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Jeremy Vine’s UK Tour comes to Sutton Coldfield next month

WHAT the hell is going on? That’s what Jeremy Vine will be asking when his show comes to Sutton Coldfield for the first time next month.

Having been shot at in Croatia and having chewing gum placed on his chair in Zimbabwe (by one of Robert Mugabe’s supporters), Jeremy says he increasingly finds himself asking: “What the hell is going on?”

He explains that in a world where it is easy for information and misinformation to become muddled due to the sheer volume, people are becoming more reliant on anecdotes to tell a story.

The show will therefore see the popular broadcaster explore some of the 25,000 questions his daily BBC Radio 2 show the Jeremy Vine Show has received from listeners.

“It will also celebrate the joys of radio,” Jeremy added.

“I have been lucky to have been on the radio since 2003.”

While Jeremy is a familiar face among millions on our television screens presenting the likes of Eggheads, Newsnight and Panorama – he is nervous about performing in front of an audience.

He said: “On the radio there might be millions but in a theatre it is much more personal. I like meeting the audience. They can ask questions and ask questions about anything.

“This is my first time out and about. I wanted to do some live performances in theatres. I am excited and nervous.”

A tour spokesman said: “Get ready to laugh and cry as Jeremy tries to make sense of a world that increasingly makes no sense at all — where, as he puts it, “my listeners have better stories than I do.”

Jeremy Vine – What The Hell Is Going On?! is at Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Friday, March 20th at 7.00pm. There will also be a pre-talk book signing in the Sir Doug Ellis Lounge Bar from 6PM. Tickets £17.00. Call 0121 296 9543 (Mon-Fri,10AM-4PM) or visit www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com/jeremy-vine-what-the-hell-talk-tour/

ENDS.

For more details contact Alexander Goetschel [email protected]

07919 420 784  or 0121 296 9543

Successful Launch for St Giles Hospice Garden Project

A great evening was had by all at St Giles Hospice in Whittington last Thursday, when Karen Tatlow, of Karen Tatlow Garden Design, officially launched the St Giles Hospice garden project, to an audience of local business owners, Whittington and Lichfield residents and of course many from the St Giles Hospice community. Jeremy Cotton, Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire also very kindly lent his support by attending on the evening.

Attendees were treated to a presentation giving an ‘insiders view’ of the building of an RHS Show Garden – before the story behind the design of the St Giles show garden garden was revealed and how it will come back to the hospice at Whittington after the show.

” People were fascinated to learn of the attention to detail that is required to build a show garden, the lengths designers will go to in their quest for perfection and the sheer hard work and determination that is involved.

” Come rain or shine, hail or even hurricanes – you must have that garden finished in time for judging day and no amount of excuses – however genuine – will be accepted. Even when things go wrong – which they always do – you just have to plough on regardless!

The story behind the design of the St Giles garden was then explained – how the space is not only accessible to wheelchairs, but that a patient bed can also be wheeled into the garden. How a specially commissioned cantilevered pergola and height adjustable movable table, completely free up the space to accommodate any activity. And how ‘one offs’ like a beautifully intricate laser cut screen, with stained glass inserts and bespoke porcelain pavers are being designed and manufactured for the garden.

Guests were treated to a sneak preview of the Sunflowers for the art installation …

Guests were also treated to a sneak preview of the Metal Sunflowers that are going to make up an art installation at the heart of the garden. Anyone can support the project by buying a Sunflower for £20, with 50% of the proceeds being donated to St Giles Hospice and 50% being used to fund the show garden at RHS Malvern. Sunflowers can be bought at the following link …

https://stgileshospiceshowgarden.com/buy-sunflowers/

First the Sunflowers will go to create part of the art installation at the heart of the show garden at RHS Malvern in May, after which, if they wish, people can collect their Sunflowers in person back at St Giles.

” The support we have had so far from local businesses is amazing!

” Urban Street Designs, AT Services, Logi Engineering, Tippers, Just Granite, Lichfield Garden Centre, Gleeson Recruitment, Grangewood Garden Centre, Masonry Solutions, Downes and Daughters, South Staffordshire Paper Products, Brookside Nursery and ReadyHedge.

” These are all on board already and of course we must mention MJL Garden Design who will be building the garden, not only at the show, but for a second time back at St Giles.

” Many more have expressed their wish to pledge their support, but of course we are still hoping to find more businesses that would like to help us make this garden happen!

The evening also gave those attending the chance to find out all about the various volunteer roles there are available to help support the project. Volunteers can help to build the garden behind the scenes at RHS Malvern, or back at St Giles in Whittington after the show. There are other opportunities to get involved, perhaps with the administration side of things, or even cooking and freezing homemade meals to keep the troops going!

You can learn more about the project at
https://stgileshospiceshowgarden.com/

or contact Karen at
[email protected]
07432 646275

The Boat Inn – Highest New Entry in 2020

BREAKING NEWS…..We’ve ranked #20 in the Top 50 Gastropubsmaking us the Highest New Entry for 2020!! #proud #staffordshire#lichfield

 

There we go… the 2020 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list has been revealed & the website is now live!!
Congratulations again to all of the pubs who made the list!🎉 🍻

You can check out the pubs in further detail by clicking the link below.
www.top50gastropubs.com

 

Swing Comes To Sutton

Down For The Count – Swing That Music

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Friday 24th January

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles (WOISC)

 

After wowing audiences at Concerts In The Park in 2018, Down For The Count made a triumphant return to Sutton Coldfield performing to a sold out house at the Town Hall on Friday night promoting their latest album “Swing That Music”.

The show promised to evoke the atmosphere of the ballrooms and jazz clubs  of the swing era, and that they certainly did!

The evening commenced with a taster swing dance lesson provided by “The Swing Era”, Birminghams hottest swing dance school, we were told we need no partner or experience just enthusiasm. I thought a few people might get up and join in how mistaken was I, the dance floor was full of potential “lindy-hoppers” yours truly excused for having two left feet and no rhythm according to Mrs G. After  about half an hour of some very good dancing  it was time for the band to take centre stage.

Opening with the title track to their new album “Swing That Music” the show continued with classics from the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Glenn Miller and many more. The band were joined for various numbers by vocalists, Hannah Castleman, Katie Birtill and Max Fagandini. Halfway through we were asked to clear the dance floor and make room for The Suzy Q’s Swing Eras all female dance troupe who performed a fabulous routine. After a short interval for everyone to catch their breath we were off again. I have to say this was one of the most enjoyable evenings I’ve had in a while. It was fantastic to see so many people embracing the period including their dress and simply joining in and dancing the night away.

The band grabbed the audience from the first note and kept them dancing right up to the encore.”

 

 

 

Buddy Bags ready to go!

Press Release

Release date: 20.01.2020

Media contact: Carolyn McLaughlin 

Wylde Green Rotarians have been in action again and working with members of Wylde Green Inner Wheel, staff from Hart Office Supplies and friends, packed 150 Buddy Bags.

Buddy Bags make a tangible difference to children entering emergency accommodation, restoring a sense of safety and security to their lives. Each bag is a backpack that contains all the essential items a child needs. They include toiletries, pyjamas, socks and underwear. They also include comfort items such as a book, a photo frame and a teddy bear. A Buddy Bag is something a child can call their own, no matter where they go.

The Buddy Bag will also include a postcard addressed to the Foundation so children can write to let us know how their Buddy Bag has helped them and to say thank you.

The Buddy Bags are tailored to suit babies and children according to age groups and gender and cater specifically for children aged 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 and 13-16 years old.

St Giles Garden Launch Event

St Giles Hospice “The Moments That Matter” garden project is being officially launched …
23RD JANUARY
6.30-8.30PM
ST GILES HOSPICE, WHITTINGTON.

Come along to the Launch Event of the St Giles Hospice garden project … everyone is welcome!

See details of the event & tickets here
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-story-of-a-rhs-show-garden-tickets-84152156365

Join award winning RHS garden designer Karen Tatlow to hear the ‘STORY OF A RHS SHOW GARDEN’ – sharing her experience of building and exhibiting an RHS show garden last year, which picked up no less than three awards, including “People’s Choice Show Garden” and well as attracting national media coverage.

“Building a garden from scratch out of nothing, to an absolute deadline in a matter of days and making it look like it has been there for years is no easy task. In fact it could be described as a form of insanity!

“We ended up doing all sorts of crazy things to make it happen and those are the kind of things people are most interested in hearing about.

Karen will also be sharing the story behind the St Giles garden, which will be at RHS Malvern Spring Festival in May, before being moved, piece by piece, back to the hospice in Whittington, Lichfield.

There’ll be the opportunity to find out how to pledge your support for the project, whether that’s getting involved in building the garden, spreading the word, helping financially, or signing up to help bring the garden back to Whittington.

The garden is becoming a real community project, with people, local organisations and businesses across Whittington Village and Lichfield all coming together to donate time, products, services and expertise, as well as financial donations.

“It’s an absolute joy to see so many people and businesses wanting to lend their support to build this garden for the hospice.

“We have already raised support worth an estimated £58K, which is so wonderful, but we still have about £13K to go, so every little bit that people and businesses can give is so important … and of course we cannot do it all alone, so we are also looking for volunteers that can help us!

The garden has a dedicated website telling you all about the project and how everyone can get involved at stgileshospiceshowgarden.com

All are welcome to come along to the Launch Event, whether you are a local business owner or representative that would like to find out more, or someone who is simply fascinated about the world of RHS Show Gardens!

The Launch Event is at St Giles Hospice, Whittington, on the 23rd January, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm

TICKETS ARE FREE (with a request for a donation on the night towards the garden if possible)

Tickets are avialable via EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-story-of-a-rhs-show-garden-tickets-84152156365

Or contact Karen directly at

[email protected]
07432 646275

Sutton Coldfield BookFest 2020

PRESS RELEASE – Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

30th December

BookFest Sutton Coldfield 2020 – Saturday 29th February

Sutton Coldfield BookFest is back for 2020! It’s a fantastic chance for children to meet their favourite authors, discover astonishing books and experience hands-on storytelling.

Meet Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt! Enjoy adventure stories, Tiger Who Came to Tea Tea Parties, mystery writers, Dr Who script-writing, and stories for the very young. 

Events for 0-12 year olds all take place on one fabulous day, at Sutton Coldfield Library and Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, with a fun, free Where’s Wally book trail taking place between the two venues.  There will be a book shop and opportunities to have books signed by their authors. So if you know a young book worm – or someone who’s ready to be inspired – then don’t miss out! Tickets start at just £3.50 and go on sale on Monday 6th January.

Sutton Coldfield BookFest is produced by Bournville BookFest and FOLIO Sutton Coldfield. Our grateful thanks go to Heart of England Community Foundation and the Peddimore Community Fund, and to Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID and Sutton Coldfield Town Hall for their support.

Festival director Sarah Mullen said:  “We are very proud to be bringing Sutton Coldfield BookFest back in 2020 and really have something for everyone, from famous authors to storytelling for tots. Join us for a Leap Day to remember – a chance to #LeapintoBooks!”

Zoe Toft, Chair of FOLIO Sutton Coldfield, said: “We are so excited to see the return of Sutton Coldfield Bookfest in 2020! And this time it’s going to be even bigger and better, with Jacqueline Wilson, a former Children’s Laureate, joining us to help celebrate. Coming just before World Book Day (5 March), and Sutton Coldfield LIbrary’s birthday (7 March) there’s never been a better time to get families excited about sharing stories together.”

Details of all events are now on our website so you can plan your day. Tickets can be booked from Monday 6th January.

www.suttoncoldfieldbookfest.com

Ticket Hotline: 0121 780 3333

Hearing impaired patrons can call the Box Office minicom line on 0121 644 6140.

Who is coming to Sutton Coldfield BookFest in 2020?

Legendary author-illustrator team Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt

They are the creators of Tracy Beaker and have produced more than 50 books together selling 40 million worldwide. They’ll be talking about their characters and Nick will be drawing live on stage, and there will be a chance to meet them afterwards. Don’t miss out!

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Tea Parties 

This BookFest tribute to the late Judith Kerr is a treat for 2-6 year olds and their grown ups.  Bring the story of a hungry tiger who invites himself in for tea to life – pour the tea, eat the cake and sandwiches. Face-painting optional!

Fantasy adventures with WildSpark author Vashti Hardy

Explore the fantasy worlds of WildSpark and BrightStorm with author Vashti Hardy, using maps and explorers’ stories. 

Dr Who Scriptwriting Workshops

Love Dr Who? Then step this way for a fantastic scriptwriting workshop, which will have you creating characters, planets and plot twists.

Tom Percival with Meesha Makes Friends

Perfectly Norman star author Tom Percival has written a sweet story for children who find social manners tricky. A lovely session which will spark conversations in every family.

Fabio the Flamingo with Laura James and Emily Fox

Fabio might not be tall or strong – but he is the world’s greatest flamingo detective. Discover this unusual hero, his love of pink lemonade and crime-solving skills with author Laura James – and draw the characters along with illustrator Emily James.

Mystery Writing Workshop with Serena Patel

Create your own funny stories at this lively interactive workshop with Walsall author Serena Patel. Serena’s hilarious new novel Anisha the Accidental Detective has just been published – and she’s going to share her writing tips so you can all create a completely new story together!

COMPETITION:

WIN tickets to see Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt!

Draw your favourite character and you could be in with a chance to win 4 tickets to see Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Saturday 29th February 2020 – then have an exclusive chat afterwards and a book signed. Details are on our website:

https://suttoncoldfieldbookfest.com/competition-win-an-exclusive-audience-with-the-creators-of-tracy-beaker

Sutton Coldfield BookFest took place for the first time in 2019. This is what families said:

My 10-year-old reluctant poetry reader is now hooked! Thank you Sutton Coldfield BookFest! Natasha Salari

Well organised, inspiring and entertaining! We’ll definitely book more events next time. Beth Mordaunt

So much fun! I recommend it to anyone with children, whether they like to read or not – this will inspire them.  Rumena Aktar

Swing That Music

PRESS RELEASE – Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

30th December 2019

Swing That Music 24th January 2020

 

Back in 2018, Down for the Count wowed audiences at Sutton Coldfield’s Concerts in the Park, supporting the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in front of 4,000 people.  Now they are returning to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Friday 24th January with their theatre show SWING THAT MUSIC.

The show evokes the atmosphere of the ballrooms and jazz clubs of the swing era – combining top class musicianship with authentic dance performances from local Lindy hop dance group, The Swing Era.  

Described as “one hellova celebration of vintage music” by TimeOut London, the SWING THAT MUSIC show breathes new life into some of the best music of the 20th Century, treating audiences to joyous instrumental solos, sublime vocal performances, energetic dance routines and Down for the Count’s irresistible humour and on-stage banter.

Expect to hear songs from the likes of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Glenn Miller, and classics from singers such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat ‘King’ Cole.

SWING THAT MUSIC has had a string of sell-out shows in 2019, at venues including the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, and the tour marks the release of Down for the Count’s new album, also called SWING THAT MUSIC. The album is available to buy from the band’s website www.dftcswingorchestra.co.uk. Band leader Mike Paul-Smith describes the album as “a celebration of my favourite musicians and singers from the Swing Era. At that time young people were cramming themselves into ballrooms to listen and dance to incredible music from pioneering musicians – and our album and show aims to recreate that energy and sound.”

The band’s previous album, LETS DANCE, was featured on Clare Teal’s BBC Radio 2 show in 2017.

The band was formed by Mike Paul-Smith in 2005 whilst he was still at school. “We always loved playing jazz and soul music, but it was when we started getting asked to play for swing dance events that we really started to love the big band music we play nowadays. It’s such a thrill to see people interpret the music you play through dance, and it wasn’t long before I began taking Lindy hop dance classes myself. Because the band started when we were so young, we’re only in our late 20s and early 30s now – and we find that audiences are often surprised to see people of our age playing vintage music. It’s great that Swing dancing has become increasingly popular with younger people too.” 

Since then, Down for the Count has become a favourite amongst fans of retro nostalgia, making regular appearances at events such as Twinwood Vintage Festival, who described them as “a breath of fresh air on the swing scene”. The band are regulars at London jazz clubs and have even performed at the oldest jazz club in Europe, Le Caveau de la Huchette in Paris, which featured in the film La La Land. The band includes award-winning jazz musicians and West End performers, who have performed at events across the globe.

The format of the band’s show means that no two performances are ever exactly the same. As Mike said, “we make sure our show is entertaining, bringing our own humour and personalities to the stage, recreating the atmosphere of swing era dance nights and jazz clubs so that every moment feels spontaneous and exciting. Ultimately the music is the star of the show, and we want audiences watching and listening to feel as uplifted as we do when playing. We hope our joie de vivre is infectious and that audiences leave sharing our love for all that swings!”

Swing That Music at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Website & Social Media

Press and PR Contact details

Please direct press and PR enquiries to:

Videos

The band’s new single Swing That Music can be found here:

Aladdin ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Aladdin – The Production Exchange

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Friday 20th December

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Lee Williams (WOISC)

Pantomime is an essential part of the Christmas festivities and it returns to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall this year courtesy of The Production Exchange who also presented last years mega hit Beauty and the Beast.

This is a professional production and this shows in the quality and standard of the cast , costumes and sets.  The Production Exchange have done a fantastic job in assembling a small but powerful cast all credit to director Colin Blumenau and producer Florrie Wilby.

Ruby Ablett playing Wishy Washy opens the show with a fun filled singing and dancing sequence  and leads the audience participation sections with great confidence. She is aided in her audience participations by Jack Alexander, who plays both Hanky Panky, The Chief Constable who leads the young dancers playing constables on some comic almost Keystone Cops style routines; he also plays Gene the Genie with a wonderful comic touch.

Seren Sandham-Davies is the star turn in my humble opinion playing Princess Jasmine, along with choreographing the show. She sings with confidence and enthusiasm and always with a smile on her face, her interaction with Ben Boskovic who plays Aladdin is superb.

The “Baddie” Abanazar (Have a Banana!!) played by Sam Pay is wonderful, greeted by a barrage of boo’s and jeers from a very enthusiastic audience every time he steps on stage. He is part of the stand out double act with Widow Twankey in the second act, more of that in a moment.

Widow Twankey played by Matthew Bugg, who has not played a Panto Dame before so I understand, delivers a stunning performance of the washerwoman. Fierce and bold in the first act and transforming into a temptress to seduce Abanazar to win back the stolen lamp, this is performed to the wonderful Dirty Dancing’s Time of My Life you do not want to miss this, the audience were cheering and howling with laughter.

Musical Director Sue Appleby plays the keyboards holding a lot of the musical numbers together, but also appears as Princess Jasmines mother Empress Double Chin  in a great performance with some wonderful Disney villain moves and mannerisms. Finally there is Lung the Lion, the costume is beautiful and played by two of the young ensemble it dazzles in several dance routines and had a wonderful range of mannerisms.

The Director has created a show with life and passion where all the performers are the stars of the show, it’s a modern take but never strays far from tradition.

The fantastic music including songs ranging from George Ezra to Metallica, Queen to the Proclaimers is all performed live on stage by the extremely versatile and talented cast.

The evening runs for around two and a half hours and I have to say that it is so compelling and such a joy to watch I didn’t see any children or adults leaving their seats for a comfort break .

Finally all that is left to be said is that this show is one not to be missed filled as it is with so much laughter, surprises, naughtiness and everything else that goes into making an amazing show you’ll never want to end

Tickets are still available simply follow the link or call the Box Office 10-4 Mon-Fri exc. 25th and 26th December. 0121 296 9543

Buy Tickets

 

 

Take Over For A Make Over raised £5670.00

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Saturday 16th November

Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre and Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre

Just over a week ago two very special and incredibly talented groups of performers from Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company (SCMTC)and Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre came together for our first official fundraiser at the Town Hall to kickstart raising vital funds as we look to secure this iconic building for generations to come…

…It is with great pleasure then that we can announce the grand total raised from “Take-Over For A Make-Over” is – £5670.00!!

💖 Thank you to all involved from cast and crew to Town Hall staff and all of you who came to watch and support this event! 💖

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