If you’ve overdone it on the mulled wine and Christmas Markets already and are looking for a less traditional but equally Christmassy event to go to, look no further. Our Top 3 alternative Christmas events have taken an unconventional approach, with festive life drawing with a twist, a spoon of nostalgia with film screenings at Gorilla and some boogie potential from Howling Rhythm at Ruby Lounge. Your metaphorical stocking will be filled to the brim with festive goodies.
R.A.D Xmas Double Bill at Gorilla
This December Retro And Dangerous bring their old-school cinema to Gorilla, treating us to not one, but two traditional Christmas classics: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Jingle All The Way (pictured). National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the third film of its series, and with Saturday Night Live’s Chevy Chase, we’re transported back to the 80s to a slapstick family Christmas that goes anything but smoothly. Jingle All The Way, on the other hand, serves us a plate of indulgence in the form of ever macho hunk, Arnold Schwarzenegger. In one of Arnie’s finest career moments, he plays a workaholic who, on Christmas Eve, gets himself into all sorts of mess trying to buy his son the best (and sold out, of course) toy on the town – Turbo Man. A feast of muscles, 80s Christmas nostalgia and slapstick comedy, there will be smiles all round. And to add the icing to the (Christmas) cake, hot dogs, nachos and cocktails will be available to munch and guzzle throughout.
Sun 14 Dec, Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street West, M1 5WW, 3pm (Doors open 2pm), £8 Adv, 14+, www.seetickets.com
That’s Life at Antwerp Mansion
If the idea of sitting in a room with strangers drawing a dominatrix dressed as Santa makes you feel a bit funny, then perhaps this isn’t for you. But if you’re open to something a bit different, then Antwerp’s Christmas life drawing special may just be the place to go. Joined by dominatrix Steph Magenta as ‘Mistress Insanity Clause’, the class invites anyone who feels brave enough to sit on Santa’s lap for a ten minute pose. Not to worry if you have never drawn before, as artists of all levels are welcome and there will be help on hand to give tips and hints throughout the class. And with music and the bar open throughout for refreshments, followed by Antwerp’s Christmas party starting straight after the class, it’s certainly an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Thu 18 Dec, Antwerp Mansion, Rusholme Grove, Curry Mile, M14 5BT, 7 – 9pm (Doors open 6.30pm), £5 OTD, www.facebook.com
Howling Rhythm Xmas Howl at The Ruby Lounge
Howling Rhythm return to The Ruby Lounge this December to help us boogie those winter woes away. Soothing our ears and flexing our limbs to the likes of Aretha, The Four Tops and James Brown, The Ruby Lounge will be travelling back in time to show us how it’s really done. A night of soul, Motown and funk, the soul club is joined on stage by the live brass section, Howling Horns, to ensure that no cheesy pop tunes are in sight and that Howling Rhythm’s final show of 2014 will be one of the grooviest parties of the year. So put on that tinsel and go dance your festive socks off.
Sat 20 Dec, The Ruby Lounge, 28 – 34 High Street, M4 1QB, 11pm – 4am, £5 (Text HOWL + your name to 82228 for cheaper entry), www.rubylounge.com
- Words:
- Emma Prendergast
- Published on:
- Tue 18 Nov 2014
