Something for the Weekend (10-12 October 08)

MTV Two’s Gonzo 2008
“What’s that coming over the hill? Is it a monster...?” You know how it goes. Back in summer 2006 the Automatic’s debut single was everywhere; at times you could literally feel yourself turning into some Hulk-like monster, ready to attack the next moron to voice the vexing tune. Anyway, the fuzzy-haired indie-poppers are back on the road-with a surprisingly likeable second album-for the MTV Two’s Gonzo tour, which hits the Barfly this Friday.

The celebrated annual show- hosted by Radio 1’s Zane Lowe- is renowned for showcasing the best up and comers from the underground. Support comes from hotly-tipped Hollywood new-wavers, Iglu & Hartley, who will also be playing a pre-gig DJ set in Topman at 1pm.

MTV Two’s Gonzo Tour 2008 @ Barfly, Fri 10th Oct, 7.30pm, tickets £10, call ticketweb on 08448472424

Wirral’s Farmers Market
If Saturday morning usually involves a hectic Tesco trolley dash, why not go all organic this weekend and head to New Ferry’s Village Hall for the popular Wirral’s Farmers Market.

The taste-bud ticklers include a range of award-winning cheeses, quails eggs, fresh fish, Welsh black beef and lamb, seasonal vegetables along with local honey, pies and cakes.

The sizeable market, which is organised by a group of local volunteers, runs on the second Saturday of each month and since 2003, the markets’ profits have plunged an impressive £16,000 into regenerating the area.

There is a refreshment bar for all market-goers and car-parking is free.

Wirral’s Farmers Market @ New Ferry’s Village Hall, Grove Street (signposted off the A41) Sat 11th Oct, 9am-1pm

Chester Mystery Plays
The 100-strong cast of the Chester Mystery plays are heading over this side of the water two very special shows. A uniquely performed concert version of the plays will take place at the Anglican Cathedral over this weekend in welcomed contribution to the Capital of Culture celebrations.

The plays - which are only performed once every five years- did particularly well in 2008, attracting around 12,000 visitors and generally received nothing but praise from just about everyone.

This concert version will include the Creation and Fall of Lucifer, Noah – the Musical, the Nativity, the Crucifixion and the Antichrist. You can expect full costume and special effects as Robin Goddard’s concepts are brought to life spectacularly through music of Matt Baker. Don’t miss out.

Chester Mystery Plays @ the Anglican Cathedral, Sat 10th and Sun 11th Oct, 7.30pm, tickets £13, £10 concessions, to book call 0151 7027255

Time
What do you get when you mix together theatre, visual art, film and projection, with a pinch of electro-funk for good measure? A headache?

The answer, according to a bunch of thespians inhabiting the Unity theatre this weekend, is a fusion of expression, a unique method leading to the creation of exciting, ground breaking paintings and performances. Confused? Don’t worry; apparently that’s all part of the fun.

Well-respected Croatian cracked-pot Duško Šibl, film maker Robin Rice and Liverpool’s own Winterbourne and Blaster are all on board for the experiment.So, whether you’re a wacky artiste, or just want to see what the blazes this is all about, feel free to pop along and be a part of the “development process,” whatever that might mean.

Time @ the Unity Theatre, until Sat 11th Oct, 8pm, tickets £9, £7 concessions, to book, call 01517094988