Category: Family

Sutton Coldfield Heritage – Royal Variety Show

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.

Tom’s Midnight Garden – Sutton Arts Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tom’s Midnight Garden
Sutton Arts Theatre
26th March 2025
By Nigel Gambles

We missed seeing this production last week due to family commitments, but Im so glad we managed to get there this week.

I remember reading the book way back when I was a youngster and loved it, the thought of time travel absolutely appealing.

Tom’s Midnight Garden tells the tale of young Tom who, in the 1950s, has been sent to live with his aunt and uncle while his brother recovers from the measles. Through his letters to his brother, Tom begins to tell him about the mysterious garden that he discovers at night time and the children he meets there. At first it appears that the children in the garden can’t see Tom, that is, apart from Hetty, with the two soon becoming friends.

Finley Rowland is particularly engaging as Tom, inquisitive and adventurous in the new world he discovers, and full of childlike intrigue into the ways of time. Similarly, Gracie Reynolds shows admirable skill and depth in her portrayal of Hatty, at times happy in Tom’s company while at others bullied by her boisterous cousins and challenged by Abel the God-fearing gardener.

Throughout the performance a number of players act as the “voices of the house” which lends an eerie feeling to proceedings – a nice touch for a story with ghostly overtones. Equally, the narrative of letters between Tom and his brother Peter helps to set the scene and give more depth to the action on stage. The set is very clever, constantly changing from bedroom to living room and the fantastic garden

This truly is a terrific production capturing the magic of childhood, imagination and connections between generations.

Director Louise Farmer has done an amazing job directing an enthusiastic cast who totally deliver.

Full credit must be given to the stage hands who must have worked as hard as the cast with all the scenery moves.

I would also like to personally congratulate Evie Rice, who I know from her time with Script Youth Musical Theatre, on her debut in a non musical show well done Evie.

 

Pictures courtesy of Sutton Arts Theatre and Olly Foster

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.

 

 

Sweetfields’ Cafe Bakery

🌟 Exciting Discoveries at Sweetfields Cafe and Bakery! 🌟 
We recently took a trip to Wylde Green and were thrilled to visit Sweetfields Cafe and Bakery. This charming spot is much bigger than it appears! 😍 The homemade pastries and cakes are absolutely amazing, and the coffee? Some of the best we’ve had lately! ☕✨
If you’re looking for a delicious lunchtime snack, they also offer sandwiches, cheese plates, and more! 🥪🧀
We had a lovely chat with the owner, who shared that even more delights are coming to the cafe, including a deli counter featuring locally sourced produce. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
If you haven’t visited yet, make sure to stop by Sweetfields for a delightful experience! 💖
#WyldeGreen #SweetfieldsCafe #BakeryDelights #SupportLocal #FoodieFavorites

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.

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.

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.

Cloc MTC – The Addams Family

The Addams Family Musical – Cloc MTC

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 28th October 2024 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

I was very kindly invited to the dress rehearsal of Cloc MTC’s  latest production of “The Addams Family Musical” at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall. 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.

John Biddell who plays  Gomez the Father, is wonderful with his phoney Spanish accent and desperately trying keep Morticia in love with him and keeping Wednesday happy. Katie Lewis who plays Morticia gives a polished and charismatic performance.  Her voice is sultry and beautiful and with some alluring dancing nails the character.

Eloise Tanley who plays Wednesday with a demonic zest, swapping between her brothers tormentor and torturer and the love struck youngster with ease her voice is powerful and harmonious.

As for the rest of the cast Ravin Thakrar  playing the wacky Uncle Fester, for me stole the show and gives a glorious performance even when he breaks into his ballad “The Moon and Me”.  Charlene Payton who plays Grandma is hilarious delivering a crazy witch like character with some of the best one liners and is quite unrecognisable. Pugsley the son is played by Abi Crosby giving a energetic performance trying to send his sisters romance off the rails. Finally Lurch played by Rob Whitehouse 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. I feel Dan Benton as Mal was maybe the weakest cast member this being his first role on stage in 10 years.  Sam Rogers as Alice the repressed wife was superb her vocals were beautiful and strong. Finally Lucas the son and Wednesday’s love played by Alex Tuckwell 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 Teresa Biddell choreographer has done an amazing job. Also a massive well done to the costume, make-up and set depts for a superb job!

Summing up I have to say this is among one of the best performances I have seen from an amateur group. Slick, professional, fantastic dance routines and perfect singing an all round winner, congratulations to Laura White house producer, and her team.

The Addams Family Musical runs at the Sutton Coldfield Town Hall from Wednesday 30th October to Saturday 2nd November, performances start at 7.30pm, with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 2nd November. Ticket prices start from £18 and can be purchased at the Box Office, ring 0121 296 9543 or book online at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/sutton-coldfield/sutton-coldfield-town-hall/the-addams-family/e-azekqp

 

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