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CINEMA CHOICE: GET OUT
Horror movies have traditionally smuggled satire under the blood and guts, but usually one or the other takes second billing. Get Out is the rare flick that does both equally well. A mixed-race couple go home to meet the parents, and things – of course – don’t quite go to plan, with the early scenes of various people trying to be down with the whole race thing as excruciating as the later, more graphic stuff. Crucially, this film doesn’t need a pat on the head just for being about what it’s about, and both the social critique and scary stuff alike are handled with the same smarts. It’s a sin to spoil where it goes, but see this one with an audience. Times & trailer
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IMBALANCE, ON BALANCE
How many times have you checked your phone today? The average user hits 76 sessions every 24 hours so we're guessing the answer is a goodly few. Talking about that phenomenon and the other challenges presented by the logged-in era through a fusion of acrobatics, dance and circus (so maybe not technically talking), Imbalance is coming to DanceXchange on April 26 and 27. The entirely excellent Joli Vyann presents the elegant, strong show, which is a collaboration with internationally renowned choreographer Jonathan Lunn. This was the general vibe at the company's Sadler's Wells performance. Tickets are £14.
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Venue: Siamais, Six Brindleyplace, 7 Oozells St, B1 2HS; website
Choice: Ginger and lemongrass martini (£8) Chooser: Connor, Bar Manager
If you want to know where Birmingham was on Tuesday night, it was at Siamais — a Southeast Asian cocktail bar and restaurant taking over the site of Thai Edge. And other than some menu crossover, that's where the similarities end and begin. Bamboo, bird cages, and an unexpected amount of smoke are what's happening, with a bar that is close in size to the restaurant — which makes sense given Siamais is by the people behind cocktail circus, Aluna. The food itself was pretty and fresh, with the steamed sea bass (£19.95) nudging to top spot. But you'll get more authentic, better value Thai food elsewhere in the city. What you won't get is the location, a refreshingly fervid atmosphere and drinksy linchpin — Bar Manager, Connor McCormack. Though he says the team has reined in the theatrics for their second Brum spot, the cocktails were sirens, all of them, evidenced by restaurant tables being as full of good-looking glasses as plates of food. The punchy, warming ginger and lemongrass martini ticked our particular boxes but speak to Connor, or any member of the team (who have proudly tried them ALL) to find your white knight. Food menu. Drinks menu.
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WELL ORDERED LINES AND CIRCLES
We're in the fortunate business where such a thing as a good post day still exists. And last Wednesday was altogether standout, when 81 metres of pure cylindrical rotundness and the late lamented Central Library arrived in printed blue and gold postcard form. Created by Brum-born and based graphic designer, Ian Jones, he picked his subjects because for Ian, they define the city. And by reducing the buildings to a simple two colour Risograph print he aims to show the beauty and strength in the structures. Available in A3, as part of a limited edition run of 50 get the Rotunda or Central Library for £20, on what Ian describes as "bloody gorgeous" Gmund Bier Weisen paper. This man really likes paper. And he likes YOU. So much in fact that because you subscribe to the city's foremost e-mag, you can have yourself 10% off using the code "ichoose" until May 4. Lovely stuff.
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