Category: Family

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.

Submissions open for GENERATIONS PARTICIPATION PROJECT

GENERATIONS PARTICIPATION PROJECT as part of BIRMINGHAM 2022 FESTIVAL:

#GENERATIONS is a celebration of families, individuals, diversity and the people of Birmingham and the region. We are inviting YOU to tell us the story of your family through your photos. We would love to see photographs that represent local people’s heritage, background, family stories and the diversity of the region and the many communities that make up the city.
It’s super easy to submit…
1) Select your favourite image that represents your family story and what family means to you. You can take a photograph of it, scan it in or select straight from your smartphone or device.
2) Go to the GRAIN Website and head to our GENERATIONS submissions page https://grainphotographyhub.co.uk/…/submit-your…/
3) Enter the details on the form, including a brief description of your photo.
4) Don’t forget to add your photos!
5) Click submit and away you go

So, what are you waiting for? Go to our website and upload your photograph today! Once uploaded your picture may be used online, on social media and in online exhibitions during Birmingham 2022 and the Commonwealth Games. For more information on the project, please visit: https://grainphotographyhub.co.uk/generations/ If you have any questions, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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

Sutton Town Centre Salutes Armed Forces With Fun Day

Residents and shoppers of all ages saluted the Armed Forces in a fun event in Sutton Coldfield – which saw the town centre invaded by a pair of mischievous ‘toy soldiers’.

Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 25th was the first event organised under the new ‘Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield’ brand, which aims to encourage more people to choose the town centre as a destination to work, study, shop and enjoy.

Organised by Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID), the day included free activities from face painting to a flight simulator – but it was the two green toy soldiers who stole the show, by parading around the town centre and interacting with shoppers.

BID Manager Michelle Baker said: “Armed Forces Day was a great success and was so much fun. This was the first of many events we have planned to encourage people to visit the town centre, and we had a brilliant response from shoppers and traders. “Sutton Coldfield town centre has so much potential, and this was very much just a taste of what’s to come – so watch this space! “Next up, we have plans for the school summers holidays, and will also be launching a new Food and Drink guide soon, to promote the 50 places to eat and drink in the town.”

On Armed Forces Day visitors to Sutton could try to win their RAF wings in a high-tech flight simulator, provided by PSW Events, listen to music performed by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire saxophonist Alicia Hillman or buy tasty treats created by army veteran and Sutton Coldfield resident Liam Hall, who is now a successful chocolatier. Free face painting for children added some colour to the day, and the two toy soldiers brought their own brand of military mayhem to the Royal town, dancing with shoppers, posing for pictures and patrolling the shops.

Video link https://youtu.be/46v1fEy_d38

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

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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