Category: Entertainment

TRANSFORMERS AND GIANT T-REX TO INVADE SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN CENTRE

Giant footsteps are set to echo around Sutton Coldfield Town Centre this month when larger-than-life characters mix with shoppers.

This Saturday (August 13th) Transformers Optimus Prime and Bumblebee will touch down in Sutton and patrol the Parade for a free meet-and-greet with fans from 11am-2pm. Then, on Bank Holiday Monday (August 28th) the Royal Town will get a Royal visit with a difference when the King of the Dinosaurs – ‘Chomp’, the T-Rex – stalks the town centre from 11am-2pm. The colourful characters are part of the new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID programme of year-round events which aims to encourage more people to choose the town centre as a destination to spend time, eat, drink, shop and relax.

Organised by Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID), the programme of events also includes a new monthly Farmer’s Market, beginning on Sunday, September 25th. BID Manager Michelle Baker said: “We’re aiming to make Sutton Coldfield town centre a big attraction, and they don’t come much bigger than the Transformers and Chomp, who is the world’s biggest, most realistic Tyrannosaurus Rex! “These are amazing performance characters who have to be seen to be believed, so come down to Sutton town centre and enjoy the free entertainment.

Grease ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Grease – Script Youth Musical Theatre

Highbury Theatre

Monday 4th July 2022 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

We all know Grease we’ve all seen the film with Danny, Sandy T-Birds and Pink Ladies. Script Youth are and will be performing it in style and you will be “Hopelessly Devoted To It”

So off we go to Rydell High where the students are returning after summer break . Danny leader of the T-Birds meets up with the rest of the gang and reminisces about his summer on the beach and the girl he met, played by Ollie Roberts. He captures the strutting tough guy leader to perfection his vocals are strong and he sings with confidence and passion. Meanwhile Sandy played by Erin Moony is a school newcomer and is introduced to the Pink Ladies and she also tells of her summer romance while being put down by Rizzo, more about her in a while. This brings us to the duet “Summer Lovin” Erin plays Sandy  with a shy naivety  her voice lovely crisp and tuneful.

Back to Rizzo played by Evie Rice. Evie was made for the role playing it with such style and class. She could be a clone of Stockard Channing (played Rizzo in the movie) as she turns the lesser known “There Are Worse Things I could Do” into a hands down show stopper. I think we have a future star in the making here.

The rest of the cast play their roles with passion and commitment bringing energy to the dance sequences and power to the group vocals indeed “Hand Jive” is just that and encourages audience participation, so you better brush up on your hand jive.

Louise Farmers production of the show is excellent you feel her passion and commitment shine through. The cast show this in their polished and slick delivery. Full credit must also be given to the costumes makeup and backstage crew.

This is a youth production, but you would not think so from the quality and maturity of the performances. Its a first class show and you will need to be like “Greased Lightning ” to get your tickets as Im sure this is going to be hugely popular.

For your tickets click the link 👇 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/script-youth-musical-theatre-company

The Addams Family Musical ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Addams Family Musical – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company

Lichfield Garrick

Tuesday 5th July 2022 – Opening Night

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

I was very kindly invited to the opening night of Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company’s latest production of “The Addams Family Musical” at The Garrick Theatre in Lichfield. If like me you grew up in the 60’s then I’m sure you will remember that..creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky family, the catchy theme tune and snapping fingers.

The musical is based around the main characters of the TV series with a script from a book by Brickman and Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.

The story revolves around Wednesdays budding romance with normal boy Lucas and families meeting for dinner at chez Addams, obviously the course of true love never runs smoothly and the ensuing antics accompanied by some wonderful one liners it makes for a very uplifting show.

Mark Skett who plays  Gomez the Father, is wonderful with an outrageous phoney Spanish accent and desperately trying keep Morticia in love with him. Kate Pilling who plays Morticia superbly reminding me of Carolyn Jones the original Morticia.  Her voice is sultry and beautiful and with some alluring dancing nails the character.

Charlotte Jervis who plays Wednesday with a demonic zest, swapping between her brothers tormentor and torturer and the love struck youngster easily and confidently her voice is powerful and harmonious.

As for the rest of the cast James Fisher playing the wacky Uncle Fester gives a glorious performance even when he breaks into his ballad “The Moon and Me”.  Paula Lumsden who plays Grandma is hilarious delivering a crazy witch like character with some of the best one liners. Pugsley the son is played by 2 actors depending on which performance you go to. On this occasion it was Alfie Stevens giving a energetic performance trying to send his sisters romance off the rails. Finally Lurch played by Tony Orbell wearing a pair of platforms high enough to be the envy of any 70’s glam rock band. Although his is a performance with only grunts, he makes sure that his presence is always felt and the surprises us all with a lovely rendition of “Move Towards the Darkness”

The Beineke family who are travelling to the big city to meet the Addams family are wonderfully played delivering doubt, reservations and surprise. Simon Smith as Mal and Sarah Cordin as Alice the repressed wife but not for long.. and son and Wednesday’s love Lucas played by Louis Patterson whose mellow tones work very well with Wednesday.

Finally the ensemble cast paying the Ancestors (cavemen, ballerina gladiator, sailor and so many more) absolutely fantastic the dancing so in sync Maggie Jackson choreographer has done an amazing job. Also a massive well done to the costume, make-up and set depts. Great job!

Summing up I have to say this was one of the best performances I have seen from an amateur group. Slick, professional, fantastic dance routines and perfect singing an all round mega hit, congratulations to Chris Stanley producer, and his team.

Oh and for those of you thinking someone or “Thing” is missing keep your eyes peeled!

The Addams Family Musical runs at the Lichfield Garrick Main Theatre from Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 July, performances start at 7.30pm, with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 9 July. Ticket prices start from ÂŁ20 and can be purchased at the Garrick Box Office, ring 01543 412121 or book online at: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/whats-on/all-shows/the-addams-family-presented-by-sutton-coldfield-musical-theatre-company/2937#schedules

“Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield ” Brand is Launched

Press Release 20/06/22

A vibrant new ‘Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield’ brand has been launched by local business leaders, with the ambition to encourage more people to choose the Royal Town’s centre as a destination to work, study, shop and enjoy.

The new era gets underway on Saturday (June 25th) for Armed Forces Day – when visitors will be able to take the controls of a free flight simulator and enjoy live music and face painting. An army veteran turned chocolatier will be selling tasty treats, while the hilarious ‘Green Army Men’, made famous by Toy Story, will be on parade too.

The launch follows the recent recruitment of Michelle Baker as the new manager of Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID) and provides a positive rebrand which reflects the BID’s renewed focus on raising the profile of Sutton Coldfield town centre.

Michelle said: “The BID has been in place for 10 years and it’s key that we raise the profile of both the BID company and the town centre to place Sutton Coldfield firmly on the map.

“This new branding of ‘Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield’ will help us do that, by sending out the message that this is a wonderful place to spend time, to eat, drink, shop, relax and enjoy everything we have to offer.

“We have big plans for the town centre including delivering high profile events, launching a new Food and Drink guide to promote the 50 places to eat and drink in the town and much more. Come along on Armed Forces Day to get a taste of what’s to come.”

Plans are also being worked to celebrate the Commonwealth Games.

The new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield brand was revealed by BID board members at last week’s Sutton Coldfield Business Fair, along with its striking logo, which features four classic icons reflecting the unique nature of Sutton. The logo includes a Tudor rose, the town’s ancient symbol, a green leaf to symbolise the park, a church spire denoting Holy Trinity – the town’s oldest building – and a crown, representing the town’s famous ‘Royal’ status. The logo will become a familiar site, appearing on all BID material promoting the town centre, and will be rolled out this month to replace the older branding.

Michelle added: “This colourful new brand is just the first step – we are exploring so many exciting ideas for the town centre, such as open-air cinemas and speciality markets and other high-profile events that will encourage people to Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield.”

Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID) commenced its new 5-year term in January this year and raises ÂŁ200,000 per annum for town centre and business improvements. 377 businesses in the town centre pay a levy which funds town centre initiatives and events. Sutton Coldfield BID is a business-led, not for profit organisation voted for by the town’s businesses, with an ambitious plan to transform Sutton Coldfield town centre making it more welcoming, vibrant and influential.

Captions:

1. BID Board members (left to right) Alison Clack, of Cerda Planning Stephen Nixon, of Enoch Evans LLP, Gracechurch Centre manager Angela Henderson, Mark Harris, of Mark Harris Accountants and BID Manager Michelle Baker show off the new brand outside Sutton Coldfield Town Hall.

 2. The new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield logo with its colourful icons.

 3. The Green Army Men, made famous by Toy Story, will be in Sutton Town Centre for this weekend’s Armed Forces Day.

4. A free Flight Simulator will also be ready for take-off for Armed Forces Day.

West Side Story 5⭐

West Side Story – Trinity Players

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 6th June

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

Trinity Players are back at the Town Hall with their production of one of the most memorable musical’s of all time “West Side Story” We were lucky enough to be at the Dress Rehearsal on Monday and wow are you in for a treat.

This epic love story surrounded by hatred, violence and prejudice is as popular as ever especially in the light of the recent movie re-make.

Trinity tackle this show with true professionalism, set in New York City two rival street gangs the Jets and the Sharks battle it out as two young lovers get caught in the crossfire.

I don’t think you could get a better Maria and Tony ( Libby Buick and Dan Barnes). Libby portrays Maria with such softness and grace her singing voice is superb, Dan plays Tony in a plain speaking and down to earth way of someone trying to escape the ties of gang life.

Ross Gilby who plays Bernardo, Maria’s over bearing and very protective brother hits the mark perfectly portrayed with subtle arrogance and aggression.

The singing and dancing of the supporting cast is fantastic full of life, enthusiasm and energy.

For me the highlight scene has to be the one on the fire escape, at this point I have to mention the amazing set. It has to be one of the best I have seen at the Town Hall and perfectly portrays the rundown feel of the New York tenements. Tony climbs to Marias window where she is singing Tonight, picked out perfectly by a soft spotlight, as Tony joins in and we get a beautiful duet.

I can’t finish this review without mentioning the “Rumble” expertly choreographed by Natalie Haslam with the fight scene seeming specially realistic.

Congratulations to directors Matthew Collins on his directorial debut and to Jennifer Holyhead for bringing this show to life. Its spectacular yes we all know most of the songs but here they are performed with passion and energy by a totally amazing cast.

If you have not already then get your tickets now there are a few remaining so hurry.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/trinity-players

Jubilee Weekend In Birmingham & West Midlands

All Information and links courtesy Birmingham Live 

Jubilee weekend is almost here – and with that comes four days of street parties, big lunches, themed events and more. There’s plenty to get involved with, including family fun and evening celebrations – we have all the details in this handy guide.

There will be a huge party in Victoria Square in Birmingham to celebrate the Queen’s 70th year on the throne, with four days of live music, entertainment and food between June 2 and June 5.

And on Sunday, June 5 across the nation communities will be hosting a Big Lunch to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, with many streets shutting for the day for a big bash.

Read more: Huge four day Jubilee celebration planned in Birmingham city – schedule, line-up, and beacon lighting details

We’ve rounded up all the very best of the events happening in Birmingham, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Worcestershire and elsewhere in the Midlands over the long bank holiday. Read on below to find out what’s happening near you over Jubilee weekend, as well as details on street closures, beacon lighting locations, tips on how to throw your own party – and more!

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/queens-platinum-jubilee-birmingham-huge-23612151?utm_source=birmingham_live_newsletter&utm_campaign=whats_on_newsletter2&utm_medium=email

Little Shop Of Horrors 5⭐

Little Shop Of Horrors – Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 30th May

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

Last night we were invited to the dress rehearsal of Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre’s first production in 2 years thanks to the pandemic. Little Shop Of Horrors will be running from 31st May -4th June at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall.

Having only ever seen the film I was really looking forward to seeing this musical version and I can honestly say I was not disappointed the show is outstanding in all areas, the acting particularly that of the leads Nate and Millie was nothing short of captivating showing maturity beyond their years. Their singing was note perfect, to me, Millie’s voice was outstanding and I predict a future for her in the music industry.

The whole cast perform with great  energy and passion derived from months of rehearsals no doubt but well worth it when you watch the results.

The story follows a hapless shop worker, Seymour (Nate) who raises a plant that feeds on human flesh and blood who he names Audrey II (voiced by Zeph)  after Audery who he secretly loves, there begins the story, it is accompanied by some  well know n tunes, “Suddenly, Seymour ” “Skid Row” “Somewhere Green” the music which is enthusiastically played by the band at the front of the stage with a nod towards early sixties rock’n’roll and Motown.

The show is on until Saturday, don’t miss out get your tickets while you can you won’t be disappointed.

Magnificent Sixties at The Town Hall

The Counterfeit Sixties  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The sixties returned to Sutton Town Hall last night in the shape of “The Counterfeit Sixties Show” there was nothing counterfeit about this show, taking the audience back to those fabulous swinging sixties bringing alive everything from that period including flashbacks from TV history, shows adverts and clips from the original bands.

We were treated to some of the best music from the era by bands such as The Beatles, The Who, The Dave Clark Five, The Kinks, Amen Corner and many more including a medley of one hit wonders.

Sound Of Music ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had the pleasure to be invited to the Dress Rehearsal of Manor Musical Theatre company’s new production “The Sound Of Music” being performed at Sutton Coldfield’s Town Hall from Wednesday 27th April to Sunday 1st May you haven’t got tickets hurry there are only a very few left, if you have you are in for a treat. This is a superb production and also a welcome return for the company after the recent pandemic.

The cast are truly magnificent Paula O’Hare playing Maria has a wonderful voice and performs with such joy and enthusiasm, Richard Parry playing Captain von Trapp is portrayed with military precision  and the children are played with such maturity and fully embraced their roles I have to say that for me Sophie John playing Gretl is a star in the making.

All your favourite songs are here and I will be very surprised if the audiences are not singing along such is the enthusiasm of the cast.

The Town hall is certainly going to be alive with the sound of music

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