CANAAN COX and JAMES STEPHEN & THE GOOD ONES

A decent evening’s entertainment from two acts that should be better known.

Ebi Soda (Norwich Jazz Festival)

The six-piece band are completely captivating.

John Bramwell

An intimate and inspiring performance from one of Britain's best post-Britpop singer-songwriters

Jerron Paxton

There is something so utterly compelling about his stage presence and his connection to the present moment, that the idea that there might be something anachronistic about his music seems absurd

Annie

The tale of orphan Annie's search for her real parents is given a refreshing, and perhaps more intimate, makeover, and brings together a cast brimming with energy and enthusiasm.

Elf Lyons - Horses

This was an outstanding night of well structured, faultlessly executed, comedy/performance art and credit is due to the Theatre Royal for opening up a space for such an exhilarating, genre defying show.

Jane Eyre

For lovers of modern classical ballet, and for lovers of everything Brontë, this is an absolute must-see production.

Dear Evan Hansen

Most certainly a musical of our time.

Kids in Glass Houses discuss their new album

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

The Howlers

Gabby Rivers - Rework Taylor Swift 8th June

Barish - Rework Taylor Swift 8th June

Alogte Oho & His Sounds of Joy

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

Corto.alto

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

BBC Singers

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

Toast + Songs of the Bulbul

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

Kitewing

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

Brown Horse - Reservoir

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

Lonely The Brave - What We Do To Feel

Teenage Fanclub - Nothing Lasts Forever

Afternoon Tea - That's Right Afternoon Tea

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

Brix and Bones

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

Danomey Kitchen @ The Stanley

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

Blue's Kitchen @ The Rosebery

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

When Rivers Meet

King King - Waterfront Norwich - 10th March

Ali Bongo

Tabitha caught up with Simon to find out more

First Bus Depot Sprowston Verfied Net Zero

Trett Films

Eliza Delf and The Wilderness

Best of 2023

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

Baque Luar - NNF 2024

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

Apartment House NNF 2024

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

An Accident/ A life

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

Laura Misch - NNF 2024

Another wonderfully atmospheric music evening within the Adnams Spiegeltent.