not forgotten live music either. Expect regulars GADZOOKS, DIVING DUCK BLUES, OPEN MIC, UNION DAVE'S JAM (big and little) and THEMED KARAOKE.

Completing the line-up is a rich seam of Edinburgh stalwarts and exclusive comedy sets. Talents on display include the high priest of chap-hop MR. B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER, Edinburgh legends DANNY PENSIVE, Channel 4 and SAS comedy’s PETER SLATER and MICK SERGEANT, improv from COMEDYSPORTZ, Cirque du Lass Champion JULIE JONES and Manchester stalwarts COLIN MANFORD and LEWIS CHARLESWORTH.

The Midwinter Lassfest will run for every day between the 2nd and 29th January. We believe strongly in an art without risk ethos, with performers either paid direct by the Lass O’Gowrie or we simply provide the space for free, leaving artistes with all takings.

Tickets are available on the door or via www.wegottickets.co.uk by searching for the Lass O'Gowrie or following the links over at www.lassfest.co.uk. Please note, priority will be given to online advance orders and with our limited capacity, once they're gone - they're gone.

For more information, contact us at;

The Lass O'Gowrie

36 Charles Street

Manchester

M1 7DB

Tel: 0161 2736932

E: info@thelass.co.uk

W: www.thelass.co.uk

W: www.lassfest.co.uk

F: Lass O'Gowrie

T: @thelassogowrie

October 2011

Christmas Menu now available for bookings

Yes, it’s nearly time for Christmas at the Lass again, and we’re delighted to announce that our fabulous homemade Christmas Victorian Feast has been held at a bargainous £13.50 a head! Space is available in our cosy Snug, main bar or upstairs suite but hurry – the big dates sold out in record time last year.

Even better for this year, it’s the debut of our lovely new carvery – also available for large parties as a single plate roast! Please email for more details. You can download a handy PDF of the menu and booking form here or alternatively ask for a copy at the bar.

Lass O’Gowrie leads the way for the Manchester Comedy Festival, 17th – 30th October, 2012

It’s nearly time for Manchester’s annual Comedy Festival and, as you’d expect we’re playing our part with over thirty shows throughout the two week extravaganza! You can download a handy guide to shows at the Lass here and, of course more information is available at www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk .

In the meantime though, here’s a whilstestop guide to our Lass highlights!

First up is a revival of Rising Damp - the original stage play that gave birth to the hit TV comedy Rising Damp – as part of the Manchester Comedy Festival. Written by Eric Chappell, who also wrote the TV series, it was first staged 40 years ago and starred most of the cast that made the show one of the highest-ranking sitcoms of all time when it was first shown 1974-1978 and through repeats.

Once the four roles have been cast it’ll be straight into rehearsals for the comedy classic to be staged upstairs at the Lass O’Gowrie October 17-28.

Comedian Colin Manford, younger brother of former One Show host Jason, will be appearing at the Lass on October 19 and 20. But you’re advised to get your tickets early as his brilliant one-man show that covers everything from his student days to his family getting banned from Disneyland sold out at last year’s Manchester Comedy Festival.

Around The Old Campfire with Diva Bliss at the Pleasure Palace is another show to watch out for at the Lass O’Gowrie on October 20.Starring Paul Tamms, who co-created the new K9 series for Channel 5, the show is a tribute to Manchester’s halcyon days of comedy, campery, burlesque, live music and outrageous behaviour. It had an 18-month residency in Edinburgh, including sell out shows for the Fringe Festival, as well as touring Pride festivals and venues in Australia, USA and Europe.

Another Edinburgh favourite Bec Hill will be at the Lass O’Gowrie on October 29 – armed with her trusty sketch pad she muses over the transition from adolescence to adulthood – and whether she’s at the point of no return.

It’s a good job Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer isn’t around this month because his arch rival on the chap hop scene Professor Elemental is at the Lass O’Gowrie on October 24 and may have his Fighting Trousers on!

Checkpoint Dave has developed the slot that made him a winner at The Sitcom Trials at Lassfest in July (supported by Baby Cow Productions) into a 45-minute script, which will be debuted at the Lass O’Gowrie on October 20.

Any writers inspired by Checkpoint Dave can put forward their own scripts the day after at the next Sitcom Trials on October 21. The winner of that contest will be offered the chance to stage their work at the lass in January.

Julie Jones, the chav mother who won the Cirque Du Lass competition at lassfest in July, is also back with a full show on October 27.

Some advance tickets are available from www.wegottickets.com. The remainder will be on the door on a strictly first come, first served basis. For more details on the open auditions and shows at the Lass O’Gowrie please email info@thelass.co.uk or visit www.thelass.co.uk.

New for Mondays – Meat free Mondays and Smooth

Following a small start on Monday evenings, we’re thrilled to announce that by popular demand Meat Free Mondays will now be on during lunch time and the evening! What you get is a choice of six fabulous fresh and healthy vegan meals served, direct from the kitchen by your host Martin the Mod. There’s even Vegan cup cakes for after if you want them! Meat free Mondays are part of the national campaign to get people to consider going meat free, at least one day a week. It’s a great cause and one we’re 100% behind! You can find more information on this great cause over at http://www.meatfreemondays.com/index.cfm.

New menu launches in third week of October

It’s all change as Autumn and Winter approaches! New and old treats include Hot Pot, Bouillabesse, Creole Gumbo and our scrummy meat free Cottage Pie.

We’ve also got some amazing new offers, including Burgertime – half price burgers all and every Wednesday, Soup, Sandwiches and a drink served from behind the bar for £4.95 and, of course the amazing new Meat Free Mondays and Carvery Sundays!

You can download our new menu here.

£2.49 pints of Carlsberg and Greene King IPA? Yes please!

New “Love your Local” offers launch from the first week of October!

Great news in this sticky time for many of us in the economy. Yes, from early October we’ll be offering pints of IPA and Carlsberg, as well as bottles of San Miguel for as little as £2.49 Sunday – Thursday!

Suitable comes to a close on Saturday, 8th October

It’s the end, but the moment has been prepared for…

Just a quick note to say thanks and a fond farewell to Martin the Mod, who brings his weekly Suitable northern soul DJ residency to a close on Saturday, 8th October. We’ve loved having Mart with us on Saturday nights, but are thrilled we’ll be hanging on to him for Meat Free Mondays and Smooth!

Inbred Update

Cast and rehearsed at the Lass O’Gowrie during 2010, we recently received this update from the producers of this keenly awaited British film, part of our national horror renaissance!

Hi all,

Here is an update on INBRED which you may or may not be up to speed on, there has been so much happening.

Already the film has played in London’s FrightFest, Sweden’s Lund International Fantastik Film Festival and Strasbourg Fantastik Film Festival.We were absoloutely thrilled about the Jury Special Mention Lund awarded, what a testament for the film that a non-English speaking community can award this accolade to such a dark humoured film, so well done everyone for all your hard work and support !!! This weekend we need a collective crossing of fingers and everything else as INBRED plays in competition at one of the most world renowned fantasy horror and film festivals, where else but Sitges in Spain; http://sitgesfilmfestival.com/eng/film/?id=10002197

This screening will be the first airing of the FINAL version of the film as Alex has been busy this past month applying final adjustments to sound, grade and music.Many thanks to all our post team here for ongoing love and efforts in finalising the master – you know who you are J.

We are very pleased to have 2 screenings of INBRED lined up in the next month “up North”! London had the premiere but the true premiere of the final film will take place in the North …

First up is Celluloid Screams where the film plays as the opening gala event on October 21st in the Showroom Central Sheffield, here is the link;http://www.celluloidscreams.co.uk/2011/09/opening-gala-inbred.html. Next up is the Leeds International Film Festival for which the film plays on Tuesday 8th November at 9pm at Hyde Park Picture House.This isn’t on the website yet, but here is the festival link http://www.leedsfilm.com/.

We are hoping due to the location that a number of you will be in attendance at Leeds so the event is set to be a lot of fun and hope that a lot of you can make it. As always ongoing updates on the film can be found on the website (check out new press and festivals sections) and FaceBook group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=115774971794352&v=wall).

www.inbredmovie.com

August 2011

The Lass is North-West Entertainment Pub for the second year running in the Morning Advertiser Great British Pub Awards!

Well that was a turn-up for the books! For the second year running, the Lass O'Gowrie has scooped the award for North West Entertainment Pub of the Year in the Great British Pub Awards! It's wonderful to have our hard work and investment in bringing the people of Manchester some of the best and most innovative entertainment around and we promise to try even harder this year with plans afoot for a Midwinter Lassfest, a bumper packed Comedy Festival and something even bigger and better than Lassfest next Summer!

And it doesn't end there. We're now through to the Grand Final of the Great British Pub Awards in London, meaning we stand a chance of being crowned national winner and representing Manchester's hopes alongside our neighbours Fac251 (winners in the North West Live Music Pub of the Year category) and the Mark Addy (winners in the North West Gastro-Pub of the Year category) of being crowned overall winner of Pub of the Year.

For more information, you are urged to visit www.greatbritishpubawards.co.uk .

The Lass is *most commended* North-West Cask Ale Pub for 2011/12 in the Morning Advertiser Great British Pub Awards!

Another pleasant surprise was the news that we've been most commended in the Cask Ale Pub of the Year category in the North West! In essence, this means we finished second only to the mighty Taps of Lytham, worthy winners in the category but ahead of the rest of the competing cask ale pubs in Manchester, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria.

Thanks guys, it means a lot to us and we hope the Taps goes all the way and wins the national title!

MMMMMM! New for Weekends from August - A fresh and tasty roast Carvery!

As you'll see further down the page, we’ve got some exciting changes coming in our menu this September, but having acquired a lovely new Carvery Unit, we really had to try it out! So, from Sunday 14th August we’ll be serving a lovely, homecooked roast available in a trice.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

Doctor Who returns to the Lass O’Gowrie on Saturday, 27th August for Let’s Kill Hitler and all following episodes

With the premiere and series finale screenings now long established the Lass, we’ve decided to extend the screenings to include each and every episode for remainder of Doctor Who Series 6 from Saturday, 27th August through to the finale. So if you fancy watching Who in a room full of like-minded souls, the Lass is for you!

With a great atmosphere, we’ll be playing the episodes on a digital big screen with 5.1 sound in our upstairs Salmon Room. Don’t be late though – we only seat 42, so it’s strictly on a first come, first served basis! Even better, as luck would have it August 27th is also the date of the regular Who meet-up (Vworp) at the Lass O’Gowrie, so there is every chance of a good crowd for the season premiere, especially with the Pride festival in town that weekend.

A Little Piece of Your Heart coming to the Lass O’Gowrie, Saturday 20th August as part of Manchester Pride’s Fringe

We had the privilege of working with the wonderful Art with a Heart guys back in 2010 as part of Lassfest and they’re back with a great sounding event to tie in with our close neighbours Pride and their fast growing fringe this August.

Here’s what they had to say about a Little Piece of Your Heart…

"LGBT Youth North West have been working with Art with Heart collecting intergenerational stories. We’ve been asking you about your LGBT experiences of the heart so we can offer a little piece of them to you at Manchester Pride. We are sharing audio clips on Canal Street and have put together a short film with the stories for a special screening on Saturday 20 August. Come and see the short film and look out for us and our mp3s in the Gay Village, so you can listen to a little piece of our heart too".

The screening is free and is staged at 2pm and 4pm in our cosy, upstairs Salmon Room. More information can be found at http://www.manchesterpride.com/whatson/littlepiece whilst the Fringe Programme, taking in over 40 events can be downloaded at http://www.manchesterpride.com/media.pdf.

Rugby World Cup is Coming Soon to the Lass!

Crumbs, this means an early start BUT if we could manage it for the World Cup in 2002, we can certainly manage it for the Rugby in New Zealand this September and October. The fixture list can be viewed at http://www.itv.com/rugbyworldcup/2011/matches/ and while we won’t be able to manage every game in there, we do promise you;

As many England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France as we can practically show (i.e. nothing before 6am we’re being practical) and all the knockouts (other games may be available on request).

Cooked breakfast served from the kitchen and full bar (as well as scrummy teas and coffees for those in work), subject to the good folks of Manchester City Council licensing and the GMP

Private hire available for tables, the Snug and Salmon Rooms. Email info@thelass.co.uk for more.

An outdoor telly, weather permitting

A HD *eff off, big Projector for all games

Commentaire en Francais, for all French games, naturellement!

You’d be mad not to join us as our atmosphere at these great sporting events are now LEGENDARY! Come join us…

Computer Club now goes TWICE a month!

Yes, in addition to our long established last Tuesday of the month Computer Club, we’ve got a second night to be held on the second Friday of the month!

So, what can you retro gaming fans expect from the fiendish imagination of organise Mike Dix? Well, the second Friday is very much a console only thing and will be upstairs. Expect a modded Xbox (Also LAN), Dreamcast, Playstation, PS2, Mega Drive, SNES, Master System, NES, Saturn, Atari 2600, N64, CD32, Gamecube with an emphasis on multi-player games (Bomberman, Goldeneye, Gauntlet and the like),with LAN gaming happening too (think Doom and the like) if we can pull it off.

By comparison, the last Tuesday of the month will be more tilted towards a wider range of classic machines. So expect our modded Xbox (Also LAN), Dreamcast, Playstation, PS2, Mega Drive, SNES, Master System, NES, Saturn, Atari 2600, N64, CD32, 3DO, Commodore 64, N64, Intellivision, CD32, ZX Spectrum, Spectrum +, CD-i , Atari ST, Atari 7800, Pong, BBC Micro and the Gamecube. We’ll also be opening it up to any programmers who may want to demo their stuff as we love our homebrew gaming at the Lass.

For more information on both nights, visit www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178618458840101.

Forthcoming Retro Video Gaming events at the Lass

Following the phenomenal success of this July’s In da 80’s eighties video gaming weekender at the Lass (you can read more about what transpired over at http://jasonkelk.me.uk/2011/07/homebrew-coding-weekend-2/ and not forgetting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H5OBpMg9Rw and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SELQiF-uMzQ for the burlesque entertainment) we’re pleased to announce a couple of new dates for you diary.

First up, we have the Homebrew Gaming Weekend – A weekend dedicated to homebrew coding, gaming and development with industry legends in attendance! It’s scheduled for Friday, 2nd December – Sunday 4th December 2011 and the homepage is www.homebrewgaming.co.uk (Site not yet live).

Following that, we have our 2012 Summer weekender - the VideOlympics. It’s the Olympics, Lass style. A whole weekend themed around video game based sports and Olympic games and a fiendish new Decathlon competition, as well as ale, entertainment, comedy, industry legends and burlesque!

It’s scheduled for Saturday, 4th August – Sunday, 5th August 2012 and the homepage is www.videolympics.co.uk (site not live yet).

For more info on forthcoming retro events up and down the country we strongly recommend checking the Upcoming Retro Gaming Events thread at http://www.retrogamer.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6677260 in the excellent Retro Gamer Magazine forum.

New menu is coming in September

After a lot of research and thought, we’re looking at real change this September to meet the changing needs of the area. Expect daytimes built around speed, quality and takeout options, evenings around warming homemade pies, soups, hotpots and stews and weekends around lazy breakfasts and scrummy carvery roasts.

Added to that, we’re delighted to announce the introduction of Meat Free Monday Evenings – a great new initiative with Vegan chef du cuisine Martin the Mod, whose scrummy Vegan grub will be gracing the Lass every Monday evening from early September.

Or as our good pal Psycho Paul would say; we can, we will and we are doing…

The Manchester Comedy Festival is coming in October

The Manchester Comedy Festival is back from the 17th to the 30th October and this year we’re putting on EVEN more shows than ever at the Lass!

We’re still putting the finishing touches to our programme but definite highlights we can reveal at this point include Checkpoint Dave – Vince Stadton’s winning script in July’s Sitcom Trials, the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre, Colin Manford, Danny Pensive, a return to Foo Foo’s Palace with Diva Bliss (a tribute to the late, great Foo Foo Lamarr), Mick Sergeant and the Final of our Comedian of the Year contest.

Perhaps most exciting of all though, is the northern debut of Chap Hop agent provocateur (and arch rival of Lass favourite, Mr. B) –; the one and only Professor Elemental, confirmed for Monday, 24th October. It’s all very exciting. You can check out the Prof’s moves, thus…

We’ll be confirming things next month and opening for advance ticketing in late September and limited tickets will be available on the door. More info on this superb festival, as ever can be found at www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk.

The Lass joins in with the Manchester Science Festival this October!

We love our science at the Lass. After all, we’re in the shadow of the former UMIST campus and home to some of the greatest minds in history, such as John Dalton (founder of modern atomic theory), Ludwig Wittgenstein (considered the one of the most significant philosophers of the 20th century), George E. Davis (founded the discipline of Chemical Engineering), Bernard Lovell (a pioneer of radio astronomy), Alan Turing (one of the founders of computer science and artificial intelligence) and Tom Kilburn and Frederic Calland Williams (both who developed Small-Scale Experimental Machine (SSEM) or "Baby", the world’s first stored-program computer at Victoria University of Manchester in 1948).

Whether or not any of these fine fellows ever popped in the Lass for a pint is up for debate, however we’re sure they would have been well up for our fiendish Monsters, Micro Biology and maths quiz that we’ll be hosting on Tuesday, 25th October and being staged as part of the Manchester Science Festival between 6 and 10pm! .

More information, as ever can be found at www.manchestersciencefestival.com/ .

Arcade Machine Update

Some new arrivals and a few long-term patients out of care, we’re pleased to report!

First up, we have a pinball! Yes, thanks to the great Barry Arcade, we now have a superb Data East Tales of the Crypt pinball available to play every day. It’s a lovely machine and a great play, you can get a taster of it in all its’ majesty at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQhx5yAG5gc&feature=related.

We’re also thrilled to announce that our troublesome Atari System 1 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is also up and running thanks to a sterling effort from the great Barry Arcade. It’s a fabulous play and one the boss remembers fondly from the arcades of North Wales. Again, you can get a taster of this classic cab at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YOqu8ZMYVg&feature=related.

Elsewhere, Pac-man continues to have on and off days in a weird board fault we just can’t get to grips with, whilst Star Wars and Asteroids remain long-term sick. However, Bomb Jack, Donkey Kong, Track n Field, Paperboy, Quartet, Phoenix and our two multigame machines remain in fair to rude health. .

The majority of our machines are available every day and at a mere 50p a game for, as far as we’re aware the only pub in the UK with such a wide selection of authentic cabs what’s stopping you?

Lassfest roundup and thanks!

Well that was another incredible month of theatre, art, music and visual arts! So many highlights (including, as it turned out a poignant farewell for the wonderful Ideal), and thanks again for everyone that came, performed and generally helped us pay the bills for another month! .

We’ll be back with a brand new Midwinter Lassfest in early January 2012 and hope to have some exciting news on the programme very soon. Beyond that, we’ve got some very very big schemes bubbling away for next July but until then, we’ll say thanks to all who made it a wonderful second Lassfest and cheerio! We’ll not forget you.

May 2011

Lassfest 2011 programme to launch early June!

Yes, we’re nearly back and it’s bigger and better than ever before! For thirty-one days in July, Manchester city centre’s award-winning Lass O’Gowrie will become a one venue fringe festival, hosting an amazing 100+ events. Download the festival programme here

So what do we have in store for you?

JOHNNY VEGAS and the cast and team behind BBC3’s IDEAL, MR. B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER, the SCOTTISH FALSETTO SOCK PUPPET THEATRE, authors RAMSEY CAMPBELL and BRYAN TALBOT, FRANK SANAZI, DIVA BLISS and KITTY COUTURE are just some of the talent that make up this year’s amazing Lassfest!

Building on last year’s one venue fringe, the 2011 Lassfest has added an additional ten days to the frivolities with 158 events covering an eye-popping range of genres, including comedy, live music, visual arts, Edinburgh previews, drama, kino and 16mm cinema, literature events and geek culture.

Drama premieres include ‘PRINCESS DEE’ by Carly Tarett – a modern retelling of the Princess Diana story on a South London estate, ‘FINE’ by Michelle Ashton - a new drama piece which enters the lives of a counsellor and his patient, ‘MY FRIEND WILLIAM’ by David Platt – a man’s life and beliefs come into conflict when his son is murdered . Continuing our strong reputation for the visual arts, the festival is proud to feature exclusive exhibitions featuring the art of ZANE SQUIRES, SOPHIE BENNETT and JOJO LOWES.

It wouldn’t be a Lassfest without oodles of geek culture in the form of our famous pubcons and this year we have a series of crackers. First up is VWORP 4 – our annual Doctor Who convention on July 3rd. We’re also looking forward to WARRIORCON – a celebration of 30 years of the legendary Warrior Magazine, hosted by DezSkinn and a host of special guests and IDEALCON – a whole day dedicated to BBC3’s cult sitcom Ideal, arranged with the blessing of Baby Cow Productions and with a host of talent from both sides of the camera. And last, but not least we have our dedicated retro video gaming weekender – IN DA 80s, celebrating the cream of 80’s video–gaming and culture. Expect Commodores, Spectrums, Megadrives, competitions, talks from industry pros, live coding, exclusive Pac-Man and Sonic themed burlesque from Miss Sweet Cherry Kiss and Ginger La Rouge and comedy from Graham Goring and Danny Pensive.

Literature makes a welcome appearance this year in the form of our Pub Fiction series of events, whereby we bring you readings and Q&A’s with some of the region’s best and brightest writing talents. Featured Pub Fiction authors include RAMSEY CAMPBELL, JOHN REPPION, TOM FLETCHER, NICHOLAS ROYLE, AL EWING, BRYAN TALBOT, STEPHEN GALLAGHER, GEORGE MANN and PAUL MAGRS.

Competition also has a great place in this year’s programme. We’ve been overwhelmed with entries for our inaugural LASSFEST FILMFEST competition, whilst the CIRQUE DU LASS variety competition heats begin in June building to a grand finale on Saturday, July 9th. We’re also thrilled to welcome back THE SITCOM TRIALS – a unique writing competition with entered sitcom scripts performed script in hand by our in-house performers and voted on by you, the audience and industry pro’s. Completing the quadrology of events is the Lassfest Open Mic Competition which runs throughout July building to a grand final on Monday, August 1st when we will also have our farewell party.

Completing the line-up is a rich seam of Edinburgh previews and exclusive comedy sets. Talents on display include the high priest of chap-hop MR. B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER, Edinburgh legends THE SCOTTISH FALSETTO SOCK PUPPET THEATRE, Channel 4 and SAS comedy’s PETER SLATER, singer comedian and uber-meister of lounge FRANK SANAZI, and Manchester stalwarts MICK FERRY, JOHN COOPER and DAMION LARKIN.

The secondLassfest will run for every day of July 2011 and, up until the 16th July will run in conjunction with our good pals and partners, the notpartof Festival. We are also proud to be sponsored by Greene King, Old Speckled Hen and Malevilus Publishing once more.

We believe strongly in an art without risk ethos, with performers either paid direct by the Lass O’Gowrie or we simply provide the space for free, leaving artistes with all takings. In addition, a number of events are being undertaken in support of charity, including Vworp 4 (a Doctor Who convention, nominated charity the Teen Cancer Trust) and In da 80’s (retro gaming weekender, nominated charity the Teen Cancer Trust).

Signing off this year’s programme, Gareth Kavanagh Festival Director said: “As North West Entertainment Pub of the Year, we just felt we had to raise the bar. And come the end of July, fingers crossed, this little pub with big ambitions will have pulled it off!”

Notpartof 2011 launches, fully supported by Lassfest

The Line-Up for Not Part Of’s 2011 Festival, Lassfest’s bezzie mate, has been announced: 158 events, at 48 venues, over 17 days with more than one thousand artists and volunteers, in one city. They’re all listed here.

For the Lass O’Gowrie’s part, we’re running Lassfest alongside the Notpartof to make sure both events go with a bang. Naturally, we’re excited and with the 67 Lass O’Gowrie listed shows making up 42% of the total by our reckoning, we hope to be seeing a lot of you too!

The Notpartof is the fringe festival partner to the rudely successful Manchester International Festival and runs from the 30th of June to the 16th of July. Naturally though, Lassfest continues after – running from the 1st–31st July inclusive so do come and join us after not part of departs!

The official 2011 brochure launched on May 5th so keep your eyes peeled and ear to the ground as it arrives in hotspots around the city centre. Alternatively you can legally download a PDF version right here.

For more info, you are urged to visit www.notpartof.org.

Cirque du Lass needs you!

We are on the hunt for fantastic variety talent for the Cirque Du Lass Competition 2011! Held at the Lass O Gowrie, Manchester, 8-10 acts per heat will have up to 7 minutes each to compete for a place in the grand final to win fantastic prizes.

So, if you’re a juggler, dancer, hula hooper, street performer, fire act, contortionist, singer, ukulele player, comedian, magician, burlesque or boylesque artiste, mime artiste or clown, please do apply! We will offer a warm, supportive, fun environment in which to perform and are looking to find the very best talent.

Prizes for the winner include:

£100 cash

A Vivien of Holloway voucher for the best 1940s and 50s reproduction clothing, http://www.vivienofholloway.com/

A photo shoot with renowned photographer Kate Donovan of Donovan’s Darlings and 21st Century Goddess. http://www.21stcenturygoddess.com/

A paid spot at Kitty Cointreau’s BraHaHa, the critically acclaimed UK sell-out revue show, in Brighton, Leicester, Edinburgh or Nottingham.

A fantastic pair of designer shoes of your choice by Yull Shoes of London. http://www.yull.co.uk/

The crown of Cirque Du Lass Champion 2011

Information for applicants and how to enter

There is no entry fee or fee of any kind to take part. Please send any video links, photos or links to online galleries, a description of the act you want to perform and any performance CV or references you might have to cirquedulass@gmail.com by Sunday 8th May.

Please state upon application any preferred heat dates or any dates that you definitely cannot perform from the list below.

Dates:

Heat 1 – Sunday 5th June

Heat 2 – Sunday 12th June

Heat 3 – Sunday 19th June

Heat 4 – Sunday 26th June

Grand Final – Saturday 9th July

All applicants must be available for Saturday 9th July in case they go through to the final. Apologies, but we cannot accommodate aerial acts.

We welcome entries from acts across the UK. Please note that we are unable to contribute to travel expenses. For more information, you are urged to contact cirquedulass@gmail.com.

LassfestFilmfest 4th July 2011 – Call for Entries

Announcing the first LassfestFilmfest - an open entry, inclusive film festival - in conjunction with the Not Part Of festival. There is no entry fee, closing date for entry is 4th June 2011. Films must be under 15 minutes.

All entries must be on DVD. Please send entries to:

Lisa Davies

Manager

The Lass O’Gowrie

36 Charles St

Manchester

M1 7DB

Please include details on a piece of paper regarding time, format, contact details and story outline with the dvd.

Enquiries to LassfestFilmfest@gmail.com.

Follow on Twitter at @LassFilmFest http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=100513490028049

There will be a cash prize for the best film, as well as awards in ten other categories. All winners will be presented with their own "ENA" in honour of our favourite northern lass the legendary Corrie ‘lass’ Ena Sharples. LassfestFilmfest is open and inclusive to all. We have removed all barriers, such as restrictive criteria and entry costs and encourage you to be creative.

Our aim is for LassfestFilmfest to be a platform for filmmakers of all levels to get your work out there. Even if you aren't planning to enter a film, come along to enjoy a free showcase of interesting films, drink and be merry!

GADZOOKS! Live music, DJ and ecclectica every other Sunday!

New for Sundays, alternating with Diving Duck Blues – Gadzooks! Bands, Dj-in, ecclectica.Entry is of course free, there are student offers on (as per usual), Djing will commence at half 6 and live music from 8! Wanna play? Any queries, questions or quandaries? You are urged to befriend Polly Amorous over at Facebook for more info.

April 2011

Diving Duck! New for *Sunday Nights*

New for Sundays, just the thing to banish those back to work blues. The FIRST event to be co-launched by Martin the Mod and Bluesy Steve. Martin the Mod spinning vinyl, blues, jazz, soul and folk, PLUS classic Morecambe & Wise and BBC comedy all on the beautiful black vinyl. PLUS Bluesy Steve introduces his friends with a fortnightly dose of live acoustic music.

ALL coming to you from the Lass O'Gowrie. Manchester's newest night promises to be something NOT to miss. A true variety evening. And there's more... vinyl on sale, drink offers for performers (message Steve about playing) and even the possibility of vegan cup cakes!

Every other Sunday: Next on: 10th and 24th of April. Check out http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_113604332053010 for more info.

Quizzy Pop! New for *Sunday Nights*

Another treat for you lucky people, this time from one of our fabulous Lasses! Get ready for some wise words from wonder woman of wisdom Aislinn:

Hello lovely people! We have decorations, sweets, cakes, questions, and music galore for all your Sunday Quizzy Pop needs! The quiz itself will begin at 7pm, so try to get to the venue for sometime between 6.30-7pm to ensure you can take part and win fab prizes. Then, as though that wasn't enough fun for everyone, we will have WONDERFUL tunes from some of Manchester's most talented musicians. Hope to see you all there beauties, it should be a crackin' event!

Lots of love, Quiz Mistress Aislinn xxxxxxxx"

Quizzy Pop begins on Sunday, 17th April and will run every other Sunday, alternating with Diving Ducks.

Suitable (Spring and Summer Collection). Northern Soul DJ! New for *Saturday Night*

We love to keep you entertained at the Lass an given we’ve yet to meet anyone who hates Northern Soul, it seemed a no-brainer when Martin offered to bring his highly respected night to the Lass for Spring and Summer. Here’s what you’re in for;

Martin the Mod + guests. “DJ” on shiny black vinyl only. Beat + Syke, Blubeat Ska, Funk + Jazz, Latin Soul, Mod 79, Motown, Rhythm & Blues, Trojan 69, 2 Tone and Northern Soul Club Classics.

EVERY SATURDAY. 8-1am ALWAYS FREE ENTRY

Doctor Who New Series Premiere at the Lass, Saturday, 23rd April

Yes, it's that time again. This year, we'll be showing the new series premiere 'the Impossible Astronaut' on Saturday, 23rd April in the upstairs Salmon Room at the Lass O'Gowrie. As ever, the kitchen will be open for treats and we've ale aplenty. Please bear in mind, this space is upstairs so unfortunately difficult to access for those with mobility issues. Under 18's are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Hope to see you there! Our walls are crammed with rare Doctor Who comic art and as host to a monthly Who meet up on the last Saturday of the month (see http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=331775052711 ) and our annual Who con, it's in our blood!

Comedy for April

Treats galore in April! How we spoil you.

Jokein is our regular Saturday stand-up comedy night. It’s MC’d by the 1likefish and held in the Salmon Rooms for a bargainous £3.00 a head! Dates this month are April 2nd , 16th , 23rd , 30th

SAS Comedy is a monthly sketch showcase powered by the brilliance of Peter Slater and Lee Fenwick. Held on the Second Saturday of every month, this time round its Saturday, 9th April.

Danny Pensive’s Playtime is a work in progress for Danny’s Edinburgh debut. It’s beautifully observed, witty innocent stuff and you’d be mad not to miss it. It’s even gratis! Friday, 22nd April at 7:30pm.

New Play – top secret read through, Wednesday 20th April

We can’t say much at the mo, but email for more information or keep an eye on Facebook. It’s a stella cast and an amazing piece of work and we’re thrilled to be helping out. That’s all we’ll sayfor now….

It’s squeaky bum time for Lass O’Gowrie Athletic FC….

This from Michael Parker over on Facebook with the first team riding high and looking to clinch a second successive promotion;

“Just had a look on the league website, if we win our 6 games we are champions. We need a big push from everyone now, make sure we give it our all and we get a team out every week, the games we have lost this year have come when we haven’t had everyone there, if we play like we can only struggling for players will cost us. Oh and knock the beer on the head at a reasonable hour on Saturday night. I've never won a league title so want this bad.”

C’mon lads! We’re rooting for you. Check out http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=88019183805 for more up to date information as the season finale roars up!

Book Club update

Just a quick reminder that the Lass Book Club still meets on the first Monday of the month in the Snug and goes from strength to strength. The selected text for May is Lost in Music by Giles Smith and the next meeting is held at 7pm on Monday, May 2nd.

As ever, more information can be found at http://www.meetup.com/bookclub-1364/.

Computer Club competition for April

Mike Dix has announced that this month’s competition game is the fiendish Spy vs Spy on the NES. Computer Club Is always held on the last Tuesday of the month, meaning this time round it’s Tuesday, 25th April in the Salmon Rooms from 6:30pm.

See more over at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178618458840101.

Arcade machine update

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Star Wars are still in the sick bay awaiting repairs, joining long-term casualty Asteroids. Phoenix has developed a bad weld, but we hope to have that sorted soon too.

February 2011

The Six Nations is back!

And how we’ve missed it. Yes, rest assured all the games will be on at the Lass as well as our super wholesome food and rude array of ales. Why go anywhere else?

Comic Relief Comedy Marathon, Friday March 4th

Insanely ambitious is this one. Arranged in association with Allan and Erica, the aim is to give you, the lucky Manchester public a 12 hour comedy marathon in aid of Comic Relief on Friday 4th March running from midday to midnight and packed with more talent than you can shake a stick at!

You can find more information on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171467036230268 including running order, names and how you can contribute or join in as the date approaches.

Ale innovations this month

We’re pleased with these two natty little numbers, and we think you will be too.

First up, we’ve acquired a number of third of a pint glasses meaning we are now able to offer customers the opportunity to buy three thirds of our guest ales for the price of a single one making tasting our wares even easier! Even better than that, we’ve also taken delivery of some insanely clever two pint tetra packs meaning we are now able to offer any of our lovely ales on a takeaway basis.

Nice!

Camra discount on guest ale now available seven days a week!

Yes, in recognition of the sterling work done by the Campaign for Real Ale, we’ve introduced a scheme allowing members of CAMRA to purchase Betty’s Best or our regularly changing guest ales at a bargainous £2.00 a pint! All you have to do is show your membership card at the bar and you’re as good as in.

Danny Pensive returns to the Lass in February and March

Great news, the Pensive returns on Thursday, February 10th and Thursday, March 17th for Danny Pensive’s Playtime! Doors are at 8pm and admission on a donation, so what’s the excuse? Danny’s show sold out in record time in last October’s Comedy Festival so do take the opportunity to see him before he embarks for fortune and glory in Edinburgh.

For more information, you are urged to visit http://www.dannypensive.co.uk

New Play for one night only; One-Nineteen, Saturday February 26th @ 7:15pm

Another drama premiere at the Lass, not to be missed in the Salmon Rooms; ”One, nineteen - A play about the power of the news, the strength of the government, the question of climate change and the search for Sam, Jack and little Cloe”.

Tickets cost £5.00, available on the door and early attendance is STRONGLY recommended.

February and March Saturday Comedy line-up now released

Here goes.

Saturday Feb 19th
Jokein @ The Lass - Comedy Night

Featuring: Paul f Taylor and special guests plus your host The 1 Like Fish

Saturday Feb 26th
Jokein @ The Lass - Comedy Night

Featuring: Lou Conran, Steve titley, Scott Gibson, Andy Todd, Peter Marshal and the lomas plus your host The 1 Like Fish

Saturday Mar 5th
Lass O Gowrie - Comedian of the Year HEAT 1

Saturday Mar 12th (and every 2nd Saturday)
SAS Comedy (featuring the W.A.R.T Show) - Fresh and Inventive Comedy from the minds of Peter Slater and Lee Fenwick

Saturday Mar 19th
Jokein @ The Lass - Comedy Night

Featuring: Ian Fox, David Larkins, Katie Tracy, David Wilcock, Barry Mack, Matt Smith plus your host The 1 Like Fish

Saturday Mar 26th

Jokein @ The Lass - Comedy Night

Featuring: Maureen Younger, Andy Watson, Bill Sharples, John Walker, Craig Scott, Matt Wilson plus your host The 1 Like Fish

We’re really beginning to fill these up now and have been regularly turning folk away so please get down in good time. As ever, up to date information can be found at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=356575&id=702573221.

January 2011

Corriefest charity success

In addition to a splendid, sell out day we’re also delighted to announce that our nominated charities also did pretty well to boot! Between the surplus from ticket sales and an excellent auction, overseen with considerable style by Colin Connor, a total of £320.33 was raised for the Teen Cancer Trust with £140.45 raised for the Lesbian and Gay Foundation.

The cheque for the Teen Cancer Trust was accepted by Julia Haworth (aka the Incomparable Claire Peacock), topping off a great festival and a worthy celebration of Corrie to boot.

Thanks again to Lorraine Worsley, Rachel Bottomley, Julia Haworth, John Basham, June West, Phil Collinson, Graeme Harper, Alan Rothwell and everyone who helped make this day such a success. And if you ask us nicely, Corriefest may return later in the year…

New Year, new menu

We just can’t help ourselves, so we’ve tweaked the menu to reflect chilly January. So back in comes hearty favourites like Ham Egg and Chips and Dee’s tasty Lamb burger to stave off the cold. Click here for our new menu!

What’s on the bar this month?

Some lovely treats to warm the cockles this January. In terms of cask, we have 10 pumps in use this month, featuring Betty’s Best, Kimberley Bitter, Abbot Ale, Olde Trip, XX Mild, Greene King IPA, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Black Sheep Best with guests from Coach House, Conwy Brewery and Northumbrian Brewery.

We’re also stuffed to the gills with globally sourced bottle ales, including La Chouffe, Kwak, Anchor Steam, Anchor Festive Ale, Baccus Kriek, Timmerman’s Strawberry, Goose 312, Lech, Kuppers Kolsch, Erdinger Weiss, La Trappe Blonde, Keller Bier, Asahi,Tsing Tao, Dog Tobberfest, Flensburger Pils.

Lassfest to return in July 2011

Yes, we’re in the early stages of planning out our annual fringe festival so if you’ like to be a part of the action, please do drop us a line! We’ve some special new treats in the pipeline, as well as old favorites like Mr. B, our fourth Doctor Who convention and the incomparable Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre! More, as ever on www.lassfest.co.uk .

Start spreading the news… Frank Sanazi is coming to the Lass

Frank Sanazi, The Ubermeister of Lounge brings a NEW ORDER and discipline to the usually more relaxed swing style. He has embraced the modern idiom by singing about and reflecting on the world around him. As his music and style originate from his homeland he has preferred to call the whole movement 'Fatherlounge'. Plus support from top comedian Alex Boardman.

Tickets cost £7.00 and are available from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/106951

November 2010

New menu time!

Yes, it’s winter-time and here’s our new menu! All your winter favourites like Hot Pot and Game Pie are back, but what’s particularly exciting this time are the insanely tasty suet puddins and Carlin peas.

Click here to download a handy PDF.

Corriefest update

Coo, since we first mentioned it there’s been lots happening with our preparations for Corriefest - our one day Corrie ‘not for profit’ convention on December 12th.

Firstly, we’ve sourced some top drawer guests in the form of Corrie Producer Phil Collinson, Casting Director June West and Director Graeme Harper (fresh from smashing a tram into the Kabin we might add!), whilst celebrated rock photographer Karen McBride has agreed to be our official photographer for the day.

Corriefest is currently in the planning stages as we wait for confirmation from key guests, but at present, we anticipate;

Q&A sessions with the talent behind the UK’s greatest soap

Use of the Snug as a gossipy space for chat and relaxing milk stout

Fancy dress and character role-play

Screening of vintage episodes throughout the day in the Salmon Rooms and Snug

Themed food and drink available throughout the day, including local real ales, our iconic pies and Betty’s hotpot

We’ve also opened for tickets and with only 60 being made available, we’d recommend getting a wiggle on! Tickets for the day cost £9.95 and are available online from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/98900 or behind the bar from the Lass.

All profit from the tickets sales will be donated to charity and if you would like to do an autograph or book signing on the day we are asking all ticket holders to make a donation for this. Charities we have agreed to support to date include the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Christie Hospital and the Lesbian & Gay Foundation (www.lgf.org.uk).

To keep up to date with the latest developments, you are urged to visit Corriefest’s Facebook page — http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111483848913418.

Deirdre and me is coming to the Lass for Corriefest

Of course; Corriefest is about more than just one day. A programme of smaller events is anticipated in the build-up to the Sunday event, encompassing screenings of key episodes during the big week (including the live episode on Thursday, December 9th), archive programing, themed stand-up comedy and kitchen sink drama performed in our in-house drama studio.

One show we are delighted to announce is the brilliant Deirdre and Me, a play by Rachael Halliwell which will be performed in on Saturday, 11th December as a matinee and evening performance and on the evening of December 12th. Details as follows;

“The play: Susan White is 35. Average height. Average build. Average looks. In short, Susan is average. Luckily she has a very special best friend: Deirdre... From Coronation Street!!... This multimedia one woman show presents with grace and wit the hilarious tragedy of loneliness and soap opera obsession.”

Tickets are available as follows online or on the door;

Saturday, 11th December (Matinee) - http://www.wegottickets.com/event/99774

Saturday, 11th December (Evening) - http://www.wegottickets.com/event/99775

Sunday, 12th December (Evening) - http://www.wegottickets.com/event/98900

Not to be missed!

Christmas Menu selling fast

Don’t leave it too late now! We’ve got some dates left but those Fridays before Chistmas are really disappearing fast...

Our uber-tasty home cooked Christmas menu (a bargainous £13.50) can be downloaded here.

Will‘s Winter Warmers — New drama for November

A great pre-Christmas show is this one, another drama premiere for the Salmon Rooms! For two nights Hazel Tree Productions will light the fire inside your favourite Shakespeare characters and invite you to come along to warm yourself. Details as follows...

On a cold winters night the air hums with the scent of chestnuts and the faint sound of silver bells. The first flake of snow falls on the top of the tallest fir tree in the forest and you draw your coat tighter at your neck. Through the dark northern streets you see a glow, feel a warmth on your cheek and hurry on. At last you glimpse the lighted stair, the scent of mulled wine caresses your nostrils and the first notes of an Elizabethan carol catch your ear.

Directed by Andy Rogers, Kim Pearce and Elisa Amesbury.

Produced by Hazel Tree Productions

29TH NOVEMBER AT 2PM AND 7:30PM

30TH NOVEMBER AT 2PM AND 7:30PM

More info, as ever at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=153148748062311

Christmas and New Year’s opening

Just to let you know, the Lass will be open every day over Christmas except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And yes, that does include New Years Eve and New Year’s Day! Check out our Facebook Group for this year’s exciting plans for New Year’s Eve.

Mr B’s November gig postponed until Sunday, January 14th

A pleasure deferred, but alas the high priest of chap-hop has had to put back his return to the Lass. But don’t worry, he’s reconfirmed for Sunday, 16th January and is likely to be accompanied by our old pals the 78 DJs and Zelda Saint-Wilde – queen of burlesque.

Tickets cost a paltry fiver and are available from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/97584.

For more info, please do bob along to http://www.facebook.com/pages/MrB-The-Gentleman-Rhymer/97952090306 .

Frazer Hines gig cancelled

Sadly, we’ve been informed that this much anticipated gig will now not be going ahead. Still, on the positive side Vworp 4 - our annual Doctor Who pubcon has been confirmed for Sunday July 3rd as part of Lassfest 2011. We’ll let you know about guests closer to the date, no problem.

September 2010

2010 Christmas Menu is now available!

Yes, it’s nearly time for Christmas at the Lass again. And in a move guaranteed to warm the cockles of your hearts, we’re delighted to announce that our fabulous homemade Christmas Victorian Feast is once more available at £13.50 a head! Space is available in our cosy Snug, main bar or upstairs suite but hurry – the big dates sold out in record time last year.

You can download a handy PDF of the menu and booking form here, or alternatively ask for a copy at the bar.

Corriefest is coming to the Lass in December….

We love a bit of Corrie at the Lass.

Coronation Street is 50 on December 9th and we really can’t let that go unrecognised! Intended as the showpiece of a week-long celebration of this true northern institution, Corriefest is a one day Corrie ‘not for profit’ convention to be held in one of Manchester’s iconic pubs. For the whole of Sunday, 12th December, the Lass O’Gowrie will play host to a day of events celebrating Corrie throughout the past five decades. A programme of smaller events is anticipated in the build-up to the Sunday event.

We’re keeping the details under our hats for now, we would like to hear from anyone involved in Corrie past and present who would like to be involved in celebrating this most special of anniversaries or can assist with memorabilia and props (for display or for charity purposes), footage for screening or advice.

Don’t miss Frazer Hines at the Lass on Sunday, 21st November

Another Doctor Who treat is en-route for November, as actor Frazer Hines talks about his 50 years in Showbiz. See Frazer in his earliest performances with Charlie Chaplin, Michael Caine, Omar Sharif and Michael York and listen to the entertaining and heartwarming stories of the highs and lows of one of Britain's best loved Actors.

From early Hammer horror movies as a child star in 'X The Unknown', working with Patrick Troughton as the longest serving 'Doctor Who' companion, the highlander Jamie McCrimmon, and onto his years as a household name as Joe Sugden in 'Emmerdale Farm'. Frazer Hines has been one of the most enduring British actors in TV and film for half a century.

Sunday November 21st: Manchester from 7.30pm- 11.00pm,for ticket info.

Come Join the Goodies 40th Birthday Party this November 6th at the Lass!

A very special date for you all here. We’re thrilled to have been selected as the venue for the 40th Birthday party for the Goodies this November. For true British connoisseurs of comedy, the Goodies are a British institution and I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since they swung onto our screens!

The organisers are still putting details together for the Goodies Birthday Party, and we’re hoping to get the itinary (at least a draft version of it) out to you all soon. Expect special guests, rare archive footage, competitions and more sequencing seamlessly into Jokein’s third birthday party!

More info can be found at http://goodiesparty.wordpress.com/ and at http://twitter.com/goodiesparty . And for those too young to remember this genius trio forst time round, info can be found at the ever reliable http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Goodies_(TV_series).

Filming this month at the Lass O’Gowrie; Starlight documentary and BBC3’s Snog, Marry, Avoid

Great news this, so look out for the Lass on Channel 5 and BBC3 in the new year!

New season kicks-off for Lass O’Gowrie Athletic 1st and 2nd teams

It’s season kick-off as I write and this time, we’ve two teams duking it out for glory in the Manchester Amateur Sunday Football League. You can keep up to date with fixtures and scores at http://www.masfl.co.uk/, whilst more info on the lads and their exploits can be found at the Lass fc facebook page

The Lass just misses out on UK honours at the Morning Advertiser Great British Pub Awards

Well, sadly we didn't bring the trophy for Best Entertainment Pub back to Manchester. But, we did win the North West and have a great night in the Hilton! Congratulations to Roxy Screen, the interesting winners and to our much respected colleagues from the Red House, Sheffield who had much of interest to say.

We’ll be back, though for 2011…

Eurocon round-up

Bloody hell, that was good fun! An amazing weekend of games, chat, ale and fun! Words can’t do it justice and for anyone who missed it, all we can say is you missed out!

There’s a good writeup of the day over at Stiggy’s blog http://stiggyblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/06/eurocon-weekend-sunday, whilst for a selection of pics and videos of the event, please check out;

Mr Atari (Sandra & Sijmen Schouten)

DPrinny (Mike Dixon)

Iwan Iwanowitsch-Goratschin (Joerg Mueller)

Mayhem (Mat Allen)

Stiggy (Steve Allsopp)

Rinoa (Kayleigh Wright)

MugUK (Mike Mee)

Duncan Woodward (Woody Cool)

Anna Bakstrom

Eurocon moves on to Hamburg, Germany next year and how we will miss them! However, plans are afoot for our own Lass retrogaming weekend next July – Console Combat 2 and a mini-pinball party.

Arcade machine update

Finally, an update on machine ins and outs. Asteroids is still broken but in the capable hands of Arcader Neil. Soon to be joining it is the still poorly Paperboy, which seems to have been sorely missed by all in its absence.

However, on the positive side we’ve acquired a simply exquisite dedicated Pac-Man machine that really has to be seen to be believed! Oh and we’ve shuffled the boards round, meaning classic shooter Earth Defence Force can now be found on one of the gaming tables.

August 2010

The Lass makes national final for Best Entertainment Pub in the Morning Advertiser Great British Pub Awards!

Woooo! We’ve just heard we’ve won North West Entertainment Pub of the Year in the Morning Advrtiser Great British Pub Awards! Even better, we’re now through to the national final where we’ll duke it out for the title of British Entertainment Pub of the Year.

As Manchester’s sole representative in all national categories, we’re determined to bring silverware back to the city and we’ll be back on in September to let you know how we got on, no fear.

As the very apex of industry recognition, it really doesn’t get much better than this! Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to build on last year’s Manchester Pub of the Year success and to everyone who has supported our programme of events at the Lass.

For more information, you are urged to visit www.greatbritishpubawards.co.uk.

Lassfest roundup

It’s August and we how we already already miss Lassfest! Highlights included a sell-out Doctor Who convention, Karima Francis, Iain Winterton’s amazing Baby Jesus Freak, a capacity gig from Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer, 4 Square and more. To see what you missed, check out the programme here

Thanks to Lisa, Lou and Col for working so hard to pull together a great programme of events over 3 glorious weeks and of course of generous sponsors Barefoot Wine, Cactus Jack, Greene King, Outstanding Beers, MAG and Malevillus Publishing.

And best of all - Lassfest will return in July 2011. For more info please go to www.lassfest.co.uk .

Stand-up comedy goes weekly at the Lass from September

Building on the immense success of Jokein’ and Lassfest, we’re delighted to announce that every Saturday night at the Lass will now showcase comedy – either in the Salmon Rooms or Velveted Saloon. Details of forthcoming events will be announced soon, so don‘t forget to check out our new interactive events calendar.

So remember; Saturdays in the new home of comedy at the Lass!

Vintage 78 DJ’s coming to the Lass on Friday nights from late August

Oh we’re looking forward to this. From Friday, 27th August for an initial residence of 4 weeks Matt will be entertaining us with an eclectic mix of rare 78 grooves, bringing you the cream of music from the 20’s to the 50’s.

A unique act, think the Big Chill meets 20’s flappers. Unmissable! For more information, please visit http://www.myspace.com/vintage78dj.

The Lass bags a starring role in the 2010 Manchester Comedy Festival

We hate to rest on our laurels in the Lass, so get ready for two weeks of comedy at the Lass as part of the Manchester Comedy Festival.

Running from Monday, 18th October for 2 weeks and overseen by the 1likefish and Lisa Davies, highlights of this jam packed feast include;

Sal and Steve Live at The Lass!

Mick Sergeant – Mint (winner of the Sitcom Trials at the Lass in Lassfest)

George Cottier

Eddie Hoo

Little Rhino Sketch show

Matt Tiller’s Awkward Situation

The W.A.R.T Show

The Bob Blackman Appreciation Society

Comedy Pub Quiz

El Fun

F**K the Police

Have You Seen Danny Pensive?

The Old Speckled Hen Comedian of the Year Competition

All of Time and Space...in 45 minutes

Free Range

Thanks in particular to our good pals at Old Speckled Hen who have generously agreed to sponsor the inaugural Lass Comedian of the Year competition!

Don‘t forget to check out our new interactive events calendar for times and ticketing. For more information, check out www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk and www.manchestercomedyforum.co.uk .

Lass homemade chutneys and jams now available to buy behind the bar

By popular demand, we’ve made available a small quantity of our celebrated homemade jams and chutneys for sale. Nat and her team have been busy coking up a storm in the kitchen, and with all produce sourced from our organic smallholding in North Wales, you’d be mad to miss out!

Blue Moon and Estrella Damm coming soon to the bar

Two great beers coming to the bar in August on draft. Blue Moon, in particular is a treat – an American wheat beer of extraordinary flavour. Make sure you give them a whirl.

July 2010

Vworp 3 reflections

Just a quick word of thanks to everyone who took time out to join us for our annual Doctor Who convention – Vworp 3 on Sunday, 18th July. In fact, we enjoyed it so much we’ve decided to do it all over again next year in July, so keep ‘em peeled for news as we get it.

In the meantime, you can get a taste of the day at www.kasterborous.com/vworp3 and see the briliant final panel of the day with Graeme Harper talking us through his favourite nine scenes of his time on the programme over at SCIPULSE.

Eurocon is nearly here!

Not long now until our weekend long retro video gaming festival arrives at the Lass! Yes, from the evening of Friday 3rd September to teatime on Sunday 5th, the whole pub will be transformed into a videogaming extravaganza the likes of which Manchester has never seen.

Although the event has officially sold out, it’s always worth asking about returns. For more information please visit www.eurocon.info

Arcade machine update

Never ends does it? This month, alas it’s Paperboy’s turn in fault hell but we hope to have that sorted for Eurocon. On the positive side though, Donkey Kong is back and we’ve picked up a 75 in one board allowing you to enjoy some of the greatest treats of the golden age of gaming on one table.

June 2010

World Cup at the Lass!

Is it REALLY 2 years ago since the amazing Euro 08? Crumbs, not long now until the World Cup!

Well, we’ve not rested on our laurels but have overhauled our AV with an outdoor TV, a HD projector, bigger screen, new projector for the Snug AND air conditioning for the Salmon Rooms. On top of all that, we've got some real treats in store, including;

In your own language option, with German, French, Italian and Portuguese commentary available for all your games.

Special match food and buffets from Nat's kitchen.

Piano singalongs.

Classic footy movie screenings.

New HD projector giving you a crystal clear piccie of all the action.

Retro gaming - the classic Taito Mexico '86 arcade games is up and running!

Outdoor telly, letting you recline, drink and smoke like the good old days.

Outdoor Wii footy, and;

Private hire options, including; reserve a table - £25.00 for up to 8 people. Includes 8 bottles of Carlsberg; and waiter service, 30 minutes before and throughout the match, reserve the Snug - £60.00 for up to 20 people, includes 20 bottles of Carlsberg and waiter service, 30 minutes before and throughout the match; or reserve the Salmon Room - £100.00 for up to 35 people – includes 35 bottles of Carlsberg and waiter service, 30 minutes before and throughout the match. Add a buffet for £5 per person.

Special World Cup Buffets from just £5.00 a head – check out here.

So don't give soulless corporate bloaters like Wetherspoons all your cash, come join us and your fellow connoisseurs at the Lass!

How we spoil you....

Vworp 3 – Details of this year’s Doctor Who Con at the Lass announced!

Yes, it's that time of year again and I'm thrilled to announce we're back for our third annual Doctor Who pubcon at the Lass O'Gowrie.

Taking place on Sunday, July 18th as part of our inaugural fringe festival in the Lass (Lassfest), our theme this year is 'six of the best'. Essentially, our assembled guests will take us on a journey through their six favourite things about their time of Doctor Who - beit a person, a character, a scene - whatever they fancy really. As it's us, you can bet we'll be using all the technology at our disposal and with our good pals at Kasterborous will be streaming and harvesting questions via twitter to boot.

MC'd by the great John Cooper, guests announced to date (subject to availability, fingers crossed) include Terrance Dicks, Andrew Cartmel, Dez Skinn, Rob Shearman and John Cooper performing his One Man Doctor Who for the first time ever with more guests to be confirmed in the weeks ahead!

Naturally, our fine pies and ale will be available throughout the day and with only 50 tickets being made available, the relaxed atmosphere you've all come to know and love will be retained, no fear.

Tickets cost £19.50 a head and are exclusively available online from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/83302.

New Buffet Menus Coming your Way!

Nat’s been spring cleaning the buffet menus so get set for better, bulker homemade goodies, including;

Homemade standard Buffet @ £7.00 per head.

Spicy Chicken Wings

BBQ Spare Ribs

Brie and Bacon Rocket Salad

Tomato Chutney and Cheddar Cheese Bruschettas (v)

Potato Salad(v)

Fat Chips(v)

Crudités and Pita Bread with humus, Chutney and Lemon Mayo.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese on French toast.

Lass O’ Gowrie Cooking Pots@ £5.00 per head (minimum people 10)

Choose from;

Chicken Curry served with Nan Bread and Rice

OR

Beef Chilli served with Rice and Tacos.

OR

Lamb Hot Pot served with Bread and Butter with Pickled Red Cabbage.

The new buffet is available as a handy PDF here. Please note - 48 hours notice is required for a cooking pot or buffet. Variations may be available on request. Email info@thelass.co.uk to make your booking or call 0161 27369432.

May 2010

Lassfest update

We’re still working on this, but it looks like we’ll be treating you to three weeks of arts, culture and entertainment from 12th July to 2nd August. More information to be released late June, but steel yourself for Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer, the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre, Dez Skinn, How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse and more.

Check out www.lassfest.co.uk from late June for more info.

Lass O’Gowrie voted in top 3 pubs by Manchester Evening News readers

Well, we missed out in the end but thanks to everyone who took the time to vote. Congratulations to Bury’s Pack Horse Inn!

Lass O’Gowrie FC Update

A creditable fourth place for the boys after a long season might not have felt like adequate reward for the League’s pacesetters for so long, but we’re proud regardless – especially when you consider the team is less than one year old.

Lass O’Gowrie Athletic General Manager Alan Roberts has done a brilliant job and we’re already looking forward to next year, including whispers of a second team!

The Lass STILL needs you! Please vote for us in the Observer Food Monthly Awards.

Just a quick note to ask people to help get us nominated in the Observer Food Monthly Awards. We're keen to see if we can get listed in the 'Best Cheap Eats' and 'Best Place to Drink' categories and as ever, every vote helps!

It is really very easy to nominate (much easier than with the Manchester Evening News) and takes a few minutes, max. As ever, if we win a big party for all beckons!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/observer-food-monthly-awards

Arcade Machine Update

Another month, another fault, but better than normal.

On the positive side, monitor snags on NARC and Quartet have now been fixed so they’re good to go. We’ve also picked up a multi-game board for one of the tables, giving you a choice of 72 classic games. On the negative side Donkey Kong and Asteroids remain in sick bay.

WART Show moves to the Third Sunday in the Month

Don’t forget, the WART Show – our brilliant sketch comedy show has now moved to downstairs in the pub on the third Sunday of the month from 7:30pm.

More info on this five star award winning show can be found over at http://www.citylife.co.uk/comedy/event_review/40128_, whilst you can join their fast growing Facebook Group over at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=79021890328

Computer Club now in the Snug, Last Tuesday of the Month

Just a quick reminder that we’re still here, but now in the cosy confines of the Snug instead of the Salmon Rooms. Enjoy!

Eurocon sells out in record time!

Amazingly, Eurocon – a dedicated retro gaming weekend has sold out in less than 2 weeks! Don’t lose hope though, as we understand that a limited number of tickets may be available on the door.

Other treats at this keenly anticipated retro gaming festival include an appearance by legendary Ocean cover artist Bob Wakelin and comedian Dan Willis performing his show 'Control Alt Delete: the funny side of computers, fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival.

March 2010

New Menu launched!

We’ve given the menu a right good spring cleaning as the nights get lighter! Treats include our own bespoke chutneys and relishes, gourmet burgers, new pies and sandwiches as well as an incredible new value for money range of light bites for just £2.50 a head.

Even better, to tempt you lovely people back in we’re offering 20% off the menu from March 265th to April 8th. All you have to do is download this voucher, print it off and hand it in at the bar.

Download our current menu here.

The Lass Needs You! Vote for the Lass as your Manchester Evening News Pub of the Year

As many of you may know, the Lass is already Pub of the Year in the Manchester Food and Drink Awards. However, we’re also in the hunt now for the Manchester Evening News Pub of the Year and need your vote!

Detail on the initiative is in the below link, but basically the top 3 voted pubs will... get through to final judging so every vote helps.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/name_your_pub_of_the_year

All that is required is to go to the link below, register for an MeN passport (making sure they get the date of birth in DD/MM/YEAR format and address and tick for non-spam) and click to vote.

Doctor Who LIVE on the Big Screen – Saturday, April 3rd

It's the Eleventh Hour and you're all cordially invited to a screening of Matt Smith's debut as the Doctor in the Lass O'Gowrie, Manchester!

We've put on a few Who events now in the past few years (Vworp Vworp! A mini-con looking at the Doctor Who comics in October 2008 and NovelCon looking at the Who novels a few months ago) and are confident this one will be a corker, as we'll be using all our big screens and pub system to create a fantastic atmosphere befitting the end of an era. We'll also pop confidential on after! It's free to attend, however its' first come, first served. Under 16's are fine to attend, but must be accompanied by an adult. You'll also have the chance to enjoy our Magners Award nominated comedy night - Jokein at 8:30pm straight after, so it's a whole evening to enjoy!

Food will be available in the day (our pies are the stuff of legend), so people are encouraged to get in early to tuck in, secure a seat and relax. Piccadilly Station and Oxford Road Station are both within easy walking distance, with Chorlton Street Bus Station just as close and parking plentiful on the road outside the pub.

So, if seeing in Matt Smith in Greater Manchester's current Food and Drink Pub of the Year appeals, please feel free to come and join us. More information on the pub, as ever can be found at www.thelass.co.uk.

February 2010

New Menu is incoming on March 13th

Well, it’s that time of year again where we dust off the menu and give things a gentle shake. So, coming late Feb, Nat, Dee and Colin will be unveiling their latest creations for your delectation!

New pies, brunch, innovative snacks, homemade chutneys and more! Let us know what you think...

Weekend Brunch at the Lass is coming

Yes, from mid March we’ll be open for our tasty breakfasts from 10am at weekends. So, whether you’ve stopped over, can’t be bothered cooking or fancy something to line your stomach before the big game we’ll be here for you at the Lass.

Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre Returns to the Lass

They’re back! Yes, darlings of the Edinburgh Festival, the marvellous Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre return to the Lass on the evening of Thursday, 11th March in a double bill with old favourites the WART Show. And here’s the best bit – the gig is absolutely FREE (how we spoil you)!

The show starts at 8pm, although space is limited on a first come, first served basis so be in early to grab your seats for a top drawer evening of comedy and song!

Aside from a host of videos on YouTube, more information on the Socks can be found at http://www.myspace.com/scottishfalsetto whilst the five City Life star rated WART Show can be found over at their fast growing Facebook group http://pa-in.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&viewas=0&gid=79021890328 .

Denier miss it!

Mr. B, the Gentleman Rhymer is BACK!

More great news, with perennial Lass favourite Mr. B returning to his northern seat for another set of his distinctive ‘chap hop’ sounds crafted for our delectation. A five star ‘Forever Manchester’ winner on his debut back in the Summer, his FREE gig (again, how we spoil you) will take place on the evening Thursday, 13th May and early attendance is strongly urged as we always pack out for this!

Aside from a host of videos on YouTube (including, my personal favourite; ‘let me smoke my pipe!’), more information on this legend of chap hop and all round ‘good egg’ can be found at http://www.myspace.com/mrbthegentlemanrhymer. Additionally, you are urged to join his fast growing Facebook group over at http://www.myspace.com/mrbthegentlemanrhymer .

Pip pip!

Quentin Reynolds Fantastic Psychic Game Show Returns....

Another welcome return this month!

Quentin Reynolds presents his one-man show The Psychic Game Show at The Lass O'Gowrie, 36 Charles Street, Manchester M1 7DB on Monday 15th and 22nd February at 8pm. Tickets are £5.

Presented in game show format, Quentin and his audience will explore the psychic and the paranormal, using intuition, hunches, psychometry and telepathy. The show promises to leave audiences both laughing and amazed, and there's the chance to win prizes too! Reviewing Quentin's show in The Irish Independent, Nick Kelly wrote: "If you're the kind of person who thinks that people like Uri Geller should be beaten with a sharp spoon, Quentin Reynolds show will have you reaching for the cutlery only so that you can eat humble pie." Experience a fun and amazing evening.

Advance bookings please phone 0161 2364452. Pay on the night. Reserved seats must be claimed by 7.50pm. More information on Quentin and his brilliant set can be found at http://www.psychicgameshow.com/ .

Doctor Who 2010 Premiere at the Lass?

Well with all the indications are that the new Doctor Who will debut on Saturday, April 3rd we’ll be hoping to show the episode live on our big screens as we did with the End of Time. Now obviously this will depend on a lot of things, not notably a confirmation of the date, the football and any timing implications for our excellent comedy night but this aside – rest assured we’re keen to do something to mark this new era!

You can enjoy the latest trailer for the new series and Doctor over at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpbmMhNe6aA

World Cup inches nearer...

Yes, we’ve not forgotten and as usual – you can expect only the very best from the Lass. Expect a return for our well received ‘in your own language’ initiative, with as many of the matches as possible shown in the native language of one or both of the matches, special food, open air screenings on the balcony, private hire options for the Salmon Rooms and Snug and themed entertainment to boot.

We can’t wait!

LassFest is coming your way in July!

We had such a blast with the Not Part of Festival last Summer, we’ve decided to do something of our own this year in its’ absence. Although it’s early days, expect theatre, comedy, screenings, our third Doctor Who convention, a comics con, music, an ale festival and much much more for the whole month of July.

We’ll be back to fill you in as soon as we have the details!

Lass O’Gowrie Athletic FC Update

Still top of the league as we write, but a testing match awaits in the Cup with Moss Side. Keep up with us at www.masfl.co.uk !

Arcade Machine Update

Another month, another fault. Bomb Jack is fixed and up and running and Tiger Heli, whilst still intermittent seems to be largely OK. On the downside though, Donkey Kong has a fault with horizontal hold and I’ve still not had the chance to get the monitors sent off for our Neo Geo and Quartet.

Still, we do have a new arrival to report – the rare and decidedly 80’s NARC. A beast of a machine, and personal favourite from my youth in Llandudno, NARC was one of the first ultra-violent video games and a frequent target of parental criticism of the arcade game industry. The object is to arrest and kill drug offenders, confiscate their money and drugs, and defeat "Mr. Big".

More information on NARC can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NARC_(video_game) . Don’t forget, Computer Club is held on the last Tuesday of the month at the Lass, whilst details on EUROCON – Europe’s finest and oldest retro gaming event due at the Lass in September can be found at http://www.eurocon.info/index.htm .

December 2009

Watch the final David Tennant Doctor Who adventure Live at the Lass on New Years Day!

It's the end of time and you're all cordially invited to a screening of the Tennant finale in the Lass O'Gowrie, Manchester!

We've put on a few Who events now in the past few years (Vworp Vworp! A mini-con looking at the Doctor Who comics in October 2008 and NovelCon looking at the Who novels a few months ago) and are confident this one will be a corker, as we'll be using all our big screens and pub system to create a fantastic atmosphere befitting the end of an era. We'll also pop confidential on after! It's free to attend, however its' first come, first served. Under 16's are fine to attend, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Food will be available in the day, so people are encouraged to get in early to tuck in, secure a seat and relax. We're planning a special roast and our pies are legendary! Piccadilly Station and Oxford Road Station are both within easy walking distance, with Chorlton Street Bus Station just as close and parking plentiful on the road outside the pub. We've also had a look at the train situation at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ and they look plentiful on New Years Day (for instance, here's a selection from Liverpool http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/en/pj/tt), so hopefully no worries on that front.

So, if seeing out Tennant in Greater Manchester's current Food and Drink Pub of the Year appeals, please feel free to come and join us. More information on the pub, as ever can be found at www.thelass.co.uk.

Christmas Opening Times

Just a quick reminder that the Lass will not be open every day over the festive period. After all, our elves need to recharge too! So, we’ll be open and closed as follows;

23rd December Open as normal (kitchen open)

Christmas Eve CLOSED

Christmas Day CLOSED

Boxing day Open from 5pm (kitchen closed)

27th December Open as normal (kitchen open)

28th December Open as normal (kitchen open)

29th December Open as normal (kitchen open)

30th December Open as normal (kitchen open)

New Years Eve Closed

New Years Day Open as normal (kitchen open)

2nd January Open as normal

In addition, limited Kitchen hours will apply for the first week of January. So, have a great Christmas and remember to come and see us in the New Year!

Lass O’Gowrie Athletic FC Update

As we write, Lass O’Gowrie Athletic FC are still top of the league. It’s a hard fought campaign but we feel the lads deserve it! The league table can be viewed in all its’ majesty at http://www.masfl.co.uk/leaguetable.pl?div=5206&age=all , and you can keep up with all the action at the official Lass FC website at http://lassogowrie.yolasite.com/news.php or at the official Facebook group.

EuroCon Website now LIVE

EuroCon 2010 may seem a long time away, but it’s only September 2010 when we’ll be inviting the cream of Europe’s gamers to the Lass for a dedicated retro video gaming weekend. The site has now gone live, so pop over to http://www.eurocon.info/ for all the latest developments.

Lass O’Gowrie Inducted into Elite UK “Head Brewers Club”

Very exciting is this. The Lass has been inducted into an elite group of real ale dreadnaughts, selected personally by John Bexton – Head Brewer of Greene King. Not only are we the only pub listed in the north west, but we are also one of only six in the whole north of England. Coming on top of our recent success in the Manchester Food and Drink Awards, it’s another feather in our cap!

So; what exactly is the Head Brewer’s Club? Greene King’s Head Brewer John Bexon, explains.

”It’s a collection of some of our best Greene King cask ale pubs – chosen by me and the quality team from our wonderful assortment of tenanted and leased pubs. They vary enormously in style, from fine food specialists to historic country inns to thriving community locals, but what they all have in common is a real passion for quality Greene King ale.

Good cask ale pubs are plentiful, but great ones are few and far between. The Head Brewer’s Club indicates a selection of the great Greene King pubs and the point is to highlight them for the benefit of pub goers and ale enthusiasts. When served in great condition, cask beer is the best drink in the world. It’s a fresh product, unique to the pub and just fantastic! Real beer, with its wholesome ingredients including malted barley, hops, water and live yeast finishes maturing not in the brewery, but in the pub cellar, so we brewers rely on the pub landlord or landlady to complete the brewing process and to achieve and present the perfect Greene King pint. The Club offers deserved recognition to the licensees who go that one step further when it comes to cask beer”

We can all drink to that!

More information on the Head Brewers Club can be found at http://www.headbrewersclub.co.uk/

Arcade Machine Update

Another month, another fault! Yes, Donkey Kong is fixed and well, although the Donkey Kong 2 chip has a fault (grrrr!). Also Tiger Heli has a fault now and the monitors for Quartet and a new Neo Geo machine upstairs have also developed faults. Not to worry, though – we’re getting them mended in January so I’ll be back to let you know how we’re diddling then.

October 2009

The Lass wins “Best Pub” at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards!

Well that was a bit of a shock if we’re being honest! But still thrilled nonetheless.

Yes, the Lass IS Pub of the Year 2009/10 as voted for by the lovely and wise judges from the Manchester Food and Drink Festival. The award was collected by the management team of General Manager Lisa Davies and Assistant Manager Natassia Measom from formerLass regular John Thomson and is a testament to the hard work put in by all over the past few years in restoring this lovely old pub back to her rightful place at the pantheon of Manchester boozers. We even opened the pub back up until the wee hours of the morning for a night that will be long remembered!

The official announcement was posted at http://www.foodanddrinkfestival.com/awards, whilst, here’s what the lovely folk at the Manchester Evening News had to say about it all hhttp://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/showbiz/s/

The story was also picked up by http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp? and even featured in the official match programme of QPR v Reading, reflecting out longstanding relationship with the R’s and their wonderful fans.

So; thanks to all who voted and showed faith in us. We promise not to let you down over the next year.

2009 Christmas Menus now available

Yes, it’s that time already, and unlike many of our competitors, this year's offering is real value for money for some of the best home-cooked fayre in the city!

We'll even crack out some board games for you at the close of proceedings. As usual, we are pleased to offer the Snug as a discreet and exclusive venue for parties between 12 and 16 and, as a first are now able to offer larger parties of up to 30 seated at the rear of the pub in our new be-draped saloon or in our brand new first floor function room, complete with private bar of required (additional fees may apply).

This year we have three menus available giving you flexibility and more importantly a quality budget offer.

First up is out three course Victorian Feast. Priced at £13.50 a head, this homecooked treat from Nat and her team features mulled wine, a choice of roasts or our own special veggie pie and sweet and savoury afters. Click here to download a handy PDF and booking form.

We also have a lovely Festive Buffet priced at £9.99 a head which is perfect for larger parties who want the freedom to drink and chat! Click here to download a handy PDF and booking form.

Finally, in recognition that times are hard we are pleased to introduce our new Pauper’s Christmas menu. At just £5.95 for two courses of wholesome Lass O’Gowrie Christmas goodness (including our gorgeous Turkey Blanquette, Hodge Podge or Winter Veg Stew), crackers an all, you SHALL go to the ball! Once more, click here to download a handy PDF and booking form.

Dates are getting snapped up quick, so don't delay! And yes, that includes Mad Friday...

Mr. B and the WART Show FREE DOUBLE BILL on Thursday 29th October!

This is seriously NOT to be missed – a five star bill at the Lass. For free! On the 29th October we have a double bill extravaganza, with the W.A.R.T Show, hosted by Lee Fenwick and Peter Slater, this character comedy night show cases all the amazing characters that Manchester’s comedians have to offer. Check out their 5 star award winning review over at http://www.citylife.co.uk/comedy/reviews/16787_the_w_a_r_t_show.

Following that, we’re thrilled to welcome back the fabulous Mr. B – Gentleman Rhymer. High priest of chap-hop, if you've never heard of this colossal talent, he's a true one off - check out the following to see where we're coming from.

http://www.myspace.com/mrbthegentlemanrhymer

And, of course Mr. B’s 5 star award winning turn from Summer 2009 at the Lass. http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/event_review/42763__mr_b.

From 8pm. Early attendance essential!

EUROCON 2010 is coming to the Lass O’Gowrie

Very exciting is this. From Friday 3rd September – Sunday 5th September, the Lass O’Gowrie will be hosting EUROCON – one of Europe’s longest established retro gaming weekenders. Currently being staged in Vienna in October 2009, we’re thrilled to be bringing the 10th (and we hope biggest and best) Eurocon to Manchester.

With Manchester being the birthplace of the modern computer and the Lass doing her bit with our vintage arcade games and monthly Computer Club gaming nights we feel honoured by the challenge of hosting such a great event, and look forward to welcoming the cream of Europe’s gamers to our humble pub!

Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre to headline Jokein’s 2nd birthday on Saturday, 7th November

Crumbs – where does the time go? On Saturday, 7th of November “Jokein” (our award nominated monthly comedy night) will be celebrating its 2nd birthday. So in accordance with the big celebration we’ve delved deep into our book of contacts to deliver a cracking line up for you!

Mc’d by the brilliant Colin Connor, our lineup includes the excellent Joe Lycett, Marcus Shufflebottom (who was fabulous in our Summer Open Spot competition), old pal Charlie Ross whose interactive show is not to be missed and best of all - the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre.

Who, you say? Only the most novel act you’ll ever see, it’s no exaggeration to say that once you’ve seen the Socks, you’re hooked for life. Don’t believe us? Check out http://www.myspace.com/scottishfalsetto . Genius!

We’ll also be celebrating our Pub of the Year Award that night, so a great night awaits...

Arcade machine update

Just a quick update. Donkey Kong is now fixed, well and back up and running. We also have a multi-game cab to keep you all amused over a pint or two. Best of all though, we’ve ordered the rom chips for Donkey Kong II – a US unofficial product that expands Donkey kong brilliantly as, as far as we know it – available nowhere else in the UK to play!

Check out http://www.arcadeshop.com/konghs_dk2/kongmultikit.htm for more info. How good is that?

Science Festival at the Lass O’Gowrie

Just a quick word on a couple of brilliant events we’re hosting as part of Manchester’s excellent Science Festival this October. In addition to being part of an interactive pub crawl and staging a special quiz, Friday 30th October from 6-7pm sees us hosting the intriguingly titled Drunk in Time.

Not the much awaited second volume of Tom Baker’s autobiography we hasten to add, but rather an opportunity to broaden your cultural horizons with a trip to the pub as you join historian James Sumner on a light-headed stagger through scientific understandings of alcohol since 1600.

Now that’s what we call science!

Check out http://www.manchestersciencefestival.com/whatson/calendar/ for more info.

New for November – Quentin Reynolds Psychic Game Show

This is something brand new for us, we must confess!

Reynolds presents his one-man show The Psychic Game Show at The Lass on Monday 9th, 16th and 23rd 30th November at 8pm. Presented in game show format, Quentin and his audience will explore the psychic and the paranormal, using intuition, hunches, psychometry and telepathy. The show promises to leave audiences both laughing and amazed, and there's the chance to win prizes too!

Reviewing Quentin's show in The Irish Independent, Nick Kelly wrote: "If you're the kind of person who thinks that people like Uri Geller should be beaten with a sharp spoon, Quentin Reynolds show will have you reaching for the cutlery only so that you can eat humble pie."

Advance bookings please phone 0161 2364452. Pay on the night. Reserved seats must be claimed by 7.50pm. Tickets are £5. More details and directions: http://www.psychicgameshow.com .

NovelCon reflections

So our second Doctor Who PubCon has been and gone – this time, looking at the wonderful novels that taught so many of us impressionable kids of the 70’s and 80’s to read. We were pretty pleased with things from our perspective (despite the usual technical hitches – grrr!) and it was a delight to see so many brilliant story titles randomly generated (I liked the Red Taxidermist of Mars, but you can’t argue with the Sheer Tights of Pegasus either) and the big book of Fanw**k so brilliantly realised by John Cooper – our MC for the Day.

However, perhaps the best overview of the day is from prolific blogger Christian Cawley of the shire of Kasterborous, who had this to say of the day.

“Following on from the success of 2008’s Vworp Vworp Doctor Who comics event, the Lass O' Gowrie in Manchester was this year host to another intimate and friendly event – NovelCon, on October 11th.

Concentrating on the adventures of the Doctor in the Target, Virgin and BBC Books ranges, NovelCon boasted a range of guests that included new series scriptwriter Paul Cornell and classic series script editor Andrew Cartmel, not to mention BBC Books writers Simon Guerrier, Daniel Blythe and head honcho Justin Richards. Also in attendance were Peter Anghelides, Dale Smith, Martin Day, Paul Magrs, Steve Lyons, Mark Morris and Mark Michalowski.

Having enjoyed PubCon 1: Vworp Vworp in October 2008, I decided early on to make the trip from the North East wing of Kasterborous Towers all the way down to Manchester to take part – I had been invited to chair a panel featuring Paul Cornell, and it was a good opportunity to catch up with organiser Gareth “Professor Peach” Kavanagh and Kasterborous designer Anthony Dry who would also be attending.

With a few family related influences taking a priority, it turned out that travelling to NovelCon would be more than a train ride to and from Manchester (although holding the event on a Sunday had also precluded that mode of travel). In the event my wife and I turned the trip into a weekend, stopping at relatives on the way and treating it as a welcome break from the day to day grind back at home.

That’s right, Ceri came to her first Doctor Who event – and I’m still astonished to say that as a non-fan she wasn’t bored. I can only put this down to the quality of the guests and the engaging subject matter; the readings went down well, particularly Daniel Blythe's excerpt from Autonomy.

Following the intelligent and in depth form of the previous comic event, NovelCon featured a series of panels each with a particular topic for discussion. Subjects included canonicity of the range, continuity, the role of the novels during “the wilderness years” and so forth, and each panel was greeted with enthusiasm and good humour by both the guests and the audience. Panels were chaired by comedians Charlie Ross, John Cooper and landlord Gareth Kavanagh, plus yours truly.

As you may have read here on Kasterborous, on Paul Cornell’s blog or elsewhere we had intended to stream each the panels online via the ustream.tv website as well as provide a live Twitter feed. Sadly problems were encountered and although some viewers got vision AND sound (wow!) it wasn’t a huge success. Although the Twitter feed worked largely without a problem, the video streaming failure lead to Twitter being put on the backburner. There is every chance that this experiment will be tried again in future however, hopefully with a lot more success!

Praise has to go to Gareth Kavanagh and his team of foxy barstaff who have once again provided a great venue for the event; Gareth in particular has juggled running a business and studying with organising this event (and I daresay many others) and his efforts should be greatly appreciated and lauded by anyone who has been to one of these “pubcon” events.

Finally, huge congratulations to everyone involved with The Lass O'Gowrie - they won Manchester Pub of the Year the next day! If that doesn't convince you to pay a visit to the next Doctor Who themed event, nothing will...”

More on Christian as ever can be found at http://www.kasterborous.com/news.asp?ac=11&id=2962

New Menu for Autumn launches

New season, new menu from Nat and Davina! So it’s a new pie, welcome back to old favourites like our famous Hotpot and some new treats like our wholesome homemade stew.

Click here to view a PDF of our current menu. Don’t forget; our food is available seven days a week! Reservations and pre-orders can be made by email or by phone 0161 273 6932. Daily specials always available!

Lass O’Gowrie Athletic FC update

It’s still going well as we speak. Still undefeated in the League and deservedly top of the table as I write in late October. But as we all know, leagues aren’t won in October and some tricky ties await – especially with the impressive Motown.

However, you can still keep up with how we’re doing at the official site over at http://lassogowrie.yolasite.com/ and over at the facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=88019183805&ref=ts .

Official Lass O’Gowrie Facebook Group launches

Oh and finally, why not pop in and say hi at the official new Lass O’Gowrie facebook group over at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=185511564553&ref=

September 2009

Lass O’Gowrie shortlisted for Pub of the Year in the Manchester Food and Drink Awards!

We've just found out my pub, The Lass O'Gowrie been nominated for best Pub in the Manchester Food and Drink Awards. Needless to say, we're the underdogs but every dog has its’ day! So, if like us you love the Lass - you can help us out by voting for us - http://www.foodanddrinkfestival.com/awards, or posting a review at either http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/11/1144/Lass_OGowrie (don't forget to stick it to the morons who hate the computers on the walls, mind) or http://www.qype.co.uk/place/153967-Lass-O-Gowrie-Manchester.

Help strike a blow for good pies, footy, decent ale, art, comics and free retro gaming we say. And please circulate this request as widely as possible (alongside a lovely PDF of Colin Brockhurst’s brilliant Vote the Lass PDF - every little helps!

NovelCon: A one day event celebrating the Doctor Who Novels at the Lass O’Gowrie, Manchester, Sunday, 11th October

Join us for a day of ale, chat and debate about one of the world’s greatest literary heroes – the Doctor. With a host of authors along for the ride, dive headlong into a celebration of these bold full-length science fiction novels; stories too broad and deep for the small screen, which would take the TARDIS into unexplored realms of time and space.

We did one of these last year on the Doctor Who comic strips (Vworp Vworp! See here for more http://www.paulcornell.com/search/label/Lass%20O%27Gowrie) and this one promises to be just as much fun and as informal as ever.

Weighty topics we will be debating include ‘guns v frocks’, ‘BBC v Virgin’, ‘past Doctors - what's the point?’, ‘roots of the TV revival - begged, borrowed and stolen?’, ‘bigger and broader - are the books the real home of Doctor Who?’ and ‘a question on canonicity - was it all a dream?

We have a superb list of guests confirmed to date (subject to work commitments) including Paul Magrs, Mark Morris, Mark Michalowski, Steve Lyons, Paul Dale-Smith, Andrew Cartmel, David McIntee, Daniel Blythe, Justin Richards, Simon Guerrier, Martin Day, Trevor Baxendale, David McIntee, Paul Cornell and Gary Russell.

We’ve had a lovely custom flyer designed by Colin Brockhurst (http://www.colinbrockhurst.co.uk) which, brilliantly depicts all the authors in suitable poses. Download them front and back to see if you can guess who’s who!

Tickets cost £14.00 a bargainous head and are available only from wegottickets online at http://www.wegottickets.com/event/54747 . The day will run from 10am - 6pm at the Lass O’Gowrie, Manchester on Sunday, 11th October. Kids are welcome, but under 14’s need to be accompanied by an adult.

Lass O’Gowrie Athletic FC off to a flyer

Well, I’d say overall you can’t moan at the start we’ve had. Won the majority of our friendlies (including victories against several Premiership outfits I might add!), a 7-2 whupping of our close city centre neighbours and MFDF Pub of the Year rivals – the Briton’s Protection and beaten on penalties in the semi-final of the Diamond Cup by the eventual winners (Paul Heaton’s Hardly Athletic). Not bad for a team that didn’t exist 4 months ago!

But that’s all gone now and the season kicks off for real for our lads on Sunday, 13th September and first up are the Old Ashburnians AFC. The match is played at Turn Moss, Chorlton (pitch 5) and kick-off is at 11:15am.

But don’t feel left out. There’s not enough community in the city centre is you ask us, and Lass O’Gowrie Athletic is 100% for and of the community. Training is led by the management team of Allan Roberts and Colin Connor, and held at the Platt Lane training complex on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings (match schedule permitting). We’re always on the lookout for players of all abilities, whether you just want to train or play – we’ve got room for you!

Thanks as ever to Allan and Colin for keeping the show on the road, and we’ll be back in to update you all from time to time. Why not pop in to say hi to the lads at the Lass O’Gowrie Athletic FC Facebook group over at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=88019183805&ref=ts .

More information on the Manchester Amateur Sunday Football League can be found at http://www.masfl.co.uk/, with our league table available for (hopefully) pleasant viewing at http://www.masfl.co.uk/leaguetable.pl?div=5206&age=all

Mr. B - the Gentleman Rhymer and his unique brand of ‘Chap Hop’ returns to the Lass – 29.10.09

You loved him! You demanded an encore! We agreed.

Yes, hot on the heels of his five star award winning gig in July, Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer is returning to the Lass on the 29th October 2009. Expect more of the same brilliant chap-hoppery and some brand new tracks to boot!

Not sure what the fuss is all about? Check out this 5 star review from City Life!
http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/event_review/42763__mr_b
More info on the Gentleman Rhymer (including a taste of his genius tracks – we love lets smoke the pipe personally!) can be found as ever at http://www.myspace.com/mrbthegentlemanrhymer and over at http://www.facebook.com/pages/MrB-The-Gentleman-Rhymer/97952090306

Christmas is a comin’

Crumbs, that’s come round fast again? Yes, the Lass O’Gowrie’s Christmas feast menu and our new festive buffet will be launched in late September so watch this space. Nat and Davina have been busily putting the finishing touches to this year’s offer so expect some Victorian and traditional treats.

Last year the premium dates all booked up in record time and we’re expecting things to be no different this time round. Remember, we have a variety of spaces available, including Vegas on Medlock, the Snug, Velveted Saloon and the Salmon Rooms all available for use. Details on our spaces is available here.

We got even more spirits than normal! The Pathfinder Paranormal Society sign up to the Lass

Depending on who you speak to, there’s something spooky at the Lass. We’ve had members of staff swear blind there’s a ghost, whilst others are unsure. However, given the vast age of our lovely old pub, it’s got to be a possibility so with that in mind, we are delighted to welcome the Pathfinder Paranormal Society to the Lass as regular guests.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month, run from 8pm ‘til 10.30pm and, are completely free of charge to attend. The group was founded in February 2005 and its main goal was to investigate the paranormal with like minded, serious people. And serious they are about their work too, and have on occasion been called into locations to clear places of bad spirits and negative energies!

They’ve already undertaken a preliminary investigation late one night which has uncovered a host of spirits, suggesting the Lass is one haunted pub! They promise to dig deeper over the next few months, so we’ll keep you all informed.

More information on the Pathfinder Paranormal Society can be found at
http://www.pathfinderpi.co.uk/index.php?sid=
Console Combat Success and EUROCON 2010 Coming to the Lass

Well that was fun. A dedicated retro video gaming weekend at the Lass in the depths of Summer! The programming outside had to be seen to be believed!

Thanks to all that made the pilgrimage. Some info on the event, for posterity can be found at http://www.consolecombat.co.uk/ with some fabulous pictures available for your viewing pleasure over at;
http://www.stairwaytohell.com/sthforums/viewtopic.php? http://www.stairwaytohell.com/sthforums/viewtopic.php?
And in a great bit of news, the Lass will be hosting another gaming event next October in the form of EUROCON!

For those who don’t know, Eurocon is a annual convention for the classic game enthusiasts who gather together for playing, selling, trading, chatting, socializing, laughing and drinking beer (or wine or...). A typical Eurocon weekend will usually include gaming contests, a sale and trade session (also open to the public) an auction, a quiz, a "show and tell" session (where a collector talks about a centerpiece of their collection) and more.

More info on the 2009 Eurocon in Austria giving a taste of what to expect can be found at http://www.eurocon.info/ . Don’t forget for those who still need their retro fix – free arcade games are here to enjoy at the Lass every day, whilst our free monthly retro gaming night – Computer Club is held on the last Tuesday of every month!

Lass O’Gowrie Productions Sweep the Board in the Not Part of Festival Awards

For those who were there, you’ll know that this July saw something very special at the Lass; namely, 3 weeks of plays, performances, music and comedy as part of the brilliant Not Part of Festival (http://www.notpartof.org). For those not in the know, the Not Part of is, in their own words Manchester’s most inclusive edgy arts festival which provides the people of Manchester with access to up and coming acts from the worlds of art, theatre, music, readings, chap-hop and more.

By our estimation, we provided nearly 25% of the total performances of the programme. But it’s not about quantity, but quality we hear you say! Well, we had plenty of that too.

In fact, out of the five City Life 5 star reviews awarded (and duly rewarded with a Forever Manchester Award), four were for productions staged at the Lass. These included, the incomparable Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer (a genius exponent of Chap Hop, returning this 29th October to the Lass, check out http://www.myspace.com/mrbthegentlemanrhymer for more detail), the W.A.R.T Show (superb character sketch comedy from Peter Slater and Lee Fenwick staged on the second Thursday of every month at the Lass, we might add! Check out ), Kate Rothwell’s Good Hidings and Meanwhile –a debut play from the supremely talented Colin Connor.

City Life reviews for this brilliant quartet and many more of the marvellous performances from the Lass are available below.

http://www.citylife.co.uk/comedy/reviews/16787_the_w_a_r_t_show

http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/event_review/42763__mr_b

http://www.citylife.co.uk/arts/reviews/16840__meanwhile

http://www.citylife.co.uk/theatre_dance/theatre/reviews/

http://www.citylife.co.uk/comedy/reviews/16849_standing_up

http://www.citylife.co.uk/comedy/reviews/16818_eddie_hoo_review

http://www.citylife.co.uk/comedy/reviews/16817_mick_sergeant_review

http://www.citylife.co.uk/comedy/reviews/16812

http://www.citylife.co.uk/comedy/reviews/16770_jokein_review

http://www.citylife.co.uk/theatre_dance/theatre/reviews/16786

http://www.citylife.co.uk/theatre_dance/theatre/reviews/16727

Thanks again to Lisa Davies and Colin Connor for making this happen. Roll on the next one, we can’t wait!

I Love Bikes - Film Nights at the Lass

Following our successful screenings of the final stages of the Tour de France, the good people at I Bike MCR have come up with a brilliant concept. Screening of bike movie classics in the Salmon Rooms over a convivial half!

For those who don’t know, I Bike Manchester is a group of cyclists that basically love to ride. They don't do this for a job, nor do they get any funding other than bits to pay for equipment etc. for our events. They organise for themselves, for each other and by organising stuff they want to do we hope that others who like what they see will join us and organise with us stuff that they like to do too.

The seeds of this great idea simply lay in suggestions from members about how great it would be to snug up someplace and watch bike films with a beer? Well now every month people have that opportunity, what's more they can help choose the films!!! The Lass O Gowrie not only have delicious ales but they also have a snug room upstairs with a big screen that we can watch well ace films on for FREE. Everyone Welcome

The dates for the screenings are:

Monday 5th October at 7pm: BELLEVILLE RENDEZVOUS

Even if you have already seen the film "a single viewing can barely do justice to this richly detailed and often playfully macabre adventure." (BBC Film Review)...come and watch it again!”.

If you haven't seen it: "This animated adventure from Sylvain Chomet is a graphic delight and a triumph of invention. Effortlessly combining slapstick, character quirk and nos."

"Its plot involves the diminutive, club-footed Madame Souza preparing her orphaned grandson, Champion, to be a world-beating cyclist by personally supervising his arduous training regime. During the mountain stage of the Tour de France, Champion is kidnapped by black-suited men from the French mafia and whisked across the Atlantic to the city of Belleville. (Belleville is an amalgam of New York, Quebec and Montreal, and is stunningly designed by art director Evgeni Tomov.)"

From then on it will be the first Monday of the month:

Monday 2nd November: Breaking Away - "The Italians are coming!" Dave, nineteen, has just graduated high school, with his 3 friends, The comical Cyril, the warm hearted but short-tempered Moocher, and the athletic, spiteful but good-hearted Mike. Now, Dave enjoys racing bikes and hopes to race the Italians one day, and even takes up the Italian culture, much to his friends and parents annoyance. While meanwhile, the 4 friends try to break away from their townie, Indiana reputation while fighting with nearby college snobs.

Monday 7th December at 7pm: The Flying Scotsman - In my opinion one of the best films ever made. The Flying Scotsman is a feature film based on the remarkable true story of Scottish cyclist Graeme Obree. In 1993, and as an unemployed amateur, Obree broke the world one-hour record on a bike of his own revolutionary design, which he constructed out of scrap metal and parts of a washing machine

Monday 4th January at 7pm: La Course en tete (1974) - The Greatest Show on Earth - This brilliant documentary film shows the majestic beauty that is the Giro d-Italia Eddy Merckxs Molteni boss wept like a child in the arms of his beaming star who later on in the year went on to win cyclings magical triple crown when he won the Tour de France and the World Championships Experience the riders anguish and joy/the organizers difficulties and the adoring tifosis passion With stunning cinematography this epic film goes inside the Giros heart and soul from its opening sequence of the Pope blessing the riders through to the majestic power of Merckx Be amazed by his awesome battle with Gimondi to win his fifth Giro by a mere 12 seconds to equal the record held by Alfredo Binda and Fausto Coppi La Course en Tete - This outstanding film follows Belgian cycling star Eddy Merckx at the peak of his career through Europe's best races.

The I Bike Manchester guys also plan to be screening local shorts before the film, so if you have a bike related short film (less than 5 minutes) then please get in touch at http://www.ibikemcr.org.uk.

More information on the screenings can be found at http://www.ibikemcr.org.uk/?q=Bikefilms.

Lovely New Flyers!

We’ve gone and redesigned our logo and flyers.

Ena Sharples IS the Lass we say!

Pick of the litter, arguably is this fabulous recreation of a Spectrum cassette inlay which seems appropriately celebratory for our brilliant retro-gaming night on the last Tuesday of the month – Computer Club.

For more information on the brilliant designer behind this work – Colin Brockhurst go to http://www.colinbrockhurst.co.uk

New Menu en-route

Autumn is coming, and with it comes our seasonal menu tweak. Expect something in place by late September packed with all your seasonal faves, including hot pot!

Arcade Games Update

Well, it’s all change again. Bomb Jack has been and gone due to a catastrophic monitor failure and Donkey Kong remains in sick bay, although we have a European expert looking at the board in late September and hope to have good news soon after! Still, on the positive side, we are expecting delivery of a brand new videogame in September. Watch this space...

June 2009

Lass to play a major role in Manchester’s July ‘Not Part Of Festival

It’s like Christmas Eve over here! We’re very excited about this one.

As I’m sure some of you might be aware, the Not Part of Festival (www.notpartof.org) is, in their own words Manchester’s most inclusive edgy arts festival. Running alongside Manchester’s celebrated International Festival, the Not Part of Festival is a fantastic event which provides the people of Manchester with access to up and coming acts from the worlds of art, theatre, music, readings, the one and only Dez Skinn (see below), chap-hop and more. Right up our street in fact!

The full programme runs from 2nd - 17th July and, as you’d expect the Lass is in the thick of it, with something on 11 out of 17 days, the majority of which are free!

So; what do we have for you at the Lass? Well – let’s see...

The full programme can be downloaded at http://www.notpartof.org/NotPartofBrochureFinal.pdf with updates available always from www.notpartof.org and at www.thelass.co.uk.

Special thanks to our own Lisa Davies for all her effort in pulling together a brilliant set of events. Roll on July...!

Friday nights are Barbie nights at the Lass!

If you’re wandering past the pub on Friday nights, we GUARANTEE you won’t be able to resist popping in for a burger and a pint! Yes its BBQ time at the Lass every Friday evening!

Nat and her team have been busily cooking up some fabulous treats for you to enjoy, so why delay? With luck, we’ll also have music for you too – with luck the fabulous Nick Holmes Band whose chilled funky sounds are just perfect for an after-work chill-out on Vegas-on-Medlock.

Dez Skinn and Mr. B at the Lass

Organised by the team behind last October's brilliant Doctor Who Comics PubCon - Vworp Vworp!, the Lass O'Gowrie is proud to present an Audience with Dez Skinn on July 8th from 6:30pm, in conjunction with Quality Communications.

For those of you who don't know, aside from being the founding father of Doctor Who Weekly, Dez Skinn is a true British comic book and magazine legend.

Headhunted away from editing the UK MAD Magazine and House of Hammer for Warner Bros, he became editorial director for the UK arm of Marvel Comics, where he reported directly to Stan Lee and launched Doctor Who Weekly and Hulk Comic, among other titles. After leaving Marvel, for his own company, Quality Communications, he founded and edited the comics anthology Warrior which went on to win 17 Eagle Awards, introduce V for Vendetta and revive Marvelman/Miracleman. He then launched the comics trade magazine Comics International, which he published and edited for the following 16 years.

Dez was undoubtedly one of the stars of our Vworp Vworp! con at the Lass back in October, and we're genuinely chuffed to have Dez join us for a chat. Somewhere between the Jor El and Gene Hunt of comics, he's a one off is Dez. His Tom Baker and Alan Moore tales are worth the admission money alone!

Interviewing duties will be mainly handled by Who art supremo Adrian Salmon - aided and abetted by Gareth Kavanagh, so expect plenty of time on Dez's famed Hammer House of Horror comic from the 70's, Doctor Who Weekly, Warrior and more.

Tickets cost a bargainous £6.00 a head, with doors open from 6:30pm with the evening likely to end by 9pm at the latest. As an added treat, Dez will be followed by a free gig from the legendary Mr. B - Gentleman Rhymer. If you've never heard of this colossal talent, he's a true one off - check out the following to see where we're coming from.

http://www.myspace.com/mrbthegentlemanrhymer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3iLYxt8HtQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoVBc...eature=related
Tickets are available from the Pub in advance (just ask at the bar), or online via http://www.wegottickets.com/event/51874 or direct from Quality Communication's Ebay shop at http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...fvi%3D1&_rdc=1.
Please note; numbers for Dez Skinn are strictly limited to 30 attendees, so when we're sold out - that's it!

Update; Lass O’Gowrie Athletic FC

Things have been really motoring since we last let you in on Lass FC. The coaching team of Alan Roberts and Colin Connor have been working hard building a squad of willing and able players, and the indications are we have some great talent indeed!

Having settled on the Name of Lass O’Gowrie Athletic FC, we’ve applied for membership of the Manchester Amateur Sunday Football League. Check out www.masfl.co.uk to have a butchers at our new home!

Alan and Colin have now got the bones of a damn good squad with 20 brave souls now training every Sunday at Manchester City’s state of the art indoor training facility at Platt Lane. We’ve also started acquiring all the bits and bobs we need (nets, corner flags, balls, practice kit) which should mean a few friendlies with luck in the next few weeks.

Official kits should be with us come July, including a great new logo. Oh and with luck, a team picture not long after.

Anyone that wants to join, we’re always on the lookout for new talent. Give us an email if you fancy it!

“In your own language” update; UEFA U21 Championships and FIFA Confederations Cup

Starting with the excellent U21 championships, thus far, we’ve not been able to access quite as many foreign language feeds as we’d hoped. However, as things stand in early June, the following games will be shown in the following languages (obviously, if things change we’ll advise via our in-house posters).

Obviously, language availability for the semis (Friday, 26th June) and the final (Monday, 29th June) will depend on participants, but we’ll be more than chuffed if we can recreate the excellent atmosphere from last Summer’s brilliant Euro 2008.

Of course, should Engerland make it to the Semis, I wonder whether they’ll be led as magnificently as one Mike Bassett....

Another treat in store for June is the FIFA Confederations Cup - a tournament for national teams, currently held every four years by FIFA. The traditional curtain-raiser to the World Cup, it is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF), along with the World Cup winner and the host country (South Africa), to bring the number of teams up to eight.

As with the U21 Championships, we plan to show all the games where possible (and where demand dictates) in the native language of as many of the competitors as possible. Again, although limited at present we will do our utmost to improve the situation as (hopefully) more broadcasters come onboard.

Again, for your diaries the Semis are played on the Wed 24th/Thurs 25th June, with the Final being held on Sunday, 28th June.

Console Combat and Homebrew Coding Geekend update – 25th/26th July

Just a quick reminder that tickets are now on sale for our inaugural, dedicated retro gaming weekend pubcon.

For two days in July, the pub will be transformed into retro gaming central, with numerous classic arcade machines, computers and consoles playing host to a variety of competitions. We're also planning a group trip to the Videogame Nation exhibition at the nearby Urbis museum on Sunday morning and hosting the Homebrew Coding Geekend, a meeting of some of the sharpest minds in the homebrew programming and independent game developer community.

Click here for a list of systems that will be available to play on.

Click here for details of competitions being organised.

Click here to buy tickets and see the list of attendees.

Click here for more information about the Homebrew Coding Geekend.

In a first for this kind of event (we believe), we are also throwing our doors open to the homebrew coding community in the form of our Homebrew Coding Geekend – held the same weekend.

This get-together of coders and other creative minds will take place in the Salmon Rooms on the first floor of the Lass on 25th-26th July 2009. The purpose of the event is to provide an open, friendly environment where retro coding tips and ideas can be exchanged.

The agenda is fairly open, but some of the things that we think might be worth covering at the Geekend include:

• Demonstrations and recommendations of both "modern" PC-based development tools (e.g. IDEs, Assemblers etc) as well as "classic" utilities (e.g. Sprite editors)

• Hints and tips on how to squeeze the most out of a particular platform (e.g. undocumented instructions, video-chip tricks, maximising RAM)

• Brainstorming sessions for the development of new games

• The examination of some unreleased game blueprints, with a view to whether they can finally be implemented.

Ultimately it will be left to you, the attendees, to determine the scope and direction of the Geekend. So if you have any topics that you'd like to see covered, feel free to send a 'Geekend Enquiry' using the Contact Form on this website. (Note: entry to the Homebrew Coding Geekend is free but you must reserve your place in advance by completing the Application Form on this site. There's no obligation to attend both days and it's expected that Saturday will be the busier of the two).

As if that wasn’t enough, the Lass will be offering a selection of special deals during the event, including:

• Your first drink FREE! (included in ticket price, restrictions apply *natch, but does include some alcoholic drinks!)

• Discounted drinks offers throughout the weekend

• 20% off our splendid menu over the course of the weekend

• Special Curry Menu on Saturday evening.

All this for a MEASELY £4.50! For those of you yet to make your minds up, the website is up and running and over at http://www.consolecombat.co.uk/ with tickets only available online at http://www.consolecombat.co.uk/tickets.html .

The Ashes and Twenty20 World Cup are on their way to the Lass all through June, July and August

Having just taken over the pub in the Summer of 2005, we have warm memories of the Ashes at the Lass. So rest assumed, thanks to those little loves at Sky we’ll be showing the whole thing in glorious technicolour with all the trimmings.

Some Ashes dates for your diaries then;

• 1st Test: Wednesday 8th July – Sunday 12th July (Cardiff)

• 2nd Test: Thursday 16th July – Monday 20th July (Lords)

• 3rd Test: Thursday 30th July – Monday 3rd August (Edgbaston)

• 4th Test: Friday 7th August – Tuesday 11th August (Headingley)

• 5th Test: Thursday 20th August – Monday 24th August (The Oval)

We’ll also be showing the ICC World Twenty20 between June 5th and the 21st. Group stage fixtures (as well as other dates for the semis and final) available at the Lass include the following.

British and Irish Lions at the Lass

It’s looking like a surprisingly good Summer of sport now we look at it, what with the U21’s, Confederations Cup, 20:20, Ashes and – of course the British and Irish Lions. And, as ever all the games will be on at the Lass!

Here’s what we’ll be showing.

April 2009

Champions League Semi-Final and Final packages released

Due to popular demand, we have decided to make our Snug available for private hire for the semis and final.

Equipped with a big screen projector and 5.1 surround sound, our cosy Snug is the perfect place to enjoy the big game in one of Manchester's most atmospheric venues. Great for corporate entertaining or just you and your friends, for £95.00 our package includes guaranteed exclusive use of the Snug as a private viewing suite for up to 18 people for an hour before, during the game and for an hour afterwards to let you catch your breath! The price also includes nibbles, a complimentary Becks on arrival and dedicated table service throughout the game so you won't miss a single minute!

We may also make available our larger Salmon Rooms for private hire with bar and seating for 30, including 5.1 sound and big screen should demand be sufficient. Price on application, naturally...

Please phone or email for more details.

Salmon Rooms now available for business meetings from just £10.00 an hour

Just to give people an extra incentive, the Salmon Rooms are now available for business meeting hire for a ludicrously reasonable £10.00 including all equipment hire charges. So, if you want to treat the team to a fully kitted out meeting space with a difference and eschew the dear do that is the hotel cartel of Manchester, give us an email.

Details on our available spaces, as ever is available as a handy PDF download at

Carter USM’s Jim Bob at the Lass on the 30th April – not long now!

Most exciting this! It’s a return for our old mate Jim Bob to the Lass and it’s a treat not to be missed. If you’re of that certain age and know yer stuff, you’ll fancy this. Tickets are a measly £10.00 a throw and are available behind the bar or online at http://www.wegottickets.co.uk/event/40746 (booking fees may apply).

Come join us!

More info available at www.jim-bob.co.uk

Following last year’s brilliant EURO 2008 at the Lass, we bring UEFA’s U21 Championships “In Your own Language”!

Despite scepticism from some quarters, last Summer’s England-less Euro 2008 was nothing short of brilliant at the Lass, with everyone really getting behind our simple and elegant “in your own language” initiative. We loved it so much, we’re up for more with this Summer’s UEFA U21 tournament.

Simply put, even though England are participating we pledge to show every game in the native language of at least one of the teams wherever practical, be it German, Italian, Finnish or Serbian – if we can show it, we will. This may be in the Snug, the Salmon Rooms or in the case of matches where demand is sufficient – the whole pub.

Spread the word, and please feel free to get in touch if we can be of help with anything.

Initial dates for your diary include;

New Events on-route

Just a quick note on some of the treats coming your way over the next few months. More info as we get nearer the time, but to tantalise you – here goes.

First up is Console Combat, our own dedicated retro video gaming and coding event in association with Byte Back. Held over the weekend of 25th - 26th July, this promises to be a fabulous feast of gaming, homebrew coding, drinking and more. More info as it comes in, but if you love Computer Club (our monthly retro gaming night held on the last Tuesday of the month) you’ll totally dig this.

More info as it emerges at http://www.byte-back.info/consolecombat/.

Equally exciting is a follow-up to last year’s brilliant Vworp Vworp Doctor Who in the Comics convention. Planned for Sunday, 11th October this event will follow the same relaxed format as VV but will this time focus on the Novels of Doctor Who, taking in the Targets, the quite brilliant New Adventures that are widely considered to have formed the template for RTD’s Doctor Who, the BBC Books and beyond. Keep checking back, as we hope to unveil guests, ticketing and lineups soon!

We’re also thrilled to be a part if the brilliant Notpartof festival this July.

Running 2-18th July and created in response to the Manchester International Festival, Not Part of is Manchester’s very own edgy urban fringe festival and a worthy compliment to MIF. We’ll be announcing our full lineup in early May, but expect a full programme.

One of the people you can almost 98% expect to be there is our great mate Dez Skinn for a special ‘evening with’. The Jor-El of British comics, Dez was one of the stars of Vworp Vworp back in October, and with a host of wicked tales and a CV that includes contemparies like Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, Pat Mills, Steve Dillon and titles like Hammer House of Horror, Doctor Who Weekly, 2000AD and Warrior how can you refuse?

More info is available at http://www.notpartof.org/ .

Peter and Lee have morphed into The W.A.R.T Show. Bigger and better, with some stunningly funny stuff and a bigger team this show is a must every second Thursday in the Salmon Rooms.

We love it, especially the Charles Bronson angles..

Another comedy group gaining in acclaim is Mouth Kandi. We were blown away by their inaugural show in early April and just can’t wait for what’s next! This one packed out and we had to turn people away, so get in early when the next dates re announced (likely to be late June, Early July).

Members of Mouth Kandi are also keen to help us get our own Movieoke night off the ground this Summer, and we love the thought! Movieoke, for the uninitiated according to the sage-like wikipedia is “is a form of entertainment in which an amateur actor or actors perform along with a muted DVD in order to give voice to the character in the film. The film is projected onto a screen behind the actor and onto an alternate monitor which provides subtitles and action cues. Movieoke is a popular form of performative and interactive entertainment which began in a screening room/bar in New York City in early 2003, and has since spread to other parts of the world.”

Naturally, we plan to give it our own Lass ‘take’, but we can’t wait! You just wait til you see our Dirty Harry in the Style of Sir Larry!

Last, but by no means least are our long harboured plans for Friday night Karaoke in the Salmon Rooms. Perfect for winding down after a hard day’s graft, the compare we have in mind will keep you on your toes. Keep an eye out for the first one!

Lass FC update

Thanks to everyone who put their names down to play in our fledgling team Lass FC. We hope to be in the Sunday League come August, although there is a lot to do in the run up (including fundraising!) keep em peeled for the team photos and updates in the run up.

Press round-up

Just couple of things to enjoy this month. First up, Lass co-owner Gareth Kavanagh was extensively quizzed on the state of the pub sector by the Manchester Evening News;

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1097790

Don’t worry, we’re not panicking yet! And if anyone asks, that’s a pie in the picture.... Equally , if not more pleasing was the four star review we received a few weeks earlier from City Life’s bar critic Alex Eyre;

http://www.citylife.co.uk/pubs_and_bars/reviews/16191

As ever, great to see Betty’s Best selected as the drink of the week. We’re struggling to keep this ale in stock, such is it’s popularity! Thanks, as ever to both writers for their candour and support. We hope to live up to your expectations throughout 2009!

New artists on display at the Lass – Bob Wakelin, Martin Geraghty, Lee Sullivan and more Ade Salmon

New season, new art on display.

First up are some splendid prints of the seminal work of Bob Wakelin. Taken from his heady days with Manchester’s own Ocean Software, Bob’s work defines the golden age of Spectrum and Commodore software and is a brilliant addition to our existing displays – notably Donna’s work of www.arcade-art.co.uk .

Check it out (including details of how to buy fabulous digital prints) at http://www.bobwakelin.com/ with typically frank comments from Bob on his work over here at http://www.lysator.liu.se/~wizkid/art/wakelin/ .

A new treat for comic fans is two pieces of Martin Geraghty’s Lunar Strangers, from way back in 1994. A top bloke is Martin and his work largely defines the 90’s Doctor Who comic art, so take the chance to drink in these surreal pages featuring a marauding pair of space cows.

We’re also pleased to welcome more pages from the prolific pencil of Lee Sullivan. Taken from the brilliant Mark of the Mandragora and the convoluted, but fun Emperor of the Daleks this is some of Lee’s best work and we’re really pleased to have it up for your enjoyment.

More info on Lee is available, as ever at http://www.leesullivan.co.uk/

Finally, it’s a great pleasure to display more of the brilliant Ade Salmon’s work, this time taking in a 2001 Master solo story in its entirety. Sheer poetry!

Check out Ade’s recent work at his brand new blog - http://adriansalmonart.blogspot.com/

New menu launched

Eagle-eyed customers like you may have noticed that we’ve given our menu a little tweak to reflect the changing seasons. So, out goes hot pot and Ham, Egg and Chips ‘til next winter and in comes more special pies, a gorgeous ploughmans, the insanely popular natchos and a veggie wrap.

Click here to download a PDF.

Book Club

Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki MurakamiIs is the selected novel for May. Mental note to oneself; Book Club is a really fun, friendly get together to chat the text of choice held in the Snug on the first Monday of every month from 7:30pm.

Information about this and future Book Clubs can be found at http://bookclub.meetup.com/1364/

Lass staff get stuck in

Just a quick word to thank the Lass’s management team of Lisa and Nat for their hard work in March cleaning up the River Medlock just outside the Lass. These two put bigger organisations to shame frankly, rolling up their sleeves and filling two containers with all the crap they hefted out. But reward was soon to be found with a family of Ducks and a pair of geese quickly taking up residence. So please, no more fly tipping guys. We want the River to stay as it is!

February 2009

Carter’s Jim Bob returns to the Lass + Tim Ten Yen

We’re very pleased about this! Thursday, April 30th sees us welcome back our old pal Jim Bob – best known as half of iconic 90’s duo Carter USM. Last year was a sell out and we expect no less this time round. With support provided by Tim Yen Yen, tickets cost a mere £10.00 (excluding booking fee) and are available from http://www.wegottickets.co.uk/event/40746

For more information why not bob over to www.jim-bob.co.uk

The Quiz returns!

You demanded it. We agreed. The quiz is BACK in its spiritual home of Thursday evenings from 8:30pm. Do battle as usual for our big cash prize, pints, wine and our intriguing special prize for the team that comes in 5th. Expect a picture round, anagrams, Lisa’s excellent ‘say what you see’, music round and general knowledge.

Every Thursday from 8:30pm.

City Life rank the Lass amongst their pick of the pubs for 2008

Very pleased about this. The Lass was one of only three city centre pubs named as Paul Ogden of City Life’s pub of the year. Here’s what they had to say about us;

“Another pub which has re-invented itself over the past few years is The Lass O’Gowrie. The Charles Street boozer now serves good, tucker and has an ever-changing variety of ales. It also has its beer-soaked fingers in many pies to help encourage the punters through the doors – music and comedy nights, a book club, computer games evenings and one of the coolest smoking areas in the city.”

You can enjoy the piece in all its majesty at http://www.citylife.co.uk/pubs_and_bars/news/11987

Lass links up with Conwy Brewery

We’re delighted to announce we’ve tied up a deal with Conwy Brewery which will see us regularly stocking their exquisite ales on a regular basis from February. It’s something we’ve been very keen on for quite a while and finally, it’s happening!

Look out for this marvellous ale to grace our bar for the 6 Nations and definitely, for St. David’s Day, alongside the ever excellent Great Orme Brewery ale, custom Welsh pies from our kitchen and some special sausages from Edwards of Conwy. We hope to get Gwynne - the head brewer down for some tastings in February, so if that’s of interest – please let us know.

More information is available at www.conwybrewery.co.uk .

Dave Porter’s Outstanding Brewing Co to produce ‘Betty’s Best’ – the Lass’ own house ale

It’s something we’ve been thinking of for a while, but never got round to. However, following fruitful discussions with Dave Porter’s Outstanding Brewing Co, we are delighted to announce that late February will see the debut of our own Lass Ale – ‘Betty’s Best’.

And what an ale she is! Named in honour of our wonderful, tireless cleaner Betty Guy, this little belter is 3.6% in strength, golden and with a distinct tang, this graceful ale would grace any bar she touches. But, it’s ONLY available at the Lass so if you’re not here – forget it!

Stay tuned for news of the launch as Betty cuts the ribbon and the ale flows freely!

More information is available at www.outstandingbeers.com

Say it with pies; Valentines at the Lass

Fed up with being ripped off? Love the sport? Why choose! This year, we are proposing to do something different for Valentines aimed at ‘proper’ non-pretentious couples. For just £17.95 all in, a couple can enjoy our home-baked Steak and Red Wine sharing pie with mash and fresh vegetables, all served up with a 4 pint pitcher of real ale. 1st come 1st served, naturally as numbers will be very limited...

We bought at hat! It’s our first wedding at the Lass

Just a quickie. January 27th saw a first for the Lass, as we were privileged to host Fiona and Andy’s wedding do. The place looked amazing, whilst the Greek food prepared by Nat and her team was sublime – particularly the Kleftico! So, if anyone else out there fancies a wedding do at sensible prices with great food in one of Manchester’s finest pubs - get on the phone to us pronto!

New artists on display at the Lass – Wilson, arcade games, models, abstracts and pop art!

New month, new artists on display. And what treats we have for you! Remember, most artwork is available to buy and – unlike most of our competitors, the Lass does not take a penny in commission. Everything goes direct to the artist. We just like to give you wonderful things to delight the eye!

First is the fantastic, arcade infused work of Donna – aka The Arcade Artist.

After graduating from the Surrey Institute of Art and Design with a BA (Hons) in Animation, an aptitude for patience in art (animation, frame by frame) and a love of retro gaming Donna founded Arcade Art, original art inspired by videogaming.

Donna loved experimenting with interesting techniques including Pixel Painting, Mosaics, Mixed Media, Pastels and Lino Printing. Her stunning work is available to purchase, apart from the larger Kong and Pacman pieces which sold even before it was properly up!

More information is available at http://www.arcade-art.com

We’re also delighted to showcase the work of Paul Wolfgang Webster, whose evocative black and white photography of Northern icons is amongst the best in the business.

Paul, for those of you who don’t know is a Manchester-based photographer specialising in portraiture. Having been tutored in printing techniques by the American photographer, George Tyce, he gained my degree in photography from Bradford University in 1996 and is currently studying for an MA at Bolton University. In a career spanning some twenty years, his work has been the subject of a number of exhibitions in the UK and the USA - including the Richard Goodall Gallery in Manchester – as well as appearing in several leading publications such as the Guardian Magazine, NME and HFM.

Paul’s work on display focuses on Manchester Icon and late, Lass patron – Tony Wilson. Paul had the chance of meeting Tony Wilson in 1995 and asked his permission to photograph him as part of his Degree show. Tony Wilson agreed and they set a date at Factory Records, which still stands across the road from the Lass. These photographs are the result from that meeting, which Paul hopes will allow people to see a different side of “Mr Manchester”.

More information is available at http://www.londonart.co.uk/sales/view_art.asp?artistID=4876

With her earlier collection already one of our major talking points in the pub, we’re delighted to have even more Karen McBride goodness for you to enjoy!

Famed for her rock photography, Karen prides herself on paying as much attention to unsigned bands as she does touring with Scissor Sisters, and shooting stadium bands like Bon Jovi and Oasis.

Her clients include many big named artists, record labels and music venues. Her pictures can be regularly seen on the BBC Manchester website, In the City, Designer Magazine and The Tube. Also her work has found its way into Status Quo's 'RIFFS' world tour book, countless other publications ranging from CD covers to posters to Giant Billboards in the US for The House of Blues, T Mobile’s Tour Log book for the Robbie Williams Close Encounter Tour 2006 for which she was official Photographer.

So, what can we expect this time round? Well, Karen will be refreshing her shots already in situ as well as showcasing a completely new collection illustrating an evocative, intimate photoshoot with a Manchester based model. Oh, and as has been requested umpteen times – yes, prints of Karen’s work from Robbie to Liam will be made available to buy for the first time ever.

More info on Karen’s amazing work can be found at http://www.karenmcbride.com/

A new artist for you, we’re chuffed at having uncovered Daniel Dawson. By day, Daniel is a site manager but by night, he’s an artist of serious talent with an eye for pop art and abstracts. Those of you on the bookofface can check his stuff out on;

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?page=2&aid=18445&id=598967326

Last but not least is Erpen, another Lass debutant.

Erpen' are 'Dad and Lad' artists Anthony Pendlebury and Nathan Pendlebury. Anthony and Nathan go under the name 'Erpen' with all their joint ventures and projects. They are not a gallery, they are self-representing artists, however they do hope to build on the name in the future. The name 'Erpen' comes from and is dedicated to Eric Pendlebury, father to Anthony, who used to sign his paintings with 'Erpen'. Nathan and Anthony have exhibited and sold nationally and internationally. In 2007 the artists exhibited together for the very first time at both the Liverpool academy of Arts in a massive 2 man show 'Begin', and at the 2007 Manchester Arts Show.

In addition to being top fellas, their work is very easy on the eye and delightfully playful. And, of course coming your way in early March.

More information on the brilliant Erpen can be found at http://www.erpenstudios.co.uk/index.htm.

Vote for us! Lass pies up for British Pie Week honours

We love ‘em! You love em! So we thought it only fair that the public get to vote for us as the face of British Pie week. Up for consideration are our classic Steak and Black Sheep Ale Pie and veggie favourite Leek and Mushroom Pies.

Go cheer us on at http://www.britishpieweek.co.uk/

New menu en-route for March

It’s tweaking time again with Spring in the air (almost). Expect new dishes, great value for money and a few new pies from Nat and her team of Piesmiths...

Book Club on the march

It’s really growing like topsy this night, so well done to all! Death at Intervals by Jose Saramago is the book for March book club, held on the first Monday of the month (as usual) from 6:30pm in the Snug. Just read and pop down for a chat and a pint, simple as!

We’re free!

More value for money good news! Our cash machine is now free of charge to use, so no need to trudge through the rain to Oxford Road missing the game.

PubCon2 on way?

We’re still ruminating over it, but we hope to bring you a follow-up to Vworp Vworp this Summer. We’re keeping the details under our hats, but we hope to have something ‘novel’ to offer you from the worlds of Doctor Who.

Computer Club moves to the Salmon Rooms

Just a quick reminder that Computer Club is still going fine and strong on the last Tuesday of the month. The only change is, that it’s now in our roomier first floor suite – the Salmon Rooms! So come down and join us any time for a free evening of ale and retro video gaming!

November 2008

Christmas is coming. The goose is getting fat.

If you’re after a traditional, cosy Christmas then look no further than the Lass. We still have availability for our traditional £12.95 3 course sit-down meal or festive buffets (£9.00 a head) at time of writing, but that won’t be the case forever - so why delay?

To download a PDF of our Christmas Menu, please click here, and here for a copy of our Buffet Menu. To book, email info@thelass.co.uk or call 0161 273 6932.

Salmon Rooms function suite opens for business

Just a quick note to let you know that our new first floor function suite – the Salmon Rooms are now open for business.

New for 2008, the Salmon Rooms constitute a versatile combination of main room with plenty of natural light, reception area and landing. As such, they’re perfect for a whole host of uses – in particular; business meetings, private dining, seminars, private match viewings, screenings of film and TV, parties, weddings, celebrations and society meetings and classes of any description.

Facilities available for use within the Salmon Rooms include;

• Digital Projector and Projector Screen, with easy VGA connection to your laptop or PC
• Free Wireless Broadband Internet Connection
• Dedicated Laser Printer (additional fees apply)
• DVD/Video Player
• 5.1 Sound System, with IPOD dock
• Private Bar and Reception area (additional fees may apply)
• Dedicated Toilet Facilities
• Your own Retro-Arcade Gaming Cabinets, perfect for chilling out on a break
• Stage Lighting and Demountable Staging
• Large White Board and Flip Chart

Optimum Capacities;

Don’t forget - the Lass has a whole host of spaces like the Snug, Vegas on Medlock and the Velveted Saloon with options for accommodating a range of activities, including business meetings, private dining, seminars, private match viewings, screenings of film and TV, parties, weddings, celebrations and society meetings and classes of any description.

We’re here to help! Click here for a summary PDF download of all our current spaces available for hire.

Thumbs up for the Lass from the Manchester Evening News (and confirmation that our pies are possibly the best in Manchester! But we knew that anyway.....)

We’re dead chuffed about this – a very nice piece extolling the virtues of the Lass and our pies by the wise and informed Paul Ogden, who was kind enough to make the Lass his Pub of the Week on November 9th.

Here’s a taster of what he had to say about our pies;

“this traditional boozer reckons it serves ‘the best pies in Manchester’. A confident claim, but one with which I cannot disagree after tucking into a chicken, mushroom and tarragon one (£7.50), with proper, thick pastry not a floating, tissue papery crust on a stew that you can easily find elsewhere.”

Click here to enjoy the review in its full majesty. The hard working Graham will be pleased when we let him know...

Compute Club is One

Effinnora! Where have the last 12 month gone, eh? Well, Computer Club- our fabulous monthly retro gaming night is 1 this November, and we promise a special night of cake and some new machines to enjoy in our salubrious new home – the Salmon Rooms on the first floor of the Lass. So come and see us on November 25th to raise a glass, tuck into some cake then thrash your pals at Mario Kart.

Mental reminder; Computer Club is held on the last Tuesday of every month, bringing you the cream of vintage consoles, arcade machines and computers absolutely, 100% free!

Vworp Vworp! Event feedback and towards the future....

Crikey, that was hectic! And it looks like everyone had a great day, by the look of some glowing blog reflections that we’re particularly chuffed with. We even managed to raise £328.00 for MIND via a charity auction of pieces generously donated by our guests, so well done chaps!

First up to comment was the gracious Paul Cornell (http://paulcornell.blogspot.com) – a fantastic guest who had this to say on the day.

"I was delighted to be part of last weekend's Doctor Who in comics event in the Lass O'Gowrie pub in Manchester. It was actually something of a new idea: close off a pub for the day, and devote the whole downstairs space to a very focussed event about a specific fan topic. The cosy venue, the joy of the participants, and the novel nature of what they were all talking about, plus the fact that the panels had been arranged in roughly chronological order with just about everyone involved present (although we maybe could have used someone who was around in the Tides of Time era), meant that it felt like a very thorough and celebratory day. Slides coming up onscreen to illustrate the panels helped a great deal. And where else could you pop into the snug of a pub and find Lee Sullivan and D'Israeli sketching away? And hey, my old mucker Scott Gray and the highly talented Roger Langridge have just brought their Fin Fang Four series to Marvel's digital comics:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/1008...FF-online.html

The Lass, judging from the Friday night, is also a very successful mainstream pub, the eccentricities of which (a room devoted to the art of Adrian Salmon, the Salmon Room as it's called) only add to its charm. Too many old friends to note, but huge thanks for the hospitality (and the pies!) to Gareth Kavanagh, the, erm, Doctor Who fan who owns a pub. Who would have thought it? He's planning other themed events, and I think they'll be very successful. If you're in the area, do pop along, it'll be worth your while any night."

In fact, anyone who missed Paul discussing the merits of the Two Doctors with my brother, Ian missed a rare treat (“what’s the problem? Its in Seville, its got Troughton, it’s got Sontarans, it’s in Seville...).

Next up was the great John Freeman (http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.c...&max-results=5 ), sharing his thoughts on the day...

"Slipping for this post into first person mode, I had a wonderful time on Saturday at Vworp! Vworp!, a one day event at Manchester's Lass O'Gowrie pub organised by landlord Gareth Kavanagh and his dedicated team, in partnership with the Manchester Literature Festival.

Dedicated to Doctor Who in comics, the day gave me a chance to catch up with the likes of founding Doctor Who Weekly editor Dez Skinn, writer and editors Gary Russell and Scott Gray, writers Paul Cornell and Ian Edginton, artists Lee Sullivan, Matt ('Isareli) Brooker, Martin Geraghty and Adrian Salmon, feature writer John Ainsworth, as well as touch base with many other creators drawn to the event including Matthew Badham, Leon Hewitt, Barry Renshaw, Brian Gorman, Ian Cullen and others.

Despite some minor technical problems and the usual over running any jam-packed day filled with people like myself who will insist on answering a question with 50 words when 10 will do, I think most people enjoyed themselves, the whole show ably held together by writer, actor and comedian John Cooper.

Dez Skinn's opening chat, in which he proudly showed off the 'dummy' of the first ever Doctor Who Weekly and then let fans read the original, type-written scripts of the first-ever Doctor Who Weely comic strip The Iron Legion by Pat Mills and John Wagner, was just one of many delights to the event, held in one of Manchester's best-known and best-loved pubs. Ever the memory man, Gary Russell (pictured left, middle) proved a welcome lynchpin to the event since he not only remembered much of what happened during his tenure as Editor of Doctor Who Magazine (unlike me!), with Lee Sullivan and Paul Cornell also providing many enjoyable anecdotes about past comic strip creation and the history of the Doctor Who comic strip, ably assisted by John Ainsworth.

Later, Scott Gray and Martin Geraghty offered their insights on the current Doctor Who strip. Other panels included one on animated Doctor Who such as The Infinite Quest, with Jon Doyle (two-time Bafta winning Animation Producer/ Director/Artist, and founder of Firestep, the studio behind that production and others) wowing the audience with a taster of an animated version of Patrick Troughton's first ever story, Power of the Daleks -- sadly a project that it is apparently unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Torchwood also proved a talking point, with the first part of Ian Edginton and Matt Brooker's Torchwood strip out now in the new issue of Torchwood magazine - Issue 10. Unfortunately, by that time I had to wend my way home, but other reports on the event with more detail of these panels are sure to crop up on the web soon.

As a guest, I always find such events a bit like a wedding reception – there's never enough time to catch up with everyone there except in passing or while you share the stage with them. But for me, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day catching up with old friends and sharing memories of some wonderful times working on Doctor Who Magazine way back when, with some of the most talented people I know in the comics business. As I said at the top - splendid chaps, all of them. Cheers! My thanks to everyone who organised the day and I hope there's another similar event at "The Lass" in the future."

Another guest sharing his thoughts on the day included the talented yet modest Matt Brooker – a.k.a D’Israeli (http://disraaeli-demon.blogspot.com/2008/10/vworp-vworp.html)

“Only a week late, I've finally managed to upload my photos from Vworp Vworp, the Doctor Who Comics Convention at the Lass O'Gowrie pub, Manchester. It was a terrific event, small-scale, allowing fans and guests to mix and chat in a very relaxed way (for more on this see Christian-Mark Cawley's report on kasterborousblog.) Ian and I got to do a panel on our Torchwood comic (out now folks!) and the food was delicious. Thanks to Gareth for hosting the event.”

Matt’s piccies of the day are available at www.flickr.com/photos/glasseye/sets/72157608313247841/

And just so you know it’s not just the guests who had a blast, here are the reactions of one Ian M Cullen in his blog (http://scifipulse.net/?p=2455 ) who attended the event.

“This weekend I attended the Vworp Vworp Doctor Who Mini Comic Convention at the Lass O”Gowrie pub in Manchester, which featured a host of big names from the UK Comics industry. One of the many guests was Gary Russell, who has served Doctor Who in many ways over the years across the board having edited and written for Doctor Who Magazine, worked on many of the Big Finish Audio adventures, written comics for the IDW Doctor Who series - and as script editor on Torchwood.

Overall the event for me was fantastic and although the above is not exactly what you’d call an interview, it was a pleasure to actually sit down with Gary and talk about a number of subjects. Sadly like with all these events I was spread thin and wasn’t able to talk to everybody. It was fun however meeting scifipulse contributor John Freeman though we both looked much different to what we looked like when we last met Cult TV in 2002.

I hope that we see more of theses events held in Manchester because I had a blast and learned a lot about the history of Doctor Who in comic strip form.”

And last, but by no means least we have some reflections from one of our brilliant interviewers – the one and only Christian Cawley – editor in chief of www.Kasterborous.com (http://kasterborous.blogspot.com/2008/10/vworp-vworp.html )....

“So the Vworp Vworp event at The Lass O'Gowrie in Manchester as part of Manchester Literary Festival has been and gone, and while I think of some words for a proper review of the day, a few things leap out at me.

First off though, apologies to all concerned - particularly Professor Peach himself Gareth Kavanagh - for getting to this so late. I fell asleep on the train back Saturday evening, halfway through jotting notes and woke up 5 miles outside of York with a drooly, inky face. Minutes before I passed out, a very pretty girl had been looking over at me, and must have been so impressed with the snoring wreck I'm sure I became. If that was you, ma'am, I'm sorry. I'm also happily wed, so quit with the eyes!

Intimacy and common purpose - that was the secret of Vworp Vworp!'s success. Chaps from DWM, Big Finish, some TV show in Wales, Torchwood comic strip and the fans that turned up were all there, clear as to what the day was about, and what they hoped to get out of it. The pub venue is far better than the hotel function room, there's no herding of guests and fans from one room to another, and I'm sure no one asked for an autograph for anything other than the charity auction.

I was sat chatting on occasion coherently and on other occasions vaguely to people whose work I've admired for some time, while I looked over at Kasterborous' own Anthony Dry having a chat with other "fandom names".

It's hard to get the balance you know, but on the whole, larger than life or not, these people are exactly that, people. Just like you and me but with a different profession, that doesn't make them gods or geniuses or whatever superlative you want to throw. It's just that they're adept enough at their roles to be very good and make a name for themselves.

It was truly wonderful company at The Lass, from the foxy barstaff to the assembled guests, and if you didn't go, you should have done, and you definitely must make the effort next time.”

Thanks again to all of you who gave so much to make this little event something special. Looking to the future it’s increasingly likely we'll be hosting a follow-up event at the Lass come the Summer, so look out for PubCon 2: the Novels taking in target, the New Adventures, BBC Books, Novellas, Spin-offs and the current crop in our customary relaxed surroundings. As ever, more as we get it...

Oh and BTW; the accompanying zine to VV hasn't been forgotten, just postponed while I catch up with my Masters - so look out for it early December.

October 2008

2008 Christmas and Festive Buffet Menus now available

Yes it's that time of the year again, and this year's offering is real value for money! Priced at just £12.95 a head, our 3 course menu offers some of the best home-cooked fayre in the city!

We'll even crack out some board games for you at the close of proceedings. As usual, we are pleased to offer the Snug as a discreet and exclusive venue for parties between 12 and 16 and, as a first are now able to offer larger parties of up to 30 seated at the rear of the pub in our new be-draped saloon or in our brand new first floor function room, complete with private bar.

Dates are getting snapped up quick, so don't delay! To download a PDF of our Christmas Menu, please click here.

Following feedback from you all last Christmas, we are also delighted to offer a special festive buffet at just £9.00 a head for those of you who want to play things a little less formal. Again, to download a PDF of our Christmas Menu, please click here.

Final Lineup for Vworp Vworp! - our very own Doctor Who Comics Convention now released.

Just a quick reminder that tickets are still available for our very first one day Doctor Who convention, held as part of the Manchester Literature Festival.

As you all doubtless know, “Vworp Vworp! Comic Book Adventures in Time and Space” will explore the highs, lows, challenges and pitfalls of creating comics based on BBC’s Doctor Who and other popular television and movie characters. Running 9:15-5pm, in a nutshell we're looking to provide a relaxed, chilled pub based event in on of Manchester's oldest and most famous pubs. It's also scandalously cheap at just £9.00 for adults and £6.50 for concessions for a whole day's panels and entertainment with some of the biggest names in the British comics scene.

Tickets are available by phone on 0870 428 0785 or online at http://www.quaytickets.com/WhatsOn/E...x?EventId=2274 (booking fees may apply). Tickets will also be available on the door on the day, so feel free to bob along and see what all the fuss is about.

Writer, actor and comedian John Cooper will be our guest MC, with the following guests also appearing, subject to work commitments; Dez Skinn, Jon Doyle, Paul Cornell, Gary Russell, Scott Gray, Martin Geraghty, Adrian Salmon, D’Israeli, Ian Edginton, Lee Sullivan, John Freeman, John Ainsworth and Tony Lee.

Further details on the panels and shape of the day can be access here.

The Salmon Rooms – our brand new first floor function suite now open for business!

Great new is this! We’re delighted to announce that our new 1st floor function suite – the Salmon Rooms will be available to hire from October 18th onwards. We’ve worked hard to restore this previously unused part of the pub, and what we’ve managed is a great rustic space with all the high tech goodness and flexibility you’ve come to demand from the Lass. We’ll have detailed specs and prices up in the private hire section of the pub very soon, but expect a space suitable for business meetings, classes, performances, private parties, screenings, do’s and all manner of goodies.

The space benefits from a private bar, it’s own Victorian WC, digital projector, 5.1 sound, Ipod dock, DVD and VCR playback, a vintage arcade machine (naturally), stage lighting and more. It really is a gorgeous room with plenty of natural sunlight and we’re expecting it to be busy!

Expect more info – including some nice photos, as we get it.

The Lass’ own comedy night - Jokein’ is nominated for the National Magners Pub Comedy Awards

Congratulations to Lisa, whose brilliant in-house comedy night – Jokein’ has successfully reached the final of a nationwide competition searching for the best comedy pub and the country’s next comic genius.

The Lass O’Gowrie, represented by local funnyman Jimmy O’Neil, will now pit its comic prowess against nine other pubs from across the country in the Magners Pub Comedy Awards final at the famous Jongleurs Comedy Club in London on 14th October 2008.

A panel of judges, including Chris Hancox from Paramount Comedy and representatives from Magners Irish Cider and The Publican Magazine, will be awarding accolades for the ‘Best Comedy Pub’ and ‘Best Pub Comedian’.

If the Lass O’Gowrie wins the ‘Best Comedy Pub’ competition, a well-known comedian will put on an exclusive performance at the pub and if Jimmy O’Neil is victorious, he could find himself performing on stage at the Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival next year.

Lisa Davies, General Manager of the Lass O’Gowrie and brainchild behind Jokein’ said: “We are very proud that our pub has been nominated for the final and are relishing the challenge that lies ahead. Our venue provides great entertainment and we are delighted to have been recognised in this way.”

Jules Macken, Brand Manager at Magners Irish Cider, commented: “Pub comedy has always been a driving force behind the national comedy circuit, with many successful comedians starting off their careers at their local. At Magners we have always had a strong association with comedy through our sponsorship of broadcast channel Paramount Comedy and The Glasgow Comedy Festival, Brighton Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We are delighted to extend this further by working closely with pubs to celebrate pub comedy in a way that nobody has done before.”

We’ll be back in touch to let you know how we get on in that there London, as soon as possible! Don’t forget; Jokein’ is held on the first Saturday of every month, and the next one – due November 1st is our first birthday, so expect a cake!

New Menu for October

It’s seasonal tweaking time again! So, welcome back to old favourites like our famous Hotpot and some new treats like our wholesome Veggie Stew.
Click hereto view a PDF of our menu.

Don’t forget; our food is available seven days a week! Reservations and pre-orders can be made by email or by phone 0161 273 6932.

New Buffet Menu now available

Just a quick reminder that our new buffet menu is now available. Costing just £6.00 a head, it’s perfect for the Snug or our new function suite!

Click here to view a PDF of our buffet menu.

New Sketch Comedy Night launches at the Lass

Building on the runaway success of Jokein’, we’re genuinely chuffed to welcome Peter Slater and Lee Fenwick’s amazing new sketch show – “Peter and Lee” to the Lass’ new function suite.

The lads will be performing new material every month on the first Thursday of the month, meaning your first chance to savour their material will be on the 6th November.

As ever, more as we get it!

Toast Haunted

Just a quick reminder that our next Toast Live event will be held on the 31st October – Halloween! The boys promise a spooky tinge to the evening, so keep an eye on www.toastlive.co.uk for the lineup!

Lass Owner to act as Judge in the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Beer Challenge

Oh it’s a difficult job, but someone’s gotta do it!

Lass co-owner, Gareth Kavanagh has been selected as a member of the judging panel charged with the very serious matter of judging the Best Beer Brewed in Greater Manchester Contest, as part of this year’s Manchester Food and Drink Festival.

Lovely…

Lass O’Gowrie featured as a “best practice” case study in this year’s Publican Magazine Annual Real Ale Market Report

We’re very pleased indeed to have had our hard work and innovations recognised by our peers. You can read all about our achievements in bringing real ale to our honoured German regulars here.

Click here to view Archived News

23rd December	Open as normal (kitchen open)
Christmas Eve	CLOSED
Christmas Day	CLOSED
Boxing day	Open from 5pm (kitchen closed)
27th December	Open as normal (kitchen open)
28th December	Open as normal (kitchen open)
29th December	Open as normal (kitchen open)
30th December	Open as normal (kitchen open)
New Years Eve	Closed
New Years Day	Open as normal (kitchen open)
2nd January	Open as normal

The Best Premieres at the Lass O’Gowrie in March as part of the Manchester Irish Festival!

LOG Productions – The Lass O’Gowrie’s acclaimed in–house Production team to launch dedicated site to launch March 2013

Doctor Who Returns to the Lass on Saturday, March 30th

The Sitcom Trials returns to the Lass in May

EDINBURGH COMEDY PREVIEWS incoming for March, April and May

New FRINGE DRAMA coming for March, April and May

Monthly reads announced for Book Club in April, May and June

Arcade Machine Roundup

New Menu Launches

Who @ 50 Fringe Festival is Coming to the Lass in November

Lassfest 2013 Reflections

Blade Runner rescheduled for April

Harvey

CORONATION STREET 1977

My Gay Best Friend

V FOR VENDETTA

Someone Who'll Watch Over Me

Withnail and I

Off To Do A Killing

Blade Runner

The Ballad of Halo Jones

Suspended In Space

PLENTY O FISH

Let’s See What Happens?

DANNY PENSIVE’S PLAYTIME

FRANK SANAZI

Girls at our Best

Open Mic

Smooth

Big Fat Stupid Quiz

Corriefest

Computer Club

Book Club

VWORP! DR WHO FANS MEET IN THE SNUG

KINO FILM SPECIAL – WITHNAIL AND I

KINO FILM SPECIAL – BLADE RUNNER

Lass O’Gowrie makes the final for Best Pub/Bar in the Manchester Tourism Awards ’People’s Choice’

Who said winters were to be feared?

Get yer laughing gear around this! The Greater Manchester Fringe Comedy Festival is incoming for the final two weeks of October!

Play EXPO Fringe

Together in Electric Dreams is BACK this October!

Grimmfest Specials at the Lass!

The Lass O’Gowrie is crowned Supreme Champion Pub of Great Britain and National Winner in the Entertainment and Live Music category!

City centre Lass O’ Gowrie named as best pub in Britain

New Menu and Offers launched

Bye Bye BBC…

The Lass is NW Community and Entertainment Pub of the Year for the third year running!

The Quiz regenerates! Big Fat Stupid Quiz, Thursdays, 8:30pm from August 9th

Lass O’Gowrie Athletic FC is looking for new players!

New Shows incoming as part of Pride Fringe this August

Manchester Science Festival @ the Lass O’Gowrie in October

New Guided Walks! The Lass to host ‘Off the Beaten Track’ and the Smiths 30th Anniversary Guided Walk and Talk

Greater Manchester Fringe Roundup

Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads debuts at the Lass this June

EURO 2012 – In your own Language

Pies, glorious pies!

New at the Lass – TAGO>MAGO

HISCORE – Your Last chance to Enter…

Arcade Machine Update

Lass O´Gowrie FC Update

Megabyte to provide exclusive DJ sets in June and August

The Good Life to premiere at the Lass this Christmas!

The Greater Manchester Fringe is incoming this July!

Professor Elemental is BACK on March 20th!

The Lass to Host HISCORE 2012!

New Menu Launched!

Euro 2012 is a coming!

Lass O´Gowrie FC Update

Midwinter Lassfest roundup

Welcome to Midwinter LassFest!

Christmas Menu now available for bookings

Lass O’Gowrie leads the way for the Manchester Comedy Festival, 17th – 30th October, 2012

New for Mondays – Meat free Mondays and Smooth

New menu launches in third week of October

£2.49 pints of Carlsberg and Greene King IPA? Yes please!

Suitable comes to a close on Saturday, 8th October

Inbred Update

The Lass is North-West Entertainment Pub for the second year running in the Morning Advertiser Great British Pub Awards!

The Lass is *most commended* North-West Cask Ale Pub for 2011/12 in the Morning Advertiser Great British Pub Awards!

MMMMMM! New for Weekends from August - A fresh and tasty roast Carvery!

Doctor Who Returns to the Lass on Saturday, March 30^th

**The Lass is most commended North-West Cask Ale Pub for 2011/12 in the Morning Advertiser Great British Pub Awards!**

Diving Duck! New for Sunday Nights

Quizzy Pop! New for Sunday Nights

Suitable (Spring and Summer Collection). Northern Soul DJ! New for Saturday Night