Sutton Coldfield Heritage – Royal Variety Show

Bishop Vesey Grammar School

Saturday 5th April 2025

By : Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network

Photos : Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network

With grateful thanks from Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network to Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust for funding, the whole event went extremely well and audience and exhibitor / performer feedback was fantastic. Grea atmosphere, high quality performances, amazing variety, small but interesting creative and literary arts’ exhibition, and ‘a great night out’.

The Town’s Mayor said a couple of times he ‘hadn’t expected it to be as good as this!’ and the Mayoress said ‘fabulous’ quite a few times but particularly about the Queen medley finale played by Central England Concert Band with all performers and exhibitors on the stage happily waving and swaying!

The small but packing-a-punch exhibition showcased the excellent work of local artists including Misccreate Art School, Bold Writers literary arts, Maggie Taylor artist, Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group, and Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network.

Following this diverse display of local visual and literary arts, King Henry VIII’s own composition ‘Pastime in Good Company’ played by the skilful Central England Concert Band, narrated by The Lady of the Manor, Lauren Jones, and supported by Henry VIII and Bishop Vesey in the flesh (incredible!) opened the concert in medieval style. Henry’s Choir continued the 1500s theme with Arabesque Silver Swans Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ballet moving the audience forward through time bringing Truly Scrumptious to life in Sutton Coldfield. Preserving young people’s opportunities to play great film music, the New Streetly Youth Orchestra started the second half with a variety of John Williams’ epic film themes, and continuing the youth theme, Sing ‘N Tonic Choir took us through almost every Disney film tune you could think of. The very first performance of Lads, Dads & Granddads Pop-Up Male Voice Choir got off the ground with Baba Yetu sung in Swahili (well done, chaps) and the audience fully understood why Premier Dance Company are World Champions given the quality of contemporary dance on display. Central England Concert Band, in its first major Sutton Coldfield concert and under the direction of local resident Martin Sleaford, threw in a James Bond medley along the way and led the Queen finale given both Roger Moore and Roger Taylor’s residential and business ties to the Town.

Along with increasing the numbers of stage hands for next year’s event to minimise delays, a call for 2026 performers and exhibitors will be out during next month.

Photos:

The dignitaries photo – left to right: Stella Thebridge MBE, Event Director; Lauren Jones, The Lady of the Manor creative narrator; Colin Ingley, King Henry VIII; Councillor John Perks, the Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield; Mrs Sarah Perks, the Mayoress of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield; Chris Kettel, Bishop Vesey; Martin Sleaford, Event Artistic Director

The Silver Swans letter from Queen Camilla, herself a Silver Swan ballet dancer, reluctantly declining an invite to watch Arabesque Swans’ performance on Saturday night. Lleft-to-right: Donna, Arabesque School of Dance Silver Swan; Councillor John Perks, the Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield; Mrs Sarah Perks, the Mayoress of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield;

The auditorium set out for concert at Bishop Vesey Grammar School

Lichfield Operatic Society – Any Goes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anything Goes – Lichfield Operatic Society

Lichfield Garrick

Tuesday 8th April 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Lichfield Operatic Society have done themselves proud. Anything Goes, this year’s production of choice, is a superb showcase of rich talent and enduring passion. Overseen by the Director Patrick Jervis, the production is confident, powerful and brimming with enthusiasm and joy.

It is also packed classics: I Get a Kick Out of You; You’re the Top; It’s De-Lovely.

Set on an ocean liner the SS American, bound from New York to London, Anything Goes follows the madcap antics of those on board. Central is Billy Crocker, a charming young stowaway who has fallen in love with wealthy heiress Hope Harcourt (played by Ellie Johnstone), who is already engaged to an English aristocrat Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (played by Connor Brooks). Billy is played masterfully by Adam Gregory, while Charlotte Jervis effortlessly embodies Reno Sweeney, a nightclub singer who assists Billy in his bid to win Hope’s heart.

Ellie Johnstone provides an outstanding portrayal of Hope. Her acting is sensitive, congenial and expressive, providing her scenes with sophistication and warmth. Adam Gregorys’s rendition of Billy is rich with boyish charm and a strong sense of fun. His chemistry when on stage with Ellie or Charlotte is nothing short of magical. I will say now that all three of them could have been on a stage in the West End their performances so polished and realistic.

Ben Green is public enemy number 13 – Moonface Martin. He shows off his comic side and gives an easygoing, shoulder-rolling, soft-shoe-shuffling performance as low-league criminal Moonface Martin that reminds you what a pro he is. His duet with Charlotte Jervis on the song Friendship is a playful delight

Shannon Robinson is the sultry gangsters moll Erma Latour, who is having a ball playing the ships sailors off against one another for her hand in marriage, while also warning them that she is not easily pleased. Shannon is superb, her accent and sassy brashness just hitting the mark perfectly.

Also strong is Chris Stanley, playing the Ship’s Captain his performance is very assured. Theo Fryer, plays the Ship’s Purser, offering a comedic and charismatic performance. Don’t miss them at the start of the show before the curtains raised

The best songs and the biggest moments belong to Charlotte Jervis as Reno and she knocks them out the park her voice is amazing.

While the acting quality is compelling across the whole cast, this is a musical, and the musical facet of this production is exquisite thanks to musical director David Easto. The orchestra lays on melodious accompaniment throughout, which makes the actors’ and actresses’ performances shine all the more. Sound and lighting move in tandem with the onrushing of the plot, guiding the production from each set-piece scene to the next. The setting of an ocean liner is great in its design, owing to the diligent work of stage manager Martin Garfield and his back stage team

Perhaps most striking in this production is the use of dance, choreographed skilfully by Zoe Heathcote and Jody Edmunds. The hours of practice that have gone into some of the routines must have been huge and the quality, professionalism and passion shines through to the point where you will be exhausted just watching. The enthusiasm and enjoyment each cast member demonstrates is truly stirring, and you have to admire the whole company’s dedication. Each radiant scene glides into the next, moving with water’s easy tread and supple fluidity. The dancing scenes are elegant and subtle, yet profound – they are in their execution quite simply excellent.

Evita – Lichfield Musical Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Evita – Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre

Lichfield Garrick

Tuesday 1st April 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre

This was two hours of breathtaking pleasure that once again reminds you of the number of incredibly talented young people we have in the area who dedicate their time and energy to create spectacles like this

This ambitious new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita which charts the rise to power of Eva Duarte from the dusty streets of Argentina to first lady of Prime Minister Juan Perón in the mid 1900’s. This is one of my favourite Lloyd Webber/Rice shows with some iconic numbers.

The casting of all the main characters was superb and each and every member of the sizeable chorus provided the perfect backdrop to what is a triumphant but ultimately sad story about the very short life of a woman who is still held to almost sainted regard in Argentina.

The audience is told the end of the story before the action is taken back to the streets of Argentina and a younger Eva Duarte who is from an impoverished background but has very lofty ambitions that this will not be her lot in life as she has eyes on stardom and ultimately power. Her journey begins with a dalliance with tango cabaret singer Augustin Magaldi (James Williams) his rendition of “On This Night Of a Thousand Stars” is energetic and enthusiastic. This short affair leads her to the bright lights of Buenos Aires where she goes through several men before marrying Juan Perón (Zach Andrews) and becoming the most powerful lady in the land. All the while, and ostensibly as an onlooker, uber left wing political activist and general trouble maker to the powers that be Che Guevara (Zephan Rowe) is looking on critically as the aspirational social climber is using all her wiles to get to where she wants to be. His duet “High Flying Adored” with Eva is beautiful

The role of Evita is played with sublime elegance by Hannah Roche she makes it all look so effortless. She embodies Eva Perón completely – the passion, the emotion, the determination to reach the top, and the ever-growing anxiety about the impending end. When she sang “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” the anthemic centrepiece of the show left us delighted and simultaneously heartbroken.

The principal cast are supported ably and with such professionalism by an ensemble who help paint the picture and set the scene. The choreography by Jessica Bennett is exquisite, especially in the blending of the movement of dance and marching during ‘And The Money Kept Rolling In’. The company are placed so stylishly upon the stage in each moment with the effect that every scene is a feast for the eyes and ears. It is almost exhausting to watch them.

As for the costumes. I tried to count the number of costume changes but gave up. Top marks to the team behind the planning of those outfits and managing the fast changes off-stage.

And so to my star of the show and it is a difficult one with so many stellar performances this evening, but it goes to a young lady who is found on stage in a scene where she is unceremoniously chucked out by the ever advancing Eva. In the programme she is called ‘The Mistress’ which I think is a little harsh as she was there first. But my star of the show goes to Charlotte Grubb who sang ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ with effortless emotion and very nearly had me crying.

If you like musicals then get yourselves along to this show at The Garrick Theatre Lichfield from Tuesday 1st April – Saturday 5th April with a matinee on the Saturday

https://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/evita-lmyt#dates-and-times

Drag Me To The 80’s

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Saturday 22nd March 2025

By Lee Williams

Photography By Lee Williams Photos

What an amazing show from the first song through to the last one! The 80’s Divas provided an amazing production full of dazzling outfits, songs and attitude. The crowd were up and dancing from the first song and were singing along. This was a performance full of the greatest 80’s hits brought back to life. The night included the a live band and played Kylie, Madonna, Whitney, Bananarama , Queen, Abba, Rick Astley, Pet Shop Boys , Erasure, Duran Duran, Wham, Tina Turner all in one show! The crowd left so happy and tired from dancing and smiling!

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory – Tudor Musical Comedy Society ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory – Tudor Musical Comedy Society

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 10th March 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory The Musical opened on the West End in 2013 where it ran for 3.5 years but it took another 10 years for the show to tour the UK. The show is based on the Roald Dahl book which tells of Charlie Bucket who spends their day dreaming of chocolate. When Willy Wonka announces a chance for 5 children to win a tour around the famous chocolate factory, it sends the world into a frenzy but with Charlie’s family struggling to afford just one chocolate bar it looks unlikely that they would win, let alone the chance to win the biggest prize of them all.

The show is one of two halves. Act 1 focuses on the hunt for the winning tickets, Charlie’s daily struggles and with each child that wins they get a song that introduces their character. After the second or third winner this begins to feel a bit formulaic in nature and the pace feels slow with the audience wanting to get to the chocolate factory itself. Charlie finding the ticket also seemed anti-climatic and the magnitude of this event glossed over swiftly. The second act however is where the magic begins and we meet Willy Wonka and venture into the Chocolate Factory itself. The use of a giant projection screen really helps us visualise the factory and the interior.

My only criticism is the lack of memorable songs only Candyman and Pure Imagination make from the film

The cast are all very strong. In the performance I saw Charlie was played by Ellie Howard in the first half and Jack Brayley-Boddington in the second. Ellie is an accomplished performer and acts with confidence beyond her years. Elliot Scott-Lolly plays Willy Wonka and did so with a good mix of eccentric and genius, unfortunately he did not cut it for me, maybe due to his eight year break from musicals. Everyones favourite Mark Skett took on the role of Grandpa Joe who gets out of bed for the first time in years to take Charlie on the trip of a lifetime. Mark portrayed Grandpa Joe with a huge amount of heart and had the audience rooting for him from the start. I also enjoyed the portrayal of Mrs Bucket, played by Paula O’Hare (who played Calamity Jane last year) My favourite had to be Alex Nash who plays Augustus Gloop brilliantly and with a wonderfully comic German accent.

The rest of the golden ticket winners Bethany Davis as Veruca Salt, Dan McColoskey as Mike Teevee and Samantha Rogers as Violet Beaurearde (make sure you don’t miss the bit where she balloons in size) all play their roles with enthusiasm and skill. Oh and keep a lookout for Alex Tuckwell as the giant squirrel Jeremy.

This is a great show professionally staged directed and choreographed with passion by Juliet Fisher and Connie Mortiboy and full credit must also go to the backstage team led by Hellie England and to musical director and the orchestra led by Andrew Timmins. Lighting by Going Dark Theatrical Services

Anyone who has tickets for this show is in for a real treat it is wonderful.

Annie – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Annie – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company

Lichfield Garrick

Monday 24th March 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

I think that, at some point, everyone has come across and been introduced to the story of Little Orphan Annie. Three movies across the years, and songs that have become part of our lives from our childhoods to now. It’s a story that somehow we keep coming back too, so it is no surprise that the most recent West End production has headed out on the road, spreading its charm and joy up and down the country.

The cast are brilliant, with no weak link, you can not fault them. Kerrie Penrice plays Miss Hannigan and she suits the role to a tee. An imposing figure over the small children, carrying off the characteristic drunken stagger and the slight insanity every moment when the orphanage girls run riot. Paul Lumsden plays the role of Warbucks. He is easily able to show the change of character from emotionless business man, in love with only money, to the sensitive man who wants to love Annie.

Rachel J Clarke comes onto the stage with a wonderful grace and beauty as Grace Farrell, with gorgeous vocals and a beautiful ease to everything she did on stage. I have to also highlight Ethan Bowley who takes on the role of Rooster, his quick switch from man of comedy to sinister villain sends a chill down your spine.

You can’t go and see a show like Annie and not marvel over the talents of the show’s young stars. It always amazes me how they can remember everything and make it look so easy. it was the adorable Eliza Bullock that took on the role of Annie and she was simply brilliant. A very mature performer with lovely vocals and some amazing facial expressions, she could sum up a lot in just one look. Lula McLoughin was also a highlight as the littlest orphanage girl Molly, from the beginning to the end she had the audience hanging on her every word. The entirety of team (Isabella Hamilton, Ellie Baker, Grace Wilson, Sophia Reeve Dotty Shipton and the rest of the orphans) are amazing little performers and sure to all go far.

This slick production effortlessly danced from scene to scene, taking us from the orphanage to the grand surroundings of Warbuck’s mansion, then whizzing us away to Washington then back again. It delights in story telling, and never misses a beat. The Choreography by Maggie Jackson is incredible, from the energy of ‘Hard Knock Life’ and ‘Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile’ to the classic feel of ‘NYC’ and the beautiful waltz in the second act. ‘Hooverville’ was also a highlight choreographically, slick and clever and effortlessly performed by a faultless ensemble.

Annie, in my opinion, is timeless. It’s a story of dreams and want, woven in with a story of good versus bad. From the darkness of the orphanage and Annie’s backstory to the light of the mansion and of Annie’s new future, it takes us back to watching the film as children. This is a production that can enchant even the youngest of children and thoroughly entertain the adults as well, one for all the family.

Finally no show can happen without the director and behind the scenes crew. Paula Lumsden directs and absolute winner here with a company who are enjoying every minute, which shows in their performance. Musical Director Sheila Jackson and choreographer Maggie Jackson just added the razzmatazz to the show.

Sleeping Beauty – Cloc MTC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sleeping Beauty – Cloc Musical Theatre Company

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 3rd February 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Cloc Musical Theatres annual post Christmas pantomime is on this week at the town hall and is the classic Sleeping Beauty.

I’m sure everyone knows the story of Sleeping Beauty, beautiful princess cursed by her evil aunt pricks her finger falls asleep for 100 years and only true loves kiss can break the curse, I tell you now there will be no falling asleep during this show and there is no true loves kiss in this version, but that has no impact on the story.

First on stage we are greeted with three fairies who guide us through the tale, played by Tina Boyce, Hannah Muxlow and for a fairy with a difference Krystian Wharton who all play their roles with great comic awareness.

Central to the story are Nanny Nightnurse played by John Biddell no stranger to playing the dame and Muddles played by Calum Reynolds (Muddles) who for his first comedic role is brilliant arriving on stage by an array of methods, a space hopper and skateboard among them, all in a wonderful array of hats to go with his jesters costume he was one of my stars of the show. The other would be Princess Aurora played by Sophia Powers no stranger to playing princess’s and looks more and more like one every time I see her in a show, she has a wonderful singing voice and grows in confidence with every performance. Young Aurora is played by two young performers Belle Bottomley and Gracie Jones, I believe it was Belle on stage for the dress rehearsal i was at..wow what a voice strong and confident and she also performs well on stage.

The show is peppered with some well known catchy numbers which bring the whole cast together in some great dance routines.

Full credit for the wonderful show must go to the behind the scenes teams and producer Teresa Biddell a quick mention to Going Dark for excellent lighting.

Robin Hood ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Robin Hood – TaleGate Theatre productions

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Friday 6th December 2024 – Dress Rehearsal

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

TaleGate Theatre Productions returned to the Town Hall for this years spectacular pantomime production of Robin Hood.

Not a panto I have seen before but the story generally follows the classic tale, the “Hero Robin Hood”, the “Maid Marion” and the “Evil Sheriff of Nottingham” and a number of extras including a horse, a dragon and a large “Dog”

This is the third visit to the Town Hall this year by Talegate, previously here to perform “The Little Mermaid” and “Harry Potter” both of which were very well received.

Anyway back to the show in question, it certainly has everything and more you would expect, flying, smoke, pyrotechnics, dancing, songs and some famous faces! Pop star Lolly aka Anna Kumble is our Sheriff of Nottingham! listen out for a parody of her hit single “Mickey”

James Barlett as Will Scarlett who has appeared in TV shows including Hollyoaks and The Dumping Ground, who comes back to his hometown where it all started for him with Sutton Coldfield Music Theatre Company’s production of Oliver when he was 14!

As you would expect from a professional company, the show is performed with perfection and the jokes come thick and fast with plenty of slapstick. Full credit has to be given to “Dame Little Joan” played by Danny Mills whose character matches his outfits..outrageous and to Farrah Palmer, dance captain who leads the ensemble in some stunning routines, including dancers from a number of local dance schools.

This is 100% family show and we urge to get your tickets whilst you still can click the link below.

Finally if anyone knows why the “Dog” is there please let us know thanks

Sleeping Beauty – Trinity Players ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sleeping Beauty – Trinity Players

Streetly Community Centre

Wednesday 4th December 2024

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Panto season has arrived and that can only mean one thing, Christmas is around the corner.

This is out first of four pantomimes to cover this year and if they are all as good as this one, it’s going to be Fun Fun Fun and Ho Ho Ho. Trinity Players have never done a pantomime before so this was new territory for them but they have not let that deter them. This is one of the best amateur pantos I have seen in years.

For me the stars of the show are Muddles played by Bexs Perry and Dame Nurse Nelly played by Richard Mcnally-Reilly their stage presence was huge but more than that their comic timing was exceptional.

Maleficent (Evil Aunt) played by Jenny Marsh and her feathered accomplice Russell Crow played by Cameron Hall (who by just standing there will have you laughing) will certainly bring forth a barrage of Booing again both excellent in their roles.

Sammi Kelly-Griggs as Princess Aurora entertains well with a good stage presence and excellent singing voice.

Full credit must go to the supporting cast and ensemble who all play their parts perfectly and really enjoy their time on stage.

The production team led by director Dan Barnes have certainly put in the work to bring this magical show to stage a massive cheer out for all.

The Upbeat Beatles

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Sunday 24th November 2024

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

This seems to becoming an annual event. The Upbeat Beatles once again performing to a sell out crowd at the Town Hall and had the audience singing and dancing along by the second number. There really isn’t much more you can say about this very talented and professional tribute to the Beatles, they cover all the hits and more and throughly enjoy what they are doing. Already penciled in for 2025 hurry up and get your tickets for a fantastic dose of nostalgia.