Malt Room Standing
Wirral-born Louisa Roach has built She Drew The Gun into a project that fully lives up to its incendiary name. A place for Roach to explore a visceral musical world informed by influences ranging 80’s electronica, hip-hop, political poetry, and cosmic scouse psychedelia epitomised by hometown heroes The Coral (whose lead singer James Skelly took her under his wing during She Drew The Gun’s early days), lyrically it’s found her taking aim at the wild injustices she was persistently seeing in the world at large, decrying corrupt conservative governments and rallying for a more empathetic way of living.
2025’s ‘Howl’ is the fourth album from She Drew The Gun. It explores a visceral musical world informed by influences ranging from 80’s electronica, hip-hop, political poetry, and cosmic scouse psychedelia. Louisa worked on the record with producer Ash Workman (Christine & The Queens, Metronomy) at his studio in Margate.
Coming from deep introspection and heartbreak, ‘Howl’ is revelatory, She Drew the Gun’s most personal whilst still addressing the social and political injustices she sees out in the world. The songwriting is more defined as her love of poetry brings another dimension to her lyrics. The record had unique beginnings – after a chance meeting Louisa went to the mountains of Serra de Estrella in Portugal, and dived into the healing process. She came out the other side and poured all she’d learned into ‘Howl’. Split into two sides, the first half addresses themes Louisa has long taken aim at. As she says, “There’s the side of the album which is the gun, the conscious spoken word, the thoughts and words on living in late capitalism, on war, on historical perspective.”

Description

Brewery Arts Centre stands as a significant cultural anchor in Kendal, a thriving arts organisation with a legacy spanning over fifty years. It functions as a dynamic hub for the North West, consistently delivering an inspiring programme of events and creative learning opportunities.

Within its historic walls, the atmosphere is one of understated sophistication. The blend of original brewery brickwork with contemporary design elements creates an inviting environment, where the subtle scent of old stone and polished wood lingers. Performance spaces are designed to offer clear sightlines and a warm, detailed sound, ensuring an intimate connection between audience and artistry.

Beyond the main performance areas, the centre encompasses tranquil gardens, two modern cinemas, a digital lounge, and a well-appointed bar and restaurant. Accessibility is a considered aspect, with facilities such as wheelchair spaces and induction loops available in its cinema screens. The bar and restaurant provide a relaxed setting for coffee, drinks, and meals, extending the visitor experience beyond scheduled events.

The programming here is broad, encompassing theatre, live music, comedy, film screenings, and exhibitions. It also hosts a range of lectures, dance performances, and creative learning courses for all ages. The centre is also a recognised venue for major festivals, contributing to the region's cultural calendar.