Ura Matsuri at The Domino Club
Photos: Geraldine Montgomerie
Reviews on Ura Matsuri in Leeds.
“Ura Matsuri’ delivered its joyful promise at the Domino Club in Leeds. It wasn’t just a cabaret, but a masterclass in DIY performance. The tiny stage, situated in the basement of a barbershop, transformed with each of the five distinct acts showcasing music, storytelling and comedy. However, each act cohesively flowed from one to another, with each seeming to say: prepare to be surprised, prepare for the unexpected…. ” Review by Hong Nguyen.
Ura Matsuri Present Frank Chickens – Sun 1st February 8:00 PM
The Domino Club: 7 Grand Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6PG
Line ups
Frank Chickens
Legendary Japanese punk pop performance group with a cult following in the UK. It was founded in London in 1982 as a duo with Kazuko Hohki and Kazumi Taguchi, but has now expanded to more than 20 members who are predominantly Japanese women. They were John Peel‘s favorite, had an independent chart hit with “We Are Ninja”, presented a Channel 4 TV series: “Kazuko’s Karaoke Klub”, won the Foster Comedy God Award in 2010, released five albums and toured worldwide. In 2024, Cherry Red record has released their box set from 80s, “Frank Chickens Ninja Legend 1983-89”. They have been organizing Ura Matsuri annually since 2016.
Frank Chickens Website Photo: Maggie Zhu
Runxuan Yang
Performance with story and singing from a legendary Chinese woman May Kway who resides inside a vase. “Come meet May Kway, a porcelain darling with petals of silk. She was once chained in a vase, displayed for your gaze. But now the porcelain’s cracked, the scent has turned feral, and her sweet smile hides sharp teeth. Catch her while she’s still singing, still smiling, before the next time you see her, she’s already staring at you.”
Runxuan Yang Website photo: Jennifer Forward-Hayter
Hibiki Ichikawa & Akari Mochizuki
Japanese Folk Duo made up of the one and only professional player of Tsugaru Shamisen in Europe, Hibiki, and one and only Enka (Japanese blues) singer in the UK, Akari. They demonstrate the fantastic range of the Tsugaru Shamisen music, including solo performance and singing accompaniments. The best way to enjoy traditional Japanese music! They have performed in more than 21 countries worldwide on behalf of the Japanese Embassy.
Photo: Maggie Zhu
Rakugo by Tomoko Komura
Tale of a Tub Maker’ takes audience members to the Edo period Japan, captivating imaginations in a traditional rakugo style storytelling. The piece will be performed by Tomoko Komura, a London-based actress with experience of staging shows for children at multiple venues, including the Young V&A and Oxford Playhouse.
Yokoleles
Yokoleles are all Yokos all Leles
Three people – two Japanese ladies and one English gentleman – playing Japanese oldie classic songs on Ukuleles. And they are all called Yoko on stage.
Japan-A-Gran (compare)
Our special Ura Matsuri lucky mascot & crinkle eyed host “Japan-A-Gran”, here to bring good cheer and blessings to the show as ever!
Photo: Maggie Zhu