Culture Focus

Insane in the Brain

If you haven't heard of Bounce, then where have you been hiding yourself?! They're one of the UK's most exciting dance companies and are famous for creating high energy, imaginative street-dance theatre, enjoying hit runs at both the Peacock Theatre and the Roundhouse.

They're latest offering is taken from the classic story of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest injected with a large dose of hip hop energy. In the confines of a psychiatric hospital, break dance becomes a way of expressing freedom and rebelling against the iron rule of Nurse Ratched – who happens to be a ballet fan.
The company is currently on tour in northern England and Scotland. Check out their website for a venue near you.

Bounce – Insane in the Brain
On Tour
www.insanetour.co.uk

Astronomy Photographer of the Year

For those who get engrossed in the world of photography, we recommend you get your skates on to see this stunning astronomy exhibition.

The winner of the Earth and Space category is Australian photographer Ted Dobosz for his picture of star trails taken while camping in the Blue Mountains near Sydney. The picture captures a dark starry night where the glow from the galactic bulge of the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds stretched across the night sky. As the Earth spins during the 30-minute exposure of the photograph the stars make trails around the southern celestial pole.

Competition judge and BBC Sky at Night presenter, Chris Lintott said: ‘It is the ghostly images of the Milky Way's two companion galaxies that make this image something very special. The trees give a sense of being rooted on Earth as the heavens turn above you.'
Runs until 10th January 2010

Royal Observatory
Romney Rd, Greenwich
London, SE10
Tel: 020 8312 6565
Admission: Free
www.nmm.ac.uk/astrophoto

Shazia Miraz

Award winning British Asian stand up Comedian Shazia Miraz has worked all over the world, touring the US, Sweden, Denmark, France, Holland and Germany. She's also a favourite on television stateside and the UK, most notably Have I Got News For You?

The Birmingham born comic gained enormous publicity several months after the 9/11 attacks when she would take to the stage in a hijab dress and declare: “My name is Shazia Miraz. At least, that's what it says on my pilot's licence.”

Miraz is genuinely a funny Comedian. She's currently touring the UK, so if you fancy a night with a giggle, be sure to see this rare talent.

Shazia Miraz
On Tour
www.shazia-mirza.com