The Sutton Coldfield Railway Disaster — 1955

HIDDEN SUTTON HISTORIES #4

The Sutton Coldfield Railway Disaster — 1955

Today, thousands of passengers travel through Sutton Coldfield railway station without giving a second thought to the curve in the tracks beneath them.

But on a cold Sunday afternoon in January 1955, that curve became the scene of one of the darkest days in Sutton Coldfield’s history.

At approximately 4.13pm on Sunday 23 January 1955, the 12.15pm express from York to Bristol approached Sutton Coldfield. The train was not normally scheduled to travel this way; engineering work on its usual route via Tamworth meant it had been diverted through Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield. Because the regular driver was unfamiliar with the route, a local driver had joined the locomotive at Burton-on-Trent to act as conductor.

The curve through Sutton Coldfield station carried a permanent 30mph speed restriction. The express entered it at an estimated 55–60mph.

The locomotive and nine of its ten coaches derailed. The engine and tender overturned, several carriages were destroyed or badly damaged, and part of the station itself was wrecked. There were approximately 300 passengers aboard. Seventeen people lost their lives, and many more were injured.

But amid the devastation came remarkable acts of courage.

The station was closed and unattended that Sunday, and another express — travelling from Bristol towards York — was already approaching on the opposite line.

Train Ticket Collector G. A. Attenborough and Fireman D. H. Smith, who had been aboard the derailed train, immediately ran to the unattended signal box and changed the signals, stopping the approaching express clear of the wreckage.

Nearby residents Mr and Mrs Fairey also saw what had happened and ran along the railway to try to warn the approaching train. Their actions, together with those of the railwaymen, helped prevent an already terrible accident becoming an even greater catastrophe.

Marine H. Swam, a passenger aboard the train, forced his way out of the locked station and used a public telephone to dial 999 — probably making the first call for emergency assistance. Warwickshire County Police Superintendent G. C. Gardner, whose headquarters were nearby, heard the crash and immediately ensured the emergency services were alerted.

The subsequent Ministry of Transport inquiry established that the express entered the 30mph curve at an estimated 55–60mph. The precise reason why the train was not slowed sufficiently could not be established, as the conductor driver and fireman both lost their lives. The inquiry also considered whether lineside speed-restriction signs might have helped prevent the accident.

More than seventy years later, trains still pass through Sutton Coldfield station every day.

Few passengers looking out onto the platforms will realise that on 23 January 1955, this familiar corner of our town witnessed tragedy, extraordinary bravery and a remarkable community response.

A piece of Sutton Coldfield history hidden in plain sight.

❤️ In memory of the 17 people who lost their lives.

Hidden Sutton Histories — uncovering the stories behind the places we see every day.

#HiddenSuttonHistories #SuttonColdfield #SuttonColdfieldHistory #LocalHistory #SuttonColdfieldStation #WhatsOnInSuttonColdfield

For anyone who wants to delve deeper, the complete 1955 Ministry of Transport inquiry survives and is fascinating reading.

🍂 THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN – OCTOBER 🌿

🍂 This Month in the Garden – October

October is one of those wonderful months when the garden seems to change almost daily. Summer colour begins to fade, leaves turn gold, red and bronze, and cooler mornings remind us that winter isn’t very far away.

But don’t put the gardening gloves away just yet. October is an important month for preparing the garden for winter — and for getting a head start on next spring.

🌷 Plant Now for Spring Colour

October is an excellent time to get spring-flowering bulbs into the ground.

Daffodils, crocuses, alliums, hyacinths and other spring favourites can be planted in borders, pots and containers now. They’ll spend the colder months quietly establishing themselves before bursting into life next year.

If you’re planting tulips, there’s no need to rush. They can generally wait until later in autumn, when cooler soil conditions can help reduce the risk of tulip fire disease.

Plant bulbs at roughly two to three times their own depth, unless the packet recommends otherwise, and choose somewhere with good drainage.

A little work now can produce a spectacular display next spring. 🌷

🍁 Don’t Throw Those Leaves Away!

The autumn leaf fall is beginning in earnest, which inevitably means plenty of sweeping and raking.

Remove fallen leaves regularly from lawns, paths and ponds, particularly where wet leaves could become slippery or smother the grass underneath.

But don’t automatically put them all in the garden waste bin.

Collected leaves can be turned into leaf mould, a fantastic natural soil improver. Simply gather damp leaves into a leaf-mould cage or perforated garden sacks and leave nature to do the work.

It takes time, but your garden will thank you for it.

🌱 Give the Lawn Some Attention

After the wear and tear of summer, October is a good opportunity to give the lawn a little TLC.

Continue mowing while the grass is actively growing, but gradually raise the cutting height. Rake out heavy thatch or moss if necessary and aerate compacted areas with a garden fork.

Bare or worn patches can still be repaired while conditions remain mild, and an autumn lawn feed can help strengthen the grass ahead of winter.

And keep fallen leaves off the lawn — a thick wet covering can quickly damage the grass underneath.

✂️ Tidy – But Don’t Tidy Too Much!

It can be tempting to give the entire garden a huge autumn clear-out.

Resist the temptation!

Remove obviously diseased material and anything that’s collapsed across paths, but consider leaving some seed heads, hollow stems and areas of natural cover in place.

They can provide valuable food and shelter for birds, insects and other wildlife through the colder months.

Those frosted seed heads can also look rather beautiful on a crisp winter morning.

Sometimes a slightly untidy garden is a healthier garden. 🐝🦔

🌿 Look After Tender Plants

October nights can suddenly become chilly, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Tender plants in containers can be moved into a greenhouse, conservatory or another sheltered frost-free position. Plants that need to remain outside may benefit from horticultural fleece or additional protection around their pots.

It’s also worth raising containers slightly onto pot feet or bricks so excess water can drain away during wetter weather.

Cold is one problem — sitting in water all winter is another.

🌸 Divide and Move Perennials

With the soil still retaining some warmth from summer, October can be a useful time to divide established herbaceous perennials that have become overcrowded.

Dividing plants can rejuvenate older clumps and, even better, give you extra plants for other parts of the garden.

It’s also a good time to move many established plants while the soil is moist and they’re entering their dormant period.

Free plants? We like those. 😂🌿

🧄 October in the Vegetable Garden

There’s still plenty happening on the vegetable plot.

Harvest remaining crops as they’re ready and clear away spent plants, particularly anything showing signs of disease.

October is also a traditional time for planting garlic, while suitable overwintering onion sets can go in too.

Empty beds can be mulched with well-rotted organic matter, allowing winter weather and worms to gradually work it into the soil.

🐦 Remember the Wildlife

As natural food sources begin to disappear, our garden visitors increasingly appreciate a helping hand.

Clean bird feeders and bird baths regularly and continue providing fresh water and suitable food.

Leave a few sheltered corners around the garden too. Log piles, leaves beneath hedges and undisturbed areas can provide valuable winter homes for insects and other wildlife.

If you’re fortunate enough to have hedgehogs visiting, always check piles of leaves and garden material carefully before disturbing or disposing of them. 🦔

🪴 Pots, Baskets & Containers

Summer containers may finally be reaching the end of their display, but they don’t have to remain empty.

Replace tired summer bedding with autumn and winter plants such as violas, pansies, cyclamen, heucheras and small evergreen plants, depending on the conditions in your garden.

Add some spring bulbs underneath and you’ll get another burst of colour when winter begins to retreat.

🧹 One Last October Job…

Before winter really arrives, take a little time to clean and inspect your garden tools.

Remove soil from spades, forks and hand tools, sharpen secateurs where necessary and lightly oil metal surfaces before storing them somewhere dry.

Future-you will be very pleased when everything is ready to go next spring!

Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre – Hadestown ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre – Hadestown

Lichfield Garrick

Wednesday 23rd September 2026 Opening Night

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre

★★★★★ — Five stars simply aren’t enough.

Every so often, you walk into a theatre expecting an enjoyable evening and leave having witnessed something truly extraordinary. Last night’s opening performance of Hadestown was one of those occasions.

This ambitious youth theatre production was outstanding in every department. From its remarkable young cast and superb live orchestra to the exceptional choreography, atmospheric lighting and ingenious revolving stage, it delivered an evening of musical theatre that will stay with me for a very long time.

Welcome to Hadestown

Based on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, Hadestown tells a tragic tale of love, hope, temptation and sacrifice, weaving together the stories of two very different couples: the young lovers Orpheus and Eurydice, and the troubled marriage of Hades and Persephone.

Guiding us through this world is Hermes, our narrator and companion, who opens the show with Road to Hell and introduces the characters whose lives we will follow.

And what an introduction it was.

Jack Rowlands, at just twelve years old, was quite simply remarkable as Mr Hermes.

From the moment he stepped onto the stage, he commanded it. His confidence, charisma and natural stage presence belied his age as he broke the fourth wall, drew us into the story and guided us through its unfolding tragedy.

He performed with the heart and assurance of a seasoned entertainer, establishing an immediate connection with the audience that never faltered.

Remember the name Jack Rowlands. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing it in West End programmes before too long.

As Orpheus, JJ Watkins beautifully captured the innocence of a naïve, starry-eyed romantic whose faith in love and the power of music drives the story forward.

Opposite him, Molly Darby gave a deeply affecting performance as Eurydice, a young woman whose independence and resilience mask a desperate need for the simplest things in life: food, warmth and shelter.

Her journey from guarded self-preservation to a growing tenderness towards Orpheus was beautifully portrayed. When circumstances lead her to sign away her soul to Hades, the tragedy of their love becomes all the more poignant.

Together, Watkins and Darby brought genuine emotional depth to these doomed lovers, making the audience invest completely in their journey.

The second half maintained every bit of the first half’s extraordinary standard, beginning with a wonderful performance from Beth Whispear as Persephone.

Her singing was superb, and her increasingly playful, inebriated dancing was a delight to watch. Beneath that exuberance, however, lay a woman desperately trying to hold on to the love she once shared with her husband.

As Hades, Zach Daniels-Sully was commanding. His deep, booming voice perfectly conveyed the character’s strength, authority and power, while his presence brought a formidable weight to the underworld.

The chemistry between Whispear and Daniels-Sully was excellent. Persephone longs to recover their relationship while Hades remains consumed by his own world and nature. When the two eventually reconnect, their dance together is pure poetry — a beautiful moment of tenderness amid the darkness.

Throughout the story, the three Fates — Imogen Willis, Yohanna Gee and Niamh Mulligan — exert their unsettling influence over gods and mortals alike.Their taunting and manipulation feed the lovers’ doubts and fears.

Their combined voices were hauntingly beautiful, blending exquisitely, while each performer was equally compelling in her solo passages.

Their movement around the stage seemed more like floating than walking, an ethereal quality enhanced by their beautiful costumes. They brought an extraordinary visual and musical beauty to some of the story’s darkest moments.

The company of approximately 25 young performers filled the stage with infectious energy, enthusiasm and remarkable discipline.

The powerful ensemble scenes were choreographed with tremendous precision, using every inch of the performance space. Whether portraying the workers of Hadestown or contributing to the larger musical sequences, the company created a spectacle that was as impressive in its coordination as it was in its vitality.

There was never a sense of young performers merely filling the background. Every member of the company contributed to the world being created before us.

The staging itself was ingenious. Two revolving sections were used to striking effect, particularly during the scenes involving the workers of Hadestown and Orpheus’s journey out of the underworld.

Wafts of smoke rose through the stage, combining with the atmospheric blue and amber lighting to create an almost living, breathing underworld.

The revolving stage was not simply an impressive technical feature; it became an integral part of the storytelling, giving the production movement, momentum and an extraordinary sense of place.

At the helm of this ambitious project, director Richard Poynton delivered an exceptional production.

Bringing together a large young company, demanding musical numbers, intricate staging and a story of considerable emotional depth is no small undertaking. Yet every element felt purposeful, assured and beautifully integrated.

Jessica Bennett’s choreography was nothing short of extraordinary. Considering the sheer weight of ensemble work, the precision and energy achieved by the company were particularly impressive. The movement was never simply decorative; it helped tell the story, creating powerful images and bringing the world of Hadestown vividly to life.

Holding everything together was Oliver Rowe, the company’s Chairman and Musical Director, who also conducted the live orchestra from the keyboard.

His superb musical direction provided the foundation for the evening, allowing the remarkable young voices, demanding choreography and emotional storytelling to work in complete harmony.

The live orchestra added tremendous richness and atmosphere, bringing the score to life and remaining an essential part of the theatrical experience.

The first half was breathtaking. The second was every bit as strong.

I left the theatre having witnessed something truly special — a production filled with energy, heart, imagination and performances that will remain with me long after the final curtain.

Goodbye August 2026 – A Summer to Remember ☀️👋

And just like that, we find ourselves saying goodbye to August.

It seems only five minutes ago that the school gates closed, suitcases were being packed, gardens were bursting into colour and we were looking forward to those long summer evenings.

Now the school holidays are almost over, September is waiting in the wings and there is already the faintest hint that autumn isn’t too far away.

But before we turn the calendar over, August 2026 deserves a proper farewell — because it has certainly given us plenty to remember.

☀️ A Remarkable Summer

If there’s one thing we’ll remember about the summer of 2026, it will surely be the weather.

For weeks we’ve enjoyed long, hot and exceptionally dry spells, with plenty of opportunities to get outside and make the most of our parks, gardens, pub gardens and everything Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and the surrounding area has to offer.

And August certainly turned up the heat.

During the month’s major heatwave, temperatures provisionally reached an extraordinary 38.1°C at Kew Gardens on 13 August, making it the fifth hottest day recorded in the UK.

Closer to home, Pershore in Worcestershire reached 38°C, while dozens of locations across central and southern England recorded temperatures of 36°C or above.

It came during what the Met Office described as a remarkable summer of repeated heatwaves, unusually high temperatures and prolonged dry weather.

Of course, anyone looking out of the window as August draws to a close might be wondering where all that sunshine has gone! 🌧️😂

After such a long dry spell, the weather has certainly reminded us that we do still live in Britain.

🏃 Birmingham Takes Centre Stage

One of the undoubted highlights of August happened right here in the West Midlands.

From 10–16 August, Birmingham welcomed some of Europe’s finest athletes for the 2026 European Athletics Championships, with Alexander Stadium once again providing the backdrop for a major international sporting occasion.

And what a week it turned out to be.

Great Britain enjoyed a superb championships on home soil, finishing with nine gold, eight silver and two bronze medals and narrowly missing out on the top of the medal table to Italy.

There were outstanding performances throughout the week — but one athlete in particular made history.

🥇🥇🥇🥇 Amy Hunt Makes History

What a championships for Amy Hunt.

The Nottingham-born sprinter became the first athlete in European Athletics Championships history to win four gold medals at a single edition.

She won:

🥇 Women’s 100m
🥇 Women’s 200m
🥇 Women’s 4x100m relay
🥇 Mixed 4x100m relay

And that final gold came with an added bonus.

Hunt joined Dina Asher-Smith, Zharnel Hughes and Jeremiah Azu in the mixed 4x100m relay, with the British quartet winning gold in a European record of 39.97 seconds.

It was an extraordinary achievement from Hunt and a wonderful moment for British athletics — made even more special by happening in front of a home crowd here in Birmingham.

There was another piece of history too, as Dina Asher-Smith became the most decorated athlete in European Championships history.

For those lucky enough to have been inside Alexander Stadium during the week, there will surely be memories that last for many years.

❤️ Summer Around Sutton Coldfield & Lichfield

Of course, August isn’t only about the big national and international events.

For many of us, summer is made up of much smaller moments.

It’s a walk through Sutton Park on a sunny afternoon. An evening spent in the garden. Meeting friends for a drink or a meal. Taking the children or grandchildren somewhere during the school holidays. Discovering a local event, watching some live music or simply enjoying the fact that it doesn’t get dark at four o’clock!

Our local venues have continued to keep us entertained too.

As August draws to a close, Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall still has plenty going on, including Nostalgic Music, ELO Encounter and the Bryan Corbett Trio celebrating Blue Note and Cool Jazz.

Across Lichfield and the surrounding area, August has also brought live music, heritage events and plenty of reasons to get out and explore.

These are the things that make summer special — and one of the reasons we love sharing what’s happening across our local communities.

🎒 The Summer Holidays Come to an End

For families, the end of August inevitably means one thing…

Back to school! 🎒✏️

Uniforms are being checked, shoes are being bought, lunch boxes are coming back out of cupboards and alarm clocks are preparing to make their unwelcome return!

For some youngsters, September will mean their very first day at school.

Others will be making the big move to secondary school, starting college or university, or simply moving up another year and wondering where their summer holiday disappeared to.

To every young person beginning a new chapter this September — we wish you the very best of luck. ❤️

And perhaps an equally big good-luck message should go to all the parents trying to get everybody out of the door on time on that first morning! 😂

🍂 September Is Waiting…

There’s always something slightly bittersweet about the end of August.

The evenings are getting a little shorter, the first leaves will soon begin to change colour and those wonderfully long days of midsummer are gradually disappearing.

But we’re certainly not putting our feet up.

September is already shaping up to be another busy month across Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Birmingham and the wider area, with theatre, live music, community events, days out and plenty more to look forward to.

And we’ll be here bringing you as much of it as we possibly can.

So, before September arrives, there’s just one thing left to say…

☀️ Thank You, August

For the sunshine.

For the holidays.

For the long evenings.

For a fantastic European Athletics Championships right here in Birmingham.

For Amy Hunt’s four unforgettable gold medals.

And for all those little summer memories that don’t make the headlines but mean just as much.

Thank you, August. You’ve been rather wonderful. ❤️

Now then, September…

What have you got for us? 🍂

What was YOUR favourite memory of August 2026?

Perhaps it was a holiday, a family day out, the European Athletics, a local event or simply enjoying the sunshine.

We’d love to hear about it.

The Highwaymen of the Royal Town

🏛 Hidden Sutton Histories

The Highwaymen of the Royal Town

Roads, Robbers and the Forgotten Stories Beneath Our Feet

Before Sutton Coldfield became the peaceful Royal Town we know today, its roads told a very different story.

Long before streetlights illuminated the highways, one of England’s busiest routes passed close to Sutton, carrying merchants, mail coaches, wealthy travellers… and fortunes in cash.

Where there was wealth, there was opportunity.

And waiting in the shadows were the highwaymen.

This isn’t simply folklore.

Historic records confirm that highway robberies took place on routes close to Sutton Coldfield, making our town part of a dangerous chapter in England’s coaching history.

🐎 Roads of Opportunity… and Danger

During the 18th century, highwaymen rarely struck in busy towns. Instead, they waited on lonely stretches of road just beyond settlements, where darkness, woodland and open countryside offered the perfect cover.

Sutton Coldfield’s landscape provided exactly those conditions.

Ancient woodland, open heathland and its position close to historic county boundaries created an ideal escape route. Strike quickly… disappear into the darkness… and, in some cases, cross into another county before pursuit could begin.

Local tradition places several of these stories around Slade Road, where Muffin’s Den and the nearby Plough & Harrow have long been associated with tales of highwaymen and travellers.

Whether every tale is true or not, the geography certainly made such locations ideal.

💰 The Perfect Target

Mail coaches weren’t simply carrying passengers.

They transported:

• Money

• Legal documents

• Valuable goods

• Important correspondence

They travelled to fixed timetables and followed predictable routes.

Even with armed guards carrying blunderbusses, they remained attractive targets.

Any coach travelling between Birmingham and London would have passed close enough to Sutton Coldfield to make these roads attractive hunting grounds.

🍺 Where Information Was Worth More Than Gold

A successful robbery rarely depended on luck.

It depended on knowledge.

Highwaymen gathered information wherever travellers gathered.

Coaching inns weren’t simply places to eat and sleep—they were the social hubs of the coaching network.

Travellers discussed routes.

Merchants talked about valuable cargo.

Coach drivers mentioned delays.

Servants overheard conversations.

By the time a coach left the inn, someone else may already have known exactly what it was carrying.

⚔️ “Stand and Deliver!”

Popular films often portray dramatic sword fights and lengthy confrontations.

Reality was usually very different.

A horse blocks the road.

A pistol is raised.

“Stand and deliver.”

Within seconds it was over.

The objective wasn’t violence.

It was speed.

Shock.

Escape.

The longer a highwayman remained at the scene, the greater the chance of capture.

🏡 A Town Designed to Deter Crime

Sutton Coldfield didn’t simply accept the threat.

Centuries earlier, Bishop Vesey had encouraged the construction of houses and dwellings along important routes into the town.

A landscape filled with occupied buildings created natural surveillance long before the concept had a name.

More people.

More eyes.

Less opportunity for crime.

It was an early example of what today we might call crime prevention by design.

⚖️ Myth… or Reality?

Over time, highwaymen became romantic figures.

The image of the courteous gentleman robber—well dressed, mounted on a magnificent horse—entered popular folklore.

The truth was often far less glamorous.

Many were violent criminals who preyed on ordinary travellers simply trying to reach their destination.

Yet somewhere between history and legend, their stories continue to fascinate us.

🏛 Hidden Sutton Histories

Perhaps the real story isn’t about the highwaymen at all.

It’s about Sutton Coldfield itself.

A town whose roads carried opportunity…

whose inns carried information…

and whose landscape shaped history in ways that are still visible today—if you know where to look.

❓What do you think?

Have you ever heard the stories of Muffin’s Den or the Plough & Harrow?

Do you know of any other local legends connected with Sutton Coldfield’s highways?

We’d love to hear your memories, family stories and local knowledge in the comments below.

❤️ My thoughts…

This is now editorial quality.

I’d only make one structural change.

Instead of ending with:

Would you have travelled these roads after dark?

Every street has a story. Every building has a past. Every Sunday we’ll uncover another Hidden Sutton History.

If you have a local story, memory or photograph you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you.

The Hills Of California – Sutton Arts Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hills Of California – Sutton Arts Theatre

Sutton Arts Theatre

Thursday 19th March 2026 – Opening Night

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Sutton Arts Theatre

Set against the backdrop of Blackpool during the long, hot summer of 1976, The Hills of California at Sutton Arts Theatre is a richly atmospheric and emotionally charged production that explores the complexities of family, memory, and long-buried truths.

Written by Jez Butterworth and directed by Emily Armstrong, the play centres on the Webb sisters, who reunite at their childhood home — the fading Sea View Guest House — to say goodbye to their ailing mother. What unfolds is a deeply layered story that moves between timelines, revealing their earlier lives in the 1950s, when dreams of stardom first began to take shape.

This production captures the essence of Butterworth’s writing beautifully — sharp, evocative, and often laced with dark humour. The dialogue feels natural and lived-in, allowing the emotional weight of the story to unfold gradually but powerfully.

The performances across the board are strong and committed. Phoebe Bland (Jillian) leads with sensitivity and presence, supported by Ashleigh Thomas (Penny/Diddy), Michelle Dawes (Ruby), and Nancy Wright (Patty/Mrs Smith), who together create a believable and emotionally layered portrayal of sisterhood.

There are excellent supporting turns throughout, with Connor Taylor (Tony/Mr Smith), Laura Hinton (Gloria), and Mike Rawson (Bill/Mr Halliwell) adding depth and texture to the story, while Rich Millward (Dennis/Jack Larkin) brings a grounded, engaging presence. The younger cast — Sophia Mae Firkins, Gracie Reynolds, Marnie Brown, and Ava Cattell — provide convincing and poignant glimpses into the sisters’ past, helping to anchor the narrative’s shifting timelines.

Special mention also goes to Tom Brookes (Joe Fogg), Emily Armstrong (Veronica/Joan), and Ian Eaton (Luther), who all contribute to a well-balanced and energetic cast.

Behind the scenes, this is clearly a production built on strong collaboration. Director Emily Armstrong guides the piece with a confident and sensitive hand, supported by Tom Brookes (Musical Direction) and Jannie Henderson (Choreography), whose contributions subtly enhance the storytelling.

The technical elements are equally effective. Set design by Mark Nattrass creates an intimate and believable setting, while lighting and sound design from David Ashton & Emily Armstrong, alongside Kieran Jenkins (Lighting Operation) and Elijah Topliss, Annabelle Trappett & Joe Apted (Sound Operation), help shape the mood and transitions with precision. Costume design from Emily Armstrong & Phebe Bland, supported by Sutton Arts Wardrobe & Lichfield Costume Hire, adds authenticity to the shifting eras.

At its core, The Hills of California is a story about the ties that shape us — family, ambition, and the echoes of choices made long ago. This Sutton Arts Theatre production delivers that story with honesty, warmth, and emotional depth.

⭐ Running 19th – 28th March 2026 at Sutton Arts Theatre

For tickets click Here

Cinderella – Trinity Players ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cinderella – Trinity Players

Streetly Community Centre

Wednesday 3rd December– Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

Trinity Players have once again brought festive magic to Streetly Community Centre with their sparkling pantomime production of Cinderella — a colourful, high-energy show bursting with laughter, warmth, and plenty of community spirit.

Directed by Izzy Clinton and produced by Lewis Wescott, this year’s panto perfectly balances the traditional story with a fresh, modern twist. The result is a lively, laugh-out-loud production that delights audiences of all ages from start to finish.

Sasha Marsh is a natural in the title role — graceful, engaging, and full of charm — while Emily Rogers brings confidence and poise as a refreshingly dynamic Prince Charming. The ever-popular Ben Neville wins hearts as Buttons, delivering spot-on comedy, warmth, and great audience connection.

The wickedly wonderful Jenny Marsh makes a formidable Stepmother, while Paddy Mangan’s Baron Hardup provides solid comic support. James Thomas as Ernie brings extra humour to the mix, and Di Mannion sprinkles stardust aplenty as the ever-wise Fairy Godmother.

Of course, no Cinderella would be complete without its outrageous Ugly Sisters, and Paul Wescott and Richard McNally-Reilly as Donna and Trish Kebab are an absolute riot. Their hilarious interplay, over-the-top costumes, and wicked sense of timing had the audience roaring with laughter throughout.

Under the musical direction of Dan Barnes, the show’s numbers are upbeat and polished, supported by confident vocals and a bright, well-rehearsed ensemble. Leigh-Ann James’ choreography adds flair and energy, keeping the pace lively and the stage bursting with movement and colour.

Visually, the production is a treat — with creative sets, dazzling costumes,

What truly shines through is Trinity Players’ trademark enthusiasm and camaraderie. This is a group that knows exactly what makes pantomime special: a blend of family-friendly fun, strong local talent, and a genuine sense of joy that fills the auditorium.

With its perfect mix of humour, heart, and sparkle, Cinderella is a triumph for Trinity Players — a magical evening of entertainment that leaves audiences smiling long after the final bow.

Christmas 2025 Notice Board

Sweet & Sour Tribute To Sabrina Carpenter & Olivia Rodrigo

Sweet & Sour Tribute To Sabrina Carpenter & Olivia Rodrigo

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Thursday 28th May 2025

By : Lee Williams

Photography by : Lee Williams Photography for WOISC

What an amazing show full of pop anthems and hits from these two rising stars. It featured a powerhouse live band with dynamic dancers. The singers were full of sass and swagger and controlled the stage. Olivia sang her big hits such as Vampire and Drivers Licence and Sabrina sang Nonsense and Please Please Please. The crowd loved every minute of this wonderful show and were out of their seats from the very start. Such great singers, they gave an amazing performance.

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