Crooners

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Saturday 11th January 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

The Crooners returned to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall last night to another full house after their sell out show last year.

Crooners has been wowing audiences with its witty and exhilarating show full of hilarious one liners, laugh out loud silliness and superb musical numbers with the outstanding 9-piece The Mini Big Band live on stage.

The show pays homage to some of the greatest Crooners of all time with a splendiferous injection of Britishness. Featuring humour, tap dance and some of the most quintessential songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Matt Monro, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin. Expect some Come Fly With Me, Fly Me to the Moon, Mack the Knife and more

The one liners and innuendo comes thick and fast and with lots of it aimed at the audience who took it all in good heart and laughter, in fact I don’t think the audience stopped laughing for the whole show.

If you have not seen this show and encountered the characters they portray you are missing out.

Taylormania

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Thursday 9th January 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Taylormania returned to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall for two sellout shows, featuring Katy Ellis a self confessed “Swiftie”

The auditorium was full glitter, sequins and cowboy hats the anticipation was unbearable for the waiting audience of mainly young girls and boys, mums and in some cases dads. The house lights went down and the screams of joy went up, first the band entered the stage followed by four excellent and energetic dancers and then Katy Ellis looking every bit as good as Taylor. The costumes were custom made based on Taylor Swift’s Tours and music videos, and within 15 minutes we had been through three changes, I was told that Katy likes to change costumes in the show as much as she can. They are all amazing and Katy wears them well.

Through out the show Katy covers all the hits you would expect to hear “Blank Space”, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” “Bad Blood ” “I knew You Were Trouble,” “Cruel Summer,” “Shake It Off,” and one of Katys favourites from the Red era the full 10 minute version of “All Too Well” finally rounding the show off with Love Story.

What more can I say this is one of the most professional and well staged tribute acts I have seen, the lighting was first class teamed with some great pyrotechnics, the sound loud and spot on the dancers and Katy were second to none.

The audience had managed to surround the front of the stage and were singing along to every song word perfect at the tops of their voices and totally immersed in the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift. I managed to ask a few of the audience hat they thought of the show and they were totally captivated by the whole night.

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.

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.

Mud Live In Concert

Mud Live In Concert supported by The Glam ‘n Glitz Band

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Thursday 21st November 2024

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Friday night at the Town Hall saw us rolling back the years to the height of the “Glam Rock” era with one of the major glam rock bands of the time – Mud who still have two original members Ray Stiles and Rob Davis, maybe not sporting the 70’s hairstyles and massive flares and platforms but still blasting out the hits.

I first saw Mud if I remember correctly at Barberellas in Birmingham many years ago when i was a youngster with the same fashion sense…oh dear no photos currently still in existence thankfully

Starting off with L L Lucy, Crazy, Dynamite and Hypnosis the sell out crowd were soon singing and clapping along. The continued along with hit after hit pausing only to perform a hit from the Glitter Band “Angel Face” whose drummer Pete Phipps now performs with Mud.

The night closed with the hits we’d all been waiting for The Cat Crept In, Lonely This Christmas and Tiger Feet which had everyone up dancing!

Apart from a few issues with sound that seemed to be sorted out soon enough the night was a stopping success.

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

One Night Only – Billy Joel The Piano Man

One Night Of – Billy Joel The Piano Man

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Friday 25th October 2024

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Robert Schmuck (Billy Joel) makes a fantastic return to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall after last years sell out. This was exactly as it was billed “The Ultimate Celebration” of one of the most iconic artists of all time Billy Joel

Performing with his excellent band they tore through the first few numbers with some wonderful arrangements that had the sell out crowd singing and clapping along before checking in with audience and letting us know what we were in for all the well known songs and some not so well known.

Robert carried on with a beautiful version of “An Innocent Man” and continued with such classics as Just The Way You Are, Tell Her About It, My Life and The Longest Time to name a few.

After the break we were back in full swing with more of those all time classics.

A fantastic and fun filled night with great music and a very happy audience.

History Of Rock

The History Rock

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Saturday 12th October 2024

By : Lee Williams

Photography : Lee Williams Photography for Whats On in Sutton Coldfield

Wow what can we say – live and loud rock from the start! amazing songs from Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and many more. History of Rock once again set the Town Hall ablaze with their energetic style and infectious singing and guitar riffs. It was hit after hit and had the crowd out of their seats and dancing from the start. Amazing night.

The Bohemians Queen Tribute

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Friday 18th October

By : Nigel Gambles

Photographs : Studio 55 Photography

It was fantastic to see a full house at the Town Hall last night, there was certainly an air of expectation and as the time rolled round to 7.30pm we were asked to welcome The Bohemians to the stage and did the audience do that.. plenty cheering as Freddie marched out in his famous yellow leather jacket and went straight into the opening number and didn’t stop for breathe finally pausing to ask if “Sutton Coldfield Magic on Friday is that alright” which of course it was.

We were treated to all the songs you would expect along with a few less famous numbers and were treated to many costume changes by Freddie.

The band were excellent and played flawlessly the set included all your favourite Queen songs , Its A Kind Of Magic, Another One Bites The Dust,I Wanna Break Free,Under Pressure, Hammer To Fall, Radio Ga Ga, Bohemian Rhapsody; as well as the famous vocal chant De Da De etc etc.

As someone who saw Queen a number of times in the 70’s and early 80’s The Bohemians are truly one of if not the best Queen tribute acts.

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